Titans Rule, Levi Ackerman UNDER EDITING

(32) Scratches.

~Amelia's POV~

Since I started my 3DMG training, I've gotten much better at equipping the damn thing. Beforehand, I was fumbling with all the intricate little straps and gear. Beforehand, it would take me about half an hour to put on. But now, it feels much more natural and I've gotten it down to about ten minutes. Feeling pretty chuffed, I skipped to the training ground with a spring in my step. However, as I was leaving, I was halted by a firm chest. I pushed myself back from whoever's chest I'd landed on and began to apologise.

"Amelia," the person said in a stern tone.

I dragged my eyes up from the ground, forcing them to meet them. When I saw who it was, my whole body relaxed.

"Oh, Levi. You're back," I stated the obvious, still stunned by the collision.

"I couldn't miss seeing all of the progress you've made since I've been gone." A smirk rose on his lips as his arms folded over one another.

I huffed at him. "Right, right. I know that you're all excited to see me fail and all. I just was expecting you to come a bit later is all," I explained to him, disappointed that I now had no extra time to practice.

"Well, sorry to disappoint. I'll let you get warmed up before we decide who wins our bet." Levi sauntered off to a nearby wall and leaned up against it. I shot him a nervous smile, suddenly conscious of my lack of progress. I hadn't successfully used the 3DMG this whole week. So unless I could magically use it now, I was about to embarrass myself royally in front of Levi.

Bracing myself, I first acclimated to the heavy gear on my body. It felt more natural than when I'd put it on for the first time. Yet I knew it would take a lot longer to get used to lugging the heavy metal whilst flinging myself through the air. Then, I tested the hooks, ensuring that they were behaving. Levi's piercing gaze followed my every move, making me overly self-conscious of my every move. His stare didn't usually bother me, but something was different today. There was an intensity in his eyes that made my hair stand on end. I could feel that this bet had turned into something more than just a stupid bet between two friends. 

Sweat beaded on my forehead from the anxiety bubbling up in my stomach. "Are we going to be here all day?" Levi pressed, a scowl forming on his brow.

I rolled my eyes at him, not bothering to give him a response. Eyeing a nearby tree, I chose my target. Breathing out heavily, I attempted to psyche myself up. It was now or never.

Launching one of the hooks at the sturdy-looking pine, I readied myself for the jolt I was about to feel. I was hurtled into the air, my eyes darting around to examine where the next hook needed to go. I decided to latch onto a tree next to the one I was on. My stomach lurched at the sudden twist, my dinner threatening to make another appearance. However, I didn't let it stop me. I'd successfully used the 3DMG for the first time. Maybe I worked better under pressure rather than in a more nurturing environment.

I was shooting my hooks left, right and centre, confidently launching myself through the forest. I diverted myself back towards Levi, wanting to rub it in his face that I had won our bet. I shot my last hook before I was supposed to hit the ground. But instead of gracefully landing, the hook became embedded in the ground below me, refusing to free itself. This left me hurtling towards the ground at full speed with no signs of stopping. Attempting to land on my feet, I bent my knees in preparation. But of course, that didn't happen. Instead, I toppled over forwards, scrapping my face on the gritted ground below. I felt blood trickle down my face and the grit had torn a few scratches into it. I heard quick footsteps sprint towards me. Pushing myself off the ground, I tested whether any other damage had occurred to my body.

"Amelia!" Levi called out to me. He reached my side, crouching down to my level. "Are you alright?"

His hand slid onto my shoulder as my eyes met his silver ones. Had they always been this pretty? The colour of clouds just before rain.