Author's Note: Here it is! The final chapter! I gotta say this feels really different for me, as I said all my other Eremika fanfics are so long. This has been tons of fun to write, and I'm so glad you all enjoyed it so much! Thanks so much for all the reviews, favorites and follows!
It was January, a very cold winter late morning. Some snow covered the street and sidewalks, and the roads were a little icy.
All the Sakura trees were in hibernation for the winter.
"Mikasa, if you don't feel up for this, its fine", Eren assured her, as he helped her out of bed. "I know, but I'm a week late Eren...we have to try and get labor started", replied Mikasa.
Eren gently helped her out of bed. Mikasa gripped his hand, and groaned slightly. "Easy...I got you", he assured her.
"Sorry Eren...", Mikasa exhaled, breathlessly. "Don't apologize, love", Eren soothed her, rubbing her back.
Mikasa placed her hand on her large swollen belly. She was 9 months pregnant, and a week passed her due date. Needless to say, they were all worried.
Eren gently wrapped her red scarf around her neck. "We're not walking far, okay? Only to our favorite Sakura tree", he said.
"That's fine", Mikasa agreed, the baby heavy.
Eren helped her down the stairs, they were in her house. "Mikasa? Are you okay?", fretted Akane, anxiously.
"Yeah, I'm going to try walking", replied Mikasa as Eren held her hand. "We're not going far at all, don't worry", Eren assured.
"Okay...don't stay out too long, its really cold out there", Akane said, worriedly.
"We won't, mom. Eren has his phone too, just in case", assured Mikasa.
The two walked outside. Mikasa shivered a bit, seeing her breath. Eren wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders.
They could see the tree from where they were, it wasn't a far walk at all.
"Mika, if you feel too cold, its fine, we can go back in", he said, worried.
"No, I'm okay. I'm a week late Eren...we have to somehow get labor started. I really don't want a C-section..", Mikasa replied, worriedly.
"I understand, baby", Eren soothed, they walked slowly toward the tree. First they crossed the street, then walked on the sidewalk towards it.
Mikasa wore a dark blue coat, her red scarf and black pants. While Eren wore his gray coat and dark green pants.
"It looks like it will be a long winter", Eren noted, looking up at the gray sky.
"It does", Mikasa agreed, as they got closer to the tree, they got closer to something else. Mikasa glanced across the street, seeing the snow covered playground. It was near her house, close, but not right on top of it either.
It sat between hers and Eren's houses. The swing seats were covered in snow, while the seasaw was completely buried.
The slide also had tons of snow on it too. Icicles hung from the top of the slide, and from the top of the swings.
Mikasa starred over there, as they made it under the Sakura tree. "Mikasa? Baby, what is it?", asked Eren, seeing her expression.
He followed it, and his heart sunk. "That's...where..", he realized. Mikasa nodded, not saying anything.
"It's so close to your house...", Eren cringed, suddenly feeling guilt wash over him.
"It's...all still so vivid", admitted Mikasa, trembling a bit. Eren looked at her, worriedly.
"I remember headlights...at first I thought it was my parents. But...the car...it actually sped up, and blocked me. It drove up on the sidewalk", she said.
Eren listened, anxiously.
"I saw how large the man was...I knew even I couldn't fight him off. I tried running, but he grabbed my scarf. That's how it fell off...I tried to fight him...but...", Mikasa cringed, hugged herself then.
"He...drugged me. So fast...I tried to fight it, but...", Mikasa closed her eyes.
"Mikasa...I'm so sorry...", Eren was unable to look at her. "Eren...its not your fault", Mikasa cried, looking at him.
"But it is! If I had just walked you all the way home...", Eren growled, clenching his fists.
"Honestly..I don't think it would have mattered", admitted Mikasa. Eren blinked, looking at her. "That man...was so evil. I don't think he would have cared. He might have kidnapped you too...", Mikasa said.
"Mikasa...", said Eren softly. "So please..stop blaming yourself Eren", Mikasa pleaded, looking at him.
"I'll try...", he promised her.
Mikasa nodded worriedly, she took another glance over at the playground.
"We better get back, its starting to snow", Eren said, seeing snowflakes beginning to fall.
"Yeah", Mikasa said. Just as she was about to look away from the playground, a sharp pain suddenly hit her abdomen.
Mikasa winced, and suddenly grimaced, clutching her belly. "Mikasa!", Eren placed his hand on her shoulder, panicked.
"Is...is it...?", he started to ask, his heart sinking. Mikasa gritted her teeth in pain, tense. The pain was bad, not like any practice contraction she felt.
She exhaled shakily, and looked at Eren. "I..I think the baby's coming...", she confirmed, shakily.
Eren's heart sunk and he turned white as the snow. "O-Okay, just breathe, Mika. Can you make it back to the house? I can call your parents...", Eren said, fearfully.
"No...we can see my house from here, I can make it...", she assured, breathing deeply. "Are you sure?", Eren asked, fearfully.
"Yeah...", replied Mikasa, keeping calm, for the baby's sake.
Eren nodded, worriedly. He took her hand, as she squeezed it tightly, and helped her back to the house.
I never felt more panicked before in my life, not in this way. I honestly was not expecting labor to start. We all were expecting she'd have to have a C-section.
But it seemed little Akane proved us wrong. I kept hold of Mikasa's hand all the way back home. She seemed so intensely fragile like this.
Yet she put on a brave face, as she typically would.
Finally, they made it to Mikasa's house. Eren opened the door, as Mikasa suddenly winced against, having another contraction.
"Akane!", Eren called, urgently, as he held onto Mikasa.
"Eren...? Mikasa!", Akane realized right away, seeing her daughter's condition. She hurried over.
"Mom...", Mikasa said, fearfully. "Shhh, you're okay, baby. Just breathe, focus and breathe. Has your water broken yet...?", asked Akane, urgently.
"No..not yet", replied Mikasa, as she grimaced. "Eren, help her upstairs. I'll call Rubi, Herrick and Armin", Akane said, anxiously.
Eren nodded, he carefully helped Mikasa upstairs.
Once in her bedroom, Eren helped her in bed, after helping her redress in her nightgown. "Easy, I'm right here, love", he soothed her as Mikasa lay on her side, breathing deeply.
She gripped his hand tightly. "I'm staying right here, beautiful. Okay? I'm not leaving", Eren assured her, panic in his eyes.
"I know...as long as you're here Eren...I'm okay", assured Mikasa. She breathed heavily, the contraction painful.
She closed her eyes, focusing on her labor.
"Rubi's on her way!", Akane cried, as she hurried in. "What about dad...?", asked Mikasa, as she breathed. "He's also coming, so is Armin", replied Akane.
"Eren, please go get some cool water and a cloth for her", Akane instructed. "Right..Mikasa, I'll be right back", Eren assured her. Mikasa nodded, breathing deeply.
Eren hurried downstairs.
"It's freezing in here, we'll need to make it warm for the baby", Akane quickly turned the heat up, and then sat at her daughter's bedside.
She took Mikasa's hand, as Mikasa crushed it firmly. "I know, sweetie. It's gonna be tough, but we're right here", Akane assured her, worriedly.
"I'm...I'm scared, mom", Mikasa admitted, shaking. Akane's heart sunk, as her eyes grew wide in worry.
"Of course you are, honey. Its your first baby. But don't worry. You're going to be fine. I was scared when I had you...", admitted Akane.
"You were...?", asked Mikasa, as she breathed faster then, scared.
"Yes...easy, slow down baby girl", Akane placed a comforting hand then on her daughter's belly, noticing how rapidly she was breathing.
"Relax, baby. Relax, slow, deep breaths", she coached, worriedly. Mikasa understood, and took slow deep breaths.
"That's it, good sweetie. Just try to relax", Akane comforted her. Mikasa nodded, breathing deeply.
"You have every right to be scared, you're so young. But both you're in safe hands, sweetie", Akane assured her.
"I'm...", Mikasa paused, as she breathed. "I'm not scared for myself, mom. I'm scared for the baby. What if...something goes wrong? What if I do something wrong...?", cried Mikasa, fearfully.
"I had those same fears when I had you. But don't worry, your baby is strong and healthy. And you are strong. You'll do great, she'll be born safely", Akane assured her.
Mikasa nodded, she felt somewhat comforted by her mom's words.
Downstairs, Eren filled a bowl with cool water. He then heard the front door open. "Eren!", cried Rubi, urgently.
"They're upstairs!", Eren said, anxiously. Rubi nodded, hurrying up. "How is she...?", asked Herrick, fearfully.
"She's in pain...but shes putting on a brave face", Eren replied, worriedly. "Eren, you look like a ghost...", Armin noticed, worriedly.
"She's been through so much already, Armin. I'm scared to death for her", Eren replied.
"I understand...but she needs you, more than ever now", Armin said softly. Eren nodded, knowing how right his friend was.
Rubi hurried into the bedroom. "I'm here, sweetie", she assured. "What about Armin and my dad...?", asked Mikasa weakly.
"Both downstairs, can you tell how far apart your contractions are?", asked Rubi, worriedly.
"I...I think 7 minutes apart...", replied Mikasa. "Rubi...I know you're Mikasa's best friend, but are you sure you took enough classes for this...?", asked Akane, worried.
"Yes. Don't worry Mrs. Ackerman, I took several classes. I promise you she's in safe hands", assured Rubi.
"Rubi's an expert at this mom...don't worry", assured Mikasa, weakly. "Okay..", said Akane, still worried.
Just then, Eren hurried up. "I'm here!", he said, urgently. Mikasa's eyes lit up, relieved he was back in the room.
Eren sat the bowl of water on the nightstand. "Eren, you hold her hand. I'll make sure she's comfortable", said Akane.
Eren nodded, as he gently held Mikasa's hand. Mikasa squeezed it, as she breathed heavily. "That's it, mommy. Breathe, just like that", Rubi encouraged as Akane rubbed Mikasa's aching back.
"Do your ribs hurt at all, baby?", asked Eren, worriedly. "O-Only a little..", replied Mikasa, as she breathed deeply.
Just then, Herrick and Armin came up. "Mikasa...", Herrick said, worriedly. Seeing his daughter in pain killed him.
"Hey dad..", said Mikasa weakly, giving a brave smile.
"How you holding up, princess?", he asked worriedly, as he came over, stroking her hair.
"I'm hanging in there...don't worry", assured Mikasa.
"Both me and your dad will wait downstairs. We know you'll do great", Armin encouraged, kindly. "Thanks Armin...", Mikasa said weakly.
Soon after they went downstairs, Mikasa looked up at Eren. She saw how white he was. "Eren...I'll be okay", she assured him, putting on a brave smile.
Eren looked at her, worriedly. "I'll be fine...as long as you and mom and Rubi are here...", she assured him.
"Mikasa...", Eren stroked her hair softly. "You'll do amazing, I know it", he said.
He gently kissed her forehead, placing his hand on her belly.
Mikasa's labor progressed faster than we expected it too. By late afternoon things already got intense.
It was cruel...she was in a lot more pain at this point, and couldn't hide it any longer.
Mikasa gripped Eren's hand tightly, as beads of sweat appeared under her bangs. She gritted her teeth tightly, her eyes shut tight in pain.
"I know, beautiful. Hang in there...", Eren soothed her, worriedly. Mikasa groaned deeply in pain, as the contraction only got worse.
"Just breathe, sweetheart, deep breaths", Akane soothed, worriedly. She continued rubbing her daughter's back.
"We're getting close, mommy. They're already 4 minutes apart", Rubi added.
Mikasa wasn't able to bite back a cry of pain. "Hang in there...you're doing great, Mikasa. I mean it, you're doing amazing, just hang on a little longer", Eren soothed her, fearfully.
Mikasa finally exhaled deeply, as the tough contraction ended. She breathed heavily, exhausted already.
"You're doing wonderful, baby. We're nearly there", Eren soothed her, he gently placed the washcloth in the cool water, rung it out, and then dabbed her forehead with it.
Mikasa nodded, weakly. She breathed shakily, the pain was so intense and unbearable.
Only about 3 hours later, Mikasa's water broke. It was happening so fast, I was terrified her poor body couldn't handle it.
But Mikasa stayed strong.
"You're doing beautifully, mommy. Keep pushing, just like that", Rubi encouraged, softly.
Mikasa was pushing with all her might. She gritted her teeth painfully, as Eren and Akane both helped her lean forward.
"That's it, sweetie. You're doing so great", Akane soothed her.
"You're doing wonderful, Mikasa. We're almost there...", Eren said, worriedly. Mikasa grunted painfully, as she pushed with all her might.
"Okay, breathe! Take a rest, mommy", Rubi said, urgently. Mikasa gasped for air, collapsing back on the pillows.
"Beautiful job, baby. You're doing so good, Mika. I'm so proud of you..", Eren soothed her as he dabbed her soaked forehead.
Her red scarf was folded neatly on the nightstand.
Mikasa breathed deeply, she felt so exhausted already. "Okay sweetie, another big push. I'm just starting to see her head", Rubi said.
Mikasa struggled to lean forward, as Eren and Akane quickly helped her.
"Easy, we got you, sweetie", Akane assured, as Mikasa pushed again, with all her might. She grunted painfully.
If she hadn't been through all she had, this wouldn't be as hard.
It was becoming so painful to watch. Mikasa struggled, it felt like a never ending pattern. She pushed and pushed, and never once gave up.
She never let the words 'I can't' escape her mouth. But I knew she was suffering. Seeing her struggle...it felt so endless.
I hated watching this. She was in so much pain, and I was powerless to make it end for her.
But it was only going to get harder...
Mikasa gripped Eren's hand much tighter then, all of a sudden. So tight, he felt it break. Eren winced, but ignored the pain when suddenly Mikasa screamed in agony.
"AAHHHHHH!"
The scream was blood curdling and loud. It broke Eren's heart.
I never wanted to hear her scream like that again...she was in sheer agony. I wanted to stop her pain, but I couldn't.
"I know sweetie, I know, scream her out", Akane soothed, worry in her eyes. Eren even saw tears in Akane's eyes, of course it was just as painful for Akane to see this as it was for Eren and Rubi.
"I know, momma, I know, it's gonna hurt. The head's crowning. Hang in there...just one more strong push and it'll stop", Rubi soothed her, worriedly.
Mikasa exhaled shakily, pale and drenched in sweat. Eren dabbed her forehead.
"You're doing beautifully, baby. Just a little more, we're so close", he soothed.
"E-Eren...your hand...", Mikasa cried, feeling horrible. "Oh please! This is nothing, sweetie. You're in a lot more pain than me", Eren assured her.
Akane looked at Eren, taken aback. She realized...what a great guy he was for her daughter.
Mikasa leaned forward with his and Akane's help, and pushed again. "That's it sweetie...great job mommy...her head's out!", Rubi cried then.
Mikasa gasped for air, collapsing back on the pillows.
Mikasa gripped Eren's hand then, tears in her eyes. Eren's heart broke seeing this. "Mikasa...", he said, horrified.
"M-Make it stop Eren...", she suddenly pleaded, so exhusated. "Mikasa...", Eren felt tears well up in his eyes at her plead.
"Rubi...! Can't you...do the rest for her?!", he asked, desperately. "Eren, I would if I could, you know that", Rubi replied, just as worried.
"I know its hard, baby. Just the shoulders, that's all that's left", Akane soothed her daughter, worriedly.
Mikasa groaned, exhausted. "I know, beautiful. But you're strong. My strong girl, you can do this...", Eren soothed her. He dabbed her forehead again, looking into her eyes.
Mikasa nodded weakly. As exhausted as she was...she couldn't give up. She wanted to meet her baby, so badly.
"Just one last strong push, mommy", Rubi said, anxiously. Mikasa nodded weakly, she took a breath, and leaned forward with her mom's and Eren's help.
She pushed hard then, tensing. "That's it, that's it, love. You can do it...that's my girl", Eren praised sweetly.
His words helped her more than anything.
"You're almost done, sweetheart. You're doing amazing...", Akane added.
Mikasa gripped Eren's broken hand tightly, gritting her teeth painfully.
"AAAHHHH!", with one final scream of pain, they heard the sound of a baby crying right after.
Mikasa collapsed back onto the pillows, gasping unevenly for air.
Eren's heart skipped a beat, seeing Rubi clean the baby girl.
At that moment, time seemed to stop for me. And I know it did for Mikasa too. The baby...our baby, was a spitting image of Mikasa.
She had her hair, her eyes, her skin..everything.
"Mikasa...you did it! She's here!", Eren said, relieved. Mikasa opened her heavy eyelids weakly. "Is...is she okay?", she asked worriedly.
"She's fine, 7 lbs", Rubi smiled. Mikasa tried to sit up. "Easy, sweetie! You just gave birth", Akane cried, worriedly, as she helped her daughter.
Akane's eyes were filled with tears. "Oh sweetie, you did it...", she cried, so proud.
"Rubi...let me see her", Mikasa pleaded weakly. Rubi smiled, she wrapped the now clean baby in a pink blanket, and brought her over.
Mikasa very carefully held her, and as soon as she saw her face up close, tears filled Mikasa's eyes as her heart skipped a beat.
"She's so beautiful...", cried Mikasa, weakly but happily. "As beautiful as her mommy", Eren smiled.
"She looks just like you...", mused Akane, amazed.
"Hey sweetie..hey little Akane", Mikasa cooed softly. The baby instantly stopped crying then, and looked at her mother.
The baby smiled wide, and placed her hand on her mom's cheek. Mikasa's heart skipped a beat. "She's so smart already...!", cried Rubi.
"She's perfect...", Eren mused, as he held his arm under Mikasa's, seeing she was weak.
"Oh Eren..I'm so glad...she's okay", cried Mikasa, so relieved. She cuddled her baby close, kissing the top of her head.
The baby already had quite a bit of black hair. "I'm so glad...both of you are okay", Eren said, relieved.
He wrapped his arm around Mikasa's shoulder, and kissed her lightly then. Mikasa blushed softly, returning the kiss.
Exhausted, Mikasa slept for the rest of the night with little Akane.
From there on...we were both able to do college from home, after we got married so we could graduate.
After that, and after Akane turned 5, Mikasa was pregnant again, with another girl, Carla.
Only 2 more years later, we had a third and final child, Makoto. Mikasa and I are still married to this day, and living happily with our three kids.
The fact I could have never seen this beautiful future...the fact it was almost taken away from both me and Mikasa...it still gave me nightmares to this day.
Mikasa's physical injuries healed, and eventually...she recovered mentally too. Her nightmares eventually faded, as we moved on from that horrible time in our lives.
Mikasa was finally herself again. Mikasa Jaeger...my wife, was finally healed of the horrors she endured.
END