Beruani. Part: I, II
It was a strange happenstance that tasted like vanilla roast and February frost. Yet, as spring came nipping at the heels of a particularly long winter, Bertholdt concluded that it was no longer a coincidence that the blonde woman arrived at exactly 10:25 for her daily latte and scone. He attributes her frequent visits to the success of 845 Cafe, because lately, business has been more than decent with their glowing review in The New York Times.
His co-workers, however, are not as blind as he is when it comes to such a pattern. Ymir and Reiner plot in secret (or slight secrecy because Ymir is loud as hell, and Reiner wonders how Bert hasn’t already heard) keeping Bertholdt stationed at the register for the morning shift. He draws for her. Sometimes it’s a bird or a flower, but often times it’s different portraits of her wearing distinct expressions. He notices that even after she finishes her coffee, the woman still hangs on to the cup.
Even Eren Jaeger, their new employee is quick to pick up on the shy exchanges between Bertholdt and the mystery woman, and puts down twenty bucks in the pot towards whether or not Bertholdt will ask her out by the end of the month.
Three days towards the end of March, when Bertholdt rings up her order and timidly comments on the shade of her dress, she laughs, tilting her head backwards.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you out all month,” she explains at the sight of Bertholdt’s frightened expression, “—and I just haven’t had the balls to do it."
The woman pushes a blonde lock of hair behind her ear, cheeks dusted with a light pink shade. “I was wondering if you wanted to grab coffee together? There’s this great joint, 845 Cafe, you’ve probably heard of it.” She smiles at her own joke and extends her hand. “My name is Annie Leonhardt.”
Stutter
