Retrieving Footsteps [Levi x Reader]

Any other day

The next day started like any other, with everyone getting straight to work on the crystal weapon project. The lab was buzzing with activity, and even though the tension of the past few weeks still lingered, there was a new determination among the team. The breakthroughs we'd made recently had everyone motivated.

As I stepped into the lab, Eren, already deep in conversation with Armin, gave me a nod. "Morning, (Y/N)," he greeted with a slight grin, his usual excitement barely restrained. "Ready to see what this thing can really do?"

"Absolutely," I replied with a smile, happy to see Eren's enthusiasm.

Levi entered behind me, eyes scanning the room. His usual stoic expression was firmly in place, but I could feel his gaze linger on me for a second longer, as if silently checking in. The brief, subtle acknowledgment gave me a sense of quiet reassurance. Since our recent conversation, it felt like a weight had lifted between us, and while he was still Levi—direct, demanding, and occasionally gruff—there was a warmth that hadn't been there before.

"All right, everyone," Levi said, his voice cutting through the chatter, "we've made some progress, but we're not finished. Keep your focus. Hange, how's the energy calibration looking?"

Hange perked up, adjusting her glasses with a glint of excitement. "Nearly there, Captain. Just a few more adjustments, and this baby will be ready to go!"

Levi gave a slight nod of approval, his eyes narrowing with that meticulous intensity he was known for. "Good. Let's make sure it's perfect before we run another test."

As everyone got to work, I found myself glancing at Levi, thinking about how far we'd come as a team. The support he'd given me recently, though subtle and often indirect, had grounded me more than he probably realized. But it wasn't just about him watching over me anymore; it felt like we were working in tandem, with an unspoken understanding.

Hours passed with everyone focused on fine-tuning the weapon's components. At one point, Sasha wandered over, nudging me with a grin. "Hey, (Y/N), think we can sneak a break? I could use a snack."

"Not if you don't want Captain Levi to break your neck," Jean muttered nearby, half-joking but very aware of Levi's stance on unnecessary breaks.

Levi overheard them and shot a sharp look in our direction. "If any of you have enough energy to chat, use it on the project. Let's see results, not conversation."

Everyone snapped back to attention, exchanging quick, amused glances before returning to work. Even if Levi's approach was strict, we all knew he had a lot riding on this project—and he wouldn't let anything or anyone jeopardize it.

As the day drew to a close, Kenny made a brief appearance in the lab, his eyes cold and assessing as they scanned the room. I felt a familiar chill settle in my spine as his gaze landed on me for a beat longer than necessary. But this time, I didn't look away. I felt Levi's reassuring presence somewhere nearby, and that was enough to keep my focus steady.

Once everyone wrapped up, Levi caught up with me as we packed our things. He didn't say much—he rarely did—but there was a certain calm in his presence that made me feel like I could handle whatever was next.

"Good work today, (Y/N)," he said simply, his tone gruff but genuine.

"Thanks, Levi. I'm getting better at this, thanks to you." I replied, offering him a slight smile.

He gave a barely perceptible nod. "Keep it up. And remember—if anything comes up, you don't handle it alone." His eyes held mine for a moment, a silent promise that he'd be there, no matter what.

Feeling his gaze linger, I could only nod, a quiet but heartfelt "thank you" on my lips. With all that had happened—the pressure, the challenges, and now the budding sense of closeness with Levi—I felt like I was finally gaining some stability. I wasn't just working on the project anymore; I was part of something bigger, and for the first time in a long while, I didn't feel alone.