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

Chapter 33: Gabi's Determination

The tea shop had returned to its usual hum of activity over the past few weeks, but for Gabi and Falco, something had shifted. They'd been watching Hange and Levi closely since the discovery of the mysterious paperwork addressed to Hange Ackerman. While Falco had urged Gabi to let it go, her curiosity-and determination-wouldn't allow it.

Gabi had spent days keeping her suspicions to herself, but the tension finally came to a head one quiet afternoon. The shop was uncharacteristically slow, with only a few customers lingering at tables. Hange was seated at her desk in the corner, scribbling notes with her usual fervor, while Levi brewed tea behind the counter. Falco, wiping down a table, caught Gabi's determined expression and sighed.

"Gabi," he said cautiously, "whatever you're planning, maybe don't."

Gabi ignored him, gripping the folder she'd brought with her. She marched toward Hange's desk, her boots clicking against the floor with purpose.

"Hange," she said, her tone sharper than usual.

Hange looked up, startled by the abrupt interruption. "Gabi? What's up? You look... intense."

"This," Gabi said, placing the folder on the desk with dramatic flair, "is proof that you've been keeping something from us."

Hange blinked, then slowly opened the folder. Her eyes widened slightly as she saw the paperwork Gabi had uncovered weeks ago-the one addressed to Hange Ackerman. She glanced up at Gabi, her expression caught somewhere between surprise and mild panic.

"Where did you find this again?" Hange asked, trying to sound casual.

"In the cabinet," Gabi said triumphantly. "Don't bother denying it. I know what it means."

Falco groaned from across the room. "Gabi, maybe this isn't the time-"

"No, Falco!" Gabi snapped, spinning to face him. "They've been keeping this from us for weeks-months, maybe! We deserve to know the truth."

Levi, who had been watching from behind the counter, sighed and set down the teapot he'd been pouring from. "What are you accusing us of now, brat?"

"Oh, don't even try to play dumb, Levi!" Gabi said, pointing a finger at him. "I saw the paperwork. I saw the ring on Hange's finger change. And I've been paying attention. You two are married, aren't you?!"

The shop went silent. Falco froze mid-wipe, his face a mix of confusion and mild horror. Hange glanced at Levi, her eyes wide as if asking for guidance. Levi crossed his arms, his expression as calm as ever, though there was an unmistakable glint of resignation in his gaze.

Hange let out a nervous laugh. "Gabi, that's a bold accusation. What makes you so sure?"

"Oh, don't play coy," Gabi said, crossing her arms. "The evidence is all there. And the way you've both been acting lately? It's so obvious."

Levi stepped out from behind the counter, his movements slow and deliberate. "And if it were true," he said, his voice low and measured, "what exactly would you do about it?"

Gabi faltered for a moment but quickly recovered. "I'd be mad, that's what! You two have been keeping this huge secret from us. We're supposed to be family!"

Hange sighed, standing from her desk and stepping closer to Gabi. "Alright, fine. You got us," she said, her tone both apologetic and amused. "Levi and I are married."

Falco's jaw dropped, his eyes darting between them. "Wait... seriously?"

"Yes, seriously," Hange said with a small smile. "But before you start yelling, let me explain."

"I'm already mad!" Gabi exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air. "Why didn't you tell us?! We're your family! We could've celebrated with you!"

"It wasn't about not trusting you," Hange said gently. "We just wanted to keep it private for a while. This... thing between us, it's new. It's ours. And we weren't ready to share it with anyone yet."

Gabi narrowed her eyes. "For how long?"

Hange glanced at Levi, who sighed and answered flatly, "Long enough."

"That's not an answer!" Gabi snapped. "How long is 'long enough'?"

Hange laughed nervously, waving her hand dismissively. "Let's just say it's been a while. Does it really matter?"

"Yes!" Gabi insisted. "You could've told us! We could've celebrated or something!"

"Exactly why we didn't," Levi said flatly, leaning against the counter. "We knew you'd overreact."

"I am not overreacting!" Gabi snapped, her face red with indignation.

Falco, who had been standing quietly, finally spoke up. "Congratulations," he said awkwardly, offering them a small smile. "I mean, I'm happy for you both."

"Thanks, Falco," Hange said warmly. "And Gabi, I'm sorry we didn't tell you sooner. But you have to understand-it wasn't about keeping you in the dark. It was just... something we wanted to figure out on our own."

Gabi sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Fine. But you owe us. Big time."

Levi raised an eyebrow. "Owe you what?"

"I don't know," Gabi said with a mischievous grin. "But I'll think of something."

"Knowing you, it'll be something annoying," Levi muttered, though there was no real heat in his voice.

Hange laughed, ruffling Gabi's hair. "You're relentless, Detective Braun. We'll make it up to you, I promise."

"You'd better," Gabi grumbled, though her expression softened. "And don't think I'm letting you off the hook so easily."

Levi smirked, shaking his head. "Wouldn't expect anything less."

As Gabi and Falco returned to their tasks, the tension in the room eased. Levi and Hange exchanged a glance, their unspoken bond evident in the faint smiles they shared. It wasn't how they'd planned to share their secret, but somehow, it felt right.

Gabi and Falco were family-annoying, relentless, and full of surprises. And now, they were part of the secret too.