*

A WEEK LATER - SHORE OF PARADIS

Not long after our negotiation, we began to take down ships from Marley that pursued the wrecked ships which was Yelena's crew. However, the turn of events left them at a disadvantage either swimming ashore or swimming back to their country. We were giving them mercy, without bloodshed. Yet, they continue to call us devils and maybe their right, but now all I want to focus on is the safety of my child and the future of Paradis.

Learning many things beyond our land brought us at ease, learning about trains, railways, more military weaponry that is more flexible in our line of defence and offence.

Standing in a small room, there were blueprints scattered on the table filled with buildings, and structures, and unfamiliar things we never seen or upgraded from our knowledge. My fascination began to slowly emerge from my conservative side, but my emotions were kept in check but open-minded. Sasha, Jean and Connie were in awe on one of the plans, while I gaze taking in the structure of the Port.

"So may I ask, what do Port's do exactly?" I tilt my head, my eyes meeting his eyes curiously. "I mean it sounds something to do with the sea........I must sound kinda dumb asking..."

He gives me a warm assured smile, "No, it's fine.....a Port is a docking place for ships or boats, for the coast of the ocean, river, or even a lake for example....it would provide more comfort for visitors even....." he explained clearly, which made more sense. ".....so i guess you've never learnt from your moth-- I mean! N-never been taught that...sorry Section Commander..."

Giving him a subtle steady look from his stutter, I knew what he meant by that. Why didn't my own mother teach me things like this? Or was it even important at the time? She didn't teach me much, but self defence and martial arts. 

"It's fine, I know what you mean.....but I wouldn't have asked if I knew," I replied, with a warm tone of assurance. Though with a slight grimace from being a idiot, I wanted to learn to progress further for our people. "Anyway, I'm just amazed by this work....the structure and the time it will take."

Hanji suddenly threw an arm around my shoulder jerking me forward, making let out a small yelp in surprise.

"You don't understand how excited I am!" Hanji shook me a bit, while Onyankopon laughs sheepishly with Hanji's enthusiasm not knowing how scary and unpredictable she can be. "All the wonders of science I haven't known, imagine how much I can--"

I throw a hand over her head and ruffled her hair over her owns, "We get it Hanji," I chuckle softly, before pulling away and leaning against the wall beside me. Silence finally fills the room, while my eyes still peer over his shoulder at the prints.

Onyankopon parts his lips about to speak, when Sasha cleared her throat while Jean held a smirk on his face glancing at other plans.

"Oh, by the way...." breaking the silence, her eyes curiously glancing at Onyankopon. "Why is your skin so dark, Onyonkopon?"

Lena glanced over in curiosity as well, whilst in discussion with another soldier.

I couldn't tell if the question was offensive to him, but judging by his reaction he was rather calm and open with himself, "Because our creator thought that things would be more interesting," He smirks, with a raised brow. "If the world were occupied by many kinds of people, I'd say that applies to you Subjects of Ymir as well. We exist because we were wanted."

"Wait...we were created?" Armin's eyes glowed, with shock. "By who?"

"By the one who gave power to your Founder Ymir," He replied back, simply. "It was God..." he faltered for a moment, tentatively. "Well, that's what some people believe. We're all free to think as we like, right?"

The question itself was that if different people were made, then who did my clan follow? God? Or was there other gods beside just one? Were there many cultures? Then again, hearing the priest from Trost and many others we've seen over the years prayed to god, but hell and destruction is what came down upon us. It left me to ignore beliefs, and focusing on my own survival as a human and ally to my people.

*

A WEEK LATER - PORT OF PARADIS

Walking along the area where the Port was being structured and built, my eyes follow along the horizon of the sun. Things have been so busy and chaotic, overwhelming at times but staring at a perfect sunset left me at ease. Despite the glances by the anti-Marleyan personnel, I knew I needed to keep myself cautious. 

Being more proud of Hanji and Armin maintaining in designing, and compromising the plans for the railways, Levi and I were mainly keeping other things in check. Gaining a few new recruits here and there, though not many, I continued my work as Section Commander and Hanji's right hand as well as Levi. Being a stubborn man, he would tell me to take it easy even though my body hasn't changed much. 

I know he is paranoid, and more protective than before...but that makes me love him even more.

"There you are, you idiot," his voice called, before feeling his shoulder brush against mine. His steel eyes meet mine for a moment, "The preparations for the Port, will take some time but hopefully completed before the end of the year....Hanji has got everything grounded and taken care of, but that four eyes needs to cool it sometimes...."

I chuckled softly, "Did you come here to inform me all this, or came because you wanted to see me?" raising a knowing expression, his jaw grew stiff with a flash of vulnerability. "Just admit it, ever since we've been working with this alliance....you've been missing 'our' time together."

"Don't go all sentimental on me," He sighed, before leaning his shoulder subtly against mine with some weight. His words didn't feel heavy, but light and hesitant. The way his brows furrowed, his eyes soften when he meets mine was clear. His hand drifts down and traces over my forehand, before sliding underneath and interlocks with my fingers. "Just making sure none of the damn Anti-Marleyan's harm anyone, not pull any stunts......"

The sea breeze blows by with the salty scent, that cleared my nose and head easily while we start walking down to the sandy shoreline.

"I will need to go for that doctors appointment in a weeks time," I informed him, giving him a reminder that I will need to depart the coastline in threes. It takes about a day to get back Shiganshina, then another to Trost where my doctor is and a day to rest. "That will mark my second month, so I need to prepare for anything. Beside that, how is everything on your side?"

He sighed, "Just the usual, trying to gain back our regiment we lost is difficult," his eyes narrowed, looking troubled and exhausted. His usual stoic expression was the same, but I could understand the frustration. "Hopefully we get back up on our feet, because we need more Scouts or nothing will progress with just those kids in the 104th. You know as well as I do, that it will take time......tch pain in the ass.."

He kicks the sand with his boot, his hair tousling adding to his frustration which made him attractive to me. The way the sunset glowed upon his pale complexion, added a warmth and tenderness to him.

"Take one day at a time, that's all I can say," squeezing his hand gently, as my hair messily gets caught in the ocean breeze. 

"You're sounding like Pyxis," he shortly remarked.

"Maybe because he is a very wise man, wiser than anyone among us," I replied, with a chuckle but sincerity. "When someone lives long, they see all, know all and witnessed all......but then again he does have a habit drinking booze at the wrong time of the day."

"There it is......" Levi pointed out, nodding in agreement with a sigh. "So what's my addiction? Or obsession....? We all have something, right?....."

The question itself grew heavy, making me pause in my steps as the water reached our boots in the sand. The silence grew still, only the crashing waves grew louder while I pondered for an answer.

Chewing the inside of my cheek I couldn't think, "Maybe......black tea?" I joked softly, to ease the tension that almost built between us. "You love to hold your cup by the rim, and......oh cleanliness........you're a clean freak as always! That has never changed, but it's a cute trait if you ask me....."

A small pout was dressed upon his usual stoic face, before nudging me playfully and firmly.

He rolled his eyes, "You didn't have to make it sound like it's bad," He scoffed, while moving forward down the beach. His hand tightly held mine securely, while I quickly walk beside him matching his steps as our boots sink into the sand with a trail. "Hmmm......for you, I think you overwork yourself too much to distract yourself, you never rest unless I force you too.....or maybe....your obsessed with art and how you draw portraits to put yourself at ease. So you don't blame yourself for forgetting their faces......"

My face relaxed with a soft frown in response, knowing what he said was true.

"At least my talent is still there," I brush a few strands of hair from my eyes, glancing to meet his side view. Though we came from different backgrounds, we both have grown so much in understanding one another. He knew me inside and out, and so quickly we both have observed the smallest details about one another.

"Yeah.......I'm grateful, because it helps me remember," He pulled me in, pausing in his steps as he pressed a chaste kiss against the side of my temple. His lips brushed against my ear, "Thank you so much for staying strong for me, for everyone........please be at ease. I swore, at that damn altar that I'll take care of you and I will do everything for to stay by my side.........even though I can be an ass sometimes...."

Our temples touch closing my eyes, as a smile curled upon my lips.

"Awe, and I thought I forgot all about that vow," I playfully remark, before kissing his cheek letting myself linger for a moment. "Anyway, I better get going for another meeting but I'll see you tonight, okay?"

He grunts with reluctance, before pressing a soft tender kiss to my lips. Catching me off guard, I chuckle against his warmth having a small moment. "god, you're so goddamn perfect," he muttered under his breath, before planting a chaste kiss to my cheek. "But, please don't over do it?"

"No promises, but I will be mindful," 

*

7 MONTHS LATER - (PRESENT)

"...so the Port is finally completed," Lena informed me, standing beside me whilst I glanced over some papers. These were contracts, and requirements that Yelena had given me before she left about a year ago. "Though it won't be properly opened, until Yelena will return in three weeks..."

"What else has she sent forth?" my eyes flicker from the report, before licking my thumb and flicking another page. "Anything regarding further allies? Will the railway project be underway, soon?"

Lena was quiet for a moment, making me lift my head with confusion with her silence. Pursing my lips I take a moment, seeing a smile curling upon her lips. "What? Did I say something?" my hand rests over my large belly, as I lean back in my seat.

She shook her head as she glanced at the floor for a moment, "I'm just relieved we're progressing, things are finally looking up to Paradis......." she breathes with relief, while my eyes continue studying her scarred face. My gut churns in response, seeing something ghastly heal so well that she wears it proudly. ".......Commander Hanji has been keeping things in check, everything is handled........so what I'm asking is to taking a moment to breath. Relax and just calm yourself..........."

Scoffing softly I return to the reports, before glancing over a blue print of something. Peering towards the print, I soon glanced over the ODM gear. We've been in the works of improving our ODM gear, to have them more compatible for both humans and titans. Something I've been sketching over, doing a few tweaks on a seperate print so we have some trials for the end result of choice. 

"......I'm always calm Lena, it's just....." my voice trails off, feeling the bundle nerves in my chest and fingers as I wiggle my fingers to let the blood flow. "......will I be a good mother? I've been going to checkups, and double checking on my health........but, will I be a good role model? What if I neglect my child, to continue my Section Commander role......?"

Lena shifted in front of me suddenly and kneeled in front of me, taking my hands in hers. "You will be a wonderful mother, because you know what the child deserves...." She smiles assuringly, her hazel eyes searching into my own. "....all you have to do is give everything for your child, and probably give your body some time to heal for a few months......and see how you feel after. I'm not experienced, but I know your child needs to be nurtured......"

Some discomfort occurs around my lower belly, making my grimace subtly while leaning against my desk to ease it.

~Knock~Knock~

My head shifts in the direction of the noise, "State name and business!" I announce, while rubbing my lower belly while my lower back starts to ache again. Lena was hesitant to let anyone inside, but I hold my hand up to wait.

"Andrea Hahn, I've come to deliver a package," A feminine voice states firmly, before I nod to Lena to proceed opening the door. The young Garrison soldier nods her head, looking nervous and intimidated when her green eyes met mine. She swallows back her anxiousness, while my face softens with assurance.

"What is the return sender?" my voice comes out soft, while her shoulders that were tense soon loosen up and relaxes.

She fumbles with the package, "Um.....Ingrid Becker and Klara Becker Ma'am, addressed directly from Karanes District," her eyes run along the words on the packaging, before lifting her focus on me. The name lifted a warmer glow to my face, despite the discomfort I was feeling just now. "Is it safe for you to receive or shall I--"

I shook my head, "No need, it's fine," dismissing to take safety protocol, knowing exactly what was in the package. A few months ago I was nearby Karanes district and visited Ingrid, whilst Levi was busy checking over our base's supplies and cargo that was given by the Anti-Marleyan's that we stored. Ingrid's bakery had expanded, gained more popularity and her husband and daughter were busy aiding her. It made me happy to see her life finally coming together, and when I announced my pregnancy, she was thrilled. She even offered to make something, as she picked up on a new hobby on the side.

Taking the packaging delicately, I dismiss Andrea before unwrapping it.

Lena peers over my shoulder, "What is it?"

Finally it was revealed as a small little knitted onesie, in a soft colour that was so hard to come by in any district beside Wall Sina. It was a soft blue and green shade, knitted perfectly with some slight cute flaws and patterns imprinted on it. Lifting it up my eyes were wide, amazed by her talent and how adoringly cute it was. At the side of my eye, Lena lifts up a little baby knitted blanket as my eyes slightly water with how beautiful this was.

"So beautiful........"

Lena was amazed by how gorgeous the stitching was, and how soft it was and warm it is. "Wow, this is so adorable, I can't wait to see this on your little one!"

Chuckling soft I fold the little onesie, as Lena passed back the blanket before folding that too. Placing it on the side of my desk, I check for a letter or a note but there was nothing left behind by her. Taking some paper, I dip my pen into the small ink porcelain glass jar, I began to write back to her. Though the silence was comfortable, Lena stood there doing nothing while glancing over to me and then away. 

"While I'm writing this, may you please find Andrea Hahn for me?" breaking the silence, while writing carefully but with an italic accent to it. "I wish to send back a response, if that's alright with you?"

Lena happily salutes before exiting the room, allowing my mind to be more clearer and some time to think. Ingrid has been someone I can rely on, a younger sister seen her young brother was once part of my old squad a few years back. Finding the right words to write to her, my lower belly around my pelvis begin to feel more contracting pain. A sharp inhale makes me almost mess my sentence, as I take a moment to stop and breath.

"It's just a false contraction," I murmur to myself, while trying to focus back on the letter.

Taking a few more minutes, I finally finished and read over it before folding the white crisp letter in half. Slipping it inside the envelope, I lick the rim of the back and pat it down. Just when I was done, something wet and warm gathers around my pants soaking up between my legs. A short gasp left me, not realising my face was in shock but not in agony. For a moment my eyes flicker around, remaining calm this time while waiting for Lena to return. 

My hand rests over my large protruding belly, while my other taps against the timber desk over and over again. 

"Okay......guess it wasn't a false contraction," I mutter under my breath, with lightness in my voice. Swallowing thickly in recollection in the steps my doctors have guided me last checkup I had, I take deep slow breaths while closing my eyes. Inhaling and exhaling, I soon begin hearing footsteps walking towards the door and a few knocks breaks my concentration.

"Lena Hoffmann, coming in!" 

The moment she walks in her steps soon came to a halt, when she suddenly saw my subtle distress. Lifting the letter I quickly hold it up to her, as she took it, "Give this back to the sender, please....." taking a moment to breath. Andrea stood there taking the letter from Lena, before giving me a salute and walks out.

Once she was gone, I begin to breath more heavily while holding my belly as an instinct.

"Lena.........it's time," my voice deepens, while her eyes widen.

"Oh......shit, oh shit......okay....okay..." She paces around for a moment, before turning to me and helped me up carefully. Her hands tenderly but firmly held me up, worried to harm me in any way. "Alright, let's get you to the main infirmary right now, we can't deliver at the clinic....and I will get word to send to Captain Levi."

Steadily she guides me to my feet, before helping me walking out of the room. 

*

A FEW HOURS LATER 

Every five minutes my voice would be sounding off the walls, my throat growing raspy and dry. My hands grip the sheets tightly while two nurses were at my aid, gently advising when to push or to take a moment to ease my body. Though my body was in constant pain for a few minutes, I could tell this wasn't easy. I didn't predict it would, but this was my choice in the matter.

Tears stream down mixing with my sweat, another painful contract spikes up, while the nurse encourages me, "That's it push........you've got this sweetie," her voice was firm, but gentle.

The nausea catching up to me while trying to swallow it back down, while focusing on pushing. Coming slowly to about seven centimetres in dilation, as the nurse informs me as encouragement that everything will be alright. 

What I didn't need now was anything to be sugarcoated, wanting this delivery to be successful...........

Soon I heard someone rushing inside, "Excuse me sir, you should--"

"How is she? My wife?" His voice echoed with panic, before my