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My name is Y/N, and I am a soldier in the Survey Corps personally trained by the Humanity’s Strongest, Captain Levi Ackerman.
Why personally, you ask? I don’t know either.
I was having combat training with my one of my friends, Mikasa. You know how the fight ends, she always wins.
I was inadequate but I never gave up. I knew that with more practice, I could be better.
So I challenged her over and over, knowing that I would be lying face down with just a single move of hers. It was until a point where she begged me, “Y/N, please. Let’s stop this.”
Captain Levi came to us and watched me shamelessly being bruised up multiple times.
After we were dismissed from the training to wash up, I was held back by Captain. Straight up said he offered to train me personally.
I didn’t have to think it through to say yes. I was (kind of) already desperate to hone my skills. I also know how good I can be if I train with him.
Now I’m in the middle of a forest where the Scouts train with their ODM gears. Except I’m not wearing one because that’s not what I’m training for today.
“May I ask a question, Captain?” I begin. “You already are.”
“Why train here if I’m not training with the ODM gear?” I look around the forest and all I see are trees. Maybe some birds flying around. Nothing too interesting out here.
He finishes tethering his horse to the tree trunk next to mine before walking over to me. “For some peace and quiet.” He says.
I know exactly what is he talking about.
Back at the mess hall or the training base when I wasn’t training, I felt eyes piercing through the back of my head. And sometimes they just talked too loud.
My friends would find a topic to talk about, just so that I can block out the negativity from the people around me.
I think it was no different for Captain too. He may not react to these things but I know that he must be terribly disturbed. I don’t know how I know this, I just do.
“I see.” I didn’t want to pry. I didn’t feel like I need to.
He sits down on the bare ground and pats the space beside him. I deliberately sit with my knees up, placing both my hands on them.
Captain Levi doesn’t speak for a long time. I can barely hear him breathing. I found out a while back that Captain favours tranquillity.
I recall a memory when he once asked me, “Why don’t you talk much with me like how you do with your friends?” I mentally noted that he observes me from time to time.
I told him, “I don’t think you would care for unnecessary talks with me, Captain.” He said it was mannerly of me to the thought of that but insisted I loosen up.
I snap back to reality when I hear Captain taking a breath in.
“The first time I saw you,” he pauses. “you intrigued me.”
Oh. Now you and I have the answer.
“You have a lot of fight in you like I did back when I was your age. Albeit you are aware that you don’t have much physical strength.”
“God, damn it! Focus, Y/N! You’re letting yourself become the Titan’s food if you keep on going like this.” Captain Levi barked at me.
I was exhausted. I wasn’t used to train myself this intense. But he showed me that there will be consequences if I stop just because I’m tired.
“Captain.. I’m— I’m sorry,” I apologised, trying to fight back the tears threatening to escape my eyes. “Get up.” He spared me no mercy. Not that I was asking for any. I knew that I had to work on myself.
I reeled the hooks on the tree branch nearby and swung. After getting the momentum, I spotted a 15-meter wooden Titan. I had a feeling I would get it this time.
I wasted no time but to advance towards it. I was so close to the wooden Titan when my gas ran out. “Captain!“ I flailed around, panicking for my life.
As a result, I fell through the trees. Then I was metres away from hitting the ground but—
“I got you, kid.”
Captain Levi put me down on the ground carefully. He gasped when he took a look at my face. His lips parted to say something.
“Your—“ I didn’t even give him a chance to speak. With blurry vision and a throbbing head, I struggled to try to stand on my feet for another try.
“Sorry, Captain Levi. I’ll do it.. agh.. again.” I bowed and walked away to the initial position. I heard his footsteps behind me and he grabbed my arm to face him.
“Stop it. Your nose is bleeding.” My eyes widened. I never had a nosebleed before. I swiped my nose with a finger while looking at my superior in disbelief. He wasn’t kidding.
He took out a handkerchief and wiped the blood off of my nose. I moved my head back involuntarily. Captain furrowed his eyebrows and pulled me closer by my shoulder. It was too close, I thought.
“You’re dismissed. Don’t come for tomorrow’s training. And take this to clean the remaining.” He handed me the cloth that was now partly blood-stained. “Thank you, Captain. You get some rest too.”
I remember that this is where that moment happened. It reminded me of how much I lacked a parent.
“Captain Levi, I wish I was easier to train. I wouldn’t have to burden you so much. I apologise for being who I am.” I fidget with my fingers as the guilt washes over me.
“Never once did it ever cross my mind to label you as a burden, Y/N.” He says as he shakes his head lightly, and then he turns towards me. “If anything, I would like to thank you.”
I blink a few times before meeting his gaze. “Why is that, Captain? I should be the one showing gratitude.” I let out a short, airy laugh.
“You showed me that there are still people who don’t give up so easily. And I truly admire that.”
And this may be the first time that I see Captain Levi Ackerman smiling at me.