Retrieving Footsteps [Levi x Reader]

A Break

The next day dawned bright and clear, and the members of the Survey Corps began to filter into the main building, ready to dive into another day of training and preparation. As they entered, the atmosphere buzzed with energy, but a sudden scene caught their attention, causing everyone to pause in their tracks.

(Y/N) was darting around the workshop, a whirlwind of movement as she meticulously added the final touches to the newly crafted weapon. Her hair was pulled back in a messy bun, strands flying wildly as she adjusted gears and tightened bolts, her focus unwavering. Eren and Armin were hot on her heels, each trying to keep up as they handed her tools and offered suggestions, panting slightly from their exertion.

"(Y/N), you need to slow down a bit!" Eren shouted, his eyes wide as he dodged a stray wrench that nearly missed him. "You're going to wear us out before we even get started!"

"I can't! We're on a time crunch, and the others will be here soon!" (Y/N) replied, her voice a mix of excitement and urgency. She barely paused, grabbing a few more materials from a nearby table.

Armin, trying to catch his breath, chimed in. "Just take a moment to breathe! We don't want you making any mistakes!"

The sight was too much for the rest of the group. Sasha, Jean, Mikasa, Hange, and Levi all stood in the doorway, eyes wide and expressions frozen in a collective sweatdrop.

"Is this a normal morning for them now?" Jean asked, crossing his arms with a bemused expression.

"I think it is now," Mikasa replied, stifling a small laugh at the chaos unfolding in front of them.

"Should we help or just watch?" Sasha asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Let them sort it out for a minute," Hange said, pulling out their notebook. "I want to observe the dynamics here. This is fascinating!"

Levi remained quiet, his gaze fixed on (Y/N) as she worked tirelessly, with Eren and Armin racing around her. There was something endearing about the way she pushed herself, and despite his usual demeanor, he felt a flicker of pride.

"(Y/N), just don't forget to test it after you finish!" Eren called out, narrowly avoiding a pile of tools that (Y/N) had knocked over in her haste.

"I won't forget!" she shouted back, determination lighting up her features. "We need to make sure it's perfect!"

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of organized chaos, (Y/N) took a deep breath and stepped back from the table, surveying her work. "Alright! I think I'm done!" She grinned, wiping her brow and glancing back at Eren and Armin, who looked thoroughly exhausted but excited.

The rest of the group stepped forward, curiosity piqued. "Can we see it?" Sasha asked, bouncing on her toes.

With a flourish, (Y/N) revealed the weapon—a sleek, shimmering blade that sparkled with embedded crystal enhancements. "This is it! I'm calling it the Crystal Edge!"

Everyone gasped in awe, their fatigue momentarily forgotten.

"Wow, it looks incredible!" Hange exclaimed, rushing forward to examine the weapon closely. "The craftsmanship is outstanding!"

"I can't wait to test it out!" Eren said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Mikasa nodded in agreement, stepping forward to take a closer look. "It feels balanced. You did a great job, (Y/N)."

Levi, watching from the back, couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for her hard work. "Let's see if it holds up in combat. No point in getting too excited yet," he said, though the slight smirk on his face contradicted his words.