Retrieving Footsteps [Levi x Reader]

The Hidden Strain

It had been a week since Kenny arrived at the company, and he had quickly established himself as a demanding yet effective mentor. He provided clear feedback on what needed improvement and what the team should focus on. I watched as my friends thrived in their roles on the crystal project, tackling the side assignments that Levi had handed out. Honestly, I felt a surge of happiness about the team I was working with and my place in this company.

As we fought against the Titans, who were ruthless in their disregard for human life, I knew the stakes were high. They inflicted pain and misery without hesitation, and that only fueled my determination to make the crystal usable in combat. I was genuinely grateful for everyone who was chipping in, their collective effort a testament to our commitment to this cause.

However, lately, I had been feeling an immense amount of pressure from the higher-ups. I was receiving relentless text messages from the Yeager company, harassing me about deadlines and expectations (and no one knew about this). Then there were Kenny's constant threats and demands for perfection, along with my need to prove to Levi that I was capable.

This mounting pressure was taking a toll on me, both mentally and physically. I was more exhausted than ever, plagued by migraines and countless sleepless nights as I scrambled to meet project deadlines. I kept all of this to myself, not wanting to burden anyone with my struggles. I wanted to show them that I could handle the challenges and that my motivation would inspire those around me to keep pushing forward, despite the ups and downs we faced with the project.

While I was lost in thought, trying to take a mini mental break, a loud cough broke through my reverie. I turned to see Kenny standing there, arms crossed and eyebrow raised. "I see you're slacking off, (Y/N)," he said, a teasing edge in his voice.

I forced a smile, knowing that there was no true escaping his scrutiny or that of the higher-ups. "Just taking a moment to gather my thoughts," I replied, trying to keep my tone light.

Kenny's expression shifted slightly, the teasing fading as he studied me. "Gathering thoughts doesn't excuse you from working. This project requires your full attention. You know that," he said, a hint of seriousness creeping into his voice.

"I know," I said, my smile faltering slightly. "I'm just—"

"Just what?" he pressed, not unkindly but with an undeniable intensity. "Burnout is a real thing, and I won't let you slip through the cracks just because you're trying to prove something to Levi or anyone else. You're a vital part of this team, and I expect you to take care of yourself."

Kenny's unexpected concern caught me off guard. "I appreciate that, really," I replied, feeling a swell of gratitude. "But I can manage. I just need to push through a little longer."

He shook his head, clearly unconvinced. "Don't make me come back here to check on you, (Y/N). I have enough on my plate without worrying about you collapsing on the job." His tone was stern, but I could see the care behind it.

"Okay, okay," I said, finally conceding. "I'll take a break."

"Good," he replied, allowing a small smirk to return. "Now get back to work before I change my mind." With that, he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving me with a mix of relief and resolve.

Taking a deep breath, I refocused on my sketches, determination washing over me. However, that was the thing with Kenny: he would tell me not to burn out, but as soon as I took a break, he'd be barking at me to get back to work. I could never seem to please the guy. I didn't blame him, though; I couldn't imagine the pressure he faced. That's why I kept my complaints to myself and just followed orders.

While I continued working, I heard a ping on my phone. I glanced down to see a notification from the higher-ups again. My stomach sank as I opened the message, reading their nagging demands for updates. There was little to report other than ongoing tweaks and improvements, but their tone was relentless.