Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Mikasa held her scarf between her fingers as she gazed up at Eren. Her soft almost ethereal smile gazed up at him as she came mere inches from kissing him Eren’s look of shock from hearing her words of love in a place like this. WHere their comrades were being devoured, where Hanness had just been eaten, hell on earth and yet she used what could be their final moments to not run but to tell him how much she was grateful for him being there to wrap the scarf around her when she needed him most. Leaning forward Mikasa in what she saw as her last chance to ever do so kissed him.

Eren’s eyes went wide as he felt their lips against each other. His heart raced thumping in his chest as the tidal wave of emotions crashed into him. He knew he shouldn’t have been so surprised especially with all the signs leading up to it but still the shock stood on his face until his gaze softened. If it was their last moments he would savor them. He loved her there was no denying it. No matter how many times he did when others would mention it in his heart he loved the girl he had saved.

Mikasa blushed red looking up at him but her smile remained as her gaze turned down towards his steaming hands.

“Mikasa.” He spoke softly

“Eren?” She looked back into his eyes hoping to see him not reject the kiss she had given him. She was met with more than that as his hands wrapped around the side of her head before pulling her into another kiss. Both of their eyes closed as they savored the kiss. Both of them without a word being spoken besides their names knew that they loved one another.

Standing up with a grunt, Eren looked down at the girl he had saved, the soldier who had saved him and his mothers words echoed in his head.

“Why don’t you protect Mikasa for once?”

Clenching his fists he gritted his teeth, “Mikasa…I will always wrap your scarf…always and forever…that's a promise!” Raising his fist he watched the smiling titans hand reaching toward him. Roaring out with all the passion and drive he had his fist collided with the smiling titan. For a moment the world felt still. Within the blink of an eye electricity felt like it was coursing through him and all the titan shifters in the area Reiner, Betholt, and Ymir’s gaze was pulled towards him watching as he yelled again swinging his fist and in tandem watched a titan leap from behind him tackling the blonde haired titan that had eaten his mother. Every titan in the area turned to face the titan even ignoring the scouts that were around them ripe to be eaten. The titans converged upon the smiling titan tearing the shrieking monster to bits as Eren rushed toward Mikasa lifting her onto his back and began running away.
Mikasa whimpered, holding onto him for dear life the warmth of his lips against hers fresh in her mind as the scouts began to retreat. Running towards the horses Eren stopped in his tracks turning to see Reiner charging towards him, his armored titan stomping across the ground.

“Get away from me!!!” Eren yelled out, holding Mikasa in his arms gave him the determination to stand his ground and use the ability that he didn’t fully understand.

“You bastards, I'll kill you all!” He roared out just as the two titan shifters felt a jolt of electricity course through them again. Reiner turned to see the titans following the command of Eren charging towards him and Betrholt.

“What the titans?” He asked to himself while watching Reiner be swarmed before he heard the clopping of hooves approaching him. Seeing Jean on Armin’s back he grimaced.

“Eren get on!” Armin yelled as Eren hoisted Mikasa onto the horse before mounting the steed.

“Don’t let this chance escape! Full retreat!” Erwin called and the scouts followed. Riding away from the chaos Mikasa gripped onto Eren whimpering as her ribs felt like they had been broken in her chest.

“It’s going to be ok Mikasa, just hold on, I'm going to get you help…mom once told me that for once I should try saving you.” The memory flashed in his mind as he teared up, “I didn’t say it then so i’ll say it now, “I promise Mikasa i’ll keep you safe to my last breath i’ll save you. I’ll save you from titans, our enemies wherever they are! As long as I have you I'll keep moving forward.” He yelled out loud enough for even their friends to hear.

“Eren…I…please just don’t die on me…that's all I ask, just let me be here by your side.” Mikada didn’t care about their enemies or fighting the titans off or the endless battles it seemed they would have to wage. As long as she had him she could live, she could fight.

Riding on they didn’t get the chance to see the last interaction between Historia and Ymir but they would get the details later. Rushing to safety the group rode and on until reaching the walls. In a frantic effort they were lifted to the top of the wall then down to a base camp retreat to safety. The camp was organized chaos as the wounded and dead were being sorted out, dozens had been injured and many killed. The missing count climbed by the hour. Mikasa laid in one of the cots surrounded by the other injured struggling for raspy breaths as her ribs were on fire. Eren sat by her side, his hand holding hers as he held his head low. The locks of his hair went down his face as he felt responsible for being dumb enough to get caught and nearly get Mikasa killed. If it hadn’t been for whatever awoke inside of him they all would have died for his failures.

“I’m sorry mikasa…this is all my…”

“Stop it Eren…you…you saved us. You saved me and Armin and our friends.”

“If I hadn’t been caught Mi-”

“It was my fault Eren.” Mikasa tried raising her voice only to hurt her ribs as she broke out into a coughing fit.

“MIkasa!” Eren stood up leaning over her as he checked her bandages to make sure she wasn’t being constricted more than necessary.

“If I had just…killed Bertolt on that wall I…I hesitated.” She said between coughs.

“Mikasa we all were caught off guard. We had barely any time after the attack by the so-called Beast Titan. Although we had intelligence that it was possible they were collaborating with Ms. Leonhart it had not been confirmed and of all times they chose one….unexpected to say the least.” Erwin cut in entering the injured tent clutching his bandaged arm. Walking towards them he didn’t look much better than either of them in reality he should be laying down recovering.

“Erwin sir you should be in bed!” One of the medics rushed towards him shaking in nervousness as they wondered how the commander could be so calm after getting his arm amputated by a titans teeth.

“They were your fellow comrades since your days as cadets…your sentimentality for them got in the way. Your only human Mikasa. I’m sure even Eren hesitated. You both paid the price, don’t let it cloud your mind or wear you down. You’ve paid the price as well as many of your other comrades. Now you're left to move forward. Make their sacrifices mean something and in the future don’t hesitate when it comes to killing those who are the enemy, because they won’t..”

Eren looked up at him, seeing an eerie resemblance to when Sawney and Bean had been slain and the commander had asked him who he thought the enemy really was, “T-thank you commander.” He muttered to Erwin, shock on his face. The commander nodded slowly before turning to the medic escorting him back to his own tent.

“What was that?” Eren asked, watching as the commander left.

“I don’t know but…he’s right. If it means we live and our friends don’t join all those we’ve lost.” She said softly, pulling her scarf up just a bit.

“Cold?” Eren asked. She nodded softly, whimpering. Eren leaned forward kissing her forehead softly, “Rest you just broke your ribs you're not like me you don’t just grow body parts back.” He said holding her hand gently, his dreary eye’s struggling to stay open. His body was worn down and exhausted from the events of the day just as much as she was.

“E-Eren…can you hold me? Tonight will you stay here with me?”

“I wasn’t planning on leaving Mikasa.”

“No I mean…” Her cheeks were flushed as she felt embarrassed to even mutter the words. Eren’s eyes went wide, his own cheeks turning bright pink. They had kissed, saved each other's lives, known each other for years but just laying in the same bed was daunting. Eren opened his mouth to say something about checking on the others or that the medics would stop them but as his eyes locked with hers any chance of saying no evaporated.

“Ok Mikasa…but don’t move much, I don't want to hurt you.” He said slowly getting onto the cot. Laying next to her he put his arm over her shoulder. Both were blushing bright red but Mikasa had the confidence to rest her head on his shoulder, her cheek against his chest as she was drawn to his comfort. Eren’s embarrassed look was wiped away as he felt her settle against him, his own hand moving to hold hers as they're bodies both prepared to sleep.

“Goodnight Mikasa.”

“Goodnight…Eren.” Mikasa said softly looking up into his eyes finding the confidence to kiss his cheek before sleep took her. Eren looked down on Miksa. For so long he saw her as a friend, then a sister or at least he thought he did. He was starting to realize he loved her since the moment he first wrapped the red scarf around her neck.

Chapter Text

Two weeks had passed since their first kiss and Reiner and Bertholdt's betrayal. The newly formed Levi squad consisting of Sasha, Connie, Jean, Eren, Mikasa, Histories, and Armin were staying within a remote cabin in the forest experimenting with Eren’s titan day after day. At the moment the group had been assigned to clean up the entire cabin until there wasn’t a speck of dust. Levi being the clean freak as his subordinates saw, was being too harsh having them do a daily cleanup, sweep, and dust.

As for Mikasa and Eren, they didn’t mind it nearly as much. Mikasa, still recovering from her broken ribs, was content being by Eren in the cabin, they were safe, getting time together and only having to worry about the experiments even if those were not going to plan. Their plans for using his tita to plug up the wall in Shiganshina felt all the less likely as they were met with multiple failures.

Mikasa watched on with their comrades as Eren’s titan crashed to the ground, a deformed version that was half the size it should have been and looked half formed with Eren sticking out of the husk.

“Eren!” She shouted rushing forward to help before she was held back by Connie and Sasha.

“Hold on Hange’s got him you're still recovering!” Sasha yelled as Mikasa struggled, only stopping once Eren was torn out of the titan, her eyes going wide as she saw he was still fused to it. Yet another failure, and another reason for Eren to berate himself.

Hours later the group was preparing dinner together with Eren resting in his bunk, the titan muscle that had been fused to him having finally evaporated he was able to see again.

“Dammit, how am I supposed to plug up the wall if I can’t even transform more than twice?” Eren asked, sitting up, slapping himself in the face to wake himself up and to punish himself for his

“Stop it Eren.” Mikasa grabbed his hand, not letting him harm himself any further, “We’ll find a way. It might be that we’ve been doing this every way, who knows if your body is even meant to keep that up.” She said as Eren glared back at her before his gaze softened.

“Maybe…Are your ribs doing ok Mika?” He asked sitting up using the nickname he had given her in private. Mikasa blushed softly looking down at her ribs running her hand along her side.

“Better, I don’t feel as much pain but I get tired more easily.”

“You’ll recover thankfully…sometimes I have nightmares of what happened there…seeing you get crushed and nearly eaten.” He lamented reaching out to rub her cheek.

“I did it to save you Eren.” She said softly.

“You’ll never listen but don’t throw your life away to save me, even if something happens to me I want you to be safe.” He said sternly. For a moment Mikasa didn’t move until she slowly nodded not promising to do so but letting him know she had heard what he said, “Ok…let's go eat.” Standing up with her help they wandered back into the kitchen.

“Eren, what have you been doing this whole afternoon?! Levi’s been breathing down our backs about cooking!” Jean yelled, stirring a pot of potatoes, celery, some scraps of meat and rice. Sashe was whining as she struggled to clean up the massive mess that had been made by their failed attempts. Connie rushed in carrying the water bucket from the nearby stream only to slip and fall, throwing himself into the air.

“Connie!!!” Sasha yelled watching their water pouring onto the ground as Connie yelled before hitting the floor with a thud. The chaotic comedy of what was happening before their eyes had Eren laughing at his friends, noticing only Historia seemed to have it together setting up their dinner with a soft almost sad smile.

“Connie go and get us our water you oaf!”

“Hey it’s not my fault Sasha forgot to clean up the floor!”

“Guys we don’t need to argue about this, it was an accident!” Armin yelled, nearly slipping himself as he helped set up the table.

“Don’t pin this on me! Maybe if Jean cooked the recipes a little quicker we could be eating!” She yelled back before Mikasa walked towards them grabbing a piece of bread from the table and sticking it in Sasha’s mouth to calm her.

“Connie, go get the water, me and Eren will finish up here.” Connie sighed, soaked head to toe in water as he left., Sasha chowed down on the piece of bread taking her seat at the table alongside Historia.

“Eren help me out here.” Jean spoke stubbornly, getting Yeager’s help moving the large pot of soup onto the table. The table was made to sit eight people, three on each side, one at the end of the table and one at the back. Jean took the seat in between Sasha and Connie at the right side of the table, Armin sat across from Sasha on the far left side of the table leaving Mikasa and Eren to take their seats next to each other. The seat at the head of the table was left open for Levi as always along with some tea Historia had made for their captain in case he got back soon. Historia herself sat at the back of the table leaving the head seat for Levi.

Bowls began to be poured by Jean, Sasha of course had her bowl filled to the brim with the meal and Eren was given extra as well to help make up for all the experiments he was going through.

“Sheesh Sasha don’t eat like a slob.” Jean commented chewing on his food which was not much better than Sasha eating her food as fast as possible enjoying every last bite.

“But it's soooo good!”

“Well there's only so much to go around.” Jean said, scoping himself an extra scoop before Sasha would ask for seconds and inevitably thirds.

“He’s right Sasha just eat slower, don't forget about the captain and we’ll be fine but Jean don’t pick on her.” Armin said hoping to be the peace keeper of the group in their chaotic little house.

“Thanks Mikasa for the recipe…you said it was Eren’s mothers recipe?” Connie asked Mikas.

Mikasa and Eren looked at him with blank eye’s for a moment before they both looked down their minds flashing back to images of Eren’s mother. Unbeknownst to them they thought back to the very same memory of Carla calling for them to come inside for dinner while playing with Armin.

“Yes…it was.” Mikasa said softly, the whole table going quiet.

“Look what you’ve done now Connie, you know about his parents that was unnecessary.” Armin scolded.

“Arming, it's ok…we're glad to share this food we haven’t had it in years but she made it often enough to where we can remember it.” Eren said taking a bite of the warm food brought a smile to his face. Looking towards Mikasa he blushed lightly, “It kinda feels like we're cadets again..all living together.” He said softly, his hand reaching for Mikasa’s under the table.

“It does. It even reminds me of back home.” She said softly a sad gaze until she felt his hand against hers. The warmth of his hand drew her in under the table as they locked eyes for a soft moment.

“Just kiss again already.” Historia teased softly, “We all know you like each other so stop trying to hide it.” She watched as Mikasa blushed red looking over at her friend.

“It…we're not hiding…we…um.” Mikasa sputtered out.

“We all see it.” Connie said.

“Yeah Armin saw it all! The rest of us were too busy fighting for our lives to be kissing.” Sasha teased.

“You told them Armin?!” Eren yelled, having thought that nobody had seen them kiss.

“I- I told them that I saw you two get close and then you stood up to fight the titan. All I said is you may have.” Armin said, holding his hands up.

“Armin!” Mikasa exclaimed, pulling her scarf up to her nose as she blushed. The normally so stoic calm Mikasa crumbled when it came to her and Eren’s relationship. Jean, Mikasa, and Connie began to laugh at the two less from the fact that they kissed but more from them crumbling at the questioning.

“We’ve been teasing about it since day one. We all knew it was coming.” Sasha laughed

“You two sucked at hiding it.” Connie teased.

“God you two are such dopes.” Jean said snarkily, laughing.

‘I’m happy for you two.” Historia said softly stopping the laughter, “I want you two to be happy together. Don’t wait until it's too late…until the most you get is a goodbye…love each other while you can and never let go.” Their friend said, looking down at the soup trying to hide the water in her eyes as the table went silent. After what had just happened less than two weeks ago she didn't want anybody to make the mistakes of her and Ymir. Yes they aired out thief feelings and got their goodbye but they would never get their happy ending. Never to see each other again or at least not for a long time. She didn’t want to see the mistake repeated.

Mikasa and Eren looked at her their blushes apparent and their empathy for her apparent as they had all lost their friend. Yes for Eren and Mikasa there was a sense of betrayal but even then she was their comrade and had helped save them.

“Ok…thank you Historia…we will.” Mikasa said, squeezing Eren’s hand while holding her scarf and looking towards Historia. Her blush wasn’t going to leave any time soon and neither was Eren’s as he held her hand.

“Thanks Historia…” Eren said softly. The rest of their friends looked on, the room remained quiet for a long moment.

“Guys don’t stop eating on my account, let's savor this time.” She said, wiping her eye’s before continuing to eat along with the rest of them. Their group was able to share their meal together in the safety of the cabin. Mikasa’s hand never left Eren’s until they began to clean up together. Eren and Mikasa ended up washing the dishes together, the window in front of them gave the two a view of the countryside under a full moon. A beauty that reminded him of the battle of Utgard castle or at least trying to get there.

“Eren…doesn’t this feel like we're living…in our own home.”

“It does…like back in Shiganshina.”

“It’s almost like we're married.” She blurted out her cheeks going red in the process. Eren looked towards her blushing with an almost pouty face that in his mind somehow helped hide his blush.

“Mika…they’ll overhear us.”

“I don’t care…Historia is right. I don’t want us to be too late. She lost Ymir just as they confessed. I don’t want us to be the same. I love you Eren.” Although the blush remained it wasn’t out of embarrassment anymore that was clear.”

“I love you too. Maybe…one day we can-” The door to the cabin creaked open, their captain entering and pulling the cloak from his back.

“You guys better have cleaned up, just because we’ve been running you hard doesn’t mean you're exempt from work.” Levi walked towards the two picking up one of the clean dishes examining it, “Good…what's with you to?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Nothing!” Both said in unison, mutually not sure if they wanted to share what was going on with their commander.

“Hmm. Don’t stay up late…and I know you two are together and your friends whisper loud.” The captain said walking towards his room leaving the two teens to gawk as now their captain knew. Mikasa was just as red as Eren as they went back to their duties. Levi walked towards the table pouring himself a bit of the tea that had been left for him.

“It’s cold.” He said almost disappointingly.

Chapter Text

Mikasa sighed as she woke up in the cool early morning inside of the scouts cabin. Slowly she began to sit up before realizing Eren’s arms wrapped around her waist kept her against him. The scarf didn’t do much to hide her flushed face as she slowly laid back down. Eren behind her softly groaned at being jostled awake by her movement squeezing her a bit tighter as he spooned her from behind. The blushing girl in his arms was left with a hard decision, wake Eren up before he had to and disturb his recovery time from the experiments or lay back down risking being seen by captain Levi when he jostled them awake with barking orders.

This was becoming a problem, most nights after their friends had gone to bed she would
come over to Eren’s bunk. The two of them would relax together, kissing softly as they were finally away from prying eyes. It never went beyond kissing but it was enough. The two had been holding in their feelings for so long it felt as if they needed to make up for that time and all the pent up emotions. Once they were done Mikasa would go back to her bunk not wanting to risk getting caught by the captain.

“Eren are you awake?” She whispered.

“Mikasa…” Eren groaned as he pulled her against him instinctively not realizing that Levi could be there to wake them up at any moment.

“Eren…I…need to go back to my bed.” She said softly, feeling his chest rising and falling against her back. Rain was lightly pelting the window that let in a dim light onto the two as Eren’s bed was right next to it.

“It’s too early.” He muttered.

“What if Levi comes in?” She asked skeptically only to receive a groan as Eren realized she was right. His grip loosened on her as he let her go with a soft sigh.

“Thank you Eren.” Standing up she began to walk towards her own bunk, her feet stinging against the cold wood floor before she stopped. The two of them had been trying to keep themselves from each other or showing too much affection near Levi as they worried he would tighten down and maybe even so strict rules between the two of them to prevent their personal lives from interfering with the mission. Now as she stood there she was too tired to care about what he’d say if he caught them or if he’d say anything at all. Turning back around she crawled back into the bunk resting back against Eren once more, her face nuzzled against his chest to listen to his beating heart.

“Mikasa?”

“I don’t care…what the pipsqueak says.” She muttered before falling right back asleep. For his part Eren’s surprised expression faded into a smile before he let sleep take him as well. The rest of the morning passed until the sun finally rose shining into the room full of tired scouts. The captains boot slammed into the door throwing it open the bang waking up the scouts with a startling jump.

“Oi oi oi time to wake up we have training so you don't get slop-” The captain's sight fell onto Mikasa and Eren bundled up together with their light snores reaching his ears.

“Captain…it’s so early.” Sasha groaned out.

“Stop it Sasha…you know it won’t get us out of…training…” Jean muttered before he began to snore. Connie didn’t make a sound as he was out cold. Normally the banter and arguing would annoy the captain but seeing Eren and Mikasa sleeping together had his attention as he stared blankly.

“Mikasa, Eren.” He said, “Time to get up brats.” Turning around, the captain left, leaving all of the scouts to get up. Their friends began to leap out of their bunks while Mikasa and Eren sat up next to each other, both of their hairs a mess.

“Eren Mikasa, what are you two doing getting all cozy?” Sasha teased as she hopped out of the top bunk stumbling around to get ready.

Mikasa blushed as she stood up letting her friend have her comment not ashamed with herself over making her choice to stay with Eren.

“Sasha.” The golden haired girl scout as Ymir would say, scolded her friend, “Like I said, leave them be…they have been holding back since we were cadets.” Sasha, Connie, Jean, and Armin burst into laughter as the two lovers continued getting ready, still red in the cheeks.

“I can vouch for that, even since we were kids she’s had a crush on him.”

“Armin!” Eren yelled at his friend as he put on his belt.

“What it’s true, sorry.”

Outside the room Levi heard another burst of laughter as he shook his head knowing he would have to have a talk with the two. He knew better than anybody just how powerful emotions were on the battlefield, the strength that could be felt when fighting beside those you care about and the weakness or rage that could come from their loss. His thoughts flashed back to Isabel, Furlan, Petra, Gunther, Oula, Eld his closest comrades who had all died before him.

He remembered the rage he felt when slashing through the abnormal that had killed his childhood friends, the fury he felt when tearing apart Annie for killing his squad. A feeling he would never forget. It made him wonder what kind of a rage Eren, the most dangerous suicidal maniac and humanties hope could fly into if he were to loose Mikasa.

The captain sighed watching his squad come out of their room to begin their daily duties, “Eren, Mikasa, come with me.” He called exiting the cabin. The two scouts looked between each other as if building up confidence before following him outside. Walking them out of earshot of the cabin he stood in front of the two crossing his arms as he leaned back against the tree, “I wanted to talk to you two about…whatever it is between you. I’m warning you both to not do anything stupid here or when we eventually resume operations. I can’t let you two run wild with your hormones and slack off or worse bring another little Yeager into the world.”

Mikasa looked down at the ground blushing red and gritting her teeth as she felt like they were being berated like children. Although at his words of “another little Yeager” her scowl disappeared as she imagined a little Eren running around playing with their father and their comrades. Jean, Connie, and Sasha trying to get the kid to do things and making jokes about the child being the strongest in the military since he or she was an Ackerman and a Yeager. Hange trying to teach the child different words and about titans while Armin told them about their parents when they were young. Levi watching on, concerned that they had another Yeager on their hands.

Eren on the other hand looked into the captain's eyes sternly as if daring the captain to say what he was expecting to hear. Levi simply stared back with a blank expression. I can deal with him but another Yeager would be trouble. The captain thought to himself. From afar their friends listened through the cracked window facing the three outside. The scouts listened in the cabin dead silent as they tried to listen in on the conversation.

“Did I just hear ‘little Yeager’?” Sasha asked.

“You did.” Connie snickers the two giggling to themselves.

“Trust me guys they’re not going to be dumb enough to risk having a kid…at least for now.” Armin muttered.

“When we eventually return to our missions I expect you two to follow your orders, I know you have a history of focusing on each other when things get ugly but you can’t let it cloud your judgment…that's all.” Levi said before pushing off the tree beginning his walk back to the cabin leaving the awestruck couple standing there.

“Wait your not gonna-”

“Why would I try to stop you two idiots? You're not going to stop because of what I say I know that. There’s no point in trying to police you…but if you screw up and taint the Ackerman bloodline with Yeager blood I'll castrate you.” Levi left it at that before leaving towards the cabin forcing the scouts inside to scramble to seem like they weren’t snooping.

The couple stood there alone now that the captain was gone looking at each other, “I…that went better than I expected.” Eren muttered.

“Yeah…at least he’s not going to try and keep us apart. He was serious about us though…we can’t risk bringing a child into this world. ” Mikasa responded.

“Agreed…sometimes I forget you two are related you two are so different yet so similair. The castrating part was a bit much.” The two began to walk back towards the cabin both in their own heads about what was to come.

“Eren if I were to…you know…would you?” Mikasa didn’t have to spell it out for Eren to know what she was talking about.

“Yes I would…it would be ours after all we’d-”

“What did I just tell you two?!?!” Levi called from the cabin.

The rest of the day turned to be mostly uneventful with the added relief that the two lovers weren’t constantly hiding around their captain and could trust him with knowing about their relationship. That night when the scouts went to bed Levi watched from afar making sure none of them were trying to pull anything and that they wouldn’t stay up late when they had training the next day. As Eren and Mikasa got into a shared bunk both waited for him to call them and tell them to go back to their own bunks but it never came.

Days later it was like any other afternoon at the cabin so far when they got a visit from Hange. The group sat around listening to what had happened to pastor Nick. As Levi and Hange discussed what was happening they received a letter from Erwin hearing that the scout regiment was to turn Eren in and surrender to the military police for “investigation’. Just as Mikasa was about to speak up and say that was absurd Levi gave the order to leave the cabin.

The group watched from afar as the cabin was raided by the military police. It seemed that their enemies truly were other people now.

Chapter Text

“You want me to do what?” Armin asked wide eyed and confused as he was handed girls clothing akin to Historia’s.

“I’m ordering you to wear this, for the decoy’s to be convincing we need a look a-like and since there’s no other blonde’s your our last option Armin.” The captain said with a sigh, “Now hurry up we have to go. They may be on our trail as we speak.” Armin grimaced and his cheeks were red as he hated that this is what he had to do for the sake of the mission.

“It’s not that bad Armin, at least you don’t have to be a body double for Eren here.” Jean growled as he tried to comb his hair in the way Eren’s naturally rested. After a few minutes Armin was finished changing and stood in front of his friends only to get laughter from Connie and Sasha.

“Oh you look ridiculous.” Connie cackled like a child getting way too much of a laugh out of his friend's misfortune.

“No, he looks too similar.” Sasha joined in with the laughter.

“Stop it you guys!” Armin yelled.

Across the warehouse that they were currently in Mikasa and Eren held each other in an embrace. The two leaned in for a soft kiss as the two needed a small sense of comfort before continuing on.

“Eren, don’t draw attention to yourself even if something happens to us you need to stay hidden.” She muttered softly as she took in his comforting smell that she’d grown used to the more they slept in each other's arms.

“Ok. This plan should work out. I forget how competent Levi is when strategizing since the commander is mostly the one doing it.”

“Stay safe.” Mikasa leaned up to softly kiss him once more.

“I will.” Eren said as they pulled away from each other.

“Time to go, Eren, Historia. Head to the carriage.” Levi called to them.

“Yes sir.” Both said in tandem before rushing towards the other end of the warehouse.

“Let's go everybody.” The captain said as he began to lead them out having no idea just how much chaos was about to happen.

Mikasa flew towards the direction Eren’s cart was heading after rescuing their friends and tying up their captors. The apparent gunshots Sasha heard had her rushing towards Eren and Historia. As she sped there she watched Captain Levi take on their attackers wearing odm gear she had never seen before. As they engaged their enemy her eyes went wide as Eren and Historia both limp. She knew they weren’t dead but with Eren incapacitated escape would be even harder.

Swinging down she aimed to grab Eren intent on rescuing him and Historia when she saw Jean fall down and a gun be pointed to his head. Knowing she couldn’t do both she had less than a split second to decide what to do. She couldn’t risk losing Eren but Jean was her comrade, he had even saved her when her ribs had been crushed by a titan. She couldn’t let that go unpaid and she told herself that if Eren was awake he would yell at her to help him.

“Jean!!!” She cried out just before a gunshot rang out and the woman who was about to gun him down fell limp on the ground. Mikasa barely had any time to react seeing Armin gun the woman down before more were on top of them. She watched as Levi and Sasha swept Armin and Jean away just before they would have been killed by the shots that were fired at them.

“No Eren! Historia!” Mikasa cried out watching their assailants kidnap the person she cared most about be taken away for the third time. It felt worse than ever. Each time it felt like a punch to the gut but this was different as she watched the person she had finally confessed her love to go through the threshold of the gate. She cried out, it took Levi holding her back to keep her from rushing to save him.

“Let ‘em go, we're running on fumes.”

“No!” Mikasa yelled out, struggling against the captain, “Eren!” She called out in desperation as if somehow it would return him to her.

Later that night Miksa stared at the lantern in front of her as their group sat around recovering from the battle. The Conversation between Jean, Levi, and Armin went over her head as she wondered what they were doing with Eren at that very moment.

If they had arrived at wherever they had taken him and if Historia was ok as well she didn’t know. Historia had encouraged them to not hide their relationship, to love each other. Her words had helped them both. She was pulled out of her thought’s by Levi’s words.

“Now then, I think it’s time we learn what our guest has to say.” With that Mikasa followed behind him as they approached the tide up man. Grabbing the gag the captain removed it letting him speak.

“Mercy please! I’m just an old man they use to move cargo.”

“I’ve met this one before. He seemed to be a prominent merchant.” Mikasa looked down at him with cold eye’s as she was looking for somebody to interrogate, and even take her anger out on for the capture of Eren. Thankfully for Reeve's he was able to convince them that they weren’t enemies and offered to work with them while revealing how much the military police was involved with Eren’s capture.

That very same night after capturing the two who had tortured Pastor Nick to death with Reeve’s help Levi dragged Djel Sannes to the basement for an interrogation. Mikasa followed behind to help bind the man and just as she was about to leave Levi spoke up.

“If you want you can start…I prefer to not stain my clothes with blood.” He said as he put on an apron and grabbed his gloves. Mikasa looked back towards the man with a stone cold face as she gazed at one of the men behind Eren’s capture. The exact type of person she could take the anger inside of her out on.

Without another word she walked up to their captive before ramming her fist into his nose. A sickening crunch filled the room alongside his yell of pain. After that punch after punch collided with his face. A long minute of constant battering passed before Miksa stopped, panting from exertion as she left his face bloodied and his nose broken.

“That's enough. It’s my turn.” Levi cut in. Looking back at her captain she nodded before grabbing a rag off of the small table next to them to wipe the blood from her hands. Her knuckles were purple and bruised as she left. As she waited outside with their friends she didn’t bat an eye when Hange entered along with Moblit and the screams got louder. Eventually they were able to learn of the nature of the royal family and the truth of who it really was and some gut wrenching news.

“So they plan to eat Eren?” Armin asked, his hands folded neatly on the table while a nervous expression rested on his face.

“Yeah, Eren remembered a conversation between Ymir and Bertholdt.” Hange responded as Mikasa looked on with a mix of fear, shock, and anger all in one expression. Her heart felt like it would burst in her chest as she went on about her theory only solidifying the possibility that Eren was to be eaten. She scowled as Hange continued on.

“Based on this we can speculate that Ymir used to be a mindless titans just like the others until she consumed someone from Berholdt and Reiners group. We’ve never seen a titan turn back into a human by eating one before that said Reiners comrades aren't normal humans and there's a different set of rules for humans that can turn into titans my thought is this if a titan eats someone with that power then it’ll turn back into a human. What's more they’ll obtain whatever powers that human had. In the battle the other day. Reiner was throwing titans at Erne as he tried to run away. He knew that Eren had the power to take command of feral titans with his scream. If Eren's death meant that power was lost he wouldn’t have risked it. I think he hoped one of those titans would eat Eren and take his power. My point is if the government has a titan of their own they’ll use it to eat Eren.”

With that Mikasa turned walking towards the door not wanting to waste a second longer when Eren could be in a titan’s jaw soon enough. Feeling Levi’s hand grabbing her shoulder she turned towards him frustrated that she kept being stopped by him.

“Calm down. I know you want to get Eren back but going on a rampage won’t help with that.” Levi looked into her eye’s seeing an anger not all that different than he had every time he lost one of his close comrades, “Anyway we're heading for Rod Reis’s estate prepare to leave at once.” He watched as his squad left the room to prepare. He knew that he would need to have a talk with his distant relative.

Only a few days had passed and yet the world felt as if it was turned upside down. A coup had been successfully pulled by Premier Zacharay, Commander Pixis, and Erwin. The military police had been brought into line and their largest threat had been defeated. All that was left was rescuing Eren. They had even gained new comrades in the military police, Hitch and Marlo.

For Eren on the other hand he was just waking up in a hazy daze. Feeling the cold sting of the metal cuffs securing his arms he struggled. The last thing he had seen was Historia being talking to some man and calling him father. Looking down below from his odd position on an elevated part of the cavern as if he was some offering on an altar he saw Historia walking towards him in a plain white rob. Historia? He thought.

As Levi, Hange, Armin and Mikasa sat in the wagon heading towards the Reiss chapel Levi decided it was time to have that talk. Not only to Mikasa but to the rest of the group about Kenny.

“You should understand this Kenny the Ripper. If he’s there he’ll be our biggest obstacle. In terms of threat level it’ll be like your fighting me. Or wait. Wit those weapons of his he’ll be even stronger.”

“Then he’s unbeatable at least for us.” Sasha commented.

“Maybe we should wait and meet up with the other soldiers.” Connie added.

“No chance in hell.” Mikasa sharply said.

“Right. Of course not. If we wait for reinforcements, Eren might be eaten.” Connie quickly corrected.

“You know based on what the captain just told us, the odds won’t be entirely in Kenny’s favor.” Armin spoke up.

“You really think so?” Jean asked.

“Yeah his squad is well trained but we have way more combat experience.” For a moment nobody spoke before Hange looked towards Levi.

“Have to ask. How is it that you lived with Kenny the reaper but know next to nothing about him. Did the two of you never talk?

“Not much, I only just learned the man’s last name. Dunno if you know but it’s Ackerman. Might be a relative of yours.” He said, looking towards Mikasa. She gasped softly at the news before looking back towards the wagon bed thinking back to her parents.

“I remember my parents saying that, my dads side the Ackermans were persecuted when they lived in the cities. My mom said her ancestors were eastern. Her family’s appearance made it difficult for them to fit in. Both groups were chased deep into the mountains near the edge of the walls. That's how my parents met but my father never told me why the Ackermans were persecuted. He looked just like all of you. So I don't think he was of a different race.”

“Tell me this, have you ever suddenly felt a power awaken inside you?” He asked. Mikasa gasped softly as her mind flashed back to her killing the last kidnapper when she was taken from her parents. When Eren first told her to fight and a feeling of electricity coursed through her veins.

“I have.” She said with wide eye’s.

This happened for Kenny Ackerman as well. Suddenly out of nowhere he felt an absurd amount of strength surging through him and in that moment he knew just exactly what he needed to do. Makes me wonder…Mikasa.”

“Captain?”

“How are you holding up?” He asked, staring blankly into her eye’s. Mikasa looked back a bit surprised he was asking, given he hardly ever spoke to his squad outside of the mission.

“I’m fine.” She said looking down.

“You're not. I know how worried you are about him. You always have…do you know why I joined the survey corps?”

“I got no clue.”

“My mother was named Kuchel Ackerman…I have no idea what Kenny is to me but he helped raise me after she died. Taught me to survive, fight, and to kill. One day I nearly killed a man as he watched from afar…I never saw him after that. From there I lived in the underground for years. Fighting for every scrap, coin, and food I had. I met these two people. Furlane Church…and Isabel Magnolia. ” The captain looked down, keeping his stone cold face but his words were clouded. He didn’t speak with as much confidence as before.

“We were like a family in some way. Learned how to use stolen odm gear in the underground to steal from the mp’s. One day we got a job that took us out of the underground, we were paid to kill Erwin.” Besides Hange who had already known of Levi’s past everybody else in the group gasped or swerved their heads to listen in, “Well things went wrong, on the first mission outside the walls I left them to go kill him…I heard titans behind me and rushed back to help them. By the time I got there. They were gone.” His voice turned raspy with his last sentence before he audibly swallowed practically seeing the bodies of his fallen friends on the ground in his mind.

“After that a rage came over me like nothing before. I just started fighting the disgusting titan that walked on all force and snarled like an animal. I carved it up until its body was exploding at the seams before slashing its nape. It wailed like a baby the whole way through…i’m telling you all this incase something happens to Eren. The kid has a talent for getting himself captured or beaten. One day no matter how long it is he’s not going to get back up from that.”

“Stop it.” Mikasa muttered her eye’s wide in shock from the story and from her own mind imagining the severed head of Eren in her arms after like the captain said, he ‘fell and never got back up.’

“If it does happen today you can’t shut down on us. Your team needs you. All of us do. You're second only to me, and depending on how things go in there you’ll be humanity's strongest. You need to learn to live without Eren or you’ll end up like me.” The rest of the team all stood silent in shock as Mikasa looked up at Levi. All of them were in their own heads questioning just what he ment, “After losing them I became this. Tired, apathetic, nearly numb to the pain of losing my comrades. Unless you want to have this stare in your eye’s. Be ready to lose him and everybody else here.” Levi gazed at Mikasa, that same nearly apathetic stare that was synonymous with the captain.

Her eyes were glossed over at her mind's image of a dead Eren leaving her to simply nod back at the captain while the Reiss chapel came into view over the small hill they were going over. I’m coming for you Eren. She thought.

In the cavern Eren listened confusedly to Rod Reis’s talk with Historia about memories. A part of him felt as if this place was familiar, the crystal cavern felt like a place he had memories of. Feeling the cold touch of the two Reis’s on his back his mind was flooded with information about the truth. About what his father had done to the Reiss family about how he gained his powers.

Historia faced her own harsh truth as she learned of what Eren’s father had done, her own childhood, how her memories were stolen, and how her half sister had always been with her. At Rod’s proposal of seeing her sister again she couldn’t help but say yes to have some way to see the sister that had been for her through her childhood.

At seeing the syringe in Rod’s hand Eren cried out against the small metal gag between his teeth pulling on the chains as the memory of the last time he saw his father played in his head. He cried out struggling against the binds helplessly. Mikasa, Armin, why? Why does it have to come to this?! There’s no way i’m going to be eaten here. I can’t leave her behind. Eren thought as he struggled.

But that struggle seemed to wither away as he learned another truth. That if his father hadn’t stolen the power of the titans from Frieda Reiss then she could have used her power to wipe out the titans. She could have saved the world if it wasn’t for his fathers choice to kill her. He couldn’t fathom why he would do that.

Kenny entering the fray saying he was planning to steal the power of the titans was unexpected but what caught Eren even more off guard was Historia’s willingness to take it for herself. Feeling Kenny slicing his forehead to give him some sort of chance burned his skin but regardless his head slumped low as he stared at the crystal below him. Even with the chance to escape he didn’t.

I..I have to. If it means ending this hell. How could I be so selfish? I…I want to live. I want to see Armin, Mikasa, and our friends. I want them to get safe lives in a world without titans but…I would have to die to achieve that. I want to hold her again, I want to kiss you again Mikasa but…if it means saving you and all of them I'll die. I’ll die for all of you. Eren lamented within his thoughts as the fight left him. He watched as Historia hesitated to inject herself with the serum.

Little did either of them know just how hard Mikasa, and the others were fighting to reach them. Carving through Kenny’s soldiers they wreaked havoc with Hange being the only seriously injured of the group as they got closer and closer to rescuing Eren.

Historia called at him asking why he wasn’t protecting himself wondering how he could just sit there waiting to die. Eren raised his head as tears threatened to fall down his face and welled up at his eye’s. He spoke about how all the people that had died since his father stole the power of the titans and that if it wasn’t for his father they all wouldn’t have died. So many people would have lived if it wasn’t for his father, he thought.

“I can never atone for all of their pain, that never should have happened.” It dawned on him that Mikasa had almost died multiple times because of what had happened. Take your power and use it to save humanity.” He said as he cried, the blood mixing along with the tears on his face

“Eren I remember…when you said I was a normal girl I was so happy.” She said with tears in her own eyes as she poked her skin with the needle about to break through and inject herself when she heard Ymir’s voice. I see. This your idea of trying to be nice? That old memory of helping Sasha and hearing those words from her came rushing back. From there she questioned her father asking why they’re family had never before erased the titans even if they had the power for the last 100 years.

Her confidence in her father crumbled away as he spoke about the person holding the power of the titans as “God’. After he said those words there was no chance in hell she was following along. As he rambled on about returning “God” into the world another memory of Ymir flashed in her mind. Christa, I have no business telling you how to live your life. It’s not my place. So I guess when you break it down it's more of just a hope. Christa, live a life you can be proud of.

With that she knew what she had to do. Grabbing him by the collar of his shirt she threw him over her shoulder slamming him into the floor after discarding the syringe he was about to inject her with

“God my ass. If its such an honor to become him? Why don’t you do it yourself? I’m done with your shit and i’m not going to let you murder me!” She yelled out before grabbing her fathers bag and running up the steps to save Eren.

“The hell are you doing Historia?!” He called out.

“Setting you free!” She responded harshly.

“No stop you cant if you don’t kill me everybody else will keep suffering. Just eat me already dammit I can’t live like this so end it!”

“Stop it dumbass I don’t care, I don't care about killing all the titans and I don’t care about freeing mankind either! I’m starting to get sick of humanity! I say let em get wiped out by titans And if that makes me an enemy of humanity so be it. I don’t care if I'm the worst girl who’s ever lived.! You get the hell out of here! I’ll deal with the rest! Stop thinking about me and humanity, think about yourself for once! Think about Mikasa, she loves you dumbass are you really gonna leave her here alone! You don’t get to die and escape this all!”

She practically screamed out while ripping the chains away from Eren. Eren gazed down at the crystal floor knowing she was right, that he couldn’t simply abandon his friends and die a martyr or a hero. He couldn’t leave them, he couldn’t just kill himself and call it saving them.

Just as the chains were off suddenly a flash of light and a massive skeleton reputed from where her father once was.

“I might be an enemy of humanity now but I'm still your ally. I can't be selfless and I don’t want to be a god. But…when I see someone crying, saying that no one needs them. I have to go and show them it isn’t true! Your feeling like I felt for my entire life. That's why I need you to be ok! You and Mikasa!” The moment she unlocked the binds on his feet the steam that had been pushing against them threw her back.

“Historia!” Eren called only for Mikasa to catch her before she would have collided with the back of the cavern.

“Hey.” Mikasa yelled over the sound of the whirling steam.

“Mikasa!” Historia exclaimed before Levi swooped down in front of them.

“Give me the key!” Levi called out.

“Captain. All of you came?!” Eren said in shock as he watched Jean, Levi, and Connie all come over to aid him. Unlocking the left wrist bind Levi handed off the keys to Connie.

“Connie hurry!” The captain said as he handed off the keys to him.

“Feet’re loose!” Connie called out as the steam burned his face. The massive titan was growing faster by the second, nearly completely blocking their exit out of the cave.

“Whoa. It's even bigger than the colossal titan. Crazy.” Sasha said as she watched the massive ribcage of the titans destroying the crystal roof. The ceiling collapsing in on them and nearly crushing Eren didn’t help in the slightest before they pulled him back against the cave wall. Despite knowing that he couldn’t just leave his friends sacrificing himself but he felt lost. He knew his titan would simply get crushed under the rubble.

“I’ve been dead weight every step of the way. This power should have never been given to me. I can’t be humanity's hope. I’m just too weak.” He gasped softly when he turned to the ground seeing a vial labored ‘armor’.

“C’mon stop playin’ the tragic hero.” John growled looking down at Eren, “of course you're too weak to accomplish jack by yourself but no one expects you to.

“Yeah, calm it down. We’ve been through a whole lot worse than this man. Not that I really want to get used to it. Still it’s gonna suck trying to fly through that mess” Conie spoke with confidence even putting on a half smile.

“I’ll take Eren.” Mikasa said, she had the most confidence in herself to get Eren out of their predicament.

“It’s gonna take all we have to not get hit, so hold on for your life.” Jean said, looking around for the best opening.

“It’s useless you know we won’t make it!” Eren yelled out.

“So we should do nothing?! Wanna sit here and hold hands until we’re crushed.” Historia asked, “Or till we burn to death? You know dying here won’t make anything better!”

“Listen. I really hate that I do this to you all the time but .. you gotta make a choice now.” Levi said for the first time since he’d last see him looking worried. Eren grimaced as he remembered those very same words that he said to him on his first expedition. In the forest where they fought the female titan. He wasn’t going to let it happen again, put his faith in his squad and let them get killed. Let Mikasa get killed. Grabbing the ‘armor’ vial he stood up running towards the edge of where he had been chained.

“Eren!” Mikasa called, fearing she was going to lose him just after getting him back.

I’m sorry. But since it’s the end, this one time just let me. Let me believe I can do this! He thought to himself as he put the glass vial in his mouth and bit down shattering the vial into his mouth spilling the fluid into his mouth. His friends watched as his titan appeared before them kneeling on the crystal altar before crystals shot from his body slowly branching out and connecting creating protection from the falling rocks while his friends got under him.

Outside of the protective crystal Rod’s titan expanded, growing even larger until it burst out of the crystal caverns to collapse onto the ground. THe monstrous titan began to crawl away as Erwin and other scouts watched from afar.

The world went dark for Eren until he heard the familiar cry of his lover.

“Eren! Can you hear me?! Wake up!” Mikasa called out as she used the handle of her odm sword to break him out of his crystalized titan.

“Eren!” Jean called out trying to break his friend out of his daze.

Mikasa kneeled next to Eren as the group briefly discussed Eren’s hardening ability, the first thing coming to mind being that it could potentially be used to plug up the hole in a wall Maria. The group was able to get out of the destroyed underground structure being lifted out to see it was destroyed and that a titan larger than any before was crawling off into the distance. The group evacuated onto a wagon reuniting with Erwin who ordered them to go to Orvud district. As Eren got onto the wagon Mikasa gave him a shirt to put on given he was half naked the entire time they were in the underground crystal cavern but not before getting a mental picture of his muscular frame.

The group rode on discussing their plans, even attempting to use Eren’s ability that had saved everybody during their last fight with the Armored titan. All to no avail. Reaching Orvud district Erwin announced his plan to lure Rod Reis’s titan, kill it, and have Historia tae up the throne as queen. Eren and Mikasa didn't get a moment to rest until that night when they were sent to rest in the barracks.

Eren collapsed onto his bunk alongside the rest of their group. Days of constant work to survive took a toll on the rest of the group while Eren had done the most extraneous transformation yet. Mikasa collapsed onto him moments later using the last of her strength to pull the blanket up and over them.

“Eren…I thought I lost you again.”

“I’m sorry…I have to stop getting captured so much huh?” He asked with a tired laugh.

“You do…the captain talked to me. About losing you…he said that he doesn’t want me to end up like him.”

“Well…maybe that's for the best…when I was in there with Historia she berated me for nearly letting myself get eaten. When I heard my dad had stolen the power of the titans I was distraught. I thought that it was all my fault for the deaths of the past five years. That if she killed me and took the power back she could save the walls. She told me I had to think of you, it made me realize I can’t just be a sacrificing hero who gets himself killed and uses saving your lives as an excuse. I realized I can’t leave you like that.” At the end of his words he kissed her forehead softly feeling her grip that had only tightened since she laid down with him.

“I love you Mikasa.”

“I love you Eren.”

With that the two lovers fell asleep in each others arms resting for the battle to come.

Chapter Text

“Scouts! Time to go, Reiss isn’t too far off from the district!” Captain Levi called out, throwing the door open as usual. The scouts leaped from their bunks, not complaining at all. Even Miksa and Eren were able to get out of eachothers holds without protest.

“Are you ready for today?”

“As much as i’ll ever be.”

“So you're not scared?”

“How could I? After fighting so many battles, facing so many titans, one so big doesn't even scare me. I have you Eren, on top of that Erwin’s plan will work i’m confident. He’s never failed us before.”

“No…he hasn’t.”

The scouts rushed to their posts grabbing their rations and eating them on the way to the wall. Erwins plan involving blowing up Rod Reiss’s titan from inside of its mouth had to be finished before it arrived. The walls facing the titan so massive it looked double the size of the colossal were lined with more canons than ever for a barrage. How effective it would be was yet to be seen but it was worth a shot before the true plan went into effect.

As the barrage began Levi, his squad, and Erwin watched from the wall. Standing next to her, Eren held Mikasa’s hand as the barrage continued. Once it was clear they were doing next to nothing against Rod’s titan Erwin ordered they ready the gunpowder.

They prepared the gunpowder and rope brought by Hange Eren reflected on just how much had changed since that day in Shiganshina. When the colossal kicked down the wall and the armored tore through the next. Now he knew that it was Bertholdt and Reiner which made the event hurt even more but he didn;t have time to think about them when they had a larger threat right in front of them.

He was pulled out of his thoughts when his gaze fell onto Mikasa, the girl he had saved from the kidnappers, the girl he grew up with, fought side by side in constant battles, who he fell in love with. The rope he was just holding in his hands

“Eren were running out of time here. Keep your hands busy.” She said with red cheeks wondering why he was staring at her as if she was some angel. Eren’s gaze fell to his hands before he began punching himself in the face again and again until his nose was leaking blood.

“Hey stop! Why are you–?” Armin yelled as he watched Mikasa grab Eren to stop him, “Were you making a wound? It’s not time yet!” Mikasa held his arms back looking at him with a worried stare.

“No, I just needed to beat the shit out of a useless brat real quick. With any luck he’s dead and gone now…a useless little brat that can’t protect the people he loves.” Eren pulled away from Mikasa’s hold before turning and pulling her into a kiss.

“Eren what's wrong with-” She was cut off by another kiss that she melted into. Armin was red in the cheeks. He knew that his friends were in love but still their relationship was fresh and going from them not even holding hands to kissing passionately in public was a whiplash. He watched the two pull away.

“Stay alive Eren.” Mikasa said with a blush, Eren nodded smiling as he did so before pulling away to run off to this position.

Rod’s titan was quickly approaching the walls, the canons having failed to stop it. It’s titanic hands reached onto the walls before with its immense strength it stood somewhat upright revealing its fleshless face and front. Its titan lacked eye’s, a jaw and the front of its body had no skin or muscle, simply its loose guts hanging out from their places.

Erwin fired off a red smoke flare, signaling their attack to begin. Their last line of defense for Orvud district. On both sides of the titan Hange’s experimental hook bombs fired looks into the hands of Rod’s titan blowing the fleshy appendages up. With the hands gone the titan lost all of its support sending it face first falling towards the wall.

“Eren! Do it!” Erwin yelled out and from the smoke behind him Eren’s titan came running, slinging the barrels of gunpowder over his shoulder as he ran towards Rod’s Titan. Charging forward Eren swung the barrels into the mouth of the titan. Levi and his squad including Mikasa watched from the wall preparing to take out whatever remained of the titan.

The heat of the mouth of the titan exploded the gunpowder that ignited. The body of the titan bubbled up with massive pockets of steam before the explosion and fireball destroyed the body and head of the titan in a fiery explosion.

Eren’s titan flew back towards the ground crashing into it. Eren groaned as he watched from the ground. His titan form was burned all across the front, his hair was completely gone and half of his titans face had been blown off. Watching from below he saw the chunks of Rod’s Titan soar through the air into Orvud district and the scouts leaping from the wall to find the nape of the neck and destroy it.

In the sky Historia flew through the air seeing what she guessed was her fathers nape. Without hesitation she flew towards his and with her swords sliced through the nape killing her father and receiving some of his memories in turn.

Mikasa flew from building to building passing by Historia, glancing at her he saw the future queen of the walls speaking to her subjects declaring her name and the fact she killed her father saving them. Flying towards the wall she gasped seeing Eren’s decomposing titan kneeling down in front of the walls.

“Eren!” She called landing onto his titan just as he exited his titan steam flowing front the nape. He panted as he looked towards Mikasa, ripping his arms out of the flesh, freeing himself.

“You made it, I saw your titan fall for a second…” Mikasa grabbed Eren by the side of the head, pulling him into a passionate kiss. Eren for once was the shocked one at a kiss between them but his arms quickly wrapped around her waist deepening the kiss as the two were lost in each other. They would have been blushing red regardless even if the steam wasn’t warming their bodies.

“Mikasa…”

“Eren…” The two’s kiss didn’t stop, their makeout continued until they were both red and breathless.

“We did it you guys Historia-...we just won and you're already making out?!” Jean called as he, Connie, Sasha, and Armin approached.

“These two am I right?” Connie chuckled, landing atop the titan with the rest of their group.

“We're alive guys, who cares…we did it.” Armin said, kneeling beside his friends.

“Yeah we did…thank you guys…for everything…I owe you all so much.” His arms went over his friends shoulder pulling them all into a hug as they kneeled on his titan.

“Whatever dumbass.” Jean growled.

“You're welcome, guys.” Sashe laughed.

“Don’t make it a habit. Connie laughed along with her.

“This isn’t over but…we're all here…we're together.” Armin said as all of them began to hug in their makeshift circle, “Now let's get to Historia and Levi we can’t leave them out. Or should I say queen of the walls?”

The group gave themselves a moment of rest before rejoining Levi, Historia and Erwin back at the scouts main base in Orvud district. Orvud district as a whole was in celebration over the victory for the scouts.

The people had seen a titan so massive it scaled the walls, being slain by the rightful queen. It called for a celebration all across the district. Like a festival that had sprung up from nowhere at all. The streets were lined with stands for food, treats, alcohol, and keepsakes of the district.

For the scouts there was just as much celebrating. All of Levi’s squad was allowed on leave for the night after injuries were checked. Nobody had been harmed severely within their group and Erwin saw it fit to have the future queen interacting with her subjects to help morale even further.

Entering the district the group gawked in awe at the lights, festivities and food. All of it was in celebration of their victory. Splitting up, Mikasa, Eren, and Armin moved forward while Sasha, Jean, Connie, and Historia took their time seeing everything there was. Levi was there to get fresh air and keep an eye on them all.

Watching the three run off Levi raised an eyebrow thinking over if he should let them, but His attention was quickly pulled away by the others rushing towards him.

“Captain Levi, you have to come try this food!” Sasha called over as she was already stuffing her face along with Connie and Jean.

“Thank you, queen Historia!” Somebody cheered.

“Long live the queen!” Another shouted.

“The titan slaying queen!” One declared. Person after person came up to shake their queen's hand and thank her for what she had done. Historia couldn’t help but smile and thank every one of them for their kind words, “It wasn’t just me! Thank the garrison and scouts!” She called out loudly, hoping to get some attention off of her to enjoy the festival.

Eren’s lips crashed against Mikasa’s lips as they tumbled into the bed. The barracks were thankfully empty due to the festival attracting the soldiers away, “Eren,” Mikasa moaned as their hands wandered each other’s bodies, trying frantically to discard the clothing that clung to their bodies.

“Mikasa,” Eren groaned as he began to take off his shirt, “I love you.” He said as he discarded his shirt, leaving his upper body bare. Mikasa’s hands wandered to his chest to run open his firm muscle that flexed at her touch. She frantically reached for her own shirt to throw it to the side. Eren’s eyes went wide as he looked at her bare breasts for the first time.

“Will you please touch them...please” Her rosy red cheeks were illuminated by the window above her bed that let the moonlight shine on them both. Eren was frozen in shock before snapping himself out of it and reaching for her breasts. Both of his hands ran up her waist to her breasts before squeezing them in his hands. Mikasa let out a small whine as he fondled her breasts in his hands.

His thumbs ran over her nipples that were erect from arousal, “Eren!” She whined as he squeezed her left nipple with his thumb. She felt a heat building up between her legs as she watched him tease her nipples, “Please…make me feel good Eren…I want you to be my first. My only.”

Eren responded with actions instead of words. Reaching for her pants she began to slide them down while Eren did the same and after a few more moments the two were naked in front of each other. The two blushed nonstop as they gazed at each other. Mikasa reached up, putting her hands on Eren’s nape to pull him down for another kiss.

The kiss lasted longer than she had expected as it turned into kiss after frantic kiss until the two pulled away for air. Mikasa’s body was hot and she could feel a particular sensation becoming more powerful between her legs. As she rubbed her legs together in some vaina attempt to make the ebay feeling between her legs go away she felt her thigh brush against his hard member ,“I…can feel how hard you are.” She said softly before biting her lip as she glanced down.

His hardness was pressed against her so it was hard not to notice and she could feel herself growing wet. It was an odd feeling but she liked it.

Eren’s face had a perpetual blush as her beauty and expressions made him want to have her even more. His body had grown used to holding her, from the first time they shared the same bed a few days before it just felt natural. His hardness had begun to rub against her warmth and up to her belly before going back down as he was grinding against her.

As she felt herself get more wet with every passing minute Mikasa was blushing from embarrassment. Eren’s head moved to the crook of her neck before nipping her skin, leaving a dark mark on her lower neck. Mikasa gasped in surprise and clung to him before doing the same as she was beginning to lose herself in their passion

She was holding the boy she had loved for years, grown up with, fought by for so long, loved even longer. Her dream of being with him as a partner had come true and now her dream of him being her first was about to come true. It was the same for the boy atop her. Even if it took him years to realize what it was, he had loved her since the day he wrapped the scarf around her.

“Let me take care of you Mikasa.” Eren spoke softly into her ear. Gently he lifted her up, turning her over before letting her back down as she was on her belly. She gasped in surprise, making a small squeak before she felt herself being put down.

“Eren.” She moaned as she felt his weight on her back as one of his hands was around her, holding her breasts in his hands. She whined as she felt his hand move from her breasts down to rub smooth circles over her lower stomach before moving to her slick folds. Slowly his index and pointer fingers began to rub up and down her folds trying to find her entrance as his hand squeezed her breast.

The way they spoke to one another made this even more intimate for Mikasa. She didn’t want him to speak that way to anyone else. She knew, after this night, she couldn’t be with anybody else, loving anybody else was out of the question. ”Let me take care of you Mikasa” rang in her ears.

Feeling the weight of him against her almost drove her crazy. These were the first moments when she would figure out what made her feel good since it was her first time. Feeling his fingers against her folds made a moan slip out and she immediately bit her lip out of embarrassment. Making such lewd noises could alert somebody walking by outsidetheir barracks.

She could still feel his hard shaft against her. Her chest pressed to his hand and her rear would press against him. Her back was arched slightly as the feelings coursed through her body, “Y-you’re burning up Eren…are you okay?” She asked not realizing that she too was extremely hot to his touch. By now, his fingers were coated by her juices. Her toes slightly curled as she couldn’t move. It’s not like she wanted to move away from him anyway. Her body was ready, all she needed to do was say it.

"I'm fine Mikasa, I feel amazing." Her skin wa shot to the touch and as he squeezed her breast her heat reminded him of his own heat when he exited his titan. “Your skin is on fire." Their lips met again as he kissed her. His fingers rubbed up and down her folds prodding and teasing her entrance before he found her clit, his fingers began to focus on her soft pearl as he whispered into her ear.

His fingers prodded her entrance but did not enter it as he went on, doing his best to get her wet. His hardness rubbed against her lower back he, was prepared to enter her at any moment but her pleasure was first and since it was their first time he wanted to do as much as they took each others virginity. His thumb joined the fray, rolling over her clit and focusing completely on it.

“W-what is this?” Mikasa asked softly while letting a soft moan escape her. It was her orgasm approaching rather quickly. She would begin to squirm a little as she lightly gripped the sheets. Grinding against his fingers as she let out a soft whimper. The urge to release was getting stronger and stronger as he pleased her. “It f-feels good Eren.” She closed her eyes as there was a lewd expression on her face. She needed him, and she needed more than just his fingers.

It didn’t matter how nervous she was, Mikasa trusted him to have her. Eren blushed as she was squirming for him, it was letting him know just how much she was enjoying his fingers, "Just you wait...I think only going to feel better." The words of their fellow scouts crude joking about sex came to mind as well as the sexual education class they took as cadets, “Cum for me Mikasa.” He groaned outa as his hardness brushed against her bottom.

Hearing him tell her to cum seemed to push her over the edge. She was already thinking about the length of his member on her back and if she could handle it. It was her first time and she was worried that he wouldn’t get as much pleasure as she was currently receiving. “Eren I—!!” It was obvious when she started to cum on his fingers. The slight convulsions of her hips would slightly buck her back and forth. Her walls squeezed intensely as they yearned for the feeling of him inside her.

He could probably feel every quiver and hear her rather long winded whimper as she experienced her first orgasm. It felt like forever before she had finally calmed down a bit from that orgasm. Her cheeks flushed as they would slightly pant to catch her breath.

As she came Eren continued to pleasure her through her orgasm, not letting up for a moment as he continued to rub her clit, feeling every movement, spasm, quiver, while hearing every little sound that was forced out of her body.

"Mikasa." Eren groaned as his hand was soaked in her juices that she leaked onto it, "I love you." He said softly while kissing her with want as his lips crashed against hers. With his right hand that was still soaked with her juices he grabbed his shaft, rubbing her wetness over his member that was throbbing with want.

Mikasa’s mind was extremely fuzzy when he continued to rub her as she finished. She was weak to his every touch. It seemed like he knew every part of her already, “Oh Eren.” She said softly in response to him telling her that he loved her. “I love you too..” She said softly before she looked up at him.

Turning around to lay on her back, she would wrap her arms around his neck before kissing him. This kiss was sincere, but she was also trying to distract herself from how his hardness was rubbing against her .“E-Eren you’re…um” she bit her lip before clearing her throat softly. “You’re really big Eren...are you sure you’ll fit.?” She was asking more so for herself. She was a virgin and still had a wall to be torn down before she could actually fit all of him inside. Even so, she positioned herself over his tip. Her juices slightly dripped onto his shaft. She knew that there would be possible nail digging and even tears from tension, it made her nervous.

Eren blushed from embarrassment as he held onto his cock, “I’ll be slow Mikasa, if you need to grab onto me.” Mikasa nodded as she watched him lubricating his member against her folds, causing her to moan. It was a relief to hear that he was okay and so confident about it. Then again, when was he not confident? It was one of the reasons she loved him. The way he led is head high in moments of pain and would always get back up. It was the most vulnerable she had seen him. Blushing, pleased, bare..

Eren took a deep breath before he began to move. Pushing the head of his member in front of her entrance, the head pushed inside of her entrance struggling at first before popping inside. The scout groaned, caught off guard by the sudden pop, “I love you Mikasa.” His lips crashed against hers as he swiftly pushed deeper, fully stretching her out as he broke through her barrier, claiming her virginity.

Mikasa only glanced down as she felt that he was about to enter her. Her nails would slowly scratch on his shoulder blades as he slowly pushed into her. She could feel everything. The tension, the pain, the pleasure. She could even feel the throbs from her walls and his shaft spreading them. She would whine softly into his shoulder as she shut her eyes.

"Tell me when you want me to move." He said as his body tensed from the lack of friction. His head was in the crook of her neck as he struggled to not simply start thrusting in and out but he waited for her.

Mikasa could already feel her thighs growing a bit weak as she adjusted to his size. “Fuck…Eren!” She managed out as she started to kiss his neck and shoulder to distract herself. With a few deep breaths, she finally found the courage to speak to him but her voice was still shaky, “I-I’m okay… y-you can move.” She said softly before pulling back a bit to look at him. She was determined to take all of him. She wanted to give all of what she had to him. She didn’t care if she would deal with a soreness afterwards as it was only a reminder that she loved someone who loved her back.

Eren nodded, groaning as he slowly pushed forward before sliding back. He breathed shaky breaths as he began to slowly thrust in and out of her. Her digging into his shoulder was oddly cute in its own way as he always loved when she clung to him.

Every thrust was a grunt as he was slow, finding his rhythm as he paced his stamina, his eyes focused on her with lust, "Mikasa...you feel amazing." He groaned out, thrusting back in to feel her heat grab onto him one more.

Mikasa’s walls were constantly having to adjust to his length. It was intense for her, but there were no complaints. She couldn’t even if she wanted to. With each thrust she would let out a moan as if had been forced out. The wet noises coming from their coupling got louder as if it were in competition with her moans. The expression on her face was extremely twisted with pleasure as there were tears in the corner of her eyes. The tension was a lot, but it no longer hurt.

The squished sound of their bodies colliding filled the room, almost as a rhythm to a song instead of the harsh slapping sounds that were being made. As MIkasa slowly relaxed, allowing him to speed up and put more into his thrusts.

Her quivers made his entering her all the more pleasurable for him. "Mikasa you're so tight...it's so good." He grunted out between thrusts as he was speeding up, putting more into his speed now that he found his rhythm. His tongue wrestled with hers as the two indulged in each other.

Their sex was almost a dance as he continued on using his strength to good use as he took her with all he had. He was slowly building as his member slammed into her walls, stretching her around him but finding more resistance with every thrust, that resistance had him putting more strength into his thrusts before the cycle of pleasure repeated itself.

Mikasa's worries had faded, it was only her and her lover, the only one she wanted holding her like this. He was right, it had only gotten better. Every part of her felt amazing. The few hickeys that he had given her, the stinging from their skin clapping once met, and even the sensations that he was creating inside of her.

Speaking of which, his tip had been kissing her sweet spots which only made her weaker by the minute. All of these feelings were brand new and she didn’t know how to handle them. Her legs were shaking as he had weakened her, she felt vulnerable, she could ever trust another person to hold her how Eren did.

She wanted to not be able to form a thought unless it was thoughts of him. Unfortunately, she was weaker than he was. She didn’t have the power to hold back and orgasm even the slightest bit yet. She was whimpering and moaning like she was helpless as her orgasm approached. As if things couldn’t get worse, the tip of his member poked her deepest point. Immediately, her back would arch as her head tilted up.

“Oh Eren!!!” She called out for him as he was even deeper now. Her mouth hung open as her hands gripped his shoulders. Her walls were quivering as she tried to calm her orgasm. She was failing, and she was going to release, “Eren…my love~ p-please let me cum for you” she managed to moan out.

Eren gasped out feeling her walls cling to his cock, making him frantically buck back into her as her back arched. His speed had jumped considerably as he held his tight grip on her while thrusting into her with everything he had. He knew his end was approaching just as fast as hers was. Her overwhelming tightness, the softness of her body along with her moans that drove him wild made his end steadily approach, "Mikasa....cum for me...let me fill you...i'm going to...Mikasa.." He grunted out as he looked into her eye's, passion over taking him as he sped up to a speed he hadn't thought possible.

Mikasa wasn’t thinking at all. She couldn’t think. The one who she loved was buried inside her and bringing them both pleasure. In this case, she was being held by him and could only hope that she would be able to walk after this. “Yes yes.. please Eren please!” She begged him through her moans as she could feel his rough throbbing

Eventually it was too much, leaning forward he thrusted into her a few more times before cumming deep inside of her. His member shot spurt after spurt of his hot seed, pumping it into her as he came. Before she knew it, Mikasa had also cum. Finishing at the same time seared the moment into her mind forever. In the end Eren’s mouth collided with hers, holding her as he finished. Holding her for a few long moments after finishing and with bated breaths he spoke, "I love you...Mikasa.”

Slowly Eren pulled from the kiss and after a few moments he slowly slid out of her heat. A squelching sound came from their bodies as his shaft slipped out of her walls. Mikasa’s arms finally gave out beneath her, letting them collapse onto the bed as they panted for desperate breath.

They were moaning and panting almost in sync as if they were meant to be together. She could visibly see him relax, but her eyes were too relaxed to keep them open. She closed her eyes as he kissed her. Turning around, she mounted him and rested her head on his chest.

“Eren….you…your burning up.” She said as she panted for breath, it was an overwhelming experience and memory she would always cherish.

“We both are, Mikasa.” Eren chuckled out before reaching down to pull the blankets up and over them, “You were amazing.” He said with blushed cheeks and a tired but loving smile. His fingers rubbed the soft cloth of her scarf between his fingers.

“You…were too Eren.” She blushed hard as she watched him gaze at her in such a way and to hide her embarrassment she dug her face into the crook of his neck to hold him, “I love you Eren…and one day when all this fighting just a bad memory…I want to spend everyday with you like this. Just holding you.” Her eyes watered in tears of content happiness. Shifting in his grasp she mounted him while her hands cradled the sides of his cheeks.

Eren’s hands moved to her waist as he gazed up into her eyes, “Maybe we could have a cabin of our own. Somewhere nice and peaceful” He smiled as he watched her lean down to kiss him once more.

Mikasa’s heart jumped at the thought of a peaceful life off in some cabin. Where they could live in peace, maybe even start a family. The mere thought made her cheeks turn red. Eren looked at her perplexingly, “What is Mikasa?”

“Nothing!” She exclaimed as she lay’d her head back down on his chest.

“Ok…we’ll have to get up and get dressed before anybody comes back…but I think we have a bit more time.” His hand slowly ran up and down her back while Mikasa moved her hands to cup the sides of his face. The two simply cradled each other as the sound of celebration music outside the barracks echoed in the distance.

Chapter Text

Several days had passed since Eren and Mikasa’s night alone after the battle for Orvud district. Levi squad stuck close as Historia’s coronation was being planned and now executed. The newly coordinated queen stood tall and proud as she put her fist to her chest in a salute towards her people who watched from below. Hange and Moblit stood in the crowd as the people cheered for their queen. Erwin smiled as he stood next to his fellow commanders and watched on as Historia was celebrated.

Walking down the halls of the royal palace Eren and Mikasa walked side by side while holding hands. Their friends stood alongside them as Historia led the way, determined to do her first action as queen, “Wait you're actually doing it? For real?” Eren asked in an exasperated tone of shock.

“Yeah, I am.” Historia confidently responded as she strode forward.

“C’mon it was just a joke. Right, Mikasa?” Eren asked nervously as he looked toward his lover, practically begging her to help him convince the new queen against her current course of action.

“After you smacked him you should tell him this, I dare you to hit me back.” Mikasa’s cold expression didn’t change as she was looking forward to what was coming next.

“Reall helpful.” Eren said, “If it's not a serious grudge, let it go.” He pleaded as he looked towards Historia. Her confident gaze turned to one of nervousness but she was staying the course.

“If I can’t even do this, then how can I call myself queen?” she asked as her nervous look was apparent from their friends.

Jean spoke up as he smiled, with the queens backing he was sure they could accomplish the goal every one of them had wished to see done for some time.“That's the spirit! Pound that runt!”

Historia gasped as she saw Levi leaning against the colorful glass panes nearby. His cold depression was there as always as he walked up to his team of scouts. The newly crowned queen shook as she tightened her fists, building the courage for what she was about to do. Jean and Eren waited in anticipation before watching Historia scream and raise her fist as if letting out a battle cry.

Her legs carried her forward as she swung at Levi. The captain turned to the side in anticipation of the blow and felt Historia’s fist collide with his arm, shaking his jacket but not even making him flinch or change expression. Historia pulled back her fist and looked up at Levi in fear as her friends behind her gawked at what she had done, all except Mikasa who simply smiled.

Historia chuckled and stepped back away before raising her fists again as if to show them off, “Did that hurt? Well, I'm queen now, so too bad! If you have a probl-”

Levi’s soft laugh cut her off in shock. All of them gasped as Levi for the first time in front of them, smiled, “Thanks guys, I needed that.” His smile was soft, but to the scouts who had only ever seen him frown, he might as well have been grinning. Eren and Mikasa’s hands gripped each other tightly in shock as they watched the captain turn away with a smile.

Days passed after the coronation. Eren and the rest of Levi squad spent the days experimenting with Eren’s titan near the farm that Historia had founded and was spending most of her time on. Orphans ran around the grassy farm in bliss as they were given fresh beginnings from the queen.

Historia and Eren had been walking side by side discussing what would happen in the coming days and the coming plan to retake wall Maria. Just as the two were getting into conversation Mikasa walked up in front of them with a dead stare. Her eyes were serious and grim as if she was on the battlefield instead of a peaceful farm and her eyes were on Eren.

Historia sputtered softly in surprise while Eren spoke, “What is it?” Mikasa grabbed the four sacks he had been carrying from his arms.

“Gimme that.” She said stubbornly as she slung them over her shoulder, “You need to rest between experiments.” Her tone was serious as if she wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“Hey stop treating me like a feeble old man will ya?” Eren asked back with an exasperated tone as he was reminded of all the times before, when she had tried to lighten the load off of his back. The three continued to walk forward towards the farm to deliver what they had been carrying.

“So what do you two plan to do when this is all over? After we’ve reclaimed wall Maria…and eliminated our threats?” Historia didn’t have to say their names, the two people with her knew exactly who she was speaking of, “Where will you two be living?” She asked with a smile, letting her somber tone disappear.

Mikasa and Eren blushed at the question as they walked on. The two glanced at each other before Eren spoke, “We haven’t thought about it…with all the dangers of what could happen…but maybe someplace like this would be nice. A farm.” Eren looked towards the large farmhouse as they approached it.

Mikasa blushed as she imagined them in such a secluded place all to themselves, it reminded her of a few nights ago when they first made love, “Something like that.” She smiled softly as she imagined a small child, with Eren’s eyes and her hair running around a farm that they lived on.

Another week passed before Levi squad and Hange were on their way towards the training grounds for newly recruited soldiers. Eren had a realization that in some of the memories he had seen during his time in the cave he had seen his own instructor, Keith Shadis in his father's memories.

Arriving at the old training grounds they spent the day talking to Shadis about the man's past with his father. Eren had an almost blank stare as he heard about the time Shadis had met him for the first time when he was just a baby. His heart throbbed just thinking about his mother and what she thought of him.

It felt as if every passing day since he had learned of his power he had felt less and less special for having them, most so when he learned the truth about his father. But hearing his late mother's words comforted him. He wasn’t special because of his power, or his strength, or his drive, but simply because he was her son and born into the world he lived in.

By the time the conversation was over it was already sundown and the group was riding back towards Trost district. After arriving the group split up to do their duties for the night before returning to the barracks. An hour passed since everybody had gone to bed, Sasha and Connie’s snoring was quietly happening nearby and Jean's sleep mumbling was as well.

Eren spooned Mikasa from behind as the two waited until everybody was asleep to talk, “How are you feeling Eren? I know ever since we lost your mom we…haven’t talked about it much.” Her thumb rubbed his hand that rested on her upper stomach.

“It was a lot to take in. It makes me miss her. It makes me wonder what she would say if she were here, what she would think about what's going on, what she would think about us.” His soft voice was like Music to Mikasa who could barrel keep her eyes open while in his arms. His words quickly woke her up.

Her chest hurt as she wondered what Carla would have said about them. She wondered if she would have approved of them, after just a few moments she knew she would have, no doubt about it, “I think she would have been happy for you…for the both of us. She would have been so proud of you Eren, after all you’ve done.” She smiled softly as she remembered Carla’s caring gaze and smile.

Eren wondered if that would have been true or if she would have been disappointed in the choices and mistakes he made time and time again, “I hope so…but I'm sure she would have been proud of you. For all you’ve done for me and our friends. She saw you as practically her daughter.” Mikasa’s eyes glossed over as she felt a wave of emotions rush over her. Carla had taken her in and raised her as her own, and now she couldn’t thank her for that.

“Do you think she’s looking down on us? Watching us now?” She asked as she shut her eyes to blink away the tears that threatened to form. Eren thought about her questioning, trying to come up with an answer to if he even believed in an afterlife. After all, he had seen the death of his comrades time and time again, the constant death that happened within the walls, it was easy to be pessimistic and say there was nothing for them afterward. But he didn’t believe that, he couldn’t, there had to be something beyond their cruel world, A better one he hoped.

“I think she is.” He said with his tired voice as some part of him prayed that his mother was still looking after him in some way. Looking after them both. Mikasa clung to Eren as she nodded softly, finding comfort in his words, enough to fall asleep to.

Another week passed as preparations were being finalized and completed. It was now the night before the battle to retake Wall Maria. The scouts that were to be sent out had piled into the dining hall only to see a sight most of them hadn't seen in a long time, cooked meat. At every table, the scouts gawked at the feast before their eyes.

The moment their superior had finished giving his orders to remain civil the feast began. At every table arguing broke out over who would get what meat and how much. Fighting broke out between Sasha, Jean and Connie that ended with Sasha passed out and Jean having been bitten on his hand.

There was barely any more time to eat before Eren and Jean began to squabble. Their squabbling broke out into a fight that resulted in the two punching each other in the stomach repeatedly until the two were coughing up saliva and struggling to breathe. Just as the two were reaching their limit and could barely punch Levi strode into the room and knocked both to the floor.

The scouts began to clean up while Jean was dragged back to the barracks after throwing up from the fight. Mikasa, Armin, and Eren instead of heading to the barracks decided to get some fresh air and talk together outside. Sitting on the steps that gave them a view of the wall they talked on and on about the sea, what lay beyond the wall, how big it was. It was mostly Armin who spoke but his friends listened, imagining the places that the book he had once had spoken about.

Mikasa smiled as she watched Eren promise that they would see the sea together, after they retook their lost lands, “Say it Eren, say we’ll all go to the sea together.” She leaned against him, their shoulders pressing together. Eren smiled and as he looked between his two closest friends he knew he couldn’t turn Armin down.

“Hey, ok, fine. I guess we’ll just have to check it out then.” Eren smirked as he looked up at Armin,

“That's not good enough! You have to promise!” Armin explained as he waved his hands in the air.”

Mikasa smiled and leaned her head on Eren’s shoulder, “Here we go again.” She said peacefully, she couldn’t help it when she was so close to Eren. Nearby, hidden around a corner was Levi listening in with a cup by his side. As he listened to Armin he couldn’t help but think back to Erwin, how he used to have the exact same hope.

“We're gonna explore the outside world! It’s gotta be way bigger than inside the walls!” Armin kept pushing, almost begging for his friend to promise.

“Okay I promise.” Eren finally relented as he leaned his head on Mikasa.

Armin smiled ear to ear, “I’m going to head back to the barracks, don’t stay up too late, we need your titan in top shape.” Armin couldn’t stop smiling as he left the two alone and went to rejoin his friends.

The two were left alone and in silence and unbeknownst to either of them Levi slipped away as well. Mikasa squeezed Eren’s hand as his thumb ran over hers, “Are you ready for tomorrow?” She asked.

“As always…since we’ll be together I'm not worried about you or the rest of the squad.” His eyes ran up the length of the wall until he saw the very top, he could practically see the face of the colossal looking over the wall, the image of the skinless titan etched into his brain after having seen it years ago, “After they’re dead this world will be a whole lot safer for us.” That dark look of determination he had held for years, “I want these walls to be safe for us, it’s my home. I can’t ever let what happened to mom happen again. I won’t stop fighting until you're all safe.”

Mikasa clung to Eren a little tighter as his words made her worry. The thought had crossed her mind that if the home Reiner and Bertolt claimed to have been from continued to send more like the two they already had, their home may never know peace. The cold breeze of the night air blew through the streets making Mikasa cling a little harder and pull up her scarf.

She suddenly felt an odd stirring in her chest, she felt the urge to go back inside for some reason and yet stay close to Eren. With the odd stirring came a wave of tiredness that she’d never felt before, normally she was so full of energy but at that moment she felt like she could fall asleep in his arms. Perhaps it was her fear of losing him washing over her, “Eren…can we go back inside?”

“Are you cold?”

“No it's just…I don’t want to spend our night thinking about the past. I just want you to hold me tonight. I don’t need a promise that we’ll see something together. I just want you tonight.” Her cheeks flushed red as she knew what she was asking for sounded like sex but with their friends surrounding them that wasn’t happening.

Eren's cheeks turned red but he nodded, “Ok let's go.” He stood up with her by his side and held her hand as they made their way back towards the barracks together.

The next day was a chaotic yet organized day of gathering the horses and supplies onto the wall and lowering them back down on the other side. Crowds gathered at the wall to cheer on the scouts for the first time since they had first ventured outside the wall decades ago.

Eren, Armin, and Mikasa stood side by side as they looked out at the distance from atop the wall. Their horses stood by their side as the sun was setting in the distance, “It’s finally time.” Eren said as he held Mikasa’s hand.

Mikasa thought back to their time in Trost district, and the odd dream she had as she was about to be eaten by a titan. It was a fleeting thought but the mirror man's words of Ere being intertwined with death came to mind. She shook her head and squeezed Eren’s hand.

Eren looked to his side and nodded confidently. Mikasa nodded back and put on a gaze of determination to try and hide the fear beneath the surface. Suddenly large shouts pulled their attention from behind them. The three watched as Erwin roared a cry of victory as he raised his arm.

The force atop the wall felt more invigorated than ever and with that they were off and riding into the distance. The three knew what was coming but they felt a sense of strength. They had the largest scouting force they had ever ridden with by their side and now had Eren with his hardening ability. Shiganshina was to be taken back, at all costs.

Chapter Text

The battle for Shiganshina was over. After a day of fighting until the sun was setting the battle was decided. The Beast Titan had nearly been killed but escaped with Reiner on the titan that was carrying supplies. Nearly every scout that had ridden into the battle was dead. Every squad except Levi and Hange squad had been wiped out.

The remaining scouts rested on the wall, looking out on the battlefield that remained after the suicide charge and the decimated city of Shiganshina.

The group was together, pulling themselves together and preparing to head into Shiganshina and into the basement Eren claimed housed his father’s secrets.

Eren and Mikasa leaned against each other shoulder to shoulder. The cold breeze blew through their bodies, normally it would have been uncomfortable but the two of them felt overheated after the battle.

Armin rested on his back nearby, still unconscious after being fed Bertholdt and taking his titan. Mikasa felt a sense of uneasiness resting in such an open position. Being out in the open on top of the wall didn’t help. Levi and Hnage had chosen it to keep themselves from being snuck up on.

Nearby they had canisters from their fallen comrades lined up for use. Even after the battle Levi was on main watch, waiting for any chance to encounter the Beast Titan if he reared his ugly head.

“Eren…we made the right decision right?” Mikasa asked as she rested her head on his shoulder. Eren glanced down at her, opening his mouth to refute, “Not about choosing Armin…I mean. I know we made the right choice but how we went about it. This won’t go unpunished.” She pointed out.

Eren sighed, trying to think about any other way it could have gone. Potentially they could have continued to bargain, brought up more points, even used the argument that Erwin was too far gone even if they did not know it was true, “No. We're lucky the captain chose Armin with how things went. Neither of us would have been able to take it by force in our condition. ”

“You're right.” She said softly as her sense of uneasiness was slowly going away, after being so close to Eren it was fading. His presence was more than enough to calm her, even at his weakest she felt safe around him.

During the entire battle her mind had been on him and now that it was over she didn't want to be away from him. It was confusing, that same uneasy feeling that came over her the night before had returned during the battle. She had never felt something like it before, she'd always worried for him and hated being apart but now it felt different.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

An hour passed before Armin himself had woken up and he was filled in on what had happened. He took it better than they had hoped, considering his state before he had been injected with the serum. Levi and Hange informed him of what would happen once they returned and the discipline they would face.

After they had finished recuperating themselves Mikasa, Eren, Hange, and Levi proceeded to Eren’s basement. The truth of their world was revealed to them in his Father's writings. It felt as if they barely had time to process anything before nightfall arrived. After retrieving the books and what his father called a “photograph” they returned to the wall and prepared to retreat in victory back to wall Rose.

That night before their departure Mikasa clung to Eren in her sleep, not being able to bear a moment away from him.

In the morning, Eren transformed into his Titan to carry them back towards wall Rose. In his hand he carried Erwins body, to be buried in safe territory. The group couldn’t bring themselves to leave his body. Mikasa rode on his shoulder with Sasha and Hange at her side. Hange stayed by Sasha’s side in case her wounds reopened on the bumpy ride and Mikasa helped to keep her balanced as they made their way home.

The group arrived at Wall Rose to a roar of applause. Standing on the wall adorned in their green hoods they watched the people cheer at the news they had brought. Wall Maria had been reclaimed.

Not long after arriving Mikasa and Eren were put in the brig, their cells right next to each other. It wasn’t the best situation but the two were still together. That's all that mattered to the Ackerman.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As they leaned back against the wall that separated them Eren and Mikasa sat quietly. Eren remained lost in thought over what was to come for him after reading his father's writings and experiencing his memories as Mikasa was lost in her own mind.

Her hair was frizzled and messy as she sat, “Eren I'm not feeling so well.” She said before swiftly getting up from the floor and rushing towards the toilet. Eren was pulled out of his thoughts and got up to grab the bars of his cell

“Mikasa!” He yelled as he heard the sound of Mikasa throwing up coming from the other cell, “Are you ok?!”

The shouting didn’t do anything to help as she threw up the morning breakfast they had been served, “Oh…this feels horrible…Eren...are you–” Her stomach flipped and she felt the stinging of bile rise up her throat before she poured it into the toilet with a painful lurch, “Are you sick..as well?” She sputtered out as the bile burned her throat.

Eren gripped the bars with all his strength, seriously considering if he could do a partial transformation to escape and get to her, “Worry about yourself! What's wrong? Weren't you just fine yesterday was something they served us?” He yelled as he shook the bars.

“I don’t know.” She groaned as she stood up to drink water from the sink, the burning taste of the contents of her stomach faded thanks to the cold liquid.

“Help! We need help here!” Eren called out as he banged on the bars, trying to cause the guards to hear them and hopefully retrieve a doctor.

Mikasa shook her head as she coughed to get the taste fully out of her mouth, “No Eren it's fine…just…just give me a…oh god.” Running back towards the toilet she fell to her knees and emptied her stomach once again into the toilet.

By then it was nothing but bile with little to no food, “Eren…it's fine.” She said with a whimper.

“No it's not Mikasa! Hey where’s the damn guards?” He shouted as he continued to bang his fist against the cold metal.

The sound of rushing feet came echoing down the hallway as two soldiers rushed towards the bars of the cells, “What's going on?” The female guard shouted as she saw Mikasa leaning against the toilet.

“Somethings wrong she just started throwing up! Get a doctor!” Eren demanded as he looked towards them.

Mikasa groaned before gagging as her body reflexively prepared to throw up only for nothing to come out. She gagged again and again coughing up nothing but some bile into the toilet.

The guards gasped as they saw one of the heroes of Shiganshina pale and weakened as if she would collapse at any moment. Without another word the two rushed away to find the nearest doctor.

Eren groaned and leaned against the bars, “Just hold on Mikasa, just wait a few minutes.” Mikasa stumbled towards the bed before collapsing onto it, staying as close to the toilet as possible.

“Just give me a minute.” She moaned, wiping her mouth as she felt another wave of nausea run over her.

The sound of rushing footprints quickly returned and alongside it the sound of Hange’s labored pants, “Mikasa what's wrong?” She yelled out with a raspy voice.

“I don’t know.” She whimpered as she gripped her stomach and the bed, trying to ground herself and her body.

The door to the cell was unlocked and slid open before Hange rushed in. The other two guards stood by the door watching and waiting for Hange to give them orders as they stood outside the cell.

Hange kneeled by her side while looking over her face to examine her. Moving her hand over the younger scout's forehead she felt her cold skin with her palm , “You're not burning up.” Moving her hands to check her arms she didn’t see any sort of wounds they had missed, “I don’t see anywhere there could be an infection. What happened?”

Mikasa took a shaky breath, trying to find the words to speak, “I just started feeling nauseous and then I threw up…and the nausea is only getting worse.”

Hange looked her up and down with a worried expression. Everything was harder for her to examine with just one eye but she was doing her best. Putting her hand to her chin she began to think over any disease that came to mind.

“Could it be some disease from my father’s writings? From outside the walls?” Eren asked frantically.

A sigh came from Hange before she shook her head, “No. That basement was desolate, any disease would have died out long ago. A disease can only survive if its being spread to hosts.”

Standing up from her position she tried to think of anything else, “I’m sorry Mikasa but I don’t know what it could be. Let’s see if it clears up within the next few days." Putting her hand on Mikasa's shoulder she stood up before walking out of Mikasa’s cell and towards Eren’s cell she looked him up and down, “You seem just fine…so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Eren groaned, leaning his head against the bars in frustration, “Hange will you come back tomorrow? Check up on her again?”

The sick scout shook her head, disregarding the nausea it caused her,“Eren its-”

“Mikasa, it's really ok.” Hange interjected, “I’ll be back tomorrow to check on you. The public would be quite outraged if one of the Heroes of Shiganshina died while serving their punishment for insubordination.” She smiled softly as she began to walk away. The moment the two couldn't see her face a frown overtook it before as the last memory of Moblit pushing her into the well replayed in her head, "There should be so many more of us who came back." She whispered to herself as she left alongside the two guards.

“Eren.” Mikasa called out as she rested her head on the pillow, praying the uneasy feeling in her stomach would go away, “I’m sorry…after everything we’ve learned you should be able to rest, to not have to worry about me…we’ve learned so much and…and how you’ll…no it's not true…it can’t be true.” Tears quickly filled her eyes before she began to sob, her emotions overtaking her.

Eren’s knuckles turned white as he gripped the bars of the cell. It almost made him regret telling Armin about the memories he had gotten from his father, “I’m sorry Mikasa…I didn’t see this coming either. I didn’t want to burden you with this but…you had to know. I couldn’t lie to you about this.” With a scowl on his face he clenched his teeth and shut his eyes, his voice sounding more anguished with every word.

The fact he only had a few more years to live thanks to gaining the power of what his father called the "attack titan” was still settling in. He felt so angry at his father for passing on such a curse to him. For cutting his life short, forcing him to accept he’d never grow old, and worst of all taking away any future he could have with Mikasa.

Just as quick as that anger came it had left. Thanks to his father humanity had been saved, the walls had been reclaimed and soon enough they would get to the sea Armin dreamed about. The dark cloud over all of those things was that now they knew they had enemies beyond the walls. Enemies who wanted them exterminated

The quiet sobs died down and was replaced with a soft breathing, “Just rest Mikasa..sleep. I’ll be here.” Eren said softly, hoping some rest would do her some good and get her mind off of the inevitable. A dull pain started to come from the top of ehr head, a headache setting in slowly.

Mikasa sobbed softly, hidding her face in the pillow on her bed, feeling weaker than ever. The throbbing that was causing her to try and stay still kept her relaxed long enough for sleep to take her.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The moment she opened her eyes again she felt that same horrible nauseous feeling run over her, “Not again.” She groaned before throwing herself up and stumbling towards the toilet. If she had thought her stomach was empty before it was truly devoid of anything after that.

Eren shot up from the bed, the horrible sound of her hacking up her empty stomach stirring him awake, “Mikasa? Is it happening again?”

A low groan coming from the other cell confirmed it for him, “Hange will come soon enough.” He said, hoping to assure her in any small way.

After just a few minutes the sounds of footsteps came from down the hallway, “Mikasa honey, it hasn’t gotten better?” Hange asked as she unlocked the door on her cell. The younger scout tried to push herself up but the shaking of her legs proved to be too much, “Just take it slow.” Hange said, in an almost motherly voice as she helped her onto the bed.

Kneeling down in front of her sick comrade Hange reached into her jacket and removed a small box. Opening it up she removed a small vial, “Here’s some medicine. We’ll be bringing you some better food to see if that helps”

Mikasa opened the cork on the small vial and began to drink from the vial. The warm liquid tasted rather bitter but she didn’t complain as she handed the vial back to Hange, “Thank you.”

“It’s no problem.” Hange said as she stood up and put the vial within her coat, “I’ll return tomorrow to see if anything changes. If nothing has, I might bring you to the infirmary.” She said as she sighed in frustration, trying to think of whatever it could be, “I’m sorry there’s not more I can do until we find out what this is.”

Glancing back At Eren who was against the bars she sighed, “As much as i’d like to allow you two to share a cell to test out the extent of your ability to withstand diseases…it’s best to err on the side of caution.” Turning back towards the hallway she walked away from both cells, leaving the two alone.

“Hang in there Mikasa. Just give her some time.” Eren’s confidence in Hange hadn’t wavered. She wouldn’t just leave them in their cells to handle it alone.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The next few days passed slowly and painfully for Mikasa. Every day she’d awake with the same nausea and urge to throw up followed by a tiredness that followed her entire day.

Eren only grew more frustrated by the day as no treatment was being found for her. Hange herself was feeling equally as frustrated, trying treatment after treatment that didn’t seem to do anything for her subordinate.

It wasn’t until four days later that she had a realization. Walking towards the barrack’s where Levi resided she threw open the door. Sitting inside the room Levi was sitting before a set of tea that he was sipping on as he gazed out the window in front of him, enjoying his small amount of downtime.

“Levi, we have to go see Premier Zachary right now…we have…something on our hands.” She said with a weary tone.

The teacup in his hand was gently put down on the table before he stood up, “What did the brats do this time?” He asked with a groan as he walked past Hange and into the hallway. Hange shut the door behind her before following after Levi who was already leading the way to the Premier's office.

“You're not going to be happy about this but Mikasa–”

“What about Mikasa?” From around the corner of the hallway Armin turned, seeing the two.

Hange stuttered trying to come up with some sort of response, “As you know Mikasa's been sick, we're going to plead with Premier Zackary to let them out early to try and treated whatever is wrong. Plus, it's not a good look to keep two heroes who helped reclaim the walls in prison.”

“Could I come? I haven't seen either of them since taking Eren’s father’s recounting of events.” Armin asked as the worry for his friends showed on his face. Hange nodded and waved her hand, gesturing for him to come over.

Several hours passed before Mikasa heard the sounds of running footsteps. In the other cell she heard Eren’s faint voice, rambling about something from father's memories.

Hange’s rush to Mikasa’s cell stopped in its tracks as she heard Eren’s voice. Moving towards his cell she saw the young man leaning against the wall mumbling to himself.

Eren held his hand close to his face while keeping it limp, “It’s called…the Attack Titan.”

“What are you talking about Eren? This isn’t the time for rambling.” Hange said with a confused tone, “Who were you talking to? You mentioned the name of your titan so were you thinking of ways to introduce it or–”

Eren groaned and looked towards the three at the bars, “What do you want Hange?!” He yelled out before standing up. He watched as Levi approached with the key to the cell. Unlocking the door, he slid it open.

“Get out of there. We have things to talk about.” The captain's voice was stern as he kept his eyes focused on Eren’s every moment.

Hange moved towards the other cell to unlock the sliding door, “We convinced Premier Zachary to let you out earlier. To keep the two people who took down the Armored and Colossal Titan in prison is not a good look.”

Mikasa walked out from the cell with a tired look in her eyes. Her hair was disheveled and the white cloth she had been given to wear was stained with dust from the grime of the cell. Around her knees was black, stained from spending so much time kneeling at the toilet

“C’mon Mikasa, let's get you to the infirmary. I may know what's been causing you all this.” Hange said as she put an arm around Mikasa while leading the way.

Eren walked a bit faster to catch up to the two before Levi reached out and grabbed his arm, “No, you're coming with me for the time being. We're going to get you cleaned up, you stink.” Eren glanced back at Levi and then at Mikasa who walked with Hange up the stairs and out of sight.

She looked as if she had lost weight and he’d never seen her in such a bad condition. It reminded him too much of the day he had first wrapped his scarf around her but there was nothing he could do against his superior.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mikasa opened the door into the infirmary, looking into the simple room. The rooms' walls were no different than the plain ones of the barracks. One bed lined the wall, covered in a white blanket and pillow. Across from the bed was a table against the wall.

Several cabinets lined the wall filled with supplies for an emergency situation. A small window let in the evening light, illuminating the entire room. Another table below the window was neatly organized with several surgical tools, gloves, and aprons.

Stepping towards the bed Mikasa took her seat, its plush mattress much more comfortable than the cot of the prison cell.

Hange stepped inside, locking the door behind her, “Mikasa you’ve looked like you lost some weight.” She said with a concerned tone as she approached the bed.

Mikasa nodded, “The food was more than enough, even if I struggled to keep it down." She said quietly, her throat still tender from the bile burning her throat.

“That's good.” Hange said, a smile coming to her face. Grabbing a clipboard from the nearby table and a pencil, she began to write on the parchment, “So tell me Mikasa have you been feeling any changes recently? Mood swings? More regular headaches? Sluggishness even after resting for some time?”

Thinking back on the previous few days she remembered just how easily her mood could change. From content to crying in just a few moments. Rubbing her head, she tried to think of the headaches that had flared up recently, “I’ve always had headaches since I was a little kid but they have been happening more recently. They’re not as bad though.”

Hange’s pencil scribbled down her words, “Do you remember the last time you had your monthly?” She watched Mikasa barely react to the question, her face not even shifting.

“It’s always been sporadic because of everything that's happened, I've missed it a few times,” Mikasa admitted nonchalantly, shrugging her shoulders slightly.

Hange continued to scribble down notes on the clipboard before taking a deep breath, knowing hey we're about to have a difficult conversation, “Mikasa have you been sexually active as of late?” She had decided to not beat around the bush, having the feeling it would only make the conversation harder.

Mikasa finally seemed to react as her gaze shot up to look into Hange’s eyes, her mouth slightly agape with a small blush on her cheeks.

“I wouldn’t ask you under any other set of circumstances. The military does its best to keep its soldiers from mingling in that way within the ranks but it happens.” She did her best to give Mikasa a gentle smile. Of course they both knew who she would be sexually active with, her and Eren’s relationship was not much of a secret to anybody close to them

“I–” Mikasa glanced away trying to articulate her words before blurting out, “Yes.” She heard the sounds of scribbling returning.

“And did you take any precautions?” The woman asked, all the possibilities were narrowing down to what she suspected.

The blush that had been on her face disappeared, her face turning pale. Their first time together was so vivid in her mind she could remember every detail, being careful was not one of them, “We…no.” She sputtered out as she looked back up at Hange wondering why she had asked.

Hange looked down at the notes he had taken on the clipboard, having finally narrowed down what it was, “Mikasa.”

Mikasa looked up towards Hange, her eyes wide as she waited for the answer as to what had been causing her so many horrible mornings.

“You may be pregnant.”

The world felt as if it was slowing around her. Her brain didn't even seem to put the words together. The silence of the room was undisturbed for several moments as Mikasa sat there, her jaw slack before speaking, “Pregnant?” I’m pregnant? She thought to herself as she looked up at Hange with a blank stare. Her hand slowly moved to her lower stomach, brushing against the thin white cloth that covered her belly.

Hange nodded, taking her eyes off of the clipboard to look into Mikasa’s eyes directly, “Yes, pregnant. Your symptoms match the usual ones of pregnant women, nausea, sluggishness, missing their time of the month, and mood swings.” She scribbled down a few last notes before putting the pencil in her pocket Staying quiet for a moment she gathered her thoughts, knowing what she would say next was her responsibility to tell, even if it wouldn’t be easy to say, “I’m sorry to tell you so blatantly but you need to know about your situation. What to do from now on for your pregnancy…or how to end it.”

In Mikasa’s mind the pieces fit together, they had made love not long ago, she had been clinging to Eren’s presence more often but that may have just been because of their current situation and she had already felt that something was off. Hange’s words barely broke through to her until she mentioned “ending it”.

Her hand protectively pressed against her stomach as she quickly shook her head, “N-No!” She frantically said, her eyes filling with worry for the life growing inside of her. It wasn’t just her child but it was Eren’s. Her eyes began to water as the news sunk in, she was carrying Eren’s child. They were going to be parents. They were going to be a family.

Hange raised her free hand, “Calm down, I understand. Normally it's protocol to have the fetus aborted or for the woman to be discharged, sometimes permanently.” Putting the clipboard down on the table behind her she faced away from Mikasa as she began to gather things from the cabinets, “So when do you think this could have happened?”

“It had to have been about two months ago. Not long after rescuing Eren from the catacombs.” She said with a blush as her hand remained over her stomach. Her hard abs that she currently had would disappear soon enough as her stomach grew, she realized that.

She’d spent years training to protect herself and those around her, and if her strength could help her protect her child throughout the duration of her pregnancy all the training was worth it.

“Ok then your…roughly two months along.” Hange said as she searched through the cabinets for anything that could help with the nausea, “You’re nausea and other symptoms might begin to calm down within the next few weeks, you’ll experience a few changes to your body. Gaining weight, swollen feet, sore and or swelling breasts.” She listed off before closing the cabinets, “Sheesh they have nothing here except for pain.”

Mikasa’s blush remained as she imagined Eren seeing her with her growing stomach. For a second she questioned if she’d still find her attractive but she knew he would regardless. Up until that point they could barely stay away from each other, she doubted a larger stomach would change that. “Ok…that sounds not so bad.” She muttered out as she looked down at her flat stomach, almost in awe that there was a small spark of life resting there.

Hange returned to stand in front of her, “For the next few months I'll call you in for examinations to see how well the baby is progressing as well as how you are. Once you're at the point of not being able to perform your regular duties you’ll be on discharge. After the baby is born you’ll get a few months to care for them before continuing your service…that is if you want to continue with the scout regiment.”

“What do you mean?” She asked as her hand gently rubbed her stomach.

Hange continued, “If you wish we could discharge you from the military. Caring for a child isn’t some simple task. If you come back after your leave you won’t have much time for your child…the same goes for Eren.”

The older woman knew that Eren was inseparable from the conversation, he was the father of the child after all. Eren had to be discussed sooner or later, and both scouts knew he would have thoughts on the child and how they would be raised.

“I want him to be a part of their life…and I don’t want to neglect them either…but I can’t leave Eren and we both know he can’t just…leave.” She said with a whimper, knowing peace for them was far off and a life outside the military was even farther off than that.

“What if the child is brought somewhere you can see them? Somewhere you’ll always be abv to visit when you're on leave? A place Eren could see you if you decide to leave” Hange said, a smile coming across her face.

Looking up at her superior Mikasa pondered about where she could possibly mean, “Where is that?”

“We would have to ask for permission but Historia’s farm? The place is already filled with orphans that are being cared for and it's under constant protection.” Hange said as she began to pace back and forth. If the need arises it would also be the best place for you to stay outside of the military.”

Mikasa smiled as she imagined herself on the farm they had helped Historia establish. Standing on the porch carrying her newborn son or daughter with Eren at their side. The image was enticing, a way to keep her family safe so that she would not lose her second as she lost her first, “If that's best for the baby then yes. I’ll ask her myself since she already knows about me and Eren.” Her voice was raspy and as she kept her hand over her belly she realized she needed to be better with her body. To get back to eating normally and getting the proper amount of rest at night instead of laying in bed staring up at the ceiling lost in thought.

“Ok then we have a plan. I’ll begin working on any paperwork needed that will come up when it's time to discharge you. For the record Levi already had the same suspicion as I did and as your commanding officer he has to know. Do you want me to deliver the news?” Hange asked.

Mikasa nodded, knowing Levi would find out regardless, “Better sooner than later… I’ll tell Eren when the time is right it's just right now everything is so…” She clenched the soft fabric of the bedsheets below her. Instantly a flood of emotions washed over her as she reminded herself of his words, of the fact he only had seven years left to live.

Hange rushed over, kneeling in front of her, "Mikasa hey it's ok, you can tell him whenever you're ready. Nobody will force you….you have the right to not tell him as well.” She said, her voice dropping slightly, betraying what was supposed to be an unbiased tone.

A soft gasp left Mikasa’s lips as she looked down into Hange’s eyes, “What?” She muttered out with a soft questioning voice.

“As the mother of the child you are allowed to keep it as private as you want…even private from the father.” Hange said.

“No… I’ll tell him just…when it's the right time.” A determined look came over her as she wiped the tears that were welling up in her eyes, “For so long I've wanted a peaceful life with him…even if it's just for a little while I want that. He deserves to know he’s going to be a father.” Her eyes clenched shut as she kept her hand firmly over her stomach, “I just need time.”

A sigh left Hange before she stood up from her position, “Ok Mikasa I'll give you all the time you need. I want you to come see me any time you have a concern about your pregnancy and if you start bleeding come to me immediately. I’ll send for you in a few days for your first checkup.”

Mikasa nodded before standing up, “Thank you Hange, for everything.”

Hange smiled and leaned close to hug the younger scout, “No need to thank me, I know everything you're going through is weighing down on you. I want to help you carry the load in some way, and plus,” She pulled away from the embrace, an enthusiastic smile coming across her face, “I’m intrigued to see how this goes. A child whose father controls the power of the titans. Just think of what the child might be like! There’s so many possibilities I couldn’t even begin to list them all and there might even be–”

“I want them to be normal.” Mikasa giggled before a small sniffle came from her as she wiped her nose, silencing Hange, “I hope they’re just a normal child, no special abilities, nothing to do with the titans. I don’t want to lose them…I want them to be normal. They don’t have to be special at all.”

“Oh,” Hange said with her mouth agape feeling a small amount of surprise.

She thought back to their meeting with Shadis, the story he told them of Grisha and Carla's words. It made her heart ache and yet at the same time warm, even find death the woman's words comforted her. Tears began to well up in her eyes as another wave of emotions washed over“As Carla would say…they’re special for just being brought into this world…even if they’re not here yet.” She blushed, looking away from Hange as she gazed at the window and the setting sun, tears rolling down the side of her face.

The shock across Hange’s face was wiped away and all that was left was a small smile as she chuckled to herself, “Perhaps that's for the best..” Pulling away she gestured towards the door, “Now you can go get yourself cleaned up and back to your duties. I’ll have a talk with Levi to make sure nothing too extraneous is put on you.”

Mikasa shook her head, “No I can still–”

“Mikasa, you're pregnant. You can’t take any risks, even just using odm gear could be too much. Just trust me on this ok?” The older scout asked, trying to speak gently to her subordinate.

“Ok.” She responded softly, even if she didn’t fully agree if it was for the safety of her child she would gladly listen.

A knock came from the door before Levi peaked in, “The brat’s been dealt with. You finished up here?” He glanced at Mikaasa’s hand resting over her stomach, “I’m guessing we have a few things to talk about. Don’t we Hange?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes we do.” Looking back towards Mikasa she smiled, “Now go, I don't want you missing dinner.” Mikasa nodded and turned to walk away while wiping away her tears, passing by the captain who gave her his normal glare before she closed the door behind her.

“Well Levi it seems we have a little situation on our hands.” Hange said with a grin as she crossed her arms. Levi raised an eyebrow, just waiting to hear the news that he had already suspected was coming, “How does being called "Uncle" Levi sound?”

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mikasa walked through the wooden hallway of the barracks, dressed in her normal attire of a skirt with a red long sleeved shirt to cover her arms. Her hand rested over her stomach as she felt refreshed from the long shower and meal that gave her time to put her thoughts in order.

She knew Eren was waiting for her, there was no way he would have just gone to sleep given her state the last time she had seen him. With her hand protectively over her belly she put her hand on the doorknob to the barracks.

Taking a deep breath she turned the doorknob and opened it, peaking in. As the light of the hallway penetrated into the room she saw everybody within it stand up.

“Mikasa!” Eren called out as he rushed towards the door. Behind him the voices of the rest of their friends got closer.

“Mikasa, are you ok?” Armin asked as they all reached the door, crowding around her. Ikasa gasped in surprise as they all rushed towards her, she had to fight the reflexive urge to put her hand over her stomach but she was able to pull it away.

“We weren’t able to come see you with everything going on but we’ve been so worried about you!” Historia called out as she stood behind Eren.

“Sasha just got out of the infirmary as well!” Connie said as he patted Sasha on the shoulder.

“Yeah my injuries still burn but I'm healing. Sasha reassured, “Now get inside, before an officer comes by.” The group shuffled back, letting Mikasa close the door behind her,

Mikasa looked around the room trying to answer anything, “I…i’m ok. Hange said it's just a stomach bug. I’ll get over it after a while.” She said, hoping to prevent further questioning from the group surrounding her.

“Well that's good, Eren’s here’s been pacing around the room worried sick.” Jean chuckled as he smacked Eren on the back just to tease him.

Eren sighed, “Yeah I was…so how are you feeling?” He asked as he looked towards Mikasa, his protective side coming over him as he reached for her hand. The green eyes that had gazed into hers did so once again as a smile crept up on his face.

A blush came to Mikasa’s cheeks, the urge to tell him about the baby was so strong but she still felt as if it wasn’t the right time. She already felt such a connection between her and her child that she wanted to share it with him so much, “Better than before but right now I just want to sleep…I doubt we’ll get a break for some time so I just want to enjoy it while it lasts.”

“Sounds good.” Eren said as he stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her, “Let's get to bed then.” Moving them towards the bed he sat down next to her as the rest of them began to get into their own bunks.

“At least we're all back together again.” Sasha said as she climbed into her bunk, chatting with the others as Mikasa and Eren crawled under the covers.

Shifting in the bed Mikasa felt Eren’s strong chest to her back and his arms wrapped around her waist. Her stiff body relaxed in his hold, her arms around her waist comforting her more than he could know. It felt as if he was trying to protect their unborn baby, even if he didn’t realize it yet.

“I missed this. When we were in the cells I couldn’t stop thinking about holding you again. You being so close yet so far was the worst thing about it.” Eren whispered to her as he relaxed against her.

Mikasa’s flushed face was turned away from him but she was enjoying every second of him holding her so protectively. Being in his arms once more was more than enough to reassure her when she eventually told him of the baby he would be excited to hear the news. Perhaps it could even bring him some hope in the bleakness of the situation, “I missed it too Eren…just hold me tonight…like you did after we…you know.”

“I will…goodnight Mika…just rest tonight. There’s plenty of time to…worry tomorrow.” He said as he tried to avoid the horrible truth awaiting them, “I love you.” He said as he sat up slightly and leaned over to kiss her cheek.

If it weren't for his hands around her stomach she would have turned around to kiss him right then, “I love you too Eren…I love you so…so…much.” She muttered softer and softer until she went silent. Her words were replaced with the steady rhythm of her breath as she fell asleep in the arms of her lover.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“So what are we going to do about the little Yeager on our hands?” Sitting on a wooden stool Levi sipped on the steaming tea he had poured from himself, his hand gripping the rim of the cup to prevent it from falling.

Hange laughed as she took a seat next to him, the moonlight providing ample lighting for the two sitting by the window, “I wonder if Eren or Mikasa will like that little nickname.”

A scoff came from the captain before he took another sip of the hot tea, "Maybe not but I warned them about this…dammit, I should have been more strict.” He shook his head, knowing he could have prevented it if he had put more effort into policing them.

Gazing out the window Hange shrugged, “Perhaps but no point in crying over spilled milk…i’m happy for the two. They just took back wall Maria. They deserve a break after this. It may not be the best timing but knowing Eren’s circumstance they deserve all the peace they can get.” The two went silent.

Levi sighed, placing the teacup down, “That stupid brat. Bringing a child into this world that he’ll barely get to raise.” His eyes turned downcast as the memory of his mother lying dead in her bed flashed came to mind. If it werne't for Kenny he would have died in that room, as much as he hated to admit it.

“Mikasa will still be here for the child, even if Eren will only get a few years with him he won’t waste it. He loves her, we knew that before either of them admitted it to each other.” She laughed as she looked towards Levi, smiling softly at his stubborn gaze, “They won’t be doing it alone, they have the queen, their squad, and,” Hange reached over, sliding her hand over his, “Us.”

She smiled as his downcast gaze moved up to meet hers. Shifting his hand he squeezed hers back before he smiled reluctantly, “ When did we become an us?” He asked.

“A long time ago. When we started raising these kids, even if accidentally.” She laughed as she leaned over, resting her elbows on the desk as Levi remained sitting back in his chair.

“Whatever you say, three eyes.” He looked away from her gaze, rolling his eyes at her comment.

Her hand squeezed his as her eye gazed at his handsome face, wondering how she could have been so lucky to hold Levi so close to her heart. Not humanity's strongest soldier but just the man behind the title, “Personally I like the idea of being called Auntie Hange. Auntie Hange and Uncle Levi sound just right for us.”

Chapter Text

A cold breeze blew through the streets of the Capitol, Mitras. The warm summer was slowly but surely giving way to fall, but there were still several weeks left to go before the leaves would begin turning brown and the flowers would wilt.

Sitting around the dining room of the capitol building Levi squad was enjoying a meal with the newly inaugurated queen. The table was covered with food that had been served.

Although the previous nobles had coerced the table with only the most expensive foods from around the districts, the new queen had ordered a simple but delicious meal for the entire group.

Sitting next to Eren, Mikasa held his hand tightly under the table. The group was adorned in their green coats as they ate off of their filled plates.

“So yeah Jean’s been dealing with his own kind pushing him around recently.” Connie laughed as he nudged Jean with his elbow.

Jean groaned and held back the urge to slam his elbow into Connie’s side, “It was only twice.”

“Three times if we can’t our time in the cadets.” Sasha pointed out as she stuffed her mouth with another bite of still steaming meat, “It’s not your fault you have such bad social skills with your own people.”

“Why won’t you guys just cut it out!” Jean yelled out. Historia, Connie, and Sasha laughed in tandem as Jean.

A small laugh came from Eren, one that was different than before, more muted, less of an outburst and more controlled. It was like most of his emotions after gaining his father’s memories.

Even if the others hadn’t fully realized it Mikasa had. It worried her more by the day, she feared her lover was slipping away. She was able to take comfort in the warmth of his hand, and how his grip on her was no colder than before. He still gazed at her the same way, with a tinge of sadness but just as much care.

It made her feel butterflies in her stomach whenever he did so, it was practically a reminder of the little life she was carrying within her, even if it was accidental. The firm grip he held her hand by was another reminder in a way, a reminder of how he would protect her, and their baby when he eventually found out, she was sure of it.

Historia gazed at them from across the table smiling as she did, she took notice of the way Mikasa was leaning against Eren. Something was different than before, for both of them, and she knew it. All she didn’t know was what had changed with Mikasa.

“From now on I guess we’ll be handling them even more often, especially once they give us the all clear to go on the expedition toward the edge of our island.” Eren said as the rest of the room went silent.

They all looked towards him, with how little he had been speaking each word seemed to draw their attention. Eren’s eyes remained downcast, towards the plate of half eaten food on his plate, “With so much left to look for out there we’ll be riding a lot…so much is going to change.”

Jean put down his fork, looking towards Eren with an almost grumpy face, “So he finally speaks. You better cut this quiet act, it's creeping us all out.”

The group looked on silently, expecting at least a retort from Eren but none came as the titan shifter returned to his food.

The rest of the dinner was silent with small talk about the tasks in the coming days, the plans to reorganize and rebuild the scouts.

As dinner ended the group began to shuffle out and towards their barracks, all except Historia who remained in her seat having her own room to return to after they left. Just as Mikasa was about to step over the threshold she stopped. Eren’s grip on her hand hadn’t loosened and he stopped in his tracks.

He looked at her with a questioning gaze, wondering what was wrong.

“I-I need to ask Historia something just…give us a minute?” She asked, trying to put on a small smile and hide her nervousness. Eren glanced behind her at Historia who had a surprised look, but nodded.

“Ok…i’ll see you back at the barracks.” Despite his words his hand still clung to hers, as if he was reluctant to let go. His eyes are on their intertwined hands, the longer they were apart the less time they had together, it was still sinking in, even if he had already accepted it as truth.

Standing up onto the tips of her toes, Mikasa kissed his cheek softly, “I’ll be fine Eren.” She whispered.

Leaning down, Eren kissed her lips before pulling his hand away and leaving the room.

Historia smiled from afar and stood up as Erne shut the door behind him, “So what is it Mikasa? It must be important if you're leaving Eren for it.” She teased softly, putting on a smile to calm her friend.

Mikasa nodded and walked towards the queen, “Yeah it is I just…I need to ask you something…a favor for…somebody close to me.” She sputtered out as a redness came over her cheeks. She looked towards Historia, her nervousness on full display.

The queen laughed softly, already guessing whoever it was might just happen to be her lover, “Anything I can provide I will, so what is it?” She asked as she stepped closer, just a few feet apart from her friend.

From out of her Pocket Mikasa’s and moved over her stomach, pressing against the green uniform coat, “I just recently found out that me and Eren…or well i’m…well…expecting.” Mikasa’s words were uncertain as if she had just found out herself. To her the news was still fresh, she didn’t feel any changes in her body yet, only her morning sickness and a small craving for meat but that was it. If it weren’t for Eren and the connection she already felt towards her unborn child she’d struggle to believe it.

Historia’s mouth opened, slightly agape, a small gasp leaving her mouth as her eyes went wide

Mikasa whimpered as her hand slightly gripped the green fabric, her eyes glancing away and out the window as she almost felt embarrassed by the news. Historia probably saw her as reckless, timid, and afraid. Just as she was about to speak again and try to end the conversation and her embarrassment as soon as possible she watched the queen close the gap between them and grab onto her.

“Mikasa, I'm so happy for you!” The queen held a tight grip as she hugged her friend.

Standing there with a dumbfounded expression Mikasa reciprocated the hug, putting her arms around her friend, “T-Thank you…you seem happy for me.”

“I am!” The queen exclaimed as she pulled away, stars in her eyes, “This is good news! After all you went through to get this far you guys deserve some happiness, even if it's a bit unexpected.” She giggled as she looked at Mikasa’s stomach.

Mikasa smiled, her heart warmed by her friend being so excited for her, she hoped Eren would show just as much joy, “Eren doesn’t know yet, i’m waiting for the right time to tell him...i've been checking in with Hange regularly for my health and for the baby. She told me I should ask you if I can stay at the farm once I'm too big to do much.” She blushed as she asked for such a personal request, knowing she was basically asking for a place to give birth and spend the first few weeks after it.

“Yes! Of course! You're welcome to come to the farm any time to get ready! I’ll have a room set up for you and talk to Hange about preparing for it! Don’t worry Eren can stay too, he deserves to be there when the baby arrives.”

She seemed overjoyed for the two of them. Rubbing her stomach slowly with her hand, Mikasa suddenly felt tears begin to well up in her eyes. It felt so uncharacteristic of her to cry, Even over such an important thing.

“Mikasa? What's wrong?” The queen asked as she reached her hand up to grab the sleeve of her friend.

Tears rolled down Mikasa’s cheeks as she tried to talk only for soft hiccups to come from her mouth as she tried to breathe and stop the tears, “I just…i’ve been so worried about Eren and the baby…not frantic but i’ve been trying to follow Everything Hange says for their sake and….this just helps so much…thank you so much Historia.”S he whimpered as she struggled to compose herself.

The queen smiled and pulled her friend into a hug once more, “it's not a problem Mikasa…you're one of my closest friends of course i’d do this for you.” Pulling away she reached into her pocket to pull out a handkerchief, “Here.”

Mikasa took the small cloth from her friend's fingers and wiped her tears before blowing her runny nose into it, “Thank you.” She whimpered as she sniffled, her heart finally slowing and returning to normal.

“I hope one day I’ll have somebody as special to me as Eren is to you…again at least,” The queen smiled sadly, the words within Ymir’s final letter still fresh in her mind, "You should get back to the barracks now. I’ll talk to Hange first thing in the morning.”

“Right…i’ll see you at the ceremony…thank you for-”

“That's enough, thanks. I'll see you then.” Historia said as she ushered her towards the door and out of the room, “Goodnight.”

Mikasa nodded and turned away from the queen, walking towards the barracks as she kept her hand over her stomach, “Now we have a place to stay once you start getting bigger…and after your dad finds out you're here he’s going to be with us when we go…everythings going to be ok.”

She whispered as she rubbed her hand over her stomach, speaking to the baby just as much as she was speaking to herself, “Now let's get back to him.” Looking down at her stomach she felt a ping inside of her heart, just talking to her baby making it feel all the more real.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The scout crawled into bed, mounting herself on Eren’s lap as he looked out the window, the moonlight shining down on the two. Mikasa gazed down at him, just admiring him in the light, admiring the fact he was alive, that he was her lover, and the father of her child, even if he didn't know it yet.

Eren’s gaze turned to look up at his lover, his eyes barely even reacting but his body did, he reached out, grasping her hand and pulling her down and onto his chest. Keeping one arm around her back he soothingly rubbed her back side as his other hand rested on the side of her waist, “How was your talk with Historia?” He asked as he gazed down at her.

Mikasa blushed as she felt his hand pressing against her waist, so close to where she had just held her stomach, “It was good, we talked and then said goodnight.”

Looking down at her head resting on his slowly rising and falling chest he felt something was different about her, she seemed slower, more clingy, more affectionate and more protective, things he was used to but now felt different, as if there was something more than just her protectiveness over him causing it, “Mikasa? Is everything ok? I know your sickness is getting better but you're just…different.”

Him being so worried about her made her heart flutter. Just his question made her resolve to keep their baby a secret buckle. She feared if she even looked up at him those two life changing words would slip out of her mouth.

Finally getting the courage to look him in the eyes, she felt a pleasant ache spread through her chest. She loved him so much. He would take care of them and protect them when he found out about the baby, she was sure, “I-i’m…i’m just worried about you Eren…we all are. Ever since you got those memories from your father you’ve been so different…it scares me.” She whispered, trying to not stir awake their friends who were asleep in their bunks.

Eren’s eyes shifted, softening, and bringing a sad look to his face, a pained look, “I’m not trying to scare any of you…i’ve just been…thinking.”

“Thinking about what?” She asked as she savored the warm touch of his hand on her side.

“Thinking about our future…going to see what's out there beyond the walls…what I'll do with the time I have left…there’s so much to think over…too much.” He said with a sigh, “How i’m going to spend it with you is what i’ve focused on a lot…what we’ll do together before that day comes.”

Mikasa’s grip tightened on Eren as she buried her face in his chest, whimpering at the thought of him being so tortured over what was to come, “Don’t think about that…about any of that.”

Her words cut through his entangled thoughts and pulled his full attention back towards her. He watched as she sat up, putting her hands onto his chest, leaning on him for support. He could see the welling tears in her eyes and watched as they began to cascade down her cheeks, dripping onto his shirt. His eyes went wide and he reached up, keeping one hand on her waist while the other whipped the tears from her eyes.

“Don’t think about any of that….any of it…just think about me…think about tonight.” Half of her face was drenched in the soft moonlight, making it look as if her skin was glowing.

Eren focused on her face as he swore for a moment she was glowing. She pressed her lips against his, while she put one hand on top of the hand he was holding against her waist and the other on the side of his face.

Eren’s eyes softened, that somber look remaining as he reciprocated the kiss before she pulled away, “Just focus on me.” She whispered as she rubbed her nose against him, seeking that connection that she feared was slipping away.

“Focus on me and the…the,” The words nearly slipped from her mouth. The hand over his that rested on the side of her waist quivered.

Sitting up Eren put his hands on her waist, looking over her to see if she was ok, “What's wrong? You and the…the what?” He asked curiously, his emotions showing once more as he gazed at her with an almost childlike look.

A deep blush came across Mikasa’s face as she opened her mouth to speak, only to sputter for words. Eren’s eyes gazed at her with such a curiosity that she found it nearly impossible to say a word other than ‘baby’. Thinking of the only way out of the situation she pushed her lips against his.

“T-the time we have right now.” She muttered timidly as she clung to him, her face against his neck to hide her flushed state.

It never ceased to amaze Eren how he could make his lover turn so flustered. It wasn’t something she would show in front of others if she could help it and yet with him she did it so easily, “Ok…I will…i’ll focus on just right now…and then only tomorrow…and the day after that.” He whispered as his hand ran up and down her back, causing her to whimper into his chest.

“I can’t lose you.”

“You won’t…not today at least.” Kissing her forehead he closed his eyes and shifted them to the side, keeping her against his chest as he felt himself begin to lull into sleep.

Mikasa felt the thumping beat of his heart slow, calmer than he had been the night before when she had done the same thing.

She hoped it meant her words had gotten through to him, when he had asked her what she was talking about she saw the Eren she loved shine through and it made her heart race. He wasn’t gone, she knew it.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The next day was slow to get started as the group prepared for the ceremony. Soldiers had been arriving at the capitol all day to witness the heroes of Shiganshina to receive the metals they had earned.

Besides Flock’s angered comments that soured the mood, nothing had gone wrong all day for Eren. As he kneeled before Historia he was lost in his own thoughts about what was to happen, how he wished he could sacrifice himself to make a difference against an enemy so much more grand than him.

He felt the necklace placed around his neck and tightened before Historia’s hand was raised for him to kiss. Taking her hand he pressed his lips to it before he felt a surge run through him. Memories that were not his own flashed in his mind, memories of his father, sporadic images of things to come, things he couldn’t even put into words.

His grip on her hand didn’t let go and after a long awkward moment Historia whispered to him, “Eren?” His comrades watched on in confusion as a look of horror came over his face.

Mikasa looked towards him, struggling to keep her body in place and not rush towards his aid.

Historia pulled away from his hand and continued on with the ceremony, going down the line until it was over. For the rest of the day Eren was nearly silent, more stoic than ever before. His lover stayed by his side throughout the rest of the day, barely getting more than a few glances and small talk. Something had gone horribly wrong, she knew it.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The next few days Eren was back to how he was after hearing of the outside world. It was as if his talk with his lover had never happened.

Despite staying by his side almost every day Mikasa couldn’t break through to him, every talk, every kiss, every night in each other’s arms didn’t seem to change that.

Her regular checkups with Hanger were going as normal. The flatness of her abdomen was changing, her previously defined abs were much softer, and she could feel a small bump begin to perform that could be mistaken as gaining wait to anybody who didn’t know.

But she knew, she knew of the life forming within her, the life that she feared wouldn’t know the boy she had fallen in love with.

She watched as Eren left the barracks in the early morning, leaving her still lying in bed as he grabbed his coat and closed the door behind him. Tears welled up in her eyes as she buried her face into the pillow, struggling to not let her sobs be heard by her sleeping friends.

They had remained within the innermost district of Wall Sina, waiting for further orders as the scouts were restructuring. The position of Commander had been left to Hange, with Levi as her second in command unofficially, as he still remained a captain in rank. As a result, it was up to them to rebuild the scouts.

Through the corridors Eren walked, reaching the door to the office that he knew Hange had been working from. Raising his hand, he knocked on the door.

Hange perked up from her seat, her desk was covered in papers and files. Within her hand she held some very important documents for one subordinate in particular and the discharge papers she would soon be needing, “Come in!”

She watched as Eren opened and closed the door behind him before walking towards her. The early morning provided dim lighting to the room. The window providing the light was to Hange’s back, giving her a defined silhouette from her seat before she stood up, “Eren? What is that you need? I’m kinda busy right now,” She put on a friendly smile, trying to hide her nervousness as she turned the discharge papers on her desk over.

“I’ve come to talk about the expedition you're planning, the one to visit the sea once the executor is done clearing the titans from wall Maria.” The young man stopped in front of her desk, not bothering to take a seat.

Hange gazed sadly at Eren, the boy he’d been just before discovering the truth of the outside world was a stark contrast from the jaded young man before her, “What about it?”

“I want to ask you if we could go now.”

“N-now?” Hange sputtered out, taken aback by such a blunt request.

“Yes.”

The commander was silent as she was left without words. Why would they risk riding out into titan infested lands when they could simply wait for them to be cleared and then ride out when it was safer, “Why do you ask?”

Eren’s gaze turned away from her and towards the floor to his left, “I’m running out of time…you know it. Everybody else does too. I don’t want to waste any more time. I wasted so much time being a weakling, hesitating and letting my comrades die for me, so much time living a lie…telling myself I didn’t love Mikasa.”

The commander’s gaze hardneed as she heard his words, knowing what he was asking for was out of selfishness and yet she couldn’t bring herself to be angered by it. His reasoning was sound.

Her hand rested over Mikasa’s discharge papers, she knew Mikasa felt the same when it came to Eren, that she didn't want to waste any more time with him as long as he lived. Waiting however long it took for wall Maria to be cleared would be time wasted.

Thier enemies could retaliate at any time and with their most valuable weapon on a time limit it didn’t make sense to wait if they could act quickly.

Hange looked at the scout, looking for an ulterior motive he might have but after a long moment she sighed and nodded, “I’ll bring it up to the Premier, if he approves it and we can make it happen logistically before winter sets in we’ll attempt an expedition. Thank you for your suggestion Eren.”

She said cordially, upholding the professionalism she attempted. Erwin had always so easily balanced being her commander and friend she had gained a new respect for him. How he was able to do it for so long was lost on her.

Eren nodded, “Thank you Hange,” He turned to leave, walking towards the door, and just as his hand grabbed the doorknob he heard Hange call out to him.

“I’m proud of you Eren.”

The scout was left frozen as he looked back toward his commander, “What?” The stoicism disappeared as a look of confusion came over his face.

“I’m proud of you Eren, God when you first got here you were whiny, angry, constantly pushing Mikasa away…look at you now. I couldn’t imagine you from just a few months ago saying anything like that.” She smiled as she looked towards her subordinate who’s look of shock returned to a stoic gaze but one now with the hint of a smile.

“Thank’s Hange.” Turning the doorknob Eren exited the room, letting it swing shut behind him. The door swinging shut slowly moved back into place, and standing behind it was the captain himself.

Waiting until Eren was out of sight he opened the door to Hange’s office and entered himself, “I heard all of that, you're not seriously considering this are you?” He asked as he approached her desk, standing by her side as he looked out the window, giving him a view of the district.

“Oh Levi, don't sound so grumpy about it, his proposition makes sense, even if it is a bit more dangerous.” Hange smiled as she played off the proposition as some simple matter, “I just finished Mikasa’s discharge papers.” She said as she handed them off to the captain.

Levi opened up the roll of papers, flipping through a few of its word-filled pages, “Good. Has she told him yet?”

“Not as far as I know but I think she will soon, we shouldn’t worry about it.”

“Hmph.” Levi grunted as he handed the roll of papers back to her, “You know the Premier will probably turn the proposition down right.”

“I know,” She said, shrugging her shoulders, “But we can hope, and who knows it might be a nice vacation for us lovebirds, just think, you and me gazing out at something nobody has seen for a hundred–”

“Enough of that Hange, this is a serious matter.” Levi cut her off before turning his gaze back towards her, “Besides I don’t want my squad involved in my personal affairs.”

“Personal affairs? You mean things like this?” Hange leaned close, pecking his lips with her own as she grinned ear to ear.”

Shaking his head the captain sighed before his hand reached out, gripping the back of her hair before crashing his lips against hers. Hange let out a surprised squeak before she quickly melted into the kiss with a moan before Levi pulled his lips away, “Kiss me like you mean it three eyes or not at all.”

A blush came over Hange’s face as she smiled dumbly, “I can do that.” She said before pushing her lips against his, dropping the roll of papers back onto the desk before she felt herself pushed against the nearby wall. Thankfully the walls were thick enough to keep much from getting out.

Chapter Text

The horses inside the massive courtyard of the military’s stables neighed and whined as they were being prepared for the expedition beyond the walls. Alongside the horses were the riders trying to get into formation while hitching others to carts.

Newly recruited scouts rushed around to try and accomplish the duties they were trying to learn. Most of the expedition would be made up of recruits fresh out of the other branches and out of training. The battle for Shiganshina had cost the scouts almost everything and now just as they were beginning to rebuild they were taking yet another operation.

When Hange had first proposed the idea to the Premier with Levi by her side she doubted he would agree to such an impromptu and risky operation. Much to her surprise he agreed with a bit of convincing from the commander and the personal word of the queen herself who supported the idea.

Regardless of how it was accomplished the expedition was about to begin. Almost all of the newly formed scout regiment was being sent on the mission given how much their numbers had dwindled.

Levi squad walked behind their captain, all adorned in their scout uniform including their flowing green cloaks. The end of summer was nearing, giving the regiment a deadline for travel before the eventual snow of winter came. The choice to begin before fall was made by the Premier as waiting till fall would require them to bring along extra supplies for the slightly colder environment.

Mikasa clung to Eren’s side, holding his hand tightly as a warm breeze blew through the area, making her scarf flow in the wind.

Her hand remained tightly against his as she sought some comfort from her lover, some ration that he seemed to struggle to give. Through the crowd of scouts, she heard the recognizable shouting of her commander.

“Ok everyone, formations! Formations! We need a narrow caravan to move through the city effectively! Worry about the long range scouting formation for once we get to Maria! Riding out to Maria will give you extra time to get the hang of it!” Hange shouted as she went up and down the e line of scouts forming a long caravan.

Spotting her through the crowd Mikasa stopped in her tracks, forcing Eren to stop as the rest of the squad moved to gather horses, “I’ll be right back Eren I just have to ask Hange something, ok?”

Her lover nodded before his hand slipped away from hers, “I’ll grab you a horse,” he said, his mind focused on the mission at hand, knowing the sooner he grabbed the horses the sooner they would be able to get a spot in the caravan and sooner they could ride out. Most of all it meant they could get to the sea, even if only a little bit sooner.

Mikasa was left standing there, her hand feeling cold without his touch, for some reason she’d hoped he’d be reluctant to pull away from her. Turning away she pushed through the myriad of soldiers running and moving by to reach the commander who was still calling out to the bustling caravan.

“Hange! I need to ask you something!” Mikasa called as she got closer.

Hange’s shouts went silent as she turned to see Mikasa making her way towards her, keeping one hand over her stomach in case she was bumped into or pushed.

“What is it, Mikasa?” The commander asked as they reached each other. Her arm went to Mikasa’s back as she pulled her close to listen, “Is it about the…you know what?”

The scout nodded, “I know I should have asked sooner but will riding hurt them? Should I ride in a cart? I don’t want to stand out by doing it but I don't want to risk it.” She said, not bothering to whisper with how loud the surroundings were.

Thinking back to what little medical knowledge she had Hange shook her head, “No, not yet anyway as long as you're careful and don’t fall you’ll be ok. Now get back with the rest of your squad and stay safe, I talked to Levi and he’ll have you in one of the safest positions in the formation.” She assured as she patted the younger scout on the back.

The younger scout nodded and turned to rejoin her squad only to see Eren mounted upon his horse looking down at her. In his right hand, he held the reins to the horse and reached down to hand it to his lover.

Mikasa’s heart jumped as she took the reins from Eren, her heart warming at his thoughtfulness. It suddenly made sense why he so easily left her, “Thank you.” She smiled as she mounted the horse slowly and carefully.

Eren looked at her, perplexed as to why she was moving so slowly and carefully with every one of her movements as if it was her first time mounting her horse. He couldn’t have guessed it was the first time she was mounting one pregnant, or at least knowing she was.

“Everything ok?” He asked, his eyes running over her.

“Y-yeah…just a bit tired still.” She quickly said before pulling her scarf up just a bit higher to hide the blush that was more than apparent to Eren. Even if he could tell that wasn’t the whole truth he didn’t push it.

“Move it you two, don’t hog the line!” Jean yelled as his horse moved past theirs, Connie and Sasha trailed behind him as he did so.

The two lovers nodded before spurring their horses further. From behind Armin rode up between the two, pacing his horse to ride alongside theirs as they moved forward.

“I almost can’t believe we're going to see the ocean so soon! I expected us to wait until next year at least! What did you say to Hange to convince her of this?” Armin asked ecstatically as he knew their dream was so close.”

Eren shrugged, “I just told her it would be better to hurry and visit it than wait a year, Who knows what could happen before then.” He said, “No point in wasting any more time in the dark.” His gaze was downcast as he watched the road beneath his horse.

His lover gazed on worriedly while Armin’s smile faded somewhat but still remained, “Well…whatever it was that you said, thank you. I’m going to see it with you guys…all of us together.”

Looking forward he spotted Hange at the head of the formation, riding side by side with Levi. The smile on his face was wiped away as he looked down at his horse, a frown replacing the joy that was once there. Erwin had died for him to live, even if it wasn't his choice personally when Levi injected him with the serum he sacrificed their commander’s life for his own.

“I know what you're thinking Armin,” Eren said, drawing his friends' attention to look up at him, “Don’t feel guilty over what happened. The commander made the right choice when he chose you…we both knew it.”

The scout glanced at his partner and Armin’s gaze turned towards her. Mikasa nodded, her face changing from the shyer expression to one of confidence. She didn’t regret her choice to fight for Armin even against the commander, “We don’t…and if we had to go through it again…we would choose you.”

Armin looked between the two, his mouth agape as he tried to form a response that wouldn’t come out. That lingering guilt still lingered inside of him but he believed their words. He knew they would make the decision again, even if it wasn’t the right one.

“Now we’ll get to see the sea together just like we promised,” Eren’s stoic expression may not have changed but his tone had. His friends both felt it, even if it was slight he sounded even if only for a moment, optimistic.

The two looked between each other and smiled, the Eren they knew and loved was still in there, “Yeah…we are,” Armin said, his smile returning as they began their ride through the district.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For the next several days the caravan of scouts made their way through the districts they came through and towards Trost district.

It would be a replication of their route towards the Shiganshina that had been taken before the battle. Under the cover of night they would ride towards the district before using their wall elevators to transport the expedition up and over the walls.

The mundanity of the day riding through the safety of Wall Sina and Maria was replaced with an underlying tension as the long range scouting formation was put to use to navigate titan territory.

Thanks to the cover of night no titans were encountered, none that could move anyway. Compared to before the battle they spotted a smaller amount of titans than before but whether that was due to the Executioner or dumb luck was up for debate.

Reaching Shiganshina district the caravan was brought to a standstill as they gazed at the remnants of the battlefield. The bodies of all 199 scouts who had given their lives had been buried weeks before, just ten days after the battle and yet it was still a haunting sight. Rocks and boulders littered the field and the distant houses just outside the district lay in rubble.

Hours later the expedition had scaled wall Maria and was over, ready to continue their journey. Thankfully since most of the caravan was simply horses and wagons meant to be left behind after they were outside of the three walls it was only riders on horses.

Riding through the open plains the scouts kept a tight formation as they headed South. The amount of titans was astonishing, given there were none. As far as the eye could see there was no sign of them approaching.

Looking around the landscape Levi realized Hange’s prediction, “It’s just as you thought, Hange, most of the Titans had gone inside wall Maria,” He said as he looked towards the commander who nodded.

If it had been just a few months ago she might have laughed and told the captain she had told him so, but things had changed. She was now responsible for every life riding by their side, she couldn’t afford a quip or teasing response when so much responsibility was upon her shoulders.

“Then let’s push forward, exactly as planned.” She said as she gazed upon the green landscape surrounding them and the mountains in the distance.

Moments later, ahead of them, a red signal flare was set off, pulling the attention of everybody nearby to investigate. Coming to the signal the expedition watched on in shock as they saw a titan laying in the dirt. Its malformed body lacked enough strength within its minuscule legs. Behind it, a long trail was visible in the ground.

Mikasa watched on as the group discussed what to do with the seemingly harmless titan. Watching Eren approach it and touch its head she felt the urge to dismount her horse and stand next to him.

The Titan’s eyes remained unmoving, it was as if it was dead but had not decayed into steam and bones.

Eren dismounted from his horse, approaching the titan, raising his hand he touched its forehead, “It was shipped here to Paradise…it means it's a fellow patriot.”

Mikasa watched on, keeping her hand on her side, not wanting to be too overt by constantly touching her stomach. He looked upon the titan almost as if he understood it.

They had all learned the knowledge of where they came from and yet he seemed to have a different way of looking upon them. Perhaps it was because he was the first to learn the truth, or because he controlled his own titan, she wasn’t sure.

All except Floch remained silent in confusion, “What?” He asked, to no response as Eren remounted his horse and began to ride away with Armin and his fellow comrades by his side.

Floch followed soon after, unsure if it was wise to simply leave the Titan laying there but with no way to kill it he had no choice but to leave.

The landscape shifted from a green Paradise to a sandy, rocky terrain as the day went on, “This remind you guys of our time as cadets or is it just me?” Sasha asked as she looked at the landscape, seeing sand kicked up beneath the hooves of her horse.

“Yeah it does,” Connie said, “That time when we had to fight off those kidnappers…remember when that was our greatest enemy?” He asked with a chuckle.

“Yeah I do,” Mikasa sighed, closing her eyes for a moment, “It wasn’t that long ago.”

“But it feels like a lifetime has passed since then,” Jean added on as they began to see around the corner of a craggily hill. The sporadic talk between scouts around the group all went silent as a massive stone wall came into view. The wall from which they all knew countless people had been hurled down from.

Eren looked up at the massive wall and then at Armin speaking coldly as he spoke, “This is the place they turned Eldians Titan…which means just up there.”

Armin’s previously hopeful expression faded at his words but still maintained a semblance of hope that around that wall there was something that could change Eren back into what he once was.

Riding around the wall and up a slope the group stopped at the edge of the cliff to look out at a seemingly infinite body of water before them. The summer sun hung high in the sky making the teal blue ocean shine and gleam like something out of a storybook they had heard as children.

The reflection off of their eyes made their eyes appear to sparkle as they were left to gawk in awe at the sea.

The group was left silent as they took in the endless view of blue while Eren’s expression didn’t change. His father’s memories had spoiled the view for him and yet as he gazed out at it he could only think of what was beyond it.
Riding down from the cliff the group dismounted from their horses on the edge of the beach. The scouts began to pull off their boots, pulling up their sleeves before rushing towards the water.

Connie and Sasha jumped in to feel the sensation of the water under their feet as Eren waded into the water, looking out into the distance as if longing to see what was behind it.

Hange stood at the edge of the water, “Wow is this really all filled with salt! Ooh what is this?” She exclaimed as she reached down into the water.

“You shouldn’t touch it Hange, it could be poisonous,” Levi called from just beyond the water, the most unsure of weather to enter the water out of all of them.

“Don’t be such a baby about it! Get in” The commander urged as she turned back, grabbing his hand and pulling the reluctant captain to join her in the water. Despite his grumpy expression he quite enjoyed the feeling of the cold water.

Connie splashed the water at his knees into Sasha’s face sending her reeling back, “Awww my eyes!” She cried as Connie laughed and Jean reached in to cup his hands and drink from the water.

“Ahhh! It's salty!” He yelled as he spat the water out and held a dumbstruck look on his face.

Armin stood just at the edge of the water, letting the cold tide recede beneath him as he gazed down at a seashell in the water. Bending down he picked up the shell that fit within his cupped hands.

His attention on the beautiful shell was pulled away from him by Mikasa who gasped and stumbled back in front of the tide as she threw her arms into the air. The boots she was holding in her hands swung around as she caught herself. She was weary of falling and risking hurting her unborn child but she wanted to experience the water first hand.

Her eyes locked with Armin as her cheeks turned red in embarrassment. Armin smiled brightly, hopefully, as if this was the greatest moment of his entire life. Years of training, surviving, and fighting had led to it. To him it was almost as great as one other memory with his friends.

“You see Eren? It’s just like I told you. A body of water so big merchants could spend their whole lives, and still not get all the salt out.” He called to his friend who continued to look out at the horizon as if there was something he was trying to decipher from it, “That's what I said we would find, now it looks like I was right.” His eyes began to water as his cheeks reddened. He was so happy in the moment he couldn’t help but get teary eyed.

Eren finally spoke, “Yeah…the sea. It’s so damn big.” He said as if he couldn’t believe it. The walls seemed to pale in comparison.”

Armin glanced back at the seashell in his hands, already determined to keep it, “Yeah…hey! It’s like you said too! On the other side of the wall–”

“There’s a sea.” Eren cut him off, “And just across that sea. Freedom’s waiting, that's what I always believed at least.” Behind them Jean, Connie, and Sasha were tackling themselves into the water, lost in the joy of the moment.

“But I was wrong.” A cool breeze blew through the area, making their hair flow like waves as Mikasa’s scarf fluttered in the wind, “I know what's waiting across the sea now. It’s our enemies,” Eren looked back towards them, his face filled with not anger, nor determination, but disappointment, “Everything we’ve seen has been exactly as it seemed in my father’s memories.”

Mikasa and Armin looked on nervously as Hange and Levi stared at Eren from nearby. Hange held two rocks in her hands, suddenly unsure if she should hold onto them or drop them and go to Eren’s side to speak.

Slowly, Eren began to raise his hand, pointing his finger out and towards the ocean ahead of him His normally emerald green eyes appeared more blue in the reflection of the view in front of him as they sparkled, "Hey…if we did cross the sea…and we killed our enemies,"

Mikasa's expression of worry flared up as something called her to go to him. Dropping the boots in her hands one hand flew to her stomach while the other reached out to grab the arm he was holding up, "After that…would we...finally," Her arm grabbed him in a moment of panic, gripping it tightly, "Be-"

"Eren." Eren's eyes drifted to her hazily, her words distracting him "I'm…pregnant." She whispered to him, her voice soft as smiled. Tears welled up in her eyes as she watched his hazy gaze turn into one of shock. The rest watched on as a singular tear ran down his face. The drop of liquid ran across his cheek and down his chin, falling into the water below, “Eren?” She whimpered as a look of worry replaced her smile.

Eren’s eyes shifted ever so slightly as if looking for some deception that wasn't there before he slowly began to smile. Something had changed. Something he hadn’t seen when kissing Historia’s hand had appeared. He didn't foresee something so unexpected happening, so beautiful, “Talk to me Er–” Mikasa whimpered and shut her eyes as she felt Eren’s arms wrap around her and his lips crash against hers.

Her lover's hands slowly moved to her sides, his thumbs over her stomach as he didn’t pull away from the kiss that he held. Mikasa’s face turned bright red as she kept her eyes closed to savor the moment before the two pulled away panting for breath.

“Mikasa…you're pregnant…we're going to be parents!” He exclaimed as he swayed them in the water. His arms tightened around her as her arms went around his neck. With his strength he pulled her from the water, swinging her in the air as she began to laugh while tears filled her eyes.

The two laughed in joy as their eyes filled with tears of relief and happiness. Mikasa felt as if her lover had finally returned to her and Eren himself felt as if his world was no longer hopeless.

Things could change, things he could not foresee could happen. Beautiful things could happen while he was still with her, “I love you Mikasa’ He whispered into her ear as Mikasa felt him slow her down, letting her legs fall into the water.

“I love you too Eren! I love you so much!” She cried as she dug her face into the crook of his neck as tears of joy flew from her eyes. The two fell to their knees, submerging their lower halves into the water as they clung to each other. The two held each other as if they would never again as their friends rushed to their side.

“You're pregnant Mikasa?!” Sasha exclaimed as she gasped.

“Wait what!? When did that happen!?”

“Shut up you dimwit don’t you know how babies are made?!” Sasha screamed back,” And don’t you know it's rude to ask that!”

“Huh? No.” Connie said as he scratched his head before Jean smacked the backside of it.

“We’ll talk about this later!”

Mikasa laughed at her friends as she remained clinging to Eren, “Yeah I am…i’m pregnant…i’m so glad I could finally tell you. I was waiting to tell Eren before the rest of you but now you all know.” She sniffled as she felt Eren began to stand and help her up as he did so. His arms remained around her waist as their friends stood in front of them.

“I’m so happy for you guys…you deserve this happiness.” Armin said as he held the shell within his hands. The group looked towards them, “They’re going to have amazing parents, I know it.” Tears began to flow out of his eyes as he saw his childhood friends cling to each other. His heart pounded in his chest from the rush of emotions.

“We’re all happy for you Mikasa…oh your baby is going to be so cute! I'm sure they’ll be the perfect mix of you both!” Sasha exclaimed as she jumped in the water, accidentally splashing water on her friends as she did so.

Mikasa laughed as the cold droplets splattered onto her outfit, “Thanks Sasha…thank you all. I can’t wait for the baby to meet you all, I want her to grow up with all of you knowing them.” She said as she leaned her head against Eren’s chest.

“Hey if i’m not wrong I think I see a smile on that grumpy face of yours Eren.” Jean chuckled as he watched Eren continuously smile. He couldn't help it, his lover was pregnant, the future he dreaded could change, somehow it could change.

“Yeah…you're right.” Eren admitted as he looked towards his old friend who approached him and patted his shoulder.

“Glad to have you back,” Jean admitted as he smirked.

“Yeah, that whole stoic act of yours was getting depressing Eren, now we have you back.” Connie said as he chuckled.

The group laughed as they basked in the moment, taking in the salty smell of the ocean, the distant squawks of the birds that hung around the area, and the news.

“Looks like Levi squad has had a secret member in its mists for some time now,” Connie joked as he glanced toward the captain who remained silent with his stoic expression. The rest looked towards him for some sort of reaction.

The captain scoffed and looked towards the couple, “I warned you brats about this but…” The captain looked down into the water beneath him, gazing at his reflection, “Not much I can do about it now that a little Yeager is already here.”

Mikasa giggled, finding the nickname more endearing than embarrassing as it had been before she had gotten pregnant. If anything it was comforting, her child was just as much Eren as it was her.

“They’ll need a few years of training but one day…if they’re anything like their father they’ll be a scout.” He said with crossed arms and the smallest of smiles. Again the group gasped, all except Hange. It had been only the second time they’d seen the captain smile before their eyes.

“I thought he’d definitely chew you guys out for this but it looks like you guys-”

“Don’t any of you think of doing this as well!” Levi shouted, cutting off Connie. The rest of the group couldn’t help but chuckle and laugh.

A splash of water suddenly came from the captain's side, soaking the side of his face, his hair and uniform. The laughter abruptly stopped before they looked towards Hange who splashed another wave of water at the captain who barely twitched, “Oh Levi you gotta learn to be a bit softer with them, they’re just kids after all!” She yelled, “Hyahh!!!” With all the strength she could muster she threw water towards the group.

“Oh it's on!” Jean yelled as he began to splash in all directions along with the rest of the squad who began to scatter and do the same. Levi remained in place with his grumpy expression before Hange rushed by, pecking his cheek with a kiss, “C’mon, let's enjoy ourselves.” She said before rushing past him to continue with the water fight.

The captain looked around as the group splashed each other with the water, soaking all of their clothes as they played. He watched Eren and Mikasa stay by each other’s side, locking hands as they ran through the water.

Levi simply smiled and rushed forward to join in, splashing his comrades as the group enjoyed the blissful time together.

Not long later the group found themselves on the sandy shore of the beach drying themselves off in the hot sun. Their capes were laid out beneath them acting as towels. Mikasa sat by Eren’s side, leaning her head against his shoulder as Eren used his right arm to support them, letting her lean back. Meanwhile his other hand rested over her belly protectively as they held each other close.

Armin sat on the other side of Eren looking over his seashell and gazing out at the sun periodically.

Hange and Levi leaned against each other in a similar fashion nearby, affectionately leaning their heads against each other.

Jean, Connie, and Sasha huddled around a sand castle they were constructing out of the wet sand, making their own sandy kingdom with their bare hands.

“You know I could get used to this Levi, vacation time on the beach while our subordinates handle all the work.” Hange said as she stretched her legs that were sore from the long ride.

Levi smirked lightly, not having the heart to disregard the idea when the moment was so calming. It was a type of peace he seldom enjoyed. “Whatever you say Hange.”

Mikasa sighed as she put her right hand over Eren’s, “You seem calmer Eren…why?” She asked, calmly only showing a hint of nervousness that her question could somehow bring back the coldness that had vanished after learning of their child.

“Because…I didn’t think this would happen…I never thought we would actually ever have a child…never have some peace. After receiving my father’s memories I've only felt moments of it but now…I feel at peace.” He said, his gaze returning to hers as he smiled, “I hope it will last…I want our child to know peace…no matter the cost.” Slowly he leaned forward, pressing his lips against hers.

As usual, Mikasa melted into the kiss before pulling away just as slowly, “As long as I have you and our child Eren…i’m sure it will.” She said as she smiled brightly, feeling nothing but pure joy and love in the moment with her lover so close. The world felt so right, she couldn’t imagine it any other way.

Chapter Text

The ocean glimmered in the moonlight, reflecting and sparkling on a greater scale than any of them had ever seen. Eren sat at the edge of his tent, looking out at it. It reminded him of the lake nearby their training camp.

The memory of Reiner and Bertholdt came to mind in particular but he didn’t dwell on it. Bertholdt was dead, Reiner was gone, and their enemies had retreated across the sea. It didn't matter, not at that moment, not when his lover was resting behind him in their tent.

Mikasa snored softly beneath the blanket in the tent. She was curled in on herself, sleeping in the fetal position. She was tired from their time around the fire eating. The group had shared a meal on the beach before sunset.

They had eaten their normal rations since their attempts at fishing with makeshift hooks and strings was unsuccessful as no fish had come anywhere near where they were.

As Mikasa’s soft snoring faded, Eren glanced back into the tent, seeing she was looking back at him. Her hand moved down to her stomach, as if checking on her unborn child. It was irrational to constantly check on her stomach so often, multiple times a day in fact, but she couldn’t help it. Her concern over her child exceeded her own life and health. Eren knew that as well, it was just who she was.

“You're still up?” She asked as she slowly sat up.

“Yeah…I was just admiring the sea…and thinking.”

His lover tilted her head curiously, “Thinking about what?” Her raspy voice asked as she sat up. Eren watched as she crawled on her hands and knees to join him at the edge of the tent. Settling next to him, she leaned herself against his chest while his arm wrapped around her waist.

Eren shrugged, “The baby,” He said simply. For a moment Mikasa feared he had returned to his previous emotionless attitude until she saw the small smile that rested on his face. She breathed a sigh of relief and nodded.

“What about them?”

“Their name, if they’re a boy or a girl. I was thinking through a few.” His hand rested over the small bump on Mikasa’s belly. She quickly put her hand over his, to keep it there and let her lover feel a connection to his child, even if it was as small as just feeling the small bump.

“What do you have in mind?” She couldn’t help but smile, her heart fluttering at the fact he was actively thinking about their child. He was going to be a great father, she could already feel it.

Eren’s head tilted to the side as he looked up towards the moon, recalling the names, “I thought of a few. If they’re a boy maybe Hannes and if they’re a girl maybe…Carla?” He looked back down at his lover, trying to gauge her reaction.

It didn’t take a second to understand what she was thinking as her doe eyes gazed up at him in surprise. She hadn’t thought much of what to name their child. His suggestions made sense, both people had been so dear to them, even sacrificing their lives for their own.

It would be a way of honoring them, even long after they were gone the names would remain alive in their family, “I think Carla is perfect. I want them to know about your mom, she taught me so much after you guys took me in, I wish I could have thanked her.”

Mikasa’s eyes began to suddenly tear up and a whimper left her as a rush of emotions ran over her. Before she knew it she was covering her mouth as she cried.

Eren’s arm tugged her closer while the other moved across his body to rest over her stomach, “You didn’t have to, she knew how much you loved her. It’s me who should have just listened to her, thanked her for everything she did for us.” The two held each other as they cried, letting their emotions flow now that they were alone.

“I think Carly is perfect.” Mikasa said with a soft sniffle, “Perfect for a little girl.”

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Historia’s farm was bustling in the late summer morning, children running about doing their chores and playing while the farmhands worked on the harder labor required to keep the farm running.

The day was like any other, a peaceful paradise for the orphans of Paradise. In the midst of the mourning routine a wagon was seen on the horizon, escorted by several horses, their silhouettes visible in the distance.

From the window the farmhouse Historia spotted the wagon in the distance from her bedroom window. She smiled, putting down the basket of her own clothes onto her bed before rushing outside.

Coming to a stop on the porch she saw the wagon come to a stop, along with the horses escorting it. Cloaked figures rode atop the horses and sat in the front two seats of the wagon, “You guys finally made it.” Historia said knowingly as she stepped forward.

The riders atop the horses began to pull back their cloaks, revealing their faces. Mikasa pulled back her cloak to reveal her face, her hair was just a bit longer than usual, she hadn’t cut it since finding out about her pregnancy, more important matters had occupied her time.

Eren’s cloak fell away from his face, revealing a smile as he dismounted from his seat on the carriage. The rest of Levi squad did the same, pulling off their cloaks before dismounting. The entirety of the squad stood guard, carrying rifles slung over their shoulders.

Levi approached the queen, as he looked around the area, “Nice place, you really made something out here.” He complimented as his eyes fell upon children running through the grassy grounds, playing and enjoying the safety of the farm.

Historia smiled, nodding her head in agreement as she looked behind him at their friends, “Where’s Hange? She couldn’t make it I'm assuming.” She said curiously. Levi nodded as his gaze returned to the queen.

“She’s busy working with Zachary to piece the scout regiment back together,” Levi glanced back behind him, watching as Eren offered his hand to Mikasa, helping her dismount from the carriage, “She ordered us to protect the two until Mikasa gives birth. After that, we may be sent back to rejoin Hange or we may stay here.”

“That's good. I’ll have some rooms prepared for you all to stay in. After all, how would it look if the queen’s guard slept right outside her house?” HIstoria giggled as she moved to walk past the captain who shrugged, not bothered at the idea of camping out for the next several months.

Approaching the wagon Historia stood before Mikasa and Eren. The two soldiers put their hands to their chests, about to lean down and bow to their queen before she raised her hand to stop them, “Hey it’s ok, no need for any of that, you're my guests here.” The queen’s eyes dropped to Mikasa’s stomach, “How are you feeling? They’re not giving you too much trouble are they?”

Mikasa put a hand over her small bump that was still daily concealable with the green cloak, “No, not yet at least. The morning sickness hasn't worn off yet but besides that they’re too small to cause much trouble.” She said as she smiled.

“Thank you for this again, without you we’d have to find some place else or be stuck in the barracks,” Eren said as he looked behind the queen and at the farmhouse.

“Of course, now let’s get you guys settled inside, there’s already a room prepared for you,” Historia said as she gestured towards the house with her hand and began to walk towards it, followed by the two lovers behind her.

The rest of Levi's squad converged together, standing in a circle, “Ok guys, let’s find a place for the wagon and horses and store the weapons. There are kids here, we can’t have them finding these and using them as toys.” Levi said before turning away from the group and leading them back to the horses and wagons.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mikasa slowly opened the wooden door to her room, entering the cozy bedroom with Eren by her side. Stepping through the threshold, she went wide eyed as she looked around the decorated room. A small crib had been prepared and placed by the bedside, several pieces of furniture were inside as well. A desk, chair, dresser, and closet was all there for the couple. Inside the small crib were several baby clothes, blankets, and small stuffed toys.

Walking up to the crib, Mikasa rubbed her thumb over the small bump on her belly. She knew that in just a few months her child would be sleeping in that crib. Eren approached her from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist and gently kissing her cheek, savoring the moment.

Historia stood at the door, letting the two have their moment as she awaited to tell them about the room and what their stay would be like. After several moments she watched Aren turn towards her, “We can’t thank you enough.” He said as he smiled and kept his arms around his lover while speaking to Historia.

“You’ve thanked me enough, believe me. Given how many times you’ve saved my life it’s the least I can do. As Queen it’s my responsibility to care for all my subjects, including your little one. They’ll have all the care they need until and after they’re born.” Glancing around the room to make sure everything was in order, Historia smiled, satisfied with her work on the room, “Settle in, lunch will be ready soon.”

“Thank you, we do our best to help around where we can,” Mikasa said as she pulled away from Eren and took a seat on the bed.

Historia shrugged, “Don’t worry about it, you need rest and I’m sure Levi will be keeping Eren busy.” She said as she walked towards the door, “Oh one last thing, don’t worry about keeping yourselves busy. The walls are thick enough to keep most sounds in.” Giggling her way out of the room, Historia watched the two lovers blush profusely before she shut the door behind her.

Mikasa clenched the blanket on the bed beneath her as she continued to blush. Eren took a seat beside her, “At least nobody will overhear us.” Eren said.

“Yeah.” Mikasa whispered, “It’s been a while since we’ve been alone.” Her fingers tapped the blanket as she glanced at her lover.

“Now?” Eren asked with a raised brow as he glanced between her and the door that had just been shut moments before.

Mikasa bit her lip, blushing as she did so, and nodded, “I don’t know why I get like this, Hange said its because of the changes happening for the baby but…yes now.”

Getting up from the bed, Eren quickly locked the door before rushing back over to the bedside, unbuttoning the buttons to his shirt as he did so.

As she walked down the stairs Historia heard the click of the door being locked and giggled to herself.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Outside the farmhouse a bonfire had been lit, and around it sat the several soldiers ordered to guard it, “Oh come on guys, you know I’m right. None of us are even adults yet and they’re already having one! They’re going to have three at least!” Sasha laughed, putting a hand over her mouth to stifle it just a bit.

Arming sat next to her, red in the cheeks at her comments, “Sasha stop, they’re right nearby!”

“Armin c’mon just join the bet already. It’s all in good fun. It’s not like a few more Yeagers would…actually knowing about the father I’d say they’d cause some trouble.” Jean shrugged before taking another bite of the soup Levi had cooked.

The captain sat cross legged, taking small bites of the stew, “Less talking more eating.” He said, pointing his spoon at his squad.

“Hange makes it better,” Jean muttered under his breath.

“What was that?”

“Nothing sir,” Jean muttered

“Good, just because we’re staying on this nice plot of land doesn’t mean you guys are on vacation.” The soldiers surrounding the captain listened closely as they continued to wait, eager to hear more details on what they would be doing, “We’ll be focused on training and upkeep of this place, we’re going to make ourselves useful here.”

The soldiers nodded, before returning to their meals, “So, you guys think it’ll be a girl or boy?” Connie asked with a smirk.

Armin shook his head, “Regardless of what they are I’m sure Eren and Mikasa will-“

“Girl.” Sasha interrupted.

“Boy,” Jean said.

“Girl!” Connie yelled out.

“They’ll be a brat like their parents either way,” Levi said with a shrug.

Armin sighed, exasperated as he set down his bowl of stew, “Captain, isn’t brat a little mean, given they’re not even born yet?”

“I’ll stop calling them that once I’m sure they’re not one,” The captain said, causing Jean, Connie, and Sasha to laugh under their breaths.

“Maybe Armin’s right captain. After all, they shouldn’t pay for Eren’s bad reputation. Not everyone has a reputation as stunning as me.”

The group didn’t respond to Jean, instead silently staring at him with an almost disappointed look as he held a smug grin.

“Moving on,” Armin said, “We should all find some way to help out. Me and the captain are going to start helping make furniture around here for the baby and for the other kids.

Sasha tapped on her cheek, trying to think of what skills could be helpful around the farm, “Oh I know what I can do! Back home my mother taught me how to knit pretty well. I can start on clothes!” She said excitedly, immediately thinking of clothes to be made for the baby, “I’ll have to make a set in blue and pink!”

“I can cook around the house and handle some chores. Back home my family mostly just handled horses and farmed so I can handle those as well.” Connie said as he leaned his head on his open hand, “What about you Jean-boy?” He said with a smirk.

Sasha smiled in tandem leaning over to smile. Jean winced, taking a bite of his food, “C’mon Jean-boy, how are you gonna help out?”

Gritting his teeth, the hand holding Jean’s spoon shook. Several agonizing moments passed for Jean as he controlled his anger, “Cook. I can cook.”

The two next to him burst out in laughter, “Awww Jean-boy is finally putting his true skills to use!” Connie cackled, holding his stomach tightly to keep his breath.

“We should send a letter to your amazing cook of a mother for some recipes! We’d love to meet her again!” Sasha said, giggling loudly, “I’m sure she’d-“

“Shut up! Both of you!” Jean said before raising his fist and slamming it down on Connie’s head, stunning his comrade.

“That’s enough,” Levi said calmly as he put down his bowl, trying to calm his soldiers before they got out of hand.

From around the corner of the house two figures stepped out of the darkness and towards the group, “Hey Mikasa!” Sasha called, waving her hand as Mikasa and Eren stepped into the light of the campfire.

It was a moonless night with only the stars for light, providing little light outside of the vicinity of the tent, “Hello.” Mikasa took a seat on an empty log that had been layed down around the fire, pulling Eren’s hand to get him sit next to her.

“What are you guys up to?” Eren asked as he wrapped an arm around his lover.

Armin smiled at his friends, glad to see them in such good shape. They seemed more at ease than on their travels, it must have come with finally having a safe place to settle, he thought, “We were just talking about ways we’d help out around the farm.”

“Jean’s going to cook, Connie’s going to clean, Sasha is going to sew, and Armin offered to help with making some extra furniture.” Levi spoke up, gesturing towards the individuals with his finger, “I’m here to supervise them, and keep them in line.”

Eren and Mikasa nodded in tandem, “So it looks like we’re set for the next few months. Thanks to you all, our child is going to be safe…for a while at least. Thank you all.” Eren said, his tone laced with a hint of somberness, of himself just before finding out about his child. Mikasa nuzzled into Eran, squeezing his hand.

“They’ll be safe Eren, as long as you're here for them.” She said with a small yawn. The time they’d spent together had worn her down, she wasn’t even sure how she'd been able to make her way to the campfire or what she was thinking when she did so. The answer quickly dawned on her, it was to see her friends, those who’d be staying by their side.

Eren was able to smile, prompting the rest of their friends, all except the Captain to do the same. They looked on fondly at the couple, all prepared to be there when the little Yeager was born. Eren for the moment, was able to forget the memories he'd seen, the horrible images that threatened to become reality.

I won’t let them come true, I won't let my family be taken from me, I will protect them, he thought to himself as he relaxed against his lover.

Chapter Text

Inside of the farmhouse on a normal afternoon evening. Historia took a seat next to her personal physician, across from her was Mikasa and Eren sitting together, Eren’s hand on Mikasa’s side as they sat nervously. The physician Historia brought was to assess the situation of the baby, give Mikasa a proper examination, and prescribe whatever was needed for the child’s health.

The physician was an older woman with grey hair, an average build and soft blue eyes. She wore a white coat and tan pants. On her lap was a leather bag filled with what she would need for the day of the examination.

Historia leaned over to speak politely to the physician, “Thank you for coming on such short notice, this is my friend Miss Ackerman, and this is Mr. Yeager accompanying her.”

The physician nodded, pulling out a small notebook from the leather bag. Mikasa shifted in her seat, feeling nervous now that the physician was in front of her.

The visit had been planned days before and yet now that it was happening she was a bit worried. What if something was wrong with her or the baby? What would they do if there was? Would there be anything they could do?

“Hello, Ms Ackerman, Mr. Yeager my name is Doctor Elke. I’m here to assess the child’s health over the next few months and assist with the birth when it’s time. Tell me, have you had any previous examinations from any other physicians?”

Doctor Elka spoke with experience, giving an air of confidence that calmed Mikasa, “I had one examination, but it was only for my health. It was actually when I found out I was pregnant.”

“Noted, and Mr. Yeager may I assume you are the father?” She asked with a raised brow, the young man was of similar age to the woman beside him but the Doctor never liked assuming.

Eren nodded, “Yes, I'm the father.

Writing on her notepad, Ella repeated back what Mikasa had said. The two went back and forth for several minutes, recounting the examination she had gone through with Hange, her current symptoms, questions, and answers. Historia and Eren sat silently through it all, giving the two time to be thorough. Mikasa leaned on Eren throughout it all before the physician stood up to leave.

“Well, Ms. Ackerman all I can say is to continue at the same pace you are right now. You're doing very well as far as your health goes and I don’t foresee any complications going forward. You're in good hands with the queen's care. I’ll be back for more examinations often as your pregnancy progresses.”

The other three people in the room stood up, Mikasa smiled and pressed her hand to her belly, feeling a sense of pride at having kept herself so in shape and healthy for her child. It would only benefit the little life forming itself, “Thank you, Doctor Elka.”

“The pleasure was all mine Ms. Ackerman.” Doctor Elka said, putting her hand forward to shake the hand of her patient and the expecting father beside her. Historia and the doctor walked side by side, speaking to each other about the next visit’s date and arranging more visits for the children to be seen by her.

Mikasa breathed a sigh of relief, quickly turning, before grabbing Eren into a hug and holding him tightly, “What’s wrong, Mikasa?” Eren asked, her hold so tight on him it drove him to concern as his arms wrapped around her.

“I was nervous that she’d find something wrong with the baby…or that I was doing something wrong,” She admitted, her eyes welling up with tears as she did her best to steady herself against him.

Eren patted her back, holding her as he rubbed the back of her head with his other hand, "You did everything great, she said so.”

Mikasa shook her head, rubbing her nose against the firm muscle of his chest, “I know but I was still worried. I think I will be until the baby comes,” Her voice sounded like she was on the verge of tears, trying to hold them.

“It’s ok, I don’t think it will last that long, but if it does I'll be here so you won’t have to worry alone.” His hand ran soothing circles on her lower back as she dug her face into his chest, accepting his words slowly but surely, “You don’t have to worry.”

The confidence in his voice did wonders as she related, bling away the tears that leaked out of her eyes. She sniffled, “I’m sorry I get like this, I've always tried to protect you, but I think the baby is making me like this. All my emotions feel heightened….like I can’t always control them…can we go to bed now? I'm tired.” She admitted sheepishly as she clung to him, listening to his steady heartbeat to calm herself.

“Yes we can, let’s get you and the baby to bed,” Eren said, before walking them to the stairwell, up the stairs, and to the safety of their bedroom.

Outside the house, Historia and Doctor Elka spotted the two through their bedroom window as they walked towards the cart parked in front of the house. The cart was pulled by two horses, waiting for their owner to return.

Elka smiled as she looked up at the window before her gaze dropped to the queen, “They seem like good kids, I'm sure they’ll make fine parents, even if they’re a bit young to start having them.”

Historia chuckled, covering her mouth as she did to suppress the laughter, “It was a bit soon I'll admit but they’re perfect for each other. We all saw this coming, it just took them a while to get there.” She shrugged before her gaze fell away from the window as well, “Thank you once again for such short notice, see you next time Doctor.”

“See you next time my Queen,” The doctor said with a small bow before turning away to climb aboard her cart and take the reins. With a snap of the reins, the physician was off and away.

Historia waved goodbye to the woman before beginning the walk back into the farmhouse, and closing the door behind her. Her thoughts still lingered on the potential risks of the pregnancy as it moved forward, but she was able to push the thoughts into the back of her mind, knowing any potential complications could be overcome. She reasoned that if her friend could overcome her several near death encounters, she could survive whatever her pregnancy had in store for her.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mikasa sighed as she stirred in the early morning, or what she thought was the early morning, she couldn’t tell. For the past few weeks, she’d been sleeping in. Nobody was rushing her to wake at the crack of dawn, not even Eren. Most mornings she awoke to him by her side but not this morning, she glanced around, coming to the conclusion he had gotten up to handle farmwork with their friends.

Sitting up, her hand drifted to the swell of her stomach, feeling the large round bump that had spent four months forming. It was a far cry from the small barely noticeable bump on her belly that she rested her hand over every night.

Every night she had to be more thoughtful about the way she slept, remembering to not fall asleep on her back, she didn’t mind losing the ability since Eren was there to hold her from behind every night.

She rubbed gentle circles over her stomach, searching for some sort of shift in movement or shift. Mikasa was told by Historia’s personal physician that she was due to feel more movements any day now.

Unfortunately, the most she had felt was a light flutter of movement, no kicks or flips as Doctor Elka had described on her previous visit. It was slowly worrying her more and more by the day but she remembered Eren’s comforting words echoing in her mind, reminding her that it would be any day, there was nothing to worry about, not yet at least.

She sat up, hissing as her feet touched the floor. It wasn’t hard for her to tell that her feet were swollen. It was a far from pleasant feeling as she stood up and slipped her shoes on to walk, “Let’s go baby, I need to get you some breakfast,” She whispered affectionately to her unborn child while resting her hand on her stomach before making her way to the stairwell.

In the lounging room of the house children sat around two chairs, watching and copying how the two women seated were knitting. Sasha and Historia were sitting side by side, showing the children step by step the basics of knitting.

Both had learned it from a young age given their upbringings in the forest and on a farm respectively. The children were following as closely as they could, trying to copy the women as they slowly earned and were directed by the d.

Sasha spotted Mikasa’s approach from the stairs, causing her to smile and put down the small times she was knitting, “Sleep in Mikasa?” She asked just as her friend reached the bottom of the stairs.

“I did, and now I'm starving,” Mikasa admitted, turning to enter the dining room. The table was empty, and on the nearby counter a plate of breakfast had been left for Mikasa.

“That was us Mikasa! Eren made sure to remind us over and over to keep a plate untouched for you!” Sasha called from the other room.

Mikasa’s stomach grumbled at the mere sight of the food. Over the past few weeks, her appetite had only increased, and with that cravings. So far her cravings had only been simple foods, the oddest of which being pickled cucumbers but the farm had those on hand.

She walked over, reaching into one of the cabinets to pull out a small jar of pickled cucumbers, taking one out with a fork. Meanwhile, Sasha watched from afar, smiling as she watched Mikasa grab a piece of cheese from her plate, holding both the cheese and pickle as she licked her lips. Mikasa’s mouth was watering at the smell of the pickle and cheese, after a moment of admiring the foods she took a bite of both, eating them simultaneously.

Sasha giggled, “The baby must be extra hungry today.” She teased, “I wonder what my cravings would be if I ever have kids. Oh, it would be the perfect excuse to eat everything I've been wanting to eat for so long. Just think about the meats, cheeses, fruits, sweets, and fresh roasted slices of meat.” By the time she finished recounting what sounded tastiest to her at that very moment Mikasa was standing next to Sasha, nibbling on the cheese she had grabbed.

“Take a seat Mikasa! Right now we're showing the kids how to do a bit of knitting,” Historia said, patting the chair next to her.

Mikasa took the seat, comfortably taking the spot as she finished the last of her meal. The children sitting on the carpet in front of her were laughing, talking, and focusing on the knitting.

“Have you ever knitted before, Mikasa?” Sasha asked as her hands repeated the motion to finish up her knitting, “Before I joined the military Mmmm taught me, or she tried to at least.
I was too interested in hunting all day for her to find much time to teach me but I learned.” She shrugged, happily recounting the memory.

“No but I learned sewing from a young age. My mother taught me before she died.” Mikasa said simply as she rubbed a piece of her scarf between her fingers. Historia and Sasha’s gaze saddened, both knowing of the fate of Mikasa’s mother, “It’s been useful in repairing my scarf since I got it. Keeps it from wearing out and falling apart.”

There was always a bit of upkeep she kept on the red scarf, resewing damaged cuts, cutting loose strands and repairing it after every battle. She made sure to even handwash it herself whenever it got dirty. The past several months of fighting and conflict had taken its toll on the scarf and yet it remained.

“Well…no wonder it’s survived so long.” Sasha said, her frown turning to a small smile, “It was smart of your mother to teach you.”

Mikasa smiled, the memory of her mom being so patient with her teaching lessons flooding back to her mind. Before she knew it her eyes were watering and she had to wipe the fresh tears away. The pregnancy had only heightened her emotions further, making the smallest things, memories, thoughts, emotions, flare far beyond they normally did. “She was smart to do it. I’m grateful she did.”

A few moments of silence passed before Historia stood up, putting down what she had been knitting, “Let me get you a sewing kit, I'm sure your scarf needs some maintenance since I haven’t seen you repair it since you got here.”

“I mostly do maintenance every few weeks, and I did some repairs before we left to visit the sea so it’s overdue for some work,” Mikasa said, as Historia walked away from the two, grabbing a sewing kit from a nearby closet before returning.

“Here you go.”

“Thanks.” Mikasa immediately got to work, her hands picking out a needle and string before she unwrapped the scarf from around her neck. Over the next several minutes she sat there, repairing the smallest details of the scarf until she was satisfied with her work.

Sasha had been watching Mikasa silently since she finished her knitting, admiring the smoothness and precision her friend showed in her craft until she finished her repairs, “Wow, I wish I could sew like that,” She complimented, admiring the scarf.

The woman sewing smiled, filling a small sense of pride, “Thank you but it’s really not that impressive. I wish it was more useful, it’s the only real skill I have outside of fighting.” She said, frowning ever so slightly, “Sometimes I feel a bit useless knowing my only skills surround fighting,”

“What are you talking about Mikasa? Fighting isn’t useless at all, you’ve saved all of us at some point because of your skills.” Historia spoke up, putting down her knitting to encourage her friend.

MIkasa shrugged, slowly putting down the needle and thread, “Not when I'm trying to be careful with the baby. I can’t even train without risking hurting them.” She said, one hand going to rub her belly gently.

“It’s been gnawing at me that if something happened I wouldn’t be able to do anything without risking their life.” She looked towards her friend, “I’ve been feeling useless too, around here all I can do is washing, and hanging up clothes, it feels like I'm contributing nothing at all.” A sense of shame ran over her at verbally admitting what she saw as the truth.

Historia vehemently shook her head, reaching out to put a hand on her friend’s shoulder, “Don’t say that Mikasa. Believe me, you’ve been a great help. There’s always more to do around here, anything you do to take a bit of the load off is appreciated. If I'd known how well you sewed before this I would have told you we could use your help. Believe me, you’re contributing as best you can right now. Nobody could fault you for taking it easy while carrying a baby.”

Something about Mikasa’s frown told the two girls sitting by her that the insecurity still remained within their friend. Sasha tapped her chin, trying to think her way out of the citation to soothe her friend’s worries.

“If you still don’t feel like you're doing very much, what if I teach you some more ways to help out? I can show you how to knit, repair farm tools, even how to make some more clothes for the baby.” Sasha reached down, grabbing what she had been knitting since before Mikasa had come down to sit with them, “I made these for the baby!” She said, holding up two pairs of tiny knitted socks, one colored blue and the other pink.

Mikasa took the pairs of socks into her hands, running her fingers over the soft material, “They’re perfect.” She whispered, bringing them close to her chest, holding them dear already, “I’ll be sure to use them, whichever pair suits them when they’re born they'll wear.” Her frown disappeared, being replaced by a warm smile, “Could you start showing me how to do this too? Eren’s still gone so maybe we can just do this till we get back?”

“Of course!” Sasha clapped her hands excitedly, giddy at the possibilities of where to start teaching her friends more skills for domestic life, “Let’s get started now!”

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Outside of the house, the men were working next to a large open shed, its doors wide open to display stack after stack of chopped wood. The shed was close to full with only room for a few dozen more pieces.

A small distance from the shed was a tree stump with several circular wood pieces lying nearby in line to be chopped by the splitting axe. Eren held the splitting axe in his hand, placing down another piece of wood with his spare hand.

Grabbing the axe by the handle, he raised it above his head before swinging it downwards, splitting the wood in two. The now separated pieces of wood fell to the ground before Eren picked them up once more, splitting those pieces in half before tossing them aside.

Connie came up, grabbing the four pieces and carrying them back towards the shed, handing them off to a crouching Levi who was carefully organizing each individual piece to slot in with the others.

“Keep the wood coming Eren, we should be done soon.” The Captain said, slotting another piece in before looking back at Eren and Connie.

Eren called back as he raised the axe, “Alright Captain,” The work seemed effortless to Connie, whos only task was to gather the wood.

“Have you done this before Eren? I could barely swing that thing, let alone chop all this. Getting the power of your titan must have done something to make you stronger over the years.” Connie remarked at seeing the split wood fly to the ground.

Rubbing the wood handle of the axe, Eren looked between it and the pile of wood Connie was taking over to Levi, “I don’t know if they did. I’ve had them since I was just a kid, I've never been exceptionally strong physically, not like-” He went silent, his mind flashing with an image of Reiner holding a dull wooden training knife during their physical training, “Not like some others.” He clarified quickly.

The moment of hesitation didn't go unnoticed by Connie, who looked on at his friend with a weary gaze, “I’m guessing you're talking about Reiner.” He said as he began to walk away with the wood.

“Yeah,” Eren’s axe came crashing down on the next piece of wood, the pieces flying apart farther than ever before. His grip was tighter than usual and there was a clear frown on his face.

Levi watched Eren from the small distance between them, for a moment he looked almost empathetic, “Hange told me about what happened between you and Reiner in Shiganshina. I doubt he’ll be a problem next time you encounter him.” He said before grabbing the next piece of wood and slotting it in.

“He’s right Eren, you're far stronger than him by now,” Connie said, patting Eren on the shoulder as Eren stood idle, lost in his thoughts.

Eren was silent for some time before pulling away from Connie, “You're right…no need to worry about it now at least.” He said, despite the fact a frown still hung on his face as he returned to his task.

The three returned to working in silence for several minutes, each focusing on their own task. The silence was broken by the sound of a rolling wooden cart approaching. The cart came to a stop in front of Eren. He looked up to see Jean standing across from him with a cart full of logs to be cut.

“This is the last of it. After this, they’ll be set for winter.” Jean reached for the hat atop his head, pulling it off before wiping the sweat from his brow. Looking around the area, Jean spotted several children walking out of the farmhouse, laughing and talking to each other, “Look at those kids…running around happily with no care in the world.”

Connie and Eren stopped their tasks to look, watching the kids running through a grassy field, playing to their hearts content, “Reminds me of when me and my siblings. Before I joined the military I'd play with my little brothers all the time, take care of them whenever my parents were sick or busy..” Connie smiled, a sense of nostalgia running over him that allowed him to ignore the heavy truth of what happened to his family momentarily.

Jean chuckled, placing his hat atop his head, “Back home I had a lot of cousins to hang out with. Sometimes it felt like we were more siblings than cousins with how much time we spent together.” He recounted with a smile on his face before turning away to get back to his work.

Returning to his task Eren now thought of his unborn child, wondering what he’d do when they were born, how he’d handle them at all, “Do you guys have any advice for taking care of kids? When we were kids it was just me and Mikasa, and most of the time it was her taking care of me so I could use any advice you got.” He said, looking between his friends.

“Well don’t be too hard on them to start.” Connie started.

“Not too lenient either, but make sure to give them some space,” Jean added.

“Don’t abandon them," Levi called out, pulling Eren’s gaze towards him. The captain’s serious gaze didn’t surprise him. Given what he’d learned about the captain’s relationship with Kenny the ripper, Eren guessed he meant it seriously. Mikasa was family to Levi, distant, but family nonetheless. If he ever did leave Mikasa, Eren knew Levi would be the first to come looking for him.

Eren nodded at the captain before looking towards his friends, “Anything else?” He asked.

“Just be yourself, Eren. Don’t worry too hard,” Jean said, shrugging casually.

Connie came up from behind Eren, putting his arm over his shoulder, “Jean’s right, just be natural and it’ll work out. Besides, with Mikasa at our side, you two will figure it out together.” Eren didn’t push his friend away, instead gazing down at the axe in his hands.

“I don’t want to drag them into whatever conflicts are coming. If something were to happen to me or Mikasa they’d be growing up with one parent or no parents at all.” His mind went back to Grisha, and the last time he saw his father walking out of their home in Shiganshina, “I don’t want to leave them.” Eren’s brow furrowed, his face scrunching into a tense scowl at the mere thought of leaving his child behind.

Looking towards Eren, Jean sighed, walking up to his friend, going to the other side of him to put his own arm over Eren’s shoulder as well, “Listen Eren, no matter what happens the kid will be fine. We’ll take care of them if something happens, you guys have us, and the queen for god’s sake. That kid has humanity’s strongest as an uncle, the best of the 104th cadet core, and the queen.”

“I’d be more worried for whoever would come after your kid,” Connie laughed along with Jean as the Captain approached.

“They’re not wrong Eren, trust that no matter what happens we promise to take care of the kid.” Levi’s arms crossed as he spoke, his eyes staring into Eren’s in hopes of convincing him their words were true.”

Eren sighed, nodding slowly, his gaze softening in relief, “I trust you…thanks guys.” He said, smiling hopefully at his two friends.

“Don’t mention it kid. Now back to work.” Levi said, turning away, “Let’s get this done before lunch.”Connie and Jean laughed together along with Eren, the three pulling apart after a moment to get back to work on their captain’s orders.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Night had fallen over the farm after dinner. Almost the entire farm was asleep, besides a few guards wide awake patrolling the grounds of the large farm and a few others. Crickets chirped constantly outside, preventing total silence from coming over the farm.

Armin sat on the porch of the farm house, rocking gently back and forth as he looked out at the moonlit farm. It was a clear view into the distance with the full moon, giving the farm a stunning glow to it.

He smiled as he looked out at it, admiring the view as he took the moment to think about what he’d tell Annie the next time he visited the capitol. Since they returned from their visit to the sea he hadn't had the opportunity to visit. Straight from the coast, they’d come back to Historia’s farm without delay, giving him no time to pay her a visit.

The sounds of approaching footsteps from inside the house alerted him to somebody else’s presence. Looking back over his shoulder he saw the door creak open, followed by Eren walking out of the house.

Eren looked down to his side, seeing Armin to his left, “You're still awake?” He asked, closing the door behind him.

“Yeah.” Armin said, his gaze returning to the view in front of him, “It’s a nice view during full moons.” He said with a content smile. Standing with his fists in his pockets, Eren found a simple enjoyment at gazing at the view, for a moment it almost felt like he was living a life content away from what was to come. A life of bliss in a home far away from conflict or worry.

That bliss could not last long, “What are you doing up?” Armin asked, looking up at his closest friend.

“Mikasa just fell asleep, I wanted to do a quick check on everything before going to be myself.”

Armin chuckled, leaning back in the chair, “Don’t worry Eren, nobody’s breaking in with the guards, and Levi here. They’d have no chance even if our Captain wasn’t such a light sleeper.”

“I guess you're right.” Eren responded, “She’s been having a bit of trouble sleeping lately, the smallest things are waking her up. Maybe it’s the baby.” He said, shrugging as he looked at his friend.

“It’s been harder to sleep knowing what we know. That there is a larger world out there, one filled with people, and some who are against us.” Armin lamented, his smile being replaced by a frown, “But there’s hope we can sway them. Show them there can be peace.”

Eren slowly nodded, believing his friend's words, as optimistic as they were there was hope in them, “Maybe there is,” If he’d brought this up just a few days before I would have called him naive. Said there was no chance of that but now? If my memories are wrong, if what I saw was wrong then things can be different. Eren thought to himself.

A smile came over Armin’s face as his frown disappeared, seeing his friend with some hope was enough to make him smile, “You know I was originally going to ask Hange to bring me back to the capitol after you’d settled in. Erwin died to let me live. A part of me feels it’s my responsibility to help rebuild the scouts, even if ”

“Why didn’t you?” Eren asked, confusion apparent in his tone.”

“You know I couldn’t leave you two, not right now with your kid on the way. What kind of uncle would that make me?” Armin laughed at his joke, causing Eren to smirk.

“Point taken.” The two laughed together before going silent. For some time they admired the view in silence, the peace that had become a rarity for them before then. It reminded them both of their childhoods, going about their day with simple tasks in peace with a brighter future ahead of them, or so they thought.

Eren was just a moment away from turning to go back inside when Armin spoke, “How are you going to protect them?” He asked, looking up at his friend, “Mikasa can hold her own against anybody in a fight but I'm talking about what's to come. If something does happen and if somebody comes for your family what are you going to do?” Armin’s concerned gaze locked with Eren’s frown.

The two friends looked at each other silently. Armin didn’t know what answer he was expecting from his closest friend. It made his heart beat against his chest in concern for Mikasa and Eren. His friend stood there for several long moments before finally saying, “I’ll do anything to protect them.” He said simply, his gaze moving away from Armin to admire the view once more.

Armin looked over at his friend, watching his clothes flap in the night wind as the moon’s light reflected off of his green eyes, “I trust you’ll do that.” he said, pulling his eyes away to admire the view once more.

“You do?” Eren asked skeptically, his eyes remaining on the view ahead of him as his brow furrowed in confusion.

“You have every time before this, well at least every time you weren’t being captured. You saved Mikasa after her ribs were broken, you saved us all in Trost when you first turned into a titan, you saved us from Annie the second time you fought her, beat Bertholdt and Reiner in the same battle. I don’t doubt you can protect them, or find a way to.”

Armin knew his friend had limitations, that he could fail, but if it gave his friend any more hope it was worth it, “It makes me wonder what your child will be like, if they’ll be like Mikasa defending tier friends or charging into fights like their father.” He laughed, shaking his head as Eren smirked.

“If they take after me they’ll need a friend like you.” Eren’s smirk made his friend laugh as he continued, “You’ll need to have a kid of your own eventually.”

His friend’s joke made Armin go silent, a redness coming to his flushed cheeks as his jaw dropped, “Eren stop it!” He exclaimed, “I’m too young to have a kid, both of us–”

“Both of us are, it happened to me so it might happen to you…on second thought no. The girl you're talking to sleeps too much for that to happen.” He teased, turning away from his friend and walking towards the door.

“Wait Eren, that's not what– I’m just–that's not my intention!” Armin sputtered out as he watched his friend leave and shut the door behind him. His blatant blush still stuck to his cheeks as he groaned, dropping his head into his hands in embarrassment as he was left alone on the porch.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Eren crawled into bed, slowly putting himself behind his lover, spooning her as she lay on her side. Mikasa shifted, groaning in discomfort, “The baby isn’t moving but I can still feel them pressing on everything.” She said, whimpering as she couldn’t find a position she was comfortable in. Grabbing Eren’s hand. She placed it on her stomach as if it would somehow make the position more comfortable, “I’m sorry for keeping you up.” She said softly, shifting to press her back to Eren’s chest.

“You didn’t.” Eren said, yawning moments later as he relaxed against his lover, “I was outside anyway talking to Armin.”

Mikasa sighed as she accepted the fact that she would have to sleep uncomfortably in her position, “That’s…good.” She didn’t want to bother Eren with constant shifting and sliding on the bed, she knew he needed as much sleep as she did. She knew Eren would never complain about her constant movement because he cared for her so much but it made her worry that he was secretly growing more annoyed by the day.

Her lover began to doze off, the hand gently rubbing her stomach was slowing and his breathing took a steady slow rhythm. She breathed a sigh of relief as she felt herself relax, finally being able to rest comfortably when she felt a pulse in her stomach. Her eyes shot open and she looked down at her belly, as if trying to find out if she’d felt something real or if it was just her imagination.

A few more seconds passed before she felt a small push on the inside of her stomach. Her eyes went wide and she pressed her hand over her bump. Is this real? She thought to herself as she waited for her suspicions to be confirmed.

A sudden kick pressed against her hand, the smallest bit of energy and movement. It was barely noticeable but it was real, her baby was moving. Shooting up she gasped, pressing her hand against her stomach, running it over the bump, trying to feel for anything more, “Eren!” She yelled, using her other hand to shake his shoulder. Eren bolted up himself, his eyes going wide as he looked around the room, assuming there was danger.

“What happened?!” He shouted, his muffled voice audibly from the other rooms but not enough to awaken anybody, “Did something happen to the baby?” He asked frantically as his eyes shot to her stomach.

Mikasa shook her head, causing her hair to flow through the air as she smiled. Her eyes welled up with tears of joy as she grabbed Eren’s hand, forcing it to rest on her belly, “Feel this!”

Eren’s gaze was filled with confusion as he looked between his wife and her stomach before he felt the same pulsing kick against his hands. His jaw dropped and his eyes went wide as he gasped, “Is that–”

“Yes!” The pregnant mother radiated with joy as she exclaimed,, “Wait for it to happen again!” The two stared at her stomach, waiting for another kick that came quickly. The kick was the smallest bit stronger than before, pushing against Eren’s hand.

Before he knew it Eren’s eyes welled up with tears as he smiled, gently rubbing his wife’s belly, “Our baby.” He whispered as he felt another pulse soon afterwards, “Our baby is moving.” He was almost in disbelief as he felt one of the first movements his child had ever made.

Tears were flowing down both parent’s cheeks as they felt for more movement. After some time there seemed to be no more signs of the baby kicking, “They must have fallen asleep.” Mikasa whispered softly, as if a louder voice would startle her unborn child awake, “Just a few kicks tired them out.”

“They’re strong already," Eren said proudly. Mikasa couldn’t help but nod, relief coursing through her that their child was ok and that even better they were healthy.

Mikasa slowly tilted her head, resting it on Eren’s shoulder as she put her hand over his. “They still need us to protect them for now.” She said tiredly, resting her eyes as she found comfort in her lover.

Eren interlaced his fingers with Mikasa’s, locking them together over her stomach, “I’ll protect them, protect you, protect all of us.” He said stalwartly, showing a lack of confidence in his words as he closed his eyes, imagining a future with Mikasa by his side, far away from what he’d have to protect them from.

In her heart of hearts, Mikasa knew he was telling the truth. She believed he would do anything to protect them. “Your daddy would fight the world for you baby, we’ll do anything for you.” She said with teary eyes as her and Eren gazed down at her stomach. She didn't know at that moment just how true those thoughts would be.

Armin questions Eren on how he’ll protect his family, Eren is unsure but vows he can. He tells of how he’ll do *anything* to protect them. Armin trusts his friend, recounting a memory of when they were kids and wondering if that's how it’ll be once Carly gets older. The two are even able to joke about Armin having kids someday with a certain someone.

Chapter Text

Like most mornings Mikasa’s day started off simply, with the sun rising into her room. The only thing different about this morning than most was

The pregnant woman stirred, opening her eyes to see the sun glistening over her bed. Sitting up, she yawned, glancing down to see Eren nuzzled up beside her.

His sleeping form was lightly snoring, his guard completely down. She giggled to herself and gently shook his shoulder, “Eren wake up, the baby's hungry.” She said as her hand rested over her now heavily pregnant stomach.

She was nearing her seventh month of pregnancy and was more attached to her child than ever. Every kick and movement her unborn child endeared her to her child, even when they wouldn’t stop tossing and turning in the middle of the night. Eren stirred, his eyes opening as he sat up, he’d learned to wake up peacefully after the first few times of him jolting awake to his lover’s voice.

He’d learned quickly that just because his lover was waking him up in the middle of the night didn’t mean there was danger. “It’s morning already?” He asked, running his hand through his ruffled and messy hair.

His hair was the same length since they’d visited the sea because of his instant cutting and trimming. Mikasa on the other hand had been letting her hair grow out, enjoying the longer look of it, while not having to worry about the dangers of having long hair on the battlefield.

“Yes it’s morning, I know because the baby has been waking me up around now every morning asking for food.” Eren didn’t move from his position, simply gazing up at his lover in admiration of her beauty. The soft morning light made her skin glow while being accentuated by her cascading hair down the sides of her face.

After prolonged silence Mikasa’s cheeks flushed, “What?” She asked as she looked away, and down at her belly.

“You look beautiful,” He said as his heart pounded in his chest. Sitting up, Eren gently kissed his lover's cheek before leaning over to press his hand to her belly. His hand rubbed gentle circles that made his lover’s heart flutter, “Good morning baby.” He said before laying a gentle kiss on his lover's belly.

Mikasa was currently wearing a light nightgown, a pink nightdress that she wore almost every night since her stomach had swelled. Having gotten bigger since the beginning of her pregnancy, finding clothes that were both comfortable to sleep in and fit was challenging.

That was until Historia had several dresses bought and brought to the farm for her. The pregnant girl had nearly burst into tears when she’d received the gift.

The unborn child kicked against their mother, causing her to wince, “They heard you,” She said sincerely, Doctor Elka had recently informed her that the baby could hear outside voices and was most likely already familiar with their voices.

Eren chuckled, nodding before pulling his hand away and shifting to sit on the edge of the bed, “Let’s get you up, if they’re hungry I doubt they’ll be happy with us laying around any longer.” Standing up, he stretched his arms, trying to shake off the morning groggyness.

Meanwhile his lover shifted to the edge of the bed, her hand staying on her stomach the entire time. The two began their mourning routine of changing out of their sleeping wear into more appropriate attire. Eren discarded the more comfortable clothes for working clothes.

Eren spent most of his days by his wife’s side rather than working as her pregnancy progressed. Instead of the daily farm work he’d spend it by his wife’s side fulfilling her every need and request throughout the day. Normally Sasha or Historia would have aided Mikasa in those tasks but the pregnant woman had insisted on Eren being the one to be by her side.

As far as she saw it he needed to be there to care for her and their baby, if something happened she couldn’t bear the thought of him not being right by her side. Even just a small distance away working around the farm seemed too far for her.

Once they were dressed Eren kneeled down to slip Mikasa’s slippers onto her swollen feet, she sighed at the feeling of the slipper sliding onto her foot. Both were swelling from her pregnancy despite the fact she was hardly walking around much.

The most activity she found herself doing was walking around and outside the farmhouse. She’d occasionally visit her friends as they worked, and often made food in the kitchen for her friends.

“When we get back I'll need a massage,” She said with a groan as Eren helped her stand. She eyed the crib to her left. The crib was filled with blankets, toys, and clothes for the unborn baby.

The pair had decided to store the items in the cribs in preparation for the birth of their child. It was always a sweet sight to see in the morning for Mikasa, it was a sight that reminded her of what was about to come for her and her baby.

Eren began to walk her towards the door when she abruptly stopped, glancing back at the bed stand. Resting on the bed stand was a knitted red blanket, with knitting supplies next to the cloth. The night before Mikasa had finished the blanket she’d spent weeks working on. Every lesson and teaching Sasha and Historia had gone through with her had led to the creation of the blanket.

She’d put more time than she could remember into making the blanket for her baby, “One second Eren,” Pulling away from Eren, she made her way towards the bedrest. Gently, she picked up the blanket, folding the red cloth neatly. Once folded she made her way towards the crib and placed it in the center of the crib.

“I want to use this as they’re blanket while they’re still small,” The small comment made Eren smile. He couldn’t help but feel so endeared by his lover preparing for the birth of their child.

Over the past few days Mikasa had been taking extra care in organizing the room to be best for the baby, shifting the crib around, trying to decide where it would be best, reorganizing the baby’s clothes, toys, and other necessities.

During their last visit to Dr. Elka they’d been informed that it was normal for women within the final new months of pregnancy to prepare and reorganize their room or the baby’s room. For Mikasa that urge to reorganize could come at any time.

On one occasion Eren had woken up to see Mikasa trying to move the crib in the middle of the night. After that he'd made her agree to wake him if she needed help instead of trying to solve the problem on her own.

Eren walked over, sliding his hand into his lover’s before ushering her back towards the door, “Well start using it as soon as we can, at this point I think we have all the clothes and blankets we’ll need.” He chuckled, glancing back at the crib that was filled to the brim with items. He knew they'd have to empty it for the child, and he knew once Mikasa realized that she’d want to empty it immediately.

“I want to be ready in case something happens and the abby arrives sooner than we expect. I can’t stand the thought of being unprepared,” She said as she took careful step after careful step down the stairs.

Eren nodded, "Everything's ready Mikasa, now we just have to wait for them to come.” His simple words brought a smile to Mikasa’s face. Just being able to hear her lover say that helped ease her, she’d been telling herself the same thing day after day and yet she was finding it hard to accept it.

There wasn’t much more she could do for her unborn child and she knew it. The most she could do was continue to maintain her health and the steady supply of foods that were meant to help the developing baby.

Downstairs the day had already started. The kitchen was filled with their friends preparing breakfast as a group. Usually it was one or two of them making food for the whole but today was slightly different. The entirety of Levi squad resided in the kitchen, rushing around, doing their best to finish breakfast in a timely manner.

Sasha, Jean, Historia, and Connie are inside the kitchen. Each was handling their own respective task to try and finish the meal. Jean was outside the kitchen, setting the table with utensils and plates.

The first to notice their presence was Connie when he turned around, carrying a plate of bacon in his hands, “Oi Mikasa! Eren! Take some seats, we’re almost done.” He watched as Mikasa walked towards him, shaking her head and gently waving her hand through the air dismissively.

“No, it's fine, I can still help out.” She said, taking the plate from his hands and carrying it back to the table. She placed it down, only to feel Eren’s hand move to rest atop hers.

“Mikasa take a seat and let us take care of you. I’ll help them out.” Eren whispered to her, holding a comforting smile that made Mikasa’s heart lightly flutter. She bit her lip trying to decide whether or not to listen to her lover. The urge to help out was strong, as was the fear that she was becoming a burden. After a moment of contemplation, she crumbled beneath Eren’s soft gaze.

“Ok.” She said with a sigh, trying to not frown as she took a seat. Eren smiled, gently squeezing her hand before pulling away to help the rest of them in the kitchen. She watches as breakfast was finished soon after, everybody beginning to convene around the table as it was finished. Her eyes rested on the plates of food, her stomach grumbling, the smell of food making her feel as if she was starving.

Not being able to wait a second longer, she began to serve herself, starting with the eggs. Her hunger had been insatiable the past few weeks. Every few hours she’d have a new craving or food she wanted to eat. Every so often she’d even ask Eren to retrieve her something from the pantry in the middle of the night to hold her over until morning.

Connie had reached over to grab the plate of pancakes, about to serve himself when Historia reached for the plate, grabbing it with one hand, placing them back on the table, close to Mikasa, “Let Mikasa get a few first, just so she has as many as she wants. The baby comes first.” Connie frowned but didn’t complain.

Amongst all of Levi squad the baby coming first had become the rule of the house. The baby itself was as close to being a squad member as anybody could get without being an official part of the squad. They were the child of two of its members after all.

“Speaking of the baby, Levi, can you just go ahead and make them a member of the squad already?” Sasha asks, leaning over to place a fluffy bread cake on top of his plate. The captain didn’t glance away from the newspaper recounting the news of what was going on outside of the farm. His eyes remained glued to the section on the scout regiment, talking about its slow rebuilding under commander Hange Zoe, he was still getting used to calling her that.

“No.” He said bluntly, “I’m not going to consider putting an unborn child onto the squad. It would be an insult to those who served on it.”

Connie nodded as he took his seat. “The captain makes a good point. Sasha.”

Sasha sighed, realizing he was right, and placing the plate of bread cakes onto the table,“Your right captain, I guess they’ll have to earn it someday.”

The captain rolled his eyes, as if the mere prospect of the child ever joining the military annoyed him, “If Levi squad is still around then I sure as hell won’t be leading it. By then i’ll either dead, retired, or–

“Or Commander of the scouting regiment.”

The familiar, raspy voice of Hange came from the door, pulling every pair of eyes onto the commander standing at the doorway of the farmhouse, holding her hat in her hand and smiling at the group.

“Hange!” Jean shot up, standing up from the table, followed by the rest of the group.

Only Levi remained sitting, calmly playing down his newspaper and taking a sip of his tea calmly, “Is that you Hange I thought you were still busy in the capitol. Did the top brass run you out or are you here on vacation?” He asked as he stood up.

“Yes it’s me Levi, and no, I'm here to see you all. I needed a break from all the politics and get away.”

Levi approached with the rest of the group behind him. Mikasa made her way past Levi, meeting Hange face to face. Hange’s eyes went wide as an equally wide smile came over her face, “Oh Mikasa you look great! It’s been too long.” She said as she reached forward, hugging Mikasa against her tightly while being weary of her pregnant stomach.

Mikasa hugged Hange tightly, her heart racing in her chest after going so long without seeing the woman who had been instrumental in aiding her in the earliest days of her pregnancy, “I missed you Hange. I was worried I wouldn’t get to see you again before I gave birth.” She said as the two pulled away from each other.

“Well I'm glad to have made it. Sorry to interrupt your breakfast.” Hange said with an embarrassed look as she placed the hat back on her head.

Mikasa shook her head, motioning for her to come sit at the table, “It’s fine Hange, let’s catch up and eat. You must be hungry”

The group returned to the table, taking their seats while pulling up a seat for Hange to sit by Mikasa, “So how have you been since arriving? I can tell Historia has been keeping all of you well taken care of.” The commander complimented, before beginning to serve herself.

Historia giggled, smiling at the compliment, “Thank you Hange, I’ve tried my best.”

“It’s been a welcoming stay. It sometimes can feel like I’m not pulling my weight but that feeling passes. I spend most of my time learning to knit and sew, anything I can.” Mikasa said before returning to her meal, not being able to delay it any longer.

Hange stabbed into her food, taking a small bite, “Knitting? You’ll have to show me what you’ve been working on.”

Levi looked towards Hange, speaking up, “So Hange, how about you tell us what you’ve been working on in the capitol. Is everything going smoothly as far as getting new recruits goes? Not many recruits i’m guessing, not after what happened. ” He asked, wondering what they would soon be working with as leaders of the rebuilt scout regiment.

A laugh came from Hange as she set her utensil down, “Actually it’s the complete opposite. We’re having more recruits than ever joining. The story of the battle spread like wildfire through the trainees, apparently we’re heroes to them and the public.” She watched as Levi nodded, his stoic gaze dropping to the table as he seemed to sift through his thoughts.

“Good, we won’t have to worry about a lack of personnel now, but i’m not looking forward to a flood of recruits filling the ranks.” He shook his head, “I guess there’s nothing we can do about it, we’re down to just a few senior members and captains.”

Hange nodded sadly, “It’s just us and a few others now to lead them. I’d ask you to come back with me to the capitol but,” Her eyes fell on Mikasa who looked somewhat embarrassed at the fact the captain could be doing good aiding Hange in the capitol, but instead was staying at the farm, “This is just as important. I can wait for you until after the birth.”

“Agreed.” Levi said, leaning back in the chair and crossing his arms as he relaxed. The rest of breakfast was filled with small talk from everybody else questioning Hange on what had been going on while catching her up on what they’d been doing.

After breakfast had been finished Levi and Hange continued to talk about the core, the captain making sure to catch up on everything he’d missed so that when he returned he would be ready to aid Hange.

Mikasa stood up from the table once she was done eating, Eren helping her do so, as she did it came to her that she’d forgotten something they’d be doing that day, “Oh Hange, I have a question for you.”

“What is Mikasa?” Hange asked, pausing her conversation with the captain.

“Doctor Elka is coming today for a check up, I just wanted to tell you in case you have any questions for her on when I can return to duty.” Mikasa didn’t know when she’d be returning to continue her service but she was sure that she would be eventually. Just because she was going to be a mother didn’t mean she could stay home while Eren went off to where she couldn’t protect him, and to where he couldn’t protect her.

Hange laughed softly, “Oh Mikasa you don’t have to worry about that, I'm not going to be rushing you back to the front lines. Even when she says you're good to go I want you to enjoy some extra time with your child, until you're ready to come back.” She gave a comforting smile to Mikasa who nodded before following Eren to the living room to sit. As she passed by the house’s window she heard the sound of thunder rumbling in the distance. She stopped to look out at the window, seeing a storm on the horizon.

Eren stood behind her, noticing the storm. He didn’t worry, knowing the farm house was a strong enough shelter from the storm. Mikasa frowned, an uneasy feeling welling up in her chest, she instantly felt a wave of concern run over her. Not for herself but for doctor Elka, she hoped the woman wouldn’t get caught in the storm.

Chapter Text

Hours passed, the storm finally reached the farm house. The farmhands and orphans around the area all retreated into their shelters. Inside the queen’s home a fire burned in the fireplace, keeping the entirety of the house warm while Levi squad and Hagne resided in it. The group sat in the lounging area, in front of the fire. Levi and Hange sat at the table in the kitchen, a map that showed an area spanning from the walls to the sea.

The two talked in hushed voices, looking over the map that had been confiscated from the Reiss family estate. It had been taken into the government’’s hands along with several other maps of the island that the royal family had guarded closely.

The map was clearly aged but it was enough for them to have a good idea of their island’s size and geography. Levi seemed to be examining it, thinking of the best and fastest routes to reach the port at the edge of the island.

In the lounging area Jean sat reading a book absentmindedly while Connie and Sasha played a game of chess on the small table in the middle of the area. Mikasa sat on the wooden rocking chair, closest to the fire where it was warmest.

In her hand was a needle, and thread while in the other was her scarf. It was just a part of keeping the scarf in good condition, but it helped soothe her as she tried to distract herself from the sound of flashing thunder outside the house. Eren sat on the couch behind her, watching his lover as he sat next to Historia, who was reading one of her own books.

Finishing up the work on her scarf, and unable to find any damages needing to be repaired, Mikasa sighed, wrapping the scarf around her before she leaned back in the chair. Her hands went to her stomach as she tried to calm her worries, “Doctor Elka still hasn’t arrived.” She said softly, looking towards Historia and Eren.

Historia and Eren looked between each other and then at Mikasa. Historia spoke first, “I assume she decided to not make the journey once the storm started, or turned back once it got worse. Don’t worry, when the storm’s over we can send a rider to go check on her”

Mikasa glanced at Historia, then the window, seemingly unconvinced, “I…I’m just worried that-” A flash of light appeared at the window, followed by a thundering bang. The entire room looked towards the window, their attention snapping away from what they’d been doing. After a moment Mikasa stood up, “I need to do something to keep myself busy, I can’t just sit here worrying.”

Eren and Historia looked between each other wearily, before both stood up to follow after her. She made her way inside the kitchen, Mikasa reached for a knife on the counter, grabbing a cutting board, and a few of the loose vegetables that would have to be cut before dinner.

Coming up behind her, Eren gently put a hand over her shoulder while his hand reached to gently take the knife from her hand and place it down, “Mikasa it’s ok to worry but don’t worry yourself sick, Dr. Elka is probably fine.
You should be worried about yourself, stress can't be good for the baby.”

“You're right Eren but I just can’t stop thinking about her being caught out there in the storm.” She admitted, tears welling up in her eyes, “All because of me, I don’t want her getting hurt because I needed a check up.” Mikasa felt the emotions running over her as she turned to grab onto Eren, pulling him into a hug, her head resting on his chest.

Eren held her against him, looking towards Historia, a pleading look on his face, hoping for help. Levi and Hange watched from the table,looking on with growing concern over Mikasa.

“Maybe we should get started on dinner? It’s about time to.” Historia said.

A sniffle came from Mikasa as she nodded, “Yeah we should…if Doctor Elka ends up making it here we should have something to feed her.” Mikasa pulled away from Eren, moving back to her task of cutting the vegetables.

Historia looked back towards the living room, calling out, “Everybody, let's get started on dinner. How does soup sound?”

“That sounds good Historia, after the last meal I feel spoiled. The food in the capitol doesn't compare.” Hange stretched out her arms, letting out a long yawn, “I’m getting too comfortable already. Be careful Levi, or you might go soft living in the lap of luxury.” She said, hoping to lighten the mood somewhat. Levi simply shook his head in response as he rolled up the map, taking it away from the table.

“Historia! What if we made something special? We haven’t seen Hange in months, we should celebrate!” Sasha called out, standing up and rushing over to the kitchen, an excited look on her face as she immediately had what she wanted to make in mind.

Hange smiled, an embarrassed look coming over her face as she waved her hand dismissively, “Oh no, you don’t have to-”

“I know just what to make!” Sasha yelled, digging through the cabinets, Hange’s words going in one ear and out the other, “Historia do we still have those eggs from earlier?”

Historia looked at her perplexed, tilting her head to the side, “What for?”

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

An hour later the entirety of the house resided in the kitchen, the table was covered in plates, food, and half empty jugs of water. The meal had already been mostly eaten and besides a few scraps there wasn’t much left to eat. The table was empty, not one person sitting at it. In the kitchen the group was crowded in front of the oven, looking through the dark glass, waiting for it to be finished.

Sasha stood at the front of the group, mittens in her hands, “And it’s done!” She exclaimed, reaching with one hand to open the oven before reaching in to pull out, “Now we just need the frosting and it’ll be finished!” She said, excitedly placing the cake down and taking the mittens off.

The rest of the group looked at the cake as she began to frost it, “Thank’s again for giving me the recipe, I'll need to make cake more often from now on.” Historia said, looking down at a paper with scribbled instructions that Sasha had written down for her.

“It’s my own recipe, it’s my first time baking it in a while so you’ll have to let me know if it’s any good.” Sasha said, finishing the simple frosting and bringing it towards the table, “Ok dig in!” She stepped back, watching the group return to the table to try the cake. Historia walked over with a knife from the kitchen, cutting the cake into slices, handing them out on small plates.

Mikasa took the plate handed to her, the smell for the cake making the hunger she’d just gotten rid of return. Sasha watched as she took a bite, waiting for news on whether or not her baking skills had faded since joining the military. The wait for Mikasa’s reaction made Sasha feel nervous as there seemed to be no reaction on her face. After what felt like an eternity she smiled “It’s great Sasha.” She said, scooping a second bite for herself.

Her friend breathed a sigh of relief, “For a second I thought something was wrong.” She laughed nervously, scratching the back of her head.

“It’s good,” Armin said, “I have to admit it’s the best cake I've had in a while.”

Connie had nearly finished his entire slice before he spoke, “You need to make this for the baby’s birthday, this can’t be the last time you make this.”

Hange walked to Sasha’s side, “Thanks for the treat, this visit has been a nice vacation so far, I think i’ll be visiting more often from now on now that things have calmed down.”

“We’d like to have you around more Hange.” Mikasa admitted, sitting down with Eren standing behind her, “Maybe you could visit again for the birth? I want you to meet them alongside everybody else.”

A soft look came into Hange’s eyes, Mikasa’s words striking a chord with her, “I’ll try Mikasa, but I'm sorry to say I probably won’t be able to.”

Mikasa seemed to deflate at her words, a disappointed frown coming across her face that she tried to quickly hide with a smile, “It’s ok Hange, whenever you can make it will be fine,” She watched as Hange placed her plate down on the table, making her way over to sit next to Mikasa. Hange reached out, taking Mikasa’s hand.

“I know you're going through a lot sweetie, are you nervous?” She asked, watching as Mikasa glanced away an embarrassed and nervous look in her eyes before she nodded.

“Yes.” She admitted, her hand over her stomach, her worry at that moment being entirely focused on the wellbeing of her child.

Hange smiled, an understanding look on her face that comforted Mikasa, “Even if I'm not there you don’t have to worry. Doctor Elka will be here to help you deliver the baby, her and the best midwives she and Historia can find. You don’t have to be afraid.”

“It’s not that I'm afraid for myself, I'm worried about the baby, if something happens,” Mikasa looked towards Eren who was standing between Armin and Sasha, laughing and eating, “If something happens I don’t know what he’ll do. I just got him back because of the baby and if something happens to them…I could lose him again.” She said, looking back towards Hange, “And I want you there because…well you were here from the beginning. When I found out I was pregnant it was you who helped me through it, you helped me before anybody even knew what was going on.”

It suddenly made more sense to Hange why Mikasa had looked so sad hearing she wouldn’t be there at the birth, “You're not going to lose him sweetie, not him or the baby, not while he’s here, and not while you have us looking out for you. Try and think positively Mikasa, just think about what it'll be like to finally meet your baby, the look on Eren’s face. He’s going to be the same man you love, even after the baby is born.”

She said, her words nearly bringing Mikasa tears of joy at just imagining Eren holding a tiny baby girl or boy in his arms, “You’re right…he’s been so loving since he found out. That couldn’t change…right?” A pounding throb abruptly began pulsing in Mikasa’s head, causing her to hiss, her hand reaching up to her head, “Shit!” She swore, feeling an onsetting headache, just like the ones she so often got.

“Your headaches?” Hange asked, putting her hand on Mikasa’s shoulder.

“Y-yes it’s just-” The throbbing continued, Mikasa stood up, “I think I need to lay down.” Hange stood up with her.

“Here let me help you.”

From across the table Eren noticed his lover in distress, rushing over, “Mikasa? What's going on? Is it your-”

“Yes!” Mikasa yelled, a sudden ringing filling her ears, it felt as if somebody was digging through her brain, crawling through every part of it searching for something, “Eren, take me to the-” A sudden strong pulse caused her to cry out, early falling over if not for Eren and Hange catching her.

“Mikasa, are you hurt?” Armin yelled, running up behind her, dropping down to her knees to see Mikasa sweating, her chest rising and falling quickly, quick breaths coming from her, “Is it time?” She asked, looking shocked and confused.

Mikasa fell to her knees, “I think-...the bedroom now!” Mikasa’s eyes went wide, a look of shocked silence coming over her face as she felt a wetness pool on the floor, staining her clothes. She looked down, seeing a pool of what looked like water on the floor between her legs, “E-Eren the baby! They’re coming!” She yelled, her gaze whipping towards Eren, a look calling for desperate help facing him.

The group around them looked down in shock, the moment coming so abruptly they barely had time to react let alone process what she was saying. Hange looked back towards Levi, about to order him to go call for the midwives living on the farm when she saw a rare sight from the captain, fear.

Eren’s eyes widened for a moment, his mouth opening as if to answer before his gaze tightened, turning serious. Without a moment of hesitation he reached towards Mikasa, pulling her into her arms and lifting her up, “Shit!” He yelled, bolting up, rushing towards the stairs with Mikasa in his arms, her curled up form clutching onto him for dear life as they rushed to their bedroom, “Go get help! Now!” He shouted, “It’s going to be ok Mikasa, just hold on.” He said, almost begging her to hold on as they reached their bedroom.