Attack On Titan: Goodbyes

"I love you, Mikasa."

Despite her exhaustion, she managed a soft smile, her expression warm and tender. "I told you it was going to be a girl, Ereh..." she said, her voice faint but teasing.

Eren chuckled, shaking his head lightly. "You were the one saying it'd be a boy," he replied with a smirk. But he didn't argue further, though; instead, he leaned in, brushing his lips against hers in a gentle, lingering kiss.

"You really are an idiot... Mika," he whispered, his tone affectionate.

She chuckled softly, her tired body relaxing as she leaned into him, her head resting against his chest. Her pain was momentarily forgotten as she cradled their newborn in her arms. The baby's tiny face was serene now, her earlier cries replaced by quiet little breaths.

"She's so beautiful…" Eren whispered, his voice full of awe as his gaze stayed fixed on their daughter.

Mikasa let out a faint laugh, the sarcasm in her tone unmistakable. "Yeah… Just like me."

Eren raised an eyebrow, a crooked smile spreading across his face. "Yeah… Yeah, just like you," he replied with mock seriousness, though his eyes betrayed nothing but adoration.

Mikasa smirked faintly at his response but said nothing, her focus returning to the baby nestled against her. The weight of the moment hit her again—their little family, born from their struggles and love.

Eren's arms wrapped around both her and the baby, pulling them close. " I'll protect you two... forever." he murmured, more to himself than to her. His voice was steady, but there was a quiet determination in it.

Mikasa glanced up at him, her smile softening. "I know," she whispered, her trust in him absolute.

The cabin felt impossibly quiet now, the only sounds the faint crackling of the fire and the baby's gentle coos. Mikasa's fingers brushed against the soft folds of the blanket swaddling their daughter, her touch light and reverent.

She looked down at the tiny face, memorizing every detail—the delicate nose, the slight pout of her lips, the way her little hand curled instinctively around Mikasa's finger.

"Eren," Mikasa murmured, her voice barely audible. "She's perfect."

Eren didn't reply immediately. He was too busy watching Mikasa, the way her dark hair framed her face, the unguarded love shining in her eyes. It was a rare sight to see her so vulnerable, and it made his chest ache in the best way.

"She is.... but nobody's as perfect as you are." he finally said, his voice thick with emotion. He reached out, his hand slightly, and gently stroked the baby's cheek. The soft warmth of her skin felt surreal.

Mikasa glanced up at him, a tired but knowing smile tugging at her lips. "You're already in love with her, aren't you?" she teased softly.

Eren smirked, his gaze flicking between Mikasa and the baby. "Can't help it," he admitted, a rare softness in his tone.

"She just that gorgeous.," he whispered, his gaze lifted to hers, and Mikasa smiled, drawing him into a gentle kiss. Their breaths mingled, warm and steady, as he cradled her closer, letting her rest fully against him.

"Thank you, Mikasa," Eren said, his voice trembling as he tightened his arms around her. "I never thought I'd get to feel this kind of happiness… having a child with you. I... I don't deserve this. I don't deserve you."

"Eren," Mikasa whispered, her tone soft but firm, as she adjusted herself and nestled her head under his chin. Her hands brushed against his chest, steadying his trembling form. "Don't say that."

She shifted slightly to look up at him, her dark eyes meeting his watery gaze. "Eren… for me, you're the one who deserves all the happiness in this world. You've been through so much. You've carried so much on your shoulders."

She cupped his cheek with her hand, "You've always given everything to protect me," she whispered. "Now let me protect this happiness we have together."

Eren pressed a lingering kiss to her temple, his lips brushing against her skin. Together, they stayed like that, wrapped in each other's warmth.

The baby stirred softly in Mikasa's arms, her tiny fingers twitching as though reminding her parents of her presence. Mikasa looked down at her daughter, her smile deepening as a wave of warmth flooded her chest. "We haven't given her a name yet." she said quietly, her voice tender.

Eren nodded, his brows furrowing slightly as he turned thoughtful. "Yeah. What about it—"

"Huh… a name, Ereh? A name for your daughter…" Mikasa interrupted with a tired chuckle, poking Eren's cheek with her finger her teasing tone cutting through his focus.

Eren smirked, narrowing his eyes playfully. "How about Mikasa Yea—"

Before he could finish, the baby let out a small sneeze, her tiny face scrunching up adorably and startling them both. Mikasa's laughter broke free, warm and unrestrained, the sound filling the cabin. "Is Mikasa the only girl's name you're aware of, dear husband?" she teased, tilting her head at him with a sly grin.

Eren leaned closer, wrapping an arm around her waist as his lips found the curve of her neck. "Mm-hm," he murmured between kisses, his tone mischievous. "It's the only name worth remembering." His lips brushed against her skin, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake.

Mikasa shivered, her breath hitching. "Ah… Ereh," she gasped softly, trying to focus but faltering under his touch. "Focus… on the name… um…" Her protest melted into a sigh as his kisses deepened.

"You're so damn beautiful..."

Eren murmured against her neck, his hands resting gently against her now-flat abdomen. "I think you should name her," he whispered, his voice low and teasing. "I bet you've already thought of something."

Mikasa bit her lip, her cheeks flushed. "Umm… Ereh… not there…" she stammered, her words shaky as she struggled to regain control. She shifted slightly, her fingers curling into his shirt. "I… I've thought of it—the name," she finally admitted, her voice trembling.

Eren paused, pulling back just enough to meet her flushed face. His gaze softened, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Heh? Mika… red? That's pretty rare," he teased, his eyes flicking between her and the baby, who was now staring up at them with wide, curious, and somewhat jealous eyes.

Mikasa smiled, brushing a finger against her baby's cheek. "How about… Erika?" she whispered, the name delicate and full of meaning.

Eren blinked, his expression shifting to surprise. A moment later, a grin spread across his face. "Wait a second… you just fused our names together!" he accused, his tone playful.

Mikasa nodded proudly, her smile radiant. "Of course I did. A part of you and a part of me?"

The baby let out a soft laugh, as if in agreement, her tiny hands reaching toward her father. Both parents froze for a moment before erupting into gentle laughter of their own, their hearts overflowing with love.

"Erika, huh? That suits her pretty well. Now come here you little..." Eren teased, his voice soft and reverent as he took her energetic daughter in his arms.

Mikasa watched him as he played with her, tickled her and kissed her and a single thought creeped into her mind: everything, every single struggle was worth it, just seeing him like that.... So happy, so innconcet....

She rested her head against Eren's shoulder, the exhaustion finally catching up to her, but her smile never faded. Together, they gazed down at their daughter, Erika, their hearts brimming with joy and the promise of a future filled with love.