Dedicated to: @mishamar

A week after the restaurant.

A week till Niseko, Japan.

A week an a bit till my birthday- which was on the 12th of December- we would be in Japan.

I sighed, gathering my packed lunch from my locker, careful not to drop anything, not wanting to replay the incident at the start of the year on the day I met Harper- when I dropped my books and everyone stared.

The principal had given me a due date for my speech on anxiety- May. I know it was late November, but the date seemed to be approaching painstakingly fast.

It was just the beginning of lunch, and I was heading for the cafeteria, thinking about me and Harper's Biology presentation today and how we were going to watch Mockingjay. Finally.

I held my breath as I passed Amanda and her best friend Jasmine, who both in turn glared at me as I walked by. I didn't dare to look at them, and instead turned away, speed walking now. I was just about to walk through the cafeteria doors when a blonde freshman, I think, came rushing up to me, her mouth open in awe. I looked down at her curiously. Well, not much down, because I was quite small.

"You have to come!" she shrieked. "Your friend sent me, something is happening to the boy with the black hair!" I froze.

"What?" I asked again, my brain sent into overdrive.

"You know, the attractive guy with the black hair and green eyes? Oh, and the blonde one with blue eyes." She answered.

Harper.

I grabbed her wrist. "Take me there."

She nodded quickly, before dragging me through the cafeteria and towards the doors that lead outside onto the football field. I was surprised to see that the cafeteria was near empty, instead of it's usual sea of people. My heart clenched.

The blonde freshman finally lead me outside, and I was greeted by the sight of tons of people staring in awe at something.

That's where everyone went.

Guys were chanting and pumping their fists in the air, and many girls were screaming and clamping their hands over there mouth's. I wasn't tall enough to see what they were all looking at. I shot the freshman girl a distracted 'thanks', before delving into the crowd.

At first, people were unwilling to move as I tried to shove past them. Then they would turn, recognise my face, and immediately step aside. I was pretty freaked out by this point, at how people were reacting, and, of course- the worry on what could've possibly happened to Harper.

Finally, after being accidentally elbowed in the stomach several times, I emerged from the crowd. I saw Emma, who was shouting my name, pointing at something to my right. I turned and gasped, frozen in shock.

There, beating the tomato juice out of someone, was Harper. His fists were clenched tightly, and he was bringing it down on a boy with blonde hair. From the wisps of yellow hair falling into his face as he fought back I could make out light blue eyes.

Joshua.

Harper's shirt was torn and drops of blood were splattered on it, only a few his own. He was was sporting a black eye and nosebleed only, but I could see the faint hints of bruises forming on his torso. Joshua was in a much worse condition- Joshua was strong, but Harper was stronger.

His nose was bloodied and crooked; supposedly broken, His arms were layered with bruises and scratches, and his knuckles were bleeding. I tensed my arms, terrified.

It wasn't the fighting that scared me, no, I do karate, I can handle it. What really made me shudder was the look in Harper's eyes- murderous, and deadly, and cold. His eyes were so harsh, I was sure he would kill Joshua.

Finally emerging from my frozen state, I ran, screaming to the murderous pair. As I approached Harper, I flinched, and I hated myself for it. I was scared of him, not in the good way, with butterflies in my stomach, but in the bad way, like when a kid is afraid of monsters.

Except this monster was real.

I rushed towards them.

"Harper, stop!" I screamed desperately, grabbing his arm, trying to pull him away from Joshua who was currently losing. "You'll kill him!"

Harper didn't even spare me a glance, his blazing green eyes focused on his target. He wasn't even panting, purely running on the adrenaline of his fury, hitting Joshua repeatedly. I saw Emma rushing to me, trying to pull Harper away as well. I glared at the crowd, no one was willing to help.

"Harper!" I screamed. "Stop it! Stop hurting him!" I finally burst in front of him, blocking his way to get to Joshua. He was throwing a punch at the time, and I blocked it swiftly before he could hit me. At that, he noticed me, yet his green eyes did not cease their anger. I clenched my jaw, shocked that he almost punched me.

"Noelle," he gritted his teeth. "Move out of the way."

I shook my head stubbornly. "No. Not until you stop."

"Noelle- "

Before he could finish, Joshua's fist came over my shoulder, punching Harper square in the jaw. I felt myself brim with anger, before I turned, striking Joshua in the stomach with my elbow, sending him tumbling to the grass.

I turned, ready to regretfully do the same with Harper, but he was already gone, sprawled over Joshua on the grass, smashing his face with his fists. I rushed over to them, desperately trying to pull Harper of Joshua. I locked eyes with Emma, and she came rushing to my aid.

"Somebody get Max and Axel!" she screamed, as we both kept trying to pry them apart. I saw a sophomore rush into the crowd, before coming back a terribly long minute later with both Max and Axel. Both their eyes widened in shock, before they sprinted towards us. Axel yanked Harper away, and Max did Joshua.

As soon as they were apart, I could finally breathe.

I could see Harper was struggling against Axel's tight hold, thrashing around, but Axel held on tight. Joshua was panting, but not fighting. His injuries were obviously worse than Harper's.

"You should take them to the nurse." I said quietly. Max nodded and motioned to Axel to follow him. Harper had relaxed by now, but his eyes still burned and he refused to look at me. Emma knew what I was feeling, the terror, the sadness- Max had gotten into a few fights before they got together.

Except that Harper and I will never get together.

Why were they fighting?

My mind could on rest on that one question as I watched the boys huddle away to the nurse's office, Emma's hand on my shoulder.

---------------------------

I sat in my room, trying desperately to concentrate on my book, squinting my eyes at the page. I couldn't, not with the surging thoughts and worries for Harper stuck in my head.

I hadn't seen him for the rest of the day, I was told by Max he went home. I had to do our Biology presentation on my own, and Mockingjay was definitely out of the question.

I couldn't help but sneak a quick glance at Harper's window, just checking if he was there.

He wasn't.

You should check on him. After all, he was just in a fight.

But maybe he doesn't want to see you?

But it's still the right thing to do.

I sighed, getting up from my bed, brushing down my sweater and throwing my hair up into a ponytail. Lana was out with some of her friends and Mom was at work, so I just left the house, walking down the street to Harper's.

At the door, I awkwardly rang the bell. No one answered. I tried again, and again, but no one answered.

Great.

Should I go back home?

No, go look round the back. He might just not want to answer.

What do I say, though? He just beat up someone who's kind of my friend!

Well, I hurt Joshua too. But that was for a good cause.

I spun around, walking round the sides of his house across the grass to reach the backyard, my stomach clenching with anticipation. Soon enough, I heard the clangs of metal on metal and I knew Harper was here. Breathing in deeply, I stepped around the corner so I was in plain sight.

Here we go.

Harper's back was facing me, and he seemed to be fixing the front of his car in the back garage, car hood up. He had changed out of the t-shirt he was fighting in, and now he was wearing a red flannel shirt rolled up to his elbows. His shoulders were hunched over his car, almost painfully, and he didn't seem to notice me.

"Harper?" I asked tentatively. He froze immediately. He was silent, then finally, he spoke.

"Noelle. Leave." I almost winced when he called me by my real name, not my nickname. His voice was harsh and cold. Gulping and building up my courage, I took a few steps towards him.

"No, Harper. I'm staying right here with you. That's what I promised, isn't it?" I tried to say, sternly. Another pause, before Harper put down his tool and slowly turned around. I clenched my fist, terrified of what I would see.

He was in a terrible state.

There was dried blood on his face, bruises on the arches of his cheekbones and lining his jaw, and he had a busted lip. Worst of all, the murderous look was still in his eyes. I couldn't help but whimper. It was obvious that nobody had treated him.

"Harper," I breathed, my voice wobbling. I took a few unsure steps towards him. Suddenly, I felt that strange attraction I had felt with him before, and I found myself running across his garage towards him, while all the while he stood, green eyes cold and observing me.

I stopped just in front of him, taking his appearance in from up close. I could now see the way his hair stuck to his forehead with sweat, and the small cut at the side of his face. My heart called out painfully.

"Oh my gods," I mumbled, voice cracking- close to tears to see him in so much pain and in such a bad state. I tried to gulp them down.

I looked up into his eyes, however much they scared me. He was in pain and I had to help. "Where is the first aid kit?" I demanded. He didn't answer, his eyes burning even more intensely.

"I told you to leave." He bit back. I stood my ground.

"And I'm not going to listen to you. Now where is the first aid kit?"

"Why?" He asked again, his jaw clenched. I sighed and glared at him, still a bit nervous.

"Because I care for you, Harper, okay? I can't stand to see you like this- it hurts me. Now shut up and tell me where the first aid kit is."

It was almost as if his eyes retreated when they softened. He acted like my words were a slap back into reality, and ever so slowly, he nodded and pointed at the set of drawers at the work table brimming with tools. The action made him wince.

I rushed to the drawers, yanking open the first drawer and pulling out the first aid kit. I walked back to him, setting the first aid kit on his car. I tried not to look him in the eyes.

"Sit down," I ordered. He obliged, sitting back on the car. I pulled out a cloth from the bag, before reaching up to wipe his face gently, trying not to touch his skin. He sighed and closed his eyes. I was too far from him, so I hesitantly stepped between his legs. I put the cloth down, reaching for the antiseptic that I would have to put on his cuts.

"This might sting a bit," I commented, before putting the antiseptic on his cheek. Harper let in a sharp intake of breath, before tightly gripping the wrist that was applying the antiseptic. I froze, oxygen being sucked from my lungs.

What is air, again?

His touch was warm and sent sparks up my skin, scorching my flesh. I started to unconsciously relax against his hand, his almost soothing gesture, but before it could get too far, the image flashed across my mind. The image of his eyes, cold and ruthless, mercilessly pounding at Joshua.

I pulled back quickly.

I almost regretted it when Harper's eyes flashed open with hurt. His faced hardened in realisation.

"You don't want me to touch you." He stated, his voice as cold and breakable as ice.

Okay, now I definitely regret it.

I shook my head frantically. "No- it's just- " I tried to deny. Harper stopped me, closing his eyes.

"It's fine," he muttered. "I'm just really sorry you had to see that. To see me hurting Joshua."

I stood, in shocked silence, before resuming cleaning his cuts- occasionally brushing his skin on purpose to show him I wasn't scared anymore. He smiled slightly.

I put down the antiseptic, reaching for the bruise cream. Tentatively I reached up to rub it on the bruises gently.

"Why didn't the nurse clean you up?" I asked, rubbing it across his jaw line. Harper opened his eyes, making me catch my breath. Very shakily, I continued my hand movements.

"I didn't let any of them touch me. I didn't want to." Came his reply. I looked up at him in confusion.

"Then why are you letting me?"

"Because I trust you, baby doll. I like you better than them, no matter how hot Nurse Felicia is." He smirked, referring to the brunette nurse at our school who had all the guys drooling for he. I cringed slightly at that.

Ew.

"Except you were pretty hot today, baby doll," Harper continued, leaning his head forward so his lips were by my ear. I didn't dare move. "Especially when you hit Joshua down." With that, he lightly kissed the skin on the side of my face, making me burn red and pulling back slightly.

"Stop," I muttered in embarrassment, looking away.

"Stop what?" he hummed, smirking again.

"Stop- stop making me feel weird!" I exclaimed, getting quite flustered.

Harper raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying you have a crush on me?"

"No!" I yelled quickly. "J- just shut up." With that, I pushed him back slightly by the sides of his waist. Harper immediately winced. My eyes widened.

"Oh my gods, Harper! Are you hurt there? Oh, shoot, we'll have to call an ambulance, and rush you to hospital, and you'll need one of those pump things... do they even work? Oh, wait, they're just for heart rate- but still! I don't want to- "

"Shush, baby doll, it's nothing. Calm down." Harper said, laughing. The action looked like it pained him. Slightly embarrassed for my weird rant, I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Take your shirt off." I demanded. He raised both eyebrows.

"Wow, baby doll, didn't think you were that kind of girl."

I huffed. "Just take it off!"

He chuckled, sliding his flannel shirt off. I gasped when I saw a cut running down his side- not because of his abs. Well, partly.

It wasn't deep, but it was long, reaching from where his ribs would be, downwards.

"Oh gods," I muttered, pulling out the antiseptic. I gently applied it to his cut. Harper winced as I did so.

"This is a bit of a suggestive position, baby doll," he muttered. I could hear the amusement in his voice. It was true, though. He was shirtless and I was standing in between his legs.

"Shut up," I mumbled, yet another blush wising on my cheeks as I started to wrap the bandage around his torso. He laughed again.

It was silent, before I was finally able to ask the question I was dying to ask.

"Why were you fighting Joshua?"

Harper sighed, bringing my hands into his, and holding them so they cupped his face. He kept his hands there. "He said something about you that I didn't like. I wasn't going to let him bad mouth you like that." Harper's voice was tight and strained, like a coiled rope.

I felt my cheeks blush in surprise. "You beat him up because he said something rude about me? You fought for me?"

To my surprise, Harper's cheeks heated up beneath my hands- I noticed he brought my hands down as well, as if he didn't want me to know how warm his cheeks were becoming- and tinting pink.

Oh my gods, that is more adorable than that pug-licking-screen thing.

"Awww, you're blushing," I giggled, poking his cheek.

"Am not," he huffed like a little kid, crossing his arms.

That's even cuter.

"Are too," I shot back, sticking my tongue out.

"Not!" Harper replied sticking his tongue out as well. I giggled.

"Well, thank you anyways. But it's okay, you don't have to fight for me. I can fight for myself."

Harper pouted. "But I would like the pleasure to be your Prince Charming and save you from the monsters, m'lady." Harper bowed from his seated position, putting on a posh accent. I laughed.

"No thank you, good sir," I replied, mocking his accent and bowing. Harper frowned.

"You're not meant to bow. You're a girl, you have to curtsy."

I shook my head, sticking my hand out. "Hey, girl rights. I can bow if I want to."

He laughed, pulling me into him as he got off the car, standing up. He wrapped his arms around my waist, making me blush. His touch was electric, making me shudder. "Okay, then, baby doll." He whispered. I looked up at him. His face was so close to mine. I held my breath.

Please kiss me, please, please, please.

As if he heard me, his leaned forward, his head growing closer, and closer and closer, until he was so close I could feel the electricity humming in the air.

Does he feel it too?

Suddenly, I heard a chorus of shrieks from behind me, and I spun around, startled, shooting out of Harper's grasp. As soon I had turned, I was greeted by the sight of Maggie, my mom, Lana, and Jenna, lying on top of each other on the grass, half in the bushes, leaves and twigs strung through their hair. They all groaned together.

Were they-

Were they spying on us from the bushes?

I watched in astonishment as Lana pulled herself out of the pile of people first, sitting back against the bushes, holding a pair of miniature binoculars. Maggie and Mom groaned. Lana grinned, before waving frantically.

"Hey."

Haha, so they're family was spying on them from the bushes... that is the height of being a fangirl, ladies and gentlemen.

KAY SO I UPDATED PRETTY EARLY

OMG GUYS THANK YOU SO MUCH WE REACHED 20K VIEWS AND #116 IN TEEN FICTION LIKE WHAT º0º

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Dedication: favourite character and why?

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