A Wall Of Blue Roses(Un Mur de Roses Bleues)

Brewing Tea Or Bubbling Emotions

The sound of boiling water in the kitchen was all Belle could be hearing as she was brewing tea for her superior. The piping hot liquid bubbling up to perfection, making the room warmer until the kettle ceased its boiling as she bought a cup out and a small box of tea leaves. As she prepared the cup, Belle stirred in the tea leaves, watching them swirl around, the aroma caressing her nostrils as she wound up losing herself in this aromatic bliss. The one thing that helps her forget her troubled thoughts about her sentiments, soothing her senses and her form of escapism.

"Oi, brat! Is that tea ready yet?"

The voice of Levi brought her back to reality, making her eyes widen as she placed the cup on a saucer before calling out, "Coming!"

Having made her way to his office and setting the cup down on his desk, Belle took a step back to get a better look at her superior. She couldn't help but watch the way his dark bangs fell over his face and the ever so slight part of his lips as his hand held the cup over the rim as he took a sip. She wondered why Levi would hold his cup like that but somehow for some reason, it was a mystery to her.

"Hmm..doesn't taste like shit." He murmured.

"It's a little method of brewing tea I learned, passed down from my mother and grandmother." Replied Belle. "It runs in the family, if you put it this way."

"I see your point there." Levi gave a slight nod in return. "First you have a knack for cleaning, then you have a knack for brewing tea. You're so much like your brother, cadet."

"Yeah, that's what the others say, the rest of the cadets, squad leaders, even back in the Trainee Corps." Belle agreed, before a sad sigh escaped her lips. "I miss him..I miss my brother so much..."

"You have every right to miss Claudius, cadet as some of the other brats miss their families and friends."

Belle nodded in agreement, upon hearing her captain's words, before she was dismissed, exchanged salutes with him and leaving his office.

Closing the door behind her, Belle was now wandering the corridors and hallways alone, sad lonesome thoughts forming in her head like dark clouds in the sky.

"Hey Belle, you okay?" A concerned voice asked.

Belle turned to see Hanji, having left her lab after finishing up a bit of research on titans.

"I know you miss your brother so much and how you want to find him and bring him home safe." She reassured, gently placing her hands on Belle's shoulders. "But Belle, there's no reason to be feel so down about it. Wherever he may be, I'm sure he's out there, alive, well and safe."

"Thanks Hanji..." Replied Belle, a soft smile forming on her face. "I really appreciate it."

"It's no trouble at all." Hanji beamed, putting an arm around Belle in a chummy way. "How about I get you a cool refreshing drink after all that hard work? That'll perk you up."

"I suppose so." Replied Belle as she and the scientist departed for the mess hall. "It's good to have someone to confide in."

"Whether it's about your missing brother or..your little crush on Shorty." Hanji giggled teasingly.

"HANJI! Oh sacre bleu!" Belle blushed embarrassed, her cheeks turning red. Looking on the bright side for her, no one knew about her developing feelings and no one even heard Hanji mention that.