Retrieving Footsteps [Levi x Reader]

A Day in the Sun

The sun streamed through the large windows of the Ackerman Company, casting warm beams across my desk. After weeks of intense focus on the Crystal Project, today felt different. It was a casual Friday, and the atmosphere in the office was lighter than usual. I sensed a collective anticipation among my teammates for a brief reprieve from the intensity of our work.

As I settled into my chair, I heard laughter echoing from the break room. Curiosity piqued, I stood and headed towards the sounds, eager to see what everyone was up to. Upon entering, I found a small gathering around a table, where Eren was enthusiastically explaining something animatedly, his hands gesturing wildly.

"What's going on in here?" I asked, a smile spreading across my face.

"Just a little game we thought we'd play!" Eren replied, grinning. "It's called 'Two Truths and a Lie.' You want to join?"

I laughed, feeling a surge of warmth from the camaraderie in the room. "Sure! I'm in."

Eren clapped his hands together, and Hange leaned forward, excitement evident in her expression. "Perfect! I'll go first. Okay, here are my statements: I once tried to train a pigeon to deliver messages, I've never broken a bone, and I once stayed awake for three days straight to study the behavior of nocturnal animals."

"Hmm..." I pondered, studying Hange's animated expression. "I'm going to guess the lie is that you've never broken a bone. You seem like someone who might have had a few wild adventures."

Hange laughed, her eyes sparkling. "You're right! I broke my arm trying to climb a tree to get a better look at a beehive!"

As the game continued, I learned surprising facts about my colleagues. Jean had a secret passion for baking, Reiner had once participated in an underground wrestling match, and Annie surprisingly loved knitting. Each revelation helped me feel more connected to the group, and I enjoyed every moment.

When it was my turn, I took a deep breath. "Alright, here goes. I've traveled to four countries, I've never eaten sushi, and I once met a famous scientist at a conference."

"Hmm..." Eren said, squinting as if he were deciphering a complicated puzzle. "I'm going to say the lie is that you've never eaten sushi. That seems too crazy!"

I laughed, shaking my head. "Nope! I've never eaten sushi. The lie is that I've traveled to four countries. I've only been to two."

"What? Really? You need to travel more!" Eren exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious.

As we played, I felt a sense of ease wash over me, the earlier tension of deadlines and expectations fading away. Moments like this reminded me of why I had wanted to join the Ackerman Company in the first place—this sense of community and collaboration was everything I had hoped for.

The game continued for a while longer until Levi stepped into the break room, his usual stoic expression making the atmosphere shift slightly. "What's going on here?" he asked, a hint of curiosity breaking through his typically serious demeanor.

"Just a casual game, Levi!" Hange exclaimed, a wide grin on her face. "Want to join?"

Levi raised an eyebrow. "I don't have time for games," he replied, though his tone lacked the usual edge. "But I hope you're all still making progress on the Crystal Project."

"Of course, we are!" I assured him, standing taller. "We've made significant strides. In fact, I was just discussing some new ideas with the team."

"Good," Levi said, his expression softening slightly. "Keep it that way. And don't let distractions derail your work."

"Relax, Levi! It's just a little fun," Eren chimed in, giving him a playful nudge.

"Fun doesn't help you develop new materials, Eren," Levi shot back, but I could see the corner of his mouth twitch slightly. It was as close to a smile as he ever showed.