Hi, friends! Prepare for drama! Yaaayyyyyyyyyyy...Enjoy~

Disclaimer: We do not own Attack on Titan or any of the characters belonging thusly.

~Aria

-Ghousties

After his birthday, Eren was in visibly better spirits which Levi couldn't help feeling proud about. Some of the boy's energy had returned alongside his newly reformed attitude. Although he still suffered from the occasional nightmare from the attack. His bruises and wounds faded for the most part, only his hand still giving him a bit of trouble.

He was making himself get up and do things everyday, even if they were menial tasks. He never overworked himself, or bugged Levi while he was working, or made a nuisance of himself at all really. He would clean and tidy and even help with cooking occasionally.

Levi was just glad that he was doing better. The after effects of the attack were still very much present for both of them, but at least they were pulling themselves back up; even with the occasional hitch here and there.

Hanji continued to keep a close eye on the mental and physical state of her favorite cadet. She also made sure to encourage the teen enthusiastically, feeling accomplished only when he let out a laugh at her antics.

One day, after he had wakened and showered, Eren felt odd. He couldn't quite put his finger on what it was. Assuming it was nothing, he continued on with his day as usual. He made a quick stop to see his spouse, alerting the man to the fact that he was going to see their horses.

The air outside was crisp and freshening, typical of the spring season. The climate and weather was what made it one of Eren's favored season.

A lot of the horses were out for squad training. Although Eren immediately noticed the absence of Erwin's white steed - apparently he had gone to the inner walls to meet with Zackly and alert him to Eren's situation. He could only imagine how that conversation would go.

A familiar whinny caught his attention then. He broke into a smile as he went to the stall that housed his elegant mare. "Hey Ginger," he called, petting her soft snout.

She tossed her head a bit, low nickers escaping her as she did.

Eren chuckled, "Yeah, I missed you too."

"Oh! Hey Eren!"

He turned to the familiar voice with a smile, "Hey Armin."

The blonde dismounted and led his horse into its stall, "Convinced Corporal Levi to let you outside, huh?"

"Nah," Eren laughed, "he actually encouraged it. But did have some.. commentary on my perimeter limits."

Armin cracked a small smile of his own, "Well that's understandable. How are you feeling today?" His hands were occupied undoing the buckles on his saddle and sliding off the bridle.

Eren shrugged, focusing affections on his appreciative mare. "I don't know, just kind of off for whatever reason. Thought coming outside might help."

Those blue eyes were inquisitive as he lowered the saddle onto a small stand just outside the stall, "Has it?"

"I haven't noticed a difference," he replied. He shook his head shortly after, "Anyway, what have you been doing?"

Armin rolled his eyes at the change in subject, "I've been running errands and messages all day. Just got done alerting the squads out training that lunch is being prepared so they need to come back soon."

He closed the stall door then, offering his steed a carrot. He smiled when it began crunching happily on the treat, "Hanji has had me searching for information on various subjects too. I think she's gearing up for some new experiment."

"Errand boy today for sure," Eren teased.

His friend rubbed at the back of his head, "Yeah yeah.." He observed the other wordlessly for a few minutes, "Do you want me to saddle up Ginger for you? A short ride might be good for you."

The brunette blinked in surprise, "You wouldn't mind to?"

"Of course not," he shot back, already heading towards Eren's saddle. Armin hefted it into his arms as the other opened the stall for him to enter.

Ginger seemed to understand what was happening and turned so the blonde could easily put the saddle on her back.

"You're such a compliant horse," Armin remarked as he buckled the saddle in place, "mine gets antsy sometimes when I'm saddling him up."

"Yeah, she's a good girl," Eren praised as he held out the bit for Ginger to take, which she did.

Soon enough, the mare was all ready for riding.

"Thanks for this, Armin," the titan shifter said sheepishly. He hooked one of his feet in the stirrup and raised himself up onto Ginger's back with relative ease; the motion having become a habit of sorts.

"Of course," Armin replied with another smile. "When you're done you can come find me or someone else to get the saddle off. No lifting for you!"

"Oh believe me, Levi got that through my head," he said with a grin. Eren nudged the sides of his beloved horse, ducking his head instinctively as they left the stables. He set her off on a trot, enjoying the light breeze that came with the movement.

Yes, a ride on Ginger had been much overdue. He couldn't even recall the last time he had ridden her.

"Come on girl," he called, "let's really stretch your legs."

He nudged her again, coaxing her up to a canter. A joyful laugh bubbled from his lips at the feeling. It was very much like using the 3DM gear in that it came with a strong sense of freedom.

Ginger whinnied and went into a gallop without provocation.

They shot around headquarters, sticking to the well used trails surrounding the perimeter. Every once in awhile they would have to dodge the odd Corps member, but otherwise the two were on their own. His odd feeling continued and intensified somewhat as he rode but, just as before, he ignored it.

Eren wasn't sure how long he stayed out on Ginger, but he knew he relished every moment of it. He slowed her back down to a trot as they began heading back towards the stables. A glance at the position of the sun let him know he was probably late for lunch.

"Levi's going to kill me," he breathed in despair.

Just as the stables came into view, a strong pain shot through him. Eren gasped loudly at it, clutching at his middle. At that same time a dizzy spell hit him.

Ginger slowed and nickered nervously.

"Wh-What is thi- AUGH!" He cried out as it came again. Something was wrong, there was no doubt. He groaned and nudged his horse suddenly. He needed Hanji, something might be wrong with the baby. The mere thought terrified him to no end.

He dismounted haphazardly, only just making sure Ginger made it into her stall before stumbling forward. Dizziness hit him again suddenly, making his vision go black. He wavered and collapsed onto his side, desperately fighting to stay conscious. Another wave of pain went through him drawing forth a pained whimper.

What was going on?

He pushed himself up to his hands and knees, crawling forward a bit. He had to get to Hanji. Dizziness pulsed through his head, severely disorienting him as he tried to lift himself up.

He absently noted the loud sound of whinnying coming from beside him. Eren peered up blearily to find Levi's horse, Magnolia. His eyelids fluttered as consciousness began to leave him. He collapsed back onto his side and allowed the darkness to take him.

Levi, who had already been on his way to the stables to fetch Eren, was immediately alert when Magnolia's distinctive whinny rang out. His brow furrowed as he increased his pace. She normally didn't make noise unless she was startled or anxious. The sinking feeling in his gut pushed him onwards.

As he turned the corner, his blood turned cold. Eren lay on his side in front of Magnolia's stall, unmoving. "Eren!" He ran forward to his spouse, raising his head up from the ground as he searched the other's body for signs of injury.

"Fuck! Eren," he called, lightly smacking the teen's cheek, "Eren wake up." The only response he got was a long, drawn out moan of discomfort. Levi cursed again and hefted the boy into his arms, practically running for the only person who could help.

He kicked open the door and continued his hastened pace to Hanji's lab where he knew the woman would be. A quick glance down at his lover only brought him more concern. His face was considerably pale, brows knit together with pain. Something was wrong and he didn't know what.

A stiff silence filled the room, soaking into every corner. Eren lay unconscious on the bed, brow still furrowed in discomfort.

The raven looked to his companion accusingly, "You knew this would happen?"

Hanji scowled at him, "I knew something like this was a possibility."

Levi glared harshly at her.

"Levi this whole thing has been one risk after another," she exclaimed with rising exasperation, "a male's body was never meant to carry a child! It's unnatural and his body is trying to fight it. I had hoped he would be strong enough to fight the effects. But I always knew something like this was a possibility, he did too."

"Then why did you let him do it?!"

"You don't get to blame this all on me," she shouted defensively, "he knew the risks going into this! He knew and he still did it!"

Levi's eyes were daggers as they continued glaring at her, "Then I ask again: why the fuck did you let him do it?"

Hanji faltered, unable to come up with an answer initially. Then she let out a weary sigh, "If you had seen his face you would've let him too…"

Some of the anger seemed to leave the short man's frame at that. He looked away, crossing his arms. There was still obvious tension in his shoulders.

"Now just because this has come up doesn't mean it's the end of it," she murmured, "we can combat this. Just things won't be going quite so smoothly. He'll need more attentive care… among some other things."

"Have you already forgotten what you agreed to do?"

Hanji hardened herself, "I said I would take care of things if the baby was hurting him. This is his body trying to fight things because of the abnormal situation."

Levi narrowed his eyes, still obviously displeased. "If that's the case then why the hell hasn't anything come up before?"

"It has," the researcher answered levelly. "The 'morning sickness', the migraines, his body aches, his dizziness," she rattled on, "all of that would be normal for a pregnant female which is how Eren wanted to pass things off. But really they were all results of his body struggling to adjust to the baby."

Another silence took the room as the shorter man considered this. "So you've been lying to me from the beginning," he summarized tersely.

"Well….you never asked," she shot back in a weak tone of voice.

Tension was thick in the air. Hanji knew from the beginning that she was digging herself into a hole that would eventually be discovered.

Eren shifted on the bed, a low groan escaping him.

"...This isn't going to deter him," she said honestly.

Levi let out an exhausted sounding sigh, "I know. Fucking nothing will deter his stubborn ass."

Hanji let out a half smile at that, feeling as though there had been a step taken towards mending things. If he was talking semi normally again, then surely it could be seen as nothing bad.

From the bed, Eren released another quiet groan, his head lolling about on the pillow. His eyes fluttered open shortly thereafter, revealing a set of tired green orbs.

He looked around blearily for a bit before shooting up in bed. "O-Oh god Hanji," he blubbered, tears coming to his eyes, "what's… What happened!? Is my baby okay!? Did I fuck up… I-"

"Eren calm down," Hanji immediately said, "as far as I can tell, the baby is fine. You've got a bit of bruising on your side from where you fell…"

"A-As far as you can tell..?!"

Levi grabbed his face in his hands, "Eren. Calm down."

The brunette took a few shaky breaths and put his hands over the ones on his cheeks. Tears continued to trickle down his face, "I'm sorry…"

"For what?"

"I-I keep messing up. I keep putting our baby at risk a-and I keep-" his voice cracked as he broke into a choked sob.

"Eren…" Levi breathed, bringing the teen into his hold. "Half of this shit hasn't even been your fault."

"He's right," Hanji reiterated firmly, "you are in no way at fault here." She bit her lip, "Your body is working against you right now, as it has been. You can't control it any more than I can."

A sniffle escaped Eren.

"What happened to make you faint, Eren?"

His colorful eyes snapped to the woman with the sudden question, "I don't really know. I was dizzy and disoriented and then this sharp pain came from my stomach." He looked away, "I thought I was losing the baby."

Hanji looked thoughtful as she considered this new issue. "Was it like a stabbing pain or more like a cramping pain?"

Levi seemed to realize what she was hinting at, "A contraction? Isn't it way too fucking early for anything like that?"

"It was a sharp stabbing kind of pain."

"Hmmmmmm," she drew out. "Eren I need you to go pee," she declared.

He stared at her in bewilderment, "Uhh why?" Earlier tears all but forgotten.

"We need to see if there's any blood in your urine. That would mean something is wrong that we're not seeing," she explained calmly. "So, Eren, go pee."

The teen huffed before attempting to get to his feet, accepting the hold Levi had on his elbow. He paused in his movements and looked around in confusion, "Wait where are we?"

"The infirmary half of Hanji's lab," Levi said levelly.

He flushed slightly with embarrassment, "Oh...right."

The shifter still seemed a little foggy from his incident, so as he began to stand Levi rushed to his side to support him. Hanji couldn't help but smile at his protectiveness.

"Be more careful on your legs, shithead. You just passed out less than ten minutes ago," his lover chided as he helped the boy into the bathroom.

A few minutes later and Eren stuttered back out of the room, with the help of his dedicated partner, looking flushed again in the face.

Hanji frowned in response, half of her wondering if it was because Levi was having to help him and half of her wondering if he had a fever. "So?" She prodded.

"No sign of blood," Levi confirmed after having settled Eren back on the bed.

She nodded, "Okay, that's good. Eren are you blushing?"

He looked at her in bewilderment, "No.. why?"

"Your cheeks are flushed," she pointed out. The woman strode over and felt his forehead and the sides of his neck, "Hmm low grade fever." Hanji grabbed his chin gently and tilted his head upwards, noting the slightly glassy appearance of his eyes. Definitely a fever.

"So he has a fever," Levi said with evident annoyance, "what the hell does that have to do with anything?"

She tossed him a light glare, "It means that this might not be the end of things. Remember how I said he'll need more attentive care? Well surprise! We're starting that soon."

Their side conversation turning argument was interrupted by Eren reaching desperately for a nearby bucket and spewing out the contents of his stomach into it. He groaned before gagging again.

Hanji sighed, "Correction - we're starting that today."

The raven gave the bucket a look of disgust, but dutifully moved around it to rest a placating hand on the younger's shoulder.

Once the teen's stomach had been quelled, Hanji addressed the couple again.

"Okay, as of today, I'm putting you on partial bedrest. This means that I only want you up and about if you absolutely have to do something - bathroom, meals, Levi or me for some kind of medical issue, or if you need help with something else."

She gave the titan shifter a pointed look when he moved to protest, "Don't you start, this is serious Eren. Your body has constantly been rebelling against the pregnancy but now the backlash of the incompatibility is getting dangerous. I mean what if you had fallen off your horse today!?"

Eren shrunk under her surprisingly intimidating form. His eyes were cast to the floor in frustration.

The researcher took a deep breath after receiving a warning look from Levi. "Look, Eren," she continued in a softer tone, "this is just me being overprotective. I'm taking safety precautions because I don't want to screw this up. I know you don't either.."

"I'm not some delicate flower that constantly needs protection," he muttered.

She couldn't help the small smile that came to her face. "No you're not," she agreed. Hanji knelt before him to get his attention and placed a gentle hand on his belly. "But this little person here, is," she said. "That little person is going to need protection for much of their life, and in order to protect them, I have to protect you. Even if that means ordering you to be on partial bedrest when you don't want to."

A short silence passed between the three of them.

"So basically, yeah it sucks dick but it's what's best for the little brat," Levi summed up.

Eren chuckled a bit in response. It was odd how fond he had become of his spouse's blunt way of speaking. He sat wordlessly for a bit and then nodded, "Okay.. if you think it's for the best then I'll do it. Though I'm going to go insane…"

Hanji cracked a grin at him, "I'll try and find some things to help the time pass, my little titan."

He sat back a bit on the bed and rubbed his protruding middle, "Hear that baby? We're going to be taking it easier from here on out. Guess that means no more horse rides for awhile."

Both Levi and Hanji could tell he was still on edge about it all, but were glad he was being so agreeable about things.

He was definitely unsure about his new arrangements. Levi immediately picked up on his anxiety. It was hard not to see the way his eyes flitted about the room, as though looking for something to occupy him. It was like watching a caged bird, and Levi hated doing that to him.

The hell of it was, it had only been a few days since he had been put on partial bedrest.

Despite his flighty mannerisms, Levi couldn't help but wonder if there was something else bothering the brunette as well. Eren seemed like he wanted to say something but he stopped himself every time before the words could escape him. It was infuriating, his lover just wanted him to speak his mind. But when asked, Eren shook his head and said it was nothing.

"Obviously not," Levi finally told him one day, "why don't you just come out and say it?"

Eren stared at him in surprise before turning his gaze towards the window in their room, nibbling at his lip nervously. A long silence took the room as he debated whether or not to speak the thoughts that had be plaguing him for some time. He gave a small sigh and shook his head, "Don't worry about it.. It's-"

"I swear to god if you say it's nothing, I will kick you in the fucking teeth," his senior snapped. His patience was wearing thin what with his lover's new habit of avoiding the obvious problem.

Those brilliant eyes filled with something akin to hurt, "I don't want to fight, Levi."

"Well you're making that difficult by not telling me what the hell is bothering you, brat." When he didn't receive an answer, he let out a low growl. "Fuck it then," he muttered, standing from the edge of the bed.

The teen jumped at his sudden movements, "Levi?" There was a bit of alarm in his voice.

Levi said nothing as he left the room, shutting the door a bit loudly behind him.

Eren immediately felt guilt, but it was quickly forgotten by the constricting feeling in his chest. He swallowed anxiously, "L-Levi?" A sense of loneliness and abandonment rose within him, making him feel sick.

Had he finally done it? Had he finally pushed his lover past his breaking point? Was one of his fears coming true?

His breathing hitched, "Levi! C-Come back!" He stood up from the bed shakily, desperation beginning to control him. He pushed their door open and stumbled into the hallway, looking around frantically. "I'm sorry," he cried down the corridor, falling against the wall to keep himself up.

There he was, crying… again. He just couldn't seem to stop and he hated it. Eren wiped at his eyes half heartedly.

"Eren! Hey don't cry," someone called to him, jogging up, "we're right here - see?"

His gaze shot up and landed on Hanji and Levi. "Y-You were getting Hanji…?" He managed.

Any remaining anger faded from those cool gray eyes, "Yes. Where the hell did you think I was going?"

"I thought I had pissed you off too much," he exclaimed in exasperation, "I-I thought you were leaving.. for good."

Levi actually looked surprised by that, "What?"

Hanji outright laughed, "You'll never have to worry about that. Not since he fought so hard to protect you and claim you as his own." She quirked a smile when he looked over at her, "He's possessive, remember?"

He shifted uneasily on his feet, eyes avoiding looking at his spouse.

"I admit that your mood swings and odd temperament may get frustrating," the raven haired male added, "but the thought of leaving you has never once crossed my mind." He grabbed Eren's left hand and held it in front of his face, "This was my vow to you, shithead, I don't intend to break it."

Eren's striking eyes watered a bit at that. He leaned forward and smashed his face into his lover's chest, taking a few deep breaths.

"Let's go in the room," their eccentric comrade suggested, "then we can chat a little more. Maybe calm some of your fears some?"

Levi easily lifted him into his arms and into the room. He settled the younger on the bed against the headboard while he claimed the chair at the bedside.

Hanji, meanwhile, claimed a spot at the foot of the bed. "Okay," she exclaimed once they had all situated themselves, "let's hear it, Eren! All your fears, all your thoughts. Everything!"

He swallowed, "E-Everything?"

"Everything," she confirmed with force.

Eren looked down at his hands. It was silent for a long time before he finally spoke. "I-I'm just really afraid…"

Levi went to retort sarcastically but Hanji smacked his arm lightly. He shot her a glare but remained quiet.

"I don't want to be a bad parent…" he continued quietly, "I don't want them to hate me. B-But what if they do because I'm a titan? What if my baby comes to despise my existence because of what I am?!"

His shoulders trembled with rising anxiety, "O-Or what if the baby comes out a titan!? I don't want it to live in a world where it has to constantly be afraid of who it is! I want them to be able to live and thrive in this world… I d-don't want everyone to be afraid of them or hate them because of who they are… Or b-because of who I am!"

He was crying by that point, fear bright in his eyes.

The raven could stand his distress no more and wrapped an arm about his shoulders, but surprisingly Eren wasn't done yet.

"O-Or what if someone else comes to kill me or the baby?! What if labor goes poorly and they die before they even have a chance to live!? I j-just don't want to lose the baby, or Levi…" he rubbed frantically at his eyes, shaking his head as he did.

"Hey, hey," Hanji called, "breathe Eren.. time to calm down now." She rubbed a motherly hand up and down his arm, smiling faintly. "I'm very proud of you for having told us, but calm down now.. That's good, deep breaths."

"You aren't losing me shithead," Levi chastised, "so get that thought out of your dumbass head."

The researcher smiled kindly to him, "I also have no doubt that this child will love you. You've already proved countless times how much you love them, whether it be through concern or the fact that you positively glow when you so much as think of them… A parent that doting could never be hated by the child, no matter who or what they are."

Eren sniffled and wiped at his face, a bit of embarrassment showing as he did.

Levi intertwined their hands together wordlessly.

"I will also promise you this, my little titan, I'm going to do my best to make sure you carry to term and that delivery goes smoothly. But don't worry about that, we'll worry about that when the time comes."

She patted his leg in another motherly gesture, "I also happen to know any of the Survey Corps would gladly lay their lives down to protect this baby, Eren. That one bastard getting in was a complete fluke that won't happen again."

Finally he looked at her and gave a mute nod, settling against his lover's side.

The room then fell quiet as the two of them worked to calm the teen down completely from his venting session. Eventually, Levi positioned himself at the headboard with Eren laying on his chest. Hanji kept a comforting hand on the boy's leg, more moral support than anything.

Eren meanwhile had been staring intently at the silver band that took up residence on his left ring finger.

It suddenly held much more meaning for him, that little wedding ring. It was more than proof of the love he had for Levi; it was proof that no matter what happened in their world, Levi would love and protect him. No matter what tragedy may befall them, their bond would remain as their rings; never ending and never breaking. It also was his reminder that he wasn't alone in anything he did. His thoughts, his struggles, his fears; all of it he had someone to share with. Levi was much more than his lover, he was his partner - his other half.

A small smile worked onto his face. It had been wrong of him to keep such things inside, to conceal his true emotions on everything; especially when it was entirely possible Levi was feeling similar. "I'm sorry," he breathed, "I was wrong."

Levi said nothing. Instead he reached with his left hand for Eren's. Their rings shimmered in the low lighting of the room.

Hanji watched with a tearful gaze, the look on the younger's face as they beheld their wedding bands said more than enough. "Everything will be fine, Eren," she said confidently, "don't worry so much about the future. We'll get there when we get there."

Eren took initiative and moved their intertwined hands to his swollen belly. "And we'll get there together," he finished. He wasn't alone, he never had been - nor would he ever be.

After Note:

Well there we are! Sorry if there were any mistakes we had to do a lot of editing because last week I-WHOOPS!- skipped a chapter.

Anyhow, hoped you enjoyed and prepare for oncoming fluff! Review and tell us your thoughts, we love any input and commentary you have!

Yayyyy

~Aria

-Ghousties