Author's Note: So sorry for such a late update! I'd advise you all to reread the entire fic, starting at chapter 1. I completely edited and improved the entire fanfic. Anyway, this will be the first of two Christmas themed chapters. Please review, thanks!
Snow fell outside, the roads becoming covered in it. It was December 20th, only days before Christmas. Eren and Armin had left to pick up last minute Christmas presents.
Rubi and Mikasa stayed at home wrapping, with Carly. Mikasa was 7 months pregnant now.
She was due in February, close to her own birthday in fact.
The outside of the house was decorated with Christmas lights and a Christmas wreath.
Inside, the Christmas tree sat in the living room, decorated with lights, ornaments, tinsel and a star on top.
Carly was having her nap, giving Rubi and Mikasa a chance to wrap the last few presents.
"I finally got her asleep", Mikasa sighed in relief, as she came down the stairs.
"She's real excited, Christmas is close", smiled Rubi, she hurried over, helping Mikasa down the last few steps.
Mikasa placed her hand on her swollen belly.
"What all did Eren have left to pick up?", asked Rubi curiously as she and Mikasa sat at the dining room table, wrapping.
"He forgot to buy egg nog, and also a brand new toy Carly wants that just came out today", replied Mikasa.
She wrapped Eren's present, which was a new game for his Playstation 3.
"You accepted his game obsession?", chuckled Rubi. Mikasa rolled her eyes, but smiled.
"I suppose. As long as he doesn't spend too much time on it, which he hasn't, then its okay", she explained.
Rubi wrapped one of Carly's presents, which was a plush character from the movie Inside Out, which was one of Carly's favorites.
"What was the toy?", asked Rubi, as she taped the paper.
"It's this really big well made dollhouse. It comes with dolls and even a dog and cat figure for the pets", replied Mikasa.
"Whoa...! I saw the commercial for that, it's like 100 dollars", said Rubi shocked.
"I know, but she's been really great", Mikasa smiled. Rubi looked at her friend softly, also worried.
"Hey...how's the baby?", asked Rubi worriedly then. Mikasa hesitated.
"He kicked a little more than usual this morning", she replied.
She placed her hand on her swollen belly. She didn't even look seven months pregnant at all, she looked only five.
"Hey...it's going to be okay Mikasa. In two months, we're going to take you to the hospital, he's going to be fine", Rubi assured.
Mikasa looked down, her eyes remaining worried.
"I know...", she said, but her tone was grim. The plan was for Mikasa to give birth at the hospital this time, due to how weak the baby was.
As much as she preferred a homebirth, they all knew the risks this time, and felt safer at the hospital.
Rubi would be helping her again.
After about an hour, they finished wrapping the presents. Mikasa and Rubi carried them into the living room.
"Sweetie, don't bend, I got it", Rubi fussed, as she took the present from Mikasa, and set it under the tree.
"I'm sorry Rubi...normally I would never take it this easy. But...", Mikasa's eyes turned worried, as she gently rubbed her belly.
"Don't apologize, Mikasa. You need to be careful", Rubi assured her. Mikasa had made it a point to be as careful as possible for the rest of this pregnancy.
Her baby already was at risk, and she didn't want anything else to happen to him.
Soon the girls began baking sugar cookies.
Despite being worried, Mikasa stayed as cheerful as possible around her daughter.
Carly came downstairs then. "Mommy?", she asked a little out of it still from her nap.
"Hey sweetie, did you sleep okay?", asked Mikasa smiling.
"Yeah...hey! Cookies!", Carly woke up then, as she ran over happily.
"You wanna help?", asked Rubi sweetly. "Yes!", replied Carly excitedly.
"Okay sweetie, first let's get the cookie cutters", Mikasa smiled. Carly did the snowmen, reindeer and stars.
Mikasa got the stockings and Christmas trees, while Rubi got the bells and Santa hats.
Rubi got the rolling pin out, and started flattening the sugar cookie dough.
"Mommy, how many are we making?", asked Carly. "Well, how many would you like?", asked Mikasa sweetly.
"I want to make...a thousand!", said Carly, cutely. Rubi chuckled and so did Mikasa. "Well how about 200?", asked Mikasa.
"Yay!", Carly cheered, cutely.
At the store, Eren and Armin went into the toy section. "Eren...can I ask you something?", said Armin.
"Yeah, what is it?", asked Eren.
"Well, isn't Carly already getting 30 gifts? Do you have the money for this?", asked Armin concerned.
"Yeah", replied Eren. Armin looked at his friend. Eren sighed.
"The truth is Armin...Mikasa's scared to death. About the baby...she figures she wants to give Carly a great Christmas. In case...", Eren didn't continue, looking away.
"In case something happens to the baby...?", guessed Armin.
"She knows Carly will still be upset, she just is hoping all this extra stuff will keep her distracted", explained Eren.
"But there's a high chance the baby will be okay", Armin pointed out.
"I know...there is. But Mikasa is...", Eren looked down grimly.
"She's scared...", Armin said softly, worried.
"She's terrified Armin. She puts on a smile for Carly's sake, but I know just how scared she is. She's been getting more stress headaches than ever", Eren said.
"Well, didn't Rubi say everything will be okay as long as the baby isn't born early?", asked Armin.
"She did but...", Eren sighed worriedly.
"I need to get Mikasa to calm down. It doesn't help she keeps getting these nightmares about losing the baby", Eren said.
"Eren listen, if you want, Rubi and I will take Carly tonight so you can really take time to help Mikasa relax", Armin offered.
"Yeah, I'd appreciate that", Eren nodded. They picked up the toy, and drove home.
At home, the cookies were in the oven while Carly waited excited. "How much longer, mommy?", she asked, starring into the oven.
"A while yet, sweetie. We don't want to take them out too soon", replied Mikasa.
"How will we know?", asked Carly. "They need to be light brown around the edges", explained Rubi, while Mikasa smiled softly.
"We're home", said Eren entering.
"Daddy!", Carly ran over excitedly. Eren quickly hid the present behind his back, and lightly kicked it behind the couch to keep it hidden for now.
"Hey princess!", Eren lifted her up.
"How are the roads Eren?", asked Mikasa coming over. "Not too bad, why?", asked Eren as he gently set Carly down.
"We're getting some company in two days", replied Mikasa. "Who?", asked Eren curiously.
"Well, your parents and also our friends. Jean, Marco, Sasha, Krista, Ymir and Connie", replied Mikasa.
"Whoa, it's been a while since we saw them!", Eren admitted.
"Other than Sasha and your parents, it's been a long time since we've seen the others", agreed Mikasa.
"Daddy, we're making cookies!", said Carly, happily. "Oh yeah? Awesome!", Eren grinned, as they went into the kitchen.
"Eren, don't eat any yet!", Mikasa went after them.
By evening, Rubi and Armin had taken Carly to their house for a sleepover, so Eren and Mikasa had a night to talk.
Mikasa sat on the couch by the Christmas tree, drinking hot chocolate. She wore a white turtleneck along with her scarf.
Eren came over, sitting beside her, wearing a green sweater. The Christmas tree was lit beautifully and sat by the couch.
The fireplace was also lit. It snowed gently outside.
"Hey you", he said softly, as he wrapped his arm around her.
Mikasa gave a small smile but didn't say anything. "Mikasa...look at me", Eren said then.
Mikasa's eyes met his. "Listen to me, you got to stop worrying. The baby is going to be fine", Eren soothed.
Mikasa looked down softly.
"Eren, we don't know that for sure...", she said worriedly.
"I'd say we do! Mikasa, I know you're scared...but we got to stay hopeful. We can't keep assuming the worst", Eren said.
Mikasa set her mug down, placing both hands on her belly.
"I know he's weak, but he's still alive. He's got a strong heartbeat...that must mean something Mika", Eren said softly.
"I know...you're right Eren. I just...I have a bad feeling", admitted Mikasa. "What do you mean, baby?", asked Eren worried.
"I can't explain it. I just...have a feeling something bad is going to happen", Mikasa replied.
"Hey, nothing bad is going to happen. You're on edge, and rightfully so. But listen to me. He's our baby. He's got Ackerman and Jaeger blood in his veins. That is a strong combination", Eren soothed.
Mikasa looked at him softly.
"Mikasa, you are the most stubborn and strongest person I ever knew. And I know any child of yours will have that same strength as their mother", Eren assured softly.
He rubbed her shoulder as he said this.
Mikasa looked down, gently rubbing her small belly. "I'm scared Eren...I don't want to lose him...", she said shakily.
"We won't. You hear me? I promise nothing bad is going to happen. To either of you", Eren assured.
He then gently placed his hand on her swollen belly. Just then they felt the baby kick a little stronger than usual.
"Whoa...!", cried Mikasa, surprised, her eyes suddenly wide with hope and relief.
"See? He's stronger than he's letting on", Eren smiled.
"That's the hardest he's ever kicked...", Mikasa cried, gently rubbing her belly, hoping to get him to kick more.
"What did I tell you? He's strong, just like his beautiful mother", Eren said sweetly. Mikasa blushed, but didn't take her eyes off her stomach.
Eren leaned over, and very sweetly kissed her cheek. Mikasa smiled softly, closing here eyes as she finally relaxed.
They had also decided on a name, Makoto, after Mikasa's grandfather, from her mother's side.
"He's going to be just fine, love", Eren assured her. Mikasa smiled softly, as Eren cuddled her close then, rubbing her belly.
"I hope so, Eren..", Mikasa said, softly. She rested her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat.
Her hand continued to gently rub her belly.
"He will, beautiful. I promise", Eren soothed his wife, as he held her close.
On December 22nd, Mikasa set the table up nice in the kitchen.
They were expecting a lot of company for a nice reunion before Christmas. Mikasa set the table with traditional Japanese bentos for lunch, which she made herself.
Eren helped out with setting Christmas themed desserts, along with cookies.
Mikasa went to set the small stack of napkins on the table, when one slipped and landed on the floor.
Before Mikasa even thought of picking it up, suddenly Carly zoomed passed, and picked it up.
"I got it momma!", she said sweetly, holding it up. Mikasa smiled warmly.
"Thank you sweetie", she said as she took the napkin. Her daughter really did understand a lot for her age.
"Momma, how much longer until Makoto is born?", asked Carly cutely, she hugged her mom gently, listening to her tummy.
"Two more months baby girl, like I told you this morning", Mikasa chuckled a little.
"That's so long though", Carly said sadly. Mikasa smiled, she sat down in one of the kitchen chairs, pulling her daughter closer.
"It's not that long sweetie, trust me, he'll be here before you know it", Mikasa assured, she gently rubbed noses with her little girl then, who giggled cutely.
"Don't worry princess, your brother will be here very soon now", added Eren as he entered the kitchen.
"Finally, what took you so long?", asked Mikasa.
"I slept in", admitted Eren sheepishly. "Of course", Mikasa frowned but then smiled. Carly listened to her mom's tummy closely, almost seeming soothed by it.
Eren wore his green sweater and white pants, while Mikasa wore her white turtleneck sweater, black pants and of course, her red scarf.
Just then the doorbell rang.
"Sounds like Rubi and Armin are early", Mikasa said. "I got it baby", Eren said quickly, not wanting Mikasa on her feet too much.
Carly continued cutely and very gently feeling Mikasa's belly. With her sweater, Mikasa's stomach looked even smaller.
Eren opened the front door, sure enough Armin and Rubi stood there.
"Hey guys!", Eren smiled. "Sorry we're a little early", smiled Armin.
"I figured Mikasa would need help with anything last minute", Rubi said. "That's fine, come in", Eren said.
Armin and Rubi were already married. They got married in November, and had a 2 week honeymoon in France.
"Mikasa, hey", smiled Rubi coming in the kitchen.
"Auntie Rubi! Uncle Armin!", Carly cried cheerfully, running over. "Hey sweetheart", smiled Rubi.
"You keep growing every day", added Armin.
"Hey guys", Mikasa smiled. "Hey...how's our momma doing?", asked Rubi concerned.
"I'm fine...Makoto has been kicking a little more the passed 2 days", Mikasa replied, a look of relief was in her eyes.
"Really?", asked Armin, hopeful. "That's great!", smiled Rubi.
After helping Mikasa set the table, Eren heard another knock at the door. "I got this one", said Rubi.
She opened the front door, to see Carla and Grisha, they held a bunch of presents.
"Hello Rubi, I see you and Armin are early", smiled Carla.
"You guys are too", Rubi said, letting them in.
Eren and Mikasa went out to the living room. "Eren, this place looks great", said Grisha softly, looking at all the decorations.
"Thanks, it's great seeing you guys again", Eren smiled.
"Carla...are you okay?", asked Mikasa then, she noticed Eren's mother looked a little pale.
"Oh don't worry dear, just a minor cold. More importantly, how are you? And the baby?", asked Carla worried as she came up to Mikasa.
"We're doing okay...he's actually been more active", replied Mikasa, her hands on her stomach.
Carla looked at her daughter in law worried, seeing how small her belly was.
But she didn't say anything, not wanting to put stress on Mikasa.
"Same plans for the delivery?", asked Grisha concerned. "Yeah, nothing's changed", replied Mikasa.
"Oh, you can set these here mom", Eren took the gifts, setting them under the tree.
There was a gift for Eren, a gift for Mikasa, another gift for the baby, and four gifts for Carly.
"Grandma, grandpa!", Carly ran in then, excited. "Hey! How's our precious girl?", Carla beamed, as she lifted Carly.
"I'm good", replied Carly cutely.
"Look at you, you're growing way too fast for us to keep up", chuckled Grisha.
Carly then hurried back into the kitchen.
Carla sighed sadly. "Good lord that makes me feel old", she admitted.
"Oh come on mom, you're not old. You're...40", Eren guessed nervously.
Carla looked at her son, and gave him a look that made Mikasa snicker a bit.
"39 and a half", she corrected her son.
"Oh...crap...yeah..anyway!", Eren quickly escaped to the kitchen.
"He can remember the names of every video game, but not his mother's age", Mikasa shook her head. "It's fine, I know both of you have been preoccupied", Carla said softly.
She glanced worriedly at Mikasa's belly as she said this.
Grisha went into the kitchen with his son, Carly, Rubi and Armin.
"Hey...really sweetie, how is everything?", asked Carla worried. Mikasa looked down softly.
"Things are really doing a bit better...I'm still worried and nothing has exactly changed but...the fact he's kicking more..it's a good sign, right?", said Mikasa worriedly.
"Of course it is. It's a very good sign. You just hang in there honey, I know everything will be fine", assured Carla.
Mikasa nodded softly, although a slight worried look remained in her eyes.
"Carla, are you sure you're okay? You look pale...", Mikasa asked, concerned.
"It's nothing sweetie, it's a really cold winter so it's no surprise I got a little sick", assured Carla.
"If you're sure...", Mikasa started worried, she then blinked, feeling a small kick, placing both hands on her belly.
"Are you all right?", asked Carla worried.
"Yeah, he's kicking a little bit", replied Mikasa softly.
"Really? My goodness, I think it's the first time he's kicked with me around", Carla admitted.
"I know...he's been really weak, but the passed few days have been much better", said Mikasa softly.
"Is it all right if I feel..?", asked Carla eagerly.
Mikasa looked at her, shocked she was asking. "Carla, did you really just ask?", she asked her.
Carla looked a little embarrassed. "You're right, I'm sorry Mikasa, we are family", she said kindly, she very carefully felt Mikasa's belly.
"Carla, you don't have to ask such a thing. You're like a mother to me", Mikasa said softly.
"I know that honey", Carla smiled. Mikasa looked down slightly. She couldn't help but feel guilty for still not calling Carla "Mom".
As much as she saw Carla as a mother, she couldn't bring herself too. In her heart, no one could replace her real mother.
The one who gave her life to protect Mikasa.
"Oh my, you're right, he is moving more", smiled Carla, a look of relief in her eyes. Mikasa smiled softly.
The two soon returned to the kitchen, and after a few more minutes, there was another knock at the door.
"I got it! I got it!", Carly said cheerfully as she ran to the front door.
"She's so adorable", said Carla smiling, as she sat next to Grisha.
Carly opened the front door, to see quite a large crowd of people.
Jean, Marco, Connie, Sasha, Krista, Ymir, Levi, Hanji and Mamoru stood there.
"Hello", Carly greeted politely and cutely.
"Well hello sweetie, are your parents home?", asked Krista.
"Hey guys!", grinned Eren, coming over. "Eren! It's been way too long!", grinned Connie.
"Mikasa, hey!", smiled Sasha. "It's so great to see you all again", smiled Mikasa, entering the living room.
"It's so great to see you too", smiled Marco.
"Hey you", Levi hugged his cousin gently, Mikasa returning the hug. "Carly! Let's go play!", Mamoru said cutely.
The two kids ran upstairs.
Jean sighed. 'She's still as gorgeous as ever...Eren you lucky bastard', he thought.
"This place looks really nice", admitted Ymir.
"Mikasa, how are you feeling?", asked Krista as they all entered.
"I'm fine, don't worry", Mikasa assured. As the guys took their coats off, Krista glanced at Mikasa's stomach, a look of concern on her face.
She had become a nurse, and married Ymir.
"Mikasa...", she said looking more. Mikasa let her glance a lot, knowing what she was thinking.
"Honey...you said you were seven months on the phone", Krista pointed out concerned.
Mikasa gave a sad look. "I am", she replied simply. Krista's eyes filled with worry than, knowing a lot about this like Rubi and Grisha.
And she knew something wasn't right if Mikasa's stomach was this small.
"Seriously?!", gawked Sasha.
"You don't look it", added Connie worried, his arm wrapped around Sasha. The two were finally engaged.
"Oi, oi! Eren! You been taking good care of Mikasa?", demanded Jean.
"Of course I have, haven't you got a girlfriend yet?", teased Eren.
"Why you little punk!", Jean growled. "Relax Jean...Eren's taking great care of me. It's not about that", Mikasa assured.
"So what's wrong?", asked Marco worried. Levi didn't say anything, already knowing. A worried look was in his eyes.
He and Hanji exchanged worried looks.
Eren and Mikasa both hesitated. "The baby's a little small is all", replied Eren then, as he wrapped his arm around his wife, comforting her.
"A little?", frowned Ymir.
"Okay...he's really small. But so far he's doing fine otherwise", Mikasa said.
Their old school friends all had worried looks, especially Krista and Jean.
"Don't worry, the truth is, he's been doing a lot better the passed few days", Mikasa assured them.
"Really?", asked Hanji.
"Yeah, he's been kicking a lot more so that's really good", replied Eren.
The group soon went into the kitchen to eat lunch and catch up. Eren and Mikasa sat next to each other.
"I can't believe how much Carly has grown!", said Connie.
"The last time we saw her, she was so tiny", added Krista. "Even we can't believe it", admitted Eren.
"So you two are finally engaged?", asked Mikasa to Sasha and Connie. The both of them blushed nervously.
"Well yeah", replied Sasha. Even though Mikasa saw Sasha almost every day since she was Carly's teacher, they barely had a lot of time to really talk.
"That's great you two", smiled Armin.
"When's the wedding?", asked Rubi. "In April", replied Connie. "So do you all have the same jobs?", asked Mikasa curiously.
"Well as you know I'm still a teacher, Connie's still a mechanic", replied Sasha.
"My Krista is the best nurse out there", grinned Ymir. "And Ymir is a writer", added Krista.
"Armin's become a writer too! Best selling novels", grinned Eren.
"They aren't that great", Armin said sheepishly. "Are you kidding? They are amazing Armin", Mikasa said.
"Yeah, who are you kidding babe? They're the best!", added Rubi. Armin blushed.
Jean worked at a gas station late nights, while Marco worked at a book store. "So how's family life been?", asked Krista.
"It's been amazing. Carly is the best thing...that's ever happened to us", Mikasa smiled. Eren smiled softly as her.
"You two make married life look so easy! How do you both do it? I've heard of so many married couples splitting up!", Connie asked.
Eren and Mikasa blinked. "We love each other...the idea of splitting up isn't even an option", Mikasa replied.
"Mikasa and I...we've known each other for so long, and we've been through so much together. So its easier for us. Most couples who get married often meet like any other normal meeting...", Eren added.
"But...Eren is the one who saved me. All those years ago", Mikasa said.
"Your relationship is special. You two really do have an amazing marriage", Rubi said, smiling.
Mikasa smiled softly, her hand on her belly. It was so true. Her and Eren were soulmates. They had such a wonderful marriage, a beautiful daughter, and a son on the way.
They couldn't be happier.
"I really hope we'll do as good as you two", Sasha said, hopefully.
"Of course we will, sweetie", Connie assured her.
After spending the entire day there, eventually everyone went home. The last to leave were Armin, Rubi, Eren's parents and Levi.
Soon the next few days flew by, and it was finally Christmas eve.
Carly was having trouble getting to sleep, excited.
"I can't sleep daddy! I'm too excited!", she said. "I know you are princess, but the faster you go to sleep, the faster Santa will get here", Eren said.
"Besides, you need all your energy to play with all those presents", added Mikasa smiling softly.
"But I'm not tired...", Carly swayed a little as she said this, sleepy. Mikasa smiled. "Yes you are", she then gently tucked her daughter in.
Carly lay down, clutching her plush anime doll.
"Goodnight sweetheart", Mikasa kissed her daughter's forehead.
"Night mommy", yawned Carly.
"Sleep tight princess", Eren smiled as he kissed his daughter's forehead.
"Night", Carly yawned again, and drifted to sleep as Eren and Mikasa exited the bedroom.
"That was easier than I thought", admitted Eren.
"Don't be surprised if she has us up at 2 AM", Mikasa smiled, as she laughed softly.
"Oh god help us", Eren said, but he smiled.
The two went into the bedroom, and got ready for bed. Mikasa glanced out the window, as she changed into her long, warm white nightgown, keeping her scarf on.
"Eren, look", she said seriously then. "What is it baby?", Eren came over, seeing the roads outside were a sheet of thick ice.
"Holy shit...", said Eren.
"I knew it was cold but...", Mikasa said, shocked.
"Good thing we don't have anywhere to go for the next few days", said Eren.
"Yeah...", Mikasa turned the heat up more, and soon the two went to bed.
Mikasa slept soundly in bed beside Eren, who had his arms wrapped around her tightly.
The two were cuddled close to stay warm, it was around 10 at night.
The snow fell hard outside, a blizzard to top off the icy roads. The roads also surely had black ice on them as well.
Mikasa slept deep, exhausted. Eren was just as passed out as her. Mikasa shifted a little bit, when suddenly a sharp pain hit her abdomen hard and fast.
Mikasa nearly jumped, she sat up quickly. She breathed deeply, her eyes suddenly full of worry.
'No...calm down. It's just a practice contraction', she thought, she took a few deep breaths, gently rubbing her belly.
She leaned back on her pillows, trying to calm down, but within less than two minutes, another sharp pain hit. Worse than the last.
It was so bad, Mikasa wasn't able to bite back a low groan of pain. She sat back up, breathing heavily.
No..it couldn't be. Not yet...Mikasa's heart raced in her chest, she untangled herself from her husband's arms, and sat up more.
She gently swung her legs over the bed so they were hanging off, as both her hands didn't leave her belly.
"It can't be labor...not yet...please God, not yet...", Mikasa gently rocked herself, hoping it would somehow settle.
She was only seven months pregnant, and the baby was at risk as it was.
This couldn't happen. A third, strong contraction hit Mikasa then, and at the same time she slightly doubled over in pain and groaned, her heart sunk.
This was labor. And not just labor, it was active labor.
Mikasa took deep, heavy breaths, her whole body shaking in fear as the demanding contractions tightened her stomach and her heart sunk only more.
The urgency only grew when she felt demanding pressure between her hips. This baby wanted out now. Mikasa breathed heavily and shakily, she then quickly shook Eren.
"Eren! Eren, wake up!", she cried urgently. Eren jumped a little, but remained half asleep.
"W-Wha..?", he asked tiredly.
"Eren, the baby's coming!", Mikasa cried. It took Eren about three seconds to process what she just said.
But suddenly his own heart sunk, and his eyes became wide with panic.
"What?! Mikasa, no it's too early!", he said, jumping up.
But as soon as he looked at her, his heart sunk and he froze. How she looked said it all.
She was pale, shaking, clutching her stomach and her eyes were full of as much panic as his.
"I know...but he's coming...", Mikasa suddenly doubled over in pain, groaning painfully, beads of sweat beginning to appear under her long bangs.
"...right now", Mikasa finished through clenched teeth, suddenly breathing heavily.