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“Your due date is the 4th of March.”
“My due date?” Mikasa blinked, perplexed at their words.
Dr Zoe gave her a soft smile. “Yes, you’re expecting.”
Mikasa flushed immediately. She was pregnant. It was crazy how her mind hadn’t even come to that, she was aware that Eren and her didn’t always use a condom but she had at least thought that she was on the pill. Her pregnancy did explain the lack of her period in a month, but she had concluded that it was simply just stress from work.
You’re expecting.
Butterflies fluttered around her stomach as she couldn’t help but hold it gently. She was expecting. She had always dreamed of being a mother and her heart elevated at the thought she and Eren were going to be parents. They were going to have a child together, they were going to build a family, they were going to add more to her family. The thoughts excited her, warmed her heart and provided her with some ease even though a few forms of treprediation were in her heart.
How will Eren react?
She knew that the two of them had never really discussed kids in detail. He had always stated that he didn’t mind kids and he would like some eventually but he didn’t specify when. She couldn’t help but wonder if he would really want this, if he wouldn’t freak out the way that she was starting to. After all, they were only twenty-five, just at the starting point of their jobs and she couldn’t help but wonder if this was something that he would have wanted later.
“Mikasa?” Her thoughts were interrupted by Dr Zoe’s words, Mikasa turning to her as they gave her an apologetic look. “You do have options.”
Mikasa tried her best not to frown; while she was appreciative of their kind words and their acceptance of whatever Mikasa was going to choose, the thought of options brought a sick feeling to her stomach. She knew that they meant well when they had said that but this is something that Mikasa has wanted for so long and while her fears were warranted, she couldn’t bring herself to remove this child from her body, a child that was the embodiment of her and Eren’s love.
She let out a sigh. “Thank you but that won’t be necessary.”
Dr Zoe gave her a bigger smile, their eyes looking at her warmth. “Well, congratulations then!”
Their smile was infectious as Mikasa couldn’t help but smile back. Dr Zoe seemed to be telling her something, probably advice to adhere to now that she was pregnant, but she was too lost in her thoughts to register them. She was really pregnant, she was really going to have a baby and while she still had her worries and her fears, the exhilaration of her heart was beating that. She was really going to become a mother.
“How was the doctor?”
Mikasa gulped. She had been trying her best to keep her calm when Eren got home from work, but his question brought back her nerves. The two of them were on the coach; Mikasa reading a book while Eren had been on his phone aimlessly. Her legs rested on his thighs as he caressed her legs with his hands, the feeling of his hands gently on her skin was aiding her in calming her nerves. She knew that she had no reason to be nervous realistically; Eren had been with her since she was nine, her best friend, the love of her life. She knew that she could trust him, she knew that she could say anything to him, she could trust him with her life and she knew that he trusted him with hers. So, why was it so hard for her to tell him this news? Surely, he would be happy.
“Mika?”
Mikasa blinked, the sound of his name bringing her back to reality. She glanced at her husband, his verdant orbs glancing at her worriedly. The mixture of the intensity of his gaze with his concern highlighted one of the reasons why she loved him; the passion and intensity he gave to the ones that he cared for. She could imagine it now, him staring at their child with such adoration whenever they would want to talk to their father. She couldn’t help but feel excited at the thought of watching Eren love someone that was the embodiment of both of them.
“Yeah?” She asked dumbfoundedly.
“You’ve been acting weird, did something happen?” He glanced worriedly at her and Mikasa gulped. She knew that she needed to ease his mind, reassure him that she was fine and that nothing bad had happened to her when she went to see Dr Zoe.
“Um, I am, um—” she hated how tongue-tied she was getting at this moment. She could picture her cousin Levi, scowling down at her—more like at her, considering that he wasn’t very tall—and reminding her that Ackermans were strong and ruthless people. They were straight to the point, blunt and unnecessarily honest. It was traits like that that Mikasa truly needed in this moment, but one look from Eren managed to make all those traits disappear and turn her into a stumbling mess. She both hated and loved it.
“Mika, you’re not dying on me, are you?” Eren concluded and Mikasa swore that it looked like he was on the verge of tears.
Mikasa shook her head profusely. “No, I’m fine!” She grabbed his hands, rubbing it gently as though to soothe him. It seemed to have been working effectively, considering that the tears that seemed to be forming in his eyes were slowly going away.
She let out a sigh. “I’m pregnant.”
Eren stared at her, his bright green eyes blinking at her rapidly as Mikasa folded her lips. Was her biggest fear coming true? She hoped not; she loved Eren and one of her many reasons for loving him was the ability to speak his mind. Eren had always been honest, sometimes a little too honest but that was what she needed right now. She needed to know her thoughts, she needed to know if she was truly going to have the family that she had always wanted with him or if it was something that she would have to end up doing alone.
“You’re pregnant?” Eren stated, eyes widened as he glanced from her stomach to her eyes. She nodded, praying to the gods that she was not on the verge of tears in his lack of reaction. Did he really not want this? Was she really going to do this alone? She refused to believe that; she refused to succumb to the worst of her thoughts and think that Eren has the potential to abandon her.
Eren stared at her once more; Mikasa tried to study his eyes to gauge his emotions. Eren has always been one to express emotion and she has always been the one to easily decipher them but right now, she had guessed that her fears were clouding her judgement towards what her emotion would be.
Her fears disappeared the instant that he closed the distance between them; hands placed around her neck as he pulled her in for a kiss. She immediately relaxed, giving into the kiss with the equal fervour. The two eventually let go, the need for air becoming stronger than their desires as they let go with a soft smack.
Mikasa glanced back at her husband, her cheeks flushed as she noticed his eyes were teary. She let out a small chuckle, before using her thumb to wipe his tears gently, her hands moving to the back of his bun, gently stroking the back of his neck. He hummed with pleasure at the sensation, his head resting on her forehead as he gave her a hearty smile.
“You’re really pregnant?” he whispered. His voice was slightly croaky, probably from the tears that he had released earlier. Mikasa smiled through her nod, her eyes starting to get teary; she always did have a tendency to cry whenever Eren started crying.
“You’re okay with this?” Mikasa asked, her voice shaky. “I know that we have never really talked about—”
Her words were cut off as Eren pulled her in for another kiss, her words and worried thoughts disappearing. They let go, the smiles on their faces growing bigger by the second, Mikasa not even thinking that it was possible.
“Of course I’m happy,” Eren stated, his obvious tone made Mikasa flush with embarrassment. “We’re going to be a family.”
Mikasa’s heart was jovial at his words. We’re going to be a family. It wasn’t just the sentence that had reassured her, it was his confidence, his reassurance, the fact that he didn’t have to falter or even think about what he had to say. Eren never truly worried like she did, he always had a certain type of bravado that both concerned her and enlightened her. He was always sure of everything; what he wanted to do, how he wanted to do it, his passions, his love for his friends and his love for her.
It was reassuring that Eren didn’t have the same worries that she did, he wasn’t plagued with the thoughts that she had. He just looked at her like he always did, with so much passion and love that Mikasa couldn’t believe it was truly coming out of one person. She smiled, the worries and fears disappearing as she focused on this moment; the moment where her home was going to become even bigger.
Eren was woken up by insistent tapping.
The twenty four year old groaned, green eyes peering open as the sight of Mikasa dawned on him, a sleepy smile present on his face. He didn’t mind being woken up by her presence, he embraced the thought of her presence always.
“Hey,” he beamed, his voice still filled with sleep. He rubbed her pregnant belly gently, “Is she keeping you up?”
“In a way,” Mikasa started, her lips folded. Eren had known her for years to know that there was her nervous look. He sat up immediately, hands still gently rubbing her belly as he glanced at her worriedly.
“Are you guys okay?” Eren asked, fear starting to preside inside of him. All of their appointments had gone slowly, Dr Zoe had always reassured them that there was nothing wrong—especially Eren who had a tendency to over-ask—but from the look on Mikasa’s face, he was starting to get the scary feeling that maybe they had just been reassuring them to keep Eren’s mouth shut.
“We’re okay,” Mikasa assured. “I just think I’m in labour.”
Eren blinked, registering her words before springing out of bed. “Oh my gosh, you’re having the baby ?!”
Eren glanced at her as he started panickingly wearing the clothes that he could feel in the dark. “Why are you not stressing out?!?”
“I had thought me being calm about the situation would have helped—OW!” her sentence was cut off by a surge of pain as Eren rushed to her side. This was not how today was supposed to go, it was supposed to be a nice and peaceful event; they were supposed to be prepared, it was not supposed to be an event happening at one o’clock in the morning. Although, a surge of pride entered into his chest with reassurance that she truly was carrying his daughter, considering that Eren had a tendency of doing things in the least conventional way possible.
“Mika honey?” Eren asked worriedly, as Mikasa gripped his hand, Eren almost in tears from the pain coming from his hands. He always knew Mikasa was strong, but he didn’t realise that Mikasa’s pregnancy strength was going to be on another level.
“Contradiction,” Mikasa let out when she released his hand. He let out an unintentional sigh of relief as Mikasa glanced at him, a small frown on her face and Eren couldn’t help but find her adorable; granted, he always found her adorable. “Did I hurt you?”
“What? No, never.” Eren lied smoothly. He knew that Mikasa needed a stress free day and the last thing she needed was her knowing that she hurt him. He knew that she would never hurt him intentionally and considering that she was about to bring their baby into the world through that body part, he figured the least he could not was let his arm be a source of relief from the pain.
Mikasa folded her lips, looking at him warily. She had probably suspected that he was lying but didn’t comment. He used the opportunity to smile at her, cupping her cheek. “We’re going to have a baby.”
Eren gave her a smile, a smile that he knew she could never refuse to smile at, no matter how hard she tried. He kissed her temple. “I’m going to call everyone and tell them to meet us at the hospital, okay?”
“Okay.” Mikasa nodded as Eren kissed her temple. He knew that she was nervous as well as excited but Eren knew her; Mikasa was perfect in everything that she did. He had no doubt that she was going to be an amazing mother.
“I love you,” Eren smiled.
“I love you too,” Mikasa smiled back.
She was so beautiful.
Her beauty was radiant, pure, untarnished that Eren couldn’t believe that someone like him managed to make something so beautiful . Eren, a man who has always been the embodiment of rash, impulsivity and crudeness had created something so innocent and pure that it seemed impossible. He concluded that since the baby was part Mikasa, that was where her beauty lied. After all, Eren had always believed that Mikasa was a personification of beauty, her gentle nature and kind demeanour had always been one of the many things that Eren found beautiful about her.
“Want to hold her?” Mikasa asked softly. Eren blinked, his eyes being the source of all of his emotion, displaying his fear and concern over carrying her. He had never been too careful with delicate things, he always had a tendency to destroy, the memories of his mother’s vases to the millions of beakers in the chemistry lab in highschool resurfaced in his mind.
“You won’t drop her,” Mikasa stated easily. “I know you.”
Eren glanced at her, her eyes determined and confident in her statement that Eren couldn’t help but fall in love with her all over again. It was moments like this, Mikasa staring at him with adoration and devotion, the symbol of their love resting comfortably on Mikasa’s chest that Eren was reminded that this was real; he was with the love of his life, with the child that they created together and the child that Eren knew that he was going to love for the rest of his love. He knew that he wasn’t perfect—the furthest thing from it—but still, he was given the physical embodiment of perfection. Eren never believed in God or anything substantial like the universe, but he wasn’t about to challenge whatever decided to give him this.
Nodding his head albeit a little shakily, Mikasa carried the baby, holding its head to support it as Eren mimicked her actions, one hand on the body and one hand supporting its head. The head was soft, so fragile that the slightest touch could easily break her. It was odd, thinking that he was once like this, a small fragile that could be gently held in someone’s arms. He took the opportunity to really look at her, his daughter , as she stared up at him in wonder. She was an exact replica of her mother, porcelain skin, dark stubbles of hair that resembled her mother, but inherited his piercing green eyes. He couldn’t help but smile; this child was his and Mikasa’s, they had made someone, someone that resembled the both of them.
“Welcome home, Bell,” Eren cooed, the little girl babbling and gurgling in what Eren believed to be joy.
“Bell?” Mikasa said, her voice filled with amusement.
“Yeah, I figured it can work both ways. Bell can be for bellflowers but it can also be belle for beauty, which resembles you, of course.” Eren stated easily as a flush spread across her cheeks. Eren knew that she was embarrassed that she still blushed profusely when he complimented her but Eren had always found it one of her endearing qualities.
“You’re beautiful too,” Mikasa let out as it was Eren’s turn to blush as Mikasa smiled adorably at him. Now why did she have to do that ?
Little Bell seemed very comfortable with Eren, resting gently on his chest as he smiled softly down on her.
“Told you you won’t drop her,” Mikasa beamed at the sight as Eren couldn’t help but smile at her back. The feeling coursing through his body; the euphoric glee that he was going home with the two most important girls in his life was a feeling that he didn’t know he could experience, now it was one that he couldn’t let go.
“I guess we should introduce her to her family huh?” Eren chuckled as Mikasa couldn’t help but laugh with him.
“Yeah, Levi and Zeke would probably murder each other if we don’t.”
“Good thing we’re in a hospital.” Eren grinned as Mikasa whacked his arm playfully. Eren chuckled as he looked down at the sleeping bundle once more, nestled comfortable in his chest. Eren Jaeger was a father, he had a family and he didn’t plan on letting that go anytime soon.
Mikasa sighed, the exhaustion from the long day she had residing in her body.
Going back to work after having a child was not as smooth as she would have liked it to be. Luckily, she had the help of her family dealing with little Bell but it didn’t stop the law firm from giving her ridiculous amounts of work. It swelled her pride that her partners were so confident in her abilities and so reassuring that they provided her with a large amount of work but even Mikasa with her diligent work ethic had to admit that it was slightly getting overboard.
“I’m home!” Mikasa announced, closing the door behind her as Mikasa placed the manila files on the kitchen table. She mentally told herself that she would spend her weekend sorting through those files. Her mind shifted from work as she heard the sound of the clicking of a camera.
“Come on, give Da a smile!” Mikasa blinked, slightly chuckling at the sound of her husband’s voice. Curiosity brewing inside her, Mikasa walked towards the hallway into the living room before seeing the sight. She watched as she glanced at her surroundings; their beige couch had been moved towards the side, a cloth with cherry blossoms printed on it was draped from the ceiling to the floor that divides the living room and the kitchen. She couldn’t help smiling at the sight; Eren taking pictures of Bell in her cute red kimono—a gift from her Aunt Kiyomi—the six month old seemed blissfully unaware, smiling at the sound of her father’s voice.
“I didn’t think Bell would be a model?” Mikasa teased as Eren turned, a smile plastering on her face. It was amazing; how after so many years of knowing each other and loving each other, one look from him could still make her heart melt, still make her feel like the nine-year old girl that had so much love for him that it seemed like she was going to explode.
“Hey you,” Eren grinned before turning to Bell, carrying her so that she could face Mikasa. “Look, it’s mama!”
Bell beamed, hearing ‘mama’ excited the little child as her green eyes sparkled, the little child turning into a giggle mess. Mikasa smiled, before carrying the child and planting many kisses on her cheek, causing the little girl to be a gurgling mess. “How are you, my precious?” Mikasa knew that she wasn’t going to answer but the glimmer in her eyes as she looked at Mikasa was proof enough.
“Hope she wasn’t too much trouble,” Mikasa commented, guilt starting to surge through her. When Bell was born, Eren had agreed to push his business towards their home so that Mikasa would be able to go back to work. Mikasa had objected at first, stating that they could find a nursery and Eren could go back to his studio but Eren had stated it was fine, he would make it work.
“My little princess would never be too much trouble,” Eren answered smoothly, pinching the little girl’s cheek gently as she gurgled happily as a response.
“Well, she is a Jaeger.” Mikasa commented as Eren rolled his eyes albeit playfully.
“No, in all seriousness, she was good. Customers love her, I think she might be my little money maker.” Eren reassured as Mikasa’s mind had been put to ease.
She smiled down at the little one, Bell yawning as she rested peacefully on Mikasa’s bosom. She had to admit that the last few months had been hard, especially with Bell’s insistent crying—she had reminded herself that this child was fifty percent Eren, of course it was going to yell—but they had managed to make it work. Through all the crying, the diaper changes, disastrous feeding attempts, they had truly made it work and despite it all, she was not willing to change a second of it.
“You okay?” Eren asked as Mikasa noticed that her eyes were getting teary. She nodded, adjusting Bell so she could use her other hand to wipe the tears.
“Yeah, I’m just so happy.” Mikasa reassured, a soft smile gracing her features. “Looks like she’s out.”
“Shame, I was going to do a whole mummy and daughter photoshoot,” Eren confessed as Mikasa let out a quiet chuckle, the ridiculousness of her husband never failing to amuse her.
“You can put her down and we can watch a movie,” Eren recommended as Mikasa nodded in agreement.
“Which teddy does she like again?” Mikasa asked.
Eren snorted. “The monkey plush, Zeke is too proud of that.” Mikasa rolled her eyes playfully as she went towards Bell’s room, her crib surrounded by millions of toys. Mikasa’s heart was elevated at the fact that Bell seemed to have a family that loved her so much. She rested the young one on her back, the young child sleeping peacefully as Mikasa couldn’t help but watch.
“Hey you,” Eren whispered as he entered the room. He kissed the side of her head as he admired the view that she was staring at.
“She’s so perfect,” Mikasa whispered as Eren gave her another kiss. She turned towards her husband, eyes already staring intensely and adoringly at her. She leaned in, aiming to give him a small peck but like everything with Eren, she couldn’'t help but give herself to him as he pulled in to make the kiss deeper. It was perfection; her with the love of her life and their beautiful child and their beautiful home.
A home that she would not trade in for the world.