Elsie was gardening when she heard the gate open on Saturday morning.

She turned to gaze at Levi as he locked the gate. He had left his Scout cloak and was wearing a white shirt and loose pants, something that would be great to wear when working out. Elsie pouted, she sort of had hoped he wasn't serious and was only pulling her leg.

"You're actually awake. Good." Levi said, casting a shadow over her tulips.

She dusted her hands off and gathered her tools, giving him a glare, "Let's get this over with. I'm sure you're excited to beat me up."

Levi shrugged and tucked his hands in his pockets, waiting for her to put her tools away and meeting him on the lawn. She dressed casual and shifted foot to foot with nerves. He was intimidating already, she couldn't imagine him as a teacher. Not to mention the lack of patience.

"Anything to get a moment's silence when I'm around you," He said, getting into a stance that she tried to copy. "Spread your feet. Your goal is to be able to maintain balance."

She listened attentively and fixed anything that was wrong. Levi spent hours badgering her with hits and teaching her how to put her weight behind her punches. He got annoyed whenever she didn't try, snapped at her to get her shit together, and even had to take a breath and step away from her when her leg had barely raised when giving a high kick. While he stood to the side, rubbing at his forehead and muttering his frustration, Elsie played with her hands and gazed at the people walking past. They whispered and awed at her gates, giving her house a dark look. No one understood why the gates were erected overnight and who the owner was. A rumor floated about a prestigious nobleman who was worried about the poor stealing from him.

"Let's take a break," She suggested when Levi hadn't faced her in five minutes. "You can make tea."

He grumbled under his breath and marched into her kitchen, not waiting for her. He drank his tea darkly, glowering at her the entire time as no words were passed. She huffed and wanted to scream that she was trying her best. Her body wasn't made for this like his was. Which, it literally was made for this shit. She wanted to tell him as much but knew that would open a whole can of worms that she didn't want to bring out. She'll let Kenny Ackermann be the bearer of news.

"I'm trying!" She finally bursted, slamming her cup down on the counter. "You can't get angry at me!"

"You're annoying and frustrating me. I should've let Hange take you on. She deals better with idiots."

"Idiots? Excuse you, I definitely know more shit than you! I'm just not as fit as you." Elsie even stomped her foot, trying to get her point across.

"Oh, shut up. Let's go again so I can beat that attitude out of you." He put his cup in the sink and once again went into the yard. Huffing, Elsie followed, already tired and ready to give up.

Elsie spun on her heel, lifting her left leg to aim at Levi's head. With a look of boredom he ducked and grabbed the back of her leg, easily capturing her. He held her leg as she hopped on the other, trying to keep her balance.

"Lame."

"Shut up! I hate you!" She screeched, slapping at his hands so she could stand right.

"You're not the first to say that."

She fumed and got back into position, knowing that Levi wasn't ready to give up. The sun was beginning to set but they still had daylight, and if he wanted her to join the Survey Corps then the sun going down would be no reason to stop. She was sweating, though, and felt every muscle burn in her body. Levi was unaffected, although he was having a shorter temper with every failed attack.

"You're so . . . UGH! I can't even with you right now!" She flapped her hands and ranted, screaming obscenities and insults. "This fucking midget!"

"Maybe try to hit this fucking midget then he can leave."

She screeched as his mellow tone and without warning did another kick. Levi, having been so amused with teasing Elsie, hadn't expected it and she actually made contact. Until he grabbed her leg and slammed her to the floor, landing on top of her. She groaned and shoved him off, scowling when he stood right.

"At least you can aim for a target." He scoffed.

Elsie allowed herself to lay on the grass and take deep breaths. Maybe she should have requested Hange. Levi kicked at her so she finally stood up and stuck her tongue out. She could see the remark dancing on his lips so before he could talk she marched towards her door.

"I'm done for the day!" She barked.

Levi shrugged and followed her inside, thankfully keeping his mouth shut. She kept her gaze down and headed to her loft, wanting to be alone for a second. All day Levi had been demanding her to do things that she'd never pushed her body to do. Did he think she would get it one day? Did he think that because she knew the future that she would have magical powers? Well, she fucking didn't and it was frustrating. Why put her in a world without any helpful abilities?

Levi found her a while later and took a seat in his chair. He watched her as she doodled on a stray paper, her head down and wanting to go to bed. For once, she did want to be alone.

"You didn't suck ass, at least."

Elsie spun to glare heatedly at him, "Thanks, captain."

"Before I leave, I have questions about the attack. You said it was the Colossal Titan and he kicks a hole in the wall just as last time. Is there anything else we should know?"

Elsie stared blankly at him. There was a lot he needed to know. That it was a majority of the graduation class and hiding beneath their noses. If she told him it was Annie, Bertholdt and Riener, would it all end now? She could save so many lives.

She opened her mouth to do just so before shrieking in pain. Her entire throat burned. It felt like tiny hands were clawing on the inside, punishing her for speaking. She fell onto the table and slammed her fists on it, eyes shut and wishing it to be over. She couldn't handle it, she opened her mouth to breathe but it was impossible.

Elsie felt Levi grabbing her shoulders and pushing her back. He poured his tea down her throat but she coughed it up, the liquid feeling like molten on her muscles. His touch made welts erupt on her arms and she viciously kicked him away, relieved that the further he got the less pain she felt. Once again she fell over, this time allowing herself to press her face into the carpet and heave for air. Slowly but surely the hands in her throat disappeared and the heat that had overtaken her body left sweat and muscle spasms. She was suddenly cold and shook, pulling her body into herself so she could cuddle her aching limbs.

The only sound in the house was Elsie's horrified panting.