"Oh, look! A spinning wheel...!", Carla sighed then, setting her sheets down. "This is ridiculous! I only get a few lines, but I can't remember any of them!", she complained.
She then jumped, feeling warm water pour on her. "Mom!", she cried.
They were in the bath. Carla was leaning out of the tub, going over her lines, while Mikasa bathed Akane and herself.
"Sweetie, if you stay that still in the bath for too long, you'll catch a cold", Mikasa explained softly. She and Carla often took baths together, and now Akane joined them too.
Akane played cutely with a rubber ducky.
"Honey, I think you're nervous about something else. You're really smart, lines like this should be easy for you", Mikasa said, as she washed Carla's hair.
Carla looked down, blushing a bit. "I just...am nervous", she said.
"About Kaname?", asked Mikasa, she had to grin a little bit. "No!", Carla denied quickly, but was bright red.
"He is nice to you, right?", asked Mikasa. "Yeah...he is. But...", Carla blushed more.
"Well, if you're too nervous, you don't have to be in the play", Mikasa pointed out.
"No! I'm okay!", Carla assured then. Mikasa blinked. "Okay...", she said, as she rinsed her daughter's hair.
Carla looked down, having so many different emotions. She felt excited, but nervous. She felt happy, but scared.
"The play is tomorrow...and I still forget my lines", she sighed. Akane babbled cutely, holding the rubber ducky.
"Well, maybe you could practice a bit with Kaname tomorrow? The play isn't until tomorrow evening", suggested Mikasa.
"What?! With Kaname?!", cried Carla, blushing.
"Well, sure. You're both the main characters of the play", said Mikasa.
Carla looked down, blushing.
By the next morning, Carla and Makoto went to school, while Eren had the day off.
"So, Levi took Hanji out today", he said. "That's what he told me", replied Mikasa. She started doing the dishes.
Eren came over to help. "So..has Rubi and Armin decided on a midwife?", asked Eren softly. "I suppose they're sticking with Yuki...", Mikasa said.
Eren looked at his wife, she had such a weird tone about it.
"Armin told me Yuki was really sweet...you don't like her?", he asked. Mikasa sighed softly. "I don't know Eren...I just...got a weird feeling about her", admitted Mikasa.
They dried the dishes and put them away.
"What do you mean?", asked Eren. "Well, she says she's been a midwife for over 20 years, but she looks younger than me!", Mikasa said.
Eren smiled. "Hey, no girl looks younger or more beautiful than my queen", he said sweetly. Mikasa blushed, as Eren pulled her close.
"Eren...", Mikasa said, blushing. "I'm serious, I'm not even just being nice. After three kids, and all you've been through baby, you look amazing", Eren admitted, as he stroked her raven black hair.
Mikasa blushed. It was true, Mikasa looked great. Despite her broken ribs, despite her mild arthritis from it, and despite having three kids, she still looked 18 to 20 instead of her mid 20s.
She was fit, and looked really good. Even Eren still looked young.
"Don't distract me, Eren", she blushed, as Eren kissed her neck softly, working around her scarf.
Mikasa blushed. "Eren...", she said. "Come on, baby. You're worrying too much. Rubi has a husband you know. And you got one that's feeling a little neglected recently", Eren admitted.
"I know Eren, I'm sorry. I just...Rubi's like my sister. She was with me through all my pregnancies. I'd be a terrible friend if I wasn't there for her. Plus she's not as strong as me...", Mikasa apologized, softly.
"I know, love", Eren kissed Mikasa's scar softly.
"Look...I'll tell you what. Rubi will need me most during her last month, and when she gives birth. So...until then, I'll spend more time with you", Mikasa said.
"Thanks love", Eren kissed her softly. "But...look, other than how young she looks, why else are you nervous about this midwife?", asked Eren.
Mikasa shrugged. "I don't know..she just seemed too nice. Plus...maybe I'm just overreacting", she said.
"Don't worry Mika. Armin will make sure Yuki is trustworthy. You shouldn't overworry yourself", Eren said worriedly.
"You get those stress headaches, and your ribs start hurting...", Eren noted as well.
"I know..I just can't help it", Mikasa sighed. "Hey, you'll be there for her. If that midwife tries anything, you can just go badass on her", Eren grinned.
Mikasa chuckled a little, as Eren kissed her forehead.
"Sis, come on! You're being so slow!", Makoto complained. For the first time, he and Titan were ahead of her.
Carla sighed. She was thankful her period ended. But now...she would have to practice with Kaname. At least talk to him.
"I'm coming!", she yelled back, catching up. Titan barked, wagging his tail as they hurried to school.
Makoto hurried to Sasha's class with Titan, while Carla got her shoes out of her locker.
"Hey Carla", Kaname suddenly approached her. Carla jumped. "Kaname!", she cried, blushing.
"Hey...sorry, um...so...I was thinking we should practice our lines together at lunch", Kaname asked.
"Well...maybe. I usually eat lunch with my brother...", Carla replied, nervously. "You're...Mikasa Jaeger's daughter, right?", Kaname made sure.
Carla nodded.
"Oh my god, I heard your mom was a big time badass! I heard she won every fight she was in! She's a legend at this school!", Kaname said, grinning.
Carla blinked softly.
"Well..my mom is really strong. But she was only in one fight...", Carla corrected. "But I heard she won that fight! You wouldn't believe the amount of students who idolize her!", Kaname said.
"Well...my mom is amazing. But she isn't just strong. She's beautiful, kind and she cares deeply for people she loves. But you know..she's also been through alot", Carla explained.
"That's what I hear...her parents were killed. And Eren and his parents took her in. Eren was a champion at basketball", Kaname said.
"Yeah...they fell in love. Mom juggled being a young mom and high school, but she managed to graduate", Carla replied.
"I heard you have a new little sister now", Kaname said. "Yeah, her name is Akane. She's really cute", Carla smiled a bit.
The bell rang then. "So...I'll see you in the courtyard at lunch? For practice?", asked Kaname.
"Y-Yeah, see you there", Carla nodded, she blushed and smiled a bit.
The two went to class.
Back at home, Armin and Rubi had come to visit. "Just so you feel safe Mikasa, here's Yuki's records", Armin handed them to Mikasa.
Mikasa sat by Rubi, looking them over while Eren sat by Armin. "She...seems legit", Mikasa said.
"Mikasa, don't worry. Yuki's an experienced and great midwife. Besides, you'll be there", Rubi assured softly.
Mikasa looked over the papers. "Maybe I really have been overreacting...", she wondered. "It's fine, baby. You're worried, its natural", Eren assured.
"So...is it still going to be a homebirth?", asked Mikasa, knowing some midwives also worked in the hospital.
"Yes, so far the doctor says its safe", replied Rubi, her hand rubbing her swollen belly. She would be six months in just a week.
"And the baby isn't oversized, right?", asked Mikasa. "No, she's a normal size", replied Rubi. They had found out it was a girl.
"Okay...well, like you said. I'll be there Rubi", Mikasa said softly. "We all will", said Armin.
"I know", Rubi smiled.
"It's close to lunchtime, you want me to make you something, mommy?", asked Mikasa sweetly. "Sure! Thanks Mikasa", Rubi's face lit up, she loved Mikasa's cooking.
Both Mikasa and Rubi went in the kitchen, while Eren and Armin stayed in the living room.
"So...is she really okay to have a homebirth?", asked Eren, lowering his voice so the girls didn't hear.
"It seems so. The doctor is a little concerned, but he said as long as she doesn't get any weaker, a homebirth will be fine", Armin replied, but he looked worried.
"It does help she's having a waterbirth. She'll struggle, she's not as strong as Mikasa. So it will help", Armin added.
"So...you trust this midwife?", asked Eren worriedly. "Yeah, she's been really sweet with Rubi, and she seems professional", Armin replied.
Eren looked relieved. Mikasa was just worried, that was all.
"Is Akane sleeping?", asked Rubi, in the kitchen. She leaned against the fridge. "She's out like a light...Rubi, you really shouldn't be on your feet", said Mikasa worriedly.
"It's fine, I need to stretch my legs. Armin has forced me on bed rest", smiled Rubi.
"Hey...you sure you're feeling okay?", asked Mikasa worriedly, her eyes soft.
"I know I'm pale...and seem more tired, but trust me when I say, I've never been this happy before", Rubi smiled.
Mikasa smiled. "I know now how you felt Mikasa. Becoming a mother, it really is an amazing feeling", Rubi said.
"It is...I felt so happy every time. It really is an amazing thing, to become a mother. Every minute is precious. The pregnancy, the birth, and most precious...is raising them and watching them grow", mused Mikasa.
"You're an amazing mommy, Mikasa. I hope...I can be a great mom too...", Rubi admitted, a bit worriedly, her hand on her belly.
Mikasa smiled softly. She came over, and placed her hand on Rubi's stomach. "You will be a great mommy, Rubi", she assured.
Rubi smiled softly. "She's right Rubi", Armin and Eren came in. Rubi blushed.
Eren helped Mikasa with the food, while Armin held Rubi close. "You will be an amazing mommy", he assured her, placing his hand on her belly.
Rubi blushed, smiling, as the two kissed.
It was lunchtime at school, Carla went out to the courtyard. "You sure you'll be okay?", she asked Makoto.
"Don't worry sis, ever since mom came to school, the bullies leave me alone", assured Makoto.
"Okay...", Carla went ahead, to find Kaname. Makoto ate lunch with Titan.
Carla then spotted Kaname, sitting on the fountain. Carla went over.
"Oh, hey! You came", smiled Kaname, holding his lunch. Carla blushed. She sat by him, getting her lunch out.
She then blinked, seeing Kaname's lunch was just a sandwich, a bag of chips, a pop tart, cookies and a can of soda.
"Not that it's any of my business, but that isn't a very healthy lunch", she pointed out.
"Well, I prefer snacks over an actual lunch", admitted Kaname, sheepishly. "My father is like that", admitted Carla.
She opened her Japanese bento. "Oh...that's right, you're half Japanese", Kaname said.
"My siblings and I are all half Japanese, and half German", said Carla softly. "Hey um...I don't know much Japanese but...I really love anime", Kaname said.
"You do?", asked Carla.
"Yeah, I really love Inuyasha, and Black Butler. I also really enjoy Basilisk!", Kaname said.
"I enjoy anime too. Not as much as you...so, you want to go over these lines?", asked Carla, as she finished eating.
She was blushing slightly. "Sure! It's our last chance since tonight's the play! Are you nervous?", asked Kaname, getting his papers out.
"A bit...", admitted Carla. "I am a little too, but I get to wield a sword! Well, its fake but still!", Kaname said, excited.
Carla looked down, embarrassed. "Hey, come on! You got the easiest part! You can just lay there and take a nap!", pointed out Kaname, smiling.
"Yeah I know...", Carla muttered, nervously. "Look, let's start here", Kaname showed her.
Soon, evening came. Many parents arrived at the school for the play. Mikasa brought the video camera.
To Mikasa's relief, Levi and Hanji's date continued, onto a fancy dinner and a movie.
It seemed by his text messages it was going really well. They had a nice date over ice cream, and then went to the zoo.
So now they were heading to a movie, and then out to dinner. Mamoru was being babysitted by Eren and Mikasa. He was in the play too, as the King.
"Remember our first school play, Eren?", asked Mikasa, as she and Eren sat towards the front. "Yeah, it was Red riding Hood...you were so cute", Eren smiled.
Mikasa blushed. "And I was the grandmother", Armin whined, as he and Rubi sat with them. "Seriously? You were?", giggled Rubi.
Armin blushed, embarrassed. "We were only 10, but it was fun", Mikasa said. "I'm guessing you were the wolf, Eren", Rubi said, her hand resting on her tummy.
"Yeah, I was so badass and scary!", Eren replied, grinning. "You were cute", Mikasa corrected.
The lights faded then, as a voice on the speaker was heard. "Thank you parents and guardians for coming to see our Fourth Grade's first play of the year, Sleeping Beauty!".
"That sounds like Sasha's voice", Eren said. "Aside from being a teacher, she often helps with other things at this school", said Rubi.
"Please turn your attentions to the stage, and please turn off all cell phones until the play has ended. Feel free to take pictures and video tape", Sasha said.
Mikasa got her video camera ready while Eren turned his phone off.
"This is going to be so cute", Mikasa smiled, excited, as she made sure the whole stage was in the shot.
The red curtains opened then, as the play started. After the first two scenes, it was finally Carla's turn to go out on stage.
The narrator was Sasha on the speaker. Carla paced nervously behind stage.
"So, the king made sure every single spinning wheel was removed from the royal grounds", Sasha continued.
"Yeah, made sure, except for that one", Eren joked a bit, nudging Mikasa. "Shh!", Mikasa hissed, focusing.
"You're right though dad, why wouldn't the king notice the last spinning wheel?", asked Makoto, sitting with them. Titan sat by him on the floor.
"Shhhh!", Mikasa hissed at both of them. "Yikes", Eren chuckled, Makoto had to laugh quietly as well.
"On Princess Aurora's sixteen birthday, the king made sure every spinning wheel was burned", Sasha narrated.
Carla walked out on stage then, blushing. She wore a beautiful pink dress, her hair was down to look more wavy, and a silver tiara.
"Oh my god..she looks gorgeous!", cried Mikasa, happily. She zoomed the camera in on her daughter, recording.
"She really does look beautiful", Eren smiled. "She looks so great", Rubi added. "She does look a little nervous though", noted Armin, worried.
"She'll be fine!", beamed Mikasa, she smiled, and waved. Carla saw.
'Oh great...my parents are in full doting mode tonight', she thought, giving a nervous smile.
"Sis looks so pretty", Makoto mused softly, as he petted Titan.
"The princess decided to take a walk around the castle grounds before going to her party, it was here where she would be tricked by the evil witch, Maleficent", Sasha narrated.
Carla sighed, doing her best to ignore her parents, and stayed in character.
"It's such a beautiful day out today", she said. Suddenly, the student playing Maleficent came on stage.
"Why, your highness! What are you doing outside today?", she asked.
"That kid's a showoff, Carla could sweep the floor with her", Mikasa muttered, still filming. Rubi had to chuckle. The way Mikasa doted on all her kids was so cute.
"Yeah, Carla's a much better actress!", Eren agreed. "You two are really something", Armin laughed. "Hey, you'll be the same", Mikasa pointed out.
"Well, it's such a beautiful day out, why not?", asked Carla. "Well, isn't it your birthday princess? Why, you should be inside sewing your gown!", the student said.
They were both fairly good at the parts.
"Well, my father has burned all spinning wheels from the castle and grounds. So I can't make my own birthday gown", Carla replied.
"Every one, dear?", asked the student. "He made sure to have every one burned, destroyed or thrown in the river", Carla answered.
"Well your highness, it seems he forgot one", the student then gestured to the spinning wheel prop on stage.
Carla looked to see it. She even gasped. "Where did that one come from?", she exclaimed, walking over to it.
"It seems the king forget it! Go on, try it out", the other student encouraged.
"But, father said a spinning wheel is dangerous. He said to never touch one", Carla said. "Oh that's just scare tactics. Go on, you want to sew a dress for your birthday, don't you?", asked the student.
"Well...I do...", Carla reached her hand out to the spinning wheel prop. 'Okay...I've been practicing this scene for a week...don't mess up', she thought worriedly.
She then touched it with her finger, and then collapsed on the stage. In fact, it was very convincing. She totally went limp.
"Ow...", she whispered, hitting her head a little hard as she fell.
The curtains closed to go to the next scene as parents clapped.
"That was amazing!", cheered Mikasa happily. "Oscar worthy!", Eren added, clapping. "She really did do great", Armin said.
"I hope she didn't hit her head too hard", Mikasa said though, a bit worried. "She looked so convincing", Rubi clapped.
"Sis is awesome! She went totally limp!", Makoto cheered as well.
"And so, after the princess pricked her finger, the curse followed through. After being asleep for so long, just as the king and queen were losing hope, a handsome, kind prince from a far away land arrived", Sasha narrated.
Just then the curtains reopened, to show some props and Kaname come on stage. Eren glared, protective.
Kaname swung his sword prop around, and even knocked down some props, looking rather cool.
"Show off", Eren growled. "He's cute", smiled Mikasa.
"So Carla has a crush on him? Not bad", chuckled Rubi. "She does not! Its just a phase!", Eren denied.
"You know, he kinda looks like you Eren. If you had black hair...", Armin pointed out.
Eren suddenly looked like he had steam coming out of his ears. "No he does not! There's no way that little punk looks or acts like me!", he denied.
The three fairies came on the stage. "Are you the new prince?", they asked.
"Yes! I've come to awaken Princess Aurora!", Kaname replied, really milking it with his acting.
"He's so adorable", said Mikasa, as she filmed. "He's a little showoff", Eren grumbled, folding his arms.
The curtains closed, and then reopened to Carla 'sleeping' on the bed. Kaname came on stage.
"Dear Princess Aurora, I promise, with the power of true love's kiss, you shall awaken!", Kaname said, as he approached her.
He walked up to her bed, and he hesitated a moment. She looked so pretty. Kaname even gulped, nervously.
But he slowly leaned down towards her. Carla very slightly opened her eyes, and she turned bright red, seeing his face so close to hers.
'He's...not actually going to kiss me, is he?!', she thought nervously. She could only imagine the look on her father's face.
Kaname leaned down closer, his lips now inches from hers.
Eren suddenly cringed, sitting up, panicked. "They...they aren't actually going to kiss, are they?!", he asked, panicked while Mikasa filmed.
Carla felt her heart racing. She was sure Kaname could hear her heartbeat, as he leaned a bit closer. Carla sweated slightly, and she blushed more.
Suddenly, she couldn't stand it.
Without warning, she very slightly lifted her head up, and pressed her lips to Kaname's. Kaname's eyes grew wide, shocked, but he didn't pull away.
Their kiss was just their lips touching each other, and wasn't a true kiss, but it still looked like one.
There were several gasps and 'Awws' from the audience.
Eren's jaw dropped, his eyes wide while Mikasa blinked, looking equally surprised. "She...kissed him, didn't she?", cried Rubi.
"It was slight, but she without a doubt lifted her head up", Armin confirmed.
"I..don't believe it...!", Eren stammered.
"That's so cute...she's growing up so fast...", cried Mikasa, happily.
"It's not cute! She's only ten years old!", Eren yelled, panicked.
Kaname finally leaned back up, and the two remained bright red throughout the rest of the play, barely able to look at each other.