The hospital was solemn and sterile smelling as ever today, just as uncomfortable as it always. He'd become extremely familiar with the place, both with the accident last year, and monthly therapy visits since then. Erwin carefully steps into the cramped elevator, alone for now but still stifled in the small space. Usually he would take the stairs, but today he had no time. He pressed the appropriate button to the floor he needed to reach. A small, nervous flutter touching his stomach as it set in just where exactly he was going. This floor was quieter than most, and slightly warmer, but he supposed that was just because of the base nature of it. Where he stood now was the maternal ward, and after a mental push he stepped up to the main desk of the floor, where a woman in sharp formal wear stood, exchanging papers and occasionally glancing at a watch latched to her delicate wrist. When he approached she turned around, giving him a small smirk before teasing words.
"Its about time you got here, huh Papa?"
"Don't call me that, Nelly. Is everything ready?" Erwin shifted uncomfortably, a lone hand coming to adjust his shirt collar.
"Alright, alright. Everythings set though, you just need to sign a few papers."
Erwin groaned internally at that, a few papers always turned to a few more and a few more.
But it was worth it, he thought, now following a peppy nurse down a hall and looking around quietly. When they came to the nursery, he couldn't help but begin to smile, staying put outside while she went into the glass walled room and left him to watch closely. He followed along as she weaved between the cribs, before taking hold of one and beginning to wheel it out to him. Once the cribs occupant was in proper sight, Erwin came closer to see and very carefully brush a thumb against the infants cheek. The nurse only smiled knowingly and let them be, though she told Erwin to let her know when he was ready to leave.
He barely heard her, and gave a empty nod, still gazing down at the little one before him. He stirred with a small whine, and Erwins heart suddenly felt far to big for his chest. If only Mike were here for this, that's the only way he felt this moment could be any more perfect.
The name theyd settled on weeks ago now belonged truly to the tiny child he was carefully plucking into his arms, Levine. Levi for short. Erwin cradled him gently, standing up again and gazing down at the sleepy little face looking back at him.
He doesnt know why or how, but the name fits the baby in his arms, the one Erwin feels so much love for already. Carefully, he nudged a tiny hand with his finger, still and quiet as Levi held on with a weak grip before simply resting his own little hand there. Erwin sighs happily then, swaying slightly on his feet and watching Levi look around at this odd new world he found himself in. Erwin doesn't notice until he feels a hand on his shoulder, but droplets had made their way upon the soft blanket Levi was wrapped in.
"Are you alright, Erwin?" Nelly asked, rather personally concerned for being his lawyer, if only for the legal side of this adoption.
"Im fine. Thank you." He answered simply, letting himself smile wide as Levi scrunched his nose with a soft grunt, a tear having plopped on his face. "Sorry, squirt."
"He's cute. Congratulations!" The woman nodded, though she gave him a slightly sad look. "Where is your husband?"
"Oh, Mike..he's at work. He'll be home later tonight. Thank you, really. Im sorry to go so early, but I think were going to go home now." Erwin explained, looking up to her from the child. "I think he's sleepy."