Carla sat up, listening. A look of full curiosity in her eyes. Mikasa hesitated, looking down. "Mom...if you don't want to talk about it...", started Carla, worriedly.
Mikasa shook her head. "No, it's okay sweetie. Well...the first thing you should know is...your grandparents from my side...were wonderful people. And if they knew you, they'd love you so much. You, Makoto and Akane", she started.
Mikasa then reached under her shirt, and pulled out her heart locket. "Here's what they looked like", she said. Carla opened the locket.
"Wow...grandma was so pretty! She looks like you, mom!", cried Carla. "And you. Your eyes represent three generations", smiled Mikasa.
"So...where do I begin", Mikasa took a deep breath. It had been a long time since she talked about her parents.
After all these years, after marriage, three kids...she still grieved. And even though she wasn't near as clingly towards Eren as she used to be...she still sometimes felt it.
"Well...your daddy and I were 9 years old", she started. "You said before, you and daddy met when you were almost 9. And he taught you English", smiled Carla.
"That's right. So...it was...Valentines day", Mikasa said. "Your daddy, Uncle Armin and I went to school. Your dad and I exchanged valentines gifts...", she went on.
"You got him chocolate, and he got you the plush anime doll, the one you gave me", Carla noted. "Yes. I wanted to pass on something to my children. I gave you that doll, I gave Makoto Oscar...Akane, I haven't decided yet", Mikasa said.
"Your scarf..?", asked Carla. Mikasa looked down. "I don't think...I could ever part with this scarf", she admitted.
"Is your scarf part of the story?", asked Carla. Carla always wondered why her mother never took her scarf off.
Mikasa nodded.
"Anyway...we left school and went home. Like any other day. Your dad and Armin went to his house to play video games, I went home with my parents", she continued.
"It was...like any other evening with them. Mom was making dinner...dad and I were picking a movie out for after...when there was a knock on the door", Mikasa froze a little, as the memories flooded her mind.
The loud gunshots that made her little ears ring as a child. The blood, the urgent screams of her mother. Her father's...brains all over the floor.
Mikasa held her hand to her head, getting a severe stress headache. It had been a while since she got one. It felt like a hammer was pounding the inside of her skull.
"Three...really bad men came in. Dad thought at first they were the UPS men, since he had ordered something for his work. But...", Mikasa cringed a bit.
Carla looked at her mom, worried. "What did they do...?", she asked.
Mikasa shook, she didn't want to go into too much detail. "They...killed your grandparents. First dad...then mom. Mom...tried to protect me. They were still so young...only in their 30s...", Mikasa's expression was blank, but her eyes said it all.
"They...just came in and...killed them? Why?!", cried Carla, horrified.
Mikasa gently held her locket. "The world is a cruel place, Carla. But...it's also beautiful. Your dad showed me that", she replied.
"So...what happened next?", asked Carla softly. "Two of the men left...one stayed behind to...kill me. Your dad...saved my life. After he did...he wrapped this scarf around me", Mikasa replied.
"So that's why you always wear it...", realized Carla. Mikasa nodded.
She held a piece of her scarf as she tucked her locket back under her shirt. "After..your daddy and his parents took me in. They gave me a family and a home when I had nothing left...", she said.
Carla looked down. "Did they catch the men?", she asked. Mikasa nodded. "They did. They're in prison now", she assured her daughter.
Carla looked at her mom, worriedly.
"Mom...I'm sorry. I'm so sorry...you had to go through all that", she said. Mikasa looked at her daughter softly.
"Sweetheart, you don't have to apologize...", she said. Carla hugged her mom then, surprising Mikasa a little.
"You're such a good mommy..the best I could ever ask for, you didn't deserve to see all that..", she cried.
"Carla...", Mikasa hugged her daughter back.
"Hey...listen. Don't tell your brother this story. Not yet. He's still much too young", Mikasa asked. "Okay...but you'll tell him too someday, right?", asked Carla as mother and daughter gently let go of each other.
"Yes, and Akane too. When they're both old enough", replied Mikasa.
After dinner, Carla and Makoto were watching TV while Akane slept in the nursery.
Eren was by Mikasa in bed. "So..you told Carla about your parents?", asked Eren, worriedly.
"Yeah...", replied Mikasa. She was shaking, and her eyes were full of sorrow as all those memories flooded back to her. "Mikasa...", said Eren worriedly, noticing.
"I-I'm fine Eren, don't worry", lied Mikasa, trembling as she looked at him.
"Come here", Eren pulled her into his arms, and Mikasa instantly broke down. She sobbed her eyes out in his arms, tears flooding down her face.
"Shhhh, it's okay baby, I'm here...let it out", Eren soothed her. He stroked her hair softly, as Mikasa cried.
She hadn't cried about her parents in a very long time. As a mother, she didn't want to appear sad in front of her children.
So she buried it deep for a long time.
"Eren..I miss them so much...", cried Mikasa. "I know, sweetie. I know", Eren soothed her.
He continued stroking her hair, and holding her close until she eventually cried herself to sleep.
A couple months went by after this. Akane was growing, and more alert than ever. Carla and Makoto loved being older siblings to her.
It was a late afternoon. Carla was holding Akane, while Armin and Rubi visited. "I can't believe how big she's got", smiled Rubi.
She sat by Mikasa, her hands on her swollen belly. She was 5 months pregnant now. Armin was quite the basket case father already.
But he had a good reason to be, Mikasa knew this.
"Rubi, how are you feeling?", asked Mikasa, worriedly. "Oh, I'm okay. She's kicking a lot today", assured Rubi softly.
Mikasa gently felt, Rubi smiling. "She really is...so you found out it's a girl?", asked Mikasa. "Yep. We're still thinking of a name", replied Rubi.
"Well, I'm glad you're happy Rubi", smiled Mikasa. "I really am. I was a midwife for so long...but I now truly understand how you feel Mikasa. It really is...a wonderful feeling, having a life inside of you", Rubi admitted.
Mikasa smiled softly. "Seriously...come on, how are you?", Mikasa repeated then, worried.
Rubi looked down softly. "It really hasn't been that bad...", she admitted. Mikasa looked worried, ever since Rubi got pregnant, she hasn't been doing too well.
She was always physically weaker than Mikasa, so naturally both Armin and Mikasa worried more than normal.
"Are you sure?", asked Mikasa. "Mikasa, I'm not sure who's worse. You or Armin", joked Rubi. Mikasa smiled a bit.
"Okay, I'm sorry...I just...worry. You took such good care of me when I had my children so...", Mikasa explained.
Rubi smiled. "I understand. But don't worry. I'll be fine", assured Rubi.
Eren and Armin were making lunch for the girls in the kitchen.
"So how's Rubi's doing?", asked Eren. "She's hanging in there. She puts on a brave face but...", Armin looked down worriedly. Eren looked at his friend worried.
"She's...just really tired. More than normal. She's pale a lot too", he said. "Hey, don't worry Armin. Rubi will be fine. But...I understand how you feel. When Mikasa was pregnant...all three times, I was scared to death", Eren admitted.
"I really get how you felt now", Armin said.
Akane babbled cutely in her sister's arms. "Yeah? That's interesting, then what?", Carla humored cutely, talking with Akane.
"She sure has lots to say!", Makoto smiled, as he watched. Mikasa and Rubi smiled, watching the kids.
Akane had grown more black hair, and her big dark eyes were so identical to Mikasa's and Carla's it was amazing.
"Hey Mikasa...", said Rubi then. Mikasa looked at her. "Armin and I decided on a homebirth. We're still looking for a midwife, but in the meantime...I had a question", Rubi started.
Mikasa blinked. "I was wondering...you're like my sister. And well...I was wondering if you'd be there, like Armin will be...", Rubi asked.
Mikasa looked at her friend. "Of course I'll be there Rubi, I already planned on it", she assured, smiling. Rubi's face lit up, relieved.
It comforted her to have not just her best friend, but someone who had already had children, there to comfort and encourage her. Someone who knew just what she would be going through.
"About the midwife...", Mikasa added then. "Yeah..obviously I'll need help. We're still looking", explained Rubi.
"If you don't mind...would it be okay if I came to look with you?", asked Mikasa. "Sure, if you want", Rubi replied.
"Have you and Armin decided anything else about the birth?", asked Mikasa.
At this point, Akane was playing with her plush bear on the baby blanket on the floor, laying on her belly, trying to crawl while Carla and Makoto played with her.
"I decided I want a waterbirth...Armin likes the idea, anything to make it easier", replied Rubi.
Eren and Armin entered then. "Lunch is ready kids", said Eren. "Finally!", Makoto said, hurrying in.
Mikasa carefully took Akane from Carla, and Carla ran into the kitchen.
"A waterbirth sounds relaxing", Mikasa admitted, she helped Rubi stand. Since Rubi had fussed over Mikasa during her pregnancy, Mikasa insisted on fussing over Rubi.
"Thanks...", Rubi said a bit breathlessly. She wasn't near as strong as Mikasa, so pregnancy was tougher on her.
While eating lunch, Eren's phone rang then. Eren blinked, it was a text from Levi, telling him to come into work.
"That's weird...", he said. "What?", blinked Armin.
"Levi said he wants me to come into work. I just got off like 30 minutes ago", Eren replied. Mikasa frowned.
"Again?", she asked. "What's Levi's problem? He knows you two have a new baby", Rubi added.
"I don't know. He's starting to really get on my nerves", Eren admitted, glaring.
"Well, it can't be helped. We need the money", Mikasa sighed. "I'm sorry about this, Mikasa", Eren said, softly.
"It's okay", Mikasa assured. Eren nodded, although still felt bad. He got up, kissed her, and left.
"Levi's been making daddy work like crazy", Makoto admitted. "It's getting insane", added Carla.
Akane then yelled cutely, like she was mad. "Oh, you're mad at Levi too?", Mikasa said, amused by her daughter's angry face.
Akane then turned cute and happy again, babbling.
"Seriously, why though?", asked Armin. Mikasa sighed. "I think I have a vague idea why", she said.
Levi has been lonely since Petra died. And even though he had his son, and Hange, along with Mikasa and Eren, Levi had been letting his grief get to him more than ever in recent months.
Since his days were always the same, it started to get to him.
After they finished lunch, Armin helped Rubi back on her feet. "Easy, I got you, love", he said. Rubi groaned slightly from the weight, her hand on her belly.
"You okay, Rubi?", asked Mikasa worriedly. "Yeah...", replied Rubi a bit breathlessly.
"Take it easy, no rush", Armin assured her.
After Rubi and Armin left, Mikasa sighed. She had to call her cousin. She texted him first, as she sat back at the table with Akane.
She gently spoon-fed Akane her baby food. Akane was four months old now. Akane ate her food cutely.
Mikasa texted Levi.
"Levi, what's going on? Eren just got off work!"
As she texted this, Akane reached her tiny hands over, and pulled her mom's wrist back over to her, wanting more food.
"Okay, sweetie, you're really hungry", Mikasa chuckled, as she fed her. She waited for Levi to text back.
About 5 spoonfuls for Akane later, Mikasa's phone vibrated.
"Sorry...just need some extra help today"
Mikasa sighed, getting more heated. She then dialed his number, calling him. Akane ate more food cutely.
Mikasa waited, and after two rings he answered.
"Hey...", he said, his voice low and hoarse. "Levi, what the hell? I'd like to see my husband sometimes!", she snapped.
"I know, I'm sorry...it just gets so quiet here when we close", Levi admitted. Mikasa sighed, as she continued feeding Akane.
"Look. I know you miss Petra, but if you're not even gonna let my own husband come home, then its obvious you got a problem", she said.
"A problem?", asked Levi. "What I'm saying is, if you're that lonely, go out and spend time with people! Maybe go on a few dates", Mikasa suggested.
Levi laughed. "A date? That's hilarious", he scoffed.
"I'm serious", Mikasa growled.
Levi sighed. "How in the hell am I gonna go on a date? I haven't communicated with any other girls except for you and Hange", he said.
"So? Look, just do something. Anything. Also, if you don't send Eren back home right now, I'm coming in to get him myself", Mikasa threatened.
Levi hesitated at first. "And I'm bringing the kids", Mikasa added. Levi froze, scared. The few times Mikasa brought the kids into the coffee shop, when Carla was smaller, she wouldn't keep her hands off of anything.
A clean freak like Levi couldn't stand it.
"Okay, okay! Fine! I'll send him home!", Levi said. "Thank you", Mikasa said, she hung up.
"Eren, go home for the night", Levi said then. "Huh? But I just came in", Eren said, confused, although relieved.
"Your wife called", Levi explained. Eren nodded. 'Thank you so much Mikasa', Eren thought as he left.
He didn't stand up to Levi himself since he was scared of losing this job. He needed it now more than ever since they had not one, not two, but three kids.
Not to mention two pets.
It was true Levi had become lonely. Once the shop closed, and it was just him and Mamoru, it got so quiet. All the silence made Levi's thoughts travel, into thinking about Petra.
Within a few minutes, Eren returned home. "Eren, don't worry about losing your job. I'll get Levi straightened out", Mikasa assured him.
Eren wrapped his arms around her. "Thanks babe. I really didn't want to go back there, I'd rather cuddle up with my beautiful Queen tonight", Eren smiled.
Mikasa blushed, smiling as they kissed softly.
By bedtime, Carla was asleep in her bedroom, cuddling her plush anime doll. Mittens slept beside her, curled up.
Her bedroom had pink carpet, white walls and two windows. She had a bed (which sat against the wall to the right) , dresser, computer desk with a laptop, a shelf of DVDs and Mangas, a shelf of stuffed animals, and a nightstand with a lamp, a book and a cat ceramic.
The room also had a Sailor Moon poster, a Frozen poster, and a Finding nemo poster. Also a dollhouse.
She also had books, and a closet full of clothes. In the corner of her room was a TV and a DVD player, along with a PS3.
Makoto slept in his room, Titan sleeping at the bottom of the bed. His carpet was blue, with white walls.
He bed was in the center of the room, with the headboard against the wall. He had a nightstand with a lamp, a shelf full of toys, a toybox, two windows, Oscar sat in the corner, a dresser, a closet, and a shelf of books and movies.
He also had a Lion King poster and a Scooby doo poster. He had a nightlight as well plugged into the wall.
Akane slept soundly in her crib, her nursery was pink, with a shelf of plushies, a crib, changing table, rocking chair and a window.
Eren cuddled Mikasa close, as the two slept in their room. It was a very peaceful night. The only sound in the bedroom was the ceiling fan on low.
It was quiet, until the door creaked open. Mikasa blinked, glancing over her shoulder. Standing in the doorway was Makoto.
He held his teddy bear, looking scared. "Mommy...?", he whimpered. "Makoto? Sweetie, what's wrong?", Mikasa asked, worried as she sat up.
"I..I had a nightmare...", replied Makoto, trembling. He came over. "You did...?", asked Mikasa worriedly.
Makoto nodded. "Can I sleep with you and daddy?", he asked. "Well...", started Mikasa, hesitating. Because Makoto was very needy and not as independent as Carla, they weren't able to get him to sleep in his own bed until he was 4.
She didn't want to reawake a new habit. But his little tearful face broke her heart.
"Okay, but you got to promise you'll sleep in your own bed tomorrow night", Mikasa replied. "I will, I promise", Makoto crawled into bed, between his parents.
Eren remained sound asleep, snoring lightly. He was always a heavier sleeper than Mikasa.
Mikasa smiled softly, she cuddled her son, pulling the covers over them. "Night, mommy", said Makoto cutely.
"Night sweetie", Mikasa smiled. Makoto instantly fell asleep, clutching his teddy bear.
By the next day, during afternoon, Mikasa was making lunch for the kids. Eren was at home for a change. "I'm shocked Levi didn't call me", he admitted.
"He knew I'd flip", said Mikasa. Akane babbled cutely in her highchair. "Give mommy a minute, sweetie", Eren smiled.
Akane babbled more, hitting her tiny hands on the highchair tray. "Looks like she won't wait for us, I'll feed her", Eren said.
"Thanks, baby", Mikasa smiled, she kissed his cheek.
Eren sat at the table. "Okay my little princess", he said sweetly, as he spoon fed her baby food.
Just then, Mikasa got a text. It was from Levi. She blinked.
It said:
"So...went on a date. It was a disaster"