The rest of the day went by smoothly after my little spat with Reed. I made sure to steer away from that punk as well as everyone else. I had trained throughout the afternoon alone.

I needed a way to vent out my anger and hitting a dummy constantly was a great plan. Now, I rest under a tree as I observe everyone heading back into the main cabin for dinner. I wasn't in the mood to eat nor did I have the desire to see those judging glares of my fellow soldiers.

I would rather eat alone than keep my anger in check in front of dozens. I release a heavy sigh and rest my head back against the bark. I could possibly take a nap and--

"You're not joining us?"

I glance to my left with a small frown. Hanji stood before me with her head tilted. I roll my eyes with a scoff and move my attention back to the hustling group.

"Not hungry," I mutter. Hanji hums in response before taking the space next to me. We don't say anything for a while.

Together we watched the young Cadets flounder into the cabin, their loud chatting faintly ringing in my ears. I don't question Hanji's presence, it never bothered me on most occasions.

"Are we going to talk about this morning?" She finally asks.

"What's there to talk about?" I question. "All I did was teach a punk a lesson."

"From what I heard, you had your knee on his face," she points out. I click my tongue before crossing my arms over my chest.

"Does it bother you that I was protecting myself?" I demand rather hotly.

The subject was still a bit fresh for me. I was used to beating people and teaching disrespecting men a lesson, but there was something wrong about the way his fingers lightly grazed my side. It revolted me to the point I wanted to drop him down a cliff.

Hanji releases a loud sigh. Clearly, she was trying to keep her temper in check.

"Of course I'm not upset over that," she says. "I'm just upset you let your anger take over again." I whirl my head to her. My face contorted into outrage.

"How the hell am I supposed to act?" I demand. "By acting grateful that a damn pig thought I was easy?!"

"You know that's not what I meant--"

"You're implying it! I acted in the most rational manner I thought of! If you were me, you'd do the same." I was burning up again, my heart racing rapidly inside me. I was beyond outraged.

Hanji couldn't possibly be telling me to keep a leveled-head during that situation. It would be the most ridiculous thing she'll ever say in the years I've known her. She closes her mouth and looks away. She didn't want to agree.

I scoff, "Don't act like you never gave in to your emotions, Hanji. We're human, that's what we do." After a moment she nods slowly, her lips pressed together.

"You're right." She murmurs. "We are human and I'm proud you stood up for yourself."

My brows quirk upwards, I try to understand her reasons for speaking to me. Yet, I was befuddled as ever.

"So, you're upset I acted out on anger but proud I stood up to myself." I clarify.

"As confusing as that sounds, yes," Hanji chuckles. "I do wish for you keep your emotions in check but today was an exception. A certain Cadet thought you were badass though."

I snort with a smile. That was ridiculous. No one ever thought of me that way, I was just a genius solider. My brain was the only thing worth praising.

"Oh, yeah? Like who?" I ask with my head titled.

Hanji simply smiles and points a finger in front of her. I follow her gaze to see a tall young man moving his hands animatedly about. He grinned widely as he proclaimed whatever he spoke of so proudly to his friends.

"Edward?" I mutter in a puzzlement.

"He's been talking about you all day," Hanji snickers. "He kept saying you're a woman who knows how to kick ass."

I couldn't help it, I had to laugh. Although, it wasn't one filled with disbelief but one with flattery.

"C'mon, all I did was slam Reed to the ground."

"And you won Edward's respect," Hanji smiles. Her eyes were on the young Cadet till he entered the cabin. "He came to your defense when others kept saying you went too far."

I press my lips together to fight back a smile. A tingly feeling started at my fingers, then radiated all over my body. Besides the ones I fought side by side for years, it's the first to see someone new stand by my side. My heart leaped and my cheeks warmed.

"That's surprising," I finally comment. "He looked terrified earlier."

"Maybe he was just stunned," Hanji shrugs. She finally stands and I glance to my side to see her stretching her arms. "I'm starving, I'm going to go inside. You coming?" She peers down at me with a hopeful smile I couldn't return.

I shake my head, "Not hungry still. I'll be fine out here." Hanji hesitates before releasing a defeated sigh.

"Alright, I'll save you some food if you change your mind." With a nod of her head she walks off. I watch her head inside before turning my attention to the woods.

Heavy shadows cascaded the dense forest, creating an ominous aura. I disliked the feeling and stood to my feet. I started to wander about not ready to head inside to my respective cabin.

My mind was elsewhere when I collided with a firm body. I stumble back with a hand over my shoulder. I clench my teeth and gave whoever a fiery glare.

"Oi! Watch where you're--" I was suddenly faced with a bloody Reed. I found myself stop mid-sentence at the sight of his ugly face.

A swollen lip, a black eye, a huge gash over his cheekbone. I scowl in disgust as he cowered in fear. He quickly averts his gaze to the ground before running off like a dog with its tail between its legs.

I wasn't sure where he got those injuries but it wasn't my concern. I straighten my shirt before turning the corner. Just as I walked a few feet with only a couple of torches lighting my way, I stopped. I don't blink at the sight.

Levi leaned against the back wall of a cabin. He was examining his knuckles ever so carefully with his fingers barely touching the raw flesh. He had discarded his jacket leaving him in his white buttoned shirt that was lightly splattered with blood and dirt.

He seemed unbothered with little to no care. I decide to approach him.

"Quick question," I say in a way of greeting. He looks up, his silver eyes dull as ever. "Did you beat up Reed?"

"Tch, why do you care?" He snaps. He lowers his hands and discreetly places them behind his back. There was no room left for anger, it had burned me today.

"Because you got a bit of blood on your shirt." Levi side glares with a deep frown.

"What do you want, brat?" He questions bitterly. I could tell he wishes for me to leave. But I couldn't find it in me to move. Instead, I kept my gaze upon him.

My eyes slowly rove down to his covered hands. My hands moved faster than my mind. I watched as I grab Levi's hands. He tries not to flinch at the sudden touch over his ripped flesh.

"Seems you did a number on yourself too," I murmur. He tries to pull away but I kept my grip firm.

"Let go," he orders. "It's none of your concern." I ignore his demand and shake my head.

"You should clean these if you don't want to get scabs." I pull his hand once more but this time, I force him to walk. Passing a few cabins I drag Levi with me.

He doesn't say anything when we make it to the farthest cabin. I close the door behind us and turn on the gas lamp. I let go of Levi and point at the bed in the corner.

"Sit."

To my surprise, Levi listens. Before I could gape any further at his obedience I hastily turn to my bag. I've got no clue what's going on with me.

My body was moving on its own, leaving me at the sense blindness. I grab a bottle of alcohol and wrappings. When I situate myself besides Levi I sense the heavy tension falling over us.

I try to ignore it. I try to ignore Levi's stony gaze. I motion for his hand but, he doesn't acknowledge it.

"What are you doing?" He asks cautiously. I release a heavy sigh and match his glare.

"Cleaning your wounds," I answer levelly.

"I don't want you to, brat."

"Does it look like I care what you want?" I hiss. I grab his hand roughly making sure I placed some pressure on his knuckles. I hear him hiss abruptly and I smirk. "Pull away and I'll just pour this bottle of alcohol over them," I threaten.

For a moment I thought he would keep fighting but, to my surprise his hand falls limp in my grip. Levi turns away with a huff signing his defeat. I click my tongue then turn my attention to his knuckles.

The cabin was silent as I cleaned his wounds. Well, save it for the soft breeze entering the cabin from the open window. It was an uneasy silence between us, I try hard not think about it.

I focus on what's in front of me but, there was something biting the back of my mind. I suck in a breath before biting my bottom lip.

"Levi."

"What now?" He snaps. I hesitate, wondering how I should phrase my question. I decide to be blunt.

"Why did you beat up Reed?"

He scoffs, "Do I need a reason?"

"Yeah," I answer as I start to wrap his knuckles. "You kinda do."

I gesture for his other hand and he sighs loudly. When I take it I catch a glimpse of red in his eyes. His jaw was clenched as he tries to hold back a snarl. I wasn't sure if it was directed to me or not. He wasn't meeting my gaze.

"It's none of your business," he finally says. I hold back a groan. I opted for sagging my shoulders.

"I think it is," I mutter. "I am cleaning your injuries."

"No one asked you to," he spat. And with that silence greeted us once more. I didn't want to dwell on his words but, somehow I felt disappointed by them.

I don't show it though. I simply finish wrapping his knuckles and fling his hand on to his lap. He doesn't say anything at the action. I get up from the bed to put the items away.

"You can leave now." I point to the door. I spare him no glance or even a hint of emotion in my tone.

I heard no opening or closing of the door. Nor did I hear soft footsteps over the wooden floor. Confusion overlays my mind and I ponder if Levi truly left. His soft breathing told me different.

"Emma."

I stop my rummaging. My shoulders become tense as I take a cautious look over my shoulder. Levi still sat upon my bed.

He clasped his hands together, aimlessly rubbing his knuckles with a finger. His gaze was firmly on me, his lips pressed together. I was puzzled by his sudden use of my name for he rarely says it unless he was truly irritated. Yet, I don't recall doing anything irritable.

"What?" I demand with a raised brow. Levi hesitates then stands. He takes a step but stops abruptly.

I wasn't sure what he was trying to do and watch him curiously. Finally, he releases a sigh and stomps to the door. He grasps the knob and pulls it open.

"Nothing. Just stop acting like a lunatic." The door then slams behind him leaving me to stare at the door like it were an equation.

His words baffled me, even the anger that was layering them. After a moment of staring at the wooden door I knew the look he had earlier wasn't directed to me. Yet, there was something off about the way he addressed me earlier.

A small part of me began to wish he stayed a little longer.

/\/\/\/\

What type of couple do you want Emma and Levi to be?

Or think will be?

Lemme know in the comments!
I'm kinda curious(:

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