Petra was in the kitchen that morning – as usual. Levi was outside, at the table, planning the day for the fourth time, to make sure it was perfect.
There was a quiet clink in the kitchen. "Shit," Petra muttered.
"Everything alright?" Levi called from the table.
"Maybe a little more sugar than usual."
"Don't worry." Levi secretly loved sweet things. Her putting in sugar also meant that the tea would be ready soon.
Sure enough, within a minute, two steaming cups were on the table.
The pair drank quietly. "It's fine," Levi replied to Petra's nervous look.
"Thank you," she mumbled. They slipped back into silence. Levi looked over Petra briefly – or what he thought was brief. She seemed bothered by something. Usually, she'd be talking. Today, however, she was brooding quietly. She did brood occasionally – everybody in the corps had to, to avoid insanity. But she wasn't sad this time.
"What's up?" Levi decided to ask.
She sighed. "Nothing."
"Really?"
"I mean, it's just a thought…"
"What?"
"Do you mind if I-"
"Leave it to my imagination."
She sighed and looked about. "It's awkward, though."
"More for me to imagine."
"It occurred to me that you're the only person, other than dad, who I make tea for."
"So?"
"And I don't mind…"
"As in?"
"It's not like I feel obliged."
"Then why bother?"
"Because I like y- I like watching you drink it," she blushed slightly. "I mean-"
"I understand. It makes you feel appreciated."
"That's not it, but well…"
"Then… what is it?"
"It's about caring, I think," Petra said after a long pause.
"Caring? Meaning…"
"It's nothing, Heicho."
The silence returned as thoughts swam about in Levi's head. What exactly was the nature of her caring? He pondered his own caring. "Is odd you say that Petra."
"What?"
"That you care."
"I mean-"
"Pretend to have no place, but I think-" he hesitated, "I think you gave me one."
"I did?"
"I mean- you make me feel… welcome."
Petra's eyes darted about. "But how?"
"If only I knew."
"Does that mean-" she stopped before it was too late.
"Let's not. We've got the brat to deal with."
"Mission's tomorrow too."
They could only come that close to a full confession.
(Yes, it's trash. Tomorrow's will be better, I promise.)
