I had to scoff. Me? Teach these idiots who look down at me? I would like to see Hanji make me do such thing.

"Yeah, like hell I will," I spit. "You want me to teach these assholes and my answer is no. I won't waste my time on them."

I give everyone a deadly, dark glare. They stiffen under my glare but no one seemed to cower before me. Despite the nervousness kicking up inside me I was filled with anger.

I despised the way they stare at me and I hated the way they made me feel vulnerable that night. They don't deserve to get a class from me.

"Emma, this is an exercise," Hanji says pointedly. "Erwin said—"

"So what?" I whirl back to her and grit my teeth. "I rather teach cats how to bark then deal with this."

I had so much more to say. I wanted to scream at them maybe even strangle them till they gained some sense. Everything felt hot inside me, my fists even shook with fury.

Hanji took notice and presses her lips together. She didn't have to speak for me to know she was becoming irritated. I was fine with that, as long my words went through her.

"Emma."

A firm hand grips my right shoulder. It brought me out of the dark depths of anger that swelled through me. I glance down at the ivory hand, his calm demeanor suddenly flowing into me.

"Calm down," Levi instructs in a low, stern tone. He stood behind me, his silver eyes firmly on me. They don't waver but only hardened in warning. "It's not worth your energy."

I hold his gaze, every ounce of me screaming the opposite. It was worth it to me, I didn't want to seem weak in front of everyone. But, somehow I found his words to be comforting.

I even thought they were reasonable. It conquered over my anger causing me to take in a deep breath in defeat. Levi nods in approval and drops his hand.

I bite my lip in frustration but don't utter a word. It's like I lost my will to before him. He looks away and side-steps past me, he now faced Hanji.

"Alright, Four-Eyes, we'll teach these pathetic losers," he spats. "Just hand-to-hand combat?"

When I stare at the two I saw nothing but displeasure and strain in Hanji's eyes. I wasn't sure why she stared at him like that, not once have I seen her look at him in such a way. Even when I look at Levi I could tell he was angry. I wasn't sure if that was directed towards her or our exercise.

"Exactly," Hanji replies just as curtly. "Let's try again on communication, shall we?"

With that she gives us both a firm nod before stalking towards a wall and leans against it. No doubt she'll watch us till the end. I release a heavy sigh, damn this exercise.

I look at Levi who also had the same annoyed expression. Looking back at the group I take notice to a few familiar faces but don't dawdle on them.

"Alri—" "You heard—"

I had stopped instantly, and swerve to my right. I stare at Levi in bewilderment. Did he just talk over me? He seems to be thinking the same thing and glares in accusations.

"Don't you think I should speak first?" I hiss.

"Do you know what we're doing?" He challenges.

"Do you?" I snap.

He shakes his head before sarcastically gesturing hand towards the group. "Alright, be my guest."

I click my tongue and turn back. Self-righteous, idiot. All eyes were on me, they stare in question. Puffing out my chest and chin high I start to wonder, what type of hand-to-hand combat were we really doing? I even felt Levi's eyes on me, I bet he was enjoying my hesitation.

"Alright, everyone, we'll be learning very simple take-down techniques," I suddenly shout. I was confused about my words, as they only spluttered out of me without warning. However, I move on as if I truly planned this. "You'll be in partners and try to tackle them to the ground by using this simple technique."

I gaze among the crowd in hopes in finding someone to practice on. My eyes find a certain brunette and I felt an exhilarating urge for revenge.

"Nat, why don't you come up here?" I suggest coyly. "Help me show everyone what I mean."

Instantaneously, everyone turns to the young woman in the fourth row and third in line. She blinks rapidly as though she couldn't believe what I said. I watch her with menacing eyes but with a strained smile.

"C'mon," I urge. "You know, I don't bite."

Her body stiffens as if there was double meaning to what I said. I was starting to enjoy this. Slowly, she makes her way towards me, her steps were hesitate and dragged across the stone ground.

When she stands in front of me, her eyes never met mine. I found that quite irritating considering the way she talked about me the other night.

"Look at me," I snap. "Don't take your eyes off your opponent, that's basic information."

"Y-yes, ma'am." Nat grazes her eyes down at me. It was funny, I was shorter than her by an inch and there was fear in her eyes.

I smirk devilishly. "Throw a punch at me."

"What?"

"I said, through a punch at me, Cadet." I repeated sternly. "Or are you incapable of following a simple order?"

She grits her teeth, her eyes narrowing slightly. However, my eyes gleamed in satisfaction. Anxiety didn't seem like a problem anymore.

My body way getting pumped by a strong adrenaline. Nat takes a step back and gets in her fighting stance. With a nod of approval, she pushes her right fist out for a jab.

As fast as it seems, I had watched her punch in a slow motion. I weave to left and rush towards her body. With my arms out before me, I hook them around her right shoulder and neck and, tackle her to the ground. She falls with a grunt and began to struggle under my hold.

"What is that?" I ask while keeping my weight on her. "Is this how you get out of someone's hold? Pitiful." I squeeze her a bit and a startled yelp escapes her. "Act like your life's on the line, like a cold murderer is about to kill you."

I made sure this words sent a chill down her spine. I wanted to remind her of her actions against me. I was stupid for acting so weak before them, and I was their Squad Leader.

But not this time. This time I'll teach them a thing or two. Nat's heavy breathes became ragged and uneven.

She had patted my arm so many times but I didn't let go. We struggle together, her trying to push me off while I pushed all my weight upon her. I take a glance at her face, her cheeks became purple.

"I thought you can fight me off," I muse darkly. "Wouldn't you fight for your life against a murderer? Or was that all talk that night?"

Nat gasps loudly with her eyes bulging out of their sockets. Fear coated them as well as desperation.

"I--I'm sorry!" She wheezes. "Please, l-let go now!" Her hits started to become slow and weak. I sigh in disappointment, that didn't even last two minutes.

Abruptly, I let go and Nat's wheezes back to life. Her coughs were ugly and loud, I make a face as she turns over and coughs till saliva coated her chin. When I stand everyone's stare was either shocked or horrified.

I stare at all them, wondering if I made a point or made things worse? I decided with the latter, they all hardened their faces and straightened their spines.

"Pick a partner," I instruct. "And practice this till one of you turns purple."

A firm yes ma'am bellows out of all them. They begin to scramble about. I realized Nat had also taken a stand but swayed side-to-side.

"Oi." I called out to her before she could scamper off like a puppy. Hesitantly, with eyes full of fear, she glances over her shoulder.

"Lieutenant. . ."

"Don't disrespect me," I warn. "Out of all of you that is something I don't deserve, got it?"

She lingers for a moment, her eyes casting onto Levi beside me. She flinches abruptly before squeaking out a yes ma'am, before running off. I watch them all for a while.

My body slowly relaxes and my adrenaline finally leaving me. I hope his was enough to steer everyone back on course. However, I glance at Levi, he seemed engrossed in everyone's training as well.

His arms were crossed and his face expressionless as ever. I couldn't find anything menacing at the moment.

"Why did Nat jump when she looked at you?" I ask suddenly.

"Dunno," he replies dully. "Maybe she thought I was about to call her a piece-of-shit."

I chuckle lightly, "Or maybe it's the way you were glaring at her."

And there it was. The faintest smirk appeared over Levi's lips. Amusement coated his silver eyes, his lips spread into a small smirk.

My eyes widen at the sight, my god. It would be a lie if I didn't say how star-struck I was. I mean, I've seen him smirk once or twice in the past but, this time I was acting as though it was my first. I pondered for a bit, he really looks attractive while doing that.

"Lieutenant Wolfram!"

At the sound of my name I blink out of my daze. I realized what sort of thoughts filled my head and quickly felt embarrassed. I look away from Levi, my lips firmly pressed together.

Edward was trotting towards me, his hand out in a wave and his lips spread into a wide grin. I felt my lips spreading into a smile. I take a step to him.

"What is it?"

He stops before me, his eyes dancing with excitement. I wasn't sure why he seemed so happy. Edward shuffled his feet while rubbing the back of neck sheepishly.

"Well, I was wondering since we're pairing up would you like to be my partner?" He stares at me hopefully, he cheeks tinted pink.

My lips spread into a wider smile. I was intrigued by the idea, I wonder how strong he is to take me on. I open my mouth for a response but no words escaped my lips. At least, not mine.

"She won't be your partner," someone states in a deep voice. A short man comes into view and steps in front of me. Levi was glaring down Edward with his hand out in denial. "Go find someone else, Cadet."

His words were snippy and threatening. His eyes were cold and territorial. It brought Edward into a startle.

The ounce of excitement I gained had now disappeared. All that was left was irritation and frustration. I stare at Levi in questioning. Edward's smile falters as he releases an awkward chuckle.

"O-oh, okay. Sorry to be a bother, Captain."

"Wait, Edward—" He ran off before I could finish. I watch blend in with the crowd and not once looking back at me.
I was left speechless, I didn't have a chance to speak.

"Tch, he got some nerve."

I stare at Levi. He was still glaring in the direction Edward had fled. He had broaden his shoulders as though he gained victory.

I began to fume in outrage. My eyes narrow into daggers as I place my fists on my hips.

"What was all that about?" He serves to me with a definite frown tugging his lips as he gives a little huff. He doesn't bother replying. "You didn't have to snap at him like that. What did he do?"

"Nothing, really," Levi shrugs nonchalantly. "He is annoying though. I was doing you a favor."

"What favor?" I demand with an exasperated tone. "He was asking if I can be his partner."

"And I said no."

"But I didn't want to say no! You were butting in like he was talking to you!"

"Emma, you're being overdramatic," Levi scolds. "Did you really want to be his partner?"

His question came off as mocking and sarcastic. I wasn't sure what he was trying to imply but it was pissing me off.

"Yes, Levi," I seethe. "But seeing as you oppressed my right to speak now he's off with someone else."

Levi rolls his eyes with a loud, Tch. Clearly, he wasn't pleased with my answer. The urge to shake him violently boils in my veins. He shakes his head in disapproval before taking a step back.

"Who cares who's he's with?" He bites. "You're my partner."

My eyes widen in bewilderment. My mind going blank at his words. That was an answer I was not expecting.

"Eh?"

"Are you dumb?" Levi scowls impatiently. "You're mine, not his. I'm the only one who's a challenge for you."

I gape like fish at this half-pint. His damn words brought a shiver down my spine and I savored it tremendously. I liked the way he said it and the way he glared at me.

It made my stomach feel queasy and my heart rap continuously against my chest. Like a gust of wind, my frustration to spend time with Edward leaves me. Now, all I wanted was to spar with Levi.

I shake my head as I get into a fighting stance. He does the same. I give him a devilish smirk.

"Let's see about that, Captain. I need to get my revenge for you kneeing me in the stomach a couple months back anyway."

/\/\/\/\

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