Author's Note: It's been decided the Family Arc will be 24 chapters total! It'll be the longest Arc of The Red String of Fate guys! New Generation will be the last arc, and around 12 to 15 chapters

It wasn't the normally peaceful evening in the Jaeger house. In fact, it was a wonder a neighbor didn't call the cops from all the loudness and commotion.

Aside from the sound of Carly screaming her lungs out, Eren and Mikasa were having their first argument as a married couple.

They were in their bedroom, while Carly was in the nursery. It had been another week, and in that full week...Mikasa hadn't slept more than 2 hours max.

"Mikasa, you just need to let her cry it out! She's fine! She was fed, changed and she's been held, you are going to collapse!", Eren yelled, worriedly and frustrated.

"What if she has a fever, Eren?! Or something else is wrong?", Mikasa yelled back. "Mikasa, we already checked all that...YOU need to rest! You're going to end up in the hospital!", Eren pointed out.

For a whole week, Carly would only sleep if Mikasa was holding her. Leading to the new mother not getting any proper sleep.

And it showed. Mikasa had dark circles under her eyes, and she looked paler than usual. It also didn't help that Carly wanted to be breastfed every two hours.

"Eren, listen to her! She needs me!", Mikasa said back, pacing anxiously, as Carly continued crying in the nursery.

"Mikasa, you need sleep! You won't be able to take care of her at all if you're in the hospital! Sometimes babies need to just cry it out", Eren said back, sighing.

Downstairs, Carla and Grisha were drinking tea listening to the argument. Carla sighed worriedly. "Grisha, shouldn't we go upstairs and lend a hand?", she asked softly.

"They're adults now, dear. We need to let them argue this out and figure it out themselves", Grisha replied simply. They were simply there in case Eren and Mikasa really needed them.

"Eren, I can't take it anymore! She's been crying for hours!", Mikasa then shoved passed her husband. "Mikasa!", Eren chased her.

Mikasa ignored him, storming down the hallway. She entered the nursery. "Mikasa, wait damn it!", Eren went to follow, when Mikasa slammed the nursery door right in Eren's face.

"OW! FUCK! Mikasa!", Eren clutched his now bloody nose, staggering back. "Son of a...BITCH!", he groaned painfully.

Grisha and Carla hurried up. "Eren, what happened?!", Grisha asked, as Carla hurried over.

"She slammed the flipping door in my face!", Eren answered, as Carla gently entered the nursery while Grisha got his son a tissue.

"Mika? Angel, can I come in...?", Carla asked in a soft voice. She closed the door behind her, to see her daughter in law was in the rocking chair.

She looked exhausted, her eyes closed as she cradled the baby close.

Carly's crying had instantly stopped, now that she was in her mother's arms. Mikasa stirred weakly, forcing her heavy eyelids open.

"Is Eren's nose okay...?", she asked tiredly. Carla smiled softly, coming over. "He'll live, sweetie. You look exhausted...", Carla stated, as she gently rubbed Mikasa's shoulders.

Mikasa gazed down at her baby, who slept deeply. She felt some tears well up in her eyes, a lump forming in her throat.

"Mom...I'm so tired..", Mikasa sobbed weakly then. "Oh angel...", Carla gently stroked Mikasa's hair then, worried and understanding.

"Why won't she sleep? In her bassinet...I'm...so tired. I feel like I'm gonna collapse...am I doing something wrong?", Mikasa asked, crying shakily.

"No, no you're not sweetheart. Shhh...I know, I know. I had so much trouble getting Eren to sleep too...", Carla assured Mikasa, gently brushing her tears away with her finger.

"I know the books say they need to cry it out but...I've tried! I let her cry for hours, mom! I couldn't take it anymore...besides, what if she starts losing sleep from that and gets sick?", Mikasa asked, sobbing weakly.

"I know, I know sweetie...there's a way to do this. All babies have their own quirks. You'll figure out how to fix this...", Carla assured her.

After a few minutes of calming down, Mikasa and Carla exited the nursery. Mikasa was holding Carly, looking half asleep herself.

Eren had a bandage on his nose, as he and Grisha came out of the bathroom. Eren paused then, seeing his wife's tear stained face.

"Oh Mikasa...", he said worriedly, his tone soft. "I'm sorry Eren...I just...", Mikasa began, trembling. Eren hurried to his wife's side, pulling her close, kissing her hair.

"I don't know what to do, Eren..! I...", Mikasa broke down in his arms, exhausted. She was physically and emotionally drained.

"Shhhh, I know...I know baby...we need to figure something out. You're exhausted...we both are", Eren assured her.

"Carly seems so used to Mikasa's scent and presence...", Carla speculated softly, rubbing Mikasa's back.

"If there was some way to keep it around Carly...but where Mikasa could sleep...", Grisha added. Eren blinked softly then, just noticing Carly's tiny fist was balled around a piece of Mikasa's red scarf.

He paused then...wait...what if...

"Eren...?", Grisha saw the look on his son's face. "Mikasa...I got an idea", Eren said then. Mikasa blinked tearfully.

"What is it, Eren?", she asked. Eren gently led his wife into the nursery, as Carla and Grisha watched.

"Okay gently set her in the bassinet", Eren instructed. Mikasa weakly did so. Carly remained asleep. "Okay...give me your scarf Mika", Eren said then.

Mikasa blinked, but removed it. Eren took it, and very carefully lay it across Carly's belly. He tucked the ends into the sides so it didn't move onto her face in her sleep, so she could breathe.

"Your scarf has your scent...maybe...just maybe, if we keep it on her at night, she'll sleep...", Eren explained.

Mikasa's eyes widened. "Eren...that...that could work...!", she cried softly, feeling a glimmer of hope. "Let's test it...come on sweetie", Eren gently took his wife's hand.

They exited the nursery, clicking the light off and closing the door quietly.

Mikasa held the baby monitor close, as they entered their bedroom. Carla had her fingers crossed, as Grisha listened too.

Mikasa made sure the baby monitor was turned up all the way. She listened anxiously. The room had gone dead silent, and soon a good 20 minutes passed.

Mikasa gave a shaky, heavy exhale of relief. "Oh...oh thank God...", she cried weakly. "She's sound asleep...it's working!", Eren grinned, also relieved.

"Eren, that was genius!", Carla beamed. "So that was it, Carly wanted her mother's scent", Grisha smiled.

"I can't believe I didn't think of it...", admitted Mikasa.

"Hey, you're sleep deprived, even more than me babe. You can't think straight...whoa, Mikasa!", mid sentence, Mikasa had actually collapsed, Eren having to catch her.

She had passed out, completely exhausted. "Eren..! Is she okay?", Carla cried worriedly, as Eren held his wife.

"Yeah...I got her...she's so tired", Eren replied softly, and worriedly. He lifted his wife up in his arms, carrying her to the bed.

Mikasa slept deeply, breathing softly. Eren gently took the baby monitor from her hand, setting it on the nightstand before tucking her in.

"You two get sleep, call us if you need anything", Grisha said softly. "I will...thanks guys", Eren said, tiredly and grateful.

After Carla and Grisha left, Eren and Mikasa slept that night well. Mikasa was completely shattered and slept like the dead.

When morning came, around 5 AM, Eren awoke to Carly's soft whimpering on the baby monitor. He forced his heavy eyelids opened, groaning a bit.

But he saw how peaceful his wife was sleeping...he didn't have the heart to wake her. Eren got out of bed, and went into the nursery.

Carly stopped crying, but continued kicking her little feet. "Hey sweetheart, good morning princess", Eren smiled, as he gently lifted her. Carly nuzzled against her father.

"You slept in your room all night like a big girl...Mommy really needed the break", Eren smiled softly.

Carly gave her father an adorable judging look like "Where's mommy?"

Eren chuckled. "Mommy needs more rest, princess. So we'll have to do this a bit differently", Eren explained softly.

Luckily Eren was able to get Carly to drink from the baby bottle for the first time. The day went fairly easy for him, and Mikasa was getting seriously needed sleep.

In between feedings and changings of Carly, Eren did some housework that was pretty overdue. He ran the dishwasher, dusted, and even managed to repair the shower head which had been leaking for a few days now.

He also decided to vacuum downstairs, but didn't dare do upstairs since his wife and daughter were sleeping.

As he was picking up all the scattered DVDs in the living room, a soft knock came to the front door. Eren answered it.

"Armin, hey", Eren smiled. "Hey, I heard from your parents Carly's finally sleeping in her nursery", Armin grinned.

"Yeah...Mikasa's finally able to sleep. She's dead to the world right now", Eren explained, the guys keeping their voices down.

"I can't wait to tell Rubi, she'll be relieved", Armin said. Eren blinked. "Where is Rubi?", he asked, as Armin began helping Eren pick up.

"She's spent the whole day arranging plane tickets, and packing. She leaves for medical school in three days...", Armin replied.

"Oh yeah...are the plans the same?", asked Eren. "Yeah, tonight she's gonna go out to dinner with her parents, tomorrow her and Mikasa are spending the day together, and the next day I'm going to take her out on one last date...our last date for four years", Armin sighed sadly.

Eren's eyes softened. "Don't be so grim about it, Armin. This is Rubi's dream. Plus she'll be back", he patted his friend on the back.

"Of course I know that...its just going to be hard. Being separated from her for that long...we won't be able to Skype that often because she'll be so busy", Armin stated.

"Oh Eren..when do you head back to work at Levi's teashop?", Armin asked then, changing the subject. "Not for a few months. I actually started designing the new cover art for The Walking Dead Season 5 for Telltale, so that'll bring in money too", Eren replied, grinning.

"Whoa, Telltale hired you?! Eren, that's awesome!", Armin grinned, excited for his friend.

Back at Armin and Rubi's house, Rubi was finishing up packing stuff. She had photos of herself and Mikasa, along with photos of herself and Armin.

She also packed an old Fox plush Armin bought her, and her friendship bracelet she shared with Mikasa.

She also had a recent photo of Mikasa with Carly, and a photo of her parents.

Rubi bit her lip, being alone in her and Armin's bedroom. She sat down on the bed, taking it all in. This...was really happening. In just three days, she was leaving the country.

For four long years, she was going to be in England, thousands of miles away from her family and friends.

Of course she was excited to go to medical school and become a doctor...it was her dream. And it would be nice to see her home country again after all these years.

But at the same time...she'd miss them all so much.

She gently placed a hand to her heart. "Armin...you're running out of time...", she whispered to herself. She wished..he would just purpose already.

By the next morning, Mikasa had finally woken up. She slept for so long, that when she opened her eyes she wondered not what time it was, but what day it was.

She yawned, stretching as she sat up. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "Morning, beautiful", Eren smiled, coming over.

Mikasa blushed. "That was such a good sleep, Eren...what day is it?", asked Mikasa. "Tuesday, you slept for a whole day and two nights. But you needed it babe", Eren replied.

Mikasa blinked, letting it sink in. "What?! Tuesday?! Eren, has Carly been fed..?!", she panicked then, her heart sinking.

"Baby, relax! She's fine! I bottlefed her", Eren assured his wife, gently placing a hand to her shoulder. Mikasa blinked, slightly relaxing.

"She drank from the bottle?", she asked, relieved and surprised. "Don't get me wrong, she sulked at first. She really has missed you", Eren smiled.

Mikasa smiled softly then. "Bring her in, Eren. I've missed my baby girl", she requested then. Eren smiled, he then brought Carly from the nursery, along with the red scarf.

Carly saw her mother, and her little face instantly lit up, reaching her small arms out eagerly.

"Hey, sweetheart..! Oh good morning, baby girl..!", Mikasa cooed gently, as she gently took Carly in her arms.

The baby smiled widely, kicking her little feet happily and babbling. "Mommy missed you! Were you good for daddy? Yeah?", Mikasa kissed Carly's forehead, snuggling her close.

Eren smiled, seeing how happy his girls were. Mikasa went to put her scarf back on, and she blinked then, sniffing it. "Eren, my scarf smells so clean...did you wash it?", asked Mikasa.

"Well...not extacly. Carly kicked the baby powder on it when I was changing her. So...it was white for a while", Eren explained, scratching his head.

Mikasa chuckled softly. "I see...I like it, it smells fresh", she admitted softly.

After breastfeeding Carly, Mikasa had got up to get a shower and get dressed since she and Rubi were spending the day together.

The girls went to go shopping first, and then went out to lunch. "So do you have a dorm or your own apartment?", asked Mikasa curiously.

The girls were eating at the Subway in the mall they were shopping in. They planned on going to see a movie right after.

"My own small apartment, I already have it bought. It's in a quiet neighborhood so that's good", Rubi replied.

"So...tell me, sis. What do you and Armin have planned for tomorrow evening? It has to be special", Mikasa grinned, as she drank her blue slushy.

Rubi blushed, and smiled softly. "Oh...well, I know he's taking me out to eat at a fancy place, and we'll most likely...yea spend the night together...", Rubi replied.

Mikasa tapped her foot a bit, giving her sister a look. "Anything else sis...?", she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Rubi sighed sadly as she ate her sandwich. "You know him, sis. He's shy...I...I want him to pop the question more than anything. But...I don't think it'll happen", Rubi confessed sadly.

Mikasa's eyes softened. "Armin loves you sis...more than anything. I'm sure he'll ask the question by tomorrow night", she assured her sister.

Rubi gave a small nod, but her eyes remained the same.

After the girls saw a movie, they returned home. After getting Carly settled down for a nap, Eren and Armin left so the girls could have time alone.

"She sleeps so soundly with your scarf, Miki", Rubi whispered softly, smiling as she gazed down at Carly.

"I know...it's such a relief. She looks so peaceful too", Mikasa smiled. Mikasa blinked softly then. "Hey sis...you wanna take a bath together?", she suggested then.

Rubi looked at her. "Sure Miki...that sounds relaxing. Plus its a quiet thing to do, so we don't wake Carly", she agreed.

The girls retreated to the bathroom, Mikasa bringing the baby monitor with her. They got undressed, and got into the warm bubblebath.

Mikasa leaned against the wall, and Rubi against the other side both girls totally relaxed.

"Ahhh this is the life...I've been so busy with moving...I haven't had a bubblebath in ages, just showers", Rubi mused.

"Same...I've been caring for Miki so I haven't had time for a bath either...", Mikasa smiled softly then. "Oh sis, I can't wait for when she's older, to buy her bath toys", she admitted then.

Rubi smiled at her sister, giving her a look. Mikasa blinked. "What sis?", she asked.

"It's adorable, Miki. The way you get so excited for future things for your daughter. Your whole face lights up like Christmas...that makes you a good mommy. You get more excited for her than yourself", Rubi explained.

Mikasa blushed, smiling softly. "I've already thought about it all..her first words, her first steps, her first birthday, her first day of school...I can't wait for Eren and I to see it all", she admitted.

She then looked at Rubi. "Hey..sis. Would you and Armin want children someday?", Mikasa asked then.

Rubi turned bright red, sinking down a bit. "I mean...Miki, he hasn't even...purposed yet so...", she began nervously.

"I know hon, but...what if?", Mikasa was curious about it. Rubi sighed gently.

"Of course I'd want kids with Armin. But...I'm not as strong as you Miki. I don't have near a high pain tolerance. Even though I was calm during your labor, when I watched you struggle through those contractions sis...all I could think is how is she not screaming bloody murder for an epidural", Rubi admitted.

Mikasa smiled softly. "So...you're saying you're worried the labor would be hard?", she asked. Rubi gave a small nod.

"A bit...I just worry also if I'd even be a good mother", Rubi confessed. Mikasa's eyes widened, as she looked at her sister.

"Rubi...are you kidding? You'd make an AMAZING mother! You're so nurturing and kind...look how you are with Carly", Mikasa pointed out.

Rubi smiled softly. "Thank you, Miki. Who knows...maybe one day", she shrugged. Mikasa's eyes softened...she was starting to get frustrated with Armin.

It was clear how badly Rubi wanted to marry her, and have at least one child. And yet he stll hadn't even purposed.

Rubi sighed softly then. "I'm gonna miss you so much Miki...and Carly", she admitted. Mikasa smiled sadly.

"We're gonna miss you too, sis. But hey, we'll skype when we can", Mikasa replied. The girls were quiet for a few moments, as it sunk in they'd be separated for four years.

Rubi sat up a bit, deciding to lighten the mood. "Say Miki...your breasts have really grown", she teased playfully then.

Mikasa blushed, looking down. "Hey, I'm breastfeeding! A very hungry large baby too!", she defended, but laughed softly.

"I don't hear Eren complaining!", Rubi teased, as Mikasa turned red and splashed Rubi. The girls laughed.

At the same time, Eren and Armin were walking in town together. "Armin, I'm dead serious! You NEED to purpose to her tomorrow tonight! After dinner!", Eren pressed his best friend.

"I know, I know, Eren...I just...I'm scared. What if she says no? What if when she leaves she-", Armin began.

"Snap out of it Armin!", Eren cut his friend off. "You're buying her a ring today, and you're asking her to marry you tomorrow night! No more stalling!", Eren said firmly.

"Well..should I ask her before or after sex?", asked Armin, blushing. Eren rolled his eyes. "Armin, you can ask her DURING sex for all I care, just ask her!", he said firmly.

Armin sighed softly. "Don't get me wrong...I want this, Eren. More than anything...but I'm worried Eren. What if I purpose tomorrow night, and Rubi has second thoughts about leaving. What if she feels now that I'm asked...she has to stay. I don't want to take her dream away", Armin explained.

Eren paused. "You make a fair point, Armin. But Rubi loves you. And she knows what she wants. If you two don't start moving further into your relationship...Armin, you're gonna lose her. Mikasa and I don't want to see you two drift apart", he replied.

"I know Eren...", Armin sighed softly.

"I'll ask her tomorrow night, I promise", he assured his best friend.

Tomorrow night was soon upon them. It was evening, and Mikasa was helping Rubi get ready for the date.

"Miki...I'm actually kind of nervous", Rubi admitted, blushing. Mikasa smiled, brushing her best friend's long hair.

"You're gonna have a great time sis. Armin will be here any second", Mikasa said. Rubi adjusted her earrings as the girls exited the bathroom.

When Armin arrived downstairs in a black tuxedo, Mikasa and Rubi came downstairs. Armin instantly turned red.

Rubi was wearing a blue silk dress, that exposed the shoulders and showed a little cleavage. She also wore her hair up with a Sakura petal clip, and red heart earrings.

She was also wearing makeup, blushing. Rubi walked up to him, and kissed him deeply then on the lips. Armin blushed, returning the kiss, pulling her close.

"You look gorgeous...", Armin mused as they gently broke the kiss. Rubi smiled, blushing.

"You look bloody handsome yourself", she admitted, running her hands down his suit. Armin smiled, blushing. Eren winked at him while Mikasa gave Rubi a nod.

Armin and Rubi left, as Eren wrapped his arm around his wife's shoulders. "Fingers crossed, Eren", Mikasa said.

"Fingers crossed", Eren nodded.

At the fancy restuarnt, Armin and Rubi spend a lot the evening talking about the medical school, and everything else.

"I heard they have doctors in training text on live sized dummies and dolls now", Armin said. "Yes, its actually really fascinanting Armin! They have realistic fake organs, blood, and all of that to help prepare students for what to expect", Rubi smiled.

"You're beyond that level, babe. You helped Mikasa give birth", Armin smiled. Rubi blushed. "True...they have the fake blood and organs to prepare anyone who is weak to that. Not to mention all the paperwork and examines that comes with it", Rubi added.

"Yeah...to be a doctor you need to learn it all. How to treat the entire body, bones even", Armin nodded.

"I'm honestly really excited, Armin. As a doctor not only can I help so many people...even save lives, but if Miki has anymore kids, or if her ribs get worse, I can be there to help her. Not to mention if Carly ever got sick", Rubi nodded.

Armin smiled softly. "So...you really wanna do this, huh?", he asked as he went to reach in his pocket.

"I do! Oh Armin...I've never been more excited before in my life! I get to go back to my home country, and most likely meet other students who all want to become the same thing. Not to mention learn of History's doctors...", Rubi babbled.

Armin's eyes softened, as he slowly removed his hand from his pocket then. He didn't take the ring out, as he listened to his girlfriend ramble on.

She sounded so happy...so overwhelming happy about this. If he purposed to her now...she'd feel pressured, and obligated to stay.

It felt like if he purposed now, he'd be putting her on the spot and forcing her to choose between marriage and her career.

Of course Armin didn't feel that way, he didn't care how long he'd have to wait. But he didn't want Rubi to feel that way.

"So...anything else?", Rubi asked then, snapping Armin out of his thoughts. "Huh? What baby?", he blinked.

"Anything else we doing tonight, babe?", Rubi repeated. She bit her lip...half expecting...hoping he's pull the box out from his pocket.

"Oh...right! Um...dessert", Armin said then. Rubi smiled, but her eyes expressed sadness and disappointment.

"Right...dessert", she said, as she looked at the menu.

She held onto her hope though...maybe he asked as they were leaving the resturant. But he didn't. Maybe during sex...however even after Armin and Rubi finished having sex that night...he still didn't ask.

Before anyone knew it, it was morning and they were at the airport. Rubi had finished getting her bags on, her flight leaving in just a few minutes.

Rubi and Mikasa were hugging close, crying softly. "You have my Skype, right Miki?", Rubi asked tearfully, not wanting to let her friend go.

"Yes...I'll be calling you a lot sis", Mikasa answered, sniffling. "Hey you...don't go having anymore babies until I get back. I wanna be there for that", Rubi added.

Mikasa smiled tearfully. "Don't worry, we won't...Carly's gonna miss her Auntie", Mikasa said as the girls gently broke apart. Eren was holding Carly, he gently handed her to Rubi, as Rubi cradled the baby close.

Carly babbled cutely, nuzzling against Rubi. "I'm gonna miss you, sweetheart...you be good for mommy and daddy while I'm gone...you're gonna grow so fast", Rubi released a small sob, cuddling Carly close.

"I'll send you photos and videos every day, sis. And we'll skype for all her birthdays and Christmases", Mikasa smiled tearfully.

"Thank you...and I'll send her gifts for every birthday and Christmas", Rubi very gently handed the baby back to Mikasa.

"I love you Miki...", Rubi cried softly. Mikasa smiled tearfully. "I love you too sissy...", she said as the girls gently cuddled.

"We're gonna miss you Rubi", Eren smiled softly. "You take care of my sister and niece, Eren", Rubi grinned back.

Armin was standing next to Eren, biting his lip. Eren and Mikasa exchanged looks, knowing Armin still hadn't asked.

Rubi sighed softly, looking at Armin. Armin swallowed hard, he then went up to her and they hugged tightly, kissing softly.

"I love you, Armin...", Rubi said tearfully, pressing her forehead to his. "I love you too Rubi...I'm gonna miss you so much", Armin added, also tearfully.

Eren and Mikasa both watched, anxiously.

Armin bit his lip, quiet as Rubi waited anxiously. A voice on the speaker then stated "Last call for Flight 15 to London, England"

Rubi exhaled sadly. "I'll call you, sweetie", she said as she kissed Armin's cheek. She turned to walk away, towards the gate.

Mikasa felt her heart sink, as Eren gawked at Armin. Armin felt panic rise in his chest, seeing Rubi walk away.

No...he couldn't do this. He couldn't let her walk away without asking. "RUBI!", Armin suddenly yelled, sprinting towards her.

Rubi blinked, looking to see Armin throw his arms around her then. "Armin...!", Rubi cried in surprised, as she embraced him back.

"Rubi...I'm so sorry. I'm a coward...a complete coward. And you deserve so much better than me...", Armin then softly cupped Rubi's face.

Eren and Mikasa watched, anxiously. Rubi blinked, blushing.

"Armin...", she started. "Rubi, I love you...so much. You're everything to me. I know this is your dream, and that's fine. I'm so happy to see you achieving it. But...after the four years are up...", Armin then got down on one knee, pulling the small box from his pocket.

Rubi froze, her eyes widening as color reached her cheeks. Her heart skipped several beats as Armin opened the box, revealing a beautiful ruby ring.

"I love you Rubi...when you come back...will you marry me?", Armin asked. Rubi gasped tears filling her eyes as she clasped her hands to her mouth.

"Oh Armin! Yes!", she beamed, as she threw her arms around him. Armin grinned, relieved as they embraced.

He then slipped the ring on her finger as they shared a passionate kiss. Mikasa exhaled in relief, smiling cuddling Carly close, as Eren sighed.

"Just in time...geez", he said, also smiling.

Rubi and Armin gazed into each other's eyes, smiling. Rubi then turned on her heel giving her friends one last smile before boarding the plane.