Retrieving Footsteps [Levi x Reader]

Foundations of Innovation

A few days had passed since the initial meeting about the Crystal Project, and I had immersed myself in research and preparation. My days were filled with gathering information on the necessary materials, analyzing their properties, and drafting a comprehensive proposal to present to Levi for revision.

Sitting at my desk, I scanned the stacks of papers scattered around me, filled with diagrams, notes, and references I had gathered. The walls of my temporary workspace were adorned with reminders of my goals, each note a testament to my commitment to the project.

"Hey, (Y/n), you in there?" Eren's voice broke through my concentration as he knocked lightly on my office door.

"Yeah, come in!" I called out, looking up to see him enter with a bright smile.

"Just wanted to check in. You've been holed up here for days. How's the research going?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe.

"It's going well," I replied, a hint of excitement creeping into my voice. "I've gathered most of the materials we'll need for the initial testing phase. I'm just finishing up the proposal to submit to Levi for his feedback."

Eren grinned. "That's awesome! I can't wait to see what you've come up with. Everyone's really excited about the project."

"Thanks! I hope it meets their expectations," I said, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation. "I want to make sure everything is thoroughly planned out before we move forward."

"Trust me, you've got this," he encouraged, his confidence in me reassuring. "Just don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. We're all in this together."

I nodded, appreciating his support. "I know, and I'll definitely take you up on that if I hit a wall. I just want to make sure I present a solid plan to Levi."

"Speaking of which, he's been asking about you. I think he's impressed with how quickly you're getting up to speed," Eren added, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Just remember, he can be a bit grumpy about changes."

"Yeah, I've heard. But I'm determined to prove myself," I said, feeling my resolve strengthen. "I want him to see that I'm serious about this project."

"Good attitude," Eren said, giving me a thumbs up. "I'll leave you to it then. Don't forget to take breaks!" With that, he stepped out, leaving me to focus on my work.

After several hours of meticulous revisions, I finally felt satisfied with my proposal. I printed it out and smoothed the pages, my heart racing with anticipation. I made my way to Levi's office, the weight of my materials heavy in my hands.

As I knocked on his door, I took a deep breath. "Come in," Levi's voice called from the other side.

I opened the door to find him seated at his desk, poring over documents with that signature stoic expression. "You're here sooner than I expected," he noted, looking up as I entered.

"I wanted to present my proposal for the Crystal Project," I said, holding out the neatly organized papers. "I've gathered the necessary materials and outlined the initial steps for our testing phase."

Levi raised an eyebrow, taking the papers from my hands. "Let's see what you've got."

I watched as he flipped through the pages, his brow furrowing slightly as he read. After a few moments, he looked up, his expression unreadable. "This is well thought out, but there are areas that need more clarity. For instance, your testing conditions need to be more specific."

"Of course," I said, taking mental notes. "I can elaborate on that. I want to ensure we have a clear understanding of the parameters before we start."

"Good. I appreciate your initiative, but don't forget that this project involves a team," he replied, a hint of approval in his tone. "Collaboration is key, and you need to incorporate their insights into your plan."