Charcoal Grey [H.S.]

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX - VIOLENCE

Harry pummelled Levi to the ground, aiming violent punches at his face. His shoulders were shaking, his aggression resembling that of a rabid dog, harsh pants leaving his lips as he cursed profusely in between every hit, "You fucking piece of shit!" He roared, emotions pouring out of him like a dormant volcano finally erupting after a long time. His curls were a wild mess, sweat covered his face and neck, his skin red and blistering to the touch. Levi's attempts and protests were futile and meaningless because Harry didn't hear or see anything else. He was completely immersed in an insatiable bloodlust.

Lennon could only watch in horror. She only stood cemented to the ground, more tears streaming down her face.

Strike after strike.

Minutes went by.

His posture grew more aware and calm, Harry finally stopped hitting Levi once he saw the damaged condition of him, the satisfaction in his stomach grew since he knew he finally killed Levi. With his own hands.

He then slowly got off the lifeless body, turning around to face Lennon.

His chest heaved as he stood there, his body still quivering from the adrenaline of the fight. His gaze was intense and dark as it fixed on her. He stepped towards her, his movements slow and calculated. He didn't say anything, his breathing still ragged as he took in her tear-streaked face. His jaw clenched tightly, the muscle working visibly but his eyes softened the slightest.

She took a step back, shaking her head, "Y–You hate me."

His heart physically clenched, "Baby," he took a shaky breath. "I don't. I don't hate you, I never did and I never will. It's fucking impossible. It was my fault, I shouldn't have left you alone." His knuckles were bruised and bloodied, his jaw clenched, he looked feral. But he was still looking at her with admiration and remorse, "Please, come back to me. My precious Lennon, come on, baby. I'm so fuckin' sorry."

She lets out a small sob, her eyes glistening, "I didn't mean anything I wrote in that book. I don't see you like that, I swear to God."

"I know, I know," he cooed. "I know you didn't. I was being an idiot," he took a step forward. "I don't deserve you, baby. My precious, sweet angel. I'm a stupid, selfish dickhead, I know I am." He continued approaching her slowly, his steps measured and careful. He wanted her to come to him and let him hold her in his arms, but he didn't want to rush her. "Please, sweetheart. Fuck, please come to me. Forgive me, let me fix things."

She couldn't take it anymore.

She leaped forwards, burying her face in his chest, crying quietly and gripping handfuls of his shirt as if she was scared that he would suddenly disappear. He wrapped his arms around her, enveloping her smaller frame with his own, holding her as close as he could. The feeling was so overwhelming that it almost threatened to unravel him. He rested his chin on top of her head, his hand holding her head against him, his fingers carding through the soft strands of her hair. "I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice strangled. "I'm so fuckin' sorry, baby. I never meant to hurt you."

"I–I know," she whispered quiveringly, "I forgive you."

His chest tightened hearing those words from her. He closed his eyes, his hold on her tightening, as if he was trying to memorise the way she felt in his arms. He didn't deserve her forgiveness, but he was thankful that he got it anyway. Then he pulled her back gently so he could look at her face. He cupped her cheeks, his thumbs gently wiping away the tears under her eyes. His gaze softened as he looked at her and he couldn't help but lean down and press a gentle kiss on her forehead, "Don't cry, grey. Please, it breaks my fucking hurt."

She wept even harder, wiping her eyes with the back of her hands.

Harry pulled her back against his chest again immediately at the sight of her new tears. He buried his face in her hair, pressing gentle kisses against her head, his hands rubbing circles against her back in a soothing manner. "Shh, it's OK, baby," he murmured, his voice sounding like he's on the verge of breaking down. "It's alright. I've got you now. Nobody else is going to take you away from me." He paused, his voice hardening, "Did he touch you?"