Chapter 6: Ackerman's Brew

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Morning light streamed through the windows of Quiet Tea, casting golden hues across tidy shelves of tea tins and neatly arranged teapots. The once-rickety building had transformed into a cozy haven, its earthy tones and minimalist decor reflecting Levi's no-nonsense personality. Outside, a simple yet elegant sign read: Quiet Tea.

Levi stood behind the counter, brewing a pot of marlok-infused black tea with his usual precision. The shop hummed with quiet activity-soft conversations, the occasional clink of teacups, and chairs scraping gently against the floor.

It was peaceful. Almost too peaceful. Levi's mind drifted, unbidden, to Hange and how she would have reveled in this moment of bustling calm, her animated voice undoubtedly filling the quiet corners of the shop.

The bell above the door jingled, snapping Levi out of his thoughts as Gabi burst in, her vibrant energy cutting through the calm like a cannonball. Falco followed close behind, carrying a small wooden box adorned with a ribbon.

"Levi! We've got a surprise for you!" Gabi announced, her enthusiasm drawing the attention of nearby customers.

Levi, still focused on the steaming teapot, didn't look up. "If it's another banner, I'm throwing it out."

"It's not a banner," Falco reassured him, placing the box carefully on the counter.

"And it better not be cookies," Levi muttered, finally turning his sharp gaze on the box. "You've already ruined enough tea with your experiments."

"Just open it!" Gabi urged, barely containing her excitement.

Levi sighed, untied the ribbon, and lifted the lid. Inside was a small tin labeled Ackerman's Brew. The scent of smoky black tea mixed with caramelized marlok leaves wafted up, subtle yet rich, a blend that carried both simplicity and depth.

"We made it for you," Falco explained, his voice steady with pride. "With Hange and Onyankopon's help. It's a special blend, named after you."

Gabi grinned. "We figured the customers would love it. And, you know, you deserve something awesome."

Levi stared at the tin, his expression unreadable. For a moment, the shop seemed to pause around him. Then he closed the lid, setting it back on the counter. "It's not terrible," he said gruffly.

"He loves it!" Gabi exclaimed, her voice carrying through the shop.

Falco smiled. "Hange said you'd say that."

Levi stiffened slightly at the mention of her name, his gaze flicking to the tin. The realization hit him like a quiet wave-Hange wasn't there, but somehow, through her involvement in this blend, she was. Her touch was in the balance of the flavors, the thoughtfulness of the creation, and the connection it built despite the miles that separated them.

Later that afternoon, the bell jingled again, and Oliver, the owner of Golden Brew Café, stepped inside. His polished apron and usual confident stride were in place, but his smirk seemed less sharp today.

Levi glanced up from cleaning a teapot. "Here to gloat?"

"Actually," Oliver began, his tone unexpectedly sincere, "I wanted to talk."

Levi raised an eyebrow, his grip tightening on the teapot.

"I've been thinking," Oliver continued, leaning casually against the counter. "Your shop... it's good for the town. It draws people together-something I underestimated. And, well, you've managed to carve out something special here."

Levi's response was cautious, his arms crossing. "What are you proposing?"

"A truce," Oliver said. "Maybe even a collaboration. How about a tea festival? It could bring more people in, benefit both our shops."

Levi's gaze narrowed as he studied Oliver. His instinct told him not to trust the man, but the idea lingered, faintly reminiscent of the kind of wild plans Hange might've pitched. After a long pause, he finally said, "Fine. But I'm watching you. Any tricks, and it's off."

Oliver smiled, genuinely this time. "Fair enough."

As Oliver left, Gabi practically exploded with excitement. "A tea festival! This is going to be amazing!"

Falco, more reserved, nodded. "It could bring the whole community together."

Levi sighed, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Yeah, let's just hope it doesn't turn into a circus."

That evening, after closing, Levi sat alone at one of the tables, a steaming cup of Ackerman's Brew in front of him. The rich, smoky aroma curled through the quiet air, mingling with the faint scent of marlok leaves that had come to define the shop.

Onyankopon walked in from the kitchen, drying his hands on a towel. "You're still here."

"It's my shop," Levi replied, his voice quieter than usual.

Onyankopon sat across from him, his expression warm. "You've done something good here, Levi. You've built a place that matters."

Levi glanced around the empty shop, the soft glow of evening light casting long shadows across the polished tables. "It's just tea."

"Maybe," Onyankopon said with a knowing smile.

Levi didn't reply, his gaze falling to the tin of Ackerman's Brew on the counter. Hange's voice once again echoed faintly in his mind: Tea is patience.

Brewed to Perfection: Quiet Tea | LeviHan | Levi Ackerman x Hange Zoe | FalBiWhere stories live. Discover now