It was late at night, only a few days since Levi tried dating. So far it wasn't going too great. Mikasa slept in bed with Eren, both exhausted.
They had finally got Akane to sleep. Mikasa slept soundly, while Eren snored beside her. Her red scarf was neatly folded on the nightstand, since it was a warm night.
Mikasa's sleep was suddenly interrupted by someone shaking her. Mikasa blinked tiredly. "Mom...", Carla said softly.
Mikasa blinked, seeing her daughter was trying to wake her. She looked...freaked out. "Carla? Sweetie, what's wrong? Did you have a nightmare?", asked Mikasa, as she sat up.
Carla shook her head. "Is Mittens okay?", asked Mikasa, as she clicked the lamp on. "She's fine...", Carla had such a strange look on her face.
An expression Mikasa never saw on her daughter's face before. It was a mix of scared, embarrassed and uncomfortable.
"Honey, what is it?", Mikasa pressed, more worriedly now. Eren remained out like a light.
"I...I don't know. I..got up to use the bathroom and...I...was bleeding", Carla explained nervously. Mikasa looked at her, and then realized.
"Oh!", she exclaimed, a little surprised. Her daughter was only 10, but she had heard of girls getting their first period as young as 9.
"Am I sick, mom?", asked Carla fearfully. "No, no sweetie, here come on", Mikasa assured her daughter, as she got out of bed, leading her into the bathroom.
"Then what...?", asked Carla.
"You just have your first period, sweetie, remember when I told you about it? When you asked dad and me where babies come from?", said Mikasa, as she got some pads out from the bathroom cabinet.
"Oh...that's right. I forgot about the period part..", admitted Carla, calming down slowly.
It was the middle of the night, she had been half asleep so she had forgotten.
"Don't be scared, baby. Its normal. It even means, one day when you are a grown up, you can have children of your own", assured Mikasa softly, as she got on eye level with her daughter.
"How old were you, mom? When you got your first period?", asked Carla curiously, as her mother showed her how to use a pad.
"I was actually 12", replied Mikasa softly. "So...how long do I have to wear this?", asked Carla. "Until it ends, it shouldn't be longer than 5 or 6 days", replied Mikasa.
"Can I take it off in bed?", asked Carla. "Nope, you got to keep it on", replied Mikasa.
"Wha...?! That's gonna feel weird...", whined Carla. "Don't worry sweetie, you'll adjust. Come on, let's get back to bed", Mikasa said softly.
Morning soon came. Mikasa made breakfast while Carla and Makoto got ready for school. "Mikasa, why again am I not going to work today?", asked Eren.
Mikasa had already told Eren about Carla getting her period.
"We're going to help Levi out a bit", Mikasa replied. "Help him?", asked Eren, confused.
"Well, I set him up with some blind dates so...", Mikasa said.
"Seriously?", Eren laughed. "Well, okay I know none will work but at least it will give him more experience and confidence for a real date", Mikasa explained.
Eren blinked then. "Hey...", he said. "Yeah?", asked Mikasa.
"What about...Hanji?", asked Eren. "I wondered that too...but I'm not sure if they really like each other or not", admitted Mikasa.
"They seem too. Hanji's been with Levi since Petra died", Eren said. "I know, but it could just be a strong friendship, and nothing more", said Mikasa.
"Maybe we should ask him?", suggested Eren. "I plan too. Listen, after we help Levi a bit, you'll have to eat lunch out. I need to meet up with Rubi and Armin", said Mikasa.
She filled Carla's and Makoto's plates with eggs, bacon, and french toast. Carla drank some orange juice, while Makoto ate.
"To meet a midwife, right?", asked Eren. Mikasa nodded. "Both Armin and I want to make sure we get the best one. Rubi's pregnancy hasn't been easy so...", Mikasa explained, worriedly.
"Armin called me and has been telling me its been getting tougher. She isn't as strong as you...so I can see why he's worried", Eren said worriedly.
"Is my dad going to come over and watch Akane?", asked Eren. "Yes, he's more than happy too", replied Mikasa.
After finishing breakfast, Carla and Makoto went to school. As soon as Grisha arrived, Eren and Mikasa left.
After making it to school, Carla and Makoto went to class. Makoto went to Sasha's class while Carla went to hers.
Carla sighed as she sat down, feeling miserable from her period. She rested her head on the desk.
She then blinked, seeing a boy sitting near her in the class. She blushed a little. She had a major crush on him.
He had black hair, with dark blue eyes, almost black. He was her age, and was reading a Manga. His name was Kaname.
He was a lot like Eren. He loved video games , playing basketball and also enjoyed anime and manga.
He also loved horror movies. Carla blushed more, glancing over at him. "Okay class, big news!", the teacher said as she walked in.
Carla blinked, paying attention. "In one week from now, is a school play!", the teacher announced.
"A play?", Mamoru blinked. "That sounds cool, what kind?", asked Kaname, looking up from his Manga.
"Sleeping Beauty", replied the teacher. Some boys groaned, while most girls all got excited, blushing.
"So, this class was chosen for the cast. Please put your name on a piece of paper in this box, and you'll each randomly be chosen for each role", the teacher explained.
Carla shrugged, writing her name down. "The roles include Sleeping beauty herself, the three Fairies, the parents, the prince and the evil witch", the teacher said.
After putting all their names in, they waited to be called.
After calling out the students to play the parents, evil witch, and fairies, she finally picked the prince and Sleeping beauty.
"So, this year's Sleeping Beauty shall be, Carla Jaeger!", the teacher said. Carla blinked, surprised.
"Really...?", she asked, excited. "Yes. And this year's prince will be...Kaname Higurashi!", the teacher said.
Kaname blinked, while Carla instantly panicked. She blushed and even sweatdropped. "What...?", she cried.
"Really? Me?", asked Kaname, surprised. "Yes, you. We'll be giving you each your lines at the end of the day", replied the teacher.
Carla looked down, very red. She then glanced at Kaname, who looked back at her. Carla squeaked, and looked away embarrassed.
She continued blushing, as she kept moving her eyes nervously from her lap to Kaname. Kaname blushed a bit himself, and he smiled a bit, thinking she was cute.
Across town, Eren and Mikasa accompanied Levi to a fancy restaurant where he'd go on his blind date.
"I just have a feeling this will be a disaster...", Eren muttered, as he and Mikasa sat at another table, watching.
"I really hope not..", Mikasa said worriedly.
"So, you own a Coffee shop?", asked the girl at Levi's table. She was around his age. "Well, its a Coffee and tea shop", replied Levi.
"Right, well I don't drink coffee, I always found it to be so overrated", the girl said. She had this extremely annoying tone of voice.
Levi leaned back in his chair, arms folded, annoyed.
The waiter approached their table. "What could I get you both?", he asked.
"Do you have a vegan menu? I'm on a Vegan diet, and I won't eat anything with gluten or high carobs. I'm also allergic to peanuts, and wine makes me nauseous", the girl asked.
"Uh...I'll see what I can do", the waiter said nervously, as he walked out. "Can you believe this place, like, doesn't have anything I asked for?", she asked Levi.
Levi sighed, annoyed. "They have water", he commented, coldly. The girl looked at him, an obvious pissed off look on her face.
"Excuse me?", she asked. "You heard me. It sounds to me all you can eat is oxygen", Levi shot back.
"Oh! I do not need this! Oh by the way, you looked WAY hotter in your profile picture!", the girl stormed off then.
"Yikes...", Eren said. "That went even worse than I expected", Mikasa agreed. She got up to go talk to Levi.
"Face it cousin, I'm not going to ever get used to dating again", Levi sighed, as Mikasa sat with him.
"Levi...I have a question", she said. Levi looked at her. "Did you ever...consider taking Hanji out?", asked Mikasa.
Levi blinked, looking a bit surprised by her question.
"Well...you two really get along so...", Mikasa said. "I never really thought about it. Even I don't really know what our relationship is. Sometimes its like we're friends I guess...", Levi said.
"Well, then maybe you should ask her out? Just to see how it goes?", suggested Mikasa.
Levi sighed. "Forget it. I'm through with this dating nonsense", he growled. Mikasa glared.
"Okay. I'll make you a deal. Go on this date with Hanji, and if you hate it, if it's a total disaster, then I won't bug you to date...on one condition", she said.
Levi looked at her.
"You'll stop dragging my husband into work 24/7!", Mikasa growled. Levi sighed. "Okay, deal", he agreed.
"So...he's gonna ask Hanji out?", asked Eren, as he drove Mikasa to the Birth Center, to meet Rubi and Armin.
"Yeah. I'm hoping it will go well. At the very least, he should have a good time", Mikasa replied.
"Just how far is this place? We've been driving for 40 minutes", Eren asked. "Rubi has tons of money from being a doctor, and Armin does from being a writer. They are obviously going to want the best place possible", Mikasa explained.
After 15 more minutes, Eren pulled into the parking lot. "Okay, Rubi and Armin said they'd drive me home after", Mikasa said.
"Right, I'll go get lunch. Love you", Eren said softly. Mikasa smiled, and they kissed quickly. "Love you too", she smiled.
She got out of the car, and saw Armin and Rubi near the entrance. Rubi was sitting on the bench.
"Hey, sorry, am I late?", asked Mikasa worriedly. "Nope, we just got here 5 minutes ago", assured Armin.
"Thanks for coming, Mikasa", Rubi said softly. "You don't have to thank me, sweetie. We're best friends, remember?", Mikasa asked.
Rubi smiled weakly. She then went to get up, but winced. "Easy sweetie", Armin helped her.
"Take it slow, mommy", Mikasa assured softly, as she helped as well. "Thanks..", Rubi exhaled as they went inside.
Once they went inside, they were taken back to an office room. The woman sent the first midwife in to talk with them.
"Hello, so are you the Arlets?", the midwife asked kindly, as she came in. "Yes, and this is my best friend, Mikasa", Rubi added.
"Nice to meet you, my name is Yuki. I've been a midwife for 25 years", the midwife said. Mikasa blinked, starring at the midwife.
She looked a lot younger than what it seemed. She looked younger than Mikasa and Rubi.
"You sure look young for your age", Mikasa commented. "Oh thank you dear, I get that alot", Yuki smiled.
"So, I read you want a waterbirth?", asked Yuki. "Yes, at home. Also I'd like my best friend to be there. Mikasa had three children, plus I helped her with all three of them", Rubi said.
"I see, well that should be fine. So, you're 5 months, sweetie?", Yuki asked. "Yes", replied Rubi, her hands on her swollen belly.
"She'll be 6 months in 2 weeks", added Armin. "Her pregnancy hasn't been the best. She's not very strong physically...so we'd like to have epidural for the birth", he said.
"That won't be a problem. As long as that's okay with you, mommy", Yuki said sweetly. "Yes, that's fine", nodded Rubi.
After talking for a bit longer, and leaving, Mikasa still felt a little strange. "I think she was really sweet", Rubi admitted.
"She seemed professional, and nice. As long as you feel comfortable about it, love", Armin said. Mikasa looked down.
"Mikasa?", asked Rubi worriedly. Mikasa shrugged softly. "I don't know...something just seemed a little off", she said, as she gently felt Rubi's tummy, feeling the baby kicking a lot.
"Off how?", asked Rubi curiously. She relaxed, anytime Armin or Mikasa rubbed her belly, the baby settled.
"Well...she looks so young...", Mikasa started. "Well...you look young, Mikasa. You still look 18", admitted Rubi, smiling.
"I just...was bugged by how pleasant she was...she was...too nice. It kind of gave me the creeps...", Mikasa admitted.
She couldn't lie about how she felt. Armin blinked. "Well...we haven't decided anything yet. But I think she's really nice", he said.
"Mikasa, I understand. You're worried for me", Rubi smiled weakly. Mikasa looked at her friend, worried.
"Of course I am. You did everything for me, when I had my kids. You helped me, encouraged me, and made sure I was okay. I want to do the same for you", she explained.
Rubi smiled. "Mikasa...I really appreciate it. Don't worry, Armin will make absolute sure she's a good midwife", she assured.
Mikasa gave a soft relieved smile. "Okay...Rubi, listen...", Mikasa took her friend's hand. "I promise I'll be there, the entire time. Don't worry, you'll do great", she said softly.
Rubi smiled, feeling comforted by her friend's words. "Thanks Mikasa", she said.
After dropping Mikasa at home, Armin and Rubi drove home themselves.
"She's really worried about you..", Armin commented, concerned.
"Of course she is. I helped Mikasa through all three of her pregnancies. Not only does she feel she owes me, but she cares deeply for me. Mikasa cares deeply for anyone she loves", Rubi said softly, her hand on her belly.
"You sure you're okay with three people in the room instead of just two? I read it can become a bit too stressful for the mother if the birth room is too crowded", asked Armin.
"Yes. I want Mikasa there. She has had three children, if anyone will know just how I feel, and just how to comfort me, it will be her", Rubi assured.
Armin smiled softly. "I'll be there too, love. Holding your hand...", Armin rubbed Rubi's shoulder.
Soon the day ended, and Carla, Makoto and Titan returned home.
Mikasa was gently holding Akane, who was sleeping. "We're home mom", Makoto said, quietly.
"Welcome home...Carla? How are you feeling, sweetie?", asked Mikasa concerned. "I'm okay..but...look", Carla handed her mom the script.
Mikasa blinked, and she suddenly beamed. "You...You're going to be Sleeping beauty?!", she cried happily. Akane was fast asleep.
Carla nodded, smiling a bit bashfully. "Sweetheart, this is so great! Who's the prince?", asked Mikasa.
She very gently placed a sleeping Akane in the baby swing. "Um...it's a boy in my class. Kaname Higurashi...", replied Carla softly.
"Oh? Do you like him?", asked Mikasa. Carla instantly blushed. "Mom..!", she cried embarrassed.
Mikasa blinked, surprised. She didn't mean like, as in like. But as in friends.
"Oh...you...have a crush on him?", she asked gently. Carla turned redder.
"What? Crush?!", Eren came out of the kitchen, hearing this. He instantly looked protective at this. "It seems so. She has one on the Kaname boy", replied Mikasa.
"What? That delinquent?", asked Eren. "He's not a delinquent, dad!", cried Carla.
"No, he just wastes his time playing video games...", Eren started.
"Just like you", Mikasa frowned.
"Right, just like me! And he plays basketbal...", Eren continued, at first not catching on.
"Just like you", Mikasa repeated.
"Right, and he also wastes time reading mangas and goofing off in class, not paying attention, he's always late...", Eren went on.
"Just like you", Mikasa said again.
"Right! And...", Eren then blinked.
"Mikasa!", he yelled, finally catching on. "It's true Eren. He seems to be quite a lot like you", Mikasa pointed out.
"He really is nice dad. Besides, we're just going to be in the play together", Carla assured. "The play...is there going to be an actual kiss?!", Eren demanded, looking over the script.
"I doubt it Eren. It's a 4th grade play", Mikasa said softly. "Hmmm...", Eren looked over the script nervously. "Sweetie, go get washed up. I'll get dinner started. You too, Makoto", Mikasa said.
"Okay mommy", Makoto and Carla hurried upstairs.
"Eren, now come on. She's only 10. It's just a little crush", assured Mikasa. "But...we had crushes on each other when we were NINE, Mikasa! And look where we are now...", Eren said, nervously.
Mikasa smiled softly. She wrapped her arms around Eren then. Eren blushed. He turned, and held her close.
"I think we're in a very perfect place. What's wrong with Carla ending up the same?", she asked softly.
"Nothing really...I just...", Eren sighed, as he gently stroked Mikasa's old scar on her cheek. "They grow up too fast...", Eren explained.
"I get it baby...but don't worry, she'll still be with us for a long time", Mikasa assured. Eren nodded softly. The two kissed then, Mikasa wrapping her arms around Eren.
After they ate dinner, Carla practiced her lines in her room, while Mikasa helped Makoto with his homework. Eren got Akane to bed.
"Hey, with all that's going on with Carla, I haven't had a moment to ask about you", Mikasa said softly.
"I'm okay, mom", assured Makoto. "Yeah? You don't feel sick at all lately?", asked Mikasa worriedly. "Nope, I feel really fine", assured Makoto.
"Are you sure? You don't feel dizzy or anything at all?", repeated Mikasa, worried. He still had that disease, and Mikasa had become very protective of him because of it.
"Don't worry mommy, I'm fine. Titan makes sure", smiled Makoto. Mikasa sighed, relieved. "Okay...but if you do feel strange at all, you have to let me or daddy know", she said.
"I will, don't worry", assured Makoto.