Retrieving Footsteps [Levi x Reader]

Accidental Kiss

As the group began to disperse, Levi lingered, his gaze catching mine across the room. There was something unreadable in his eyes, a quiet intensity that sent a flutter through my chest. The lab was nearly empty now, with only the faint hum of the equipment in the background, and it felt like a bubble of calm between the two of us.

He took a step closer, his usually stoic expression softening just slightly. "You've put a lot into this project, more than most people would. I know it's not easy."

I felt a warmth spread across my cheeks. "Thank you, Levi. I've only been able to get this far because of the team... and you."

For a moment, we just looked at each other, the weight of unspoken words lingering between us. The air felt charged, and I noticed Levi's gaze drop for a second—almost as if he were studying my face, lingering just a bit too long on my lips before looking away. My heart pounded, and before I could stop myself, I took a small step forward, closing the space between us.

The next second felt like a dream. Levi didn't back away; he didn't break eye contact. Instead, his hand reached up, almost hesitantly, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. His fingertips were warm, and the contact sent a small shiver down my spine.

"You should... get some rest," he said, but his voice was softer than usual, almost reluctant, as if he, too, was caught in the moment. His hand lingered by my cheek, and for a brief, dizzying moment, it seemed like he might close the gap between us.

I swallowed, my eyes flicking down to his lips, my heart hammering as he leaned forward—just enough that I could feel his breath against my skin.

But then the door swung open, and the spell shattered.

Hange's voice rang out, cheerful and oblivious. "Hey, you two! Are we wrapping up for the night?"

Levi immediately took a step back, his hand dropping to his side, his stoic mask slipping back into place. I blinked, trying to collect myself, and shot Hange a forced smile.

"Yeah, just finishing up," Levi replied smoothly, his tone back to its usual briskness. Hange glanced between the two of us, an eyebrow raised, but didn't comment further.

As we left the lab, I couldn't help but steal one last glance at Levi, wondering if he'd felt the same spark that I had. His eyes met mine briefly, something unreadable flashing across his face, before he looked away.

Walking down the hallway, I felt a small, secret smile tug at my lips. It was just a moment—but it was enough to keep my spirits lifted as we continued to push forward, side by side.

As we left the lab, Hange quickly fell into step beside me, her usual smirk firmly in place. She glanced back and forth between Levi and me, her eyes narrowing playfully.

"So..." Hange drawled, barely containing a mischievous grin, "just what were you two up to in there? Looked like something *very* important."

I could feel my face heat up instantly. "W-We were just going over some final project details," I stammered, glancing quickly at Levi, whose expression was as unreadable as ever.

"Right," Hange said, drawing out the word. "Final project details. Because, you know, from where I stood, it looked like you were about to dive into some... *very thorough collaboration.*"

Levi shot Hange an exasperated look. "Hange, enough."

But Hange just chuckled, thoroughly enjoying herself. "Oh, come on, Levi. Don't tell me you didn't see the spark there. I'm a scientist—I know chemistry when I see it."

Levi rolled his eyes, but there was the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You've clearly got too much time on your hands."

"Oh, I'm just saying what everyone else is thinking," Hange continued, leaning in toward me conspiratorially. "You know, (Y/N), there's no harm in a little workplace... bonding. Especially when the project has you *so close together.*"

I let out an embarrassed laugh, trying to wave her off. "It's nothing like that, Hange. We're just focused on making this project a success."

Hange raised her hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. I'm just saying—it wouldn't be the worst thing to spend a little less time on crystals and a little more time... well, you know, getting to know each other."

I glanced at Levi again, half-expecting him to snap back at Hange, but he only shook his head, the barest hint of amusement in his eyes. "Let's keep the focus where it belongs. We're in the middle of a war, in case you forgot."

"Alright, alright," Hange said, finally relenting. "But if you two start *collaborating* in other ways, I'd better be the first to know."

She winked at me one last time before walking off, leaving us both standing in the hallway. Levi let out a quiet sigh, crossing his arms.

"Don't let her get to you," he murmured, his tone back to its usual steady calm. "Hange's always going to find a way to make things... interesting."

I nodded, still flustered but feeling a warmth spread through me at his words. Maybe Hange's teasing wasn't entirely off-base, but for now, the project came first. As we walked side by side down the hall, I felt the beginnings of a smile tugging at my lips.

As we continued down the corridor, I tried to shake off Hange's teasing. The tension from the earlier meeting still lingered in the air, and I focused on the next steps for our project.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Hange came rushing back, her eyes wide with excitement. "Wait! I just thought of something for the prototype!" she exclaimed, arms flailing as she tried to emphasize her point.

Before I could step aside, Hange accidentally bumped into me, sending me stumbling toward Levi. I barely had time to register what was happening before I collided with him, my momentum forcing me to tip forward. In a wild attempt to regain my balance, I leaned in closer—and before I could stop myself, our lips met.

Time seemed to freeze for a moment. My eyes widened in shock, and I felt a rush of warmth flood my cheeks. Levi's eyes were equally surprised, but he quickly regained his composure, his expression shifting to one of disbelief.

Hange gasped behind us, her hands flying to her mouth. "Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—"

I quickly pulled back, a rush of embarrassment flooding through me. "I—I didn't mean to—"

Levi raised an eyebrow, his gaze flickering between me and Hange, then back to me, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Well, that certainly wasn't part of the plan."

Hange burst into laughter, unable to contain herself. "What a twist! I knew there was chemistry! You two are adorable!"

I felt my heart race as I stammered, "It was an accident! Just a total accident!"

Levi's expression softened slightly, and I caught a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Accidents happen," he said, his voice steady, but the corners of his mouth twitched upward. "Just try not to make it a habit."

"Right, definitely not a habit," I replied, still flustered. Hange's laughter echoed in the hallway, and I could feel my embarrassment deepening with each passing second.

Levi glanced at Hange, then back at me. "Let's just get back to work. We have a war to prepare for."

I nodded, grateful for the change in focus. As we resumed walking, I stole a quick glance at Levi, who seemed more composed than ever, though I could swear I saw a faint blush on his cheeks. My heart raced at the thought that maybe, just maybe, the kiss had meant something more.

Hange walked alongside us, her smile wide and teasing. "Just remember, if you two start collaborating on more than just the project, I want to hear all the details!"

"Noted," Levi replied dryly, but I could sense a hint of amusement in his tone.

As we entered the lab, the atmosphere shifted back to seriousness, but I couldn't shake the memory of the unexpected kiss. With every moment spent with Levi, I felt my feelings for him deepen, and despite the chaos around us, there was a sense of hope blossoming in my heart.