The Prices I Pay ((MIKE ZACHARIAS X ERWIN SMITH X OC))

Chapter 19

Several weeks had passed since Erwin's late night visit, and Silica felt as if she were about to pop as she hobbled around the Scout Regiment's HQ. The air was chilling as the season settled into autumn, and with each passing day, Silics grew more and more weary of her due date.

For the last two weeks, she had been instructed by Doctor Reos to stay on base if she were to go into labor earlier than expected, and since their talk, things with Mike had gradually come to a civil point. He would visit her daily once she turned into the medical wing for the night, and would bring her dinner to make sure she was eating; as her appetite had lessened during her transition into her third trimester. Levi made it a point to watch over Amelia and the house while she received the care she needed before the baby's arrival, of which helped to lessen her anxiety — even if just a little.

As for Erwin, it was very rare for him to leave Silica's side. If it didn't require his immediate attention, he would send one of his secretaries off to see that the tasks for the day were completed. He doted on Silica like a love sick puppy, and would regularly check in with Doctor Reos on how she was coming along.

Their relationship has blossomed into something that exceeded friendship, but not something that could be considered a relationship, either. It was more so along the lines of a mutual understanding for their feelings for each other. The pace at which it grew didn't bother Erwin nor Silica, and as more time passed, the more sure Silica became on how exactly she felt about him.

Silica smiled to herself at the warmth that consumed her whenever she thought of Erwin, and sighed — content — as she carefully climbed the steps toward the hall that led into the aforementioned man's office. She didn't bother knocking as she let herself in, and smiled at the blond as his blue eyes shifted upward to see whom it had been to enter his workspace. When seeing that it was her, Erwin returned her grin with one of his own, and stood from his desk as Silica shut the doors behind her.

"You shouldn't be walking up the stairs like this, Silica." Erwin reprimanded gently as he took her by the hand, with his other arm wrapping securely around her shoulders as he led her to the couch.

"Yeah, yeah," she waved off his concern and eased herself onto the sofa cushion. "Reos said walking around may help the baby along. I'll do anything to get this kid outta me."

Erwin couldn't help his chuckle as Silica huffed a strand of hair out of her face. She was nearly two times her normal size with how much the baby has grown, and Erwin could barely wrap his head around the fact that it's been nearly nine months already. He could remember the day he found out she was pregnant, clear as day in his mind, and the thought made his remaining grip on her hand tighten.

"I'm also anxious for their arrival," Erwin smiled warmly as he finally met Silica's patient eye. "It's hard to believe how much has happened since we found out."

Silica sighed again and settled into the backrest behind her. "Tell me about it."

Her voice was no higher than a mutter as a look of discomfort crossed her face. Erwin's brow arched at the expression, and he watched silently as she adjusted in her seat.

"Are you feeling alright?" He asked, eyes panning down to her stomach and back up to her face.

"Yeah," she breathed out with a hand placed on her belly. "Kid's just moving around a lot, I think."

Erwin hummed in response and arose from his seat on the coffee table to fetch a pillow from the other side of the sofa. He helped Silica lean forward as he placed the cushion behind the small of her back, and felt his brow twitch at the sound of her breath hitching as she winced.

"What's wrong?" He asked immediately whilst kneeling down beside her.

"Help me stand." She replied through clenched teeth, and Erwin obliged quickly.