Hoi! I'm sorry about the delay; I haven't had as much headspace to write recently, and I completely forgot to update this as a result. I do want to thank all of you for the kudos; it's nice to know people are enjoying my work!

Most of the characters didn't even appear in this episode, so this chapter is wholly inspired by the relaxed way Minna sat in that chair of hers.

I've looked at the furniture in Minna's office (because of course I have) and it seems she didn't have a sofa there until Episode 6, when one of the three chairs seen in Episode 5 was replaced by it. For this chapter, just assume it arrived after Perrine left.

5th – Watching over me

Minna sat back with a fulfilled sigh. Another day was coming to an end, one where they held the line while Command scrambled to adapt Operation Southwind to the new circumstances. That wasn't progressing too well at present, but they weren't out of the fight yet. With three Hives defeated, the nations of the world were becoming emboldened, more certain in the Neuroi's eventual defeat. More support was coming in by the day, leaving only their greatest obstacle: logistics. Antwerpen's port was far from rebuilt, and there were no other ports of sufficient size to deliver their new troops and matériel to. That meant spreading cargo over multiple countries, and Minna knew enough of international diplomacy to know collaboration on that scale was difficult at best.

But hope remained. She'd been surprised to receive the call from Nederland's leaders, but there'd been no doubt in her mind when she accepted their request. If there was any chance they could obtain additional support, especially from a country specialized in naval transport, Minna would seize it with both hands. She couldn't go herself, of course—the Wing needed its commander—but it just so happened they had one Witch who was experienced in diplomacy, especially concerning matters of nobility. This evening marked the end of the first day of Perrine's mission, and while her initial report wasn't wholly optimistic, Minna believed in the three of them. They'd find a way; they always did.

That was why she had no qualms about resting for a spell, here in the privacy of her office, the new sofa comfortable and soft, and the teacup between her cupped hands nice and warm. The curtains were drawn, and she'd turned off some of the lights to give the room a cozy feeling. She breathed in and smiled at the vestiges of a floral scent in the air; she'd always loved roses. It made her happy, to know that no matter where she went, she could always rely on her flowers to keep her grounded after a hard day's work. Her eyes closed, savoring the quietude…

…and opened again a moment later, as a familiar knock sounded on the door. "Come in, Trude." Speaking of things that kept her grounded.

One of Trude's eyebrows was already raised when she stepped inside. "How did you know?"

"My magic, naturally."

Trude nodded. "Ah, right."

Minna hid a smile at Trude's instantaneous acceptance. It was true that her Perception magic was never entirely 'off,' so to speak, but it wasn't as potent in its dormant state as everyone seemed to believe. That was a misconception, but one Minna never corrected, as it granted her some advantages, not least of which these small joys she loved to indulge in.

Trude was still standing at attention, so Minna beckoned her closer. "Why don't you have a seat?"

Trude stayed where she was. "Actually, I was making my final rounds and thought I might as well file a few documents while I was up and about…" She looked between Minna and the paperwork on the desk.

Ah, the archives. Trude always did love those musty old places. "At this hour? And aren't you training Lynne to take over for you?"

"I am, but I thought I could…just for a while…" Trude trailed off. "I guess I miss it. I've been the archivist for years."

Ah, change. "I understand how you feel. When I was put in charge of a Wing for the first time, I never imagined how different it would be. You don't want to know how many hours of sleep I lost back then. Sometimes I wished I'd never accepted the position."

Trude seemed to relax. "You're a natural, though."

"And so are you. Don't sell yourself short—you're already adapting to your new duties. It merely takes a while to sink in." Minna patted the spot next to her. "Now, come, relax a while. It'll help, I promise. Would you like some tea?"

There was an audible exhale from Trude as her shoulders loosened. "Sure."

Minna poured her a cup and sank into her seat once more, savoring her beverage and her new company. Her mind wandered, processing today's events and what she expected in the days to come. But she also indulged in other thoughts, much more pleasant ones. Saturnalia was coming up in a month's time; it would likely be their first chance to celebrate it as a group. She made a mental note of looking into decorations and some special treats.

And Lucchini's birthday was a week after that. "Hmm, I wonder what Lucchini likes…"

"Lazing about, mostly," Trude answered like clockwork.

Minna giggled. "I mean as a present, silly!"

Trude blinked. "Oh, right. The twenty-fourth?"

"Correct. We missed it the past two years, so it'll be nice to give her some gifts this time."

"I'll give it some thought. And we should ask Shirley about it too. She knows Lucchini better than any of us."

"I agree."

They settled into silence again. Minna took another sip of her tea, and it suddenly occurred to her that Trude hadn't done so at all. She turned her head and noticed Trude's eyes were slightly narrowed, seemingly riveted to…her cup? Not the tea in it, but the porcelain itself.

"Trude? Is something the matter?"

"Huh? Oh, no." Trude carefully raised her cup, peering at it. "I've been wondering. When did we get these?"

"The ceramics?"

"Yes."

"Those arrived as part of our initial supplies." Minna watched her carefully. "Why do you ask?"

"This pattern." Trude's fingers traced the gold-colored rim, then the blue rectangles with the fluffy clouds inside. "I thought it was coincidence at first, but I'm given this cup every time we have tea or coffee. How did that happen?"

So, the secret was finally out. Mirth fluttered in Minna's chest at the chance to share at last. "Because I chose it for you, of course."

Trude's gaze snapped to hers. "What? How did…when…" Something sparked in those eyes. "That's why you took so long on last month's supply run! You were shopping for this."

Minna puffed up her chest and raised her head just a bit, triumphant at her friend's incredulous expression. "That I was."

"You said you were looking for new stationery!"

"Oh, but I was." She attempted not to sound too smug. "It just so happens that I took extra care to select these while I was away."

Trude looked at her cup again. "You sneaky devil," she said at last. "Has anyone else said anything?"

"Lynne did ask why we didn't have matching sets, but no one else has mentioned it yet. Either they don't care to bring it up or they believe it's happenstance."

"Hmm." Trude finally sampled her tea. "So you chose these specifically for us?"

"Indeed."

"Then I have to admit, I'm curious. Clouds? Those could just as well apply to any of us."

"Oh? I thought they suited you well." She made sure Trude's focus was on her before she winked. "Soft, soothing, beautiful every single day. And they're always watching over me."

Trude's eyes went wide like saucers. "I…huh?" She turned away quickly, but the blush creeping into her face was exceedingly noticeable. "Honestly, Minna…" she mumbled. "How am I supposed to respond when you say something so sappy?"

Minna giggled again, but said nothing. It was enough to hear the happiness in Trude's voice, clearly audible despite her best attempts to conceal it. And it was enough to merely observe when Trude, after pouring her another cup, settled back in her seat—but closer than before. Minna sank into that peaceful sensation, content with the warm cup in her hands and the shoulder touching hers.

It would be some time before Trude cleared her throat. "I-I think…" Her voice was quiet, and with the way her face was still a little flushed, there was a shyness to her demeanor that was nothing short of adorable. "I think roses are beautiful too. I really like having them around."

Minna shifted and allowed their legs to touch. "I'm certain they're ecstatic to hear that."


A/N:

My personal motto: When in doubt, assume Minna did it. She likes making an effort for her girls, after all!

And although I didn't start this chapter with certain details in mind, I like where my thoughts ended up. Minna strikes me as the kind of person who delights in small things, and to take every chance at happiness she gets.