The Humanity's Strongest & The Graceful

Style

Tessa's POV:

After stopping in front of the trees, Tessa takes a deep breath and closes her eyes to get lost in the tranquility. Moments like this are what Tessa needs right now, especially with her birthday approaching in a few months. Days like today are when Tessa goes to release every negative emotion. Anger, guilt, pain, and all of the grieving feelings chain her to the darkness. Somehow on those days, Tessa performs better than before, but it doesn't mean she wants to stay in constant grief to do her job as a Scout. People need her to be happy, to be a light for them. Hell, she needs it more than anyone. The faint sounds of people talking, the rattling of ODM gears, and horses pull Tessa out of her headspace as she inhales the scent of pine and wood when opening her eyes.

While Tessa looks at the trees again, she notices Levi staring at her, with his storm-colored gaze softened only to where she can see it, his brows furrowed, and his lips pursed. The sunlight reflected beautifully off his pale ivory skin and raven hair before hearing his voice whisper, "Are you okay, Tess?" He asks, and Tessa nods, yet she knows she can't fool him, but at least tries. The concern about her emotions would have to wait because they need to train, and Tessa needs to release some pain. Even after seeing her nod, Levi knows Tessa isn't okay because when they had stood before the trees, he had noticed Tessa's demeanor change. Levi watched her take a deep breath and close her eyes. Just like last night, everything went quiet. Not even the sound of Kip's tag on his collar made a sound against the wind. From the corner of his eye, Levi sees Erwin standing far but not too far from them, making his protective instinct take over as he side-eyed the blonde man. Or was it jealousy? Levi didn't know, nor did he give a damn to find out. All that matters to Levi now is putting a smile on Tessa's face again.

Before Levi can say her name, Tessa says his first, "I have a question, Levi," Tessa starts, and Levi looks at her, "Is it true that all three of you are self-taught with the ODM?" She asks as she raises a brow. Levi should've known that Isabel told Tessa about their days in the Underground. Levi sighs before grinning, "Yes, it's true. Why?" He asks, and Tessa smiles, "Well, I want to see if your skills live up to the lavish expectation Isabel described to me," Tessa chuckles, "Unless you're scared." She teases before winking at him, only for Levi silently chuckle to himself, "Brat," He remarks while connecting the first pair of his ODM blades, "I'll show you as long as you keep that beautiful smile on." He offers, making her blush while he turns his sword in his right hand backhanded, causing the blade to face outwards instead of inwards. Tessa took in the sight of the way Levi looked right now, 'Always the showoff.' She thought, then saw Levi wink at her, only to make her smile even more. Suddenly Tessa realizes Levi is the first one she has seen someone hold the blades differently, but that's his style because it's due to the training Kenny had instilled into him that, later on, Levi would teach her. Tessa's thoughts are interrupted by Flagon's annoying voice, "You, punk," He snarls as he walks over to Levi and Tessa, "Why are you holding the blades like that? You're not holding them the way of their design!" He corrects.

Somehow, Flagon's shouting caught everyone's attention in the field because there were hushed murmurs among them, "Do you want to die the minute you step outside the wall?!" Flagon questions, unaware there is a crowd slowly coming to join them, only for Levi to scoff as he turns the blades in his hands again, "You might end up that way." He mutters, making Tessa snicker, which she covers with her hand. Flagon ignores Tessa's snickering as he steps in front of her as if he wants to protect her, "What did you say to me?!" He questions, only for Tessa to roll her eyes while pushing Flagon out of her way, "Let it go, Flagon," She huffs while stepping away from him, "You should never underestimate anyone." Tessa recalls before meeting Levi's gaze and winks at him, to which he nods. However, Levi doesn't let the smile he held inside show on his face after hearing Tessa recall a lesson they both remember brings him a sense of pride. Levi tosses the blades again back to how he had them before looking at Flagon, "All that matters is slicing the nape of the neck, right?" He asks abrasively, and Flagon growls, "Then let me do it however I want." Levi remarks while glaring at Flagon, then looks over to Tessa and winks at her.