Author's Note: Okay guys important! The College Arc is only gonna be 8 chapters total, much like Junior High. But the next arc, the "Family Arc" will be MUCH longer! More like 15 to 20 chapters.
"Thanks for covering Isabel's shift, Mikasa", the diner manager said. It was sunset, and Mikasa was just getting off work. She had redressed into her normal clothes, wrapping her red scarf around her neck, and put her black coat on.
It was winter, and there was already snow on the streets and sidewalks. It was also very cold outside.
Rubi and Armin were busy studying back at the dorm, and Eren was still at work. Isabel had twisted her ankle, so Mikasa took over her shift.
"It's fine sir, tomorrow at 3, right?", Mikasa asked. "That's right, have a good night Mikasa", the manager said.
"You too sir", Mikasa exited the diner. She pulled a small piece of paper from her pocket, a short grocery list.
It was so cold out that no one felt like getting takeout, so Mikasa decided to bring back some warm meals for the next few days.
As Mikasa walked down the sidewalk, she had barely left the street with the diner, when she saw someone walking up to her. She blinked, recognizing the person.
It was that same woman who came into the diner once in a while. And judging by her stomach, she was far into her pregnancy now.
No less than 8 months. Possibly 9.
"Mikasa...right?", she suddenly asked, after stopping in front of Mikasa. Mikasa looked at her. "Yes...how did you...", Mikasa started to ask.
The woman gave a soft smile. "My name is Petra...and..I'm Levi's wife", she introduced herself.
Mikasa bit her lip, as her eyes darkened. "I see..", she said, bitterly. She went to turn the other way.
"Wait!", Petra said quickly then. At first Mikasa didn't stop. She didn't want to talk to anyone who was close to Levi.
Not after everything he's done.
"Mikasa, I knew your mother!", Petra revealed then. Mikasa stopped, glancing back at Petra, a look of shock on her face.
"What...?", she asked.
"I know its hard to believe sweetie, but...your mother and I...we were like sisters...when she was alive", Petra's voice actually cracked a bit.
Mikasa blinked, worriedly, and surprised, as she fully turned to face Petra.
"And I know you have a lot of questions...my husband's too stubborn about it. But you deserve to know everything", Petra added, placing her hand on her swollen belly.
"Okay...come with me back to the diner. We'll talk there...you shouldn't be on your feet", Mikasa decided, a concerned look in her eyes.
Petra looked at her, relieved, even happy Mikasa wanted to talk to her.
They went back to the diner, and sat in one of the booths, and got some hot chocolate.
"When are you due...?", Mikasa asked first. "Next month...although Levi and I plan to go to the hospital tomorrow, since a C-section is planned due to my health..", Petra replied.
Mikasa picked up on the fact Petra sounded quite breathless.
"I know what you must be thinking...how could I be with Levi? If I was friends with your mother", Petra asked.
"Yeah...I mean...you seem really sweet. But Levi..", Mikasa admitted. Petra gave a kind smile. She then pulled a book binder from the bag she was carrying in.
Mikasa blinked. "Take a look", Petra offered.
Mikasa opened the binder, and her eyes widened, her heart sinking. She even forgot to breath. Inside this binder, was a large collection of photos and letters.
All the photos were of Akane and Petra, along with Herrick and even Levi.
One photo showed Akane and Petra hugging at the park, back during high school. Another showed all of them at a picnic in middle school.
One page had pictures from Herrick and Akane's wedding day, Levi wasn't in any of these photos but Petra was.
The last phone showed Petra and a pregnant Akane. "That was when she was 5 months into her pregnancy with you...and...it was one of the last times we saw each other", Petra explained, sadly.
Mikasa studied the photos, swallowing hard. Akane and Petra...they looked inseparable. It reminded her of herself and Rubi.
She also noticed, in the photos, Petra appeared sicker and sicker in each one.
She especially looked pale in the last photo.
"These letters...", Mikasa looked at one. Petra looked down grimly.
"During the rest of Akane's pregnancy, I was in the hospital...so we could only send letters and call each other. Akane visited when she could, but...", Petra hesitated.
It seemed like it was difficult for her to talk about. Mikasa's eyes softened.
"Akane was sick too...her health wasn't the greatest either. And well the further she got into her pregnancy, the weaker she got. So our visits became less and less frequent. The night you were born...I wanted to be there...so badly. But...I was having surgery that night. I...was scared to death...your mother needed me...and I was useless", Petra's voice cracked, tears appearing in her eyes.
"I only met you once, when you were a baby. Things got worse...my health only deteriorated, and Herrick's work was becoming more needed in this country. So after they moved here with you, Akane and I tried to stay in contact...but my health just got worse. I...nearly die so...", Petra went on.
Mikasa looked down. "My mother...never mentioned you though", she admitted.
"It was most likely too painful for her to talk about. I was on my death bed for weeks...months. And every time it seemed like I may recover, I relapsed. Some doctors even began to refuse to treat me. Said it was cruel to keep me alive...", Petra explained.
"That's..horrible", Mikasa said softly. She blinked then, freezing, as a memory returned to her. She recalled...as a child, there were quite a few times when she would wake up in the middle of the night, and hear her mom crying. She remembered her dad would take Mikasa back to bed...
And she never understood what it was all about.
"But..I don't understand, Petra. Why would you marry Levi..if...", Mikasa began to ask. Petra gave a small smile.
"I know it appears like Levi doesn't care about you, or that he loved your parents. But...the truth is sweetie, its quite the opposite", Petra admitted.
She shifted a little bit in her seat, seeming a bit uncomfortable, her hand hadn't left her belly all this time. Mikasa kept a worried eye on her, since Petra looked like she could go into labor at any moment.
"Petra...are you all right?", Mikasa asked worriedly. "I'm fine sweetie...", Petra assured her, although it was partly a bit of a lie.
She was feeling very mild pains in her abdomen, but they were so mild, Petra didn't really worry about it.
"You should be resting in bed", Mikasa pointed out, worriedly. Petra smiled...she reminded her so much of Akane.
"I had to talk to you. Levi's too stubborn and I was tired of waiting. Don't worry about me. So...Levi was friends with us since middle school. All four of us were close friends", Petra admitted.
Mikasa smiled softly...just like her, Eren, Armin and Rubi.
"But, the older we got, the more...let's say complicated things were. Once we reached high school age, it was obvious Levi...", Petra hesitated at first.
Mikasa blinked. "You won't believe this sweetie but...Levi was madly in love with Akane...your mom", Petra said then.
Mikasa froze, her mind even went blank for a moment at this statement.
"I'm sorry...what?", she asked, shaking her head. "It's true. Levi had the biggest crush on your mom. And well...that started a rivalry between him and Herrick, your dad", Petra said.
"They both liked her, and got into a lot of arguments and even a few physical fights in high school. Akane though...she was actually more worried about my feelings. She knew I was in love with Levi, so she never gave Levi a second look", Petra explained.
"But she liked my dad...?", Mikasa asked, still looking in shock.
Petra smiled. "She loved your dad, but she was so shy. After they finally confessed their feelings, Levi became more distant of us. He hardly joined us for lunch anymore...", Petra said.
"We thought he'd move on, get over it. But...he didn't. After a final argument between Levi and Herrick, Levi no longer talked to us. He didn't attend the wedding either", Petra went on.
"So...Levi was jealous...and even heartbroken", Mikasa realized.
"Yes. But..let me continue. The night you were born...Levi really couldn't come. He was several miles away, and all the trains and roads were shut down because of the blizzard. He tried like crazy...but...he couldn't get through", Petra revealed.
"Your father was so worried for Akane, and angry at Levi still..so he naturally sounded bitter about the whole thing to you. When the storm passed, Levi was too ashamed to show", Petra said.
Mikasa was quiet, her thoughts racing. At this point, she didn't know how to feel about her uncle.
Petra looked down softly, as she exhaled then, her hand rubbing her belly.
"Not long after your parents died...Levi came to the hospital, and had me moved to a better hospital. He..gave me hope. Something to live for. He stayed with me at the hospital, and took care of me...he was there for me when every doctor gave up on me", Petra admitted.
"Levi may have told you some nonsense like he didn't come to your mother and father's funerals because of whatever, but the truth is...", Petra took a deep breath.
"It was much too painful for Levi to look at you. He saw a photo of you, and..he broke down in front of me. You look just like your mother after all. It was too hard for him...and...even harder to face reality they were dead", Petra explained grimly.
Mikasa was quiet, even slightly trembling. Petra noticed. "Sweetie...", she gently reached her hand across the table then, taking Mikasa's hand.
Mikasa squeezed it gently. "I'm sorry honey, this can't be easy for you to talk about", Petra said.
Mikasa shook her head, sniffing. "No...don't apologize, Petra. I should be thanking you. I...had no idea you were so close to my mom", she said, her voice cracking a bit.
"When I found out what happened to your mother...I was in the hospital and...I couldn't keep it together. The first thing I wanted to know was where you were, if you were safe...I...was so relieved when I heard the Jaegers took you in. But...much like Levi I couldn't face you...", Petra admitted.
She swallowed hard, tears sparkling in her eyes.
"I...when I...found out Akane was gone I...I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to accept it as reality. Especially...how she died. And the fact you had to see it...", she cried.
"If it wasn't for Eren...I wouldn't have made it this far...", Mikasa admitted softly. "I'm forever thankful to that boy...I'm so sorry for Levi's recent actions. I think he's angry...more at himself, but he took it out on Eren", Petra added.
"But please...Levi isn't anyone evil, or cold. He comes off that way, but when you get right down to it, Levi cares deeply for his family. And he's never stopped grieving for your parents. He regretted never making amends with your father...", she said.
"I...don't even...know how to feel about Levi", Mikasa confessed.
"That's understandable sweetheart. This is so much to take in, and it wouldn't be natural to expect you to instantly let go of your grudge against him. It's too much...but please, promise me something Mikasa", Petra said.
Mikasa looked at her.
"Promise me...you and Levi will patch things up. You'll both...become a family", Petra said. It was getting dark, as the two were getting ready to leave.
Mikasa got up.
"I...I'll try. But...I can promise you this", Mikasa then kindly offered her hands to Petra, to help her up. Petra gave a thankful smile, as she took Mikasa's hands.
Mikasa carefully helped Petra to her feet, as Petra exhaled a bit heavily. "I...would love it if you were part of my life Petra. Because you clearly...cared a lot for my mom", Mikasa said softly.
Petra's heart skipped a beat, her eyes lighting up.
"Oh Mikasa...that makes me so happy to hear that", Petra beamed, tearfully. The girls hugged then. Petra blinked tears from her eyes.
"I won't lie...when I first saw you a few months back...I thought Akane had come back from the dead. You're as beautiful as she was", Petra smiled kindly, as they gently broke apart.
She gently caressed Mikasa's cheek, while Mikasa smiled softly. She was holding back her own tears...it meant so much to Mikasa for Petra to say that. To hear anyone say that.
"It's getting dark fast...do you need me to take you home?", Mikasa asked worriedly.
"No, I'm all right honey. My car's parked there. And home isn't far", Petra assured her.
"Oh..here", Mikasa then handed Petra her phone number. "Thanks, are you okay to walk back to the dorm?", Petra asked softly.
"Yeah, Eren's meeting me at the market", Mikasa replied.
"Okay, well I'll see you soon then sweetie", Petra smiled. Mikasa nodded, smiling back. Petra got into her car, and drove off.
Mikasa hurried to the market. Eren was standing outside it, shivering a bit, looking confused, even worried why Mikasa was so late, and didn't even answer her phone.
"Eren!", Mikasa ran over. Eren jumped, his eyes wide.
"Mikasa!", Eren hugged her then. "Are you okay?! I texted you like 10 times, and you're so late", Eren fretted, worriedly.
"I'm fine, Eren. I'm sorry for worrying you...", Mikasa then explained everything to Eren, as the two got their groceries.
It was on the walk back home they she finally finished telling him it all.
Eren was speechless at the end. "Holy shit...Mikasa...seriously?!", he gawked at her. Mikasa gave a small nod, her scarf covering her mouth.
"Well...I'm glad at the very least you know Petra now. It sounds like you two would become close friends...but as far as your uncle...", Eren said.
"Petra's really sweet. I like her...alot. I'm also worried about her Eren", Mikasa replied. "Yeah...you mentioned she's about to have a baby", Eren said softly.
"Petra told me she's always had bad health, a weak heart. She's going to the hospital tomorrow for a C-section, since a natural childbirth is too risky", Mikasa said.
"Damn...but...about Levi...", Eren started. Mikasa looked down.
"Of course I'm less angry after hearing all of that but...I still...", Mikasa began.
"You're still hurt...", Eren realized. Mikasa closed her eyes for a second.
"It's selfish...but...I can't...let it go", she started.
"Mikasa, baby that's okay. You want an apology from Levi...you won't be able to let it go until Levi and you talk. And that's completely normal. I don't blame you", Eren assured her.
He gently squeezed her hand.
Later that evening, Petra and Levi were in their bedroom. They planned on going to bed early, since they were leaving for the hospital the next day, early.
"Everything's packed, right?", Levi asked his wife.
"Yeah, and you installed the car seat?", Petra asked him, sitting on the bed. She sounded very tired, and even looked a bit pale.
"All done...", Levi frowned then, worried.
"You feeling okay, sweetie?", he gently sat beside her, taking her hand, rubbing her back.
"Yeah...sorry, I was having some braxton hicks contractions today, but I'm okay", Petra assured him.
"You sure they weren't real?", Levi asked worriedly, even a but panicked. Petra nodded. "I'm sure...Levi, I...talked to Mikasa today", Petra admitted then.
Levi went quiet, looking away. "Don't make that face. You need to talk to her. Mikasa's hurting too you know", Petra frowned.
Levi sighed, getting up. "I'm going to brush my teeth..you need anything?", he asked. His tone was soft, but he completely brushed over the subject.
Petra's eyes softened. She was frustrated, but too exhausted to press the matter. "No, I'm okay honey", she replied.
Levi nodded, as he exited the bedroom. He walked down the hall, and entered the bathroom, clicking the light on.
His mind was blank...he was pushing all of it in the back of his head. He didn't want to think about it...or remember any of it.
As it was...it was killing him to have to look at Mikasa every day in class. To see her...a spitting image of Akane.
The woman he once loved so much. And..a part of him even felt foolish. He spent so long obsessing over a woman who didn't even share his feelings, when the woman he was really meant to be with was by his side this whole time.
And now she was his wife..and they were expecting their first child.
Just as Levi began running the sink water, he suddenly heard Petra cry out in pain from the bedroom.
Levi jumped, his heart sinking, as he hurried back to the bedroom.
"Petra!", he hurried in to see his wife was sitting up, clutching her swollen belly. She was gritting her teeth painfully, already sweating a bit.
She was having contractions, but that wasn't the worst part. As Levi hurried to her side, he saw a puddle on the bed sheets.
"Levi...my water broke...!", Petra cried, fearfully, her breathing labored and urgent.
The following morning in class, it felt like any other day. It was still freezing outside, and students dressed extra warm.
Mikasa entered her classroom. She blinked, noticing the professor's desk was empty.
"Where's Professor Levi?", a student whispered.
Mikasa's eyes expressed worry, remembering Petra mention about the C-Section being today.
"Hey class!", Hanji stepped out from the back room then. "Soo uh I know this is different, Professor Levi is going to be absent for a while as your professor, so I'll be taking over", Hanji said.
"Why's he absent?", a student asked, as Mikasa sat at her desk.
"Um well...his wife had a baby last night", Hanji replied. Mikasa raised her eyebrows then...something was strange about Hanji's tone.
In fact, she was acting strange in general. Her normal cheerful attitude seemed to be replaced with worry, even fear.
She was sweating, and she kept glancing at her phone, anxiously.
"Oh really?", some students sounded happy, others surprised. "Yes, he has a son. So let's get on with the lesson, shall we?", Hanji said.
Mikasa starred at Hanji..something felt wrong. Very wrong. Mikasa couldn't explain it, but she felt it in her gut.
When class ended, and after students left, Mikasa stayed behind. She walked up to Hanji, who was clearing the board.
"Hanji", Mikasa said. "Huh?! Oh Mikasa, hey there!", Hanji forced a fake smile, after jumping a bit.
"What's going on? Is Petra all right?", Mikasa demanded.
Hanji hesitated. Her expression softened then. "Petra's water broke last night...and...it all happened so fast, she couldn't have a C-Section...", she started. Mikasa's eyes grew wide, in horror.
"Mikasa, Petra...suffered a severe hemorrhage. Its best you go to the ER yourself to find out all the details...", Hanji revealed.