Our future signed in letter

Final chapter

Same time in London in a tea shop:

Lost in thoughts, Levi still holds his hand on her belly, which is already visible well into the 5th month and is a confirmation of their love for each other.
Then he feels something trying to nudge his hand. Very small and careful. Mikasa also notices this kick and a smile forms on her lips, spellbound she watches his reaction.
Today Levi feels their child for the first time, which is growing inside her. Shortly before, during their joint conversation, he was about to cry again, but was able to hold it back. Spellbound, he looks at her stomach and then it's back again, that timid feeling that the little one is making contact with him.
Now Mikasa sees the infinite number of emotions in his eyes again, "It's happening, Levi," she says to him with a trembling voice. She also is struggling with her own emotions.
Levi wipes away the tears with his broken hand, "Does it hurt?"
He looks at her worried. Mikasa just shakes her head happily and takes his arms. From this point on, the idea of having a family with her becomes real. Of course, he was aware beforehand that she is pregnant by him. But being able to feel the life inside her for the first time today throws him off track emotionally.
"I just have to come out for a moment," she replies, because the unborn baby is also pressing on her bladder, a circumstance to which she has become accustomed.
Reassured that she doesn't feel any pain, he turns back to the little life within her.
In a hoarse voice, he calmly says to the little ball, “Live and grow. That' s an order! ' and gives the growing belly a little kiss.
Mikasa remembers this saying from before . It was his motto before any dangerous assignment in the Survey Corps and was an expression of his concern for each and every one of his subordinates. Touched, she wipes away her own tears, "It will, Levi" and she puts her hand on his hand.
The unborn child is slowly calming down inside her and the brief moment of contact is over.
Mikasa goes to the toilet one more time that late in the evening, which has become a daily routine for her, and then comes back into bed with him after a short time.
They both cuddle tenderly on their sides. Resting their respective hands on their expanding stomachs, they both slowly fall asleep...

Time flies and it is already the end of March. Spring is slowly approaching and Gabi is back in the tea shop with her son, and supports Mikasa in particular, but also the others in the shop.
On a warmer March day, Gabi helps Mikasa plant a small vegetable patch while Mikasa takes care of Gabi's little son. Falco and Onyankopon have made extra space in the backyard for Mikasa's plan to plant a vegetable patch.
Mikasa is watching Gabi rake the earth. "I'm sorry that I'm giving you extra work," says the expectant mother to Gabi. Gabi wipes the sweat from her forehead, "Oh, that doesn't matter. You helped me with everything during my peak pregnancy and now I'm helping you. Plus we all get something at the end of it.”
After completing this task, Mikasa distributes potatoes and carrot seeds. It's not a big bed, but at least it's enough for enough carrots and potatoes. Together they sit exhausted on a bench in the backyard. "You know. I received a letter from Rainer," says Gabi emotionally .
Mikasa looks at her younger friend with concern. It usually means nothing good. This has been proven to her often enough in the past. But this time it's different. Gabi seems relieved and her tears are running now, "Rainer and Piek have been released. Both are still under house arrest. Hizuru was able to mediate successfully in their case. Piek has returned to her father and her almost 1-year-old son.”
Mikasa has to start crying herself now. On the one hand because it's good news for Gabi and the other Marleyans. Secondly, because her hormones are going haywire and she's built close to the water anyway, more than half a year ago. "I'm so happy for you and the other two," and hugs Gabi.
Gabi notices how Mikasa's unborn child is being kicked, "Your little one is getting stronger." Mikasa wipes the tears from her eyes, "I know." She smiles happily and they both go back to the store. Levi sees the two wailing women and drives his wheelchair towards them worried, "did something bad happen?"
" Everything is good. Don't worry, Levi”, Mikasa reassures him.
"I received a letter from Reiner. He and Piek are free again. But they can't leave Marley," says Gabi, relieved.
" Good..." A slight smile forms around Levi's lips.