Retrieving Footsteps [Levi x Reader]

Beneath the Surface

We stepped outside, and the cool night air hit my face, refreshing and invigorating. It felt like a reminder that life existed outside the confines of the lab, and I needed to embrace that, too.

"What do you want to do?" Levi asked as we strolled away from the building.

I thought for a moment, a smile breaking through the weight of my earlier stress. "How about we grab something to eat? I could use a break, and I'd love to hear about your training—if you promise not to be too hard on me."

Levi chuckled, a sound I had come to appreciate. "I promise nothing, but food sounds good."

As we walked together, I felt a sense of hope begin to blossom. The challenges ahead were still there, but with friends like Levi and the support of my teammates, I knew I could face them. I was part of something bigger than myself, and that made all the difference.

The stars began to twinkle overhead, and as we made our way through the night, I felt lighter, ready to tackle whatever came next.

Levi and I strolled through the quiet streets, the night wrapping around us like a blanket. The air was brisk, and the world seemed softer and more forgiving under the stars. Despite everything, being out here with him made the weight on my shoulders feel a little lighter.

After a few minutes of silence, Levi spoke, his voice calm but firm. "You're not hiding anything else, are you?" His gaze was sharp, his question cutting through the night as easily as his blade cut through titans. Levi didn't miss much, and I knew he could see through any half-hearted attempt at reassurance.

I bit my lip, not quite ready to tell him about the threatening emails and Kenny's pressures. "I'm handling it," I said, trying to keep my tone steady. "Sometimes it's just...a lot."

He sighed, clearly unimpressed with my vague answer. "(Y/N), handling it doesn't mean doing everything alone. You've got a whole team, and whether you want to admit it or not, you've got me too."

His words hit me harder than I'd expected, and I could feel the tension I'd been carrying begin to melt away. Levi, in his own way, was showing that he cared, and I couldn't help but feel grateful.

We found a small, late-night spot where the faint smell of food drifted out, and Levi nodded in its direction. "Here's good enough," he said, gesturing for me to go in.

As we settled at a table, the warmth of the place contrasted with Levi's usual gruff demeanor. I could almost see him relax a little, his shoulders not quite as tense. He seemed to take in my silence, as though he knew I needed the space to unwind before he pushed any more answers out of me.

After our food arrived, Levi watched me take a few bites before he finally started talking again. "I know the higher-ups have been breathing down your neck, and I know Kenny isn't exactly gentle." He glanced at me, almost daring me to contradict him. "But you can't let them tear you down. You're part of this team because you're damn good at what you do."

I looked down, his words warming something in me I hadn't realized had gone cold. "Thanks, Levi," I murmured. "I... I just don't want to let anyone down, especially with everything going on. The project means a lot to me, and so does the team."

Levi leaned back, crossing his arms. "You think Mikasa, Armin, or Eren would let you handle this all alone? They'd fight a hundred titans to keep you safe, and you know it."

I laughed softly, the image of my friends so fierce and loyal, standing by my side. "Yeah... I guess I'm not used to asking for help. Not when it feels like I should be able to handle it."

"Well, that's your first mistake," Levi said dryly, taking a sip from his cup. "Thinking you're invincible just because you don't want anyone to worry."