It was a Saturday, Eren got up early to head to work. He got Sundays, Thursdays and Tuesdays off. He hurried downstairs, seeing Mikasa was eating breakfast at the table.
"Eren, you slept in", she pointed out.
"I know! I screwed around on my game last night! Damn it!", Eren quickly grabbed a piece of toast.
"What time are you getting back?", asked Mikasa.
"Around 1, its only part time today", Eren then kissed Mikasa softly, his hand affectionately rubbing her swollen belly.
"I'm sorry Mika...I can't make it for the ultrasound, Levi is killing me", Eren apologized.
"It's fine, Rubi and Carla are taking me, it will also be a girls day since we're doing some shopping for the nursery", Mikasa assured, smiling.
"All right, I'll be back this afternoon", Eren hurried out then.
"Mikasa, sweetie have you and Levi patched things up yet?", Carla asked curiously as she gave Mikasa some more eggs and toast.
"No..", replied Mikasa simply, as she drank some milk.
She was five months pregnant now, and her tummy was getting quite big. And naturally her breasts went from a size C to a size D.
"Honey, I know it's not my place, but he is your cousin. And you told me he felt bad", Carla sat down at the table with Mikasa.
Mikasa sighed softly. "I know, you're right Carla. It's just...I need some more time", Mikasa said softly.
She couldn't help but still feel bitter. The fact Levi never contacted her all that time, even before Petra, Mikasa could not help but feel hurt.
"I understand, if you ever want to talk about it, I'm here", Carla assured. Mikasa smiled, nodding.
"I know, thank you Carla", she said. Carla smiled. "Honey, I'm still so touched. Naming your little baby after me...", she said.
"Carla, you took me when like I was your own. You're like a mother to me", Mikasa smiled.
By around 8 AM, the girls went to the hospital for Mikasa's ultrasound. Carla and Mikasa met up with Rubi there.
"Hey Rubi", Mikasa smiled. "Hey, whoa...you're getting big, mommy", Rubi noticed, surprised.
"I know, we know its not twins but Eren's worried the baby is oversized", Mikasa replied.
"I agree with him...come on, let's get inside", said Rubi.
Across town, Eren was mopping the wooden floor at the coffee shop.
"How's my cousin feeling?", Levi asked as he leaned against the counter. Petra was the waitress, and Oluo was the waiter.
Eld was was baker and so was Gunther. Levi was the manager, while Hanji washed dishes and helped clean.
"She's getting bigger of course, shes also a bit more tired, but other than that she's doing really well", replied Eren.
"No problems? You said her ribs were damaged...does that cause issues for this?", Levi asked.
"Well..yeah. But it will only effect the delivery. Right now we're a little worried the baby is oversized", said Eren.
He dipped the mop in the pail of water. "Oversized?", asked Levi, worried.
"I'll know more later today, but we really think so", replied Eren, a worried look in his eyes.
Levi sighed. "She still won't answer my calls"
"She's pretty sore Levi. You didn't contact her all that time, its not going to blow over quick", Eren said.
"I know..I just want to be sure she's all right", Levi drank some tea. He held the cup very oddly, by its top rather than its handle. Eren didn't question it.
"If it will make you feel better, I'll give you updates", Eren offered. "I appreciate that", said Levi.
They suddenly heard something smash and break in the kitchen.
"Whoops!", said Hanji. "Hanji, what the hell are you doing back there?", Levi asked, as he went back.
"Sorry! I dropped some dishes!", Hanji apologized, although she was laughing about it.
"How can you be so clumsy, four eyes?", Levi growled.
"Hey give me a break man! I'm busting my ass back here!", defended Hanji.
At the hospital, Mikasa was getting her ultrasound. Rubi and Carla were by her side, Rubi holding her hand.
"Okay...the baby has a strong heartbeat..", Grisha looked at the screen.
"Are you sure its not twins?", Carla asked concerned. "Positive, see? Only one baby in there", Grisha pointed.
Mikasa looked at the screen, her heart skipped a beat. "There's your baby, sweetie", Carla mused. "Her hands are so tiny", Mikasa noticed, smiling.
"I know, they look so cute", smiled Rubi.
"Can you tell yet if its a boy or girl...?", Mikasa asked softly. "Yes I can sweetie, do you want to know or it to be a surprise?", Grisha asked kindly.
"I'd like to know", replied Mikasa. She was anxious to know, so was Eren.
"Very well, you have a healthy baby girl in there", revealed Grisha.
"Really?", Mikasa's face lit up.
"A girl...just like you thought Mikasa", smiled Rubi.
Mikasa smiled softly, her hand going to her belly.
"Can you tell if the baby is oversized...?", Rubi asked then, worried.
"From what I'm seeing, and from feeling your stomach, the baby is a bit oversized Mikasa", Grisha confirmed.
"How oversized...?", asked Mikasa worriedly, as they finished the ultrasound, Carla helped Mikasa sit up as she pulled her shirt down.
"If my calculations are right, she looks like she'll be around 8 or 9 pounds at birth. Which isn't too oversized, but it will be a bit tough", replied Grisha.
"You think she should have a C-section, dear?", asked Carla worriedly.
"It's hard to say, I don't recommend C-Sections when both mother and child are doing very well, which in this case they are. It's really up to Mikasa, unless further complications arise", replied Grisha.
Rubi looked at Mikasa. "What do you want to do Mikasa?", she asked.
"I know I want to have the baby naturally", replied Mikasa. "As long as no more complications come up, you can do it that way", assured Carla.
Mikasa nodded softly. She hadn't brought it up yet, but she wanted a homebirth. She wasn't sure yet how to bring it up to anyone without worrying them.
Eren was already paranoid out of his mind, so the idea of a homebirth just might give him a heart attack.
After leaving the hospital, the girls went to do some shopping. They had already got the big things like a bassinet, changing table, car seat, and all of that.
Today they were getting a bunch of toys, baby blankets, and all of that stuff.
Mikasa then blinked, noticing a shelf with a bunch of extremely soft blankets. They were not baby blankets, just normal ones, of different colors.
"What's up Mikasa?", asked Rubi, noticing her curiosity as Carla put some more toys in the cart.
"These blankets, they're so warm", Mikasa mused, holding a red one. "Yeah they are soft", Rubi agreed smiling.
"They smell really nice too", Mikasa said, as she held one close. "Really?", Rubi smelled one, but couldn't smell anything other than fabric.
"Oh..that's right, you can smell better when pregnant, what do they smell like?", asked Rubi curiously.
"They smell warm, its really comforting", Mikasa admitted as she nuzzled one close.
"Of course...you're going through nesting", Rubi realized then.
"Would it be okay if I bought several? For around the house?", Mikasa asked.
"Of course, mommy", Carla smiled sweetly, they got a stack of the blankets, and put them in the cart.
"What kind of things did you do, when you were pregnant with Eren?", Mikasa asked curiously.
"Well, for some reason I wanted new carpet, and also I craved cheese burgers and ice cream", chuckled Carla.
"My cravings so far have been riceballs, ice cream, pancakes, oranges, and pizza", Mikasa said.
Once they paid, they headed home. It was close to 1, Eren was returning home.
When he did, he opened the front door. The first thing he noticed was three heated blankets spread out on the sofa, and two on the floor.
"What the?", he blinked. "Eren! Welcome home", Mikasa smiled. "Hey sweetie", Eren smiled, he hugged her, and then kissed her softly.
Mikasa returned the kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck.
The baby kicked hard then.
"Our daughter is happy to see you're home", Mikasa revealed then, as Eren placed his hand on her belly.
"Wait...it's a girl?", he asked. Mikasa nodded, beaming. "Oh Mikasa...that's great!", Eren grinned.
"So how was the ultrasound?", he asked then, a bit worried, his hand not leaving her stomach.
"Your dad let me know the baby is a bit oversized..but not by too much", replied Mikasa.
"Mika..how tough do you think it will be?", asked Eren worriedly.
"I still want a natural birth, your dad thinks it will be fine as long as nothing else comes up", replied Mikasa.
They entered the kitchen, and Eren blinked seeing a heated blanket on each seat, and even one on the floor.
"Mikasa...what's up with the blankets in every room?", Eren asked.
"Oh..", Mikasa blushed. "She's started nesting, that's why", replied Carla softly. "Oh..are they in every room?", asked Eren.
Mikasa nodded. "There's something else I need to talk to you about", she said then, quite seriously.
Eren looked at her worried. Mikasa took his hand and they headed upstairs. Eren saw four blankets in the hall, and their bed had ten on it.
"What's up baby?", asked Eren worriedly as Mikasa led him to his bedroom, although he never slept in it anymore.
He always slept in with Mikasa, he mainly came in here to play video games.
"Listen Eren...", Mikasa said seriously. "Yeah?", asked Eren worriedly.
"I was reading...and something in this room is dangerous for the baby", Mikasa said.
"What?! What is it, tell me, I'll get rid of it!", Eren said urgently. Mikasa hesitated, she then glanced down at Eren's Xbox.
She then unplugged it, and held it up. "This", she said.
Eren gawked at her, his eyes wide in horror.
"I'm sorry Eren, but it has to go", said Mikasa. She always felt annoyed by Eren's obsession with video games, but to top it off she was nesting, and just really wanted to get rid of it.
She knew with a baby they wouldn't have time for such things.
"Mikasa, come on! How is that dangerous?!", Eren asked.
"When she starts walking, she'll trip over it", replied Mikasa simply.
"B-But Mikasa...come on! This is beyond cruel!", Eren's knees shook.
"It has to go", Mikasa said simply. Eren hesitated, he knew once the baby came he wouldn't have any time to spend on his video games anyway, but it was killing him.
"Go on, take it out", Mikasa pressed. Eren clenched his fists.
Outside, he was standing over something, holding the system. "I can't!", he said then, closing his eyes tightly.
"Yes you can Eren", Mikasa encouraged calmly. Eren hesitated, his arms shaking, he then dropped the system in a cardboard box with a "Free Games" sign on it.
"Now the games", Mikasa handed the large stack to Eren.
Eren gritted his teeth, but he took them, and placed them in the box.
"Someone will give it a good home", Mikasa patted Eren's back.
By evening, Mikasa was resting in bed, propped on pillows. She was rubbing her swollen belly gently, she had a worried look in her eyes.
Eren came in, and he noticed. "Mikasa? What's wrong?", he asked, concerned
He gently sat by her. "Eren...I just realized...what if the baby doesn't like me? What if...I won't be a good mother?", she asked then. She looked down at her stomach, worried.
Eren blinked, surprised by her sudden question. But then he noticed small tears sparkle in the corner of her eyes.
Her hormones were off balance, and naturally she would question these things.
"Mikasa...", Eren cuddled her close then. "The baby will love you. You're going to be a wonderful mommy", he assured her then.
Mikasa looked at him, her hands not leaving her belly.
"Eren...", she said, relieved to hear this. Eren gently pressed his forehead to hers. "So don't worry, beautiful", he said sweetly.
Mikasa smiled, as Eren gently rubbed her belly. "This whole thing...I can't stop thinking about my parents", Mikasa admitted then.
Eren looked at her, worried. "Eren...I...I need to admit something", Mikasa said then.
"I'm listening", Eren assured her. "I want a homebirth", Mikasa said then. Eren blinked, taken aback.
"Wait...what?", he asked, not even knowing what that was.
"I want to give birth to Carly right here in our home. In my bedroom", Mikasa explained, looking at him.
"Wait a second, Mika...you can actually do that? That's a thing?", asked Eren, shocked. Mikasa smiled.
"Your parents had you at the hospital, so it makes sense. Rubi's a midwife, she'd be able to help me. My mom...she gave birth to me right at home. It was only her and dad because of a snowstorm. I..", Mikasa held a piece of her red scarf then.
"I want...to be able to do what my mom could do", she explained, a sad look in her eyes.
"Mikasa...", Eren looked at her. He then held her hand. Mikasa looked at him.
"Okay...only if you can do it and there are no risks with it", he said. Mikasa's face lit up, relieved. "We'll tell my parents", Eren said.
Soon Carla and Grisha came in the living room, and sat down. "What's wrong Mikasa?", asked Carla worriedly.
"Nothing's really wrong...but I want to discuss something with you guys...you are my family after all", Mikasa explained.
"We're listening honey", Grisha assured.
Eren looked at her worriedly.
Mikasa hesitated at first, she then took a deep breath, as she sat down by Eren, her hands on her belly.
"I want to have a homebirth", she revealed then. Grisha blinked, while Carla instantly looked worried.
"Really, sweetie?", asked Carla.
"May we ask why?", asked Grisha curiously.
"I've done a lot of reading into it. I've read that the stress of rushing to the hospital can be very stressful for the mother and baby. It can be much too chaotic of a situation. Plus at the hospital, you can't always hold your baby right away", Mikasa explained.
Eren looked at her shocked, she really had studied all of this.
"I see..", said Grisha thinking.
"You are right, it was quite hectic when we had to go to the hospital when I had Eren, plus I wasn't able to hold him right away", Carla admitted.
"I want to have Carly here...in my bed, in my home. Rubi can be my midwife..it would only be her, Eren, and you with me", Mikasa said, looking at Carla.
"Grisha, you're the doctor here. Will it be safe...?", asked Carla.
"The risks are a bit higher...however the worst case scenario is we'll have to suddenly rush her to the hospital for a C-section...but like Rubi's said, your health and the baby's is very good, despite a few issues", said Grisha.
"So is it possible?", asked Mikasa.
"Yes. As long as no new complications arise, you could have the baby here with Rubi's help", assured Grisha.
"Are you sure about that dear?", asked Carla worriedly.
"I'm sure. It's her body, and its her choice, if she feels comfortable most here, its best", replied Grisha.
"Is there another reason why you want to do it this way? You seem...almost passionate about it", Carla said.
Mikasa looked down softly then, she then pulled her scarf over her mouth. Eren knew who she was going to bring up before she started talking because of the grim look in her eyes.
"My mother...had me at home", Mikasa revealed then.
Carla and Grisha fell silent. Mikasa hadn't mentioned her parents in a long time.
"She and dad did it all by themselves, I was born at home. In fact, every woman in my family always had a home birth", explained Mikasa.
"All by themselves?", asked Grisha shocked.
"Yeah...the midwife couldn't arrive due to a snowstorm. I just...I can't explain it. If my mom had me at home...if she could be that brave...", Mikasa looked down a bit.
She swallowed, a lump forming in her throat.
"We understand sweetheart...if your mother could do it, then you want too, to be like her", Carla said kindly, her eyes soft.
Mikasa nodded. "Well, like my dad said, as long as nothing else happens, then we'll do it", Eren said then.
Mikasa looked at him. Eren smiled. "You're going to be great Mikasa, I know it. And I'll be there, through the whole thing", he encouraged.
Mikasa's face lit up at his words, she then threw her arms around him, as Eren kissed her softly.
By Monday, the two went to school. Eren held Mikasa's hand, as they arrived. Mikasa's hand was on her belly, the baby kicking quite strongly.
"Eren...", Mikasa said a little breathlessly then. "Yeah?", asked Eren, opening his locker.
"I'm sorry...that must have been hard for you", she said then.
Eren blinked. "What was?", he asked. Mikasa looked at him. "Your Xbox", she reminded.
"Oh that! Hey, it's fine Mikasa. Besides, you are right. By the time our baby comes, I won't have time to screw around on that thing", Eren assured.
"And also, it went somewhere good", he added. A little boy had picked it up, he and his family were poor and he never could afford a game system, so they pretty much made his day.
"I was happy to see that...", Mikasa admitted smiling.
"So don't worry about it, you were right", Eren smiled.
"Yeah...", Mikasa then winced a bit, her hands going to her swollen belly. Eren's expression changed to panic then.
"What's wrong? Are you in pain?", he asked fearfully, he took her hand.
"No she's just...really strong", replied Mikasa a bit breathlessly. She leaned against the locker. She gently rubbed her belly.
"Easy Carly...it's okay", she soothed, lovingly.
Eren placed his hand on her belly, and was shocked to feel how hard the baby was kicking.
"Whoa...easy princess, easy...ease up for mommy", he soothed then.
Mikasa blushed, and her heart skipped a beat at how sweet he was.
Slowly the baby settled. Mikasa exhaled in relief. "Thanks Eren...", she said breathlessly.
"Come on, we better get you off your feet", Eren soothed, as he held Mikasa's hand.
The two went to class, seeing Armin and Rubi there.
"Hey..whoa, you look tired, mommy", Rubi said worriedly.
"I'm okay...the baby was just kicking a lot last night", Mikasa assured tiredly.
"Hey..I found something out", Armin said then. "What?", asked Eren, as Mikasa rested her head on the opened book.
Eren glanced at her worried, and gently rubbed her back. Mikasa gave a soft sigh of relief, her back was beginning to really ache.
"Annie's coming back in two months", Armin revealed then.
"What?", Eren growled, but at the same time his heart sunk.
"She's coming back...? They should have expelled her", Rubi glared.
"She's going to be more pissed than ever...", Eren realized. Annie's father was in prison for life, and knowing someone as cynical as Annie, she'll blame Mikasa.
"Eren...", Mikasa said worriedly then, lifting her head up from the desk. "She wouldn't try..to do anything, would she?", Mikasa didn't care for herself, she was worried for the baby.
"If she values her life she won't", Eren growled. "If she wants to keep her limbs, she'll stay the fuck away from you", Rubi added.
"Don't worry Mikasa, with all three of us by you, Annie wouldn't be that stupid", Armin assured.
Mikasa nodded softly, but remained worried. Eren gently rubbed her back more, soothing her.
During the middle of class, Eren blinked noticing Mikasa fell asleep. Her head was resting on the opened book, one arm was on the desk, the other was hanging down a bit, her hand still on her tummy.
"Mikasa...", Eren gently patted her awake, worriedly.
"E-Eren...?", Mikasa blinked tiredly.
"I wouldn't wake you if I didn't have a choice baby, but I don't want you yelled at by the teacher", Eren explained worriedly.
"I know...", Mikasa yawned tiredly, water in her eyes. She rubbed them, and looked down at her book.
"We're on page 24 sweetie", Rubi whispered then. "Thanks", Mikasa was way back on page 15. She quickly turned to the right page.
When school finally ended, Mikasa could barely stay awake. Eren had his arm wrapped around her, worried.
"You're going straight to bed as soon as we got home sweetie", Eren soothed worriedly.
Mikasa nodded tiredly. "Do you need me to watch her while you're at work?", asked Rubi concerned.
"No, it's okay, mom's home tonight", assured Eren. "Hey Rubi...can I talk to you?", Armin asked then.
"I'll be there in a sec Armin", said Rubi. "You rest tonight mommy, ok?", she said sweetly. "I will", Mikasa assured tiredly.
Rubi then went over to Armin as Eren and Mikasa headed home.
"What's up?", asked Rubi. Armin was blushing, he hesitated. "Um...I got to ask you something", he said nervously.
"Okay...", Rubi blushed.
Armin hesitated, extremely nervous. Mikasa then stopped, her and Eren ahead a bit. "Wait Eren..", she said.
"What's wrong?", asked Eren worriedly. "Look", Mikasa pointed over to Armin and Rubi.
Eren blinked, and watched.
"Armin...?", asked Rubi, seeing how nervous he looked.
Armin's heart raced. "W-Would...Would you please go out with me?!", Armin asked then, very flushed.
Rubi turned red then, looking shocked. Her heart skipped a beat. "A-Armin...", she said blushing.
"About damn time", Eren said, holding Mikasa close as they watched. "Come on, let's leave them alone", Mikasa said softly.
The two left then, heading home.
"Armin...of course", Rubi blushed, smiling. "Really?!", Armin looked up at Rubi, hopeful and surprised.
"I thought you'd never ask", Rubi admitted.
Armin's face lit up, Rubi then walked up to him.
"Close your eyes", she said softly. Armin blushed, but he did so. Rubi then leaned in, and kissed him. Armin's eyes grew wide in surprise at her sudden move, but he relaxed, returning the kiss.
He wrapped his arms around her, as Rubi deepened it.
That night, Mikasa was sleeping soundly in bed, her hand not leaving her belly. Eren did his homework, but sat on the bed, beside her.
He gently rubbed her swollen belly off and on, and stroked her hair.
He then got a text. Eren picked up his phone, he had a new phone wallpaper. It was of him and Mikasa, a recent photo taken when she was 4 and a half months.
He always smiled at the wallpaper. He then read the text from Armin.
"Omg! Omg! Eren! I'm...! I'm at the movies with Rubi!"
Eren grinned, he decided to tease his friend.
"Just the movies? You two aren't in bed yet?"
He waited, and his phone vibrated again.
"EREN! Come on! I'm serious!"
Eren laughed, but he texted back then.
"Okay, okay chill, I'm sorry. So what's going on?"
He waited, and then he saw Mikasa stir a little bit. Eren looked over worried, and felt her belly, the baby beginning to kick hard.
He gently rubbed her belly, settling their unborn daughter. Mikasa relaxed then, as the baby settled.
Eren then heard his phone go off again, and looked.
"She kissed me...we're at the movies now watching Jurassic World. We're going out to dinner after..."
Eren grinned, happy for his friend.
"That's great Armin, really. I'm happy for you"
Eren set his phone down, and he gently stroked Mikasa's hair, as she slept.
He couldn't help but still feel uneasy and worried, despite how good things were going. He gently leaned over then, and kissed her belly. He then kissed the scar on her cheek, watching over her.
After finishing his homework, Eren soon drifted to sleep beside Mikasa.