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

Chapter 19: The Braus Family

The tea shop was still riding the high from the festival. Customers came and went in steady streams, their excitement from the event lingering. Levi, however, was focused on his routine. Out in the back garden, he tended to his rows of tea plants with meticulous care, his gloved hands moving deftly as he plucked weeds and checked the soil. He wore an apron to protect his clothes, his usual precision extending to every corner of the garden.

The garden had become an important part of his day-a quiet refuge where he could channel his energy into something productive. The scent of freshly turned earth mingled with the soft fragrance of marlok leaves and blooming herbs. He paused, glancing toward the shop as he heard the faint jingle of the bell, signaling someone entering. Gabi's voice soon rang out, full of surprise.

"Mr. Niccolo? Kaya? Is that you?!"

Levi straightened slowly, brushing his gloves against his apron before heading inside. As he stepped into the shop, he saw a group of familiar faces gathered near the entrance. Gabi and Falco were already rushing toward them, their excitement palpable.

Standing at the front was Niccolo, his travel-worn bag slung over one shoulder. Kaya stood beside him, her shy smile radiating warmth. Behind them, the rest of the Braus family entered, their eyes bright despite the exhaustion of travel.

"Three days of travel," Niccolo said with a chuckle, setting his bag down, "but we made it. I've been hearing rumors about this place for months and couldn't resist stopping by."

"It's incredible here," Kaya said, her gaze sweeping across the cozy interior. "So, this is what you've been working on, Gabi, Falco?"

Falco smiled modestly. "It's mostly Levi's and Hange's work, but we've helped a lot."

"And Onyankopon." Gabi quickly added.

At the sound of his name, Levi stepped forward. "Braus family," he greeted, his voice steady and composed.

"Captain Levi," Mr. Braus said with a respectful nod. "It's good to see you again."

Levi's expression softened ever so slightly. "Long way to come for tea."

Mrs. Braus chuckled. "Well, we weren't going to pass up the chance. Niccolo insisted we visit this place, and we've been meaning to explore Marley while we're here."

Levi's gaze flicked to Niccolo, who gave a sheepish shrug. "Born and raised here. Figured I'd show them around while we're on the mainland."

The group settled at a large table, filling the shop with an easy camaraderie. Niccolo ordered a pot of Levi's marlok-infused black tea, and Gabi and Falco joined the family, catching up with Kaya like no time had passed.

"Do you remember the forest training games we used to play?" Kaya asked, her eyes lighting up as she spoke to Gabi. "You were always terrible at hiding."

Gabi crossed her arms, feigning offense. "I was terrible because I wasn't trying. If I'd wanted to win, I would've been unbeatable."

Falco rolled his eyes. "Sure, Gabi."

Niccolo sipped his tea, nodding in approval. "This is amazing. Sasha would've loved it here."

The mention of Sasha's name brought a pause to the conversation. Levi, who had been listening silently nearby, set a fresh pot of tea on the table before pulling up a chair.

"Sasha always found joy in the smallest things," Mr. Braus said, his tone wistful. "Even when times were hard, she'd find a way to make us all laugh."

"She was a blessing," Mrs. Braus added softly. "A little bit of light in a dark world."

Niccolo smiled faintly. "She changed my life. She made me see people differently-showed me that it wasn't about where you came from, but what you chose to do."

Kaya nodded, her voice steady despite the emotion in her eyes. "She saved me. And even after everything, she never let me feel alone."

Levi leaned back slightly, his sharp gaze fixed on the table. "Sasha was a pain sometimes," he said, his tone quiet but filled with a rare fondness. "But she had heart-more than most people I've known."

The group fell into a reflective silence, each person lost in their own memories of Sasha. Then Niccolo spoke up, his voice lighter. "She wasn't just brave-she was impossible to stop when it came to food."

"Do you remember when she stole an entire ham?" Kaya said, giggling. "She hid it under her bed for 'midnight rations.'"

"And the time she tried to smuggle bread rolls out of the mess hall?" Niccolo added, shaking his head. "When I caught her, she said it was for 'morale.'"

The room erupted into laughter, the heaviness of loss giving way to warmth as the group shared story after story. Gabi and Falco listened intently, their admiration for Sasha growing with each tale.

Levi allowed himself a rare moment of stillness, watching the Braus family and his young apprentices. Sasha's legacy was alive, not just in the stories but in the people she had touched. It wasn't about mourning her absence; it was about honoring the life she'd lived.

As the sun dipped lower, painting the shop in warm, golden light, the Braus family prepared to leave. Kaya hugged Gabi and Falco tightly, promising to write and visit again soon.

"Maybe next time, you can come see us," Kaya said, her smile hopeful. "We'd love to show you around."

Niccolo shook Levi's hand firmly. "Thank you-for everything. Sasha would've been proud of what you've built here."

Levi nodded slightly, his gaze steady. "It's not much. But it's something."

As the Braus family disappeared down the road, the shop fell into a comfortable quiet. Gabi and Falco busied themselves cleaning up, their usual chatter filled with a newfound energy after reconnecting with Kaya.

Levi lingered by the counter, his gaze flicking to the horizon where the family had vanished. He exhaled slowly, the scent of marlok tea faint in the air. It wasn't closure, but it was a step forward-a reminder that the bonds forged in hardship endured, even when the people who made them were gone.

Without a word, Levi returned to the tea garden, the sound of Gabi and Falco's laughter following him like a quiet echo of what Sasha would've wanted.