Retrieving Footsteps [Levi x Reader]

Strength of Unity

The morning light filtered softly into the room, casting a warm glow across the cot where I still lay, sound asleep. By now, I'd been resting for almost a full day, and the unusual stillness didn't go unnoticed.

Hange was the first to check in, peeking around the doorway. Seeing me still curled up under the blanket, she frowned. "Still asleep?" she murmured, crossing her arms thoughtfully. "She's usually the first one in the lab, isn't she?"

Levi, standing nearby, looked up. He hadn't left my side all night, and the exhaustion was beginning to show in his eyes, but he shrugged it off. "She needed it. After everything Kenny and the higher-ups put her through, she'd barely been sleeping at all."

A small group began to gather outside, each of them exchanging worried glances. Mikasa and Armin arrived next, their concern obvious.

"Is (Y/N) all right?" Armin asked, glancing from Levi to Hange. "It's not like her to miss anything."

Levi glanced down at me, the faintest flicker of concern crossing his face. "She's been overworked and exhausted. Now she's finally getting some rest," he said, a subtle but firm edge to his tone that warned them not to push further. But he couldn't hide his own worry completely.

Even Sasha and Connie came by, curious about why I wasn't up and around. "I never thought I'd see her sleep through a whole morning," Sasha whispered, casting an uneasy look at the others. "She's always been the most determined."

Hange placed a reassuring hand on Sasha's shoulder. "Sometimes the most determined people need the longest rest."

Despite Levi's best efforts to keep everyone from worrying, the unusual situation weighed heavily on the group. As the day wore on and I continued to sleep, Levi kept his post nearby, his expression resolute. If anyone came close enough, he'd simply give them a look — a look that said he'd handle anything, anyone, to ensure that I could rest without interruption.

Kenny's footsteps echoed as he strolled into the room, his gaze immediately landing on me, still sound asleep, and then drifting to Levi, who stood watch close by. With a smirk tugging at his mouth, Kenny crossed his arms. "Didn't think I'd see the great Levi Ackerman playing nursemaid," he drawled, his voice dripping with mocking amusement.

Levi's expression hardened, and a dangerous glint flashed in his eyes. "She's resting," he said, his tone low and unyielding. "And you'd do well to let her."

Kenny let out a dismissive chuckle, leaning casually against the doorway. "Poor thing's burnt out? I thought she was the one so set on proving herself. And here she is, too worn out to even keep up."

Armin and Mikasa exchanged a worried glance, but it was Mikasa who stepped forward, her gaze steely. "She's been working harder than anyone," she said coolly, a clear challenge in her voice. "And it's because of you that she's like this."

Kenny raised an eyebrow, not bothering to hide his amusement. "Ah, so protective, are we? Didn't know I'd stumbled into a room full of babysitters."

Levi's grip on his blades tightened, his expression colder than ice. "If you have anything useful to say, get it over with. Otherwise, leave."

Kenny gave a theatrical sigh, his smirk never faltering. "Fine. But you'd better keep her in line, Levi. If she's going to work under the Ackerman name, she's got to keep up." His gaze slid back to me, then back to Levi with a dark edge. "And remember, loyalty's not exactly a family trait."

At that, Hange stepped forward, an unusual fierceness in her eyes. "She's shown more loyalty to this project than any of us. And if you've got a problem with her, you've got a problem with all of us."

Kenny's smirk wavered, but only for a moment. With a final, sharp glance, he turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing as the tension in the room lingered.

As he disappeared down the hallway, Levi exhaled, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. He turned his gaze back to me, watching as I slept on, undisturbed by the confrontation. The others exchanged glances, feeling a mix of worry and relief.

"She'll be okay," Hange said quietly, putting a hand on Levi's shoulder, her tone unusually serious. "She's strong, but she needs to know we're here, too."

Levi nodded slowly, still watching me with a rare softness in his eyes. "I know. And I'll make sure she does."

As the hours slipped by, I finally began to stir, the exhaustion slowly giving way to a groggy awareness. Opening my eyes, I found myself in a quiet room with a dim light overhead. It took a moment for the memories to come rushing back—the constant pressure, Kenny's threats, and finally, the exhaustion that had overwhelmed me.

I shifted, only to see Levi sitting nearby, his gaze fixed on me. His expression softened ever so slightly when he saw me wake up. "Finally decided to rejoin us?" he asked, his voice carrying that familiar dry tone, though I could sense the underlying concern.

I managed a small, tired smile. "Guess I overdid it."

"That's putting it lightly," he muttered, standing up and crossing his arms. "You nearly worked yourself to the ground. How long were you planning on pushing yourself like that?"

I looked away, trying to find an answer, but Levi's expression turned sterner.

"Look, we're at war, and every one of us is pushing our limits. But that doesn't mean you're supposed to take everything on alone." His voice was firm, almost unyielding, but there was an undertone of frustration mixed with care.

"Levi's right." Armin stepped forward, his gentle eyes filled with concern. "We're all here to help with this project. It's too much for one person, especially with Kenny breathing down your neck."

I felt a wave of gratitude, even as guilt gnawed at me. "I didn't want anyone else to worry or get pulled down by... all of this. You're all working so hard already."

"Right, because hiding things has worked out so well," Levi said dryly, his gaze never leaving mine. "Next time you need to rest, do it before you pass out in front of everyone. Got it?"

I nodded, knowing there was no point in arguing. The others gathered around, each offering their support in their own way, and I felt my resolve strengthen, their presence reminding me that I wasn't facing this alone.

Just then, the door creaked open again, and Hange walked in, wearing a knowing smile. "I see everyone's gathered. Perfect! I have a new analysis on the crystal weapon's progress."

Levi shot her a look. "This isn't exactly the time, Hange."

"Oh, come on, Levi," she said, waving him off. "Let's focus on what we're all fighting for here." Her gaze flicked over to me, her expression softening. "And that includes you. We'll make this project work, but you have to trust us to help. Got it?"

For the first time in what felt like weeks, I allowed myself to really smile, feeling lighter with every word of reassurance. "Got it. And... thank you. All of you."

Mikasa crossed her arms, offering a rare, gentle smile. "We're family here. We're not letting anyone fall behind."

Levi gave a small nod, his eyes serious but with a glimmer of pride. "And that's an order."