Chapter Notes:
Longer chapter than usual, happy reading! ^^
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Eren was pacing back and forth in panic while Jean guarded the room where Rose-Maria was going to deliver the baby with the help of Petra, the doctor pack. The brunette knew that she was in a good hand, Mikasa and his mother even volunteering to assist Petra there, yet he was still panicking.
Levi also stayed inside. It was some kind of an old tradition; whenever a she-wolf without a mate were about to having childbirth, the Alpha would stay in a replacement of said mate for support, none other than that.
Even though Rose-Maria wasn't a member of Shadow Corps Pack, Levi still stayed with her. It's the Alpha's instinct, he couldn't help it, because like it or not, Rose-Maria was like a part of this pack; as a loner werewolf who saved Eren's mother, not to mention her will to help the pack against Armored Colossal Pack, but mostly, because childbirth was some kind of big deal for the werewolves.
Besides the people that stayed inside the room, the rest who wanted be there as a moral support –hoping that both the mother and the baby would be okay— just like Eren, needed to wait outside. Not that Eren mind waiting on the outside, really. It's not like he would be any use if he stayed inside, though.
When words about Rose-Maria giving birth had spread, Farlan and Isabel wanted to join with Eren, but unfortunately, they were needed by some pack members for intensive training. Same went for Kenny and Armin who was discussing their latest attacking plan with the fighters.
So here Eren was, pacing back and forth in panic because of Rose-Maria's scream. How can Jean be so calm? Didn't the piercing scream from Rose-Maria scared him?
"Why her screaming sounds like she's giving birth to a dozen of pups? As far as I know, she will only deliver one baby. Oh my, oh my, I hope she's okay and nothing bad happen to her…" Eren rambled.
"Yeah, well, she's having childbirth without a mate by her side, of course it affect her strength. Her mate supposed to be there to give her the extra strength, both mentally and physically. But as we know, her mate already deceased, so this childbirth will be hard for her to handle," Jean said simply. Eyes still focus and on guard mode.
"But Levi is there, he is supposed to be the new source of Rose-Maria's strength in replacement of her mate as a support," Eren breathed out.
"It's not the same, Eren. It helps, but it's not the same. I thought you know this already?"
"I know, but still…" Eren rubbed his face with the palm of his hands and groaned loudly, "Oh, I wish Rose-Maria and the baby is going to be okay."
"I am wishing the same, really. Now, would you please just calm down? You, walking around like that, are making me nervous," Jean requested.
"Okay, alright, uh… let's talk something, something else to distract me, will you?"
"Like what?"
"Like how's your mate doing?" Eren didn't think, he just blurted it out spontaneously.
Jean choked on his saliva, "What?"
"You know, I am talking about your human-mate."
"Marco, my human-mate name is Marco. He's doing fine," Jean answered rather harshly.
"Yes, Marco, sorry. Any progress with him so far?" Eren kept asking, unaware of Jean changed of expression that turned gloomy.
"No, can we please talk about anything else?!" Jean snapped, apparently the mate talk was off-topic.
Eren gulped, finally realise that the topic of Jean's mate didn't make a good conversation to distract his mind from Rose-Maria's pained scream, "Sorry, I didn't mean…"
Jean shook his head and looked at Eren apologetically, "No, sorry. It's just… I don't want to talk about it for now, because I haven't made any progress with him at all. These whole, um, being the Delta thing and the attacking preparation thing are now my first priority. So, yeah, Marco thing will have to wait," He said the last sentence weakly with a little hint of sadness.
"Well, after we're done with kicking those Armored Colossal Pack's asses, which I am sure would succeed, I am going to tell Levi to give you a few days of off duty, so you can take your mate for a date," Eren gave him a lopsided smile.
"Gee, thanks, second Alpha. But even if Alpha Levi allowed me to take a few days off, I won't accept that. I'm a Delta of the pack after all. I got many things to do as the third in command. Plus, Ymir is out there doing her own duty as a spy, so I can't take a few days off just like that. Who knows when Alpha Levi will need me, right?"
Jean was being reasonable and Eren couldn't agree more, as he nodded briefly, "Guess you are right. Well, how about a full one day off?" He asked.
"I could take a day off," Jean nodded. He pointed his index finger at Eren and grinned, "You and Alpha Levi should take a day off too, or some vacation thingy."
Eren chuckled at that, "Oh believe me, we don't need some vacation thingy. Night time is our vacation, and sometimes it's in the morning, or when he's working at the study—"
"Alright, hey, stop. I get it, sheesh," Jean cut him off, looking a bit uncomfortable at the information.
Upon seeing Jean's funny face, Eren added, "But I think a day off would be nice. Mmm, imagine what Levi and I would during that time. You know, like making lo—"
"Holy. Moon. Can we please change the subject? I don't want to know my Alphas' sex life, really! Who wants to know about that anyway?"
"Oh, I know a few people who would like to know about that," Eren wiggled his eyebrows playfully.
"Please, change the subject. I don't care if we go back with Marco as our subject of conversation. Hell, I won't even mind if we keep our mouth shut, really," Jean grumbled.
Eren laughed at that. To spare Jean's poor soul, if he had any, they continued to talk with new topics, mostly about things that going on around the pack members. And no, they didn't gossiping, not really.
After many conversations going on, the door finally clicked open, making both Eren and Jean stopped whatever they were talking and whipped their heads toward the said door.
It was Levi, who came out of the room with blood stained shirt, making Eren gasped loudly at the sight. Just before Eren got panic by seeing blood on Levi's shirt, the raven Alpha patted the brunette's shoulder in assurance, "Relax, it's not my blood."
"I know, but I can't help it. Seeing you with blood stain on your shirt is making me uneasy," Eren walked to Levi and tugged on the pale arm nervously, "How are Rose-Maria and the baby?"
Levi raised one of his thin eyebrows, "Don't you hear that cries, Eren? It's from the baby, a baby boy who had delivered safely, and a very healthy one, too."
At Levi's words, Eren and Jean focused on the sound that was coming from the room. When Eren finally heard the baby cries, he covered his mouth with the palm of his hands and wheezed in excitement.
"Wanna come and see the baby pup, Eren?" Levi offered as he let out a small smile at Eren's expression. How adorable.
At Levi's offering, Eren can't help but let out a squeak, "Oh my! Can I, really? Oh yesss, Levi, yesss!"
Levi smiled in amusement and put his finger on Eren's lips, "You can come inside only if you keep quiet, treasure. Damn, you're letting out a very interesting sound earlier, as if we're in our bedchamber and doing some hardcore se—"
"Ahem!" Jean let out a loud, awkward cough. Eyes were looking anywhere but at Levi and Eren who stared at each other awkwardly.
"Well, come on then. Let's see Rose-Maria's little pup," Levi said, beckoning Eren to go inside.
"Right! Uh, Jean, you coming?" Eren turned to Jean.
"No, thank you. I'll stay here, guarding the area," Jean replied, yet his eyes never met either Eren or Levi.
Eren nodded at Jean and followed Levi inside.
There, he was welcomed with a sight of Rose-Maria who smiled tiredly, while holding her baby in her arms. Petra and Mikasa were busy cleaning up, as for Carla; she was standing next to Rose-Maria, staring in awe at the sight of the new mother-pup holding the new born baby-pup.
Slowly, Eren was approaching Rose-Maria and smiled widely when he saw the baby from up close, "Congratulation," He whispered.
"Thank you, Eren," Rose-Maria replied with a small, happy smile.
"What's his name?"
"River… uhm, just River," She looked at her baby lovingly and nodded to herself at the name.
"River?"
"Yes. The name River tends to initiate events, to be leaders rather than followers, with powerful personalities."
She caressed the baby's cheek softly, smiling, "They tend to be focused on specific goals, experience a wealth of creative new ideas, and have the ability to implement these ideas with efficiency and determination."
"They tend to be courageous and sometimes aggressive. As unique, creative individuals, they tend to resent authority, and are sometimes stubborn, proud, and impatient. I hope that's all in a good way, though. That's why I choose the name River and I hope he would be just like what 'River' really means. No pressure, baby, but a mother can hope, right?" She chuckled and kissed Rived softly on the cheek.
"Wow, that's such an amazing name," Eren breathed out as he leaned onto Levi, who automatically wrapped his arm on Eren's waist. Despite the long ass explanation, Levi liked the name.
"I agree. The name suits him," Carla joined their conversation, nodding in agreement.
"There's another meaning for the name River, but I will stick with what I said earlier, at least for now," Rose-Maria winked.
"Are you trying to be all mysterious now?" Eren laughed.
"Maybe? Anyway, wanna try and hold him?" Rose-Maria offered.
"I don't think—"
"It's fine," Rose-Maria assured. Carefully, she handed River to Eren; moving her hands to Eren so the brunette could hold the baby properly, "Here, you hold it like this…"
"Um, okay. Oh, I think I got it," Eren awkwardly held River in his arms and whipped his head back and forth to Levi, his mother, and Rose-Maria, "Oh my. Lordy. Dear moon spirit! I hope he doesn't move, I think if he's moving even just a little, I would drop him accidentally."
"Treasure, just relax. The baby's not even awake, he's sleeping," Levi tightened his grip on Eren's waist while making a comforting circles on Eren's shirt-covered-skin with his pale thumb.
The act from his mate seemed to calmed Eren down a lot, because now, he let out a breathy chuckle while staring at the baby in astonishment, "I got it. Yeah, I got you, River…"
"Oh, he is just lovely, look at this precious," Carla almost squealed.
"His hair is just like you, brownish," Eren looked up at Rose-Maria and handed the baby back with the utmost care.
She took River back in her arms and nodded, "He is. And he's got his father's grey eyes. Perfect combination, I guess?" She chuckled.
"Well—" Levi cleared his throat and joined the conversation, "—the birth of werewolf pup always worth celebrating in every pack. Even though you are not one of our pack members, let's have a feast tonight."
"A feast?" Eren perked up.
"My, this is great," Carla added.
"Really? Thank you, Alpha. I am very honoured," Rose-Maria smiled widely.
Levi shook his head, "Don't mention it. Anyway, I need to clean up and tell everyone about tonight's feast. If it's okay, I will excuse myself now."
"Oh, of course. It's totally okay. Once again, thank you, Alpha Levi," Rose-Maria let out another smile.
"I barely do anything. Petra though, she did a great job," Levi said while looking at Petra's direction and gave her a nod of recognition. The doctor pack bowed slightly at Levi's act before she continued cleaning up.
"Carla and Mikasa, too. Thank you for your assistance," Levi motioned at Carla and Mikasa, who was done helping Petra and now standing next to Carla. The raven haired girl was staring at the baby in awe.
"You are too kind, Levi. It's nothing, really. Now go clean up, I have no idea how you got those blood stains, but it must be uncomfortable," Carla ushered him in motherly tone.
"Right. Well, Eren, are you coming or—"
"I'll catch up with you later, Levi," Eren said without looking at Levi, instead he stared in awe together with Mikasa at the baby who was started twitching cutely in Rose-Maria's arms.
Levi only patted Eren's dark chocolate hair before he went for clean-up. When Levi met with Jean at the front, he told him about tonight's feast and made sure the Delta passed the information to everyone in their pack, so that they can start to prepare for the feast. It was just a regular feast, but preparations are still needed nonetheless.
Meanwhile inside the room, Mikasa slowly took a closer look at River, "He is so adorable. I'm going to find Armin and let him know about this. We will visit you and the baby later, is that okay?" She asked Rose-Maria and then letting out a satisfied smile when the mother of new born pup gave the permission with a quick 'okay'.
"Take some rest, you and the baby need it," Mikasa told Rose-Maria before she excused herself, followed by Petra who was going to fetch the necessities for the new born baby from the other room.
After they left, only Eren and Carla stayed behind. Just then, Carla gasped in excitement when River started to snuggled closer to Rose-Maria, "Oh, look at him!" She cooed, almost squealing.
Unlike Carla, upon seeing River's adorable act, Eren started to tear up, "It must be nice, having a lovely little pup, or pups…"
Rose-Maria could only looked at Eren with unreadable expression, while Carla immediately ran to Eren and hugged him tight, "Oh, sweetheart! You could've adopted, there are many rogues victims out there, some of them would really love to be adopted by you. Besides, who knows what the moon spirit will give you and Levi, right?" Carla deepened the hug.
"I know, momma, I know…" Eren sighed, "I just, I think I need to go to Levi now."
"You know where to find me, baby. I'll be right here with Rose-Maria and River," Carla let go of the hug and kissed Eren's cheek lovingly.
"Okay, mom. Thanks," Eren stepped back so he could look at Rose-Maria and River properly, "Rose-Maria, get some rest. I don't want you to miss tonight's feast." Then, from Rose-Maria, Eren turned his attention at River before he left, "Good bye River, I'll see you later."
Eren waved at his mother and Rose-Maria and passing Jean who still guarded the room before he hurriedly went to the bedchamber that he shared with Levi.
Once he arrived into their bedchamber, Eren immediately clung onto Levi who just happened to came out from the shower. It's not like the usual Eren. Right now, he was being clingy and needy, he looked so weak, but he can't help it for wanting a sudden comfort. It's not a bad thing, right? He allowed to act like this despite being the second Alpha of the pack, right?
"Treasure, are you okay?" Levi asked softly while sneaking his arms around Eren, returning the gesture.
"I am not okay," Eren answered truthfully.
Levi hummed. He walked toward the bed with Eren –who still clung onto Levi tightly— and plopped onto it, while Eren was sitting on the raven Alpha's lap.
"Why?" Levi asked. His hand was resting on Eren's lower back and the other was caressing the soft dark chocolate locks affectionately.
Eren buried his face on Levi's neck, "You know why," Eren said in a muffled sound.
Yes, Levi knew why.
However, instead of dwelled on a certain topic, Levi pushed Eren away slightly, "You are thinking too much, Treasure."
Eren stared at Levi, but a second later, he blinked in surprise when Levi peck Eren's nose. He blinked again when Levi continued. Each time Levi pecked him –on the cheeks, on the forehead, on the jawline, on the lips—, Eren let out an adorable blink.
When Levi finally stopped, Eren stared at him dumbfounded, "Levi?"
"I am trying to cheer you up. I don't want you to—"
Cutting him off, Eren let out a breathy laugh and pecked Levi right on the corner of his lips, "Thank you, Levi. Sorry for acting like that earlier. I think I'm just… I mean, well… I am happy for Rose-Maria and her baby, I really am. But you see, it also making me sad because all I think about is—"
"Shh, treasure," Levi hushed him and Eren shut up immediately. The raven Alpha smiled and continued, "Like I said, you are thinking too much. Tell you what, we will talk about babies later when we're done with Armored Colossal Pack's issues, is that okay with you?"
At that, Eren beamed, "Really?"
"Really."
"That's perfect," Eren smiled sheepishly.
"Also, I've been thinking, and I know this might be a little selfish—"
"Tell me, Levi," Eren demanded with too eager expression, it almost made Levi laugh, almost.
"I don't know, I mean, I am thinking about adoption. We could adopt as many babies as you want, really. There are many orphaned pups, mostly are the victims from rogues attack, but…"
"But?"
"But I wish, for later, that we could adopt pup who has an Alpha bloodline, at least one, just one. I know you would think I am selfish, but other than you, us, I also think about this pack and our members."
Levi paused. Eren took it as a chance to kissed Levi's lips deeply. He ended the kiss and licked his lips, "Well, carry on, Levi," Eren murmured.
"At first I thought that we could adopt the baby from Erwin and Hanji, but I think that's just… wrong? I mean, why would I take them away from their own parents who still alive? So, I am thinking about the adoption from parentless pups, and at least I want one pup that has the Alpha bloodline, if you don't mind. I know that this is a selfish thing to do, but I need to do this for our pack's life balance."
"It's alright. I don't mind it because I kinda understand what you implied right there."
"You do?" Levi was taken aback.
Eren nodded, "I can say this without a doubt, none of your pack members would dare to fight you for the Alpha positions, because I can see that they respect you enough as their leader, and also, because that they already know that you are the strongest among them, so no one could match you."
"That is one thing, but you also can't deny the fact that someday you will need to step down from where you are now, the Alpha position. You can never be the leader for your pack forever. So, you need to find the future suitor, and not just a mere werewolf pup, but a werewolf pup with the Alpha bloodline. Let's face it, no one ever, ever become the Alpha without having the Alpha bloodline."
"It's in the blood. Even the strongest rogues can't defeat the weakest Alpha. Am I right?" Eren asked.
"Yes, that's the old phrase about the Alpha. You know about that phrase, huh, treasure?" Levi questioned.
"Yep, I know about it all, Armin taught me when we were young teenagers. So, with that being said, Levi, let me say this again. I don't mind if you want to adopt a pup with Alpha bloodline for our pack's life balance. No, I don't think you are selfish because I kinda understand what you implied back there. Just promise me we will adopt and get our own pups," Eren said with a beaming smile.
"I promise, but damn, Eren," Levi smirked.
"Hm?"
"I think it turns me on to hear what you had just said and explain earlier."
"Oh, lordy, how pervy, Levi!" Eren gasped and playfully slapped Levi's arm, but then he laughed, "Hey, that rhymed!"
Upon seeing Eren laughed in carefree, Levi smiled a bit and stroked the dark chocolate locks, "So, you are okay, now? Not thinking too much anymore?"
"Yes, sorry for earlier. I am okay and not thinking too much anymore now, Levi," Eren nodded bashfully.
"Good, I am glad. Now, how about we help the members preparing for tonight's feast?" Levi suggested.
"Right, the feast!" Eren clapped his hands in sudden remembrance. He got up and grabbed Levi's wrist as he dragged his Alpha mate, "Come, come, let's go, Levi!"
Levi could do nothing but to let Eren pulled him in excitement.
Well, that's better than seeing Eren being all sad.
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When the night come, the feast already held for the whole pack. Levi and Eren, whom earlier helped preparing for the feast, had blending in with the pack members. Meanwhile, Rose-Maria held River in her arms and sat among Petra, Carla, Mikasa, and Armin not too far from the crowds as if to remind everyone the reason that tonight's feast happened was because of Rose-Maria and her new born baby.
After Levi made sure that everybody already gathered —minus the guards on duty—, the raven Alpha took his mate with him and stood beside Rose-Maria.
Levi simply cleared his throat, and immediately, all the focus were set on him, "Well, let's just make this a quick speech so we can enjoy the rest of the feast, shall we?"
Laughter was coming from the crowd, and Levi continued, "Thank you for those who helped preparing tonight's feast, and thank you for coming. With this feast, we are celebrating the birth of new born pup from Rose-Maria. Although she's not one of our pack members, remember that child birth is always a blessing and always worth of celebrating."
At that, the crowd were letting out various expression of agreement. Levi hummed satisfyingly and added with more serious tone, "I also want you remind all of you, that in 16 days from now, we will start our attack. You may enjoy yourself for tonight, but tomorrow, we're going back on preparing ourselves for the attack and put an end at Armored Colossal Pack for good. That is all."
Loud howling sounds could be heard after Levi ended his speech, and that was also the sign to officially start the feast.
Eren was about to join the members to grab some food, but then, he was being stop when a few teenagers surrounding him and started to clap in rhythm, "Dance! Dance! Dance!" It was clear that they wanted their Alphas to dance while they were having a feast, but the teenagers only ushered Eren to dance, probably too afraid of Levi and hoping Eren will get Levi to dance with him.
As they keep chanting and clapping, Eren slowly turned to Levi, dumfounded, "Um… They want me to dance?"
Armin laughed at Eren's expression, "I think they want the Alphas to dance, Eren."
"But I can't dance! I believe Levi don't want to dance either and—"
"Dance! Dance! Dance!"
Just before Eren could refuse politely, Levi stepped forward, making the teenagers startled and stopped their clapping, "If Eren and I dance for a little while, would you stop bothering us?"
All of them nodded in half-shock half-fear.
Levi let out an annoying huff and reluctantly pulled Eren with him. When there was nothing but quietness, Levi turned to them, "Well? Why none of you start clapping? I thought you want us to dance?"
The teenagers beamed and started clapping in rhythm again. This, of course, made Eren feeling a bit flustered while being pulled by Levi to the area with more space, "Oh my glob dear boy lordy goodies! No, no no no. I can't dance. I absolutely suck at it!"
"Oh come on, Eren! River wanna see you dance!" Rose-Maria shouted from her seat.
"Oh, alright. Just for River! Mikasa, Armin, don't laugh!" Eren hollered before he gave in and followed Levi.
Once they were on their dancing spot, Levi looked up at Eren with his usual boring space, "Wanna know a secret? I don't really know how to dance, either. So let's make fun of ourselves. It's not like they dare to laugh at me—"
"Or do they?" Eren grinned playfully.
"Let's find out then," Levi started to lead Eren to dance in a fast beat melody that was coming from the excited teenagers, while the adults watching in glee.
As Eren followed the lead, he couldn't help but thinking to himself, 'Oh my, what a disastrous dance that we make!' Yet, instead of laughter, they were given an encouraging clap and shout from the others. Somehow, this made Eren happy and glad that the pack members already warm up to him and even took a liking on him.
It was a happy night, and they were enjoying it while they can, because nobody knew what would happen after the attack to the Armored Colossal Pack. Whatever might have come at them later, they definitely going to treasure this night.
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Chapter End Notes:
Check the chapter end notes on my archiveofourown (ID: himawarinee) for a direct link to the source of River name meaning. Please ignore any errors in this chapter. I know nothing much about normal child birth, more so about werewolf child birth; I have no clue and I, sadly, had no time for a research about that. Also, you might understand later, why Rose-Maria is one of the important character. She is named after the wall of Rose, Maria, and Sina after all. And her full name is Rose-Maria Sina Wall. Haha, yeah, that's her full name! *runs away*
Then, about Levi and Eren future pup(s), we will find out much later! But I will explain one more thing to clear up any confusion. Yes, they are thinking about adoption because in this AU, gestational surrogacy doesn't exist. Also, did I say mpreg? You will find out on the future chapter! ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
And then, when I wrote the phrase of: 'even the strongest rogues can't defeat the weakest Alpha' that means there are no Alpha that ever turned as rogues (at least in my story), so yeah...
I hope this chapter end notes would help to clear some things up! You got more questions about this story? Just ask via comments or hit me up on my twitter (ID: himawarinee) and tumblr (ID: himawarinee).