Strays | Levi x OC

Chapter 7

Grueling days of training blended into one another. Karma could recite every component of their complex attack formation in her sleep. She could tactfully conserve the gas of her ODM gear (too little too late). She could precisely replicate a 3D model of Titan anatomy. She could fluidly slash her blades through fast-moving boulders (go figure). She'd surpassed even Mikasa's expectations.

Amazing what can happen without distractions.

But in reality, training itself was the distraction. Whenever her mind tormented her with Levi's gray-blue eyes or mesmeric touch, she would slice her swords harder or bury her face deeper into her books. She refused to think of him.

And for a few days, this tactic worked wonders. Until, suddenly, it didn't.

"Sloppy technique, soldier."

Karma stiffened, knuckles chalk-white against the hilt of her blades. It was as if his voice constricted every cell in her body. She caught a flash of his green cloak and felt him encircle her from behind.

He trapped her between his feet. His hands swallowed hers.

None of the sparring soldiers paid them any mind. It looked as though he were merely giving her pointers on her sword fighting. But she was hyperfocused on his touch. His warmth. His presence.

He bent his head toward her ear. "I'm sorry, Karma."

She swallowed, trying to find her voice. This was her chance to scream at him and tell him how much he'd hurt her. To punch and kick him and make him feel a shred of the pain she'd felt.

Instead she said through her teeth, "If you're apologizing in hopes that you can get your fix, then you're out of luck. It's not gonna happen."

Captain Levi stepped back and pulled out his own swords with a metallic whoosh, inviting her to spar. She swung both blades in an X, which he blocked with a swooping arc.

"I don't expect you to believe me, but I really am trying to do what's best for you," he said.

Their blades clashed again. Karma pushed against his sword with all of her weight. The metal rattled. She gained a couple inches. Her blade was at his shoulder. But now she was too close to his face. His angular, chiseled features. He was holding her in this position quite easily; almost as if he'd slackened his sword before to let her advance. To let her get close to him.

She reeled back.

"Whatever. It was a mistake and you're sorry it happened. I get it. Now leave me alone." Her voice broke on the last word.

The longer he was here, the more difficult it was to keep her emotions in check. Her rage was dissolving into longing and sadness, and she refused to let him see. He was only allowed to see her angry.

She lunged her blades again. This time, Levi stepped out of the way at the last moment so that she toppled over with her own momentum. Her face was inches from smashing into the dirt when she was suddenly suspended, mid-fall. Strong hands gripped her waist.

"It shouldn't have happened. But I'm not sorry that it did." Did she hear him right? She fumbled to find words.

"Then what are you sorry for?"

He settled her back on her feet. Karma turned toward him but didn't spar. All of the anger that powered her sword had vanished.

"For calling it a mistake. I acted like a complete dick," he said.

"Oh."

"I got you something, but I can't give it to you here." He glanced around then lowered his voice. "Come to the stables during your meal break." He sheathed his blades and left to observe the other soldiers.