Promise || Levi x Reader

I stood in the training yard, shifting awkwardly from foot to foot, my nerves buzzing. This wasn't what I expected. I'd been told I'd be training with Miche-tough, sure, but at least he had that laid-back vibe that made him seem approachable.

Instead, there was Levi, the total ass

He crossed his arms, his cold grey eyes scanning me like I was some filthy smudge on his spotless uniform.

"Tch," he scoffed, clearly unimpressed. "What's with that dumb look on your face? Thought you were here to train, not stand around like an idiot."

"I-uh-I thought I was supposed to train with Miche," I stammered, the words tumbling out before I could stop myself.

"Miche's busy," Levi said flatly. "And since I'm stuck dealing with you, you better try to keep up. I don't have time to waste on someone who can't follow basic instructions."

I started smirking. Oh, I knew I could mess with dear old Captain Levi now. What did I have to lose, anyway?

"Ah... Miche's busy? Too bad. I was really hoping to get my hands on him," I said, smirking as I watched for a reaction.

Levi scoffed, unimpressed. "Shut the hell up, brat."

"Make me," I shot back, a teasing edge in my voice.

His eyes widened for a split second, like he couldn't believe what I'd just said. Was he... was he actually wondering if I was trying to seduce him?

"If you don't shut the fuck up right now, I'll make you titan food," he snapped, his voice sharp enough to cut steel.

I wasn't intimidated in the slightest. If anything, I was having fun. Why hate on him when I could mess with him in a much more entertaining way? Still, I decided to keep quiet for now, letting my smirk say everything for me.

Training started with hand-to-hand combat. I thought it was a waste of time-seriously, against titans?-but I didn't argue. Levi's death glare was enough to keep my mouth shut. For now.

After a while, he wanted to see how I handled ODM gear. He'd watched me from afar before, but now he wanted a closer look. Mr. Grumpy wasn't interested in anything, right? But the way his eyes flickered as he watched-was that hope? Or something else?

Then he pulled out his own gear, blades held backward in his hands. The sight of it tugged at something in the back of my mind, like a distant memory trying to resurface. And when he demonstrated his technique-swift, calculated, lethal, even on humans-it hit me.

Wait. No. It couldn't be... could it?

Was Levi... trained by Kenny the Ripper? Their fighting styles were nearly identical.

"Oi, brat. Are you even listening?" Levi's voice snapped me out of my thoughts, but I didn't reply. My mind was spinning.

That's when I felt it-his boot connecting with my face, sending me sprawling to the ground.

The old me, the scared little girl I used to be. would've stayed there, shaking and silent. But not anymore.

I lay there for a moment, my cheek pressed against the dirt. Then I stood and with all the strength I could muster, I kicked his legs out from under him.

Levi hit the ground with a grunt, glaring up at me. For the first time, it was my turn to smirk.

He then stared up at me, his expression unreadable for a moment, and then came the inevitable scoff. "Tch. Not bad, brat. But don't think you've won."

I barely had time to blink before he swept his leg around, knocking me off balance. I hit the ground again, harder this time. Before I could even get up, he was already standing over me, arms crossed and looking as bored as ever.