Retrieving Footsteps [Levi x Reader]

Tangled Intentions

A few weeks passed, and things at the Ackerman company had settled into a somewhat comfortable routine. The prototype for the crystal weapon was now fully operational, and our team had received praise from the higher-ups for our hard work. However, I couldn't shake the feeling that the atmosphere had shifted.

Floch had stopped pursuing me as intensely, or at least, that's what it seemed like. He had toned down his incessant questions and flirtations, focusing instead on his internship duties. But there were still moments when I caught him glancing my way, his expression a mixture of determination and longing.

One afternoon, as the team gathered for a training session, Floch appeared to be particularly restless. He was pacing around the training area, his mind seemingly racing with ideas. I had just finished explaining a new technique to a few interns when I noticed Floch suddenly stop in the middle of the training ground, his eyes lighting up with what could only be described as mischief.

"Hey, (Y/N)!" he called out, drawing my attention. "Watch this!"

Before I could react, he lunged toward a nearby training dummy, attempting to demonstrate an exaggerated version of a move I had shown earlier. The way he executed it was reckless, clearly intended to impress me. But instead of finesse, he ended up losing his balance and crashing into the equipment around him.

The sudden noise of clattering metal echoed through the training area, drawing everyone's attention. "Floch, be careful!" I shouted, my heart racing.

In his attempts to recover, he inadvertently knocked over a stack of weights, sending them tumbling toward a group of nearby interns. Time seemed to slow as I saw the danger unfold.

"No!" I screamed, instinctively rushing toward him. My instincts kicked in, and I threw myself in front of the interns, bracing for impact as the weights came crashing down.

The world around me erupted into chaos as people shouted and scrambled to avoid the falling equipment. But I didn't have time to think; I had to protect them.

With a loud thud, I felt the weight crash against my side, sending me sprawling to the ground. Pain shot through me, but I quickly pushed it aside, focusing on the terrified faces of the interns I had just saved.

"(Y/N)!" Levi's voice rang out, cutting through the panic. I glanced up to see him rushing toward me, his expression a mix of concern and anger.

"Are you okay?" he asked, kneeling beside me, his gaze scanning my body for injuries.

"I—I'm fine!" I stammered, trying to reassure him despite the pain radiating from my side. "I just wanted to protect them!"

Floch, who had been frozen in shock, finally seemed to snap back to reality. "(Y/N), I didn't mean for this to happen! I was just trying to show off," he said, his voice laced with guilt.

"Show off? You almost put everyone in danger!" I shot back, struggling to my feet with Levi's help.

"I'm sorry! I thought I could impress you, and it all just... went wrong," he replied, looking genuinely remorseful.

Levi's gaze hardened, the protective instinct evident in his demeanor. "You need to be more responsible, Floch. This isn't a game. People could have been seriously hurt because of your reckless behavior."

As the commotion began to settle, I felt a mix of frustration and concern. "You need to think before you act, Floch. This isn't just about you trying to impress me; it's about everyone's safety."

"I get it now," he said, hanging his head in shame. "I'm really sorry. I didn't mean for anyone to get hurt, especially you."

Levi stood beside me, his presence a steady anchor. "Make sure this doesn't happen again," he warned Floch, his voice low and serious.