Y/N woke up with pain in her neck. The room was dark, but she could see objects in the room. She looked at the time on her watch - 4:45. «Sleeping sitting up is just awful... God, my neck hurts...» She got up from the couch, stretching. She carefully folded the blanket and returned it to the closet. She looked at the coffee table - the cups and teapot were gone, the book on hematology lay closed with a folded corner. There was also a glass of water on the table. A soft smile appeared on her face.
Last night significantly improved her relationship with Levi. He finally realized that he had behaved disgustingly with her all these months, which pleased Y/N. As a doctor, she understood how important a positive attitude is. And she was pleased to just talk to him again, and not swear and listen to reproaches.
Y/N looked around - there was no light in other rooms, so he was probably asleep. She decided not to pick up her book. She quickly wrote a note for him and left it on the table. Then, took things and left. It was quiet outside, and she didn't meet a single person on her way home. It was Saturday morning, which means it was the weekend. But not for her. Even though she didn't have a morning round at the hospital, she met people from Hizuru during the day, and then the night shift at the hospital awaited her.
Like she said, she didn't have days off.
***
After working days, Y/N had a free morning on Monday. Today, Dr. Lawrence was supposed to go to Levi's in the morning, which means Y/N had time. She decided not to waste this morning and finally go to the «Eldian agency», where her friends worked, and where she was listed as an employee, but didn't really appear there. She didn't like to go there, because politics didn't interest her at all. She could give some advice on her part, but to participate in the development of some policies, social movements - no, it wasn't hers. She tried to keep her contacts to a minimum, perfectly aware of her personal qualities, among which there were no diplomatic talents. During these six months, while she was talking with Pieck, she noticed one quality of Y/N, which she told her without hesitation - when she disagreed with something or was dissatisfied - she had a certain expression on her face, as she said «as if you're about to strangle someone». And it was also incredibly difficult for her to communicate with people who couldn't understand her thoughts, and at the same time still insist their absolutely unreasoned position. After this conversation, Y/N realized that this was a sign, and practically stopped showing up at meetings, learning everything from Reiner at their meetings or directly from the guys when they met in the evenings.
She entered a large building with columns, on the roof of which various flags were fluttering. «Embassy...» At the entrance she was asked for documents, which she kindly provided. Going inside, she immediately felt an unpleasant aftertaste, this building brought back unpleasant memories. It was here that she always saw Armin and Annie... together. Actually, that's why she didn't like to be here.
- Y/N! What a surprise!
Pieck ran up to her, hugging the girl. She wore the classic gray pencil-skirt suit that women working in this building were supposed to wear. «Another reason I hate being here» Y/N didn't like the local «uniform». She, like the rest, was given several of the same type of costumes. She once tried to wear «It», but in the end she never showed herself to other people in this, preferring a personally purchased maroon trouser suit with wide trousers and a high waist. She didn't like skirts at all, she liked dresses, but not skirts. Work clothes from the hospital were more comfortable: they were overalls (white and light blue), white suits, light-colored shirts, gowns, which were sewn from a pleasant lightweight material, since the doctors worked in difficult conditions and they needed comfort. And, unlike «this place», where women had to wear skirts, the hospital was more gender-neutral.
- Pieck, it's good that I met someone right away, otherwise I would have been looking for you all over the building.
- What you came for? You aren't a frequent visitor here.
- I wanted to see Historia's letter... And... will you answer? I... I know it might be against some rules, but... I'd like to write her a letter.
- Oh, I don't know about that, Armin probably does, but I haven't seen him yet today, but Jean can advise something. Let's go.
Pieck led the girl through countless corridors, but they didn't reach their destination. They were approached by a man Y/N didn't immediately remember.
- Oh, Pieck, how are you?
- Mr. Leonhart, everything is fine, thank you. How is your trip down south? I heard that you returned on Saturday morning.
- Not without problems, the camps are still filled with refugees, we transport seriously ill patients to large cities. Many volunteers gathered this time.
- It's great, the more people want to help rebuild cities, the better.
«Annie's dad, I remember I've seen him somewhere before» Then Mr. Leonhart drew Y/N's attention.
- I don't remember you...
- Ah, this is Y/N L/N, she is also from Paradis.
- Oh, nice to meet you in person, Miss L/N. I've heard a lot about you, in a pleasant way.
- Really? Annie was talking about me?
- No, no, I communicate with the family of Reiner Braun and Falco Grice. You helped the boy sleep peacefully again, and Reiner speaks highly of you. You really help him cope with inner feelings, this isnt an easy job, I can see.
- Yes, I believe that mental illness should be given as much attention as physical. Sometimes the stress experienced can have a serious impact on the quality of life.
- You know, I keep trying to persuade Annie to go to you somehow, to talk. You know her - she keeps everything to herself, but I see what she is going through. She, of course, says that everything is fine, but I see something.
- No need to persuade her, I think that therapy only works when a person wants to heal himself.
- But, what can you say about people who are in the stage of denying the problem?
- This isnt my area of expertise, Mr. Leonhart. Living in denial is a wake-up call. The doctor will not help here, but relatives... probably. After all, people living in the stage of denial don't adequately perceive the opinions of others. Only the opinion of relatives can change something.
- You speak theoretically?
- Practically.
Pieck saw Jean walking down the corridor.
- Mr. Leonhart, Y/N came here on business, and... we need to solve it, right? Patients are still waiting for her in the hospital.
- Yes, I will still come to you later, it will be necessary to discuss the results of our trip. Have a good day!
They parted, and Pieck led Y/N after Jean.
- «Why did you sent him away... so straight?» Y/N asked her.
- Mr. Leonhart likes to talk. Especially about his daughter, and this is for a long time. Since Annie returned, their relationship improved, so he began to care for her too much, because he didn't do this when she was a child.
- Problems with dad?
- Something like that. Annie keeps complaining that he gets into too personal things. And it seems to her that Armin is stressed out, and therefore she is worried, and this makes her father worried, and... a vicious circle, in short.
- Annie, compared to the same Levi, is God's dandelion. If he talked to him, he would immediately understand that everything was fine with her.
- Well, I wouldn't say she's fine. Its not visible on her, but... everything isn't easy, I think so.
- In any case, I cant say anything here - as I didn't communicate with Annie, I still don't communicate. I don't know, I just... don't care, but about her, I don't know.
- She's a little afraid of you.
- Why would she be afraid of me?
- You're smart and... can I ask a question?
- Go.
- Why don't you communicate with Armin?
- «Oh, it's an old story. It just... it just happened. In a difficult time for both of us, we just lost touch, that's all», Y/N lied, but she couldn't tell the truth either - she didn't know the whole truth.
- Okay...
- What was the point of this question?
- Annie... she says that you and him were... inseparable before. And now... Well, she's just wondering what happened. Apparently, Armin doesn't tell her for some reason.
- Worried about her relationship? It makes sense, but it's different here, I think. They do love each other.
- Maybe...
They entered a large conference room. There was a large round table, with sofas and bookcases against the walls, and six desks in the other half, some of which were littered with papers. Jean and Reiner were sitting at a round table with some papers.
- Good morning everyone, what are our plans for today?
Pieck entered first. The men looked up from their papers.
- We began to see each other too often, Y/N.
- «Good morning to you too, Jean», she smiled at him, and nodded to Reiner, greeting him.
- Why are you here?
- «Y/N wants to send a letter to Paradis», Pieck said, «Are you and Connie also going to write letters to your family? Have you been allowed?»
- Yes, Armin said that there would be no problem if everything was sent through Historia. But its not worth writing a lot, so as not to attract attention with a thick envelope. He himself was going to write a letter to Mikasa.
- «Excellent», Y/N said, sitting down at the table. «Can I write and leave it with you, then just put it with the others, okay?»
- Oh sure.
Y/N began to write letters. She wanted to write a letter to Historia, in which she included paragraphs for Sasha, knowing that the girls communicate and will certainly share the news with each other. She also wanted to write letters to Damian and Mikasa.
She thought about what to write about, because it was necessary to write everything briefly. In the end, having come to some kind of internal agreement with herself, I began to write. She wrote to Historia about what she was doing here, she wrote that she was happy for her that she became a mother there and wished her success in working with the «Eldian» issue on Paradis. She wrote to Damian that everything was fine with her, that she was fine. She wrote a couple of lines about how she feels here, that she is lonely, that she misses him. She wrote that she wanted to go home and eat her favorite lemon tartlets. It was a personal letter. She wrote to Mikasa about how she was coping with Levi and how she missed her friend, hoping she was doing well, that she was... coping. What she isn't closed in herself. She wrote to her that she sympathizes with her and understands what it's like when your heart is broken.
While she was writing, Armin entered the meeting room, looking quite tired, even though it was Monday morning. Jean approached him and they began to discuss something. Y/N heard that he had come, but didn't raise her head, she wasn't particularly interested in his condition and, in principle... he himself. After finishing the letters, she carefully closed the envelopes and got up from the table. Jean returned to her while Armin sat down at his desk and began to do something.
- Did you write everything?
- Yes, take this.
- I'll make sure everyone gets sent, Y/N.
- Thanks.
- «Y/N, is it okay if I come a little earlier on Friday?» Reiner asked her. «I promised to help the family with something in the afternoon, and...»
- «Yes, its good that you remembered», Y/N answered him. «Its not possible to meet on Friday, lets move it to Saturday, okay?»
- Okay... a lot of work or...?
- No, personal matters, nothing unusual... Then on Saturday I'll be waiting for you in the morning, as usual.
- Okay, Y/N.
- Okay, say hello to Connie, but I have to go. Have a nice day.
Y/N left.
- «Meeting with her helps you?» Jean asked Reiner.
- Yes, you know, she knows how to listen. And she's really trying to understand what I'm going through. And he tries to help. It already helps. She doesn't reproach, doesn't praise, she just talks to me on the topics that I want to discuss. Still, she was right about the whole mind thing, so she roughly understands the mess in my head.
- «She did a great job of helping Falco get through the turmoil», Pieck said. «I don't know what they were talking about, but it helped better than his communication with his own family»
- «She can find an approach to everyone, if necessary», Jean remarked. «How she communicates with the Captain... I cant even imagine that she can know about him... She has known him longer than any of us»
- «It's just that she's so open and compassionate», Pieck said. «But at the same time... she definitely knows how to scare. I think that's why she's the only one who can handle your Captain, he's also... a bit scary»
***
Friday has come. The weather was a little chilly, but there was no rain. On this day, Y/N took the whole day off to rest in the morning, and in the afternoon... she went to Levi's.
Its noteworthy that the city began to be decorated for the celebration of the New Year and all sorts of lanterns and lights were hung in places. While living downtown, Y/N watched the city transform. She remembered how the central district was also decorated in the Mitras. She didn't know if New Year's Eve was celebrated in other cities in Paradis, but the Capital usually always had a celebration.
Waking up in the morning, she lay in bed for a long time, looking out the window, behind which she could see a colorful city. Today she had that dream about the beach again. He made her longing for home. She had this dream before they went to fight in Fort Salta. She stood on the beach, she vividly felt the sand under her feet and the touch of cool water. And the touch of a hand. She kept trying to figure out what her subconscious mind was trying to tell her with that gesture. This gesture gave her a sense of peace, serenity. But it really bothered her. She attached much importance to her dreams, especially recurring ones.
Sighing, she got out of bed and headed for the shower. It was a slow morning. Y/N hasn't spent her entire morning routine so leisurely in a long time. After taking a shower, she pulled her still-damp hair back into a bun, quickly put on a raincoat over her pajamas, and went downstairs. There was a good bakery across the street — she bought a cinnamon bagel and a cup of coffee, and bought a fresh newspaper from a street stall. After returning home, she collapsed on the sofa and began to enjoy her morning without thinking about anything. After drinking coffee, she made herself a mask. She liked these rituals. She loved to take care of herself. It was moments like this when she missed Hitch, who shared her love for such things. They even went together a couple of times to the sauna in Trost, where they also did clay baths.
She rested at home, reading and listening to the noise of city life. When it was time for lunch, and lunch calls to cafes and restaurants began on the street, she began to gather. She wore her hair in a voluminous bun, tied with a handkerchief, instead of a raincoat, she chose to wear a warm knitted milky sweater with a high neck and one of her black loose trousers, tying a belt over the sweater. «It should be comfortable» She took her usual black bag with her, having previously laid out all the working documents.
It was cool outside, but the winter sun shone, which still warmed. Y/N, as usual, went to the laundry and got clean clothes for Levi. She went to him, hoping that today he would be in a good mood - in the sense that he wouldn't be mischievous and find fault with her. It's the best she hoped for.
-Knock Knock-
- It's me, can I come in?
No one answered her, and she calmly went inside. She never came to his place at lunch time - usually she did it either early in the morning or in the evening. Therefore, it was unusual. And she immediately realized that he wasn't waiting for her now - he was still in his pajamas.
- Pajamas?
- Any problems?
- I am surprised. Hange always said you sleep in what you wear during the day.
- Do you believe everything they told you?
- Well... they knew you better than I did.
- Why did you came for?
- Weird question. You know why I came.
- I was hoping you'd forget.
- My memory is good.
She sat down on the sofa.
- Why not at work?
- I took the day off.
- Recklessly.
- Come on, you won't kick me out.
- Like I can do it.
She smiled at him, to which he, of course, didn't react.
- Actually, I... I wanted to take you somewhere today.
- Why?
- Well... it's your birthday. Don't you want to go out? The city is being decorated for the holiday, and the weather is good today.
- Not particularly interested.
- Come on, it'll be fun!
- We have different views on what fun is.
- You'll love it, I guarantee it.
- What is it?
- Surprise! Get dressed, let's go.
- Isn't it too optimistic?
- Pretty optimistic.
- Okay. Or then I have to endure you here...
- Isn't my company so tiresome?
- Especially when you're in this mood.
He didn't call her to help him with the clothes, which means there won't be a suit today. Y/N was sitting in the living room-kitchen-dining room, reading one of the books she had left here - this time it was a book on geology, which even she herself found a little boring, except for some interesting chapters. After about 15 minutes he returned, dressed all in black. Black pants and a black turtleneck sweater. Y/N bought it for him when she bought her own, believing that it would be a useful acquisition for the winter.
- Did you manage without me today?
- There are problems with shirts.
- You could wear it loose.
- Looks messy. I prefer tucked in ones.
Y/N got up from the couch and they went outside. She rolled his chair through the streets, examining the holiday decorations herself. Many stores also decorated their windows, while displaying many promotional items. Levi was skeptical about all this «tinsel», inwardly wondering where she was taking him. He trusted her, but some of her ideas seemed reckless to him. He wouldn't be at all surprised if she dragged him in for another examination at the hospital under the pretext of a «surprise».
- So where are we going?
- You'll see.
- I have already agreed to this adventure, so speak up.
- It's not far, but the place is good, believe me.
- Do you understand that it hasnt become clearer?
- Okay, okay... You know that I meet people from Hizuru from time to time, don't you? They are secretly collaborating with us as the only «Eldians» from Paradis. I understand that they are doing this in order to gain benefits in the future, when the situation is resolved, but I'm fine with that. We are working on all sorts of useful things with them, Ill bring you my drawings later, its actually much more interesting than working in a hospital, which is why I go to them at any time of the day.
- What are you talking about?
- Because last month they made an meeting at this place where I'm taking you. This place is run by some of their friends. You'll like it. When I got there, I immediately thought that you would like this place.
- Stop talking in riddles.
- We're almost there.
Y/N turned from a noisy bright street into a deserted alley.
- And in such places you go at night?
- This is a place for «closed circle», but once you get there, you already know what to do. I went there a couple of weeks ago and agreed for the time for us. The owners are a kind man and his wife.
They rounded the corner once more, and the alley became a dead end. Y/N went to the back door of one of the buildings, which looked simple enough. She knocked. The door opened and a short, elderly woman appeared behind it.
- Oh, Miss Y/N, we were waiting for you.
- «Mrs. Zhang», Y/N bowed lightly to her. «This is my friend I was talking about»
- A tea lover?
- Yes, that's him.
- Come in, I have prepared a room for you.
- Thanks.
Mrs. Zhang opened the door so Y/N could lead Levi inside.
- What is this place, Y/N? Who are these people?
She didn't answer him. They were warm inside. Y/N took off her shoes and began to wipe Levi's chair so as not to stain the floor. He studied the situation. It was a room with dim lighting, but rich decoration. Some old tapestries hung on the walls, carpets lay on the floor. In the room they entered, there was a small table with fresh flowers on it. To the right, behind a partition, was a door leading to who knows where, and straight ahead was a corridor with several shoji doors on each side, and there was a regular door at the end of the corridor. In the center of the room hung bells that chimed slowly and quietly from the movement of air in the room.
- Miss Y/N, come here.
- I'm coming!
She quickly rolled Levi in an unknown direction. He felt extremely uncomfortable, he didn't understand what was happening. The thought crept into his mind that she wanted to try some experimental treatment on him, which he once read about in one of her books. Where people are stabbed with needles or hot cans are placed on the body. He prepared for the worst.
Y/N rolled him into one of the rooms. In the middle of the room stood a small table with two chairs, and on the table stood some other device, like a tray.
- You'll be fine for now. I have already brought hot towels. I'll bring the first portion in a couple of minutes.
- Thank you Mrs. Zhang.
Y/N bowed to her, and she disappeared behind the door. Y/N rolled Levi up to the table, pushing the unnecessary chair aside, and sat down next to him.
- So, what is this place? What do you want to do with me?!
- What? I don't want anything... are you scared?
- You don't say anything, I'm worried.
- Everything is fine. Take this.
She handed him a hot towel, which he cautiously took. She took another and began to rub her hands. Levi followed her, still not understanding what was going on.
- So what are these people?
- They're smugglers, and this place is... for their «friends». Here you can try their product.
- Product?
- Tea. From all corners of the world that you can't buy in a regular store.
She smiled at him sincerely, waiting for his reaction. She wanted him to like it.
- Is this an backstreet teahouse?
- Something like that. We will be treated to their rarest varieties, and then we can try something else from what they have. They are nice people, although they are engaged in illegal trade. But... tea is not a drugs...
- They only trade or...
- They have their own plantations in the east, and they also sell tea from different countries. And tea is served here, as in the east - in small bowls, as they drank in ancient times. We will have a tea ceremony at the first serving, and then we ourselves will try what they will bring.
Levi didn't answer her. Y/N studied his reactions, which she was still learning to read. She couldn't tell if he was interested or annoyed.
Mrs. Zhang came to them with a tray with everything they needed.
- Have you ever been to a traditional tea ceremony?
- «No, for the first time», Y/N replied, looking at Levi, who was still looking skeptically at the woman. «My friend is not very talkative, don't pay attention. We're glad to be here, aren't we?»
She looked at Levi, asking him to be nice to this woman.
- Yes.
Mrs. Zhang smiled.
- Let's start then. I will perform a traditional ceremony for you, how tea is brewed in our homeland, where we grow and produce tea. Then, after seeing the brewing technique, I will give you the opportunity to try to do everything yourself, we don't have the habit of pestering our guests all evening.
She moved away from them and went to a table in the corner. There was a big kettle there. She set the water to heat up, on a special device - a grid, inside of which there were coals. She returned to them and placed the strange tray already on the table nearer to her.
- Today I will treat you to one of our famous teas - Tieguanyin. It belongs to the group of blue-green teas. This is loose leaf tea. For its production, a leaf is harvested more mature than for green tea. Low fermentation preserves vitamins and tannin, activates caffeine and creates conditions for the formation of new essential oils and compounds that give the tea a unique taste and a particularly strong spicy-fruity aroma.
Mrs. Zhang began to arrange the dishes on the strange tray. Levi studied her, watching what she did. He tried not to show much that he was interested. He glanced at Y/N, who was listening to the woman with interest.
- Tieguanyin means Iron Guanyin. There is a legend in our culture: There was a tea grower named Wei Qin who lived in the town of Shangyao in Anxi. He offered three cups of fragrant green tea to the Guanyin deity every morning and evening. He continued to do this for over ten years. One night, the tea grower dreamed that there was a tree on a mountain cliff, from which a strange aroma emanated. The next day he climbed the mountain and actually found the tea tree from his dream. He took a tea tree cutting and planted it in an iron pot at his home. After two or three years, the tree grew strongly, the tea grower collected the leaves, brewed them and watered his friends. Everyone was delighted with the extraordinary taste of tea. When the tea was tasted by the teacher of the local school, he asked what kind of tea it was, but the name of the tea had not yet been given. Then the tea grower respectfully asked the teacher to name the fragrant tea. The teacher said: «This tea was sent to you in a dream by Guanyin, you grew it in an iron pot, so call it «Iron Guanyin»
Levi glanced at Y/N, who was listening to the woman with interest, sparks of anticipation and impatience played in her eyes.
- In our traditional ceremony, we use a small Yixing clay teapot.
She showed them a small, light brown teapot. She went back to the warming kettle of water and returned with it.
- The first thing to do is to warm the water, but you cant bring it to a boil. Next, we warm up all the dishes, pouring hot water over them. To do everything without leaving the table, we have a special table - a chaban, or a tea board with a tray to collect water.
She began to warm up all the dishes - she poured water into the kettle, poured water from the kettle into some vessel that looked like a creamer, and from there she poured water into small bowls. Then, turning the teapot and creamer over, she doused them with hot water from the bowls. Y/N observed this process with genuine interest. She was interested in learning the traditions of other peoples. She looked out of the corner of her eye at Levi, who was also interested, or so it seemed to her.
- «Before brewing tea, its customary to «get acquainted» with it», she poured some tea from a bag into a small container. «Its called chahe – a bowl for exploring tea»
She handed the bowl to Y/N, who accepted it and began to inhale the aroma of the tea. After enjoying the aroma, she passed the cup to Levi. He also inhaled the aroma - the smell of tea was really bright, different from what he had tasted before. The aroma was floral with a pronounced note of young lilac. He gave the cup to Mrs. Zhang.
- This tea has a very intoxicating aroma, I want to say.
- «It reminded me of home», Y/N said unexpectedly. «In the spring, lilacs always bloomed next to my house... and the house was filled with the smell of blooming lilacs»
Levi looked at her, seeing the longing in her eyes. He didn't think she missed home so much.
- «Next, we will make tea», Mrs. Zhang continued. «But we don't just fill the leaves with water», she poured tea into the teapot, «when tea is transported, «tea dust» always forms, which is recommended to be removed during brewing»
She took the teapot in the towel and gently patted it on the bottom for a few seconds.
- «The first brew is usually not drunk as its done in order to remove the tea dust and open the tea leaves», she poured water into the teapot from a great height, and immediately poured the tea into the «creamer» without a strainer. «The second and subsequent tea leaves are drunk. Usually good teas can be brewed up to ten times»
She refilled the kettle with water and set it aside.
- «There are several ways to drink tea - most often, in local tea houses, you can find drinking tea from bowls», she showed them small cups. «But in our culture its customary not only to drink tea, but also to smell the aroma. We have a long cup for this», she showed them a small cup that looked like a tiny glass, «its responsible for the aroma. And there is a wide cup», she showed them a cup, more like a bowl, but wider and lower, «we will directly drink tea from this cup. Its responsible for the color and taste of tea. These cups are called «tea pair»
She placed such a «tea pairs» in front of Y/N and Levi. Then she took a teapot and poured tea from there into a strange creamer.
- «Tea isn't poured directly into cups. First, its poured into a chahai», she pointed to the creamer. «And then poured into long cups», she poured tea into cups. «Then, cover long cups with wide bottoms up»
Y/N and Levi took the cups as Mrs. Zhang showed them.
- And now you need not sharply, but gently turn it over in one motion.
They turned the cups over in unison.
- And now, take a long cup and breathe in the aroma of tea. Now it will be even brighter and more saturated.
The scent really got stronger. Just like Mrs. Zhang said, it was intoxicating. Y/N thought that in their culture, drinking tea isn't just called a ceremony – its an art.
- «Now, you can drink tea from a wide cup», said Mrs. Zhang. «In our homeland, the art of making and drinking tea helps people tune in to a contemplative mood, forget about everyday hustle and bustle and share calmness and peace of mind with others. How do you like your tea?» she asked, seeing how her guests tasted the prepared tea.
- «Very tasty, I would even say refreshing», Y/N said.
- «Slightly sweet», Levi said. «But the aftertaste is quite fresh and bright. Good tea»
- Glad you liked it. You can drink one more cup for now, and while I bring you our assortment, we will choose something else for yourself.
She left, leaving them alone. Y/N was still drinking her tea, not looking anywhere in particular.
- Do you like it?
Y/N shuddered, she didn't expect that he would be the one to ask her about it.
- Its interesting. It's... an unfamiliar culture. And... it's really delicious tea. But... do you like it?
- «Yes», he answered her curtly, sipping from his cup in his still odd manner.
«Well, it's not silence anymore, so it's not so bad after all» She looked at him with a soft smile. She wondered how old he was today. She decided to try again.
- Are you forty today?
- No.
- Damn, someday it will come true, then I will know your exact age.
- I hope you forget eventually.
- Then... thirty-nine?
- No.
- Thirty-eight?
- Stop guessing like I'm going to be honest with you here.
Y/N rolled her eyes, exhaling nervously. She found it funny that no one, not even Hange, knew his exact age.
- Well, you know how old I am, it's not fair.
- If I were twenty, I wouldn't hide it either.
- You are mischievous.
- I can afford it
Mrs. Zhang went to see them. She handed them little books
- Here you go. You can try these varieties and blends of tea today. I think it will be more convenient for you to use bowls. I'll bring you more water for now, and you choose - the name of the tea is indicated there, as well as its main notes that you can feel, the beneficial properties of tea.
She took the dishes and left, leaving them again. Y/N looked through the catalog and quickly chose the tea she wanted to try. She looked at Levi, who carefully studied each page. A few minutes later, Mrs. Zhang returned to them. She put the kettle on the fire and walked over to them.
- Have you chosen something?
- «Yes, I would like to try Da hong pao tea», Y/N said as she handed the catalog back.
- Good choice, this tea is quite... interesting. Its taste and aroma changes with each subsequent brewing. This tea is very beneficial for health - it contains many useful substances for the body, and is also considered an excellent tool for removing alcohol and nicotine from the body. In some provinces, he is considered the king of tea. Did you choose something, Mr. Ackerman?
- «Yes, Baihao Yinzhen», he answered her curtly as he handed over the catalog.
- White tea is also a good choice. This tea is very valuable, its harvested for only two weeks a year. Quite expensive tea, you will not find it in ordinary stores, I dare say. This tea is interesting because it doesn't use tea leaves, but unopened leaf buds of a tea bush.
She took the catalogs from them and left again. Levi took the teapot and poured more tea into it, which Mrs. Zhang had been making.
- You chose the most expensive tea, you know?
- I assumed it.
They drank tea and were silent. Each thought about their own, but they were comfortable in each other's company. Bells were ringing somewhere in the background. Then Mrs. Zhang brought them the tea they had ordered and told them how and at what temperature to brew it. Levi listened to her attentively, and when she left, he began to do everything himself, leaving Y/N only to bring hot water to the table. She watched him, seeing how he was learning and even enjoying the process. There was a softness to his eyes that evening that she had never seen before. His gray eyes usually had a metallic hardness to them. Today, she saw in them a silvery soft light, as in a full moon. She likes this unknown side of Levi Ackerman.
They spent several hours in this teahouse, tasting different teas. When it was time to leave, Y/N left the room, leaving Levi alone. He wondered that she had done something again that no one had ever done for him. He increasingly thought about what role this girl plays in his life. For the first time in his life, he really felt that his birthday was a special day, and this thought made him even a little sad.
Y/N is back.
- What are you thinking about?
- Nothing.
- Ready to go?
- Yes.
As they left, Levi and Y/N noticed an influx of visitors to this «secret» teahouse. She took him outside, where it was already dark - it was winter and it was getting dark quickly. Y/N said goodbye to Mrs. Zhang, and they headed towards the house. Coming out onto the main street, they were both fascinated: all the streets were lit with bright lanterns, music was playing from somewhere, there were a lot of people on the streets spending Friday evening, relaxing after a working week. Life was in full swing in the Marley capital. Y/N, without hurrying, rolled his chair, considering the city. She had peace and balance in her heart. This evening helped her distract from anxious thoughts and homesickness.
She drove him home and decided to stay for a while. She had a meeting with Reiner tomorrow morning, and she couldn't afford to fall asleep on his couch again.
- Aren't you even going to make tea?
- Enough tea for today.
- Really?
- Don't laugh. But seriously, Y/N, thank you. It... was really fun.
- I wouldn't call it fun, but it was interesting... and the tea was awesome.
- «Yeah...» Levi said with anguish in his voice.
- Don't be upset, I bought you what you liked.
She took her bag and took out small paper tea bags.
- Are you serious? It's expensive.
- I earn a lot and practically don't spend money, so... happy birthday.
She handed him the packets with a warm smile on her face. He looked at her uncertainly, and his gaze softened. She took the bags and put them on the table.
- Thank you...
- I'm glad you liked it. You've been in such a bad mood since you got hurt, and I... I thought it would cheer you up, but... then we went to a bar and... you stopped being so... always angry. So... my plan made things even better, I think.
- But I'm still in the chair, so that doesn't take away my right to be angry.
- «That will change soon», Y/N said, looking down. «I didn't plan to tell you ahead of time, but... a colleague of Dr. Lawrence looked at your medical history... he made some assumptions, and... I would like to do some tests and analyzes... perhaps... your condition is reversible... and... you again you will walk»
- Why didn't you want to speak ahead of time?
- I don't know... you can be impatient... I still... until we have all the equipment... and if his assumption is confirmed... it will take me time to... learn...
- Learn?
- There are no such specialists in Marley, and even more so in Paradis... I... have already ordered the necessary books... I will learn... and I will cure you, as I promised.
- Y/N...
- Don't say anything. I... try not to think about it for now. I don't want to... strain and be nervous ahead of time. After the holidays, Dr. Lawrence will start doing the necessary tests, you will have to stay in the hospital for several days.
- Well, it will be as you say.
She looked up at him. His expression was calm and determined.
- Thank you for not arguing.
- No, thank you.
She gave him a small smile and stood up from the couch. As she passed him, she put her hand on his shoulder.
- Happy Birthday again. And good night... I hope you get more than three hours of sleep tonight.
He didn't look at her, but simply put his hand over hers and squeezed lightly.
- Thank you, Y/N. Thank you for everything...
A/N
I got an idea for this chapter after attending a tea ceremony. I'm actually love tea, to be honest.🍵🍵🍵
Not really a lot of Y/NxArmin and it will be for some time, I'm sorry... I'm building tension and developing events to the certain point 😔
I want to say that next chapter is... emotions swings
And... maybe you notice a little change in narration in this and previous chapter... and in the next one... I'll reveal it next time...
Btw there is a lot of new readers as my statistics say - I glad to have you here, hope you like the story, votes and comments always appreciate - it helps me with inspiration and makes me want to write more ❤️