Red and Black (A Harlivy Story)

Chapter 18: Comfort

The pair sat sprawled across the sofa, eating pizza and watching a horror movie. At almost every scene, Harleen tensed, anticipating a jump-scare. Looking away from the screen, the blonde glanced at Ivy, engrossed in the film. She crawled slowly towards her, grabbing her arm for comfort, as if Pamela was going to protect her from the monsters on the screen.

"I dunno why ya wanted to watch this Red. I don't like scary things."

"Babe, it's alright. You got me to protect you" Ivy stated, wrapping her arms around the frightened woman. She looked down and a warm sensation wash over her body. The corners of her mouth turned upwards and she couldn't help but stare at the blonde. Noticing her admirer, Harley looked up and arched her brows in confusion.

"Why ya gotta laugh at me? Stop it. I ain't funny!"

"I'm not laughing at you, I'm appreciating you"

"What for?"

"For sitting through this torture".

Pamela squeezed the woman, making Harleen wriggle. Giving up, she rested her head on Ivy's shoulder and sighed. Ivy tensed, not knowing what to do; she wasn't used to the closeness. She gradually eased up, getting used to the warmth that was emitted from Harley; she liked it.

The film finished, and Ivy reached for the remote, turning the T.V. off. Harleen tightly hugged the green-skinned woman's arm, already fast asleep, freezing Ivy in her tracks. Slowly scooping the blonde, she made her way to the guest bedroom, using her vines to open the door. It was relaxing to use her powers again. The drugs from the asylum were long gone out of her system, and she had full control of the green again. When she first showed Harley, she almost scared the living daylights out of her; Quinn had never seen anything like it. Ivy grinned at the recollection before dropping Harley in her bed. She gradually tried to pull her arm out of the woman's grip.

"Red...can't cha' stay...with...me" Harley murmured in her sleep.

Awkwardly, Pamela slipped under the covers. She wrapped her free hand around Harley and gazed at the woman before her. She never noticed the slight crease around her left eye; or the cute button nose that crinkled in her sleep. Watching Harley sleep made her see her in a new light; she seemed vulnerable. Ivy couldn't help but feel protective. It was in her nature; although she normally found herself safeguarding plant-life rather than humans. Captured in the moment, Ivy blissfully fell asleep, dreaming of what her life could be like now Harleen was here.

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Harley woke up in the middle of the night, wearing the same clothes as before. She rubbed her eyes and glanced around, surprised to find herself in her room.

When did I get here?

Finding Ivy sleeping next to her, she smirked finally recalling how she ended up in the bed. It only made the next thing harder for her. She didn't want to do it, but she thought it was for the best.

Quietly getting out of bed, she grabbed some clothes and walked out of the room. She turned around and glanced at Pamela one last time. Pain flashed in her eyes.

"I'm sorry Red" Harley whispered and went, leaving the woman sleeping peacefully alone.