Retrieving Footsteps [Levi x Reader]

Tension in the Air

The next day, the tension in the air was palpable as everyone gathered for the weekly meeting to discuss our progress on the prototype. I sat next to Levi, feeling the familiar warmth from his presence but also the weight of Floch's interest lingering in the back of my mind.

As Erwin started the meeting, he reviewed the status of our project and commended the team for their hard work. I felt a swell of pride at the mention of my contributions, but my thoughts were distracted by Floch's presence across the table, his gaze often flickering in my direction.

Once the meeting concluded, people began to file out, and Floch made his way over to me with that familiar, confident grin. "Hey, (Y/N), do you have a minute?" he asked, his voice cheerful.

"Sure, what's up?" I replied, trying to sound casual as Levi observed us from a short distance away.

Floch leaned in slightly, his tone lowering as if he were about to share a secret. "I was wondering—are you seeing anyone? You know, like, dating?"

I felt my heart skip a beat, caught off guard by his question. "Um, I—"

Before I could finish, he raised his voice slightly to ensure everyone could hear. "I mean, there's a lot of talented people here, but I think it's important to know if someone is already taken, right?"

The room fell silent as heads turned toward us, and I could feel the heat rise in my cheeks. "Floch, that's not really—"

"Just curious," he interrupted, his smile wide and innocent. "You're pretty amazing, and I think someone like you deserves to be with someone who really appreciates you."

"Thanks, but I—" I started, but Levi's presence suddenly loomed behind Floch. I could feel the tension radiating from him, his expression unreadable but intense.

"Floch, maybe you should let (Y/N) speak for herself instead of putting her on the spot," Levi said, his voice low and edged with warning.

Floch turned to Levi, unfazed. "Oh, come on, Levi. I'm just making conversation! It's not every day we get to work with someone as talented as (Y/N). Surely, you understand that?"

Levi's eyes narrowed slightly, and I could tell he wasn't pleased. "There's a difference between conversation and making someone uncomfortable. Respect her space."

Floch held up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I just wanted to know if there was a chance I could take (Y/N) out for coffee sometime."

I felt a mix of anxiety and embarrassment, aware of the growing tension between the two men. "Really, it's fine," I said quickly, hoping to ease the situation. "I'm not dating anyone right now, but—"

Before I could finish, Levi stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Floch. "She's not interested. Let's leave it at that."

Floch looked taken aback but quickly recovered, raising an eyebrow. "Got it. No worries." He smirked, clearly enjoying the interaction. "I'll just have to try harder, then."

As Floch walked away, I felt a sense of relief wash over me, but it was short-lived. I turned to Levi, who was now watching me with an intensity that made my heart race. "I appreciate you stepping in," I said softly, trying to gauge his mood.

"Just don't let him push you around. You deserve to have control over your choices," Levi replied, his voice steady but his eyes revealing a hint of concern.

"Thanks. I just didn't expect him to say something like that in front of everyone," I admitted, feeling the weight of the moment settle between us.

"Floch doesn't know how to read the room," Levi said, his tone almost dismissive. "Just focus on your work and ignore his attempts."

I nodded, but deep down, the conversation lingered. Levi's protectiveness was comforting, but it also complicated things. I couldn't shake the feeling that my feelings for him were becoming more evident, and I feared what that might mean for our dynamic.

As the day progressed, I tried to push thoughts of Floch and his boldness out of my mind. But every time I glanced at Levi, I could feel the unresolved tension between us—the way our conversations felt charged, the moments that seemed to linger just a bit longer than necessary.

That evening, as I worked late in the lab, Levi stopped by my station, his presence instantly calming. "Are you okay?" he asked, his tone softer than before.

"Yeah, just... thinking," I replied, avoiding his gaze as I focused on my work.

"About Floch?" he asked, and I felt my stomach drop at his perceptiveness.

"Not really. I mean, yes, but more about everything. The project, the pressure, and... us," I admitted, finally meeting his eyes.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "What about us?"

I hesitated, my heart pounding. "I don't know. It's just... complicated. I value our partnership, and I don't want anything to change that."

Levi took a step closer, his expression serious. "Things might change regardless. Just don't overthink it."

Before I could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving me feeling both exhilarated and confused. I wanted to confront my feelings, but I also didn't want to ruin the fragile balance we had created.

As I continued to work, I couldn't help but wonder if my feelings were strong enough to challenge the status quo or if I was destined to keep them hidden, afraid of what might happen next. The tension between Floch, Levi, and myself was only getting more complicated, and I knew it wouldn't be long before I had to make a choice.