Brewed to Perfection: Quiet Tea | LeviHan | Levi Ackerman x Hange Zoe | FalBi

Chapter 1: A New Start

The sun climbed slowly over Ayoluwa, casting warm light over its cobblestone streets and modest houses. Nestled near the lush valleys of Marley, Onyankopon's hometown had become a sanctuary for those seeking peace. For Levi Ackerman, it was a place far removed from the chaos that had defined so much of his life.

Five years had passed since the Rumbling, but Levi still woke every morning with the phantom sounds of crumbling walls and titanic footsteps echoing in his ears.

Leaning on his crutch, he unlocked the door of the nearly finished tea shop, the sign above the door still blank. The faint smell of marlok leaves lingered in the air-a scent that had come to define his quiet new life. The shop wasn't open yet, but Levi had insisted on finishing the last of the cleaning himself, refusing Onyankopon's offers to help.

The shelves were fully stocked, the mismatched cups neatly arranged, and the tables polished to a dull shine. Everything was ready, though Levi couldn't quite bring himself to believe it.

"Hard to imagine, isn't it?" Onyankopon's voice broke the silence as he entered, balancing a crate of supplies on one arm. "Five years ago, we were running for our lives. Now... this."

Levi grunted, a sound that could've meant agreement or irritation. "It's just tea."

"Sure," Onyankopon said with a smile. "Just tea."

The village hadn't been their first home after the Rumbling. In the immediate aftermath, Levi and Hange had taken refuge in Onyankopon's house, a simple but welcoming place that had shielded them from the political noise of Paradis and Marley.

It wasn't long before Queen Historia intervened. Though she had wanted Levi and Hange to return to Paradis, they had both refused. Respecting their wishes, Historia had arranged for them to settle properly in Ayoluwa. The house she provided was modest but sturdy, with a garden in the back where Levi and Hange began growing tea leaves and other plants. It wasn't long before Levi and Hange converted the first floor into a tea shop. Upstairs, they lived in two separate rooms, their routines comfortably familiar as they adjusted to their quieter lives.

For Levi, Ayoluwa offered a fresh start-a new environment far removed from the reminders of Paradis. Though his leg ached, his missing fingers reminded him of what he'd lost, and his past still lingered in the shadows, this town gave him something else: a sense of purpose.

The early days after the Rumbling were a blur of pain and stubbornness. Confined to a wheelchair, Levi had fought every step of his recovery like it was a battle. His injuries-his shattered leg, the loss of his eye, and the two fingers missing from his right hand-were constant reminders of the comrades he'd lost and the world they'd tried to save.

Through it all, Hange Zoë had been there. She'd ignored his protests, dragged him to physical therapy, and stayed by his side as he cursed his broken body. They'd spent hours in their new home, surrounded by the quiet hum of a town that didn't know their names and the greenery of the garden Levi carefully tended.

"I hate this chair," Levi had muttered one evening, staring at the wheels as if sheer force of will could make them disappear.

Hange, sitting across from him with her nose buried in a book, had glanced up and smirked. "You'll hate the crutches more."

She was right, of course. The day he traded the wheelchair for crutches was both a victory and a reminder of how far he still had to go. But it was Hange's unrelenting optimism-and her quiet moments of vulnerability when she thought he wasn't looking-that kept him moving forward.

For the first few years, Levi and Hange had thrown themselves into recovery efforts alongside Onyankopon. Together, they conducted feeding programs, rebuilt homes, and organized charity events to help Ayoluwa and nearby towns recover from the scars of the Rumbling. Yelena occasionally joined their efforts, her sharp mind focused on helping the community rebuild in practical ways.

The townspeople quickly grew to admire them. Levi's gruff exterior and Hange's boundless energy had become familiar sights, and their actions spoke louder than words. By the time they announced their plans to open a tea shop, the townsfolk rallied around them, offering support in any way they could.

Now, as Levi stood in the nearly completed shop, he allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction. It wasn't much, but it was his.

Hange had been the one to suggest the tea shop. "You need something to do," she'd said, leaning against the kitchen counter as she sipped her morning brew. "Something that isn't brooding or sharpening knives."

Levi had scoffed at the idea at first, but the thought lingered. Tea had always been his small solace, and the thought of sharing that with others-of creating a place where people could find peace, even for a moment-wasn't the worst thing in the world.

By the time Hange began her travels two years ago, the idea had taken root. She'd insisted on helping him set things up before she left for her most recent voyage two months ago, dragging Gabi and Falco into the preparations with her usual manic energy.

"This place is going to be amazing," she'd said, surveying the half-finished shelves. "And when I come back, I expect to see a line of customers out the door."

True to her word, Hange sent packages from every corner of the world she visited. Strange teapots shaped like animals, jars of dried herbs with names Levi couldn't pronounce, and even a set of carved wooden spoons that served no practical purpose-all of it ended up in the shop, to Levi's growing annoyance.

"Where am I supposed to put this?" he'd grumbled more than once, holding up an ornate tea caddy shaped like a fish.

"Find space," Hange would reply in her letters. And despite himself, Levi did, storing each item in a special cabinet at the back of the shop.

Whenever she returned, Hange brought even more souvenirs-not just for Levi, but for Gabi, Falco, Onyankopon, and even Yelena. The gifts were often eccentric, but each one carried a piece of Hange's restless spirit.

One of her letters sat on the counter now, her handwriting scrawled across the envelope.

Hey Levi,

How's the shop's prep going? Still threatening to throw Gabi out every other day? I bet Falco's the only thing keeping it running. I told the whole gang about Quiet Tea, so expect them to storm out on you eventually. You've been warned.

I just left Reiner and Pieck in a little port town-Reiner tried to flirt with the waitress, and it was painful to watch. Pieck filmed it. I'll bring it back so you can laugh too. You'll need it, trust me.

Oh, and I found the weirdest teapot at a market yesterday. It's shaped like a turtle. I know you hate these things, but I couldn't resist. It'll look great in the shop! Don't argue.

I'm proud of you, you know. Believe me-it's true. I'll be back soon, and when I do, I expect this place to be buzzing with customers. Try not to burn the tea in the meantime.

-Hange

Levi folded the letter and tucked it into his pocket, ignoring the warmth in his chest.

In the present, Gabi and Falco burst through the door, carrying a mix of teacups and cleaning supplies. Gabi's energy filled the room, her voice bouncing off the walls. "Captain! The sign guy's here! What are we calling this place?"

"Quiet Tea," Levi replied without hesitation.

Onyankopon burst out laughing. "That's so you. Direct and to the point. I love it."

"Ugh, boring," Gabi groaned. "We should call it something cool, like 'Titan Brew.'"

Levi shot her a glare. "Quiet Tea. End of discussion."

By evening, the shop was ready. Levi stood by the door, his crutch supporting his weight, and looked around. It wasn't much, but it was his-a small corner of peace in a world still recovering from chaos.

Hange's words echoed in his mind as he locked the door behind him: I'm proud of you.