Retrieving Footsteps [Levi x Reader]

Voiced Feelings

Days turned into weeks, and the atmosphere in the lab shifted. The weight of stress and anxiety slowly lifted as I found myself more frequently in Levi's company. The more time we spent together, the clearer it became that our relationship was evolving into something more profound than mere mentorship or friendship.

One afternoon, as we worked late on finalizing adjustments to the crystal weapon, I caught Levi glancing at me from the corner of his eye. There was something different in his gaze, a softness that hadn't been there before.

"What?" I asked, looking up from my calculations.

He hesitated, then shook his head as if shaking off a thought. "Nothing. Just... you're improving."

"Thanks," I replied, a smile creeping onto my face. "I've had a good teacher."

"Don't get cocky," he replied, his voice low but teasing. "Just focus on the work."

We returned to our tasks, but the air felt charged between us. Every shared glance and brief touch sparked something deeper within me, something I could no longer ignore.

That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, I couldn't hold back any longer. I turned to Levi, my heart racing. "Can I ask you something?"

He looked up, his brow furrowed in curiosity. "What is it?"

"Do you ever... think about what comes next after all this?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

He tilted his head slightly, considering my question. "You mean the project? Or something else?"

"Something else," I clarified, my heart pounding. "Like... life after the war, or even... relationships."

A flicker of something crossed his expression—surprise? Interest? I couldn't tell. "I suppose I've thought about it," he said slowly, his gaze steady. "Why do you ask?"

"I just..." I took a breath, searching for the right words. "I know we're focused on the present, but I can't help but think about the future. I've been through a lot, and I want to know... what you think about everything that's happening between us."

He paused, his expression unreadable. "(Y/N), I—"

Before he could finish, the door swung open, and Hange burst in, her usual energy lighting up the room. "Hey! Sorry to interrupt, but we need to discuss the results from the latest test! You guys ready?"

I felt a surge of frustration at the interruption, but I quickly composed myself. Levi shot me an apologetic look, but I could see the hint of amusement in his eyes at Hange's timing.

"Yeah, let's get to it," he said, his tone shifting back to business.

As Hange laid out the findings, I found it hard to concentrate. My mind drifted back to the moment before the interruption—the tension, the possibilities. I wanted to revisit that conversation with Levi, but it seemed like the universe had other plans.

After Hange wrapped up, everyone began to leave the lab, excited chatter filling the air. I lingered behind, hoping for a moment alone with Levi to continue our earlier discussion.

When the last of the team filtered out, I turned to him, my heart racing again. "Levi, can we talk?"

He nodded, his expression serious. "Of course."

I led him to a quieter part of the building, my nerves bubbling to the surface. "Earlier, I wanted to say that I really value our time together. You mean a lot to me, more than just a mentor or a friend."

He studied me, his gaze unwavering. "(Y/N), I—"

"I know we're in the middle of a war, and things are complicated," I interrupted, "but I can't help how I feel. I've developed feelings for you, and I just needed to say it."

Silence stretched between us, and my heart raced as I braced myself for his response. Would he push me away? Would he laugh? I couldn't tell what was coming next.

Finally, Levi stepped closer, his expression softening. "You're not the only one who's felt this way."

My heart soared, a mix of relief and joy flooding through me. "You mean...?"

He nodded, his gaze steady. "I've been trying to keep my focus on the project, but it's hard when you're around. You've become important to me, (Y/N)."

"Really?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

"Yes, really," he replied, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "But we need to be careful. We're in a volatile situation."

"I understand," I said quickly, wanting to assure him. "I don't want to put anyone at risk. I just wanted you to know."

Levi reached out, his fingers brushing against mine in a way that sent warmth coursing through me. "Just... promise me you'll take care of yourself. I don't want to lose you to this madness."

"I promise," I said earnestly, my heart swelling at his words. "I'll always fight for what we're building together."

He nodded, and for a moment, the chaos of our lives outside faded away. In that small bubble of understanding, we stood closer than ever, the connection between us solidifying into something beautiful amid the uncertainty.

As we stepped back into the world outside, I felt a renewed sense of hope. Whatever lay ahead, I knew we would face it together—side by side, ready to fight for our future.