Rough Edges (Levi Ackerman X Reader)

Chapter 5 - Combat Training

Your POV

Today was the day we get to see what these newbies really got. I yawned as I got out of bed, walking over to the dresser. My roommates, Nifa Wilson, Meena Steele, and Aris Jones were still sleeping, so I tried my best to stay quiet. After throwing on the usual uniform and harness, I made my way down to the cafeteria.

It was still early so only a few people were seated. I grabbed a tray of food and brewed some ginger tea. By the time it was done, more cadets started to trickle in. I sat at one of the back tables, far from others. Within a couple minutes Levi and his friends walk in, I looked down, trying to avoid eye contact. But to no avail Isabel comes bounding towards me, with the two guys following behind her.

"Hey sister, can we sit with you?" she asks innocently.

I almost choke on my tea at the word 'Sister.'

"Uhhh, I mean sure, there's plenty of room" I said, gesturing to the empty table. They all sat down, Isabel across from me with Farlan on her left, and Levi on my right.

"So, (Y/N), how come you don't sit with the other cadets?" Isabel asks with her mouth full of food.

"First of all, don't talk with food in your mouth, it's gross. Second of all, I just don't get along with them, they're not too keen on such a freshy like me already being buddy-buddy with the Commander and Captains." They all perked up at me mentioning the Commander.

"How close are you guys, like close-close?" She said winking at me. Farlan nudged her side as if to shut her up, and I felt Levi awkwardly shift in his spot.

"We're not sleeping together if that's what you're asking, we're just close friends." I don't get why they're so intrigued about the Commander, are they his personal fan club or something?

As if on cue, eyebrows walks in. "Cadets, you're needed at the training grounds in 15 minutes for hand-to-hand combat training. Johansen, Grayson, and Steele, you're setting up today." I stood up and saluted before grabbing my dishes. Turning to the trio I wave, "See you soon, oh and just because we're squad mates, doesn't mean I'll go easy on you." I winked at the end before walking away. They exchanged a few confused glances, Levi almost looked amused.

Grayson, Steele, and I finished setting up the punching bags and marking the grass with white paint. Three large circles, about 10 feet in diameter were laid out. The goal of this exercise was to knock your opponent out of the circle as fast as you could. I rolled up the sleeve of my jacket, revealing the compression sleeve on my forearm. The first time I started combat training, I had it wrapped in gauze, still playing the 'burnt' card. But when I had my opponent in a headlock, she reached at my arm and almost ripped it off, causing me to flip out. From then on, I wear this sleeve because it doesn't slide. When anyone asks, I just say its to because I have poor circulation.

We stood at attention as the rest of the cadets march in. Once everyone's in line, Mike steps forward. "Listen here maggots, if you wanna call yourself a soldier then prove it. Today were practicing on your reflexes and ability to control your opponent. You have five minutes to push your opponent out of the ring. I and Captain Hange will be judging you. lastly, if you lose, you have to run 10 laps." Everyone groaned at that last part, we all hate running. He paused for a second while surveying the crowd, "Johansen, Ackerman, you're up first to demonstrate."

He pulled me to the side before I could walk over and leaned down to whisper, "Kick his ass, he needs to learn some discipline." A devilish smile appeared on my face, Oh I will.

I walked up, slowly removing my jacket, and cracking my knuckles. I may look small, but underneath my clothes, I'm pretty built. Years of training has defined all of my muscles and left me with insane reflexes. I look over to Isabel and Farlan, their jaws dropped. Even the expressionless Levi opened his mouth for a second, before quickly shutting it.