"Took you long enough," he complained as he buckled her seatbelt in.

"Sorry, I'm on the top floor and the elevator's broken."

He clicked his tongue before pulling out of the parking lot. The rides became much more gentle and cautious once she took up space in his passenger seat. Though he planned on picking her up and arriving at his house, her cravings dictated the steering wheel and led them to three different fast-food chains before she decided that she was satisfied. Afterward, he pulled into his garage. She loved seeing his house's exterior, as it had the modernity of an upper glass wall and the classical touch of stone. Plus, it was amusing to see how such a condensed outside could possibly contain the massive space inside. 

"Alright, I have a small surprise for you inside. Be cool about it."

"Is it a prenatal lap dance courtesy of Hugh Jackman?" She asked as he opened her door and offered his arm.

"Much more disappointing," he opened the door to his kitchen and led her to the living room.

"Oh my God! Hey!" She beamed.

"Hey!" The small group replied.

The female populace in the young man's room happened to be good friends of _______. A few she hadn't seen in the better of a year, and seeing all of their faces all at once was a bit overwhelming, so she stood still.

"You look like you were just at a funeral, lighten up! It's your baby shower!" One said.

"Oh... Really? You guys did this for me?"

"It was Levi, actually! He put all of this together and invited us!"

Before she could even glance at him, he led her to the couch, and everybody sat around her. He distanced himself from the clique as he sat beside her, and as a result hadn't paid specific attention to any of the gifts. All he cared about was the fact that nobody seemed to buy her any maternity clothing. Should that happen, then maybe she wouldn't insist on the pragmatism of wearing his shirts rather than getting a new wardrobe.

"Smell this! You're going to have to deal with baby smell for a while, this should mask any other odors!" She offered the scent under her nose before she could object.

The last thing she wanted was for her dearest friend to take offense at her actions. She was delighted with the gifts she received at that point in time, especially considering that she was subject to a surprise and intimate maternity shower. The company could be counted on both hands, unlike the years the group collectively spent together. She was grateful to be a member of such a magnificent confederation. Said friends were attempting to offer their systematic comforting, but their efforts were hindered by Levi.

"You've done enough," he growled, rubbing _______'s back.

"But it's my infraction, therefore my window to make reparations!" She countered.

"You're the only person I know fucked enough to get a coffee-themed gift bag. Who gifts coffee at a baby shower!?"

"To be fair," the woman countered, fixing her glasses, "it was the scented candle that triggered her nausea."

"I was on a month of no incidents until this... Oh-!" She went for another round, experiencing an unfortunate second taste of dinner.

The young man sighed as he left the room briefly then returned with a new shirt, a different bucket, and a wet cloth. The hurling had subsided once he was kneeling beside her. He removed her shirt, wiped her face, and placed the article on her. She was placed back onto the couch next to him. Deep breathing settled her back into a calm state.

"Sorry about that, guys."

"No, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought any of that."

"You couldn't have known. Levi's just a grouch that needs to lash out," she stuck her tongue out as he left to clean her bucket.

"Okay, open mine now."

"Thank you, Mikasa," she grabbed the wrapped box, "the wrapping is cute. I see where your gender preference leans."

The rectangular box was unwrapped and opened. The consensus reaction was that of laughter and light shock toward the daring oriental. It was a bottle of whisky. She knew that her friend was not a drinker and that she would never suggest prenatal substance use.

"Usually, you buy it the day they're born, but you save that until their 21st birthday and you drink it ith them."

"Wow, that's pretty sweet, actually. Thanks, honey," they hugged for a while, missing each others' company.

The bottle was suddenly swiped from her hand, "Classy."

Mikasa glared at him, "Shove it, short-stack."

"I've been told not to ask this-"

"Ymir, please-"

"-But I'm going to. Sorry, babe. ______... does he compensate where it counts? You of all people should know."

It was a personal victory for Mikasa, and even _______, to see Levi freeze and redden with the utmost mortification. His teacup remained suspended barely an inch from his mouth as he still held the liquor. Discounting the angry blonde smacking her girlfriend's arm, the ladies couldn't help but roar at the question. He allowed them a few prolonged moments of laughter until he drank his tea and stood.

"Start wrapping it up, the invites said nine, it's half past ten. Now you've made ______ late for her oil bath."

"Oil bath?" Hanji asked.

"Yeah, he gives them to me every night. They help with the stress on my body and stop stretch marks. Just look at this beautiful, smooth, round, portly stomach of mine!" 

She raised the shirt, exposing her swollen abdomen. The guests sitting farther away came closer just as Levi tried to exit the room.

"And don't get my shirt dirty, it's one of my favorites." 

He left for the final time, indicating that he was going to draw her a bath slowly. In his leaving, she apologized for the curt cut-off he insinuated. After receiving her final hugs and well wishes from her friends, they each left, save for Mikasa, to whom she offered a quick cup of tea. 

"Thanks again for coming, it was really sweet of you."

"I'm glad to. You're the first one in our circle to have a kid, it's monumental."

"Yeah, I guess so. What's new with you?"

"Not much," she finished her tea, "Just working. We just moved into a three bedroom apartment, so it's much different than the studio," she joked. "I already moved out of there but it's still paid for the rest of the month. ______, take the hint and move out of here."

"Though I do appreciate your hospitality, I don't live here. Levi's just been having me over to watch out for me since I live alone. He doesn't want me to get hurt or something to happen to the baby."

"Just because you're having his kid doesn't mean you have to stay with him," she countered, doodling on a scrap of paper.

"I hate to correct you twice in a row, but we aren't together, either. I told you that he was my sperm donor. He's just being a good friend and helping me out."

The lady Ackerman stared at her, unwavering her agape mouth and furrowed brows.

"Then what the Hell are you two even doing?"

"I don't follow?"

"Levi doesn't do favors for anybody."

"He's not that bad, we all know that. He's helping me out while I'm in this condition, that doesn't mean anything other than that he is a decent man."

"It's not even that," she stated, "The fact that he got you pregnant in the first place is everything! Do you really think he would do that for anybody else?"

She had no whip or comeback. Her friend wasn't wrong. Not for one moment before hearing his consent did she imagine that Levi would go through with her plan. The fact that he did seemed too easily of a resolution, even with their strong bond in consideration. 

"I don't see why you guys just don't make yourselves official already. You lost your job over a month ago. He's been letting you be with him ever since and he hasn't pressed you on about work. At least stay with him until you get your shit together."

"He wouldn't expect me to work this late in the game anyway. Besides, I'm not taking advantage of him like that," she teared up.

"What's wrong?" Mikasa asked. 

When she got no response, she stood and cupped her friend's pained face. The warm soul hugged the woman with child, offering a kiss on the forehead. She withdrew in a few seconds.

"If I tell you something, can you PLEASE keep this a secret? It's very big and I can only tell you if you promise not to tell, no matter what."

She nodded.

"It turns out I'm being audited. I got fucking busted with the company even though I had nothing to do with the scheme. I'm fighting it, but I'm in a hole, and the government already took all of my savings. It's any day now that I can expect a seizure, knowing my luck. If Levi finds out, he'll never forgive me. He made me swear that I was ready to be a mother."

"Nothing could have prepared you for this," she assured, "It's truly just life being unfair. You know that none of us would ever allow you to become homeless, so if you don't stay here, you're coming with me."

"Mimi, I love you to death. I'm not moving in with you guys! You and he just got your actual apartment, I won't cramp your space with and bring my kid. I'll figure something out, I always do."

"Figure it out soon, or I'm going to force you. One way or another."

Levi returned, "Your bath's ready. Say goodnight, now."

"Yes, dad," Mikasa rolled her eyes at him, "Goodnight. Call me if you need anything, please."

As she left, he grabbed a tray and began filling it with the necessary ingredients for her soak. It included a pint of ice cream, a cup of tea, Epsom salt, essential oils and vitamin E cream. She had the intention to strike a conversation with him, but he took the items with him and left yet again. He came back to her and without warning lifted her into his arms and made for the bathroom. When they reached their destination, he discarded her stripped clothing in the hamper and sat at the edge of the tub as she laid inside.

"Is it too hot?" He asked, waving his hand in the water.

"No, it's perfect, like usual. Thank you," she smiled, slowly raising her foot from the bubbles.

He sighed, taking her foot and starting a massage. She rubbed her stomach while he tended to her aching muscles, losing herself in the release. He proceeded to wash her person with a luffa, exfoliating her body little by little. This time, he had managed not to become soaking wet himself, which came as a pleasant surprise to him. The unpleasant surprise was her spontaneous tears.

"Are you sad or pregnant?"

"Levi... Do you think I'll be a good mother?"

He stopped scrubbing her leg, lowering it into the water, "Why are you asking?"

There it was; a chance to take the bait and explain the monumental setback impeding her excitement over her impending maternity. Surely, he was a reasonable man and would not act so callous in response to her news? Then again, it was the perfect opportunity to flash the "I told you so" card repeatedly in the face. Just do it, she thought. Just do it.

"... I don't know."

He allowed the incident to drop. The tub had been drained and she dried herself and put on pajamas (ala another shirt of his). He set up her water glass, emergency vomit bucket, and chocolate bar stash. After she laid onto her side of the bed, he snaked beside her and situated his leg between hers and slithered his arm under her shoulder and the other on her side, in case her abdomen became sore. His leg apparatus placed her in a much more comfortable situation that would keep its hold all throughout the night.

"Levi... thank you," She said, snuggling into him a bit.

"For what?"

"Everything. The shower, being there for me, giving me the baby in the first place," she chuckled, "I've been staying here so much I barely remember what my place looks like."

"I really wish you would just move in already. I've told you time and time again that I'm alright with it."

"And I told you time and time again that I am not. Levi, this isn't your responsibility. None of what you're doing is. Don't for a second believe that I don't appreciate every bit of it, but I never wanted you to take on roles you didn't need to."

"Listen," he detangled from her and turned her over to face him, "I knew since the moment you asked me to donate that you got yourself into shit creek. I just want to make sure you have a paddle."

"But, why?"

"What do you mean, 'Why?'" He frowned

"All I asked for was your sperm. Every day, you feed me, carry me around, dress and undress me, buy whatever food I suddenly want, Levi, you're treating me like an absolute goddess. If I didn't know better I'd say..."

He hadn't blinked a single instance. The television was on, a book was upon his nightstand, and he was exhausted; yet he was content to simply look at her.

"....You loved me."

"You're tired. Go to sleep."

He turned off the appliances in him room and sunk back into the bed, readjusting to their previous situation. Her shifting indicated that she was going to suffer yet another restless night. In response, he engaged his standard set of actions by rubbing her stomach, followed by lightly rocking the both of them back and forth. The trick was to move enough to lull her but not so much that it instigated her nausea. Before he knew it, she was carried into sleep.

....

______ did not expect her walls to be as clean and unmarked as they were the day she moved in. Aside from filling a few holes with toothpaste from hanging various items, they remained unscathed, as did the wooden floor. Any marks were pre-existing, and she even took the courtesy of one last cleaning session made easier on the account of all of the furniture being already absent. 

Granted, she still had her couch and love seat, merely because together their value rose over seven thousand dollars. At this point, she heavily considered selling them so that she could at least have some cash for her approaching due date. She walked into her former bedroom. Every pure intention she had wanted for it to double as the nursery. Nobody, save for the obstetrician, knew the gender, so she planned on painting the room a neutral green. Her clothes were all packed into a suitcase. 

"We're both miserable, aren't we?" She massaged her stomach. 

The soreness in her abdomen resided again, so she rose to her feet and pulled the case. 

She raised the handle and went to leave.

"Minimalist, I see."

Her screams were completely justified and only intensified when foreign, unseen hands grabbed her shoulders from behind.

"______, it's just us."

The culprit walked away and stood beside the original intruder. They took the center of the living room, darkening the atmosphere greater than the overcast skies.

"Levi, Mikasa, what the Hell are you doing?" She asked, hyperventilating and exhaling sobs.

"Calm down," he ordered, going to her and holding her shoulders.

"Why are you in my house?!"

"Why didn't you tell me you got audited?" Levi asked plainly.

"Mikasa! How could you!"

"How could you!" She rebutted, rendering her friend to stunned silence, "You're proud enough to become homeless at the expense of your unborn child. I never thought I'd ever have to call you selfish."

"I told you in confidence..." She muttered, betrayed.

"I almost kept my word, and for that I'm sorry. But we had that conversation over a month ago. You still aren't working, apparently, your stuff was repossessed, and now you have nowhere to go. The last thing I want is to direct you to Levi, but he can take care of you. All of you."

"Why don't you guys understand THIS IS WHAT I WANTED TO AVOID SINCE THE BEGINNING?!"

The Ackermans' sheathed their tongues.

"You have me there, I didn't expect my financial life and living situation to spiral out of control. I thought I had everything planned out. All I ever asked for from you, Levi, was that you help me conceive, which you did. That's all I wanted. Yet, you're acting like my fucking husband! And now I sound like an ungrateful cunt, which I just might be, but it's in the fucking contract that you have no parental rights or claim to the baby, so I don't get why you're acting like this!"

She was unaware that her whole body had cried with her eyes. Mikasa tried to offer her a hug, but she shrugged away from the both of them.

"I don't want to live off of your money, Levi, it's filthy! I still think the world of you, but the things you did to get what you have, they were atrocious! I know you'd never hurt me, and that's in your past, but the money still is. I can't support a family knowing that's where it came from. And, and, you just break in and expect me to listen to you. Do you really think you have that much pull?"

"What was the plan?" Mikasa asked.

"What?"

"After walking out that door, what would your next move be?"

"... I was going to check into the women's shelter. When the baby comes..." She teared up again, "I'm just going to have to give it up for adoption."

"To Hell you are!"

The ladies looked at him. Mikasa held her friend, actually being the only means of standing support she had.

"You're not giving my kid away, get that out of your head."

"Levi, how many times do I have to tell you that this IS NOT YOUR KID! It is in writing that you relinquished your rights!"

"Check again, smart ass."

She looked up. His stone face cracked underneath the superficial layer so subtly that she had to stare at him for a full minute to see the guilt he tried to keep at bay. She walked in front of him, leaving very little space between their stomachs.

"What do you mean?"

"I never signed your contract. Look at it, I only agreed to help you conceive. I never signed the other form. In the eyes of the law, and nature, that's also MY baby, so we both have a say in this."

"You... whore. I hate you"

She fell onto her knees harshly. Both Levi and Mikasa rushed to her side, but any contact they offered had been met with angered slaps. There was no attempt on her part to subdue her wailing. Her waves of sickness were replaced by waves of disgust and vice versa when one feeling would outweigh the other. She cried into her shirt, lamenting the fact that it was actually his.

Mikasa wanted to cry herself. Even if it was for the greater good, she still sold out her best friend. She had no sound role in this: either let her friend, her family, suffer, or let her adversary, her family suffer as well. She nestled into her scarf when the cries grew louder.

She wanted to stop crying. She tried to stop crying. For the brevity of her silence, she snaked her hand into Levi's. His shock quickly died and he held hers. The response was that of a vice grip, mercilessly clamping onto him as he practically screamed aloud. His knees became wet the moment he was going to ask if she was alright. To his shame, he first thought that she had pissed herself and gotten them soiled.

"I think my water just broke," she breathed out, starting another fit of frantic breathing.