Bruises And Butterflies Tolerating you (Barely)

Levi sat at the library table, arms crossed, brows furrowed like he was trying to scare the math problems into solving themselves.

"You’re early." A familiar voice drawled behind him.

Levi

*Didn’t look up* You’re late.

Xavier slid into the seat across from him, all lazy confidence and smirking eyes. He dropped his bag with a thud, pulled out an empty notebook, and grinned.

Xavier

I brought highlighters just for you. *He said, wiggling a neon pink one in Levi’s face*

Levi

*Blinked* You think you're funny?

Xavier

I know I am.

Levi

*He rolled his eyes so hard it could’ve been a full workout* We’re not here to flirt. We’re here to finish this stupid biology project.

Xavier

Ouch. *Xavier clutched his heart dramatically.* You wound me, Levi.

Levi

*Sighed, opening his book* Good. Maybe you’ll shut up for once.

But Xavier didn’t. Of course he didn’t.

Xavier

Why do you hate me so much, anyway? *He asked, resting his chin in his hand* Is it the hair? The face? The undeniable charm?

Levi

*Glanced up, deadpan* It’s all of the above.

Xavier

That’s fair

Silence settled in — kind of. The usual school sounds filtered in: the rustle of paper, faint whispers, the buzz of the printer nearby. Levi pretended to focus, pen tapping against the page, but he could feel Xavier’s gaze on him like a spotlight

Levi

Stop staring

Xavier

I’m not

Levi

You are

Xavier

*Grinned* Can’t help it. You make the cutest angry face.

Levi

*His hand froze mid-sentence.* You’re insufferable.

Xavier

And you’re fun to bother

He expected Levi to snap back, but instead, he just muttered something under his breath and turned the page. For a second, Xavier swore he saw his ears go a little pink

Xavier

I actually did some research last night *Xavier said more quietly now, sliding his notes across the table.*

Xavier

You’re not the only one who takes this seriously

Levi

*Levi’s eyes scanned the paper. His expression didn’t change, but his posture shifted — just slightly* This isn’t bad.

Xavier

Thanks. That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me

Levi

Don’t get used to it

Xavier leaned back, still smiling, watching Levi scribble something in the margin of his notes.

The sun hit his face through the window, catching the faint gold in his eyes.

Focused. Tired, maybe, but in a beautiful sort of way.

Xavier didn’t say anything else. He just watched.

For once, Levi didn’t tell him to stop.

To be continued.