In Another Life || Levi x Reader/OC

Temptations

"Come on, let's get started already," you said impatiently. You were standing by the trees, your hands on your hips while waiting for Levi to finish applying his gear. He finished adjusting his straps before approaching you.

"Learn some patience," he retorted while brushing past you to walk ahead.

"Who said, 'Be ready by 10 a.m.?' Oh, right. You." You trailed behind him into the forest. "And what time is it now? It was around 10:15, last time I checked."

"Alright, let it go, brat."

Levi refused to do any training with you for a few days out of fear of worsening your injuries. After three days of insisting, he finally agreed. He suggested starting with ODM training first since it seemed to be your strongest suit, and also because he claimed sparring could potentially get messy. You didn't disagree, fully knowing your competitive nature. You were determined to win against him, even if he was a tough opponent. Starting with ODM training first would definitely be ideal.

"How far into the forest are we going?" you asked curiously, your gaze observing your surroundings. The trees towered over the two of you, the natural oak smell overtaking your senses. The smell evoked memories of the previous expedition; your body shuddered.

You shook your head to yourself, pushing back the memory into the deepest part of your mind. You had been training yourself to suppress the thoughts, refusing to invite them in. Ignoring them was the only way you'd be able to make it around here.

"You're not gonna kill me, are you?" you joked playfully, trying to break the silence. The two of you halted moments after your comment. There were giant titan dummies standing in the middle of the forest - the same ones you would use during cadet training. Levi turned to face you.

"We're not going any further than this. I'd rather not risk encountering actual titans, but we did need enough room to fly around." He leaned his back against one of the trees, his head angled up. "This spot is perfect."

"Where'd you get the dummies?" You pointed your index finger at the figures in the distance.

"Shadis," he answered. "I asked for permission to use them after you seemed adamant on getting extra practice. That's why he was here a few days ago; he came to set them up."

You narrowed your eyes at him. "Wait, you asked him because I told you I wanted to practice?"

His gaze met yours briefly, then he clicked his tongue when he realized what you were implying. "I'm trying to get those other brats to practice while we're here too. It's not just you."

"You've been making them clean and gather food since we arrived here."

"And they will train the remaining days. You just so happen to be first." He turned his back to you again, his eyes fixed on the titan figure in front of him.

You smiled to yourself, but decided not to press the conversation further. "Alright," you said. "So what are you gonna show me first?"

To say you were excited was an understatement. Captain Levi was an intriguing man, and your curiosity that sparked more recently never dwindled. You found yourself wanting to know more about him, but more specifically, you found yourself wanting to learn from him. You were interested in seeing how he operated and how he managed to reach the title of 'Humanity's Strongest Soldier.' Was it hard work or innate talent? Maybe both? Either way, being taught by him would be a huge advantage.

There was a sense of rivalry you felt with him. Finding someone who matched your strength was hard to come by, and you truly wanted to surpass him.

Who am I kidding? My strength doesn't even come close to his.