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Chapter Text

One of the first things that a lot of the original crew members of the Whitebeard Pirates noticed when Portgas D. Ace was brought onto the Moby Dick was the bright orange hat that he wore. Every single one of them recognized the hat. The hat looked identical to the one that Hibiscus Rouge, their former Second Division Commander used to wear. The only difference was the lack of the hibiscus flower that she kept within the beads of the hat.

Then there was the detail of his family name. Portgas. That had been Rouge’s family name. When they found out his age, putting the math together, it was about the same time that Rouge had left the Whitebeard Pirates and didn’t return. No one knew her whereabouts, but Whitebeard would assure them that she was alive and well.

There was also his appearance. The decoration of freckles on his cheeks that made him appear a lot younger than he actually was. He was seventeen when he was brought onto the ship. Just a rookie Captain of the Spade Pirates. His cheek bones, nose, and eyes were all hers. The color though wasn’t. His hair color was pitch black which was also a difference. It was almost clear as day. He had to be related to their former Commander.

They were both Omegas with a cherry blossom scent as their primary scent indicator. It was scary just how much alike the two were.

None of them decided to question him when he first came on board, instead deciding to build trust with him before diving headfirst into the questions of his heritage. There was absolutely no way that he wasn’t related to Rouge.

After over a hundred assassination attempts by Ace and futile escape attempts, a conversation with Marco was all it took for him to decide to join their crew. Time came and Ace finally got his mark, placing it over the entirety of his back. The tattoo beautifully inked into his skin. His was special, it was the only mark among them that was the official jolly roger of the Whitebeard Pirates. Whitebeard had actually cried tears of happiness when Ace revealed the tattoo to him. The last time that Whitebeard had cried at the reveal of a tattoo had been Rouge’s.

A lot of him reminded them constantly of Rouge. Directly down to his personality. Both Rouge and Ace were hotheads, reacting first compared to actually taking the time to think. The excellent swordsmanship that both showed. It made them miss Rouge even more. They hadn’t seen her in eighteen years by that point. The last time they had seen her, she departed the ship with Red-Haired Shanks and never turned back. Giving in her official resignation as the Second Division Commander and leaving the crew permanently. Though her spot was always open if she wanted to return.

Watching Ace fight, everyone had been quick to decide that he should fill the position as the Second Division Commander. The only position that hadn’t been filled in years. He was hesitant to accept the invitation, but ultimately agreed.

When a party had been thrown for him, it had been Thatch to finally break the ice about their questions. “How does it feel to have the same position as your mom?” He had asked. The rest of the crew had watched in anticipation as Ace turned to look at him.

Confused.

“Huh? What are you talking about?” The Omega questioned, the confusion clear on his face as he looked around at them. “My mom wasn’t a Whitebeard pirate.”

Stunned silence had followed. How could they be wrong?

“Ace, do you know who Portgas D. Rouge is?” Izou questioned.

Ace’s face lit up almost immediately. “Who doesn’t know Hibiscus Rouge?! It’s an honor to be in the same position that she had.” Marco and Thatch shared a look, Ace acting almost oblivious to what they were trying to ask him. Even his smile was just like hers. The Omega Commander turned to face the others, grinning as crossed his legs to sit down. “She used to duel Uncle Rayleigh all the time. She couldn’t ever actually beat him though.”

That had been correct, though the last time they had seen Rayleigh was when Oden left the crew to go to the Roger Pirates. Years before Ace was even more. The only way he would know that is if Rouge told him. It was almost as if he was dodging the question even. Marco looked at his eyes as Ace looked at Izou. They were calculating. Trying to see where this conversation was heading. Ace wasn’t oblivious to what they were asking, he was dodging it.

Deuce and the other former Spade Pirates were grinning and eyeing Ace the entire time. Staying completely silent as they looked at their former Captain.

Marco sighed. This was going to be harder than he thought.

The next time anyone asked about Rouge was when Ace was wearing his hat out on the deck. The hot sun beating down onto their skin as they relaxed. He was standing by Marco, leaning close to him. The blonde Alpha’s arm thrown over his shoulder. “Is that Rouge’s hat?” A nakama from the sixth division asked.

“Sure is.” He stated, turning back to the sandwich that was in his hand, not giving room for another question. He had walked off almost immediately after that.

Marco could only sigh again. Why was Ace dodging the question?

Dinner time a few weeks later was when Jozu questioned him next. “What do you know about Commander Rouge?”

Ace had looked at him, mid chew as the entire room went quiet. Waiting on the answer from him. Swallowing, Ace smiled over at the Alpha Commander. “Well, I know what brought her to the crew was saving an entire Whitebeard territory on her own. She had been shipwrecked there.”  He stated, turning back to his food almost immediately. Jaws dropped around him, not many people knew that. It had been what caught Whitebeard’s attention of her in the first place. She had joined them with no hesitation following his request for her to join.

As they continued to ask questions throughout the days, Ace only started to give vague answers. Starting to snap at the mention of Rouge. The final straw for him was when he was asked if he learned from Rouge. The Omega snapping with, “I’m not her! Stop asking me questions about her!”

It had dawned on Marco that Ace was thinking that they were comparing him to Commander Rouge. It sent a ping of guilt through him that he didn’t try to stop it before. He had also been just as curious. Apologies had broken out among the crew following that and the questioning had soon stopped.

A month after Ace became the Second Division Commander, the announcement of an approaching small vessel had all of their attention. The crew was out on the deck, the Commanders lined up by Whitebeard. Marco knew the haki signature almost instantly as the small boat got closer. It was one he would never forget.

With the small ship tied to the Moby Dick, the person climbed on board, her feet touching the deck. Dressed in her old gear and Whitebeard mark proudly displayed with a hibiscus flower tucked behind her ear was non other than Portgas D. Rouge herself.

Excitement broke out among the crew as they crowded around her, her laughter filling the air as she took turns hugging her old crewmates. It had taken probably a good twenty minutes before Rouge had made it through to where Whitebeard was sitting. Whitebeard grinning down at her. “Welcome back, Rouge.” He stated.

“It’s nice to be back, Eddie.” Rouge replied, smiling up at him. Her gaze turned from Whitebeard to Ace. The Omega breaking away from the Commanders and running up to Rouge almost as soon as her feet hit the wood below her. She laughed as his arms wrapped around her and his nose buried in her scent gland.

Well that answered the question of him at least knowing her. Just didn’t answer anything else.

Ace mumbled into her shoulder, but no one was able to catch what he had said. Whatever it was made Rouge chuckle. “It’s nice to see you too, Ace.” She said as he pulled away.

The two smiled to each other as Whitebeard questioned, “What brings you back home, Rouge?”

“Well, I wanted to congratulate Ace on becoming the Second Division Commander in person!” Rouge stated. “I hope he isn’t causing too much trouble.”

Marco snorted. “He tried to kill Oyagi over a hundred times. He’s got quite the stubbornness in him.”

Rouge laughed, placing a hand on her stomach as she threw her head back. Ace turning away with a heated face. “Of course, he does. He’s a Portgas after all.”

Thatch exclaimed, “Ah-ha! We knew it! We knew that she was your mom!”

Ace and Rouge just blinked at him, sharing a look before they both promptly broke into laughter. Practically bent over as they laughed. Rouge wiping at her eyes from the tears that came to them from how hard she was laughing. Ace wasn’t fairing much better as he was kneeling down.

“What’s so funny?” Haruta questioned. Haruta was the only Commander who didn’t know Rouge, joining after she left. She knew of her but had never got the chance to meet her in person.

“She’s not my mom.” Ace stated as he managed to stand back to his full height.

Rouge smiled, reaching over and rubbing her thumb over Ace’s cheek. “I have a son, but it’s not Ace.” She added.

“She’s my grandmother.” Ace finished.

Silence fell over the deck as all eyes were on the two Portgas Omegas. Ace just shrugged as Rouge announced that she was hungry and would be raiding the fridge. The Omega woman pulling her grandson along with her. Thatch quickly making a squeaking sound before following after them.

“If Ace isn’t her son… who is?” Izou muttered.

They all shared looks and shrugged. Whitebeard chuckled from his seat, taking a drink from his tankard.

This was going to be fun. At least for Whitebeard, who had the sneaking suspicion he knew who this mysterious son was.                                                                                                                

Chapter Text

For as long as Shanks could remember, he hated his hair color. How bright red it was. His mother used to tell him that he shared the same color as his grandmother, which should give him something to love about it. Though, words did more harm to him. He hated everything about the red curls that would frame his face, having urges to cut his hair to where it was concealed underneath his hate just so he wouldn’t have to see it.

It had all started after he came aboard the Oro Jackson. Stopping on an island in the West Blue before heading back towards Reverse Mountain. The mocking words that were sent his way. He could only fight back tears as he had been surrounded by older kids. All Alphas according to their pheromones they were radiating. One of them with a fist in his hair, mocking this color of his hair. Craning his head back far enough that it made his neck hurt as Shanks stared up at them with wide eyes. “Hair the color of blood? I would rather shave it all off if that is what my hair looked like.” The one with his hand in Shanks’ hair said, a laugh erupting from him and the other boys around him.

Shanks bit his lip. Choosing to ignore their words. Well, tried too. “Honestly, I would be ashamed. It’s so abnormal.” Another said.

“It’s ugly.” The third one said, making a fake gagging sound.

The Omega child choked on the air in his throat as the boys laughed, pushed him away and into the wall before walking off.

Shanks waited until they were gone before he bolted towards the Oro Jackson. Not saying a word as he ran past Roger and Rayleigh. The two men calling after him. Ignoring their words as he went into his room and slammed the door behind him. His hat had fallen off his head, falling to his back, only staying cause of the string. He didn’t even notice that the tears had fallen down his face until he saw his reflection in the mirror. Red, tear-stricken eyes staring back at him. His curly red hair a mess on his head.

Shanks sniffled as he turned away from his reflection, bringing his hat back over his head and curling his knees up to his chest and hugging his legs close to him.

Was his hair color really that bad?

It continued on as the years started to go by. Hiding his hair within the confines of the straw hat. Making sure that it couldn’t peek out from underneath it. He had turned eight when he ran into Dracule Mihawk, a young aspiring swordsman, for the first time. Mihawk had walked up to Roger, demanding that the Alpha Captain duel him after stating his name. “How old are you, brat?” Roger questioned.

“Twelve.” Mihawk replied, hand already gripping his sword. Roger just laughed, telling him that he needed to get stronger first. Instead, offering up Shanks instead.

Mihawk had eyed him for a moment, a smirk coming to his face. “Piece of cake.”

Shanks stepped forward, pulling his sword from its sheath. Mihawk’s eyes were on him, calculating. Shanks made the first move, putting haki into his legs to make him just a bit faster. A feeling in the pit of his stomach that the teen in front of him was also a haki user. His eyes widened as little bit as Mihawk’s eyes seemed to track each one of his movements.

Their swords clashed, a burst of power connecting in the middle. Their movements stilled as Shanks gripped a little bit tighter. He gritted his teeth as they both pulled back, swinging again. More power was behind Mihawk’s attack this time, pushing Shanks back slightly. The Omega digging his feet into the ground to brace himself. Wind pressure moved around them, knocking Shanks’ hat off of his head, making his hair fall onto his forehead.

Shanks managed to stalemate the move again after a minute, adding more power into his swing as their swords clashed for a third time. Mihawk’s face turned to shock for just a split second. His eyes widening for that same second before a poker face was back on his features.

“I’m impressed, Red-Hair.” Mihawk said, as they swung again.

Shanks growled, his knuckles turning white around his sword. “Don’t call me that.” He hissed. His haki got stronger on the blade, catching Mihawk off guard for a moment, knocking the Alpha back slightly.

Shanks wasn’t even sure how long they were going at it, exchanging powerful swings at each other. Dirt covering each of them as they went. Unable to stop the other. Roger called the end of the duel a stalemate. Mihawk huffed, sliding his sword back onto his back. Shanks put his own back where it probably belonged, grabbing his hat and placing it back on his head.

“Why don’t you join us for a celebration. That was a good fight, boys.” Roger stated.

Mihawk eyed him for a second, eyes falling back on Shanks for a split second before nodding to Roger. Roger announced a party and immediately the men were moving into preparations.

As the party progressed, Shanks sat a little bit away from the crew, tucking his hair back into his hat when Mihawk took a seat next to him. The Alpha leaning back on his arms as he looked out at the ocean. “Why do you hide your hair?” The Swordsman questioned.

Shanks paused for a second, peering at him with uncertainty before continuing. “It’s nothing.”

The Alpha glanced at him, those eyes practically piercing through Shanks. “That’s a lie. You got angry during our duel. Anger can lead to consequences in a fight if you aren’t careful.”

The Omega shrugged. “I know… I just don’t like people calling me that.”

“Why?” Mihawk pushed further.

Shanks sighed, looking over his shoulder to make sure no one could hear him before he dropped his voice. “It’s just… my hair… it’s not natural.”

Mihawk kept his eyes on him for a moment before looking back out to the sea. “Were you born with it?” He questioned.

The question caught Shanks off guard. “Um, yeah.”

Mihawk shrugged. “Then it’s natural.” He paused, looking back over to Shanks. “Your fellow apprentice, the scared one with the blue hair and big, red nose. Was he born that way?” Shanks nodded. “I was born with gold colored eyes. If you were born with it, its natural to you.” 

Shanks frowned, hiding his face into his knees once again, pulling his hat down a little further over his hair. “Not really… it’s ugly, bright, abnormal…”

Mihawk hummed. “I don’t think so. It’s beautiful like a rose.”

Shanks’ head snapped up, his face flushing over almost as red as his hair. Mihawk wasn’t even looking at him, still looking out to the ocean. A comfortable silence fell over them as Shanks finally looked away from Mihawk and out to the ocean.

Like a rose, huh?

The next time that the two met, they dueled together once again that ended in a stalemate. This time however with the party thrown. Mihawk stopped directly in front of Shanks, pulling something out of his jacket. Shanks eyed him for a second as he pulled out a rose from his pocket.

Shanks could only hide his face behind his hands as Mihawk presented the rose to him. “Beautiful like a rose, remember?” Shanks nodded as he took the rose from Mihawk, whoops and hollers coming from behind him. Mihawk leaned down, whispering in his ear, “Why don’t you grow it out. It really is a beautiful color.”

Mihawk turned and walked away after that. Shanks looking at the single red rose in his hand. Looking to the Alpha’s retreating back until he was gone before looking back down with a smile on his face. Maybe he would.

Chapter Text

Shanks hummed to himself as he walked across the deck. The night sky glittering above him, the waves of the ocean hitting the Oro Jackson softly. The Omega took in a deep breath, a smile on his face. He paused as he heard Buggy’s voice, looking around until he saw the top of the Alpha’s hat from within one of their small boats. Just the person he was looking for. Roger had a message for him to give to Buggy when he saw him.

Shanks grinned as he walked over, his footsteps quiet. Buggy was still talking to himself. Grinning like a mad man. Shanks couldn’t see what was in his hands, but it was clear his friend was looking at something. He leaned against the boat, standing directly behind the Alpha, as he said, “Hey there, Buggy. Where you just saying something?” He questioned. The Omega laughed softly as he watched Buggy jump before his hand shot into his mouth. His cheeks becoming comically larger. Reminding Shanks a lot of a chipmunk. Was he hiding food? It looked like it with the leaves hanging out of his mouth. A pineapple maybe?

The Alpha turned his head, glaring at him through the corner of his eye. “Oh, it’s you. Don’t scare me like that.” Buggy stated around whatever was in his mouth.

The Omega frowned slightly. “Don’t be so jumpy.” Shanks retorted, pushing off of the boat and starting to walk away from where Buggy was. “Oh, and don’t steal too much food from the kitchen. You don’t want to make the cook mad.” He added as he started to walk off. The redhead paused for a moment, remembering he had a message to survey to Buggy and turned back around. He walked back over, leaning back in the spot he was before and exclaimed, “Oh yeah! Captain told me to tell you—” Shanks started but paused as he watched Buggy jump again and swallow whatever it was in his mouth. He watched the Alpha’s face turn from complete shock to anger within seconds.

Buggy grabbed him by front of his shirt, getting in his face. Shanks had to crane his neck back to keep them from being nose to nose. “How dare you?!” Buggy screeched.

“What’s wrong?!” The Omega questioned.

“Bastard!” The blue-haired apprentice screamed. “Why!? Why!? Why!?”

What did he do? Shanks paused at the motion through the corner of his eye, looking away from Buggy to se a paper floating away and towards the sea. “What’s that piece of paper?” He questioned.

Buggy let him go with a shout, “Ah! Not my map!” Within seconds, the Alpha was diving over the side of the ship towards the map. The other apprentice disappearing into the water seconds later.

“Hey, Buggy!” Shanks felt the fear coursing through him as he looked at the water. Buggy had still yet to resurface, the paper just floating on the top of the water that he had jumped in for. Why wasn’t he swimming? Buggy was an amazing swimmer. “Hey… hey, what’d yuh doing? What’s going on? Why aren’t you swimming?” He questioned, the panic rising in him, scanning the water for Buggy’s form.

Why wasn’t he resurfacing?

It clicked as Shanks’ eyes widened. Buggy had eaten the Bara Bara no Mi earlier that day. Devil Fruit users can’t swim.

“BUGGY!” He screamed. Shanks was sure he had gotten the attention of the nakama on watch with how loud he yelled. The Omega pulled himself up the rail and over, diving into the water after his friend. He scanned his eyes through the water, searching for Buggy.

Finally, his eyes landed on him and he swam forward, curling his arm around the Alpha’s torso, and pulling Buggy’s arm over his shoulders as he started to swim up to the surface. The two broke the surface, Shanks looking up to see the crew standing by the rail of the ship. Rayleigh already throwing a rope ladder over. Shanks maneuvered Buggy onto his back, swimming over to the ladder and starting up it. As he got close enough Rayleigh and Roger reached over, grabbing Buggy off of Shanks’ back.

“What happened, Shanks?” Roger questioned as Buggy was placed on his back and Rayleigh was helping Shanks over.

Shanks was shaking as Scopper Gaban placed a blanket over his shoulders. Crocus was on his knees next to Buggy, pressing compressions into Buggy’s chest. “He… he… uh, he ate the Bara Bara no Mi… I accidentally… I scared him and he jumped overboard. He couldn’t…” Shanks could barely form full words as he watched Crocus expel the water from Buggy’s lungs. The Alpha apprentice coughing and sputtering as the water spewed out of his mouth. Crocus helped Buggy sit up carefully as Spencer placed a blanket around his shoulders.

“Buggy, are you okay?” Shanks questioned.

Buggy growled, pushing himself off of the deck and stomping over to where Shanks was. “This is all your fault! I hate you!” Shanks’ eyes widened and his mouth dropped open hearing those words from his sworn brother.

“Buggy…” The Omega whispered.

The Alpha just huffed as he stomped off in a different direction. Leaving Shanks standing there watching his back. “Shanks—” Roger started.

Shanks ignored him, turning and starting off in the opposite direction.

Shanks was sitting on top of the cabin, eyes glued to the water. His knees pulled to his chest as Buggy’s words replayed through his mind. So, Bara Bara no Mi wasn’t the fruit he had eaten in fruit of the entire crew? That could only be the possible explanation to why he thought it was Shanks’ fault. He had been eating something when Shanks scared him right before he jumped overboard.

He kept replaying the entire situation over in his head. He accidentally scared Buggy. There was no way it was his fault. It was an accident. Shanks sighed, pulling his legs closer to himself and burying his face into his knees. Well, maybe he shouldn’t have snuck up on him. Then maybe this wouldn’t have happened.

Shanks heard footsteps walking up behind him, making him peek out of where he had hidden his face. Walking up beside him was Roger, who sat down next to him, looking out at the sea instead of looking to Shanks.

After a moment of silence, Roger finally spoke, “I talked to Buggy. He told me his side of things.”

Shanks dug his nails into his pants, making a sound from his throat before saying, “If I hadn’t scared him this wouldn’t have happened.”

Roger shrugged. “He did put the fruit into his mouth to hide it. It’s not your fault, Shanks. It was an accident.” Shanks didn’t say anything back, rather looking out to the sea again. “Is it the devil fruit bothering you, or what he said?”

The air in Shanks’ throat caught.

“Son, accidents happen. Buggy is fine. You’ll be back to bickering together soon.” Roger said, smiling at him and placing his hand on the top of Shanks’ head. “Just think of all the pranks you could pull together with the power of that fruit.”

Shanks snorted, a smile finally breaking out on his face. He sighed, continuing to look at the sea as he leaned into Roger. The man smiling as he leaned back on his arms.

His father always knew how to make him feel better.

Chapter Text

On the Organ Islands, in Orange Town, Roger announced to his crew that they were stopping to get some more supplies and to have a night in the town before they would be leaving again to start back towards the Grand Line. Roger had decided that he wanted to see the islands around the Blue Seas during his journey within the Grand Line.

He couldn’t quite place it, but his instincts were screaming for him to be within the East Blue. More specifically, something about Orange Town was calling for him to be there. With Rayleigh by his side, Roger started off towards the nearest bar. Adjusting his straw hat on his head. With a large grin, he walked side by side with his first mate.

Being in the East Blue, he had quickly caught word of a rookie without a crew, who had been taking down pirate crews singlehandedly within the seas. Stealing their treasure and taking off. According to eyewitness accounts, she was highly skilled with a sword. Even dual wielding without issue. From the people who knew what haki was, stated her haki usage was advanced and unlike anything they had ever seen within the East Blue. The one thing that made him so interested in meeting the woman was a particular action she did each time she was challenged.

The woman wore a hibiscus flower in her hat. She out pull it out and tell her opponent they had until the flower hit the ground to kill her. If they were unable to do so, they fell to her. She had yet to lose. The flower never hitting the ground before she managed to strike her opponent down.

She was intriguing. Roger wanted nothing more than to meet the woman.

He never thought that day would ever come when he walked into the bar with Rayleigh and his eyes fell on her for the first time. She was sitting at the bar, legs crossed over each other as she held a glass of alcohol in her hand. Her curly blonde-pinkish hair falling down her back. Her hat was off of her head and the hibiscus flower was tucked behind her ear. From where Roger was standing, her eyes were a beautiful shade of red. Reminding him of the color of red wine. Her cheeks were decorated with freckles, making her appear younger than she actually was. From the rumors, she was fresh out to sea. At the age of seventeen. He had heard her name before, but at the moment couldn’t think of it as he looked at her.

“Roger, be careful.” Rayleigh stated, giving him a knowing look before walking over to the bar and sitting a few seats away from the woman.

Roger took a deep breath, wiping his sweaty palms on his pants. He’s been at sea longer than this woman has been alive. He shouldn’t be this nervous. Mentally slapping himself in the face to straighten his mind out, he walked forward, slipping into the seat next to her. Ordering a drink as she side-eyed him. Watching his movements.

He turned his head to face her and smiled. “I’m Gol D. Roger. Nice to meet you.” His drink being placed in front of him as he extended his hand out to her.

Rouge turned in her chair, face still the same as it was when he sat down. It made the sweat drop on his forehead. Sitting there underneath her intense glare. He just stared for a moment. She was absolutely beautiful. Stunning. Picking up her scent it was a mixture of cherry blossom and coffee bean. A mixture that could intoxicate even him. He had heard that she was an Omega, her scent and pheromones only proved that.

This woman was something else.

After a moment of tense silence, a smile came to her face as she took his hand. The Alpha released a breath he didn’t even realize he was holding until now as they both paused. Sparks shooting up his back as their hands connected. The shock on the woman’s face showed she felt the same thing. A few seconds later, a poker face was back up.

“Portgas D. Rouge. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She replied, placing her chin on her palm. “You might know me as—”

“Hibiscus Rouge.” Roger said, the name of the woman finally coming back to his mind. She smiled at him as they dropped each other’s hands. Rouge grabbing her drink once more.

The next thing Roger knew, they had been talking for hours into the night. Getting more drinks as the night progressed. Even ordering dinner. Rouge’s laugh was contiguous. The way her face would break out into a grin. Her nose crinkling when she laughed too hard.

As the night started to come to a close, Rouge got up from her seat. Roger watched as she placed some berries down on the counter before turning to walk out. She paused at the door, turning and smiling at him. “Roger, thanks for buying my drinks.” She stated, winking as she held up the bag, he kept in his jacket pocket that held his spending money.

Roger’s jaw dropped as he reached into his pocket, confirming it was the same bag. She laughed, throwing it back to him, which he caught easily, before she was walking out.

Rayleigh got out of his own seat, where he had been sitting with Scopper and a few of the others to make his way over. “You know, thanks Roger, I just won a bet because of you.”

Roger’s eyes were still on the door, the amazement that he got to see Hibiscus Rouge in action without even realizing it. Rouge had been known for being a pit pocket when she needed to be. Usually doing so on pirates that she eventually fought with. He never even noticed. His haki didn’t even notify him of her movements. He was amazed.

“Rayleigh. I think I’m in love.” Roger muttered, placing a hand over his chest as he looked over to his friend. “How did I not know she did that?” He questioned, still trying to figure out when she had done it.

Rayleigh rolled his eyes, grinning anyway. “She snatched it when you first sat down. I’ve been waiting for you to notice this entire time.”

“I need to see her again.” The Alpha Captain stated.

Rayleigh snorted. “You will. Hibiscus Rouge never gives anything back. You know that.” The First mate snickered. “Damn, you’ve got it bad and you just met.”

“I’m weak. I’m weak for that woman.” Roger gasped.

“Stop being overdramatic, Roger.”

Chapter Text

Shanks watched Ace with a smile on his face. His little boy crawling around the deck, giggling as he moved around. Ace was already almost a year old. Almost an entire year of pure joy for Shanks as he watched his pup grow. His pup had some speed to him as he caused chaos around the deck. Not even a year old and already was messing with the pirates on the ship.

Ace crawled over to where Shanks was sitting, grabbing the wood, and pulling himself up. Grinning up at his Omega father as he successfully got to his feet. “Mama! Mama!” Ace exclaimed, bouncing on his feet, showing Shanks what he was doing in that moment.

Shanks gave a toothy smile, ruffling his son’s hair. Gaining a giggle from the toddler as he fell down to his bottom. The Omega Captain paused as he felt the familiar haki signature getting closer. A smile coming to his face as he stood up and walked across the deck.

Sure enough not far from the Red Force was Mihawk’s small boat. Shanks leaned against the railing, leaning his cheek into his palm as Mihawk got closer. He caught the rope that Mihawk threw up to him, tying Mihawk’s boat to his ship.

Mihawk jumped, landing on the deck a second later. “Hey, there, Mi.” Shanks muttered. Mihawk smiled at him, leaning in a placing a kiss against his lips.

“How’s Ace been doing?” The Alpha questioned as he pulled away.

Shanks shrugged. “Terrorizing the crew.” He replied.

Mihawk snorted as he turned towards where Ace was. A grin coming to his face as Ace finally noticed him. The pup using the box that Shanks had been sitting on to pull himself up. Ace exclaimed, “Papa!” Taking his hands off of the box.

Shanks paused, watching as Ace looked down to his feet in concentration for a moment, taking a step forward. “Oh my God.” The Omega Captain whispered.

Mihawk kneeled down, holding his arms out. “C’mere, Ace. You can do it.” The Alpha urged.

Ace looked back up from his feet, the smile coming back to his face. Letting out another round of giggles as he started forward. Slowly, one foot in front of the other. Repeating the action as he started over towards Mihawk.

Shanks placed his hand over his mouth. His face breaking out into a larger smile as he watched Ace walk on shaky legs towards his Alpha father. After a few moments, Ace reached Mihawk. Falling into his chest into another fit of laughter. “Papa!” Ace yelled out, bouncing again on his feet as he clutched at Mihawk’s jacket.

The deck was silent for a moment as Shanks looked over to where his men were sprawled out on various parts of the deck. “My son just walked.” He said. “My son just walked!”

Mihawk stood up, Ace in his arms as he tickled at Ace’s stomach. The pup swatting at his Alpha father’s hands. “I think I know where this is going.”

Shanks smirked. “Oh yeah.” The Omega replied. He turned towards his crew. All of them grinning like mad men as Shanks threw his arms out with a yell of, “This calls for a party!”

Chapter Text

Luffy had been oddly quiet for too long. Shanks frowned as he walked into his quarters, pausing as his eyes settled on Luffy’s crib where his youngest son should be sleeping.

Only he wasn’t there.

Shanks’ heart skipped a beat as the air caught in his throat. Luffy was supposed to be asleep in his crib. Did he climb out? His son had been learned to climb things recently, causing chaos each time. Especially after Shanks caught him trying to climb the sail.

“Okay, don’t panic, Shanks.” The Omega muttered to himself, walking over to the door that connected his room with the one Ace slept in. Opening the door, he stopped as he noticed that Ace wasn’t in his bed either. “Oh God, no.”

Shanks turned on his heel, running through the cabins. Throwing the doors open and scanning the rooms. His heart beating against his chest every second. Using his observation haki to try and locate them, but not picking up a trace of them. His ears ringing from the fear coursing through his veins. His children were gone, and he didn’t even notice. With each door opening, he managed to scare one of his nakama. Each of them asking him if he was okay. He didn’t answer them as he continued to look for them.

“Boss, what’s wrong?” Yasopp asked as he made it to the dining hall.

Shanks’ hands were in his hair as the panic continued to set in. “Ace and Luffy. They’re gone. I can’t find them.” He finally said, looking in each and every corner of the room.

The rest of his nakama were up in and instant. Helping him look around as they started to search the entire ship.

Meeting on the deck, Shanks was in tears as he rushed to the side of the ship. Looking at the water. “Please tell me they didn’t some how fall in the water.” He muttered.

“Captain, we were on watch. We didn’t see them.” The nakama who was on watch stated.

The ship was traveling if they fell in the water and no one noticed. Who knows how long they had been there? Neither of his boys knew how to swim. Ace was currently learned and Luffy was still too small.  

Shanks was sure he had pieces of his hair in his hands, his hat hanging on his neck as he continued to search the deck. Trying once again with his observation haki. Still nothing.

“Oh, God, no.” Shanks cried, the tears falling from his eyes.

“It’s alright, boss. They have to be here somewhere.” Lucky said, trying – and failing – to sooth Shanks’ nerves.

“Hey, boss!” Jules called out. Shanks turning his head to see Jules on the other side of the ship, pointing down. “When did Mihawk get here?”

Shanks frowned. “Mihawk’s here?”

“Yeah, that’s his boat down there.” His nakama replied. Shanks had been in the conference room for the last hour while his pups were sleeping. He didn’t even think of the possibility of Mihawk showing up.

Shanks hummed, his face lighting up. “I know where they are!” He exclaimed, rushing back towards the cabins and for Ace’s room.

Going back through his room and for the door to Ace’s room, he rounded the corner to where Mihawk had built a small fort for Ace to play in. Which often more than not, Ace and Luffy would fall asleep in there. Mihawk sometimes sat in there with them.

Sure enough, he found his mate and pups asleep together, curled up within the pillows and blankets on the floor under the sheet built fortress. Shanks let out a cry of happiness as he fell down to his knees and placed a hand each on Ace and Luffy.

His pups were safe.

Mihawk was here.

He hadn’t even thought of all that through his panic.

He sighed, for the moment, he would let them sleep. He would flip out later.

Chapter Text

Luffy kept the smile on his face the entire time that he watched Ace leave the port of Foosha Village. Waving happily to his brother as his small boat disappeared over the horizon. Once he was gone, Luffy tilted his head so the brim of his hat was shielding his eyes. He didn’t say a word to his parents or crew as he started off towards the Red Force.

Walking onto the ship with the newfound feeling in the pit of his stomach. No one was on the ship, everyone still at the harbor with Shanks. Mihawk would probably be departing immediately like he usually did to go do whatever he actually does. Luffy sighed as he opened the door to the room he had shared with Ace for the last fourteen years.

The room was bare of all of Ace’s belongings except a few small items. His clothes were gone, family pictures, his hat wasn’t on the bedside table. Luffy sat down on his bed, pulling his legs up to his chest as he looked at the made bed where Ace would sleep at night.

The room felt empty.

All he felt in that moment was loneliness. Sure, he had Shanks and the Red-Hair Pirates… but this was Ace. His brother. His best friend. He lost his partner in crime.

Luffy only looked up when the bed dipped down, and he picked up Shanks’ scent radiating in the air. “I already miss him.” Luffy muttered.

Shanks’ arm came over his shoulders, bringing him into his side as Luffy let his head fall on his Omega father’s shoulder. “I know, Luffy. I do too.” Shanks replied.

“Who is gonna help me cause mischief now?” Luffy questioned, frowning.

Shanks snorted. “You can do that well enough on your own.”

“But, I don’t want too.”

Shanks hummed. “Don’t worry though, Luffy. We will see him soon.”

Luffy peeked up, looking up to Shanks. “I didn’t want him to go.”

Shanks smiled, looking up to the ceiling. “As his parent, I didn’t want him too either, but I also know that I can’t just keep shielding you boys from the world.” He paused, looking down to Luffy and his smile getting bigger. “Besides, how can you make your dreams come true stuck here with me. You both have to spread your wings and fly on your own. Ace has his dream, and you have yours. With me, you can’t do that.”

Luffy smiled. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“Say, why don’t we go do some sparring in the woods while Nash makes lunch?”

Luffy felt the grin on his face get bigger as he nodded. Jumping up from the bed with his fists clutched. “I’m so hitting you this time!”

Shanks gave him a smirk. “I would like to see you try.”

Luffy was already gone.

Chapter Text

Shanks smiled as he watched Ace and Mihawk on the deck together. Their four-year-old pup running happily after Mihawk. A grin on Mihawk’s face as he allowed Ace to catch him in their game of Marines versus Pirates. Luffy was babbling happily in his lap, fiddling with a new toy that Mihawk had brought for him.

“Boss! Lunch is ready!” His cook – Nash called out.

The mention of lunch instantly had Ace’s attention as his game was long forgotten and he chased after Nash. Shanks pushed himself up, adjusting Luffy to his hip as Mihawk fell in step with him.

Getting into the dining hall, Shanks placed Luffy into his highchair as Ace crawled up into his chair. Exclaiming happily to Benn about how he beat Mihawk. Benn smiling to the Omega pup as Ace continued. Shanks took the moment to walk over to the buffet and grab his and Ace’s plate. Nash already having Luffy’s bowl ready, which Mihawk grabbed for him.

Getting back over to his sons. He sat down next to Luffy with Ace across from him between Mihawk and Benn. Placing Luffy’s bowl in front of him, his youngest pup instantly had his hands in the bowl before Shanks could even grab the spoon.

Shanks sighed, just letting Luffy go after his food. Choosing to eat his own.

With a piece of meat on his fork, he paused as he heard, “Me—"

Raising his eyebrow, he looked over to Luffy. Silence falling over the dining hall as Luffy stared directly at the piece of meat on Shanks’ fork.

A split second later, Luffy had a grin on his face, making grabby hands at Shanks’ fork, with a loud exclaim of, “MEAT!”

Shanks fumbled to keep ahold of his fork as the loudness in Luffy’s voice caused him to jump.

Mihawk snorted as Ace clapped his hands together, giggling. “Luffy wants meat!” Ace exclaimed. His oldest grabbing a piece of meat off of his own plate and handing it to his brother.

Luffy giggling happily as he snatched the piece of meat and immediately went to nom on it.

Shanks looked over to Mihawk with a dumbfounded look as the Alpha man snickered. “Out of all the words he could have said… he said meat.” Shanks muttered.

Mihawk shrugged, taking a bit of his lunch.

Shanks sighed, a smile on his face nonetheless as he leaned back into his seat. “Do I even need to say it?”

“Not at all, boss!” Lucky replied as happy exclamations filled the dining hall.

They already knew that Shanks was going to throw a party that night with Luffy right in the center of it all.

Chapter Text

Luffy watched as his nakama argued back and forth. Head whipping in each direction as Zoro and Sanji threw insults back and forth. What were they even fighting about this time? Luffy had no clue. He just wanted lunch and Sanji was busy fighting Zoro.

Luffy might end up oblivious or blissfully unaware of most things around him, but he was positive about one thing. The absolute sexual tension floating around his swordsman and his cook. Ever since the Baratie it had been like this. Almost from the second the two saw each other.

Luffy rubbed his temples as he sat between Nami and Robin. The two’s argument already giving him a headache and his stomach growling louder.

“Shut up, marimoo!” Sanji growled. “Just go play with your damn swords and leave me alone!”

“What was that, stupid cook?!”

Luffy groaned, leaning back against the mast of the ship. It was like this every day.

The argument continued as Luffy sat back up, an idea coming to his mind. Whenever Shanks and Mihawk looked irritated with each other, they usually ended up sharing a kiss.

The Alpha Captain snickered as he stretched his arms out. “SHUT UP AND KISS ALREADY!” He screamed. Grabbing Sanji by the back of the head and doing the same to Zoro. Sending them both into each other. Their lips clashing together as Luffy gave a content sigh from the new silence. Sanji and Zoro’s faces both reddening over as they realized their lips were connected. “Much better.”

“Luffy!” Nami gasped.

Luffy looked over at her, blinking. “What? This is too much sexual tension for me, and I want meat.” Bringing his arms back to himself, folding his arms in front of his chest with a pleased smile. “It worked didn’t it?”

He looked back to his nakama, seeing them separate quickly, stummering over their words. Sanji excusing himself to go make lunch, and Zoro watching his back with his fingers touching his lips. The swordsman turned to face Luffy, face still red, “What the hell was that for, Luffy?!”

Luffy shrugged, making a humming noise. “Like I said, just kiss already. I was dying over here.” Without another word, he started off towards the kitchen, fully prepared to annoy Sanji into making him a snack until lunch was ready.

Chapter Text

Benn Beckman had seen quite a bit in his twenty-six years of life. The last thing he expected was to see a completely hammered teenager in a bar. He couldn’t have been more than sixteen at most. A lot had been happening within the last few months. Including the public execution of one Gold Roger, the King of the Pirates that happened a month prior in Loguetown.

Sitting at the bar, a few seats away from him was a young Omega with striking red hair that peeked out from underneath the straw hat on his head. His nose was buried in his arms as he stared at his empty glass.

Benn watched him carefully. Not exactly sure if it was because he was clearly older than this teenager or because his instincts were screaming at him to keep a watchful eye out. This town was not safe. It was lawless, having been overrun by pirates and bandits. A place that couldn’t afford to pay the Heavenly Tribute to get protection from the Marines. Sitting here without a care in the world was this Omega.

Honestly, the teenager looked like shit. From what Benn could see, his hair was tousled, his clothes were clean but looking as if he had just rolled out of bed. His stared absent mindedly ahead of him. His stormy eyes glossy from intoxication. Bruises under his eyes from what Benn could only guess was lack of sleep. There were some injuries marking his tanned skin. This kid looked like he had been through hell and back.

It was very slight, but he had caught the distressed scent coming off of him. His scent seeping through, getting strong enough that even Benn could smell it over the whiskey in his hand. It was sweet. A strong one too. Cherry blossoms and strawberries.

Most importantly, why was this kid even in a bar? Benn had never seen him around here before. Someone like him would be quick to get picked up. Whether it was willingly or unwillingly. He wondered why the barkeeper was even entertaining the idea of giving an underage teenager alcohol, but he could understand. On a lawless island, it wasn’t much of a shock of losing money because of the crimes that took place.

The teenager did appear like he wanted to be left completely alone. Glaring at anyone who approached him. The bartender kept supplying him drinks, which he would down almost instantly as soon as they were placed in front of him.

This kid was going to get alcohol poisoning if he kept this up. This kid was damn near his tenth shot of whiskey alone. Benn was sure if he stood up, he would fall flat on his ass with how much alcohol was in his system.

When the bartender put another glass in front of the teenager, Benn about stood up to take it and get him a glass of water instead when he saw the movement through the corner of his eye. With his hand on his rifle, ready to fight, he watched as a group of maybe two Alphas and two Betas approached the teenager.

It was as if something clicked in the Omega teenager. He sat up with a straight back, his eyes being shielded by the brim of his hat as he picked up his glass. Taking a sip from it, unlike how he had been throwing them back before.

One of the Alphas sat next to him. The other on his other side as the two remaining kept places behind him, surrounding him completely. Anger flared in Benn as he watched the scene unfold. They were blocking the poor kid in. He was completely wasted, and these men were at least two times his size.

“What’s a pretty thing like yourself doing here all alone?” The Alpha to the teenager’s left questioned. Getting a little bit too close for comfort into the Omega’s space.

Preparing to pull out his rifle to take care of it, he stopped as he heard the teenager’s voice for the first time. “I’m looking for someone.” He simply stated, taking another sip.

Placing the glass down, the Omega’s head turned to face the man that had spoken to him. The man to his right used the opening, Benn watched on as something was slipped into it. That’s when he pulled his rifle all the way out of his sash.

“I’m sure we can help you find whoever that may be. Why don’t you come with us and we can help you search?” The Alpha questioned, the false tone to his voice that any one in this bar could tell he was lying. He was just trying to get the Omega out of the bar.

“No, thank you. I’m fine on my own.” The Omega stated, picking up the glass once more. Bringing it to his lips before Benn could even move. Pouring the contents of the glass into his mouth. Benn wanted to curse that he hadn’t acted sooner. As he rose from his seat, he noticed how the teenager didn’t actually swallow the liquor. The men around him were smirking at each other.

That was until seconds later, the teenager spit the drink into the face of the one who slipped the drug into it. “What the hell?!” The man screeched.

The Omega was smirking as he turned in his seat, leaning back on his arms against the bar. One of the Betas brought the tip of his sword to the teenager’s neck. “You know, it’s not kind to slip something into someone’s drink. It’s a waste of good booze.”

Benn could feel the anger radiating off of the men, but before anyone could move, the teenager looked up. His eyes cold as ice underneath the edge of his hat. Benn felt the power of his haki, hitting just the four men around him before they were collapsing to the ground unconscious. Their bodies slamming against the floor and bar respectively. The power of his haki was surely impressive. With his age, he shouldn’t be able to use it with such precision. This kid was well trained.

The teenager turned his head to look at the barkeep, an apologetic smile on his face. “Sorry about that.” He said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out enough berries to cover the cost of his drinks plus some.

“It’s no problem. Actually, it tends to be worse. There is only so much I can do.” The barkeep stated.

The teenager was still sitting with his back straight, crossing his legs and placing his chin into his palm. “Say, do you know where I can find a man named Benn Beckman around here? Rumor has it he’s in the area.”

Benn’s attention was completely grabbed, his eyes widening for a split second. This kid was looking for him? What could this kid possibly want with him?

“Should be easy.” The barkeep started, pointing over to where Benn was sitting. “He’s right there.”

The Omega turned his head to look at him. The large grin still on his face the entire time. “Thank you.” The teenager gave the barkeep before he was standing up. Benn was waiting for the second for the kid to fall, but it never happened. Much to his shock, the Omega walked straight up to him, taking a seat across from him. Chin back in his palm and the same smile on his face. “Hey, I’m Shanks!” He introduced himself, holding his other hand out.

Benn didn’t know what to think. Instead he shook the Omega’s hand. “So, you’re looking for me?” He chose to say instead.

Shanks grinned. “Yeah, I heard you are the smartest man in all of East Blue. I came for one purpose.”

“And that would be?”

Shanks’ grin turned from the wide grin to a small smile. “Come join my crew. I want you as my first mate and Vice Captain.”

Benn snorted. “You’re a pirate?” This kid didn’t even look of age, much less old enough to have left his homeland.

“Sure am. I grew up on a pirate ship. That was until about a year ago when the crew disbanded.” Shanks replied.

Benn’s eyes narrowed. This kid was being vague with his answer. Looking at the look in his eye, it was calculating. There was no deception written on his face. Shanks spoke the truth but wasn’t telling it entirely. “You’re a big talker. Demanding for someone of your age.”

Shanks laughed, leaning back in the chair. “You could say that. I just know what I want.”

Before Benn could say anything back to him, a loud crash from outside the bar caught their attention. Shanks was out of his seat before Benn could even blink. The Alpha stood up, following after him and out the door.

Benn’s eyes narrowed on a woman in the middle of a bunch of men. Laughing as they shoved her around. Teases and insults being thrown her way as she had her arms covering her body. He could hear the noise of disgust that left Shanks.

“Hey, asshats! Why don’t you pick on someone your own size?!” Shanks exclaimed. “If you want to fuck with someone, I’m right here.”

Okay, this kid was plastered because that was stupid. Which was also big talk, considering that Shanks appeared to be the same height as the woman they were picking on. The men had turned to look at Shanks. Grinning as one stepped forward. “If you say so.” He said, throwing a punch. Shanks moved on his heel, the fist going right by his head. A smirk on Shanks lips as he grabbed the man, three times his size, by the wrist. Twisting it, jerking his arm until the man had twisted. Twisting his arm behind his back before planting a kick in the middle of his back. Making the man crash to the ground.

“Who’s next?” Shanks questioned, popping his knuckles.

There were at least twenty men now surrounding Shanks. All ready to attack. Some with swords, some with guns but all dead set on making the Omega in front of them pay. Sure enough, five of them jumped forward as Shanks dodged their attacks. Landing blows of his own.

Benn moved forward, rifle ready as he used it as a club. Knocking ten of the men to the ground. Leaving only the other five standing plus the ones around Shanks. More men started to run up, joining in on the fight. Surrounding them both. Before he could blink, Shanks was gone. Hands on his upper back as Shanks used him to kick at the man that Benn hadn’t noticed coming up behind him.

Shanks landed on the ground, his back almost pressing into Benn’s. “Let’s kick some ass.” Shanks grinned.

Benn smirked. He actually kind of liked this kid. He turned back to the men. Moving forward and knocking out the ones in front of him. Shanks had made quick work of the others.

By the time they were done, the men were all unconscious on the ground. Shanks laughing as he dusted his clothes off. “Man, I haven’t fought like that in a long time.” He said.

Benn couldn’t help the grin that came to his face. “You know, I might just take you up on that request of yours.”

Shanks looked shocked for a quick second before he was smiling again. “Yes!” He exclaimed.

Leaving the men behind, Benn and Shanks started off down the dirt road. Shanks starting to stumble slightly. “Okay, I’m drunker than I thought.”

The Alpha snorted. “Well, you did throw back a lot. It’s called moderation.” Shanks hummed, placing his hands behind his head. “What was a kid like you doing in that bar anyway? You said you grew up on a pirate ship. So, why aren’t you with someone?”

Shanks’ face grew dark for a second, a sad look coming to his eye before he quickly masked it. “My Captain died. I don’t know what happened to the crew.” He said.

Benn hummed. There was more to it than what Shanks was letting on, but he wasn’t going to push it. At least not yet. The two had to build trust into one another before then.

Benn didn’t know in that moment that this decision would be one of the best that he made in his life.

Chapter Text

Rouge took in a deep breath as she stood before Eddie’s door. She had just gotten confirmation from the ship’s doctor that she was indeed pregnant. After a few months of being completely on edge, her instincts taking control more so than ever, the cravings, it was a no brainer.

She was pregnant.

She knocked on the door, listening as Eddie told her to come in. His pheromones and scent were comforting as she walked in. Closing the door behind her. The Alpha pack leader sat up on his bed, placing his sake bottle to the side as Rouge sat on the edge of his bed. “Eddie, I need to talk to you.” She said. She really didn’t want to leave. She wanted to stay here with her nakama and pack. Wanted to continue sailing the seas as free as possible. But it wasn’t about her now. She had a new life to think about. She had to do this. “I need to leave for a while, and I’m not sure when I will be back… or if I will ever be back.”

Eddie’s eyes were calculating. Watching her movements as she placed her hand over her flat stomach. Understanding came to Eddie’s eyes. Rouge didn’t have to say what was going on for him to understand what it was. “This is what you want to do?” He questioned.

Rouge shrugged. “I don’t really have a choice. A pirate ship is no place for a baby.” She muttered.

Eddie laughed. “Rouge, I know I’m selfish to say this, but I would like for you to stay.”

Rouge smiled as tears came to her eyes. She wanted to stay so badly. Her heart ached thinking about leaving her family. She had filled in for a motherly role for the younger pirates, but a sisterly role for the older ones. This was her home. She didn’t want to leave it, but her pup couldn’t be here. “I want to, Eddie… but we never know what could happen. I would just get in the way.”

Eddie smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Nothing will happen to you or your pup. I can promise you that. No one in their right mind takes on the Whitebeard Pirates. Well, unless you count Roger, but that man is as crazy as they come.” He stated. Rouge laughed as she wiped the tears away that had fallen from her eyes. “So, why don’t you stay for a while? If you still feel like you need to leave, we will take you there.”

Rouge hummed softly, her hand on her stomach as she thought about it. Eddie wouldn’t let anything happen to her or her pup. They hadn’t been involved in conflict for a while now. The last time being Roger a few months ago. The crew was growing and getting bigger by the day. Could she really be selfish and ask them to help her through this? She would be just as fine on her own. She could do it. She looked back over to Eddie, the fond smile on his face and the fierce protectiveness glowing in his eyes. An unspoken promise.

With a deep breath, she nodded. “Sure. We’ll see how it goes.” She finally said, lifting the weight off of her chest.

“Everything will be okay, Rouge. I promise you.”

Chapter Text

Shanks knew that heading back out to sea as soon as Ace was six weeks old wasn’t the best idea. He had finally been cleared by Aki after all the complications, warned to take it as easy as possible because of the surgical intervention that had taken place. Still, he was itching to feel the rocking of the ship. The smell of sea salt and ocean water. The wind from the currents. He just missed his life at sea. It really all he knew. He barely remembered the small village in the West Blue where he was born and raised for the first four years of his life. All he knew was the Oro Jackson and sailing the wide, open waters. They were all wanting to go back. Even at points where he told the crew they were allowed to take the ship and sail around if they pleased while he was still healing. Each one of them denied it, only saying they would only sail with their Captain on board.

His beautiful, little boy was just over six weeks old. Waking up every few hours wanting either food, Shanks, or needing his diaper changed.

To say the least, Shanks was absolutely exhausted. He barely got any sleep through the night and Ace kept his attention about eighty percent of the day. Juggling taking care of his son and doing his duties as a Captain was weighing on him. He was only sixteen and new to all of this. Still, he was dead set on making it work.

Ace may have been a surprise, but he was the light of Shanks’ life. Now, he didn’t know what he would do without him. Ace was his everything. His purpose.

So, if losing sleep was the cost of that. That was perfectly fine.

It wasn’t long after they started their journey back to the Grand Line that Shanks started to notice the small things. If Ace was a little bit too fussy or Shanks was busy and trying to do more than one thing at once, one of his nakama would jump in. Normally, Benn, Yasopp, and Lucky were the top three.

If Ace was too fussy and Shanks couldn’t get him to calm down, Benn would pick him up and walk around the deck. Humming and rocking him as he moved. Still doing his duties at the same time.

Yasopp liked to play with him, watching Ace’s face warp into a small as tiny little sounds would escape his son.

Lucky would help feed him whenever Shanks was trying to eat and tend to Ace at the same time.

It really did take a village to raise a pup.

How for the love of seas did Rouge do this alone?

Shanks didn’t even realize just how truly exhausted his was until he started falling asleep in random places on the ship. He didn’t even notice he had fallen asleep in the middle of a meeting until he had woken up and Ace was in his bassinet and Shanks was picking his head up off of the table were a pillow was placed under his head and a blanket thrown over his shoulders. The rest of his crew talking quietly, Benn continuing on with the meeting as if Shanks hadn’t fallen asleep.

He would fall asleep in the middle of dinner, his head resting against his hand. During nighttime parties, curled up next to his nakama as they partied, and Shanks drank a little bit too much with his declined alcohol intolerance.

It always seemed like someone was right around the corner to help him if he needed it. Even saying they would take Ace for a few minutes so Shanks could go do what he needed to.

The only times Ace wasn’t directly next to him were if he was in the bath or sleeping. He was always at least in his direct eyesight.

No matter what, it was all worth it in the end.

When Mihawk arrived at the Red Force, it was odd to him that he didn’t see Shanks the second he was over the rail. The rest of his nakama were roaming the ship, doing their daily duties. He had walked by Benn, seeing the Alpha First Mate doing what Shanks normally would be. “He’s in Ace’s nursery.” Benn merely stated to him before getting back to what he had been doing before. He had only been separated from his mate and pup for about a month at that point, having to go fulfill his duties as a Warlord before he could make his way back. Shanks thankfully was already back in the Grand Line, so it was a lot easier to find him. Mihawk didn’t even need to use Shanks’ vivre card when he came searching for the red-haired Omega.

Mihawk nodded his thanks and walked in silence through the cabin of the ship until he got to Shanks’ door. It was cracked open, which Shanks was notorious about making sure it was closed. Pushing open the door, he noticed Shanks wasn’t in his room, but Ace’s nursery room door was opened. Normally it was always open even with the den den mushi that notified them if Ace was making noise.

The Alpha kept his movements silent as he entered the room. Greeted with the sight of his mate asleep in the rocking chair. Ace secured in his arms and a bottle clearly used laying on the floor. Ace was slightly moving. His little arms waving around, patting at Shanks’ chest. Mihawk walked over, careful not to disturb Shanks as he lifted Ace out of his arms.

Ace giggling happy at him, his face cracking out into a large smile as his eyes landed on Mihawk. Mihawk smiled at him, running the back of his finger over Ace’s cheek as he muttered, “Shush, your momma is exhausted.” Placing Ace in his crib for the moment before turning back to Shanks. Ace didn’t like the sudden loss of heat as he promptly let out a loud cry. Shanks moved for a moment before settling back down.

How exhausted are you? The Alpha thought as he closed the distance between him and Shanks. Taking a good look at his mate.

The straw hat was tilted on his head, shielding his eyes but his breathing was still level. The hand that had Ace secured, now laying on his stomach. Mihawk was careful as he placed one arm under Shanks neck and shoulders and the other under his legs to pick him up out of the chair. Carefully moving out of the nursery and heading for Shanks’ bed, he placed the Omega down on the mattress. Pulling his hat off and placing it on the side table, slipping his shoes off before throwing the covers over him.

Shanks’ eyes cracked up, glossy from sleep as Mihawk shushed him quietly. “You’re exhausted, Shanks. Go back to sleep. I’ve got Ace.” He whispered. He wasn’t even sure if Shanks registered he was there or not cause his eyes were closed again within seconds.

Mihawk smiled softly as he walked back into the nursery where Ace was still fussing. Picking up his pup, Ace quieted down. Snuggling into Mihawk’s chest the second he picked him up. Ace made small noises as Mihawk walked out of the room, taking one last glance at Shanks before slipping out and closing the door behind him.

Mihawk had chosen a shady part of the deck to sit down, Ace leaning against his legs. Ace throwing his arms around as he reached out to pull at the knife that Mihawk wore. The Alpha simply moving his hands away before pulling the necklace off of his neck and slipping it into his pocket. Ace didn’t have the strength to actually pull it out, but he wasn’t chancing it.

For now, he would let Shanks sleep. Just once glance at his mate told him that he needed it.

When Shanks finally woke up, he noticed quickly that he was in his bed. The last thing he remembered was feeding Ace. He sat up quickly, his heart pounding against his chest. Looking around the room for any signs of his pup. Grabbing his hat off of the table, placing it on his head, and slipping his shoes back on, he went into the nursery to see that Ace wasn’t there. He activated his observation haki. Picking up Mihawk almost immediately. He felt himself calm instantly. Ace would be with him.

He vaguely recalled Mihawk telling him to go back to sleep. Barely lucid enough to actually hear the Alpha speak. He walked out of his cabin. Closing the door behind him as he started towards the deck where he felt Mihawk’s haki signature coming from.

Walking outside, he noticed it was dark out. Just how long had he been asleep?

Going along the deck, it didn’t take long before he had found Mihawk. Mihawk leaning up against the cabins with a book in hand. On his chest was Ace. His pup’s face squeezed into his chest, fast asleep.

Shanks smiled as he walked over, sitting down next to Mihawk. Pulling his legs to his chest as he leaned into the Alpha’s side. Placing his head on Mihawk’s shoulder. Mihawk leaned over, placing a kiss to the top of his head before returning back to his book. Shanks sighed with happiness as he looked up to the star-filled sky.

It had been a while since he felt well rested. It sure was a beautiful night to actually be able to notice it. The rest of his nakama were on the deck, lounging around. Talking quietly as not to wake the sleeping pup.

Shanks smiled.

He sure did love his life. No matter how tiring it was.

Chapter Text

Shanks noticed something was off when Ace was around two years old. Ace was always one of those babies that slept a lot and often wouldn’t sleep through the night. As he was growing up, it was no different. The first time he had noticed it, Ace was in the middle of running around the deck, happily messing with any of the nakama that he ran into. That was until he just stopped and fell down. Making Shanks panic for a split second before noticing that Ace was just asleep. After a few minutes, Ace was back up and acting as if nothing had even happened.

It wasn’t just a one-time occurrence. It happened all the time. Ranging anywhere from a few seconds to an hour. Ace would out of the blue just fall asleep. It wouldn’t matter what he was doing at the time. Eating, talking, running, sitting, etc. He would just pass right out.

Shanks was starting to get worried. Ace didn’t even notice it was happening. His face had fallen into his food more than once and he never even realized that he had food on his face. It started to concern him more as the episodes seemed to be getting closer together.

They only seemed to be getting worse and worse. When Ace was around four, Shanks knew he had to figure something out. When his son fell off of the ship asleep. His heart practically stopping as Ace’s eyes closed and body going slack. Right over the edge of the ship. With passing Luffy over to Yasopp, he ran and jumped over the edge of the ship. Going into the waters. Thankfully, Ace was barely but a few feet within the water by the time that he jumped in. Grabbing his son and swimming back to the surface where his nakama already had a rope ladder thrown over. Hanging onto Ace with one harm and using his other to hang on, Benn and Lucky pulled the rope ladder up. Benn grabbing ahold of Ace as soon as he was in arm’s length. Shanks hauled himself over, breaking heavily as he tried to get his heart to stop racing.

Aki was already checking Ace over, expelling the water from his lungs as Ace blinked. Curiosity on his face as he looked around at the crewmen standing around him. “What happened?” He questioned.

Shanks sighed. “You fell off the ship. You fell asleep, Ace.”

Ace gave him a puzzled look. “I did?”

Aki frowned, making a humming noise. “I think I may know what’s going on with him.” He stated. “Ace, come to the infirmary with me, okay?”

Ace looked between Aki and Shanks before nodding. Getting up and heading to the infirmary behind the ship’s doctor. Shanks took a deep breath, crossing his arms to hide the fact that his hands were shaking.

Taking Luffy from Yasopp and taking him back to his crib, grabbing the transponder snail that would go off in the case if Luffy woke up, he headed towards the infirmary. Inside, Aki was asking Ace a serious of questions. The pup looking slightly confused at most of them, but seemly answering them to the best of his knowledge.

The questioning went on a little longer as Aki wrote down notes in Ace’s medical folder before shutting it and turning back to face them. “Shanks, I believe Ace has narcolepsy. All of his symptoms and what he’s experiencing fits it.”

“Narcolepsy?” Shanks muttered.

Aki nodded. “Yeah, of course, there is no cure, but we can manage it. I would like to start Ace on some medications to help with it, as well as work on getting him onto a better sleep schedule. As well as methods to help him cope. Such as if he’s feeling tired, to sit down and put himself into a safe place.” The doctor stated. Shanks nodded, letting Aki continue on with what they could do for Ace.

“What’s narcolepsy?” Ace questioned, cutting through their conversation.

Aki smiled softly, “Narcolepsy is a disorder when your brain,” He paused, pointing at Ace’s head, “Can’t properly regulate your wakefulness and sleep. That’s why you keep falling asleep all the time and it happens without warning.” He explained.

Ace made a noise and nodded. “Is it dangerous?”

Aki shrugged. “It can be because it can lead to accidents. Just like what happened just now. You fell asleep and went overboard. So, you need to be careful. If you even think you are going to fall asleep, put yourself somewhere safe.”

Ace nodded again as Aki started explaining to Ace in a less medical term filled explanation. Ace listened, taking in as much information as he could before Aki told him to lay down and rest for a while. The pup didn’t need to be told twice before he was laying on the bed, curling up under the blankets and going to sleep.

The sleep attacks did become less frequent after Aki’s recommendation of putting Ace onto medication and finding coping mechanisms to help. Ace would still fall asleep while he was in the middle of things. He would end up falling down most times because he didn’t notice the signs of a sleep attack coming on.

It was slowly getting better.

He still had his moments where he fell into the water a couple of times. Even freaking out Mihawk the first time he had seen it happen.

Shanks was just glad they actually knew what it was now and wasn’t going in blindly anymore.

Standing out on the deck with Luffy crawling around, Ace promptly fell over fast asleep. Small snores leaving him as Shanks sighed.

Yeah, still a work in progress.

Chapter Text

It was just a normal day on the Moby Dick. At least until the look out had spotted Garp’s ship on the horizon and the immediate panic had set in for Ace. All of the Commanders were out on the deck along with a large portion of the crew. Whitebeard was sitting in his chair, a fond grin coming to his face at the mention of Garp.

Ace, however, was in full fight or flight mode.

He sudden change in demeanor had caught the attention of those around him as he not so secretly looked for a place to hide.

Garp was getting closer and closer and Ace absolutely did not feel like having a headache for the next week. He loved his grandfather, but he really hated that Fist of Love of his.

As Garp’s ship got closer, Ace slowly started to take steps backwards, hiding within the mass amount of the crew that was on the deck.

“Ace, have you had a run in with Vice Admiral Garp before?” Izou questioned, fanning himself off with a fan as he noticed the way that Ace was trying to make his getaway.

“You could say that.” Ace muttered.

Garp’s ship was now next to the Moby Dick and Ace had absolutely no where to go without being spotted. He cursed under his breath as he all but hid behind Marco.

Garp was bellowing a laugh as he came on board, a bag of rice crackers in his hand as he stopped in front of Whitebeard. “I see you’re still kicking, Eddie.”

“Long time no see, Garp.” Whitebeard replied, taking a drink from his bottle of sake, much to the nurses’ complaints and glare from Marco. “What brings you to my ship?”

“Just here to say hello to your Second Division Commander is all.” Garp stated.

Ace absolutely did not yelp. Making a pitiful noise as he heard his grandfather say his position. “What do you possibly need with my son?”

“Ace, what did you do?” Marco questioned in a whisper that only the ones around him could hear.

Ace hissed. “Nothing, he’s just crazy!” Ace whispered back. “Just hide me!” The Omega stated as he kept a look out on what possible way he could get out of this situation. He was highly contemplating jumping overboard. Though, the crazy old man would probably just follow him into the water cause that’s what Garp does.

“Aha!” Garp’s voice rang out and Ace felt the sweat drop on his forehead. “Trying to hide from me, brat!”

Ace didn’t have time to move as Garp’s fist was slamming into the top of his skull, a loud cry escaping him as he cradled his now very much in pain head. “Damnit, you old geezer!”

“How many times do I have to tell you that you should have joined the Marines?!” Garp exclaimed, grabbing a rice cracker and munching on it.

Ace groaned, kicking his feet slightly as he tried to get the throbbing to go away.

“Commander Ace is a logia type?! How did Garp hurt him?!” One of the newer nakama in Ace’s division exclaimed.

“It’s called haki. How are you on Eddie’s ship if you don’t even know that?” Garp replied to the pirate.

“For the last time, I didn’t want to be a Marine!” Ace screamed back, looking up to his grandfather with defiant eyes. Now standing back on his feet. “I kept telling you that I was going to be a pirate, you old geezer!”

“Ace, how do you know Garp?!” Thatch exclaimed, the shock on his face.

Even Marco looked genuinely surprised. “You are a hundred years too young to be talking back to me, brat.” Garp had growled, cracking his knuckles. “Want more of the Fist of Love?”

“Fist of what now?” Jozu whispered.

“Why does my family have to be full of damn criminals?! Why couldn’t you just listen?!” Garp questioned.

“You’re my grandpa! Not my mother or father!”

“GRANDPA!?” The loud exclaim followed.

It fell to deaf ears as Ace and Garp continued to argue back and forth. “Even your mother wouldn’t listen to me!” Garp gasped.

“Because mom wanted to be a pirate too!” Ace screamed. “You’re not my mother or father so I don’t have to listen to a damn thing you tell me, old man!”

Garp’s eyes hardened that had Ace swallowing the lump that came to his throat. He growled as he swung his arm back, landing another one of his punches on Ace’s head. Ace groaning and rubbing his head once more. “Want to see just how much love I have in these fists?! I can go at this all day!”

“Doesn’t matter! Still remaining as a pirate! As if the Marines would want me now that I’m a fucking outlaw!” Ace yelled.

“You’re my grandson! I’m sure we would work something out!” Garp replied, laughing.

“Yeah, the freaking gallows!” Ace muttered as he got back to his feet, still rubbing at his head. Garp paused, eyes landing on Ace’s neck. The Omega looked down to the necklace around his neck and the sweat dropped again.

Garp got a sadistic grin on his face as he reached out and took a good look at it. “Seems like the initiation process is in order.”

Ace blanched. “Marco, you might want to fly away as fast as you can.” Ace stated.

“Wha—” It was already to late as Garp’s fist slammed into the top of Marco’s head. The First Division Commander slamming face first into the ground. His nose bursting into his blue flames as well as the top of his head.

“What kind of family do you have?!” Thatch exclaimed as Marco pushed himself up, rubbing at the top of his head.

“A bat shit crazy one.” Ace muttered.

“What was that for?!” Marco growled.

Garp snickered, grabbing another rice cracker, and munching on it. Offering the bag to Ace to which he took one. “You’re sleeping with my grandson, which means you get the Fist of Love too.”

“That means every time you see him… run.” Ace added as he bit into his own rice cracker, nursing his now pounding head. Walking over to Whitebeard and taking a seat before leaning against the yonko’s leg.

“You sure got the in law jackpot, didn’t you, Marco?” Thatch snickered.

Marco didn’t have to react before Garp was also slamming his fist into Thatch’s skull.

Whitebeard chuckled from his seat as he patted Ace’s back. “Next time, just hide behind me, son.”

“Plan on it.”

Garp laughed as he walked away from the Commanders, taking a seat directly in front of Whitebeard as he was offered a drink. Munching on his rice crackers as the rest of the Whitebeard Pirates tried to process what just happened.

Chapter Text

Rouge knew that glint in Eddie’s eyes. One she became awfully familiar with over the years when Eddie decided he wanted someone on his crew. Only this time it was who the look was leveled on.

Shanks.

Her son was only five years old, standing among the crowd at the supply island they were at. Her and Eddie were simply in the town to buy what they wanted when they stumbled upon Shanks. Shanks hadn’t quite noticed her yet, but Eddie sure noticed him.

He had a very unique haki signature. One that was powerful, even for a child of his age. It certainly caught Eddie’s attention. Shanks was laughing at something the stand owner was saying, eating on a chocolate bar in his hand.

“I want him.” Eddie stated.

“Eddie, no.” Rouge said, taking a bite from a rice cracker that she had. “We don’t kidnap children.”

Thankfully, Shanks was approached by the blue-haired kid that she knew was named Buggy and the two had ran off in the opposite direction. Now, she had to somehow try and convince Eddie not to go forcible acquiring children.

Especially her son.

Though, he didn’t know that.

Like she had thought, they had ran into the Roger Pirates towards the end of the night. Roger immediately asking Eddie to duel him and the two engaged in a fight. Rouge decided to sit out this time, sitting by Shanks at the fire as he talked about his day in the town. Her son grinning up at her. Shanks had already participated in his duel of the night, going up against Thatch and beating him. Which only seemed to fuel the fire that Eddie had.

Rouge smiled at him as he continued to talk, and that’s when she noticed the look again. Seriously?! Eddie just wasn’t going to let this go.

With Roger and Eddie being finished with their duel, they did their normal swapping of supplies and goods when she approached Eddie. Shanks was now with Roger, showing him a red jewel that Eddie had given him.

“You think Roger will notice?” Eddie whispered.

Rouge snorted. “Who wouldn’t? Kind of hard to miss that red hair.” She stated.

“Rouge, I really want that kid.” Eddie mumbled.

“You’ll start a war with the Roger Pirates.” Rouge said. “Old pirate rules, you can’t target the apprentices.”

Eddie groaned. “But… I want him.”

The Omega shrugged. “Gotta find someone else, Eddie. That boy belongs to a crew already.”

Eddie pouted. “I’m a pirate, I can do what I want.”

Rouge shrugged. “You can try, but Roger will stop you.”

“I know, just that kid is something else.” The Alpha replied. “That kid is going to be a great pirate one day.”

Rouge smiled. “I know he will. For now, just leave him be.”

“Fine, but I still want him though.”

Chapter Text

Rouge had decided to stay on the Moby Dick during the course of her pregnancy. True to his word, Eddie had made sure she was absolutely safe. Instead of taking the Moby towards conflict, Whitebeard had started sending out small ships instead to do what he wanted to be done.

During the course of her pregnancy, Eddie had brought some children onto the ship. Marco, Thatch, Jozu, Vista, and Rakuyo. The five were glued to Rouge pretty much the entire time since they were brought onto the ship. Always asking her if she needed help with something and what they could do.

She had just waved them off, telling them that she was fine. She truly was. She was pregnant. Not broken.

As the months past, it finally came time for her pup to arrive.

Though, not exactly what she had imagined.

A harsh thunderstorm had brewed over the sea, rocking the ship. They were quick at work to make sure that the Moby stayed safe when Rouge felt the sudden harsh cramp through her abdomen. She cursed softly as she realized what exactly it was. Sure enough as she calculated the time, she was having contractions.

Her water had broken directly in the middle of the dining hall where most of them were. Eddie was instantly at her side, ushering her towards the medical bay along with the swarm of doctors and nurses.

She only grimaced from the pain as she was sat up on one of the beds that were specifically bought for when she went into labor. Eddie had stayed by her side the entire time as she breathed through the contractions. The doctor checking her dilation as the night started to progress.

Finally, it was time to push.

Rouge braced herself for the next contraction, almost forgetting to breathe as she pushed for the entire ten count. Continuing with the same action as each contraction hit. Eddie muttering softly, reminding her to breath.

The thunderstorm was still raging outside, rocking the ship uncomfortably as Rouge worked on delivering her pup.

She let out a satisfied gasp as she felt the sudden realize of pressure, followed closely behind by a loud, piercing cry. The doctor cleaning up her pup really quick and applying the gel to his eyes before settling the pup on Rouge’s chest. “It’s a boy, Commander Rouge.”

Rouge felt the tears in her eyes as she stared down at her newborn son. A tuff of bright red hair on his head. Peeking underneath cracked eyelids were stormy, gray eyes. His cheeks dusted lightly by freckles that matched her own. He was absolutely stunning in her eyes. His crying slowly starting to calm down as she ran her knuckle over his cheek. Her son quieting down as he was cradled by his mother. Getting a better look, he resembled her own mother. Straight down to his hair.

Absolutely beautiful.

“He’s beautiful, Rouge.” Eddie stated.

Rouge smiled, laughing slightly as her pup’s nose scrunched up for a second before he was peaceful once more. “His name is…” She muttered, her fingers toying with the slightly curly red hair from how much hair he had been born with. Showing just enough that his hair would intend curl eventually like hers. She knew the perfect name for him. “Shanks.”

Eddie had a fond smile on his face from where he was sitting. She had told him of her mother during their many adventures. How she was an amazing doctor and fierce woman who protected her pups. Portgas D. Shay had been her name. Her nickname within the village had been Doctor Red-Hair because of her bright red hair and the fact she was the village’s leading physician who had originally been from Drum Island on the Grand Line before moving to Dawn Island with Garp after she discovered she was pregnant with Dragon.

Now, she was a mother too. Her sweet, little newborn pup laying in her arms.

She had always dreamed of having a pup with her mother’s flaming red hair. Their shared freckles. Now here he was. Just as beautiful.

She couldn’t wait for Roger to meet him.

“Gol D. Shanks.” Rouge stated.

Eddie seemed surprised for a second as she stated her pup’s full name, before it was gone, and a smile was back on his face. “I think that is a wonderful name, Rouge.”

Rouge just smiled again, allowing the doctor to take Shanks to check him over. Eddie helped her sit up on the bed more compared to the leaning position she was in before.

Once the doctor was completed with his task with Shanks and Rouge had been completely cleaned up, her son was passed back over to her. Now in a fresh diaper, clothes, and swaddle blanket. A little cap on his head to keep the heat from escaping and keeping him warm.

Rouge couldn’t help the joyous smile on her face despite how exhausted and hungry she was. She looked up to see Eddie eyeing Shanks. “You want to hold him?”

Eddie bit his lip before Rouge was laughing slightly and carefully handing Shanks over to her Captain. Shanks was absolutely tiny compared to Eddie. Shanks fitting completely within his hand, cradled gently to Eddie’s chest.

She had to be patient for Roger to meet Shanks. Roger was currently on the other side of the New World away from them. It would take time before he could get here to meet his son. For now, Shanks was going to meet Rouge’s nakama and pack mates.

Eddie had a large grin as he all but cooed at Shanks. The pup staring up at him as he cracked his eyes open again. “You’re an honorary Whitebeard Pirates, Shanks.” Eddie whispered. “If you ever need us, we will be there.”

Rouge smiled again, leaning back against the pillows. Just listening to Eddie mutter towards her son. She didn’t even notice a thing as her eyes started to slip shut from the exhaustion. Just getting lulled to sleep by Eddie’s soothing scent and pheromones and his cooing towards Shanks.

Shanks was safe with Eddie.

For now, she was tired. Shanks was just right there. He would be okay.

He was an honorary Whitebeard Pirate after all and Eddie never let anything happen to his nakama.

Chapter Text

When Rayleigh first met Roger, he thought the other Alpha was the craziest man he had ever met. The Straw Hat wearing man practically demanding they go sailing together. Not taking no for an answer from him, stating it would be the greatest adventure they ever went on.

Sure enough, Rayleigh started to believe him.

They were alone together a while, drunken fools they were on the seas in Rayleigh’s stolen boat. It had been one night that Roger had finally said it. Grinning at him with his straw hat tilted on his head, and cheeks dusted pink from intoxication. Rayleigh wasn’t fairing much better, but they were both still practically clear headed.

“Rayleigh, I’ve been wondering…” Roger’s voice trailed off as he jumbled through his bag and pulled out two red o-choko cups. “I believe in destiny. I believe that fate has something in store for everyone. I just know that we are meant to be brothers. They say that sharing a cup of sake makes you sworn brothers. So, let’s do it!”

“Brothers, huh?” Rayleigh questioned, eyeing the cups in Roger’s hand as he reached over to the unopened bottle of sake.

“I know we haven’t been together long, but I just know that we are meant to be brothers.” Roger replied, still grinning like a mad man. “So, Rayleigh, what’dya say?”

Rayleigh chuckled. Roger may be a bit crazy, but Rayleigh was more than willing to fight for him. Fight with him. From their time together so far, they had formed a bond that Rayleigh could never see breaking. “We pretty much are already.”

Roger was grinning and laughing as he opened up the sake bottle and pouring the alcohol into the o-choko cups. “We need to make it official, Ray!” Roger stated. “I want you to be my official pack mate too! We can’t forget bonds!”

The First Mate snorted. “If you say so.”

Roger reached in front of him, grabbing one of the cups and holding up. The grin still plastered on his face and never wavering. Rayleigh reached for the other one, lifting it up. “Rayleigh, we will go on the greatest adventure this world has ever known and we will do it as this. Brothers. An unbreakable bond that even life or death wouldn’t be able to break apart.”

Rayleigh gave a fond smile. “Brothers.” He stated, clanking his cup against Roger’s before they both drank down the contents of the drink. The alcohol burned Rayleigh’s throat as it went down, but he gave a satisfied sound as he placed the cup back down.

As he looked over, he noticed Roger had his wrist out. “Unbreakable.” Roger said.

Rayleigh reached forward, the smile still gracing his lips, and took Roger’s wrist into his hand. Letting his nails extend before piercing them into the bond gland that resided within the wrist. Roger repeated the action back to him before their hands were clasp together. Both having large grins on their faces. Rayleigh could feel the bond swirling and forming already, becoming stronger by the second.

“Unbreakable.” Rayleigh confirmed.

Chapter Text

Shanks couldn’t be more thankful for his crew. They have already been with him through thick and thin. At any chance, they could have left once they discovered his pregnancy, but every single one of them had stayed by his side.

Staying on Baterilla through the course of his pregnancy, his crew would sleep on the ship at night and would come up to the house during the day. All before Shanks ever woke up. Someone was always around or in close proximity whenever Shanks was awake. Ready to help him with anything if he ever needed it.

One thing he did notice was just how secretive they were being. There had been a few times that he would walk into the room and they would instantly quiet down.

It had Shanks on edge. His mind constantly racing with thoughts that he knew he shouldn’t be having. He often wondered if they were talking about leaving and just didn’t know how to tell him. Or if they didn’t want to follow an Omega Captain like him who got knocked up one year into his own journey on the seas. He hated to even admit that he was having those kind of thoughts. He knew better. His crew was amazing. Like a family.

It had surprised him when Benn, Yasopp, and Lucky came up to him when he was just a few weeks away from his due date with a blindfold in hand. Benn wrapping the cloth around his eyes and Yasopp and Lucky guiding him from the house and down to the Red Force.

Being guided through the ship, the blindfold had been taken off and instantly Shanks was left stunned. Looking around he was standing directly in the middle of a nursery. He covered his mouth with one hand, his other on his swollen abdomen as he looked around.

A dresser was to his right, a bookshelf completed with books, toys, and small knickknacks, a rocking chair, and a customized crib. Walking up to the crib, a blanket laying inside and a red teddy bear. The blanket was a pastel yellow color with a black A stitched into it. On the bear the Red-Hair jolly roger was on it.

“The dresser is full of everything you would need. Clothes, blankets, diapers, and so on. Every book we could find about children. Some toys. A few picture frames if you want to use them. You should have everything you need for a while.” Benn stated.

Shanks felt the tears prickle in his eyes, tilting his head to hide his face from them. The brim of his hat shadowing his eyes. “We’ve been working on this ever since we arrived here in Baterilla. Bishop and a few of the others made the crib themselves. The shelves and dresser were bought at a store.” Lucky said.

“Rouge stitched the jolly roger onto the bear, and Hawkeyes had found the blanket.” Yasopp added.

Shanks’ shoulders started to shake as the emotions flooded through. He silently cursed the pregnancy hormones as he continued to allow himself to look around the room. His crew had spent their hours at night creating an entire nursery for his pup. Doing it all on their own accord.

“Boss?” Yasopp questioned.

“Are you okay?” Lucky asked next.

Shanks lifted his head, sniffling as he wiped his eyes with the back of his head. “I’m perfect.” He said, a smile cracking on his face. “Thank you.” He muttered, turning around, and attempting to bring all three of them into a hug. He pulled back with the large grin on his face. “C’mon, I gotta go thank everyone. We’re having a party tonight.” Shanks stated as he started out of the room.

“Shanks, you really should take it easy.” Benn said.

“Ah, don’t sweat it. I’ll be fine. I’ve got all of you watching out for me.” The Omega beamed, a laugh leaving him as he took off out of the nursery. Not giving them a chance to fight against his decision.

Chapter Text

The one thing you absolutely didn’t do around Luffy was mess with his crew. It was the easiest way to piss him off. He had proven so at Enies Lobby when he had declared war on the entire world for Robin. He would absolutely do it again.

Here they were, trying to have a relaxing day in a bar. Luffy eating on some food from the place and the others spread out throughout the place when he had noticed right away that a few men were surrounding Sanji, despites the cook’s protests. Sanji kindly telling them to screw off, but they wouldn’t leave him alone. He had originally told his nakama to not start any trouble while they were here, but this was a different story.

He had seen it enough with both Shanks and Ace that he absolutely was not going to let it happen to Sanji.

Only, it wasn’t just Sanji.

It was happening to Robin and Nami too.

He had sent Zoro over to Nami and Robin as he walked over to where Sanji was. A low growl coming from his throat as he approached the men around Sanji. The blonde had a look of disgust on his face when one of the Alphas had reached out and stroked his cheek. “Such a handsome face, I wonder how it would look underneath us.” Before Sanji could react, Luffy was already doing so. Grabbing the Alpha’s wrist, the bone cracking underneath the amount of pressure he was putting down.

A yell coming from the man. “He said to leave him alone.” Luffy growled, his nails extending as he all but threw the Alpha into the nearby tables.

“What the fuck, man? It’s not like he’s yours!” Another growled.

Luffy’s head had snapped in the man’s direction. “It doesn’t matter. He is my pack mate, and you will leave him alone.”

Zoro wasn’t fairing much better than him, cutting down the men that had taken to trying to pick up Nami and Robin. The tables around them cut up from his attack. Zoro’s eyes glowing a soft red as he growled. Both of the women working to calm him down.

Luffy pulled his arm back, stretching it as he released his Gomu Gomu Pistol, sending the man flying through the wall. The Alpha growled as he turned to look at the last two men. The two letting out what he could only describe as a squeak before they were rushing out the door.

The Alpha who had originally touched Sanji had gotten back up, charging Luffy until they were crashing into the bar. The wood breaking underneath Luffy’s back. The Alpha Captain hissed, grabbing the man by the throat before he was turning their bodies and slamming the man down where he had previously been. Putting the man the rest of the way through the bar.

Luffy huffed as he stood back to his full height, adjusting his hat on his head as he looked to his nakama. “If anyone ever does that too any of you again, beat the shit out of them.” He growled.

“Captain!” Sanji exclaimed, pushing Luffy slightly over as he kicked out his foot. Hitting the man who had gone through the wall in the face. Sending him into the last remaining tables.

Luffy let out a final growl as he cracked his knuckles, addressing the rest of the room. “Anyone else want some?”

The bar cleared out before Luffy had a chance to actually finish his question as he let out a laugh. Turning to the bartender, he grinned. “Sorry about your bar. I just don’t take too kindly to that kind of stuff.”

The bartender gaped. “I… um… no problem.”

Luffy chuckled, “Let’s go. I’m hungry.” As he was walking out.

“You just ate, Luffy.”

“So?”

Chapter Text

Child acquisition was Whitebeard’s thing. It wasn’t a secret on the seas that Whitebeard’s crew was known as his family. Calling the man “Oyaji” and in return he would call them sons or daughters. Ever since the day he had met Shanks, he always thought if they were to acquire more pups that weren’t biologically theirs it would be his mate. They already had a sworn pup in the form of Sabo, despite his official bond and adoption to Dragon, so it came as a surprise to him when he felt the protective instincts over two young pirates.

A ghost girl who annoyed him constantly in the form of Perona.

And, the same Alpha who wanted to kill him. Swordsman and nakama to his own son, Roronoa Zoro.

It had all started when Perona had appeared on Kuraigana Island. The abandoned island overran by Humandrills. The Alpha had set up a base for himself in the castle on the island. Using the place as his home inbetween the time that he spent on the sea or when he was visiting Shanks.

Perona might have annoyed him, but he couldn’t stop the sense of protective he felt whenever the young Omega woman was near. The urge to keep her safe while she was in his protection on the island. The ghost woman having been sent to this place by Kuma from Thriller Bark.

After the War, he had brought Zoro back to the island with him in order to help him train for his upcoming journey in the New World with the rest of his crew. The rest of the crew having split off to train on their own for the next two years under the decision of Luffy. Despite the young Alpha making it clear that he wanted to kill him, Mihawk couldn’t help but want to protect the young man. Craft him into the perfect swordsman that could one day take his title from him. Raise him to be the best that he could be.

He wanted these two young ones to be safe during their journeys. Having everything they need at the tips of their fingers in order to survive their future endeavors. He could stop the twist in his stomach as he would watch Zoro fight against the Humandrills that had learned their skills directly from watching Mihawk train.

When the time finally came and Zoro was returning back to the Sunny to reunite with his crew, Mihawk hated the feeling that followed. It almost felt like when he had watched both Ace and Luffy leave on their respective journeys. The sinking feeling of worry and pride swirling in his stomach as he left. Perona eventually also leaving the island after discovering that Moira was still alive.

Mihawk could only watch as they left, wishing for them to stay safe.

Zoro did still have to defeat him one day. He wasn’t allowed to die until that day.

He now understood what Shanks felt when their children had left the Red Force. Watching as his pups departed.

Empty nest syndrome.

He almost missed their company and he absolutely was not brooding into his glass of wine. He had sighed after a day of them being gone, deciding to head back to the New World to see Shanks. He would hear about them one day. For now, he had to get his mind off of him.

He had never expected that he would bond with someone who wasn’t his mate or pups.

This was something completely new to him.

And he actually didn’t hate it.

Chapter Text

Shanks was an incredibly strong and excellent fighter. He had mastered his haki at a very young age and was able to stand toe to toe with people twice his age and twice his size. The only issue that he had was with one person.

Dracule Mihawk.

Outside of their duels, he was a stumbling mess. He would end up so flustered that he would trip over his own feet. It was something that Roger liked to tease him for. Which only worked to fluster him more. It seemed that everything he ever learned was out the window whenever the Alpha was near him.

It was just a regular day and Mihawk had searched him out once again to face off in a duel. The two quickly engaging into their normal fight. Their swords clashing together in loud clashes of haki. Their bodies covered in a thin layer of sweat as they continued. Practically dancing around each other with smirks settled on their lips.

Shanks was grinning like a mad man as he blocked Mihawk’s next move.

Completely ending them in a stalemate.

He sheathed Gryphon back into its sheath before him and Mihawk had started back towards the beach. The Omega eyed the older pirate through the corner of his eye. His face flushing over as Mihawk noticed that he was looking. His stomach dropped as he felt his sandal fold underneath his foot, sending him straight into the Alpha.

His face flushing over as Mihawk caught him around the waist. He placed his hands on Mihawk’s biceps mumbling out an apology as Mihawk pulled him a little bit closer. A hand sprawled over his lower back.

Mihawk didn’t say anything as he reached up, moving a strand of lose red hair from Shanks’ face causing the flush to get worse across his cheeks.

Shanks mouth was dry as Mihawk just smirked at him before letting him go and was walking off all over again, leaving the Omega watching his back as he walked away.

The next time it had happened had been completely by accident. Shanks was helping with some of the rigging on the edge of the rail. Standing on it as he was passing the ropes over the wood above his head and Yasopp was grabbing the other end.

He hummed to himself as he continued to work. “Hey, Captain. Looks like Hawkeyes is here.” One of his nakama called out, pointing out towards the other dock. Peering over his shoulder, and sure enough Mihawk’s small boat was docked there but the Alpha wasn’t with it.

The Omega let the small smile come to his lips as he went back to working. Shuffling across the rail, his breath caught as he felt his footing slip. “Oh shit.” He said as his body started to fall backwards and he could hear the call of his name from his nakama. A few reaching out for him but not able to grab him before he was free falling.

He never hit the ground. Feeling an arm underneath his back and another underneath his legs. “If you were falling for me, why didn’t you just say so?” Shanks’ head snapped up, eyes wide as he saw Mihawk smirking at him. That familiar glint in the Alpha’s eye as the older man looked down at him.

“Um… hi, Hawkeyes.” Shanks stated, his face turning red as he placed a hand on Mihawk’s naked chest. “Uh, thank you.” Mihawk placed his feet back on the ground, not replying to him as Shanks straightened out his clothes and hat. The Omega grinned at Mihawk as he looked back over to him. “Let me just finish up and then we’ll duel.” He stated.

“Nah, it’s alright, Captain! We’ve got this!” Yasopp called down at him.

Shanks grinned up at his nakama, waving them off as he grabbed Mihawk’s wrist and pulled him off towards the nearest open space that they wouldn’t risk hitting anything.

Mihawk’s wrist was warm in his hand. Feeling the Alpha’s pulse underneath his fingertips. His heart racing as they moved off into the clearing. Letting Mihawk go, they each got into their spots. Unsheathing their swords and standing ready to fight. Both with wide grins.

Shanks really did think he might be falling for Hawkeyes.

Chapter Text

Law had been nothing short of a blessing being at Marineford. The Omega Captain saving quite a bit of the Whitebeard Pirates, Little Oars Jr, helping the wounds that Ace, Shanks, and Jinbei had received from Akainu. Even saving Luffy’s life.

Now, they were content. Sailing across the sea to get back to the New World for the crews that belonged there and returning the other pirates to their ships so they could get back to sailing. They were spread out onto the deck. Dinner going on as Luffy scuffed down his meat that Sanji had cooked up for him.

Law was sitting across from him, quietly eating on his rice next to the Bear Guy that Luffy found out was named Bepo and his other nakama Penguin. The Alpha couldn’t take his eyes off of him. His skin was a beautiful caramel shade and the skin that he could see were covered in tattoos. Decorating the skin. He had a bit of facial hair on his chin and his hair was black as night as spiking all over the place since Luffy could actually see his hair.

He wondered if this was what Mihawk felt for Shanks and vice versa. What Ace felt about his mate-to-be. It was odd. He got a bubbling feeling in the pit of his stomach. Just like when he was looking and smelling a good piece of meat that he was ready to devour.

Law wasn’t a piece of meat though.

Luffy smiled, placing a bandaged hand under his chin as he looked over to Law. The Omega noticing that he was looking and quickly looking away from him. A slight pink tint appearing on his face. Eating another bite of his rice.

“You’re going to be my husband one day.” Luffy stated.

The Alpha blinked as he realized he had said that out loud. Law was looking at him with wide eyes, choking on the rice that he had just consumed. Bepo patting him on the back as the Omega tried to catch his breath.

Ace, who was sitting to his right, gaped at him. “Luffy? Do you even know this guy?” His Omega brother stated.

“Oh, dear God.” Sabo muttered from his left.

Luffy grinned at Ace. “He’s Traffy. He saved my life, so he’s going to be my husband.”

Ace snorted, shaking his head as he grabbed another piece of his own food off of his plate. “That’s not how marriage proposals work, Luffy.” He stated.

The Alpha snickered again as he looked over to Law. The Omega taking a drink of his wine to wash down the rice. “So? Doesn’t mean he won’t be mine one day.”

“Aren’t you actually going to ask me first?!” Law exclaimed the second he could actually talk.

Luffy shrugged. “Are you going to say no?”

“I don’t even know you, Straw Hat-ya.” The Omega retorted.

The Alpha snickered again. “Then, let’s get to knowing each other.”

“He’s not going to drop this… is he?” Law muttered, looking over to Ace.

Ace shook his head, a laugh leaving him as he leaned into Marco. “Not at all. Good luck, Traffy.”

Law turned his gaze over to Luffy, a smirk coming to his face as he leaned his chin onto his palm. Reaching out with tattooed fingers. His fingertips brushing over Luffy’s cheek. “You gotta do it right, Straw Hat-ya, if you want to stand a chance.”

Luffy smirked. “Oh, it’s on.”

Chapter Text

The War of Marineford had finally come to a close. They had already exited the Tarai Current, heading back towards Sabaody before heading back to the New World. A large banquet being thrown to celebrate the successful rescue of Ace.

Not one of them could get it out of their heads of the revelations that had taken place at Marineford. The reveal of Ace being the son of Warlord Mihawk and Red-Haired Shanks. As well as Rouge’s sudden appearance alongside Silvers Rayleigh. Revolutionary Dragon showing up just in time to keep Akainu from attacking Whitebeard. The bombshell of Rayleigh’s connection to Shanks going far deeper than just master and apprentice. Rayleigh only revealing after the fact that Roger had made him swear to protect Shanks and took rights over his child from him. Giving the impression to the world that Shanks was not related to Roger or Ace or Luffy. The sudden reappearance of Sabo, the sworn brother of Ace and Luffy.

It also hung the revelation that they had almost lost. Ace had turned around. Akainu’s words working against Ace’s sense of pride and loyalty to Whitebeard. Causing him to turn around back into a fight he couldn’t win. A fight he wouldn’t run from. It was never in Ace’s nature to run away.

Ace would be dead if it wasn’t for Shanks showing up just at the right moment. The moment to block Akainu’s attack from piercing a hole through Ace’s chest.

Not one of them had ever seen Shanks look so livid. Everything that Shanks stood for was out the window during those moments as he unleashed a frenzy onto Akainu. The Admiral being at the pirate’s mercy. A mercy that was not shown.

They had stood tall because Shanks had persuaded Sengoku into a cease fire. Effectively allowing them all to leave. Now they were here. Celebrating the fact that Ace had come home. Alive. One of the Supernovas, Law had been a godsend for them. Using his devil fruit abilities to help Whitebeard with his illness. They would get more time with him because of what Law had done.

Now, it was time to relax for all of them. Alcohol being supplied by Shanks. Music being played by the mixture of musicians from the Whitebeard Pirates, Red-Hair Pirates, and Brook of the Straw Hats. The song choice being Bink’s Sake that every pirate was loudly singing to.

Whitebeard sat in his chair, a tankard in hand. Next to him were Rouge, Dragon, Rayleigh, Shanks, and Mihawk. Everyone else were either split out on the deck or dancing with the others. Whitebeard’s gaze had settled on Ace. Who was grinning while being spun around by Marco. The two Commanders mixed in with Luffy, Sabo, Law – very reluctantly – , a girl named Koala, Thatch, and Izou.

He smiled, looking over to his former Commander in the form of Rouge. Who was engaged in a conversation with Shanks and Rayleigh. It had been years since he had last seen her. Rouge always would have a special place in his heart. She was different from the rest of his nakama. His family. She never did call him Oyaji. Always fondly called him Eddie.

Yet, she never told him about Shanks.

Her child.

He knew she had a child, but never knew who they were. Having come back after four years of being away from the crew. All the signs were there. He had blissfully ignored them. She had always been close to Shanks whenever the Whitebeard Pirates and Roger Pirates would encounter each other. She had even left with him around Ace’s birth. He had been so blind to it. He had always had a suspicion about Rouge’s relationship with Roger, but never questioned it. If she wanted to tell him, she would have. He wouldn’t pressure her into giving him answers.

He blinked as he looked back over to Ace.

Wait. A. Minute.

If Shanks was Rouge’s son and Ace was Shanks’ son that wouldn’t make Ace his son. No that would make him his grandson. But he called him father.

Whitebeard was confused. What was Ace to him?

He always called Ace son. Saw the boy as his own. Ace treated him with the same respect.

Now, this was a scenario.

“Eddie, the gears in your head are turning.” Rouge’s voice cut through the cloud.

Whitebeard grinned. “Just… is Ace my son?”

Rouge blinked. The others around him even giving him confused looks of their own. “You say he is, don’t you?” Shanks questioned.

“But, Rouge was one of mine. You are her son. Ace is yours.” Whitebeard started to ramble, the rest of his thoughts coming through.

Rouge let out a hearty laugh as she threw her head back. “Eddie, honey, you are practically my pack husband at this point. The boys already look at me like their mother. Ace might be my grandson, but he sees you as a father. So he is your son.”

Whitebeard blanched.

He never did think of Rouge that way. In all technicality, Rouge was seen either as the mother figure or a big sister by most of the crew.

But, she was Roger’s girl.

Or was she Rayleigh’s.

He was confused even more now.

And he was positive his face was showing it.

Shanks was eyeing him, a smile on his face as he muttered, “Mom, I think you broke him.”

“Oh, this is going to be fun.” Rouge stated.

Chapter Text

Roger didn’t know anything about Rouge’s family. Just that she had came from Dawn Island in the East Blue. That was the extent of his knowledge about where she had came from. The day finally came that the Roger Pirates had made it to the West Blue where Rouge was. Roger’s instincts going through the roof telling him that he needed to seek her out. Be with her. It had taken four years, but he had finally managed to get to her.

He had found out exactly why.

In the form of a small red-haired child.

A little boy with bright, red hair and stormy colored eyes that matched his own. The slight hint of wine-color hidden within the depths.

Shanks.

That was his name.

His son.

Roger never knew what truly having a life felt like until discovering that he was a father. A father to a sweet, little boy.

That’s how he found out about Rouge’s mother. A doctor named Portgas D. Shay. The same woman who Shanks’ name came from. His vibrant hair color. His personality.

Someone that Roger would absolutely do anything for. Give anything for.

Shanks gave his life a whole new meaning.

Roger couldn’t be more proud of the legacy that him and Rouge had created.

In the moment that they met, Roger had taken off his own straw hat and placing it on Shanks’ small head. Making a silent promise. That he would always do anything to protect him. Be there for him.

Nothing would ever break that promise. Not even death.

Just after meeting his son for the first time, Roger discovered who Rouge’s brother was. It came as a major shock that one night on the little island in the West Blue, a man in a cloak showed up. Roger for a split second had thought that Rouge had found someone other than him to be with but found out quickly that it wasn’t the case.

Her older brother was the Revolutionary Dragon. The infamous leader of the Revolutionary Army, who operated and conspired to take down the World Government.

Dragon was a man of few words. Standing there with an almost disapproval on his face as Shanks held onto his uncle with a large grin on his face. His small arms wrapped around Dragon’s neck as the other Alpha stared him down.

He could almost feel the sweat drop as Dragon drawled out, “You hurt her, they will never find your body.”

Roger believed him.

Roger didn’t know who he could actually feel scared off. Despite having no fear to either of these men.

Rouge’s brother or her father.

They were still in the West Blue when Roger found out who her father was.

The Hero of the Marines, himself. Vice Admiral, Monkey D. Garp.

Roger’s own Marine rival.

The day it all went down was just before they were about to depart of the island that Shanks had called home for the last four years. Scooper had announced that Garp’s vessel was quickly approaching.

Roger didn’t think twice before he had walked out of the house. Hand on Ace and smirk playing on his lips as Garp approached. It was always a joy fighting against Garp. It brought excitement into his day.

That was until Shanks, who had been clinging to Rouge, got a bright smile on his face. Hat tilting on his head. Rushing away from his mother before Roger could even blink. The scream of, “GRAMPS!” That followed closely stunned him. Standing there with his jaw dropped and eyes wide as he watched Garp scoop Shanks up into his arms. Large grin on his face as he adjusted the hat on his head.

“How’s my little Marine to be?” Garp questioned.

Shanks giggled, swatting at Garp’s hands as they tickled at his sides before he was shaking his head. “I’m not going to be a Marine!” He exclaimed, smile still on his face.

Garp’s eyes narrowed despite the slight smile still on his face. “Is that so? What are you going to be?”

Shanks gave a toothy grin, throwing his arms up with a shout of, “I’m going to be a pirate! Just like mommy and daddy are!”

He had never seen Garp’s face warp that dark that quickly before. “What was that you brat?!” A growl escaped him as he watched Garp’s knuckles slam into the top of Shanks’ head. Tears springing to his son’s eyes as he clutched at his head. Gaining a shout from Rouge.

The way that his entire demeanor changed, and his glance moved from Shanks to him.

Roger would be lying if he didn’t say feel a chill go down his spine.

Garp turned to face him, marching over with Shanks still on his hip. “And I wonder who put that into your head.” The Marine growled.

“We only just met a few days ago.” Roger stated. “Shanks can be whatever he wants to be.”

Garp placed Shanks on the ground, muttering a quick, “Go to your mother.” Shanks scampered off, clinging to Rouge’s leg. Garp’s eyes turned back to him as Roger stood in a fighting position. “You have some nerve to knock up my daughter then show up four years later.”

“I didn’t know, Garp or I would have been here.” Roger replied. “I have so much time to make up for, and I will see to that.”

Garp hummed, “Alright then.” He turned his back; Roger lowered his guard. Turning to look at Shanks. He paused as he saw Shanks’ eyes go wide. He turned his head just in time to see Garp flying back in his direction. His Observation haki going through the roof to notify him of the hit to come.

He didn’t have time to react before the fist was slamming into his head and he was falling face first into the dirt. “What the hell, Garp? Hit a man with his back turned?” Roger stated, rubbing the top of his head as he stood back up.

“That hit was the initiation process. You want to be a part of my family and be a criminal. You have to be willing to take the Fist of Love.” Garp stated, cracking his knuckles again.

“Fist of Love?” Roger questioned. “What kind of—”

He was cut off again as his face found the dirt again.

He barely caught Garp laughing through the ringing of his ears and the statement of, “C’mon, Shanks. Let’s go eat some rice crackers. I’m hungry.”

Chapter Text

Ace certainly had a fire to him. The constant assassination attempts on Whitebeard. Relentless in his assaults on the Captain as he also made escape attempts to try and get off of the Moby Dick. He never had his guard down around them. Wasn’t comfortable.

So it was odd when Marco started to find him asleep in random places on the ship. Hiding between crates. Against the railing. During his meals.

It was almost constant.

It was strange for his behavior. Being so untrusting of all of them, just to fall asleep in vulnerable places? It didn’t make sense.

Marco was going to get to the bottom of it.

It had taken a long time, but finally Ace had agreed to join their ranks. Being temporarily assigned to the First Division until they found the perfect place for him. Marco had no doubt that he would one day be a Commander. He was already at that level. He just needed to adjust to being a part of the crew first.

And also, they needed to figure out what was going on with him first.

Ace refused to talk about it. Never giving them any details, instead blowing them off and walking away. It had been like that the entire time he was on the ship.

It still continued on. Finding him asleep in random places. A few times he had fallen asleep while talking, picking back up his conversation the second he had woken up. Fallen asleep during lunch and dinner now that he was eating in the dinner hall with them. His face going into his food more than once that his former crew would just walk over, move his head, clean off his face and return to what they were doing.

A lot of the times, he would just fall right over. Just going slack and hitting the wood below him before anyone could blink. He would usually mutter an apology and return back to whatever task he was doing.

It bugged Marco.

There was something definitely going on and Ace didn’t have enough trust in them to tell them what was going on.

That could be fatal.

It had been the way up until they were on the deck. A large party being hosted in celebration of a victory held by the Sixteenth Division upon their return back to the ship. Ace sat on the rail, legs hook on the side and hands gripping the wood as he looked down at Thatch, who was to his right and next to him was Deuce. Ace’s former First Mate. To his left was Marco. The First Division Commander just lounging back and half listening to Ace’s conversation while also keeping an eye on Whitebeard’s alcohol consumption.

Ace’s laugh pulled his full attention. The way his life had just suddenly drowning out. His eyes fluttering before his body went slack. Marco’s heart stopped as the Omega fell backwards and he was heading straight towards the water.

“ACE!” He screamed, his voice catching the attention of the partiers as the music quieted down. Marco was completely frozen there was nothing he could do.

Before Ace even hit the water, Deuce was throwing his jacket off, pulling himself over the rail and jumping. Ace disappeared into the water, and Deuce followed seconds later. The waters were rough. A storm coming up that had the waves harsh.

“DEUCE!” Thatch screamed. “ACE!”

The waters were dangerous right now. Even more dangerous for a Devil Fruit user who already couldn’t move when they hit the water.

“Where are they?!” Izou shouted. “Why haven’t they come back up yet?!”

Marco’s eyes scanned the water, looking for any movement.

“Fuck this.” Thatch stated, going to pull himself over when Marco stopped him. “Marco! Our brothers are down there!” The Fourth Division Commander stated, shooting him a look of disbelief.

“Look at the waters. We have to trust Deuce.” Marco stated.

He understood. He wanted to jump in after them too, but it was no use for him too. He was a Devil Fruit user. He wouldn’t be able to do anything.

Marco held his breath as he waited.

Finally, Deuce broke the surface of the water. Chest heaving as he loudly sucked in air, face red. One arm hooked around Ace, keeping his head above water. Thatch threw the rope latter over, Jozu on the other side to help pull it up. The Alpha swam against the waves, hand grabbing the rope latter.

With Deuce securing his hold on Ace and the ladder, Jozu and Thatch started to pull them up. Marco moved over, helping wrench them up. Jozu reached over once they were in arm’s length and hauled the two over. Deuce coughing roughly as his knees hit the deck. He placed Ace on his back, fingers on his pulse point before a curse slipped from his lips. Sending chills down Marco’s spine.

Deuce folded his hands over Ace’s chest, pressing down and compressing. He continued on, moving to tilt Ace’s head back, opening his airway before he was puffing air into his former Captain. “C’mon, Ace. You can’t do this.” Deuce muttered, going back to doing his compressions.

Marco’s ears were ringing the entire time, until finally, Ace coughed. Water sputtering over his face as Deuce tilted his head again to help him clear the water from his mouth. Ace’s eyes fluttered open as he groaned. Looking over to Deuce, he whispered, “It happened again, didn’t it?”

Deuce nodded, sitting back and throwing his arms over his knees. “You gotta stop doing this, Ace.” Deuce stated. He paused, narrowing his eyes on the Omega. “When was the last time you took your medication?”

Ace blinked at him, mouth dropping open.

Marco looked over at Thatch with the same look. “Medicine?” He whispered. Ace had something going on that he needed medication and didn’t tell them.

This caught Whitebeard’s attention. The Alpha Captain standing up and walking over to where they were. “Son, what’s going on?”

Ace sat up, looking away from Whitebeard. “It’s nothing, Oyaji.”

Deuce growled, pulling Ace’s attention again. “Bullshit, Ace. Don’t make me call your mother.”

Ace’s face paled, his head shaking. “Please, don’t.”

Deuce glared at the Omega, looking over to Whitebeard and saying, “Ace has narcolepsy.”

Marco groaned, one hand on his hip and wiping his face with his palm. Ace put himself at risk for not telling them what was going on. They could have He saw the shame come to Ace’s face as he muttered an apology and then his heart broke as he heard, “I understand if you don’t want me to stay.”

“You think a medical condition would disqualify you from being on my crew?” Whitebeard questioned. Marco watched as Ace turned towards Whitebeard in complete shock. “That I would kick you out of my family because of something as trivial as narcolepsy. Son, when was the last time you took your medication?”

Ace looked away, hiding his head within his arms and legs as he muttered, “When you kidnapped me. That morning.” He replied.

Marco cursed softly, a hand running through his hair. Narcolepsy can be a devastating condition if not treated or taken care of properly. He mostly cursed himself for not putting together the signs of what was going on with the Omega. It was clear that it was narcolepsy the more he ran Ace’s symptoms through his mind.

He should have known.

“Son, I want you to go with Marco to the medical wing and get more medication.” Whitebeard stated.

Ace nodded, pushing himself up and starting towards the medical wing with Marco on his trail. Marco picked up his pace as they rounded the corner, grabbing ahold of Ace’s arm. The younger pirate pausing to look up at him. The Alpha reached forward, pulling Ace to his chest by the nape of his neck. Arms tightening around the younger pirate. Ace froze, his body tensing before he was melting against the Alpha. “You can’t do that. You have to trust us enough to tell us about shit like this. You could have died, Ace. What if we weren’t there?”

“I’m alright, Marco.” Ace whispered. “I’ve been dealing with this my entire life. I know how to cope.”

Marco shook his head. “That’s not the point. You need to trust us enough with your life.”

He pulled back enough to see Ace’s eyes were wide. Marco smiled down at him, moving a few strands over raven hair from his face. Ace didn’t say anything to him but nodded.

“Let’s go. Gotta get this fixed.”

Chapter Text

Climbing up the scaffold, he walked until he was directly in between his executioners. The two standing there with their backs straight and swords in hand that would lead Ace to his death. He fell to his knees, touching cold wood underneath him, as the guards locked his shackles into place. The clinging of the chains together signifying to him that he was now stuck. This would be it for him. Chained and helpless. He inhaled deeply, finally looking up to see the ocean in front of him.

Seconds later, the swords the executioners wielded were crossed with a clank in front of him. In the form of an X. Signifying to the world that this would be his execution. That his death would soon follow.

Just three hours left, and he would be dead.

He allowed himself to look away from the ocean. Letting his gaze roam the Marines blow. The air in his throat caught as his eyes froze on the wall of the bay. Standing there were five of the Seven Warlords. They were hard to see from where he was, but it was clear as day in his mind. Though, only one had his attention. Standing directly between Doflamingo and Hancock was nonother than his own Alpha father. Dracule Mihawk. His Alpha father standing there with his arms crossed over his chest. His shoulders tense. Hat shielding his eyes from his view. He was looking out to the ocean, his attention off of Ace.

His Alpha father was here.

But he was with the Warlords. With the Marines. On the side fighting to keep anyone from rescuing him.

Mihawk sided with the same people about to kill his own son.

The anger flared through Ace.

Part of him wanted to scream out right in that moment, scream out all of his frustrations to his Alpha father. How could he do this?

The Omega bit his lip as he forced himself to look away. He paused as he felt a familiar wave of comforting and protective pheromones washing over him. He allowed himself to look back to Mihawk to see that he had his head turned slightly. Looking directly at him. The way his already golden eyes shined that much more. Showing that small sign in between a parent and their child. Ace felt his body relax. The tension leaving his own as Mihawk’s gaze stayed on him. He was so far away that it would be hard to tell it was even happening. How Mihawk’s pheromones reached him, he would never know. He was too far away for it to work as if he was releasing his scent to force him to calm down. It soothed him either way. He wanted to scream that much more for Mihawk having the balls to do so.

Footsteps echoed behind him. Boots clashing against the metals steps as they started to get closer. He could pick up the scent of the person. One that he didn’t know, but his pheromones gave a clear indication that he was an Alpha. He could only guess it was a higher up in the Marines. It was unlike normal circumstances that any regular Marine would come up onto the scaffold. Not when he was a Whitebeard Pirate. Let alone the Second Division Commander.

“Step aside for a second.” The man stated. The executioners pulled away, stepping back away from Ace as the Omega looked through the corner of his eye.

Fleet Admiral Sengoku stood there.

And Ace hated the look that was on his face. It looked all too smug.

If he could punch it off, he would.

This was the Sengoku that was over the entire Marine forces. Over his own grandfather. Of course, he would be here. Ace was the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. If they feared a war, they would have their strongest here. Everything that Garp warned him about during his imprisonment at Impel Down.

“Pass me a snail.” Sengoku ordered. Ace listened to his footsteps until the Fleet Admiral was standing directly next to him with the snail raised up to his mouth. “I have some information that you all need to hear. This man is Portgas D. Ace, and the significance of his impending demise is more profound than you may realize. Ace, I would like you to tell them the name of your father.”

Ace’s eyes widened for a split second, looking over to Sengoku. What? What does his parents have anything to do with this? “Which one?” Ace found himself saying without even thinking about it.

Sengoku eyed him for a second. “Your father.”

Well, that helps.

He literally had two. An Alpha and an Omega. Both of them were in fact men. Even though he called Shanks his mother, he was his Omega father.

Ace tsked. Well, if they were going to play this game, so be it, “The name of my father is Whitebeard.”

“Not true!” Sengoku retorted.

Well of course not. He has three of them. Whitebeard, Mihawk, and Shanks. Though Shanks technically fell into the category of his mother. He sure as hell wasn’t going to say anything about Shanks or Mihawk. Whitebeard was already known on the seas as Oyaji to his nakama. Every single one of his nakama and allied forces called him as much. To him, Whitebeard had acted more like a father to him than Mihawk did. He deserved that title more.

It was perfectly fitting to use in this moment.

“Yes, it is! Whitebeard is my father! My only father!” The Omega screamed.

“We launched a painstakingly and exhausting search for you around the time of your birth. When we heard rumors that your father had a child, we took them very seriously.” Sengoku exclaimed.

The confusion started to fill Ace. He had absolutely no idea what the Fleet Admiral was talking about. Neither Shanks nor Mihawk ever talked about a search done by the Marines for him when Shanks was pregnant. Shanks stayed on Baterilla with the Red-Hair Pirates, Rouge, and Mihawk for the course of his pregnancy. Peaceful and without conflict. This couldn’t be right. Even so, why would a search for either of their child matter.

His mind went to Shanks for a moment. Shanks was the son of Gol D. Roger. The King of the Pirates. That alone would be dangerous, let alone finding out the man had a grandchild. Ace didn’t know anything about Mihawk’s parents, but Mihawk was already a Warlord before he was born.

This was making no sense to him. What the hell was Sengoku talking about?

He had only ever heard of one search being done and it had been over a year before he was born. Shanks told him about it when he was younger, explaining why they had to keep their family name a secret. Keep their heritage a secret. A search for Shanks happened when Shanks was fourteen, though the Marines were looking for a baby. Not a teenager.

“A small but reliable piece of information was sent to us. It was based on this that we checked all newborns, as well as all preborn children. We spoke to many mothers, and no matter how far or wide we searched. We couldn’t find you. No surprise though, especially when you think of the lengths that your mother went through to hide you. She—”

“Huh?” Ace could hear his own voice reach the snail as it echoed out to the people below. Sengoku ignored him as he continued.

She?

His mother was a he. Also didn’t feel the need to hide him. Just took time off of the ocean for their own safety during the course of his pregnancy. Shanks had a rough pregnancy. One that almost resulted in fatal blood loss according to Mihawk.

Ace was sure the confusion was clear on his face at this point. Each passing word only working to confuse Ace even more.

Did they have the right person?

“Performed a miracle that could only come from the love of a mother.”

“I’m so confused.” Ace said. Once again, his voice was picked up by the snail. He could have sworn he heard Garp cackling from wherever his grandfather was.

What miracle? A miracle that Shanks survived? That Ace was born healthy?

So much information that Sengoku was saying was completely wrong.

Ace wasn’t sure if he should laugh or wait a moment.

“As a result, she misled the Navy. No, she managed to mislead the world.”

Um, no Shanks didn’t.

Seriously, what was going on?

Were they executing the right person?

“What are you even talking about? Are you sure you have the right person?” Ace questioned. Again, he was ignored.

“You come from an island in the South Blue called Baterilla.”

Well, at least they got one thing correct.

“At least you have one thing right.” Ace said.

Once again, he was ignored.

“And your mother’s name…” Sengoku’s voice trailed as he looked at Ace. Ace looking right back at him with the same face of confusion. Did they actually know about Shanks? If they knew his birthplace, they might actually know Shanks’ name. He took a deep breath, putting on a poker face as he prepared himself to hear Shanks’ name.

Shanks did everything he could to hide him and Luffy when the Marines were around. The only Marine who saw him on the Red Force was Garp. So, his connection to the ship wouldn’t be there.

“Portgas D. Rouge.” Sengoku finished.

Ace’s jaw dropped as the confused look came back. He didn’t even try to hide the fact that he had absolutely no idea what Sengoku was talking about. They really thought his grandmother… was his mother? They definitely had the wrong person.

“What? No!” Ace said, shaking his head. Showing clear signs of denial in his voice. If they had said West Blue, he would think they were talking about Shanks, but Shanks is sixteen years older than him. A completely wrong timeframe.

“She pulled off a feat that completely defied the laws of nature. All to protect her unborn child.”

And another thing that didn’t happen. Rouge gave birth in the West Blue after an easy pregnancy.

“I seriously have no idea what you are talking about.” Ace mumbled, hearing his own voice pick up once more on the snail.

“She kept her baby inside her womb inside her womb for an entire twenty months.” Sengoku stated, eyes on Ace.

Ace looked over to where Mihawk was standing to see the man also looking back at him. He couldn’t see his Alpha father’s face, but Ace wondered if Mihawk was thinking the same as him. Hell, he could hear Garp trying to conceal his laughter.

Maybe he should say Mihawk was his father. They might drop the whole Rouge thing.

“Um, no, she didn’t.” Ace interjected.

Only to be ignored, again.

“And once she finally gave birth to you, she lost all of her strength and passed away right then and there.”

Was he missing something? Or was the Portgas D. Rouge on Dawn Island, not Portgas D. Rouge? Were they even talking about the same Rouge and Ace?

“Huh? Who told you that?” Ace questioned. He actually wanted to know what led Sengoku to believe Rouge had died. Sure, she had left the Whitebeard Pirates when Shanks was pregnant and didn’t return but her bounty poster was still in rotation last Ace knew. They would have taken her bounty poster out if they had proof that she was dead. Ace knew for a fact that Rouge was still alive cause her vivre card was still completely intact the last time he had seen it. He would think if anything happened to her while he was imprisoned that Garp would have told him.

“And, thus, a year and three months after the death of his father—”

“My father is alive, you dumbass.” Ace stated, completely giving up on Sengoku even listening to him. The confusion was still there. Why did they think Rouge was his mother? Shanks very clearly gave birth to him.

They also thought his father was dead? Neither of them were.

He paused. A year and three months?

His eyes widened as even more confusion filled him. He knew that time frame. 

“—a child was born with the blood of the most odious villain in his veins. That child was you! Surely, you must know the truth!”

“What truth?” Ace decided on. It wasn’t like Sengoku was actually listening to him. He could say anyone was his parents at this point and still be ignored. He knew who his parents were. They raised him. Well, at least one of them did.

“Your true father is Gold Roger! The King of the Pirates!” Sengoku announced.

Ace let the dumbfounded look come to his face.

They seriously thought his grandparents were his parents?

Where the hell did they get that idea?

He had to admit. The timeframe of Roger’s death matched up. His grandmother leaving the world of piracy. His birthplace. It was all circumstantial. But wrong.

“Fleet Admiral sir… I gotta ask you something.” Ace said, turning his gaze to Sengoku this time. The Alpha was watching him, almost gaging his reaction. “Are you drunk?”

Sengoku rolled his eyes. “There is no denying the truth.”

“Yes, there is!” Ace exclaimed. “When all you have said is absolute bullshit! First off, my mother isn’t Portgas D. Rouge! She’s alive you fucking moron!” Sengoku froze. Ace could have sworn he heard a thump underneath him as he heard another bellowing laugh come from Garp. The Omega almost wished he could look over and see. “My mother just so happens to be a certain yonko with red hair! Red-Haired Shanks is my mother!”

Sengoku’s jaw dropped. “So, you are telling me that Gold Roger had a son with his own apprentice.”

Ace’s face warped in disgust. Part of him really wanted to say that Shanks was Roger’s son just so Sengoku wouldn’t come to that conclusion. Though, it has become obvious that if Ace admitted to being related to Roger, that his death might just come sooner.

Even if Roger wasn’t Shanks’ father, that was just going too far. Roger only seemed like the kind of man that would only do something if it was an impossible situation and even then, he was sure Roger would find an alternative. It wasn’t uncommon for age difference relationships all over the world but a Captain and his apprentice? As if.

Ace made an actual gagging noise. “Oh God no.” Ace stated, motioning his head. If he could point, he would. “Maybe ask the guy who knocked him up.” He said, sending a glare at Mihawk while he was at it. “Considering my father is standing… right down there.” Sengoku’s eyes turned towards the ground; a large frown settled on his face. “Your little lap dog, Dracule Mihawk could tell you.” He was sure Mihawk was glaring at him for that one. “My parents are Red-Haired Shanks and Hawkeyes Dracule Mihawk, Fleet Admiral. Not Commander Rouge or Gold Roger. Maybe get your facts straight before you come spewing bullshit at me. At least if you’re gonna kill me, kill me for my own crimes.” Ace hummed, “Though the Whitebeard Pirates aren’t your only concern.” Sengoku was watching him with narrowed eyes, almost seething where he stood. “You announced my execution to lure out Oyaji… but you set in motion the demise of the World Government.”

“What could you possibly mean by that?” Sengoku mused, almost taking his words seriously at this point.

“What I’m saying is you Navy bastards have more concerns than just my crew. You’ll have to worry about my entire family.” Ace stated, cocking his eye to the side with a smirk. “You can kill me if you want too but know that if my crew comes for me… you’ll be facing the Red-Hair Pirates… most likely my Uncle… my brother… and my grandmother. Even if I die today… they’ll make sure that you government douchebags get what’s coming.”

They were left in stunned silence.

All Ace could do was wait for three pm.

The moment that they would execute him.

He would accept his fate. He had this coming the minute he turned his back to the Whitebeard Pirates. Ignored them in favor of pursuing Teach. This was his punishment. He didn’t deserve them coming after him.

Sengoku could choose to believe him or not.

The world could believe that he was saying it just to rile up the Marines. That would be their decision. Mihawk could prove it now if he wanted too. Sengoku could ask for him too, but that would mean taking the possibility that Ace was telling the truth and allowing Mihawk onto the scaffold.

Now, he could only wait for his fate.

Chapter Text

There was always one thing that Shanks forgot to mention to his nakama when he first formed his own crew. Though, he wasn’t sure if it was because he didn’t want to scare them off or what exactly what it was. Maybe it was the nativity that came with the fact that he was only fifteen years old and had formed a pirate crew as the Captain.

The fact he hide?

His bat shit crazy, fist of love punching grandfather, Monkey D. Garp.

Part of him had wished that Garp never showed his face around him. His head always hurt for days afterwards because Garp never did hold back. Spewing about wishing Shanks joined the Marines instead of living on the Oro Jackson.

In a sick way, it was Garp’s way of showing how he did love him. Hence the name: Fist of Love.

When his new crew first met Garp, it wasn’t long after they had formed, and they were still sailing around the East Blue. He could only place a smile on his face as he watched Garp’s ship get closer.

He knew there was no escaping from Garp’s fist. He would always find you. It was easier to just take it. At least when he was smaller, Garp wouldn’t use haki in his punches. Shanks was a full-fledged pirate at this point even if he was a rookie Captain.

“Garp the Fist is coming, Captain!” One of his nakama exclaimed. “What do we do?!”

Shanks just smiled, flashing a grin to his crew. “Don’t sweat it. It’s fine.”

“I’ve seen you smooth talk your way out of a lot… but Garp is not one of those things.” Benn stated.

Shanks shrugged, leaning his head against Benn’s arm. He had been waiting for Garp to show up. He was actually excited to show his crew off. With Garp’s ship pulling up, the Alpha all but jumped from his ship. Shanks closed his eyes, waiting for the hit.

Not even a second later, Garp’s fist slammed into the top of his head. Pain erupting just moments later. “CAPTAIN!” He heard come from a mixture of those around him. Through the corner of his eye, he saw Benn reach for his shotgun. He raised his hand waving it off as he grabbed at his head. Grimacing in pain.

“Brat! Why the hell did you become a Captain?!” Garp exclaimed.

Shanks kicked his feet against the wood, squeezing his eyes shut for a moment. “Because I wanted to be!” He fought back.

Garp sighed, standing back up to his full height as Shanks managed to pry his eyes back open. His arms were crossed over his chest as Shanks sat back up, readjusting his hat on his head. “You damn brat.”

“Hi, Gramps.”

“GRAMPS?!” Followed immediately.

Shanks grinned as he rubbed at his head, crossing his legs as he motioned to his crew. “This is my crew! Aren’t they cool!”

Garp snorted, shaking his head. “Just like your mother.” Garp was eyeing his crew anyway. “You’ve got some strong men here.” His attention turned away from Shanks just long enough to add, “Take care of my brat for me, or you will be facing my fist.”

Shanks could only freeze as he watched Garp turn from him and towards Benn, his fist coming down on the top of Benn’s head. Sending his First Mate crashing down next to him. “What the hell, Gramps?!”

Garp smirked, cracking his knuckles. “Beckman reached for his shotgun. Which means even though he knows who I am, he was willing to fight me to protect you.” Garp stated. “You’ve got good men with you, brat. You did good.”

Shanks grinned, laughing as he let the smile slip on his face. Truthfully, that was a good compliment. Even as much as Garp hated his career path that he had chosen, he still had small ways of showing how proud he was.

Chapter Text

It was a joy having the little red-haired bundle of joy on the Moby Dick. He brought more sense of life onto the ship, growing up alongside some of his pack brothers. Whitebeard enjoyed his presence, but he knew that one day it would all probably come to an end. The boy was the song of Gold Roger, the Captain of the Roger Pirates who also operated on the Grand Line. They would eventually run into the crew again and if Roger’s instincts were up to par like Whitebeard believed them to be, he would recognize Shanks almost immediately.

No matter where this pup went. No matter who his loyalties went too. He would always be one of his. If this young pup ever needed him, he would be there in an instant.

Shanks had taken to calling him “Papa Eddie” in favor over “Oyaji” or “Captain”. It always brought a smile to his face whenever he heard it. From what he could tell, the boy viewed him as another father even though he knew his father was out there on the sea. Rouge had made it a point to make sure the boy knew who his father was. His name. His status on the sea. Keeping him up to date with whatever was in the paper.

Despite the smile on his face or the proclamation that he would be his own Captain one day, he could see the longing in those stormy colored eyes. The way that his heart yearned to meet Roger. The day would come, Whitebeard was sure of it. He was also sure that Shanks would depart from the Moby Dick the day that happened.

They had gained more apprentices over the time. Some of them being on the ship before Rouge’s pregnancy had even ended and Shanks’ birth. Shanks stuck close to Marco out of most of them. The ten-year-old Alpha proclaiming that he was Shanks’ “protector” for all intensive purposes. Since Shanks was only four, he wasn’t allowed to be involved with raids or actual fighting. Marco had taken it upon himself to guard over the boy to make sure he didn’t get injured during those times.

It didn’t shock him in the slightest to discover that the boy had all three forms of haki. The Conqueror’s Haki definitely wasn’t a surprise. Whitebeard would have been more surprised if he didn’t have it with both Rouge and Roger being users of it.

It had all happened when they were attacked on a supply island and Rouge had ended up as a hostage. His Commander being held with a knife at her throat. Marco had forced the small Omega behind himself, but Shanks’ eyes were only focused on his mother.

“Shanks, it’s okay. I’m fine.” Rouge assured her son, all despite the knife being held against the pale skin of her throat. The look of determination in her eyes.

Whitebeard had been ready to get his Commander out of the situation when they had all felt it. Shanks’ face had contorted in a mixture of fear and anger as he clutched onto Marco’s shirt with a scream of, “Let my mom, go!” As soon as the last word had left his mouth, every single one of the rival pirates – including the Alpha threatening his mother – fell to the ground unconscious. Leaving all of them in a state of shock from seeing it happen.

Marco even looking down at the young Omega boy with wide eyes. Shanks had looked panicked in that moment as he quickly started exclaiming that he hadn’t meant for that to happen. He only broke away from Marco the second Rouge took a step forward, dropping to her knees before he was rushing over with tears in his eyes. Small arms wrapping around his mother as he cried into her shoulder.

“I’m okay, Shanks. I’m okay.” She whispered, only looking up to make eye contact with Whitebeard.

This boy was going to be a great pirate one day.

Whitebeard was sure of it.

Even the world couldn’t break him. The large smile that he wore most of the time despite seeing the harsh realities of living on the sea. Being a pirate. Branded an apprentice even if it wasn’t the life that he had chosen for himself. He wore it like a badge of honor. Even so much as to asking if the Whitebeard jolly roger could be sewed into his shirts.

Whitebeard would admit he was hesitant to allow it because of the possibility that Shanks or any of the other pups got separated from them, that they would be attacked or arrested for bearing the mark. Rouge made a compromise with him, saying to allow them to wear it on the ship until they were older and could defend themselves better. He loved the idea of them wearing his mark outside of the bonds that he shared with them. He just worried for their safety if an accident were to arise. Though, he felt like it would never happen. These kids were smart and resilient. Nothing could stop them.

Shanks had started to proudly wear his jolly roger on his back after that. Even partaking in the training that the others did more. He was getting stronger by the day.

Whitebeard almost wished that Roger never would encounter him again, just so he could hold onto this a little bit longer. He loved all of his children equally, and Shanks was among those ranks. Being his own godson in Rouge’s eyes and statements. Asking him to take that title officially. He knew it was a selfish wish. Roger deserved to meet his son and be in his life. Could he really blame Whitebeard though? Whitebeard was a pirate, and they technically took what they wanted. Out of respect for Roger and his love for Rouge, he could never do that to them. Ultimately, in the end, it would be Shanks’ choice. Rouge’s choice. As much as he wished for Shanks to remain on the Moby Dick.

The day would arrive that it would all end.

For now, he would hold onto this. Enjoying his time with the red-haired Omega pup until the second he was no longer traveling with them. Even then, he would always remain a Whitebeard Pirate. That had been his vow to Shanks.

He would be there if he ever needed him.

Shanks just needed to guide the way.

Chapter Text

The one thing you did not do around Ace was insult Red-Haired Shanks. The Whitebeard Pirates found out about this the hard way when one of their very own nakama insulted Shanks. It had taken them all completely by surprise when they had seen the fury written all over Ace’s face.

Marco had never seen Ace get so angry before.

It was almost as if he had went feral.

The conversation had started simple enough. They were partying like they normally would after a successful mission took place. The Third Division had gotten another ally added into the mix with the assistance of the Fifth Division.

Marco was standing next to Ace, his arm looped over the Omega’s shoulder as Ace spoke to Haruta and Deuce. Thatch was to Marco’s other side with who he was in a conversation with.

“Did you hear the Red-Hair Pirates are nearby?” One of the Sixth Division questioned. By the look on his face, he was clearly intoxicated.

“Man, if I could catch that Omega bitch drunk… the things I would do.” Another said.

Marco did not miss the way that Ace completed tensed up. The grit of his teeth that followed. The insult that came from their subordinate even put a bad taste in Marco’s mouth. It wasn’t necessarily uncommon to run across someone with that mindset, but it never helped in any case. It’s why most Omegas turned out to be pirates and criminals. They faced so much discrimination, the same as women, just for who they were. It was a common practice on the Moby Dick not to allow it. Sometimes it did slip through the cracks. They alone had three Omegas as Commanders including a former Omega Commander.

The group of men started laughing.

“Probably partying and getting drunk in Red-Hair fashion.” Another grinned, taking a drink of his own. “His entire crew consists of Alphas and Betas… how much do you want to bet that he’s been passed around them all like some kind of slut?”

He heard the growl leave Ace almost immediately. Eyeing the younger pirate as his nails dug into the glass bottle in his hands. Through the corner of his eye, he even saw the way that Deuce had completely frozen. Eyes wide and jaw dropped.

“Please, how else would Red-Hair end up in the position he’s in?”

“Sleeping his way to the top.” Another round of laughter followed.

He couldn’t see Ace’s eyes anymore with the way that his head was tilted, the wisps of black waves falling into his eyes. But he did see the flicker of flames on his hands.

“I’ll bet you that Beckman runs the entire ship while Red-Hair just plays his little bitch. Just the pretty face of the Red-Hair Pirates.”

“Shut up.” Ace growled, eyes turned to him, the flames flickering to life more.

“What was that, Commander Ace?” One of them questioned.

Another snorted. “Why would you care? It’s just Red-Haired Shanks. You could say it to his face and it wouldn’t even faze him. Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t want to bend him over a table and fuck him into submission.”

The bottle in Ace’s hands broke, shattered pieces of glass hitting the deck below over his boots. “Ace—” Deuce started before Ace was already breaking away from Marco.

Marco felt the surge of Ace’s Conqueror’s Haki. The Armament haki glazed over his arm as he balled his fist, bringing it down on the jaw of the man who just finished speaking.

“COMMANDER ACE!” Another exclaimed.

Ace didn’t react to them, rather more suited on straddling the Alpha he had knocked over, his fist coming down in rapid succession. The man’s nose busted open. “Take that back!”

“Commander Ace, calm down!”

“DON’T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT SHANKS LIKE THAT!” Ace screamed.

The Alpha that Ace had been hitting was no longer moving, eyes fluttering. In Marco’s opinion, he deserved it. He walked forward, catching Ace around the waist, and hauling the Omega up. “Let me go, Marco!” Ace exclaimed, trying to rip his hands away. If Marco didn’t have his Devil Fruit abilities, the way that Ace had lit himself on fire would have burnt him severely. He was trying to claw his way out, but Marco just hooked his arm around Ace’s to pin them down. Unfortunately, with how Ace was acting, he would kill the guy. That was a rule on their ship. You don’t kill your own nakama. Even if they deserve a rather hard punch to the face. “You ever talk about Shanks like that again, and I’ll fucking kill you! You hear me!” Ace screamed as Marco carried him off still fighting into another direction.

Marco only placed him back down when they got to the confines of Ace’s room, dropping the Omega down onto his bed. “Calm down, Ace.”

Ace growled, baring his teeth as he hissed, “Fucker deserved it.”

“He did.” Marco agreed. “But, the ships rules. No killing nakama.”

Ace huffed, throwing himself backwards on the bed. “Can Oyaji just say he isn’t on the crew anymore?”

“That’s not how it works, Ace.”

Chapter Text

Jealously was always a green-eyed monster. Raging its ugly head at the worst possible moments. Luffy was absolutely not stirring in a pot of overflooding anger because he was watching Eustass and Law talk. No. That wasn’t happening.

He hand was curled around his tankard, eyes glaring a hole into Eustass as the party raged around them. Drunk pirates everywhere. Dancing together. Eating. Laughing. Talking.

Ace wasn’t far from him. His brother’s face flushed with his own intoxication as he danced alongside Marco, Izou, and Thatch. Sabo was next to Ace, just as drunk – probably even more drunk than Ace was – and dancing with Koala. Shanks and Mihawk were somewhere. He could hear Shanks’ laughter, but he didn’t care to actually look.

No.

Not when Law was smiling and giggling to whatever it was Eustass was saying. His olive-colored skin flushed over a soft pink on his face. Nose crinkling as he leaned against the rail of the ship as he laughed. The tankard in his hand snapped as he watched the other Alpha reach out, thumb swiping across Law’s chin.

There wasn’t even anything there.

Eustass was just touching Law to touch him.

“Luffy, calm down.” Zoro’s voice cut through his mind.

Luffy paused, blinking at his hand to notice the crushed wood within his palm. He snickered as he placed it to the side and leaned back against the rail.

“Someone’s jealous.” Sanji snickered, poking at Luffy’s cheek from where he was leaning into Zoro’s chest.

Luffy swatted Sanji’s hand away. “I am not.”

“Sure.” Zoro snorted, taking another drink.

“Let’s go dance, Marimoo.” Sanji said, grabbing ahold of Zoro’s wrist and pulling him towards where the others were. Leaving Luffy completely alone.

Luffy sighed as he turned his gaze back to where Law was. Seeing the Omega still smiling but this time he froze as he watched Eustass lean in towards Law’s ear, muttering something that had Law’s face flaring. His hand reaching up to slide painted fingertips down his cheek.

Fuck this.

Luffy huffed as he pushed off the rail, embedding haki into his arm as he stomped his way over, stretching his arm back before he was sending his fist directly for Eustass. His knuckles colliding with the other Supernova’s jaw, sending him crashing into the rail.

With his arm still stretched out, he grabbed the back of Law’s shirt, pulling the Omega off of his feet and over to him. Law barely managing to catch himself before he was crashing into Luffy’s chest. The Alpha purring in content as he buried his nose into Law’s neck.

That’s better.

“Straw Hat-ya?”

Luffy hummed, pulling back slightly to see a smirk settled on Law’s face as the Omega tilted his head. “What?”

“You’re jealous.”

“Am not.” Luffy muttered, burying his nose back into Law’s neck, inhaling the passion fruit and rose scent that lingered there.

Law hummed. “It was kinda hot.”

Luffy’s face absolutely did not go beet red.

Chapter Text

As Garp got closer to the Red Force, he grinned as he popped his knuckles. Listening to each individual pop as they cracked. Letting the haki surge through his hand as he saw Shanks’ form on the deck. Probably already standing there waiting for him. He could see the soft smile on the Omega’s face from where he was. Garp returned the smile as he jumped, reaching his arm back before he was slamming his fist directly into the top of Shanks’ head.

The boy crashing into the deck below. Hands flying up to cover his most likely throbbing skull. Garp smirked as he landed on his feet, crossing his arms over his chest. Despite the career path that his foolish grandson decided to take, he couldn’t be prouder of what he was managing to do completely on his own. He had done exactly what he said he would. Gather a reliable crew and start seeing the world. The Red Hair Pirates were quickly becoming respected for their love of traveling and partying without the urges to cause chaos wherever they went. Shanks just wanted to see the world. He didn’t care about the fighting. Garp could respect that.

Even if his grandson was a criminal.

“Hey, Gramps.” Shanks stated, smiling as he sat up, hand adjusting his hat on his head. He noticed the new set of three scars over Shanks’ eye right away. They were starting to heal up. Still red in some places.

Garp kneeled down as the Omega tried to shield his eye from him upon noticing what had caught his attention. “Did that Swordsman bastard do this to you?” Garp hissed.

Shanks’ head snapped up. “No!” He exclaimed quickly, hands up in the air as denials quickly flew from his mouth. “I swear it wasn’t Mihawk!”

“Does it matter?” Shanks sighed, crossing his legs, and placing his hands into his lap. “It was nothing.”

“Scars on your face isn’t nothing.” Garp growled. “Did he do this?”

Shanks shook his head. “Marshal D. Teach of the Whitebeard Pirates.”

Garp cursed. He had a dumbass to go visit at some point. Sharing a drink with Eddie sounded like a good idea. No one touched his grandson and got away with it. Even if Shanks was a pirate. This was his grandson after all.

Garp sighed, knowing that it would be useless to get any more information from him, pausing as he noticed the glitter that caught his eye. He hummed as he reached forward, grabbing the pendant that was hanging around Shanks’ neck. Surveying the trinket as Shanks stared at him with wide eyes.

It appeared like a jolly roger. In the place of the skull was a cherry blossom flower and in place of the bones were two swords. One styled after Shanks’ vow Gryphon and the other a very familiar black sword. Yoru.

He smirked as he stood up.

“Gramps!” Shanks exclaimed, pushing himself up as Garp started for the the rail to get back to his own ship. “For the love of seas, don’t kill him!”

“No promises!” Garp called back as he jumped.

He had a swordsman to go initiate into the family.

Finding Dracule Mihawk had been easier than expected. The second the younger Alpha had seen him, he had reached for Yoru on his back. Fully prepared to fight him. It would be a losing battle, Garp was far more powerful than he was. He was sure Mihawk knew that. Mihawk was no where near stupid or oblivious.

“What does the hero of the Navy want with me?” Mihawk drawled.

Garp smirked, cracking his knuckles once more.

He loved this part.

He surged forward before Mihawk even had the chance to blink, fist coming down onto Mihawk’s head. Sending the Alpha face first into the ground.

“That’s for sleeping with my grandson.” He stated, dusting his hands off before he turned on his heel and walked away. “Welcome to the family, brat.”

Chapter Text

It had started simple enough. It was getting harder and harder to read the words on his reports. The bounty posters when he would go through the updated ones. It aggravated him, knowing exactly what that meant for him. He was getting older in age.

That didn’t mean that he was ready for it.

Soon it started to be more than just being unable to read properly. He started running into things that were in close proximity. Being unable to make out things in the distance like he used to.

He sighed in defeat when he finally got them.

A pair of red framed square glasses. The red being the color that reminded him of Ace’s flames. The color of passion and love. It was fitting to go with him.

He kept them in his pocket. Only pulling them out when he was completely alone. It was the last thing he wanted Ace to see on him. He would be forced to admit that he was getting older, and his eyesight was an absolute traitor.

Though he knew he needed to soon come clean about it.

He just didn’t want too.

He especially didn’t want Ace finding out.

It had all came crashing down when one night he was working on reports in his room, glasses on the bridge of his nose as he read over the paper. Writing down anything that he needed to know when the door came crashing open, hitting the way that had him jumping and ripping the glasses away from his face and throwing them on the table.

He turned to see Ace standing there, mouth open as he blinked. Their pup hook in his arm as he mumbled an apology. Marco quickly threw the papers in his hands over the glasses, turning in his chair and using his arm to try and block them completely from sight.

“What’dya need, Ace?” Marco questioned, his heart pounding against his chest.

Ace snorted, motioning for the bassinet in the corner of the room. “I kind of stay in this room.” He stated, crossing the room, and placing the slipping pup into the bassinet. His back still facing Marco as he took the quick moment to take the glasses off of the table and put them into their hidey hole in the desk.

Ace was supposed to still be gone at this point. Giving their child a bath and feeding them before coming back. Looking at the clock, Marco mentally cursed to himself realizing that Ace had used the normal amount of time and even plus some.

“You were gone a while.” Marco said.

Ace turned to face him, smiling slightly as he leaned back against the dresser. Arms crossed over his revealed torso with a tilt of his head. “Oyaji.” He simply said. Marco nodded, his heart still pounding in his chest as Ace crossed the room, slipping onto his lap and arms wrapping loosely around his shoulders. Fingers carding into his hair. “What are you hiding from me?”

Marco felt the air in his throat catch. The glim in Ace’s eye was enough to tell him that Ace already knew. The Alpha sighed, leaning back in the chair as he placed his hands on Ace’s hips. Running his thumbs in circles over the exposed dips that were there. “Glasses.”

Ace’s face never changed as he pulled one of his arms away to balance his chin on his wrist. “And you hid it, why?”

Marco groaned. “Cause I’m getting old.”

“So?” Ace hummed. “Do you think I care?”

Marco felt his mouth go dry for the moment. The Alpha looked away. Honestly, he wasn’t even sure why he cared so much. This was Ace. The person who was with him through thick and thin.

Ace moved his arm again, reaching for the drawer. Marco watched his movements, the drawer sliding open and the Omega reaching in and pulling the glasses from them. Smiling slightly as he pulled back enough before he was slipping them onto Marco’s face.

“Right where they belong.” Ace muttered, placing his arms back around Marco’s neck. “Everyone will get old some day, Marco. Me included. Who cares what anyone thinks? You’ve done so much for this family, you deserve to be an old man. If anyone says shit, they gotta deal with me.”

Marco snorted, wrapping his arms the rest of the way around Ace’s waist and pulling the Omega closer. “You really don’t care that the person who vowed to protect you... needs glasses?”

Ace smiled again, leaning in until his lips were ghosting over Marco’s. “Not at all. It’s life, Marco. Anyway, I can protect myself. I don’t need a man for that.” The Omega muttered. “Besides, they look sexy on you.” Marco snorted, leaning forward, and connecting his lips to Ace’s for the moment before he was pulling away. “You picked red?”

Marco grinned. “It may have reminded me of someone’s power.”

Ace laughed. “If I need glasses one day, I’m getting blue.”

Chapter Text

Shanks smiled as he tucked Ace into his bed, pulling the blanket up to the pup’s chest as he curled his bear closer to himself. The Omega smiled, leaning down, and placing a chaste kiss to his son’s forehead, nuzzling his nose to his cheek for just a second before he was pulling back. Turning the lantern out before he was closing the door, leaving it cracked open enough to be able to slip in and out. The den den on the side table to notify him if pup were to wake up, the other within his pocket.

It had been over a year since he had given birth. Given birth to the light of his life. He never would have dreamed that it would be this fulfilling. Despite being so young. Finding out he was pregnant had turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him. He paused at the door, smiling slightly as he let his gaze linger on his pup before he was walking out of his room. Adjusting his hat on his head as he fully slipped on his sandals.

It was night out already. The rest of his crew lounging around the deck a mixture of drunken laughter and music playing. He paused as Benn looked over to him, pointing up towards the crow’s nest. Shanks turned, looking up before his smile grew bigger seeing the form of his mate standing there, looking out to the ocean.

He muttered his thanks to Benn before he was climbing up towards where Mihawk was. Pulling himself over as the Alpha looked at him. “I heard you singing so I knew you were putting Ace to bed.” Mihawk stated, leaning back against the pole, peering up to the sky again. “I didn’t want to excite him until morning.”

Shanks walked forward, placing his hands on the rail of the basket. It had always been an issue with Ace’s sleep schedule. It was like the pup slept all the time, but at the same time just didn’t. If he ever got a full night, he was lucky. When Mihawk was around, Ace never wanted to sleep. Instead wanting to stay up with his Alpha father.

The Omega climbed onto the rail, hooking his hands to keep himself balanced. Giving a sigh of content as he looked up to the night sky. The stars were always the best thing at night. On the sea, they could be seen for miles. Glittering against the ocean waters. It was always such a beautiful sight.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Shanks muttered.

“Yeah, it is.” Mihawk agreed. Shanks turned to look at Mihawk, noticing that Mihawk wasn’t looking at the sky. Rather at him. His face dusted over pink as Mihawk pushed off of the rail, moving over until his torso was pressed into Shanks’ back. His arms wrapping around his waist. “You’re beautiful.” The Alpha pressing a kiss directly into his bond gland where his mark resided. Showing the world that Mihawk had claimed Shanks as his own. Something that Shanks treasured.

Shanks smiled, leaning back against Mihawk as he brought his arms up to loop them around Mihawk’s shoulders. They sat like that for the moment. Enjoying the blissful quiet except for the sounds from below that seemed far away compared to them. It was just the two of them. Nothing else.

The Omega dropped his arms, turning until his legs were on either side of Mihawk. Reaching back up to replace his arms back over the Alpha’s shoulders. Mihawk’s hands settled on his hips. Thumbs running circles over his hip bones. “How long are you staying for?” Shanks questioned.

Mihawk smiled. “As long as I can.” He muttered, leaning forward until his lips were ghosting over Shanks’ lips. Shanks loved when Mihawk looked at him like this. Like he was the only thing in the entire world. Like he was the most beautiful thing that the world had to offer. The gentle glance compared to the sharp one that could freeze anyone on the receiving end. “I love you, Shanks.”

Shanks smiled. “I love you too.” He twisted his fingers into the short whisps of black hair. Twisting the strands in soft circles as Mihawk leaned forward and connected their lips. That same spark that had always been there shooting up his spine as their lips danced together. The tingles left behind as Mihawk pulled away and leaned his forehead against the Omega’s.

Mihawk’s hands had moved, snaking up his shirt to settle his fingers directly onto his skin. The trails of fire that were left behind. Shanks never would have dreamed that the person that he had met when he was just eight years old would be the same person who would turn out to be his mate. The father of his child. It was almost like a fateful meeting that their paths had crossed.

Shanks would never change it. Not for the world. Not for any riches he could possibly possess. This was his world right here. He ran his hand down Mihawk’s jaw. Letting his fingers glide across the newly forming facial hair that was gracing the Alpha’s face. Tracing random patterns into the pale skin. Mihawk’s scent lingering in his nose. The mixture of forest and wine that smelt just like a vineyard. The perfect earthy and fruit scent. It was fitting for Mihawk’s love of wine. Mihawk smelt like the finest wine there was, and it belonged to Shanks.

Mihawk pulled back enough until his lips were now touching Shanks’ forehead. Pressing a kiss into tanned skin before he was pulling back and looking back up to the sky. Shanks loved moments like these. The simple quiet. Just basking in being together. Drinking in every moment that they had together. They lived two completely separate and different lives that met perfectly in the middle. Balanced out in a way where they both could thrive on the sea. Sure, Shanks would love to spend every waking moment with the love of his life, but he could never bring himself to ask Mihawk to make that sacrifice. It was the same with Mihawk. He just knew it.

Mihawk was always the silent type compared to his louder, more sociable demeanor. Mihawk never had to express into words for Shanks to know exactly what the Alpha felt. Mihawk was proved it with actions. Actions just like this one.

The Alpha pulling him closer, flushing their bodies together. Hands sprawled over his skin underneath his clothes. Nose buried in the curve of his neck.

It was perfect.

Just the two of them. Being underneath the stars. The smell of the ocean. The wind in their hair. The Alpha pulled away from him enough, retracting one of his hands to reach up and tuck some of his hair behind his ear. His thumb moving to settle on his chin, barely touching his lip before he was leaning forward and connecting their lips once more.

Shanks smiled into it, standing onto his tiptoes to pull Mihawk closer to himself.

Yeah.

Absolutely perfect.  

Chapter Text

Roger was beyond head over heels for Portgas D. Rouge. The more time he spent with her. The more he just knew. He was in love with her. The way her eyes shined when she was happy. The way her nose would crinkle when she laughed too hard. How her hair framed her face perfectly. The dust of freckles across her cheeks. Her fierce determination. Her strength. Her everything.

Roger loved her.

He would do anything for her.

He took a deep breath as he looked at the Omega woman. Enthralled with her words as she spoke. Her hat was hanging behind her around her neck. Her pink hibiscus flower tucked behind her ear. Her hands behind her to keep her balance as they sat by the ocean. The way the wind moved throughout her hair.

Roger would never get enough of looking at her.

She was beautiful.

Perfect.

Flaws and all.

He smiled as he reached forward, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear that had her pausing. Her words trailing out as she looked at him. The shine of pink that came to her face that almost hid her freckles entirely.

“I love you, Portgas D. Rouge.” It was the first time either of them had ever said those words. The most powerful words on this earth. Rouge broke out into a smile, tilting her head down almost bashfully as she reached up and touched his hand. He inhaled as he reached into his coat pocket, pulling out the red hibiscus flower that he had. “I know you love your trademark hibiscus flower… but the red hibiscus flower stands for love and passion.” He said, holding it out to her. “I am absolutely in love with you. I wanted you to know that.”

Rouge laughed slightly, her eyelashes fluttering as she looked down to the flower before she was looking back to him. Her hands moving to either side of his face before she was leaning in and placing a kiss on his lips. One that he happily returned back.

After a moment, they pulled apart with Rouge whispering, “I love you too, Roger.”

Roger grinned. Grinned bigger than he ever had in his life as he reached up for the pink one behind her ear and moved it. Casting it to the side as he replaced it with the red one, letting his fingers trail over a lock of her hair.

It was a simple gesture.

But it was enough.

Chapter Text

Law had always hated bread. Something that Luffy knew for as long as he knew the Omega for. It was just something he refused to eat. Being adamant in making sure that any cook absolutely knew he couldn’t stand the taste of bread.

All the crews were together, a large party being hosted by Shanks. Ace and Marco’s pup was the life of the party. Their small face bringing joy to those around them from their place on Ace’s hip. Law was named one of the pup’s honorary uncles. Something that brought a smile to Luffy’s face. Law had spent a lot of time on the Moby Dick during the course of Ace’s pregnancy. Sticking by his brother through all of it. The two had become rather close during the time.

Luffy and Law’s own relationship was an odd one. It didn’t start off traditional like Shanks and Mihawk’s did or Ace and Marco’s. Not with a courting necklace. If anything, they had been going backwards. Sleeping together on Sabaody before they were even officially together. Luffy and Law had never officially put a title on their relationship. They had just finished in Dressrosa, defeating Doflamingo once and for all. Fulfilling Law’s goal that he had for his life. The Omega’s adoptive father – mother? – being avenged all these years later. He had never seen so much relief on Law’s face. They just never split up after that. The two crews mingling together and forming an official alliance.

All the times that Luffy had asked Law to join him. Marry him even. He felt like a gut instinct that he just knew that Law was going to be the one for him. The Omega was beautiful in his eyes. His caramel skin. That tattoos that he had. His eyes. He was just beautiful.

Luffy would never understand how he got so lucky.

During the party had been when he first noticed the change. Law had been acting differently lately. Hell, Luffy had been too. He felt more protective of Law than ever. Despite knowing the Omega could and absolutely would protect himself. Being a Captain of his own crew, a powerful Devil Fruit user, having powerful haki. He didn’t need Luffy to protect him. It was one thing that Luffy absolutely loved. He wouldn’t have anything less.

His eyes lingered on Law as they partied. A tankard in Luffy’s hand as he sat by Zoro like he usually did. He couldn’t place what was going on with the Omega. He was never the best at noticing social cues. Most of the times oblivious or just plain ignorant of them. This was different.

He frowned as he watched Law reach for an actual sandwich with bread. Taking a bite into it and eating it down without a second thought as the Omega talked with Ace. Even Ace had given him an odd look for a moment before his face changed back into whatever conversation they were having.

It didn’t make sense to Luffy at all.

Why the hell was Law eating bread?

He hummed. He would get to the bottom of it.

As the party came to a close, Luffy found himself back on the Sunny in his private quarters. Only having recently started to use it since Law had been sleeping next to him. Law’s scent lingering in his bed sheets and pillows now with how much the Omega had been close by.

Luffy laid back on the bed, arms behind his head as he watched Law maneuver around the room. Bread once again in hand that he was eating on. The Alpha frowned.

This wasn’t normal.

“Traffy?” Law hummed to signify that he was listening, not looking over to him exactly. “Why are you eating bread? I thought you hated it.”

Law froze completely in his tracks, swallowing down the bite that he had in his hand. His head turning to look over to where Luffy was. The Omega sighed, placing the bread down onto the dresser as he turned. The extra large shirt going to mid-thigh. His long legs revealed that he twisted his ankles over each other as he leaned back against the dresser. “I have something I need to tell you.”

Luffy sat up, moving to the edge of the bed. “What is it?”

Law bit his lip, looking down to the wood below his feet. “I’m… pregnant.”

Luffy felt like his brain had short circuited.

Law was pregnant?

It made sense. Ace had some weird cravings when he was pregnant.

Luffy blinked as Law looked up at him. The Alpha felt the grin come to his face as he pushed himself up, arms wrapping around Law’s waist as he pulled the Omega up and twisted around. Laughing as he whispered, “Are you serious?”

Law nodded. “Yeah. I am. Six weeks.”

Luffy paused, pulling back as he stared at the Omega. “Wait that means…”

Law nodded again, making a noise of confirmation. “I was pregnant at Dressrosa.”

Luffy took in a shaky breath. There was that possibility. “And they are okay?”

Law smiled. “Perfectly fine. D’s are stubborn, you know.”

The Alpha’s face broke out into an even bigger grin as surged forward, capturing Law’s lips into his own momentarily before he was pulling back and dropping to his knees, pushing up the shirt to reveal Law’s still flat stomach. He pressed his forehead into Law’s abdomen as he said, “Hi there… I’m your daddy.” He paused, moving his hands to lay them flat on the caramel-colored skin. “You’ve got a strong momma. He kept you safe, didn’t he? We are going to have so much fun when you get here. Dad is gonna throw another party when he finds out. Your Uncle Ace is gonna teach you all the tricks in the book for annoying our nakama. Momma and Uncle Chopper can teach you doctor things. We can play pranks with Uncle Usopp. Papa can teach you how to use a sword and so can Uncle Zoro.” He paused as he nuzzled his nose against the skin, hoping that the pup could hear him. “Auntie Robin can teach you about history. Auntie Nami can teach you navigation. Don’t learn from Uncle Zoro, he gets lost… and so do I. I’m bad at it. Uncle Brook can teach you music. Bink’s sake definitely. It’s amazing. Uncle Franky can teach you about ships. Uncle Sanji can teach you to cook. He’s an amazing cook. You’ll love his food. You gotta watch out for Gramps… his Fist of Love hurts. You’ll love your cousin. You’ll be so loved. You’ll have so much fun. You’re going to be Pirate Royalty because I’m going to be King of the Pirates.”

Law laughed, a choked sound leaving as he looked up to see the tears glistening in Law’s eyes. Luffy stood back up, arms wrapping around Law again as he connected their lips again.

Law was going to give him a little Prince or Princess.

And he already knew the perfect name.

One Law would love.

Cora.

Chapter Text

Marco’s terrible flirting and pick up lines were beyond annoying. No, they absolutely did not send the heat straight into Ace’s face every single time. Making him stumble over his feet because he was caught completely off guard. He hated that stupid smirk that Marco would get on his face when he thought he was rejoicing in something. Absolutely not.

Screw that stupidly handsome face.

That intoxicating scent.

Just no.

Ace huffed as he crossed his arms over his chest, his nails curling into the sleeve of his shirt as he glared at the Alpha who was standing there with that same smirk on his face the entire time. With yet another one of his terrible pick-up lines. Ace’s face was red, and he was sure of it. Not that he would admit that to the Alpha standing in front of him.

Marco was his Commander. He was not supposed to catch feelings for him.

Where was Deuce when he needed him?

Oh, right, flirting with Haruta.

That traitor.

“Stop with the annoying flirting, would you?” Ace snapped.

Marco smirked, leaning his chin onto his palm as he leaned into the rail. His blonde hair falling into his crystal blue eyes that Ace could get completely lost in. The Alpha tilting his head slightly as he watched the Omega’s movements. Ace shuffled on his feet, pouting as he looked away. This wasn’t fair. Why did he have to be that hot? Screw those finely chiseled abs. The beautiful ink on his skin. The droop of his eyes that looked like he was bored or even tired with life despite the constant smirk or smile that was lingering on his face. How he would tease and sarcastically speak to an opponent once they found out that they couldn’t hurt him because of Marco’s very annoying Devil Fruit abilities.

“I don’t plan on stopping.”

Figures.

It’s been going on for months.

Why would it stop now?

There was no end of it.

The Omega growled as he sent a glare towards Marco. “Seriously stop because I might just be in love with you!” Ace’s eyes widened as he slapped his hand over his mouth.

He did not mean to say that.

That was stupid.

Why did he say that?

Oh God. He was never going to get Marco to stop now.

Marco’s smirk only got bigger, a tilt of his head as he reached out with his free hand, tucking strands of Ace’s hair behind his ear. The sparks bouncing over Ace’s skin from the contact. The fluttering feeling in the pit of his stomach as Ace’s face only flared up more.

“That’s great to hear since I’m in love with you.”

Ace made a choked noise as he took a step back, mumbling out a quick, “I gotta go.” Before he was taking off.

He barely caught Marco calling out, “I’ll be yours until the stars fall out of the sky.”

He absolutely did not trip over his own feet again.

Chapter Text

If there was absolutely one thing that Ace was that Shanks had learned, it was that he was territorial. Shanks had found out he was exactly the thing that Ace didn’t like others coming around. By coming around – showing affection. It was almost laughable. He had to give Ace the benefit of the doubt, he was only two years old.

It would be one thing if it was someone coming up to speak with him that wasn’t a pack mate or nakama, but it was everyone. Shanks couldn’t hug on any of his pack without Ace instantly trying to pry them apart, much to the amusement of his nakama. It had became a game at that point. Seeing the pout come to Ace’s face as he would attempt to place himself between Shanks and the offending person. The way he would struggle to try and push them away. Each time saying the same thing, “My momma.”

It only started to get worse when it wasn’t just Shanks’ pack anymore on the receiving end.

The next time Mihawk had showed up on the ship, Ace was already zipping across the deck to get to his Alpha father as he came over the rail. Shanks smiled as Ace was scooped up by Mihawk, settled on his hip as the Alpha smiled down at his son. “Being good for your momma?”

Ace nodded, eyes lit up as his arms instantly wrapped around Mihawk’s neck, head on his collarbone as Mihawk moved to walk towards Shanks. Shanks had seen the quick glance that Ace had sent in Mihawk’s direction as his head popped up. Almost looking offended as Mihawk’s hand slipped around the red-haired Omega’s waist, pulling him forward before connecting their lips.

Shanks grinned, as he heard a shout of, “MY MOMMA!” Before Ace’s foot was slamming into Mihawk’s jaw. The Swordsman pulled back looking stunned for a split second as Ace struggled in his grasp now, pushing at his chest as he continued to yell.

“What?” Mihawk questioned, sending a puzzled look towards Shanks.

Shanks shrugged. “I guess he’s in a momma phase.”

Mihawk smiled, placing a kiss against Shanks’ forehead, only for Ace to swat at his face again, hand clutching around the facial air on the Alpha’s face in an attempt to pull him away. Shanks bit his lip to keep the laugh from escaping him as Mihawk rolled his eyes, pulling away enough before he was discarding Ace into Shanks’ arms.

Ace’s immediately turned his head to look at Mihawk, the same glare that Mihawk had perfected over the years on his face, before his arms were around the red head’s shoulders and he was sticking his tongue out. “My momma.”

Shanks smiled, reaching around Ace to place his hand over the boy’s eyes before he was leaning in, kissing Mihawk on the lips again. The noise must have d Ace to what was transpiring as he was trying to rip Shanks’ hand away from his eyes.

“No! My momma!” He screamed again.

Shanks could contain his laughter as he pulled away, seeing the amused expression on Mihawk’s face as the Alpha motioned towards their son. “He says his momma.”

The red-haired Omega sighed as he dropped his hand seeing the pout on Ace’s face. He leaned over placing a chaste kiss to his son’s forehead. “Wanna see Papa now?” Ace nodded before Shanks was passing him back over. “Papa’s time.”

Mihawk smiled. “Papa time.”

Chapter Text

Dropping in on the Red Hair Pirates was one of Garp’s favorite things to do. Give a bit of Fist of Love to his grandson, see how much stronger he’s getting, and just all around enjoying getting to see his daughter’s child. Shanks reminded him so much of his late wife. They were very similar in many ways, and his bright red hair was the exact color that hers had been. It was almost like his wife had been reborn into the soul that now resided within Shanks’ body.

Shanks would always get a fond smile on his face whenever he would see Garp coming his way. That same smile staying on his face whenever Garp’s fist would land on the top of his head, even when he was in a heap on the ground.

That smile that he wore belonged to his mother. Very reminiscent of Rouge’s smile. Looking at him, he saw Rouge. There were moments that he could see Roger’s influence on him.

It felt like it was only a few months ago when Rouge gave birth to him, now he was his own Captain with his own ship. He was still young. Really young, but he was growing up to be a powerful young man.

The next time he saw Shanks, he wasn’t expecting what he had found.

Shanks had been waiting for him and they had done the same routine. Though this time, he paused as Shanks landed on the deck of his ship. Seeing the glistening gold necklace around his neck. He cocked his eyebrow, kneeling down as he reached out for it. Hearing the way that Shanks’ breath caught in his throat as he looked up to Garp with wide eyes.

Garp snorted as he looked at the pendant, seeing the way that it looked just like a jolly roger. The two swords crossed behind a cherry blossom flower. He recognized the swords right away as Yoru and Gryphon. It was the sword that instantly told him exactly who had created this pendant for his precious grandson.

Dracule “Hawkeyes” Mihawk.

“Gramps?” Shanks questioned as he scrambled back to his feet, face flushed red as he quickly said, “Please don’t kill him!”

Garp bellowed out a laugh as he stood back up to his full height, a grin on his face. So, Shanks had found love. Who would have known? Mihawk out of everyone he could possibly pick. Those two couldn’t be more different.

“Dracule Mihawk.” Garp stated. “That Alpha was the one to capture my grandson’s heart, huh?”

Shanks gave him a nervous grin, scratching at the back of his head. “I don’t really know, honestly.”

“What do you mean?” Garp questioned, humming slightly.

“Could he really love someone like me? Sure, we duel a lot… but I don’t know if he likes me that way.” Shanks muttered.

Garp blinked at the red-haired Omega. Shanks was incredibly smart, but how could he be this oblivious? He was literally wearing a necklace that was given to a prospective partner and mate. He could only sum it down to the fact that Shanks was fifteen years old. It could also be that Shanks didn’t know what was hanging around his neck. Despite the other one with it being his mother’s courting necklace from Roger. To him, it could just be that he thought it was a gift. Not that it was practically a proposal.

It was clear that Shanks had feelings for the Swordsman, but now it was more or less, what was Mihawk’s true intentions. He never seemed like one to take a mate.

Luckily for him, he had a stop to make following this.

“I’m sure you’ll find out, brat.”

Chapter Text

The boys were fast asleep, tucked into their beds for the night. The next day was Christmas morning. Everything ready for the boys to have a good day. Breakfast, presents, a party, and more importantly Mihawk.

Shanks paused as he heard the sound coming from down the hall. He frowned, knowing that mostly everyone was already retired back to their rooms for the night except for night watch. He pulled his overshirt closer to his body as he walked down the hall, turning the corner and stopping at the door.

The Omega could only stare in disbelief seeing Mihawk standing there. Though, he wasn’t in his usual attire. He let out a stunned laugh, an amused grin coming to his face as he muttered, “What are you wearing?”

Mihawk just gave him a sharp glance, back to his full height as he placed another present down on the floor. Mihawk’s normal attire was changed. His normal black coat a red one with white piping, a red hat on his head and concealing his hair from sight. His purple pants replaced with red ones that matched the coat. A white button up shirt underneath.

“I choose to not say.” Mihawk grumbled.

Shanks smiled, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned against the doorframe. “You heard Luffy the other day.”

Mihawk shrugged. “You can’t prove anything.”

“I just did.” Shanks stated, walking across the room to stand before Mihawk, looking down at the new presents under the tree. “Our kids made out like well… pirates.”

“They sure did.” Mihawk muttered, his arms wrapping around Shanks’ waist, his chin hooking on his shoulder.

Shanks turned, smiling up at his mate as he wrapped his arms around his shoulders. “So, what exactly did Santa bring for them?”

“You’ll just have to see and find out.” Mihawk replied.

Shanks smirked. “What did Santa bring for me?”

Mihawk smiled, pulling Shanks closer by his waist, bringing their chests flush together. Shanks smiled, tilting his head to connect their lips.

Luffy’s eyes shot open the second Shanks had closed their door, leaving it cracked open like normal. He jumped up from his bed, rushing over to Ace’s and hopping onto it, shaking his brother’s shoulder. “Ace, wake up.”

Ace grumbled, swatting his arm at the Alpha to try and shoo him away. “Go to bed, Luffy.”

“I heard something.” Luffy whispered.

“There is always a noise. We live on the sea.” Ace mumbled, turning onto his back to glare at his brother.

Luffy huffed. “No, down the hall where the tree is at.” The Alpha stated. “I think Santa came!”

Ace groaned. “Luffy… you probably just heard Mom.”

The Alpha pup frowned, pushing at Ace’s shoulder again when he closed his eyes. “I’m serious, Ace. I heard something. C’mon.”

Ace groaned, throwing his blanket back as Luffy silently cheered, ushering for Ace to follow him as soon as he crawled off the bed. Ace followed behind him as the Alpha opened the door just enough to let them slip out.

Luffy placed a finger over his lips as they got closer to the door, peeking in and looking around before his jaw dropped. Standing by the tree was Shanks and Santa. Only, Shanks was kissing Santa Clause.

The Alpha gasped, turning to place his back against the wall. “Ace, look.”

Ace peeked, rolling his eyes, and grabbing Luffy’s wrist. “Let’s go, Luffy.”

“But, Ace—”

“We need to be in bed.” Ace grumbled. “I’m tired and I don’t want to do this right now.”

“Ace… Mom was kissing Santa.” Luffy stated as soon as they got back to their room. Crawling back into their own beds.

“Go to sleep, Luffy.” Ace groaned, throwing his pillow over his head as Luffy turned his gaze to the ceiling.

How could Shanks kiss Santa like that!?

The next morning, it was still weighing heavily on Luffy’s mind as he looked between his parents. Shanks was acting like he did nothing. Leaning against Mihawk as the two drank from their cups, talking quietly as him and Ace opened their presents.

This wasn’t right.

He needed to tell Mihawk what he saw.

But he could hurt Shanks doing this.

It still wasn’t right.

He wouldn’t allow Santa to come between his parents. Let Shanks make the mistake of kissing Santa. No, that was reserved for Mihawk. Mihawk was his mate. Not Santa.

“I saw momma kissing Santa Clause.” Luffy stated, a frown on his face as he settled his face on his hands. The Alpha pup glaring over at Shanks from across the deck. The rest of the crew had gone silent, amused looks being shot towards Shanks and Mihawk.

Shanks choked on his hot chocolate, coughing, and sputtering as Luffy glared at him. “What?”

“I saw you kissing Santa.” He stated again, pointing away from them, a hand on his chest as he huffed. The anger clear on his face.

Mihawk snorted with his coffee cup, taking a sip as he winked at Shanks. “You were kissing Santa? I didn’t realize you liked men who wore red.” The Alpha stated, the amused smirk hidden behind his coffee cup.

Shanks tilted his head. “You literally wear red.” The Omega muttered.

“I wear maroon.” Mihawk stated, leaning back against the wall.

A little from them, Ace stood up from his stack of presents, walking a bit closer to his brother with a dumbfounded look on his face. “You realize Santa isn’t real, right?” Ace questioned, casting Luffy the look before he was looking over to his parents and back to his brother.

“Then why was he here?” Luffy questioned again, tilting his head in Ace’s direction.

Shanks groaned, letting his head hit against the cabins. “Screw it.” He muttered, lifting his head back up, readjusting his hat on his head to straighten it out. “Luffy, your dad is Santa.”

Luffy looked over at him, gaping, “Wait so Papa isn’t my dad?” The absolute shock on his face. Shanks blinked at him for a second, looking over to Mihawk who just shrugged.

Shanks snorted as he watched Ace’s palm slap into his own forehead. He sighed as he placed his drink to the side. This was going to take some explaining.  

Chapter Text

Something was bugging him about this kid. He was powerful and yet so young. Rouge had warned him against this. That this boy belonged to the Roger Pirates. A grin was on his face as he approached the boy. He was completely alone. He couldn’t be more than five. He shouldn’t be without an adult. These were dangerous parts.

He could theoretically teach Roger a valuable lesson.

The boy’s eyes turned to him. The recognition coming to his face immediately. “You’re Whitebeard-san.” He stated.

“I am.” Whitebeard confirmed. “Why are you alone?”

The boy shrugged. “I was bored and it’s pretty here.”

“It’s not a good thing for a young lad such as yourself to be on your own.”

The boy smiled, shrugging again. “I can take care of myself.”

What kind of pirate would he be if he didn’t just take what he wanted?

Besides, this boy seemed to be on friendly terms with Rouge. It would be fine. The grin came to his face as he smiled down at the young boy.

Roger wouldn’t know what hit him.

Rouge had a feeling in the pit of her gut as she came out of the cabins, hearing the commotion almost immediately. She paused at where Bay was, the amusement clear on her face. “What’s going on?” Rouge questioned.

Bay snorted, pointing to where Rouge could see Whitebeard towering over the others. “Oyaji acquired a new son apparently. This is going to be good.”

Rouge blinked as she heard the familiar laugh. Picked up the very familiar scent. “Oh no.” She whispered, hurrying forward, and breaking through the crowd. Sure enough, standing by Whitebeard and speaking to the man with a smile on his face was Shanks. “Eddie, what the hell did you do?! You told me you weren’t going to kidnap him.”

Whitebeard gave her a smug but content look. “That Roger left him all alone. I had to teach him a lesson. He’s mine now.”

“Eddie.” She hissed.

Shanks’ eyes turned to her, the grin getting bigger on his face. “Commander Rouge!” He exclaimed, rushing over and his small arms wrapping around her leg.

She ignored the others in favor of kneeling down and checking Shanks over for any injuries. She didn’t think that Whitebeard would hurt her son, but she couldn’t be sure that Shanks wouldn’t fight back against getting abducted. “Are you okay, Shanks?”

Shanks smiled and nodded. “Papa Eddie said I could come see you!”

Rouge’s gaze snapped over to Whitebeard, a frown settled on her face. “You used me to kidnap him?!” Whitebeard just shrugged as she sighed and stood back up. “Eddie, you have to go give him back.”

Whitebeard pouted, arms crossing over his chest. “No.” The annoyance coming to his face a second later. “I’m the Captain, what I say goes.”

“Eddie!” Rouge exclaimed.

“Not happening Rouge.” Whitebeard retorted.

“Eddie!” She tried again, “You are going to wage war against the Roger Pirates.”

“So?” The Captain said.

Rouge sighed as Shanks’ arms were back around her leg. She looked down to see the smile still on his face. Those beautiful eyes looking back up at her.

“Wait a second—” Marco said suddenly. “Did he call Oyaji, Papa Eddie?”

Rouge choked on the air in her throat as the others started confirming that Shanks had indeed said that. She had been so focused on him that she hadn’t even heard what he had actually said at first. Not even thinking twice because Shanks had always called Whitebeard that.

“You two seem cozy.” Bay stated as she walked up, a smirk on her face as she placed her hand on her hip.

Rouge sighed as eyes started to level on her. She groaned, rubbing her palm over her face. “Eddie, just return him. You told me you wouldn’t do this.”

“You are adamant about him.” Whitebeard stated. “What makes this boy so special?”

Rouge sighed, looking down at her son. Shanks still hadn’t said anything. It didn’t seem nervous or frightened. He seemed happy.

“Eddie, he’s my son.” Rouge said, turning her gaze back to Whitebeard.

The shock that came to his face as the jaws dropped around them. “But… he called you by your name.” Thatch mumbled.

Shanks grinned, turning to face Thatch. “It’s her position. She deserves that respect.”

The mixed reactions came next that Rouge actually couldn’t even hear what they were saying to her. Before Whitebeard bellowed out, “It’s settled. He stays with us.”

“Eddie!”

Roger frowned as he looked around, not catching sight of Shanks anywhere. No matter where he looked. “Shanks!” He called out. The rest of the crew spread out and trying to find him. Buggy was with him, a fist in his coat as the apologies fell from his lips.

“He’s not on the island, Captain.” Gaban stated as they all got back together.

“I got word that the Whitebeard Pirates were still around.” Spencer added. “Think Whitebeard might have made a move.”

“Against an apprentice?! No way.” Another one of his nakama exclaimed.

Roger turned to face the sea. Actually, Whitebeard would. Though, that would mean Shanks was with his mother. A smirk came to his face. “Well, let’s go get him back.”

Chapter Text

Everyone was excited. Shanks had no idea why they were. Christmas was already over, and he did know there was a party planned for that night for the start of the new year. The buzz was high. Everyone rushing around, grins on their faces as they appeared to be setting up for another party.

Shanks sat with Buggy, just as confused as his fellow apprentice. “Do you know what’s going on, Buggy?” Shanks whispered.

The Alpha shook his head. “No. Do you?”

Shanks shook his head as well. “Ray-san would know.” Shanks muttered, crawling off of the box that he had been sitting on. Both of them had crossed over the deck towards Rayleigh, where the First Mate was talking to a few straggling nakama. “Ray-san?”

Rayleigh turned, grinning down at them. “What is it?”

“What’s going on?”

The realization had came to Rayleigh’s face before he was kneeling down and said, “It’s the Captain’s birthday.”

Shanks felt the color drain from his face. It was his father’s birthday, and he didn’t even know?

A large party had been thrown for Roger after lunch. There were no presents, just partying, drinking, and eating. Shanks had stuck by Roger’s side the entire time. He couldn’t believe that he didn’t know something as special as his own father’s birthday. He couldn’t recall his mother telling him, which if she had, he had forgotten. Either that or she didn’t know either.

As they were heading off to bed, Shanks snuck his way into Roger’s quarters. Seeing his Captain lounging on his bed with a wine bottle in hand. Roger had looked over to him, a grin coming to his face.

“What’s on your mind, Shanks?” Roger questioned as the Omega pulled himself onto the bed, settling in next to Roger.

Roger’s arm wrapped around him, pulling him into his side. “I didn’t know it was your birthday.”

Roger laughed, a hand landing on the top of his head. “That’s alright. I just enjoy the day to spend with my nakama.”

Shanks frowned, “I didn’t get to get you anything.”

“Why would you want to do that?”

The question had caught Shanks off guard. “It’s normal to get something.”

Roger hummed. “Well, I have the perfect present right here.” Roger stated. “I have my nakama. My ship. My freedom. And my son.” He stated. “I don’t need anything else. I got the one thing I could ask for. Spending my birthday with my family.”

Shanks couldn’t help the smile that had slipped onto his face.

Chapter Text

He couldn’t even believe it. Ace was one. His sweet boy was now a year old. A year of amazing moments and experiences that came with being an Omega father. Seeing Ace’s smiling face every single day. Watching as he seemed to grow bigger every single day. His toothless smile turning into one with a few teeth. The way his dimples would make his freckles even more prominent. A year of absolute glorious memories.

Despite having partied the night before for the countdown to the New Year, the Red Force was buzzing with life. Shanks couldn’t imagine his life without Ace. He had been in nothing short of a purgatory between the loss of his father and going out on his own when he had found out he was pregnant with his son. Ace had became like a firefly that had guided him through the darkness and back into the light of the world.

Now, they were here. Even more nakama who treated Ace like their own, scrambling to make the day absolutely special.

Sure, Ace wouldn’t remember it when he was older, but he could live in the moment. Seeing that smile gracing his face at them.

Nash was quick at working making Ace specifically a cake that would be for him. Which Shanks was more than certain would end up all over the wood below his high chair. Many of them had small presents that he could open and have.

Ace’s excitement was clear as day as he grinned and laughed at each passing nakama. Getting a ruffle of his hair or a poke on his cheek as he would screech out for them. Little hands motioning for them. Ace was still new to words. Having his own for many of them. Nash was Na-Na. Yasopp being Ya-Ya. Lucky being Lu-Lu. Benn becoming Bee or Bee Bee. It always left Shanks gushing over it. Shanks himself was a mixture of Dada and Mama. Whichever Ace preferred in that moment. Though, it always seemed to range closer to Mama. Shanks had a feeling he knew where Ace had learned it from.

“Papa!” The loud shout had pulled Shanks right out of his thoughts as he could see Ace practically bouncing in his chair. Feet kicking and hands waving around.

Shanks turned to see Mihawk coming over the rail. A small package under his arm as his feet hit the deck below. Mihawk, like normal, didn’t say anything. Walking by and placing a kiss against Shanks’ cheek before immediately going over to Ace. Pulling him from his chair and into his arms.

Ace was squealing in excitement, hands landing on either side of Mihawk’s face. Fingers immediately curling into his sideburns with another shout of Mihawk’s name.

Mihawk had a smile on his face as he leaned his head down, placing his forehead against his son’s. “Happy birthday, firefly.” He muttered.

Ace giggled, pulling back, and pressing a sloppy kiss against Mihawk’s cheek. “Papa! Papa, here!”

Shanks smiled, leaning into Mihawk’s back and arms moving around his waist as he leaned his forehead against his shoulder blade. He could feel Mihawk’s chuckle and the movement of his arm as he peeked around to see Mihawk hand what was under his arm to Ace. “Here you go.”

Ace grinned, reaching for it. Shanks caught the glimpse of the small black cat plushy with a little collar on it that read Ace’s name on it. The fur was soft and fussy and with each movement made a slight raddle sound. Shanks smiled as Ace’s attention turned to him, “Mama, look!”

Shanks left the smile pull on his face. “I see that. What is it?”

“A cat!” Ace exclaimed. “Pretty!”

“Yeah, it’s pretty.” Shanks replied.

Nash came out of the cabins a moment later, the small cake in his hands with a grin on his face. “Here we are, birthday boy!” Nash exclaimed, placing it down on the tray that was on Ace’s high chair. “Let’s drive your parents crazy by packing you full of sugar.”

Shanks rolled his eyes, pulling away from Mihawk to allow him to place Ace’s back in his chair. It didn’t take even a few seconds before Ace had smashed his hands into the cake and bringing a handful to his mouth. Shanks laughed as he walked over, kneeling down, “You know, you are supposed to wait a minute.”

Ace eyed him for a second before his hand was rubbing frosting and cake pieces against Shanks’ mouth. “Cake!”

Shanks blinked. “Alright then.”

Chapter Text

“How are we going to do this, Roger?” Rayleigh questioned. Roger smirked, staring out at the open sea. They were close. He could feel it. Shanks was safe with his mother. She would never let Whitebeard or any of the Whitebeard Pirates actually do anything to their son. It was still the fact that Whitebeard had kidnapped Shanks.

“We are just going to steal him back.” Roger replied.

“He is your apprentice. Not Whitebeard’s.” Rayleigh added, leaning back against the rail with his arms crossed over his chest.

“I wouldn’t put it past Newgate to try and keep him.” Roger hummed.

Rayleigh snickered, sighing as he muttered out, “He does that. Doesn’t he.”

Roger leveled his glance back on the sea. What was Shanks up too right now?

Rouge was delighted to have Shanks around. She knew that he needed to go back to the Oro Jackson, but just having him around was amazing. She got to see a lot more to him that just what she saw during the quick visits whenever the two crews were clashing. Shanks was getting along well her nakama. Hanging around mostly Marco and Thatch out of the bunch.

They had welcomed Shanks with open arms. Rouge never expected this. Though, they didn’t know who Shanks’ father was. That’s what she was afraid of. That these bonds were forming, and they would reject her son simply because of who his father was.

Shanks had been with them for about a week. It made her wonder if Roger was purposely taking his time and letting her have longer with him before he came for him. There would be no way that Roger didn’t notice immediately that Shanks was gone. Rouge would have to rethink this arrangement if he didn’t notice.

She smiled, tilting her head, and watching Shanks as his eyes practically turned to stars watching Marco transform into his half-Phoenix point. The sound of amazement leaving him as the young Omega jumped on the balls of his feet. Part of her wondered what it would have been like for all of them if she had stayed among the crew. Given birth on the ship or they had stopped on an island. What her son’s life would be like. Would he have gone with Roger? Stayed with her? She hated that she was almost jealous of the fact that she had willingly let him leave with Roger.

Whitebeard had taken a huge liking to Shanks. Going as far as to say that Shanks was his son and no one else’s. Rouge could almost laugh at that statement. If only he knew. She still didn’t feel like she could tell him, but she hoped one day she had it in her to tell him. She hated keeping it from him. She didn’t want to. She just felt like she had no choice.

It made her happy seeing Shanks and her nakama together. It felt right, but at the same time, it felt so wrong.

“Hey, Oyaji! Rouge-ane… I’m taking Red-Hair for a flight!” Marco exclaimed.

Rouge had a feeling. She knew Shanks would be safe with Marco, but Marco was still just an apprentice himself. He shouldn’t be going off on his own. The Omega woman looked over her shoulder to Whitebeard, seeing that contemplation there. “Please?” Shanks questioned. It was the first time she had ever seen a pout on Shanks’ face.

Now she was beginning to understand why Rayleigh was in charge of discipline on Roger’s ship. That was face hard to say no too.

“Eddie?” Rouge questioned, “It’s your decision.”

Whitebeard hummed. “Alright but stay in our line of sight.”

Marco and Shanks both let out a silent cheer as Marco kneeled down, letting the Omega slip onto his back. “Hang on, Little Red.” Marco said.

“Huh?” Shanks barely got out before Marco kicked off and they were up the sky. Shanks let out a scream that Rouge could barely hear now but could hear the happiness in it.

Rouge grinned, watching the two soaring through the sky without a care in the world. She could hear Marco laughing just as much as Shanks was. Flying down, Marco went above the water, enough that Shanks could reach down and swipe his hand through it.

“Do I really have to give him back?” Whitebeard questioned.

Rouge hummed, nodding as she said, “You do.”

“I don’t want to.” The Alpha huffed, crossing his arms over his chest as the clear annoyance came to his face. “He’ll have to steal him from my quake making hands.”

Rouge snorted, laughing for a second as she whispered, “Oh, he will.”

This was unlike anything he had ever felt before. He was flying. Even if it wasn’t actually him doing it. The wind was going through his hair. Stinging at his eyes. Even thought it was hard to see, he couldn’t help but try and look around. Marco had stuck close to the Moby Dick. At least keeping them in their line of sight. That was before he suddenly stopped, making a shocked noise. Shanks looked up from the ocean, catching sight of the Oro Jackson. A smile slipped onto his face.

For just a moment, he actually wasn’t completely happy to see the Jackson. That meant he had to go home. He had wanted to stay with his mother for a bit longer. Though, it was time to go home. He missed his nakama.

What he didn’t expect was the net that had suddenly shout through the air, capturing them straight out of the air.

Rouge could only blink as she heard, “Hey, Newgate!” Both her and Whitebeard turned towards the approaching Oro Jackson, seeing Marco flying through the air. A loud scream following as he started to flail. “Have your bird back!”

Whitebeard reached over, plucking Marco out of the air by his shirt before he was settling him back on the deck. Marco was huffing as he muttered, “I thought he was going to throw me into the ocean.”

Rouge turned her head to look at Roger, seeing the smirk as he held up Shanks by his shirt. “He’s mine!”

Whitebeard chuckled. “In your dreams, Roger!”

Rouge snorted as she heard Roger chuckle before Shanks was being thrown over his shoulder and he was turning and heading further on the deck of the Oro Jackson. “Hit me with your best shot, Newgate!” Roger shouted, his voice getting softer by the passing second.

Shanks was waving back at them, a grin on his face as he waved his arm. “Bye Commander Rouge! Bye, Oyaji!”

She heard Whitebeard choke as she laughed. That was the first time Shanks had ever called Whitebeard “Oyaji.” It had always been Papa Eddie or Whitebeard-san. What Shanks didn’t realize, just how much worse he made all of this with that one word.

“That’s it.” Whitebeard growled. “We are going to steal him back.”

“Eddie.” Rouge warned.

“No.” Whitebeard grumbled. “He’s mine now.”

Rouge shook her head, but the smile stayed as she waved back at Shanks. “See you soon, Little Red!” She shouted.

“I can’t wait!” Shanks shot back.

“Just you wait, Roger.” Whitebeard grumbled again, eyes narrowing, “I will steal back my son.”

“At least let him be home for a while first.” Rouge replied back in defeat.

“Fine.”

Chapter Text

His foolish grandson. Ace wouldn’t be in this position if he had just listened to everything Garp had told him. Tried to beat into him over the years through the Fist of Love. He could barely keep his own nerves together. Remain calm and a strict Marine mask on his face. Ace was his great grandson. He was blood. Here he was, preparing to be executed. His life would end and there was nothing Garp could do.

Garp had decided to walk up onto the scaffold, standing next to Ace as they watched the chaos of war happening below. He could feel the tears stinging his eyes. He would rather Ace still be a criminal and alive rather than getting his head taken clean off.

The Alpha growled, balling his fist, not even bothering to put haki into it as he shouted, “Ace, you fool!” He turned, slamming his fist right into the top of the Omega’s head. The area around them was stunned. Even the battlefield going quiet to see that the Vice Admiral had moved. “My foolish grandson. You were supposed to be a Marine!”

He heard the murmurs next, shocked exclamations at the fact that Garp not only just hit Ace but that they were related. Garp didn’t find it himself to care at the moment as Ace looked up at him. His eyes hiding behind his hair. “Gramps…”

Garp huffed, shaking his head as he turned and sat down next to Ace. This was what he could do for the time being. Just sit here and keep Ace as calm as possible.

This could end one of two ways: Ace would successfully be executed, or the Whitebeard Pirates would reign victorious and leave with their Second Division Commander. Honestly, Garp hoped for the latter.

He should have known his other foolish grandson would also make an appearance at Marineford. He didn’t exactly think it would be from falling out of the sky with a bunch of Impel Down prisoners in tow. It was Luffy. That boy could get just about anyone to side with his cause, even if he didn’t realize it. Luffy was like a gravitational pull that just brought people to him. It was something that Luffy was much like Shanks as.

He had sat there stunned for the moment. He wasn’t even sure why he had been. If you had one brother, you just knew the other would follow in suit. He could hear Ace begging for Luffy to turn around. Saying harsh words in an attempt to get him to leave.

Both of these boys were stubborn, and both were going to cause Garp’s demise.

“Go home, Luffy!” Ace screamed, the actual anger peeking out through his voice despite the way it cracked towards the end. The Omega tilting his head onto the wood. Ace should know better. Luffy did whatever Luffy wanted to do. No matter what anyone said or did. Garp didn’t give enough of the Fist of Love it appeared.

“Ace, you’re my brother!” Luffy screamed back.

Once again, the shock was moving throughout the Marines. The Whitebeard Pirates and Strawhats didn’t look surprised in the slightest. Which was understandable. They were both the crews of Ace and Luffy respectively. He had no doubts that they both talked about their brother to their packs.

“Say whatever mean stuff you want! I’m still going to save you!” Luffy shouted.

“You stubborn jackass!” Ace shot right back, the plea within the tone of his voice as well as the frustration. Garp snorted. It was Luffy he was talking too.

Sengoku was yelling at him, telling him that his family was causing trouble again. When were they not? It was his family. Garp cleared his throat, grinning as he cracked his knuckles. Sengoku looked at him. “Garp—” Sengoku wasn’t even able to finish talking before Garp kicked off of the scaffold, arm pulled back and aiming at his target.

His fist came down on the top of Luffy’s head, sending him back down into the group of Strawhats. Their shocked shouts coming next as they made sure Luffy didn’t hit the ground. Zoro and Sanji specifically. “What the hell, Gramps?!” Luffy shouted, “What the hell was that for?!”

“You need more of the Fist of Love pulling shit like you do!” Garp shouted as he planted his fist on the ice. Huffing as he crossed his arms. Just like with Ace, the murmurs started, the Marines in shock that Garp was up against his own Grandson again. Others questioning that the two brothers were in fact biological brothers. Which was fine. Garp just needed to punch his entire idiotic family for not listening to him.

“You damn brat.” Garp hissed.

It didn’t take Luffy that long to get away from him and it was all thanks to the appearance of the next person that had Garp happily cracking his knuckles again. The next had been his own daughter in the form of Rouge. Showing up on the battlefield just in time to protect her former Captain from a strike from Squard. Blocking the attack from getting to him. Rouge had immediately called out to Ace, letting him know that they were going to free him. Standing behind her was Silvers Rayleigh and the Supernova Trafalgar Law.

Of course, his family had to cause issues. It was his family after all. You couldn’t be a Monkey without having some sort of batshit craziness to you. This had been Rouge’s first known public appearance since she had disappeared off of the seas twenty years prior. Garp knew she had moved back to Dawn, living in her childhood home. It had shocked him, but a part of him was relieved that Rouge had gotten off of the sea.

Apparently, he had thought wrong in the assumption that Rouge was leaving piracy behind. But this was Ace. Her first grandchild. There would be no way that Rouge wouldn’t show up. If she was here all the way from Dawn Island, there was a good chance the others would get here just as quickly. At the moment, there were only two unaccounted for. Dragon and Shanks. The others were already here now.

He had jumped immediately, leaving Luffy behind in favor of striking towards his daughter. Rouge had barely made eye contact with him just in time before his fist struck her head. Leaving her face down on the figure head of the Moby Dick.

“Nice to see you too, Dad.” Rouge groaned.

“Wait, Dad?!” He heard immediately.

This time it wasn’t just the Marines, but the entirety of the Whitebeard Pirates. All of them in shock just from that one word from Rouge. “Brat, why did you come here?!” Garp knew the answer. It was obvious. Why were any of them here?

Rouge rubbed her head, pushing herself up as she gripped her sword. “For my grandson!” She shouted before she was jumping from the Moby and immediately within the mindset of a Pirate Commander.

Garp couldn’t help the proud smile that came to his face.

He wondered which one was next. He was going to punch every last one of his dumbass brats.

The next had came in the form of Dracule Mihawk himself. His fist was his version of thanks for Mihawk’s reaction to Sengoku calling for Ace’s immediate execution. Garp had started back for the plaza. The Pirates infiltrating with Luffy leading them all by being the first to cross that threshold – with the exception of Little Oars Jr – with the Strawhats in tow.

Sengoku had seen the inevitable and called for Ace’s execution. Mihawk had reacted quickly, taking out the executioners as they were just seconds away from taking Ace’s head. “Hawkeyes?! What is the meaning of this!” Sengoku barked.

Sengoku was dead set on Ace being the son of Rouge and Roger, even with the proof that Rouge was still alive. Wanting his grandson dead just for Roger’s blood in his veins. Sengoku was wrong, but he wasn’t far off from the truth.

“Papa!” Ace had shouted immediately. His eyes glowing gold as his gaze had connected with Mihawk’s. Showing all the proof they needed that Mihawk held a bond with Ace. One that signified family. Even with all the proof they needed, the Marines didn’t want to believe it. They didn’t even want to believe that Mihawk had shown his true loyalties.

Now, Garp could do exactly what he wanted to do.

It wasn’t the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last time that his fist landed on the top of Mihawk’s head.

He wasn’t sure what surprised the Marines and Pirates more. The fact that Mihawk had revealed himself as Ace’s Alpha father or Garp’s fist sending him face first into the concrete. It was a stunned silence as Mihawk turned to look up at him, frowning as he mumbled, “What was that for?”

“For knocking up my grandson!” Garp exclaimed, punching the top of his head again, adding, “That’s for knocking him up the second time! You should know by now if you are gonna be a part of my family, you have to take the Fist of Love.”

Mihawk didn’t even make a sound as he pushed himself up, readjusting his hat on his head but he had a scowl on his face.

For the time being, he had done exactly what he wanted to do. Mihawk was one of his favorite targets. The World’s Strongest Swordsman versus the Fist of Love. Only one would win and Garp knew it would be him. 

It had been a long time since he had seen Dragon. An even longer time since he had given his dear son a nice punch on the top of his head. Dragon had came in like the storm that he was, getting in between Akainu and Whitebeard. Keeping the Admiral from hitting the Alpha Captain with a magma fist.

Along with Dragon, he had brought a great deal of Revolutionaries with him. One in particular had caught his eye. It was the wavy blonde hair and top hat that had caught his attention, but he hadn’t been able to catch a look of his face.

For now, his attention was on Dragon. Seeing that stand off look on his son’s face before his fist was coming down on Dragon’s head with a shout of, “Why the hell did you have to become the worst criminal?! You did worse than all my brats!”

Dragon cast him a glare as he was looking up at him from the ground. Rolling his eyes and muttering, “Still doing that, father?”

He almost chuckled as he heard Rouge shout, “If I get it, so do you, Dragon!” Garp could hear the teasing that was in Rouge’s voice the entire time between their exchange of words.

Garp just eyed Dragon for a second before deciding that he was going to return to the scaffold. He’s had his fun. He only has one brat left and he isn’t here yet. Time to sit back and relax and watch the chaos unfold.

First Division Commander Marco had not originally been in his plan of hitting with the Fist of Love. That was until he saw the courting necklace that was hanging around Ace’s neck with the symbol of a Phoenix and the Whitebeard Pirates on it.

He had gotten his perfect opportunity to do it when Marco had flown in his phoenix point above everyone else. Sure, he was technically blocking the path between Ace and the Pirates but that was his job. Though, he had ulterior motives.

Marco had fallen to the ground in a heap. Landing harder than any one he had hit today. The only one he had gone easy on was Ace himself.

He had angered Ace. Not for blocking Marco’s path but hitting him. The Omega’s anger flaring as he screamed at Garp for what the hell he was doing.

Garp smirked, keeping his eyes locked to Marco, “If he is gonna be a part of the family, he has to go through the initiation. He took that punch like a champ! He’s a good one, brat.”

Ace had choked on the air in his throat. If he was going to say anything else, it didn’t come out. His actions had once again left those around shocked. Though, this time they were actually questioning if he was joining the war or not. Panicking on the fact he had hit someone outside of his family.

He wasn’t joining the war.

At least, not that this moment. He had no reason too.

Even if they weren’t biologically related, he should have known. It had been quick, but he had finally caught a glimpse of the face of the Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army. It had been within the moments that Luffy was making his way up the scaffold. The two of them moving along the newly made path to get to where Ace was.

Garp didn’t want to admit just how proud he was of how strong Luffy was getting. He was even prouder that this dumbass Revolutionary was Sabo. Ten years later and older. Alive. The boy had somehow managed to not only survive getting shot down by a Celestial Dragon but climbed the ranks of the one thing the World Government needed to take out. He was strong and it was obvious. Moves he was doing being ones that Garp knew Dragon did. His son had found a son. More ironically being the same boy that had formed a bond with Ace and Luffy all those years ago on Dawn Island.

Garp had moved immediately, blocking their path just so he could land the strongest punch of the night on Sabo. The little jerk deserved it for making them all think he was dead for the last ten years.

Except, he had been unable to. Luffy had gotten in his way and punched him right off of the concrete as it was cracking away. He was getting even prouder of these boys by the second.

It got even better the second that he had seen him free. They had gotten Ace off of the scaffold, flames following as Ace protected those who saved him. He had only watched as the three freshly reunited brothers worked flawlessly together to break through the Marines that had surrounded them. Making their way towards where the rest of the pirates were.

The Whitebeard Pirates had achieved their goal. All thanks of a rival pirate Captain and a Revolutionary.

What he should have expected was Akainu. His immediate words sparking the rage that laid within Ace. His loyalties. It was something that his grandson got directly from Roger. His inability to run. His inability to back down with his loved ones were being tarnished. He was too far away to do anything about. It could only watch helplessly as Akainu turned on Luffy, preparing to strike and Ace reacting without a thought.

He could only let out a breath of relief as Sabo had broken away from the Revolutionaries, shoving his brothers out of the way just in time. Akainu’s fist colliding with the ground where the two had just been.

“Atta boy.” Garp whispered.

This could have turned devastating. Ace was mere seconds away from death if Akainu had managed to hit him. Magma burned hotter than regular fire. Ace’s Logia abilities never would have saved him from that attack.

“You two, okay?” He could hear Sabo question.

Ace nodded, the look of utter shock on his face. The realization sinking in of what if.

What they should have done was immediately end up in an embrace. A reunion that should have waited until the second that they were out of Marineford. Akainu was persistent, going to use it as his advantage.

Marco had jumped in the middle of them. Now free of the sea prism stone that had been placed on his wrist. Blue flames igniting and keeping Akainu’s magma from attacking the three boys. Marco screaming out as he fought back against the Admiral’s hit.

“Ace was willing to give his life for his brother’s! As the Whitebeard Pirates, it would be an insult if we don’t help our nakama! They are his family! Which makes them ours! Protect them all!”

Marco’s words had ignited the last spark that had been remaining among the Whitebeard Pirates. Fanning the flames and making them stronger as each of the Commanders lined up next to Marco, creating a barrier between Ace, Luffy, and Sabo and Akainu. None of them willing to back down.

He had noticed it almost immediately. The Strawhats joining in to protect their Captain. Revolutionaries coming to the aid of Sabo. Even additional pirates who weren’t among the crews. Trafalgar Law and his crew also stood in the way. Rouge, Rayleigh, Mihawk, and Dragon were with Whitebeard, creating the strongest of the front line.

Pacifistas and Marines alike moving in to try and get to their target. All of them still willing to carry on the fighting. The Marines had immediately showed that they were unsure of what to do. Mihawk was among the Pirates, also using himself as an obstacle. He was a Warlord. An ally of the World Government. They couldn’t attack him without risking retaliation. It was Mihawk.

What they didn’t expect was a Marine getting in between Akainu and the Pirates. Arms held out with his head bowed. Garp’s eyes widened. He knew that head of pink hair. Coby.

“That’s enough!” Coby shouted, “We can’t execute Ace! He’s under the protection of Hawkeyes’ Warlord status! We have wounded men out there that we can save! But we keep on fighting! Those men have nothing to be proud of! What are we even fighting for?!”

Akainu growled, “Boy, would you impede justice?” Coby had the look of fear flash before his face as the Admiral added, “You better run.”

Garp couldn’t even move fast enough as Akainu pulled his arm back, preparing to strike down Coby.

The hit never came as the magma connected with metal. The power of haki swirling around as the dust settled. Standing with his leg crossed in front of Coby, sword drawn and blocking Akainu was Shanks.

“About damn time, brat.” Garp muttered.

The power from Shanks’ haki had Coby collapsing to the ground. Fainting from the aftermath. “A splendid speech. Touched my heart. Though they were few, those moments of courage you showed will change this world for the better or for the worse.”

Shanks’ appearance had stunned the entire battlefield. Probably worse than even Dragon’s appearance had. The Marines had panic set on as the Pirates seemed to gain a smile through their own shock.

Shanks sheathed his sword back into place, turning without even so much as a glance at Akainu. Passing directly by the other pirates until he was standing before Ace and Luffy. It had only taken seconds for him to pull his sons to him, burying his nose in Ace’s hair. A hand on the back of either of their heads.

Sabo stood off to the side, a smile on his face as he looked over to a few of the Revolutionaries. The girl next to him nudging his shoulder with a smile. Garp grinned, crossing over until he was behind Sabo. “You damn brat!” He shouted, bring his fist down coated in haki on the back of Sabo’s head. “You just had to go and be dead for ten years and show back up like nothing happened?!”

Sabo was grinning despite rubbing the back of his head. The pain written across his face. Garp couldn’t help but smile back. “Hey, Gramps.” Sabo replied. “That Fist of Love is still your favorite thing.”

“Best way I can show my love.” Garp replied, turning to look at Shanks now. He had pulled away from Ace and Luffy. The red-haired Omega immediately checking their injuries as he looked them over. He pulled off his cloak, putting it over Ace’s shoulders, covering up the various bruises and injuries from sight. Though, Garp knew it was so Ace could have his Omega father’s scent right at his nose. Mihawk had joined him, looking over the boys as he spoke softly to Ace. A hand reaching out and moving to move some of his hair out of his face. “I still have one more!”

Shanks had barely looked up in time before Garp had gotten him. Shanks had fallen back into Mihawk, knocking the both of them onto the ground.

“He actually hit Red-Hair?!” He heard a Marine shout.

Shanks had laughed, rubbing his head as he sat down. Smiling up at him, “Hey, Gramps.”

“Wait—what?!”

“Garp is Shanks’ grandfather?” He heard someone question. He wasn’t even sure if it was a Marine or Pirate at this point.

“Your brats are causing us trouble.” Garp stated as Shanks pushed himself all the way back to his feet, readjusting his shirt.

“We learned from the best.” Shanks retorted.

Garp snorted. “I’m not sure exactly which one of us that was.”

“You.” Shanks stated. “Bat shit crazy with fists and still thinks we would listen.”

“What the hell is going on?!” Sengoku shouted.

“Just giving some of the Fist of Love.” Garp replied.

“The Fist of what now?” Thatch questioned. “You know what, I don’t want to know.”

Garp had cracked his knuckles as he heard Rouge mutter to Dragon, “If he loved himself as much as he says he loves us, he would be on the receiving end of that.”

Garp hummed, “I am apart of the family.”

The others let out shocked screams as Garp turned his fist on himself, hitting himself in the jaw and stumbled.

Okay, that hurt.

Rouge howled in laughter, grabbing at her stomach as she placed her forehead on Dragon’s shoulder. “Holy shit, that’s not what I meant but okay.”

Garp grinned, wiping the blood away from his chin as he looked to his family. “Say, I’ve given it to you enough. Show me how much you love me.”

The others had shared looks for the moment, eyeing each other before Ace was the first to step forward. “I am going to enjoy this.” Garp could see the haki come up on his skin as Luffy came up next to him. It didn’t take but a few seconds before Garp was surrounded. Dragon, Rouge, Shanks, Ace, Luffy, and even Sabo.

“Hit me with your best shot, brats!” Garp exclaimed.

“With pleasure.” Rouge snickered.

As soon as she spoke, each fist came down on the top of his head. For the first time in a long time, Garp found himself face first on the ground. The pain splitting through his head.

He guessed at this point, it was just a family traditional. Even for himself.

Chapter Text

Roger had always made it a mission whenever it was Shanks’ birthday to make it as special as possible. Shanks wasn’t sure why, but he would only assume that it was because Roger never had the chance to be at his birth.

It was his first birthday following Roger’s execution. He had started forming his own crew now gaining people like Benn Beckman, Lime Juice, Jules, Aki, and many more. Of course, the topic of birthdays would come up eventually and Shanks wasn’t sure what to do for the first time. He had thought of searching out Rouge, but that would also mean potentially coming in contact with Teach and that was the last thing that he wanted to do.

Instead, they had went to Loguetown in the East Blue. They had immediately went straight for Gold Roger’s Bar and Shanks had immediately started downing any drink that came near him. For once, he didn’t actually want to celebrate his birthday.

He wasn’t even sure when Mihawk had shown up, but it felt reminiscent of the day of Roger’s death when Mihawk had slipped into the stool next to him. His scent reaching his nose first that had Shanks immediately leaning into him without a thought.

“What are you doing here, Hawkeyes?” Shanks questioned.

“Just here for a drink.” Mihawk replied.

The Omega smiled. Mihawk being here made it better. He wasn’t even sure why, just that he liked that he was here. Mihawk didn’t seem to mind what Shanks was doing, but the Omega was already drunk at this point. His mind swimming and the world spinning around him.

“C’mon, let’s get you out of here.” Mihawk muttered, standing up and pulling Shanks along with him. The Omega went with it, stumbling slightly over his feet as he stood back to his full height. “I think you’ve had enough for now.”

Shanks hated to admit that he had actually giggled, leaning in, and swiping his finger over Mihawk’s jaw. “You just want me all to yourself.”

“Consider it my birthday present.” Mihawk shot back.

Shanks’ jaw dropped. “It’s your birthday?”

The Alpha hummed in response. “Yeah, it is.”

The Omega practically started jumping up and down, bouncing on the balls of his feet as he said, “Happy Birthday, Hawkeyes!” He paused, blinking for a second, “Holy shit, we share a birthday. It’s my birthday too!”

Mihawk smirked, shaking his head, “Just another thing to add to the growing list.”

Shanks was grinning as they exited the bar. He threw a smile back at his nakama, waving to them as he let Mihawk guide the way. They hadn’t moved from their spots, but he knew soon enough they would seek him out. They also knew of the weird relationship the two had so it was easy enough.

“So, why aren’t you partying instead of sulking like you were?” Mihawk questioned.

Shanks sighed, “It’s my first birthday since my father died. It just feels… off.”

Mihawk hummed, his arm looping over Shanks’ shoulder. “Valid enough.” Shanks reached up, intertwining their fingers before Mihawk was twisting his arm, spinning Shanks away from him so the Omega was standing in front of him. “I don’t think he would like to see you like this.”

Shanks shrugged, “It’s alright.” He smiled again, “You’re here now. That makes it better.”  

They had walked in silence for the most part after that. Shanks could still feel the buzz of the alcohol in his system as they made it down to the docks. Settling down in the grass.

Shanks was still grinning like a mad man as he laid back in the grass, arms behind his head as he looked up at the sky. He didn’t expect to actually want to like this day. At least for today.

“So, Mihawk… how old are you?” Shanks questioned.

“Twenty.” The Alpha replied. “You?”

“Sixteen.”

Mihawk hummed, leaning back on the grass himself. “Well, drink to another year, Red-Hair.”

“I don’t have a drink.” Shanks snickered.

“I’ll buy you one.”

Chapter Text

Getting off of the sea had been a priority when Shanks discovered he was pregnant. Being a pirate was a dangerous life. His mother had somehow juggled leaving the Moby Dick and making it to the West Blue while protecting him at the same time. Part of him was terrified that he would end up in the same situation. Rouge had stayed off the seas for four years. Leaving her life of piracy behind in exchange for late nights, lost sleep, and baby clothes. Everything Shanks wanted in life was to live on the seas as a pirate with his nakama.

He didn’t know if he would be able to do this.

He had Mihawk here, and Mihawk seemed happy with their development. Yet, there was still that bit of hesitance there. He wanted this baby. He wanted to raise them to be whatever they wanted to be, but he wanted to be able to live his life the way he wanted to.

Then there was a different situation entirely.

Garp.

He wasn’t sure how he was going to tell Garp about this.

It was one of the beautiful days on the island. He was sitting outside, sandals cast to the side, hat sitting gracefully on his head. His stomach now had a slight swell to it. Almost barely noticeable unless his shirt moved just right. Mihawk was not far from him, doing his daily workout to keep himself in tip top shape. Shanks wished he could join him, but he had been constantly fatigued lately that he just didn’t have the energy to do so.

His nakama were moving around. Spending time at the ship. Helping around the house. Lounging around with him. It was like a giant family. It was a feeling that Shanks loved. His initial fear had been that his nakama would decide they wanted to leave because of his pregnancy and his decision to get off of the sea. Rouge was with them. Making this transition so much easier compared to what he had originally thought. He didn’t know if he could do this without her. She was like a guiding light that he had needed. His baby even more. Like a small little firefly within the dead of night swirling around in the darkness with its own growing light.

He was starting to get content. He still didn’t know what he was going to do whenever he finally gave birth which felt so far away. Though, now he was sure he would have plenty of people by his side to help him when he came to the decision.  

A soft smile came to his face as he brought up his hand to the small swell, leaning back on his other arm as he leaned his head back to get more of the sun in his face. It felt odd that it was completely peaceful. He was so used to the life of a pirate; he didn’t even remember what it was like not to be. Being a pirate was in his blood. It’s all he ever wanted to be. He didn’t even know what he would do if he couldn’t be one anymore.

It was almost as if a switch was flipped when he noticed how quickly his name were moving around. The frantic movements and soft whispers. His crew knew exactly who Garp was to him, but he was sure their concern was if Garp brought any of his subordinates with him. Shanks doubted it since Garp liked to make this a family affair, but he never knew. He didn’t know how Garp liked to work. It was strange. Though, there were some of them that didn’t know his relation to Garp. This would be a nice surprise for them.

He frowned as even Mihawk stopped what he was doing. Then he felt it. The approaching haki that he was familiar with. A slight smile came to his face as he pushed himself up off of the ground. Rouge had came outside, standing towards the entrance of the house and looking off in the direction of the approaching person. Shanks didn’t even have to see them to know exactly who it was.

Garp.

Part of Shanks wondered when Garp would eventually find him. He had disappeared off of the sea. He had left without even a word to the anyone. Just going straight for Baterilla after visiting Rouge and bringing her along with him. All he knew was, he needed to get off of the sea, but he wanted his mother with him. He wasn’t sure if he could go through this without her by his side.

The Omega stood there, looking in the direction that he knew that Garp would be coming from. Garp sometimes would mask his presence, but if he was looking for him or Rouge he highly doubted that he would conceal himself. Garp liked them to know that he was coming. Though, Shanks’ head wouldn’t appreciate it. He wondered for a split second if Garp would actually hit him if he knew that Shanks was currently with child.

He could smell the pheromones coming off of Mihawk now. Shanks wasn’t quite sure if it was because they were freshly mated. Both bearing brand new mating marks on the bond glands and Mihawk’s instincts were running high. Or, if it was because Garp was a Marine and Mihawk was seeing him as the enemy.

Though, it wasn’t like Mihawk knew who Garp was. At least that Shanks knew.

“Get inside.” Mihawk growled.

Shanks turned to look at the Alpha, a smile on his face as he waved his hand, “It’s alright, really.”

“Shanks—” Mihawk couldn’t finish his sentence as the next voice rang out through the air.

“Where is that red-haired brat?!” Garp’s voice bellowed out.

It was comforting to hear Garp’s voice. His body relaxed almost immediately catching Garp’s scent floating throughout the hair. His grandfather was purposely releasing his scent within a mixture of dominating pheromones to notify them that he meant business.

“Oh boy. Here we go.” He heard Rouge mutter next. The knowing and amusement was reflecting in her voice.

Shanks watched as Garp came over the hill. His Marine’s jacket was on his shoulders, and he was dressed in a suit. The Omega snorted, covering his mouth with his hand. Garp was in suit. For some reason, that was hilarious to him.

“Brat?! Where the hell are you?” Garp further questioned.

The Red Hair Pirates looked unsure of what to do, but Benn was speaking to them. The look on his face was a reassuring one. Shanks couldn’t hear exactly what he was saying, but he didn’t manage to pick up on Benn telling them that it was okay. Some of them still looked unsure but backed down. Shanks knew that they would never be able to take on Garp, even if a bunch of them tagged team together to do so. Garp was at the same amount of strength and power that Roger had. He was far out of their league. Shanks’ even. Not like Shanks ever wanted to try and go up against Garp. That was just asking for having a headache longer than a week.

Garp did not hold back against them. At least as a child, he didn’t put haki into his fists like he did now. Even without the haki, it hurt. It was Garp’s messed up way of showing his love to them. He wasn’t sure if it was strength based or just because Garp was bat shit crazy. Though, Garp’s entire family being criminals and he was the only Marine, Shanks would probably go crazy too.

“There you are!” Garp suddenly said that pulled Shanks out of his thoughts. He could see Garp pulling his arm back, kneeling slightly to give himself leverage to jump. Shanks prepared himself for the hit to come, Garp hadn’t even noticed yet. “What makes you think you can just disappear without telling me?!”

Garp was in front of him before he could blink, but his eyes widened as he saw the flash of black come in front of him and a hand landed on his chest, pushing him back. The Omega stumbled on his feet. Hands landed on his shoulders, balancing him out. “You okay, Shanks?” Rouge questioned.

Shanks nodded, “Yeah I am.”

He looked back over just in time to see Mihawk fall face first into the ground. Garp was blinking with his fist still balled as he looked down at the fallen Warlord. Shanks rushed forward, dropping down to his knees next to his mate. “Mihawk? Are you okay?”

Mihawk groaned, nodding as he sat up with a hand on the top of his head. “I’m fine.” He stated, turning towards Shanks with wide eyes, “Are you okay? Both of you?”

Shanks smiled, “We’re fine.”

“We’re?” Garp questioned.

Shanks looked up, a sheepish grin on his face. “Surprise?”

“You’re…” Garp’s sentence trailed on as he dropped his hand.

“Pregnant.” Shanks finished.

Garp reached forward, holding his hand out towards Shanks. The Omega took it, letting Garp bring him up back to his feet. The Alpha Marine was looking down at his stomach with wide eyes before a smile came to his face. “So, this is why you disappeared off of the sea. I’ve been hunting you down to see what kind of trouble you’ve gotten into.”

Shanks smiled again, reaching up and readjusting his straw hat. “I just needed to get off the sea.”

Garp nodded, “Good choice.”

Shanks tensed as he felt himself being pulled forward, a hand landing softly on the back of his head and another arm wrapping around his back. He melted into it, smiling as Garp’s scent flooded his senses. “Gramps… you’re not angry?”

“I can’t be angry.” Garp muttered.

The Omega felt the tears come to his eyes. The sting in them as the tears pooled within them. He reached up, wrapping his arms around Garp as much as he could. He could hear Mihawk and Rouge whispering to each other behind him, but he ignored it for the moment. It wasn’t often that Garp showed this kind of affection. He couldn’t even remember the last time that Garp had actually hugged him.

Garp pulled away, his hands staying on Shanks’ shoulders. “You’ll know what to do. You’re carrying a future Marine in there.” It came off sounding like a joke, but Shanks knew that wasn’t the case. Garp had been saying the same thing to him for years. Garp really wanted a Marine within the family compared to the Revolutionary that was Dragon and the pirates that were Rouge and Shanks.

“They’ll be whatever they want to be.” Shanks replied back.

Garp snorted, chuckling, “Just like your mother.” Garp let him go, a frown coming to his face as he looked over to Mihawk, “If you hurt them in any way, not even your Warlord status will save you from the hell I will bring down on you.”

Mihawk waved it off, the indifferent look on his face. “I would never do anything in the sorts.”

“You better not, you sword wielding brat.” Garp replied back. “Welcome to the family, brat.”

Shanks laughed slightly as he heard Mihawk grumble out, “I’m not a brat.”

Rouge side stepped Mihawk, smiling at Garp, “Hey, Dad.”

“My eldest brat.” Garp stated, reaching out and looping his arm around Rouge’s shoulder.

“A pleasure as always.” Rouge teased before she was pulling away, “So, how long are you staying?”

“How ever long I want.” Garp replied.

Shanks shook his head. This could take a while. When he looked back to Mihawk, he could see that soft smile back on his face. The Alpha moved forward, leaning in, and pressing a kiss to his lips. “You know that is a promise, Shanks.” Mihawk said as he pulled away.

“I know.” Shanks whispered.

“Since this brat is carrying another brat, time for lunch!” Garp exclaimed suddenly, his hand falling on Shanks’ back and ushering him towards the house. The Omega just let himself be guided along, but he could hear the mutter again as Garp dropped his voice, “I’m serious. I will end you.”

The Omega shook his head again as he let out a nervous laugh.

Garp was serious, but it actually gave him a warm, fuzzy feeling to know that even though he was a criminal, his grandfather was happy for him.

Though, he was worried for Mihawk’s sanity when it came with dealing with Garp. Garp was not for the faint of heart. He made a mental note to make sure his baby would learn how to dodge. The cycle would never end, but it was Garp’s thing.

“So, when is the baby due?” Garp questioned.

“December or January.” Shanks stated. “They’ve been quite the handful already.”

“They are my grandchild. Of course, they are!” Garp bellowed out, a laugh following as they entered the home.

Shanks smiled.

This was the grey area in their life. Garp was a Marine. They were pirates. Though, family would always be different. At least, Garp wasn’t trying to arrest him. There was always an upside he guessed.

Shanks placed his hand over the slight swell as Garp ushered him to seat and moved into the kitchen and started going through the cabinets.

This was always the side of Garp that Shanks loved to see.

It felt like home.

“Join me, Hawk-brat!” Garp shouted.

Mihawk stopped by him for a second, placing a kiss on his forehead before he was walking over to Garp.

Well, that was Garp’s acceptance of Mihawk.

That was something.

This baby would have all the love in the world. Shanks could feel it.

Chapter Text

Her life has been different ever since she left piracy behind in exchange for motherhood. She never regrated her decision, but she did miss her former lifestyle on the sea. Traveling the world with her nakama. The fights that she would get into that had her adrenaline pumping. She didn’t think that she would be able to protect Shanks from the harms of the world with how the Whitebeard Pirates operated. More times than not, they ended up in a fight that sent members of their crew to the infirmary. It had terrified her to think that she would place her infant son into the same situation.

Her sweet baby boy.

His beautiful bright red hair. His stormy colored eyes. His smile. His life. It made her life complete. It also made her believe that she had made the right decision. Her gut had been telling her that she had needed to leave. She was positive that Whitebeard would do anything to protect her and Shanks, but there was something there telling her that she did need to go her separate ways for the time being.

Shanks was so small. He had to be the one to make his decision on what to do with his life.

Rouge had spent her days between helping the villagers and tending to Shanks. There was never a moment that they were truly apart from each other.

With each passing day, she would watch her son grow bigger. Starting to grow into his scent. It was a beautiful mixture of cherry blossoms and strawberries. Floral and fruity. She could also instantly pick up on the Omega pheromones he radiated. Even though he was an Omega, she would teach him to use it as a strength rather than a weakness that the world like to make Omegas out to be.

She had sat out in the field in front of their small home. Shanks was playing nearby in the flowers and dirt. Pieces of grass within his hair, smudges of dirt on his hands, face, and clothes. He always looked so happy. A sense of innocent constantly coming off of him that just made her swoon.

“Mama!” Shanks exclaimed, holding out the picked lotus flower.

Rouge smiled, taking it into her hand and bringing it up to her nose. It smelled delightful, but it was the color that he had picked. There were various lotus flowers growing in the field. Of all sizes and colors. The specific one he had picked was white.

Purity and pacifism.

Her mother had always told her that there were always small signs within the world that would open her eyes. She believed it wholeheartedly.

It was like she had put Shanks on this pedestal for resembling her mother so much. Now part of her wondered just how much he truly inherited. The white lotus had been her mother’s favorite flower. For its beauty, meaning, and uses.

“It’s beautiful.” Rouge muttered.

“Just like mama.” Shanks replied. His words were a work in progress, but she could hear it clearly. She smiled, bringing her son into her arms despite the dirt that was getting on her. She could always clean herself up later when she gave Shanks a bath that he would definitely need.

“You are so sweet.” She said.

Shanks tilted his head up, grinning, “Love you.”

“And I love you.” Rouge immediately said back, her grin getting bigger as she leaned down, pressing a soft kiss into his forehead.

Shanks stayed on her lap, twisting the fabric of her shirt in his hand. “Miss Papa?”

Rouge didn’t even need him to say a full sentence to know exactly who he was talking about. She spoke constantly of her crew to him. Her relationship with Whitebeard. He was so small, and still wondered about her life on the sea. “Every day.”

“Go back?” Shanks questioned further.

Rouge gave him a sad smile, reaching forward and tucking some of his red hair behind his ear. Bringing up the lotus flower and tucking it into place alongside the hair she had put there. “I’m not sure, sweetheart.”

Shanks lifted his arm, pointing his small hand out towards the sea. “Wanna go.”

“Maybe when you’re bigger.” Rouge stated. “For now, you are all I need.”

“Promise?”

Rouge grinned, leaning her forehead against her son’s, “I promise.” She replied, “No matter where on the seas we may go. No matter how big you get. No matter what you want to do with your life. You will always be my son, Shanks.”

Shanks giggled, reaching up and placing his small hands on either side of her face. “I’m so happy.”

“I am too, baby.”

She really was. Even though she missed her crew and wanted to be back at sea. Maybe one day, but for now she was content exactly where she was. This was where she was meant to be. She knew that. Until the time was right, this would be her home. She was just waiting for that sign to tell her what to do next. She was leaving her life in fate’s hands. She still had a moment to wait for.

She knew Roger would come looking for her.

She had to wait until she saw him again. He had to have the chance to meet Shanks as a father. Not as a rival pirate. This was not a moment meant to be a pirate. It was meant to be between father and son. Rouge could return back to her life someday. She was sure of it. For now, she was content with her life. Shanks brought her so much joy into her life. It was all that she needed. Watching her son flourish.

“I promise to be whatever you need me to be, Shanks.” She whispered, looping her arms around Shanks again and placing her chin on his head.

This was perfect for her.

Just this small moment.

Just a small promise between the two of them.

Chapter Text

Ace had been a handful ever since he had learned how to crawl. Shanks had to keep an extra eye on him now. The only time there seemed to be peace anymore was when Ace took one of his various naps. Ace was also a sleepy baby, preferring sleep over most things.

Shanks had never dreamed that he would have to baby proof a pirate ship, until he did.

Ace made sure of that.

The thought had crossed his mind that he was going to die a premature death because of his son.

Mihawk was around a lot, spending as much time with Ace as he could between his Warlord duties and causal sailing on the sea.

Shanks never really had an issue.

Until he did.

Ace was enjoying life. Crawling around. His momma always had food for him when he wanted it and a warm place to sleep in the safety of his arms. He loved his Momma. He loved his Papa too. He didn’t like that his Papa left and left without him.

He was giggling as he reached for his toes, rolling slightly in his small portable bed. He could hear his Momma’s voice, who was speaking to his Papa. They weren’t far from him from what he could tell. He wasn’t even sure if they knew he was awake at the moment.

He popped his head up, just enough to see over the side of his bed. His parents were distracted at the moment. He loved seeing their smiles. It always made him happy. He blinked as he looked around, eyes falling on his home. Next to it was the small boat that his Papa had always left in. At least that was the word that his Momma would call it.

He giggled again, reaching up for the rail of his bed and pulling himself on top of it. If they were on actual land, that meant that his Papa would be leaving soon.

And Ace wanted to know where he was going.

He wiggled as he got over the rail, eyeing his parents for the moment to see if they had noticed him. He never got to go with Papa, and he wanted too, but Momma wouldn’t let him. Now, just to somehow get into Papa’s boat without being seen. His family was just as loud as normal. He was used to it. Normally, he slept right through it. Momma was always the first thing he wanted, but this time, he had to get to Papa first.

He crawled as fast as he could, feeling the sand underneath his palms that made it slightly harder to move around but he was doing it. He let out a noise as he got to the boat. His hands had hit the water. It was cold. Which he didn’t like in the slightest. It got on his clothes and made them stick to his body. He frowned as he looked back towards his parents, thinking about calling out to them. Instead, he chose to suck it up and pull himself into the boat. It was just as much of a struggle as it was getting out of his portable bed.

This was better.

This was Papa’s boat. Papa would find him. He just had to wait for him. He giggled again as he noticed his clothed feet. He reached for them without a second thought, falling backwards onto his back and rolling around slightly.

This was good.

Papa would find him, and he would get to be with Papa for a while.

Ace frowned as the sun got into his eyes. Momma always made sure to keep it out of his face. He looked around, eyeing a shady spot underneath the seat along with one of Papa’s jackets. A smile came to his face as he rolled back to his stomach and crawled over to the jacket. Curling into it in the shade. It smelt like Papa. Woodsy and fruity. He didn’t know what it was. Just that it smelled nice. He felt his eyes drooping before he knew it, flipping onto his stomach and smooshing his face into the fabric.

He couldn’t be tired yet. Papa wasn’t here.

Still, his eyes slipped shut before he had the chance to lift his head again.

Mihawk leaned in, pressing another kiss to Shanks’ lips before he was backing up and heading towards his boat. “You are sure that you don’t want to tell him goodbye?” Shanks questioned.

Mihawk shook his head, “It’s alright. I’ll be back before he knows it. Let him sleep.” The Alpha replied.

Shanks smiled, waving to him, “See you soon.”

The Alpha got into his boat, releasing it from the ropes that kept it tied in place. He sat down, slipping his hat back onto his head. He sighed. He always hated this part. A part of him wished that he never had to leave Shanks or Ace, but the other part knew it was for the best. He still had things to do. Things to accomplish. Shanks was doing beautifully with their arrangement. His eyes landed on Ace’s bed. His son should be sound asleep in. He wanted to say goodbye but doing so would cause the pup to cling to him. It was easier to leave while he was asleep.

It wasn’t long before the Red Force was completely disappearing over the horizon as Mihawk drifted off into the Grand Line.

For the time being, he leaned back, crossing his leg over the other as he let his eyes slip shut. He would get a few minutes of shut eye.

Shanks exhaled sharply as he sat back down, watching as Mihawk disappeared completely. He hated this. He never liked when Mihawk left. It felt like there was a void that was left to be filled. At least, it was filled completely whenever he looked down at Ace. It was all worth it in the end. He knew what he signed up for with Mihawk, there was no changing it now.

He sighed, standing back up and stretching his arms. He supposed it was time to wake Ace up and get him fed. His son always took the most sporadic naps as it was and had the appetite that could eat his ship out of food for weeks. Just came with being a D.

The Omega walked over to the portable crib, freezing completely as he noticed that it was empty. His heart completely stopped in his chest as the air caught in his throat.

Where the fuck was Ace?

“Ace?!” He shouted, looking around almost immediately, lifting up Ace’s blanket that was in the crib. He looked around, eyes wide as his sudden shout had caught the attention of the others, “Where’s Ace?!”

“Should be in there, Boss.” Lime Juice stated.

“Well, he’s not!” Shanks shouted.

His heart was beating too quickly. He could hear it in his ears as he looked around, screaming Ace’s name. How did Ace get out and no one noticed? There were so many things that could hurt him. He was so small. How did Shanks not notice? Whenever Ace woke up, he was always the first person that the boy wanted. Hell, Ace could have fallen into the ocean.

“We’ll find him, Boss.” Another one of his nakama said.

He felt hands fall onto his shoulders as Shanks whispered, “Why can’t I breathe?”

Benn shushed him, “You’re having a panic attack. Ace couldn’t have gotten far. Let’s look for him.” He could hear Benn immediately calling for the others to look around. Some to look in the water and others to search the area.

Where did Ace go?

He had been sailing for a few hours, taking a short nap, before he was blinking his eyes open. The sun was already starting to go down. The chill of the night air hitting his skin. Sure, he could have stayed the rest of the night with Shanks and Ace and waited till morning, but it was easier not to extend it. It was never easy to actually stay the night with Shanks and get actual sleep.

He sighed as he stretched his arms, uncrossing his legs and looking around. He had everything he needed so stopping at the next island wasn’t urgent.

The Alpha paused as he heard a small sound.

He blinked.

Why did that sound like Ace?

He stood up, looking around to see nothing around him. He frowned. Was he just thinking of his son that he was hearing him too?

Mihawk sighed, staying standing for the moment as he turned back to the ocean. Maybe he should have spent more time instead of taking off like he had.

This had to be all in his head.

“Papa!”

All the blood ran from Mihawk’s face as his head snapped in the direction, eyes falling on the small form of Ace. Ace was sitting back on his legs, staring up at him with big doe eyes. “What the—” Mihawk stopped himself before the line of curses could escape from his mouth.

Ace blinked up at him, lifting his arms and making grabby hands at him. A string of illegible words left the boy’s mouth as Mihawk reached down to pick him up. “Papa!” Ace clapped, smacking his hands together before he was reaching out and grabbing Mihawk’s sideburns.

“What are you doing here?!” Mihawk questioned, “You should be—” His mind went blank for the second as Shanks’ face flashed before his mind. “I’m dead.”

Ace giggled, making some noises as he placed his head on Mihawk’s shoulder. The Alpha sighed. Why did this have to happen? He would assume that Shanks didn’t have any idea that Ace was with him with their departing words. He also wouldn’t expect Shanks not to say anything to him if Ace was on his boat.

That would only mean that Ace did this completely by himself.

“I swear, you are going to kill me or get me killed, Ace.” Mihawk muttered, placing his hand on Ace’s lower back, and sat back down in his chair. “Just wanted to come with me. Didn’t you?”

Ace gave him a few more jumbles of words, a smile on his face as he nodded his head.

“Well, you went on your adventure. Time to get you home.”

“No!” Ace exclaimed, shaking his head.

“Ace, I need to let your Momma know you’re okay.” Mihawk stated, pulling his son out in front of him to see the small pout on his face. “Do you want a very angry and panicked red head tearing apart the Grand Line?” Ace shook his head. “That’s exactly what will happen if we don’t go back. Your momma can and will rip apart this entire sea looking for you and will not stop until he sees that you are okay.”

Ace was still pouting, and tears came to his eyes as he looked up at Mihawk. “Papa!” He exclaimed again, moving forward and his small arms wrapping around his shoulders. “Stay.”

The Alpha sighed. “Ace, I’m serious. I can’t take you with me. What I do… isn’t safe for you.” Ace’s hands tightened on his shirt, shaking his head again. “Alright, just until we get back to your Momma but then you have to stay with him. Let’s have our own adventure getting back to him.”

Ace nodded, peeking his head up as Mihawk stood up, redirecting his boat back in the direction that Shanks’ ship would be. Once they were heading in the right direction, Mihawk sat down, placing Ace on his lap so he could see everything.

Ace started clapping his small hands, giggling as he looked around.

Maybe when Ace was older and was able to defend himself, Mihawk would take him with him on a trip. Letting him look at the world through his point of view.

This world wasn’t fair. It wasn’t kind.

But it did hold beauty within it.

Just like one of these moments.

He sighed, looking up to the night sky. Pointing up at the stars, telling Ace each and every constellation that he could see to distract him from the fact that they were indeed heading back to Shanks.

Shanks was still in panic mode. It was now hitting sunrise and they had still not seen a single sign of Ace being anywhere on the island. The waters had been searched to no avail.

It was like he just disappeared.

“Maybe, he’s with Hawkeyes.” Benn suddenly said. “I’m sure you thought about it, but it could be the only reasonable explanation to why we can’t find him.”

Shanks paused, blinking over at his First Mate as Benn lit another cigarette.

He didn’t even think of that possibility. Hell, Mihawk wouldn’t take Ace without telling him. The Alpha didn’t like the thought of taking a baby along with him just because he sought out a fight compared to Shanks. Mihawk wouldn’t knowingly put Ace into danger if he had a say.

“Mihawk wouldn’t.” Shanks replied, shaking his head.

“Not intentionally.” Benn stated, looking out to the ocean. “You said yourself that Ace has been climbing things lately.”

Shanks felt like he had short circuited.

He had thought of every single worst-case scenario without thinking that Ace might in fact be with Mihawk the entire time.

“Hey, Boss!” Yasopp shouted. Shanks turned, looking over his shoulder to see that Yasopp was pointing away from them. “I think we found him!”

Shanks followed where Yasopp was pointing, the relief that washed over him to see that Mihawk was walking in their direction with Ace in his arms. “Ace!” Shanks screamed, breaking out into a run.

Ace was smiling at him, reaching out for him the second he got up to Mihawk’s side. The Omega didn’t think twice before he grabbed his son and pulled him close. Burying his nose in his hair. “How did you—” He couldn’t even finish his sentence before he choked down a sob, clutching onto Ace a bit tighter.

“He decided he was going to stow away on my boat before I left.” Mihawk stated, “He must have fallen asleep since it had been hours after I left that he finally made a noise.”

“Don’t ever do that to me again, Ace.” Shanks muttered, running his fingers through his black waves. “You scared the shit outta me.”

“Mama!” Ace shouted, the excitement bubbling from the toddler as he pushed against Shanks’ chest.

“He would have been back sooner if I had known he was there.” Mihawk muttered, reaching forward, and pulling both his mate and son into his arms.

Shanks didn’t think twice before leaning into it, holding Ace closer again.

It had been a terrifying day.

Though, seemed like Ace decided that he was going to take his own adventure.

“You know, I might just spend a few more days with you.” Mihawk whispered.

“Just don’t let Ace go with you again without letting me know.” Shanks replied, smiling as he ran his hand over Ace’s hair again. Ace had curled into his chest, pressed in between the two of them.

“Who’s going to kill us first? Marines or Ace?” Mihawk questioned.

“Ace.”

Chapter Text

The Marines had let them sail right by. Each of the ships had gone between two Marine ships. The anxiety that had went through the crew as they bypassed the enemy. Waiting to see if they were actually allowing them to just go by or create a sense of comfort to create a surprise attack on them.

Much to all of their surprise, the Marines in fact let them right through. The Oro Jackson was sailing ahead of all of them. The others lined up behind and ready to take action if they needed to.

It finally felt like a calm was settling over them as they went through the Marines and were watching as the ships started to appear smaller and smaller over the horizon. The only thing that many of them could see was the smoke that was coming from the island that once existed.

Marco dropped onto the deck, switching back to his complete human form as Rouge slipped off of his back. Grimacing as she held onto her arm. Marco turned, kneeling down by her to survey to wound. Through and through. That was good, but she had suffered from a good amount of blood loss. Which was evident in how pale she was. He lit both of his hands in his blue flames, placing them on either side of her wounds.

They had worked on attending to the wounded. They would all meet officially back up when they were a safe enough distance away from the Marines. They didn’t know for sure if the World Government would actually take the change to fight them or not. Even the court of public opinion might not help them here but allowing them to live only cemented the idea that the Blackbeard Pirates were the true targets of the Buster Call.

Now it was just a waiting game.

He was in disbelief that they had gotten through the Marines without so much as an issue. Ace had been prepared to have to fight their way through, but the Marines had stood down. As they got further away, Ace finally got a sense of relief as he let the smile come to his face.

He couldn’t believe the news from Law. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to believe it. He was pregnant with twins. Two small lives that would be relying on him now. He wasn’t sure what to tell Marco. Though now, he was sure that he had lost them back at the island. He was so sure of it. It felt like a hazy dream now that he thought more of it, but he couldn’t be dreaming it. It just didn’t seem plausible that during a time when his adrenaline had been pumping that he would imagine something like that. It just didn’t make sense to him.

He was just thankful that all of them were alive. That they had accomplished what they had set out to do. He would take whatever criticism he got from the others for leaving out on his own. Shanks was back with them. Teach was dead.

It was over. They could all finally move on.

He moved his gaze to where Mihawk was still crouched down, but what he noticed immediately was that the fact that Shanks hadn’t moved at all. That Mihawk was practically using himself to shield their view of Shanks.

Ace frowned, moving across the deck of the famed ship, stopping short of when Mihawk looked over his shoulder. The Alpha had never had that look on his face before. “Papa… what’s wrong?” His voice had caught the attention of the others, bringing them over to where they were. His eyes went wide as Mihawk finally moved, showing Shanks’ face to them. Ace placed a hand over his mouth as he muttered out, “Momma.”

Shanks was deathly pale, but the thing he noticed immediately was the way that his veins looked black. Every single blood vessel that was in his body could be seen. It was so abnormal. Unnatural looking.

What the hell happened to him?

“Papa, what the hell happened?!” Ace exclaimed.

Mihawk shook his head, “I don’t know. I found him like this.”

Law had rushed forward, dropping down on Shanks’ other side. Guiding Mihawk to place Shanks on his back. He held his hand out despite clearly looking like he was about to collapse himself and activated a room around them. The Omega Doctor moved, reaching up for Shanks shirt and unbuttoning it.

“What’s going on, Traffy?” Luffy questioned, coming up next to Ace’s right side.

Sabo came up on his left, inhaling sharply as his eyes went just as wide as Ace’s were. “That… I think I’ve heard of something like this.”

Ace turned his head, looking over to Sabo, “What? You know what this is?”

The Beta shook his head, “Possibly? Dragon-san warned all the Revolutionaries of a man who had dangerous powers. The fact that this man was dangerous himself. He had the power of life and… death.”

The Omega felt the air catch in his throat as he looked back at Law. Seeing the Doctor cursing as he opened up Shanks’ shirt completely to show the black mark that was settled directly over Shanks’ heart. Like he had been stabbed.

“That man you were talking about, Freckles-ya.” Law stated, peeking up at Ace. “I don’t think you imagined it.”

The shock had came next among them as Ace felt his knees give out and he was collapsing down to them. Life and death. Did that man save his pups only to turn around and do this to Shanks? “Is he alive?” Ace muttered, barely finding his voice.

“Traffy, please, is he okay?” Luffy begged, his hands landing on Ace’s shoulders.

Law’s attention was back on Shanks, but he had nodded. “He is, but just barely.” The Omega Doctor stated, “His haki… well, what’s left of it, is around his heart, keeping it pumping blood, but his brain, all the neurotransmitters to keep him awake aren’t working properly. This isn’t something natural. There’s nothing I can do.”

Denials immediately left Luffy as he fell down by Ace. “Please… there has to be something.”

Law shook his head again, leaning back, “I’m sorry, Straw Hat-ya, there is nothing I can do.”

Ace crawled forward, keeping his eyes locked to Shanks’ face. Trying to fight the urge of the tears that were coming to his eyes. “This can’t be happening.” Ace felt the anger flare through him as he turned his gaze towards Mihawk, “Why didn’t you say something?!”

Mihawk gritted his teeth, “What could we do? There is nothing we could have done on that island except to leave. Your judgement would have been clouded. Focus is what we needed in that moment. You run purely off of instincts most of the time that you don’t even think of repercussions at times. Shanks would say the same thing if he was conscious.”

Ace paused, nodding as he looked back at Shanks. Reaching out and moving some of his air from his face. Mihawk was right. He couldn’t say how he would react back on the island if he had known. Mihawk had made the right call. The Omega sighed, using his thumb to wipe at the blood that by Shanks’ lip.

“What happened to you, Mom?” Ace whispered.

They had sat like that for hours. Unable to move or focus on much of anything else. Buggy had been controlling the ship the entire time. They had finally come to a stopping point to rejoin the others. Ace had a pit in his stomach as he looked at the Moby Dick. The Red Hair Pirates were on that ship. They didn’t even know how to explain this to them.

He could see the excitement ranging out on the deck. The cheers that came when they saw Shanks’ hair. The gangplank was thrown across and the first to cross was Sabo and then Luffy. Ace moved across, getting claps on the backs and side hugs. His ears were ringing as Mihawk carried Shanks over. Being as gentle as possible.

It had only taken seconds for the excitement to come to a complete halt. For them to see exactly what was going on.

“Wait, what’s going on?” Yasopp questioned, “Boss?!”

“BOSS!” Shouted the Red Hair Pirates.

Benn didn’t say a word, but his cigarette had dropped from his mouth. His eyes going wide.

Rouge broke through the crowd, her smile dropping almost immediately. “Shanks…. SHANKS!” She screamed, rushing forward to get to her son’s side. “Oh God.” She choked down in a cry. Shaking her head in denial.

Marco rushed across the deck, his eyes wide as he stopped by Ace, “What happened?!” Then realization came to his face, “The man that attacked Commander Rouge.”

“Wait, what?” Ace replied, looking over to Marco now.

“A man attacked Commander Rouge back on the island.” Marco stated, his eyes now locked to Shanks before he was looking back at Ace, checking him over for injuries. “Are you okay?”

Ace nodded. “Yeah. A man…” His voice trailed off as bright blue eyes flashed before his mind. Just seconds before he had lost conscious before. “Bright blue eyes.”

Marco looked up as Rouge also looked at him. “You saw him?” Rouge questioned.

Ace nodded. “He did this. He did this to Mom.”

“Well, can we just wake him up?” Lucky questioned. “There has to be something.”

Ace didn’t know what to tell them. None of them knew what this was. Just that it was something serious.

Benn walked forward, guiding Mihawk to the nearby table that he could place Shanks on. “This is a Devil Fruit power. Isn’t it?”

“We believe so.” Mihawk replied, his voice cracking. Ace had never seen Mihawk like this. The Alpha looked like he was ready to break down. It was something that he never thought he would see Mihawk act like. This wasn’t like him. Mihawk had always been the one who didn’t necessarily show all of his emotions. Now, he was wearing it clear as day.

“Papa.” Ace muttered.

For so long, he didn’t believe that Mihawk actually cared this much about them. Now, he looked torn apart at the seams even though Shanks had a pulse. This situation wasn’t normal. It wasn’t foreseen. No one saw this coming. Ace had been so angry when Teach had stabbed Shanks, but now some unknown man had gotten him. It just reminded him more of how they were all still human. No matter how strong they were.

Footsteps caught his attention in time to see Dragon walking past him. “He’s under a power known as eternal sleep.”

The Omega froze, looking over to his Great Uncle in shock. “What are you talking about, Dragon?” Rouge questioned from where she was still next to Shanks. Her fingers running through his red hair. “Eternal sleep?”

Dragon had a somber look on his face as he looked down at Shanks, reaching over and lifting the part of his shirt to show the large black mark over his heart. “This is where the power originated on him.”

“How do you know this?” Mihawk questioned, gritting his teeth.

Ace rushed forward, stepping up next to Dragon. Luffy came along with him, looking just as surprised, “Uncle Dragon?” Luffy went on.

Dragon sighed. “The holder of this power is a man known as Azazel D. Luca.” He explained, “A long time ago after the death of Gol D. Roger, I started hearing stories of a man who played with life and death. So, I investigated into it. I discovered a Devil Fruit called the Hito Hito no Mi: Model: Osiris. Essentially, this power is that of the fairy tale of the Grim Reaper.”

Ace exhaled sharply, looking over to Luffy in complete shock. “What does that mean? We can still fix Dad, right?” Luffy went on to question.

“Wait a moment.” Robin, stepping out of the crowd, added, “I’ve heard of that. It’s a rare Devil Fruit. One that was believed to not actually exist for its abilities. I remember reading about it back on Ohara. The only thing known about it is the fact that the user can bring to life people who have passed on, and… cause the deaths of others. It’s dangerous.”

Dragon nodded, “That it is.” He confirmed. “The only person alive who can fix Shanks was left back on that island. Knowing the stories of his silent escapes, he departed from the island.”

“You mean…” Ace whispered, looking back at Shanks, “We have to find the man that did this to him?!”

“Unfortunately… yes.” Dragon replied. “I spoke to him.” Ace was shocked as all eyes completely turned to Dragon now. “He said he was seconds away from waking Shanks up before Mihawk intervened. Though, I don’t blame Hawkeyes for reacting. A strange man with a strange power over his mate. I would react too.”

Mihawk had frozen, his hand tightening over Shanks’. “He would have been awake if I was just a few seconds slower?” Mihawk questioned. Ace was positive that Mihawk was speaking to himself, but if that was true, why did the man – Luca do this to Shanks in the first place?

“After speaking to him, I don’t think it will be easy.” Dragon added, the Alpha turning to face them all. “He told me what he had done. I would say he is on par with an obsession as Blackbeard was. He had zeroed in on one person.”

“Who?” Whitebeard questioned, finally speaking for the first time since they had boarded the ship.

“Hawkeyes.” Ace jumped as he heard the new voice, turning his head to look up on the mast to see a man standing above them, looking down at them with bright blue eyes. A second later, a sadistic smile came to the man’s face. The shock came around the crew as guns were raised and swords were drawn, all of them ready to fight.

Ace growled, balling his fists as he set them on fire. “Who the hell do you think you are?!” Ace snapped. “Can’t you see we’ve gone through enough?!”

Luca chuckled, leaning against the mast with his hands in his pockets. “Trust me, Portgas D. Ace… or should I say Gol D. Ace. I had every intention of returning Shanks back to his body.” He paused, sighing as he noticed a look similar to what he had seen Mihawk have when he was taunting someone. “But watching Hawkeyes break at the seams is bringing me joy.”

Luffy was also growling next to him, lashing out just as loudly as him, “What did Papa ever do to you?!”

Luca smirked. The entire time, Mihawk had stayed oddly silent. Not making a move as his eyes stayed locked to Shanks. No one attempted to move. Probably because of what Dragon had just said. They needed this man to wake Shanks up. If they attacked him, they blew their chances of waking him up.

“He tried to kill me.” Ace felt the air catch in his throat. That wasn’t necessarily surprising, but Mihawk had met this man before? “And it was for something I never even did.”

“He wouldn’t do that!” Luffy hissed.

“You’re protecting the man who was barely around for you, your brother, or your sweet mother growing up?” Luca questioned, tilting his head as his eyes settled on Luffy.

Ace felt his anger growing again, “You don’t know anything about him!” Ace went to move his arm, stopping as Mihawk grabbed his forearm. “Papa—”

“Do not engage this man.” Mihawk ordered.

Luca kneeled down, chuckling, “Good choice, Hawkeyes.” He stated, twirling his fingers as there was a soft glow on his palm.

“What is your problem with us!?” Marco exclaimed, “You tried to kill Commander Rouge!”

Luca’s smirk only got bigger. “Rouge and Mihawk both are undeserving of what this world has given them.” Ace let his fire cease from his hands as Mihawk dropped his hand. “What kind of mother chooses to return back to a crew and leave her son behind?” That statement was about Rouge. Ace knew that. It confused him. How did Luca know this? Now, Luca’s attention was back on Mihawk. “What kind of father chooses power over his family? A job as a Government lap dog instead of being with his mate and children?”

Ace shook his head, “That doesn’t answer the question to why the hell Papa would try to kill you.” The Omega stated.

Luca had looked back at him now. “On an island in the East Blue, twenty-two years ago. Just before the execution of Gol D. Roger, I met Red-Haired Shanks for the first time.” He explained, “There was an incident at a bar there and Shanks had shown me such kindness. I used to despise violence. Only cleaning up the mistakes of a certain someone. But I saw the way that these men were eyeing him. Long story short, Hawkeyes walked in when I had to shove Shanks out of the way from getting hurt and we landed in a quite… unappealing situation. Hawkeyes shoved a sword through my back. Without even knowing what truly happened.”

Ace could hear the intake of air of Mihawk as he looked up to Luca for the first time. Looking away from Shanks. “I don’t remember that.” Mihawk growled.

Luca hummed. “Possibly, but I remember it all. Shanks was the one who tended to my injuries as Hawkeyes went into a rage. I still have the scar on my back as proof. Sure, I’ll give him credit for thinking he was protecting his loved one, but he lashed out without even caring for a life.”

Ace paused. This is what Dragon mentioned. He’s obsessed with life.

Was this story even true?

The only other person who could confirm if it happened was Shanks. Which he couldn’t say a word at the moment. Ace heard it wasn’t uncommon for people to forget what happened when they got lost in their instincts, but it wasn’t that farfetched.

“Sounds to me like he was thinking something bad was happening to Shanks and he reacted.” Marco hissed. “So what? You got stabbed in the back.”

Ace felt the sweat drop on his forehead. That didn’t seem like the right thing to say. Luca’s face warped, a more sadistic look coming to it. “I just want to draw his blood, the same that he has done for me.” Luca drawled, lifting his hand up to show the glow that was there.

Dragon had moved, forcing Mihawk behind him. Ace could see that Mihawk was shaking in anger now. Trying to contain everything, but there was a flash of red in his eyes. “So, you did this to Shanks because of me?”

Luca chuckled, kneeling down, “No, actually. Me putting him to sleep had nothing to do with you. You are just an upside. I respect Red-Haired Shanks out of everyone here. He’s unlike any pirate I’ve ever met. One who only cared to see the world. Doesn’t engage in senseless battles.” He paused, sighing as he tilted his head again, his own eyes flashing red for a moment, “What does life mean to you, Hawkeyes?”

There was that question again.

“Answer wrong and everyone here dies.” Luca stated. “Marineford has shown me enough about many of you, but Hawkeyes had a choice for that War. Participate or go to Impel Down. He chose to fight alongside the Marines.”

Ace could feel his own anger flare now. This man didn’t know what he was talking about. “He saved my life!” The Omega snapped, “If he hadn’t acted when he did, I would have died! It took me a moment to see back then! I was angry to see him with the Warlords, but if he was Impel Down, there would have been nothing he could do! Locked away while I was being executed!”

Luca smiled. This time it almost looked like a genuine smile. “Yet Straw Hat Luffy and his crew broke into Impel Down with just the the sliver of hope of finding his brother. Breaking out many of the prisoners before heading straight for a war. I have a good idea that if Hawkeyes ended up in Impel Down, he wouldn’t have stayed there. You have my respect as a Swordsman, but as a man, you don’t deserve such a thing.”

“He asked me the same question.” Rouge muttered, turning completely to look up at Luca. “You want to know what life means?! It’s not the same for everyone! There is no right or wrong answer!”

Luca hummed. “Yeah, and you’re just a mother who abandoned her child in favor of a crew that isn’t her blood.”

Ace had heard enough. He started to walk forward, pausing as Dragon’s other arm came out to stop him. “Blood doesn’t necessarily mean family! This crew is my family just as much as my parents or my brother are! What gives you the to condemn someone to death when you don’t even understand for yourself?!”   

Luca looked amused for a second before he was jumping down and landing next to Rouge. The movement had stunned them as their weapons moved to him there. Whitebeard growled, turning his Murakumogiri to face Luca. The Alpha simply turned his head, giving a smirk to the yonko. “Trust me. I’m aware. That’s what makes the Whitebeard Pirates so great. A very large found family ruled by the patriarch that is Edward Newgate.” His attention turned away from Whitebeard and to Shanks. “I say he has about a day at most with how much haki he has left.”

“Haki?” Marco questioned.

“The only thing keeping his heart beating right now is his own will to live.” Luca stated, “If you kill me, he won’t ever come back. Would you risk it?” The Alpha turned to Whitebeard again, his smile warping back into a sadistic smirk. “How much do you care about your nakama? Would you allow her son to die out of anger for the things I’m saying?”

Ace frowned. He was playing all of them. His words trying to strike anger in them to get them to attack. Whitebeard had to have picked up on it. From the way that the Alpha yonko pulled his weapon back, slamming it down before saying, “Drop your weapons.”

“Oyaji!” Izou gasped.

“Just do it.” Whitebeard confirmed.

Luca gave a low chuckle, “Thought so.” He turned back towards Shanks, a soft smile returning, “What are you looking at right now, Red-Hair?”

Ace looked down at Shanks for a moment, looking back up at Luca. “He can… see stuff?”

“He can see. Hear. Feel. He might be asleep, but he is currently in a place similar to what you would believe Purgatory would be. He can hear, see, and even speak to those who have passed on. He can also see things that are currently happening.” Luca explained, “Say it’s a perk of this power.” Luca reached out, only to be stopped short of actually placing a hand against Shanks by Mihawk touching him. Grabbing his wrist. Luca sighed, “You shouldn’t have done that.”

Within seconds, Mihawk was thrown backwards, pushed between all of them before he was hitting the figure head of the ship. “Papa!” Ace and Luffy screamed at the same time.

Mihawk stumbled back to his feet. Almost like he couldn’t stay standing before he was catching himself with his hands. “What the hell did you do to me?”

Luca smirked, jumping, and landing in the open space that was on the deck, staring Mihawk down. “Let’s play a game.”

Mihawk looked up, snarling, “Bastard.”

“If you can defeat me, I’ll wake him up.” Luca stated. “If not, you’ll die. A life for a life.”

Ace felt like he couldn’t breathe as he noticed that Mihawk’s veins were starting show now as Luca cackled. What just happened?

“Oh God.” Rouge whispered. “His power. He used it on Mihawk.”

Mihawk stumbled back to his feet, eyes locked on the man. “What life means to me? Nothing if Shanks and my children are not in it.”

Something was wrong. Shanks could feel it. He could feel his heart racing as he looked around. They were back in the field now, but he couldn’t place why he was feeling this way. Suddenly, the area around him changed as Roger, Shay, and Lacey disappeared from his sight and he was now standing on a flaming ground. What looked like had been the scene of the fight between Teach and Ace.

The Omega looked around again, trying to see what was setting his instincts off. “What’s going on, now?” He knew his physical body wasn’t on this island anymore, so why was he here.

“I called you here.” Shanks felt his heart skip a beat from that voice.

What was he doing here?

The Omega turned, seeing Teach standing there. Not an injury on him as he stood among the flames. “Teach?”

“Red-Hair.” Teach hummed.

“What the hell do you want?” Shanks hissed.

The Alpha was looking right at him. It was a soft look unlike the obsessive one that he had be so used to seeing for the longest time. “I need you to listen to me.”

“And why would I do that?” The Omega growled.

“Because it could mean life or death.”

Shanks paused, eyes widening as he took a step back. Letting the words sink in. This Alpha had tormented him for years, and now he wanted to help? “How can I trust a thing you say?” Shanks questioned. “You threatened the lives of both of my sons! Kidnapped me! Took my bond from Mihawk away!” He could feel all the frustration boiling over as he lashed out, his hand moving and hitting Teach directly across the jaw.

“I deserved that.” Teach muttered, reaching up and touching his jaw just where Shanks’ hand had been. “The issue is what is about to happen.”

Shanks froze. This Teach wasn’t acting like the one he knew. Well, at least, the one he had come to know. “What are you talking about?”

Teach sighed, looking around before the island disappeared around them, leaving them standing on the deck of the Oro Jackson. The Alpha walked away from Shanks, looking down at the ocean. Though next to them was the burning island. It wasn’t where the Oro Jackson would be now. Shanks knew that much. “The man you did this to you is… my elder brother.” Shanks was shocked. Not saying a word as Teach looked back at him. “He did the right thing by me. Disconnecting me from the one thing in this world that meant everything.” With everything he had found out since all of this, it had been him. “Luca. He is a powerful ally. An even more powerful opponent. He is not someone to be underestimated. He will use anything and everything to rile up his opponent, but the second he makes skin to skin contact, he’s already won. That power of his cannot be stopped easily. Essentially, he can control life or death.”

The Omega needed as much information as he could here and Teach had it. He sighed, walking over to where Teach was standing and placing his hands on the rail. It all felt so real standing here. Like he was back home. “What are you saying, Teach? What does he want?”

The Alpha exhaled sharply. “Luca has always been obsessed with the concept of life and death. So, when he ate that fruit, he obsessed over the power it contained. We don’t share the same father, but we do have the same mother. We are built the same. They won’t be able to kill him like a normal human, Shanks. Even if they can strike him down. He’ll just get back up.”

Shanks nodded. “Okay, what do we do?”

“There’s only one way I know to stop him. He will kill anyone who dares to get in the way of his target.” Teach explained, “He’s obsessed over taking down Mihawk. He believes that Hawkeyes has wronged him.”

Shanks almost couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Teach was concerned for Mihawk? The same person that Teach believed didn’t deserve Shanks. “Teach, I don’t understand.”

“You’re in love with him.” Teach muttered, “He’s the father of your children.”

“Teach…” The Omega whispered.

The Alpha turned to look at him again, “Within the final moments of my life, I realized that I valued your life over my own. That I was willing to die to make sure that you lived.” Shanks didn’t even know what to say. Let alone what to think. This was unaltered honesty that was coming from Teach. At least, he thought so. “I had been obsessed with the idea of having you… and Ace for my own. The two people in this world that never once saw my uncanny abilities as a fault. As someone who was just human. It made me want to have the two of you by my side, because it made me feel good. I never thought of what you two wanted.” Teach sighed, shaking his head, “It sounds odd that only hours after my death, I’ve come to this conclusion. I had so much with my life with the Whitebeard Pirates, but I wanted my own crew. Wanted the power of the Yami Yami no Mi. Obsessed with the idea of obtaining everything I ever wanted.”

“Everyone can have a moment of clarity.” Shanks replied.

Teach looked back at him, a smile coming to his face, “You were mine. There’s something special about that family of yours, Red-Hair. Maybe it’s a D thing. Maybe it’s just who you are. Even Straw Hat had shown courage and bravery and everything that I had seen in you.”

Shanks couldn’t help but smile at the mention of Luffy, “So, why did you bring me here?”

Teach turned to him completely, “My life will not truly end until the moment my physical heart had been destroyed. My body will continue to maintain itself until that moment. I’m not truly dead until that moment.” He explained. Shanks didn’t know what to say again. Yet, Teach was standing here before him in this purgatory. “I want to fulfill a final wish. My wish was for you to be brought back to your life.”

“Teach—” Before he could finish talking, Teach reached out and grabbed his hand, pulling it up to his chest over where his heart was.

“Allow me to be in love with you one more time.” Teach stated. “Grant me that, and I will fight to protect the life of Dracule Mihawk. Of your crew. Of your family. Of my former crew. I owe you that much.”

The Omega pulled his hand away, pausing as he noticed that he had a human heart in his hand now. “What is this?”

Teach cackled. The same sadistic cackle from before that sent shivers down Shanks’ spine. “Quite literally my heart. My life is in your hands. Hawkeyes will not win the fight my brother is about to bring. If Luca even so much as touches him. It’s over.”

Shanks didn’t know if he wanted to believe that Teach was telling the truth. He didn’t know what was happening in the world of the living. Could he go based off of Teach’s word? Though, Teach sounded sincere. It was more confusing than when he had been lost in his own instincts on Teach’s ship. The range of emotions he had felt.

“If you love him,” Teach whispered, “I’m your best ally.”

“Mihawk can take care of himself.” Shanks whispered.

“Not if he’s dead. He can’t fight him if his powers aren’t cancelled out. My brother’s greatest flaw is… his reliance on his Devil Fruit.” Shanks was starting to understand what Teach meant. This man’s Devil Fruit was a dangerous one. Shanks never had a chance to fight back, which he had been unconscious, but if it was done by touch, all it would take is just the pad of a finger to activate. Teach’s Yami Yami no Mi – if he was telling the truth about his body actually still being sustained – could cancel out that power. He could give them a fight chance, but could he risk it? Could he risk giving in? What if this was his only chance?

Shanks looked back down at the heart in his hand. “I don’t think I can, Teach. You’ve put so many people through hell.”

“I understand as much.” The Alpha replied, “However, there is a way to wake you up without my brother’s powers and not one of them know.”

Shanks looked up; eyes wide as Teach looked back out to the sea. “Luca’s obsession with life also corresponds with the symbolism of nature itself. The weakness of a Devil Fruit, and something that you love.”

The Omega looked away from Teach and out to the ocean. It clicked. Teach told him exactly how to break this curse or whatever he wanted to call it on him.

The sea itself.

“They all want you back, Shanks. They wouldn’t have all come to get you from me if they didn’t.” Teach went on. “Let me grant that one last time.”

Shanks knew what he needed to do.

“Okay.” He whispered, placing his hand back on Teach’s chest. “Protect them all, Teach. Please.”

Within seconds, Teach was gone and he was back in the field. Lacey was staring at him in concern as Roger and Shay both had looks of understanding. “Momma?” Lacey questioned. “Are you about to go home?”

Shanks blinked. “I think so.” He said, reaching out and pulling his daughter into his arms.

At least, he hoped so.

He never thought he would be doing this.

Putting his trust into Teach of all people.

“I love you, sweet girl.” Shanks whispered, placing a kiss on top of the little girl’s head. He would relish in this moment for the time being. He would never get to see her again. He had to make sure he said it out loud. How much he did love his child. Even if they never got to meet.

“He’ll do it, Momma.” Lacey suddenly said. “He loves you. Even if he can’t be with you.”

Shanks looked down at her again, seeing the smile on her face. “You think so?”

“I know so.” Lacey replied. “Love is powerful. That’s what Grandpa Roger likes to say.”

Shanks laughed, shaking his head as he placed his chin on the top of her red hair. “That it is.” That feeling he must have had was Mihawk. Something was going down and Mihawk was at the center of it.

He could feel his fingers moving just like he had before. Before his eyes were opening and he found himself staring at the sky. Shanks had actually put his faith in him. The Alpha smirked, pushing himself up despite his body screaming at him. He reached up, touching his chest to notice the hole there was gone.

He flexed his hands, looking down at them as he activated his Devil Fruit to see the black smoke clouding over his palms. He stopped his power, looking around to see that he was on a familiar but unfamiliar ship.

The Oro Jackson.

So, his body had landed on the ship. What luck he had.

“For you.” Teach muttered, cackling as he popped his back, the smirk coming to his face.

He would keep his promise. That much he agreed to. Anything after that, well, that was to be seen. He walked around the deck, realizing that he had fallen directly on the back of the ship. His eyes had settled on the Moby Dick almost immediately. Seeing the many people over the deck but his eyes settled on one person.

Luca.

“As promised.”

Chapter Text

There never seemed to be a time that Roronoa Zoro didn’t somehow manage to impress Mihawk. It was especially so with the Humandrills. Though there was the one who mimicked Mihawk. They never did mess with him. Too scared to even approach his castle. Though, they would help him farm strictly off of their fear and anxiety of him. They were good help. He could at least teach them some good things.

Usually, while he was busy in the fields, Zoro would be off training with the Humandrills. Working on his craft. Though, Zoro was quickly learning that the monkeys were able to learn and mimic him. He had been shocked to discover that they could learn his three-sword style. Mihawk had just watched it happen. Knowing that it would be an obstacle the young Alpha would have to surpass. If he had any chance of fighting Mihawk in the future, his best chance of learning more about his fighting style was by fighting the same beings that Mihawk would spar against.

It was impressive watching him day in and day out. Seeing the Alpha getting stronger and wiser as he versed his opponent. It was well deserved practice for him.

The only one that Zoro hasn’t fully managed to defeat was the Humandrill that had copied Mihawk’s style. Even copying and making a version of Yoru for itself. The leader of the army. It was the one that Zoro seemed determined to beat the most. In all honesty, it should be. That Humandrill was the one who closest represented Mihawk. Taking on his style in combat. Zoro had his work cut out for him, but Mihawk was sure by the end of his training here on Kuraigana Island, that he would manage it. He wouldn’t be strong enough to defeat Mihawk yet, but he would be one step closer to learning exactly how to and what strength he would need.

Zoro needed to continue to hone his skills. Working and getting stronger. Coming up with new techniques to use against the monkeys that he could eventually use in combat with others when he returned to the sea with Luffy.

The time was approaching. The Humandrills would continue to get up even after defeat, also getting stronger alongside Zoro. It made for a good practice for him. Good sparring partner that wasn’t Mihawk himself. Mihawk could still easily wipe the floor with him. Either way, Mihawk was absolutely impressed.

Perona would often be the one that would patch Zoro up after his fights against the monkeys during the day. It would even go on well into the night before Mihawk himself would get fed up with the lack of sleep that the Alpha was providing himself. Zoro needed to get effective rest. It was needed with the build up of new muscle. Fighting while exhausted was always a bad mood. It could lead to mistakes. Zoro always seemed dead set on finishing his goal before he would ever allow himself that moment of solidarity. It concerned the Warlord when he watched. He would see the concern with Perona when they would sit together watching the young Swordsman train. Mihawk would give him all the pointers that he needed. Making sure to watch every moment and access what he could fix and what Zoro needed to work on more. There was a lot, but what he learned quickly was just how fast Zoro actually picked up on things.

One thing he noticed as the more time that he spent on the island with Perona and Zoro was the fact that he was bonding with them. They were becoming more like his own children. Children that he wanted to fight to protect. He had discovered it when he was watching Zoro get injuries. The way that his heart would practically stop just like it would whenever Ace and Luffy would get hurt. He could feel that emotional bond forming with the two.

Zoro was back at it again. Continuing to verse the Humandrills. This time he was up against the leader. Mihawk had a bad feeling about this one. He couldn’t place it, but Zoro was handling himself. Zoro had his swords crossed in front of himself, blocking the replicated Yoru from hitting him, but Mihawk noticed the movement. The way that Zoro’s arms had strained.

Perona was next to him, looking just as concerned as Mihawk felt. She was muttering, begging for Zoro to back away.

Though, that just wasn’t in Zoro. Mihawk knew that.

It had happened quickly that the Humandrill had broken through Zoro’s defense and he managed to throw himself back just enough, but Mihawk had seen it.

The blood splattered next as Mihawk’s eyes widened, seeing the tip of the sword slash Zoro right across the eye. He felt his heart stop for just a moment. He didn’t even think twice before he was lunging forward, throwing himself between Zoro and the Humandrill. At the sight of him, the leader of the mandrills had backed off. The fear flashing on the creature’s face before he was staying back.

Mihawk turned, dropping down next to Zoro to see that the Swordsman was still trying to stand back up. Cradling at his eye as he hissed out, “That bastard monkey.” His hand was covered in his own blood, but Mihawk was more concerned that Zoro had lost his eye or not.

“Roronoa, let me see.” He ordered, reaching up and forcing Zoro’s hand away. Perona was at his other side, placing her hands on his shoulders in an attempt to pin him down.

“I’m fine!” Zoro snapped. “I have to defeat that thing!”

“Are you kidding me, Zoro?!” Perona gasped, “You just got hit in the eye!”

Mihawk exhaled, sighing as he just simply stood up, pulling Zoro up with him and forcing him over his shoulder. The young Alpha was never going to let them see it out here. “Ghost girl, get his swords.”

“I have a name!” Perona gasped. A smile slipped on Mihawk’s face from the Omega’s outburst, but she complied, picking up Zoro’s discarded swords and following them inside.

“Hawkeyes! Put me down!” Zoro exclaimed.

Mihawk only did when they got into one of the rooms that Mihawk had kept the medical supplies in. “If you dare move, I’ll cut you down again.” He threatened as he went over to get his what he needed to care for the wound. It wasn’t the first time he had too, but he hated it either way.

He sighed as Shanks flashed before his mind. Remembering the first time he had seen the scars over his mate’s eye. He pushed the thought aside as he went over to the green haired Alpha, sitting before him and already getting to work. Cleaning the blood from his skin as Perona started on his hand and shoulder, being careful to stay out of the way of what Mihawk was doing.

It was almost ironic that Zoro would end up with a slash mark over the same eye that Shanks had gotten his.

Zoro almost looked defeated as he reversed himself to allowing Mihawk and Perona to care for him.

“I couldn’t defeat it.” Zoro muttered. “I knew I couldn’t just seconds before…”

Mihawk hummed, finishing up his work before he was reaching for the gaze. Holding a pad of them against the freshly cleaned wound before wrapping bandages around it. “You should have backed off!” Perona exclaimed, “That thing could have killed you!”

“I have to get stronger for Luffy! My nakama! I can’t rest until I do!” Zoro snapped.

Mihawk sighed, sitting down as he secured the bandages. “Strength is needed for the New World, but you have to give your body time to rest to keep building up that strength. Strength is nothing if you don’t care for your body properly. You should know that, Roronoa.”

Zoro didn’t even try to fight that statement. Knowing that he was right. Zoro just had a one-track mind. “I suppose you’re right.”

Mihawk smiled, standing up and clapping Zoro on the shoulder, “Get some rest. The Humandrills will be there for you to face later.”

Zoro didn’t give him much of a fight but did have to attempt to fight of Perona who was practically shoving him down on the bed. Mihawk couldn’t help but chuckle. They reminded him of Ace and Luffy. Maybe, these two were basically his kids too. It felt like such.

Though, Zoro was going to have a scar now. Just time would tell if he could actually be able to use his eye or not.

Chapter Text

“Ace, did you know Marco went through a phase?” Thatch questioned.

Ace blinked as he heard Marco yelp, turning towards Thatch, and smacking his hand over the other Alpha’s mouth to keep him from speaking. The Omega quirked his eyebrow, looking between the two. They had just been talking about different ways that they had expressed themselves over the years, and this was interesting information. “Oh yeah?” He questioned, taking a bite from the food that he had.

“Thatch, you asshole.” Marco hissed, “You just had to.”

Thatch was chuckling, batting at Marco’s arm, and retching it away from his face. “It’s not like you didn’t pull it off.”

“I want to know!” Ace whined out, placing a pout on his face that he knew would work on the others as he batted his eyelashes.

Thatch snickered again as he started to back up as Marco screamed out for him to stop. Ace had taken the moment to reach out, looping his arms around the blonde Commander’s waist to get him to stop. “Ace, you won’t look at me the same.”

“It would just be you, wouldn’t it?” Ace questioned, moving around Marco until he was in front of him. “it’s a part of you.”

“I looked like… I dunno.” Marco sighed, rubbing his palm over his face. “I’m regretting life. Please just roast me.”

“Roast you as in fire or as in with words?” Ace questioned, the smirk on his face as Marco groaned again.

It wasn’t long before Thatch was returning with a large book with a grin on his face. “Marco, it’s not the worst thing in the world. It’s pretty funny now.” Thatch stated, placing the book down on a crate that was nearby.

Ace’s attention was completely grabbed now, noticing as Thatch flipped through the pages just how many pictures were actually in there. They had all sat down for a moment, flipping through the pages as Marco explained who was who in the photos.

They stopped on one page and Ace felt the smile on his face from seeing pictures of Rouge. The large grin on her face. One of the pictures was of Rouge with Marco and Thatch. Both of the clearly younger versions of them slumped over her back and throwing peace signs at the camera that took the photo. There were a few of her with Whitey Bay and Whitebeard as well.

“I didn’t realize Oyaji took pictures like this.” Ace muttered.

“He loves them.” Marco stated as they turned to the next page before he stopped short of actually flipping it into Ace’s line of sight. “He loves his family and keeping memories of them.” He paused, the soft smile on his face before he was whispering, “It was actually Commander Rouge and Bay who helped me with all of this.”

Finally, he flipped the page over, revealing what he had looked like.

Ace laughed slightly, a grin on his face as he motioned for the book. Marco handed it over as the Omega looked over the photos. In all of them Marco had stark black hair that differed from his natural blonde. What caught him completely off guard was seeing the various piercings he had. Four on each ear. Three studs in his earlobes. A stud at the top of his ear. His nose was pierced as well as a lip ring.

It was so un-Marco like.

His nails were even painted black.

“You weren’t kidding.” Ace stated. There were pages of pictures like it. Showing Marco rocking the black hair and piercings.

Marco immediately tried to take the book away from him, the panic in his voice as he spoke, “I shouldn’t have let you see that. This was a bad idea.”

“No!” Ace lunged forward, grabbing at the book again as he smiled at Marco when the older Commander turned to look at him. “You looked handsome.”

The comment seemed to throw Marco off guard as he let go of the book and let Ace look back through it. Marco was sputtering, the flush across his face as Ace turned his attention back to the pictures. “It really wasn’t that—”

“You look great with piercings.” Ace interjected.

Once again Marco was left in a stuttering mess as Ace chuckled, turning his head enough to lean in and press a kiss into Marco’s cheek. “I… um… really?”

“Yeah.” The Omega muttered. “Those piercings would be badass even now, and you don’t look bad with black hair. You should do it again.”

“Not a chance.” Marco finally said, regaining his bearings.

“Not even for me?” Ace questioned, leaning his head against Marco’s shoulder. Putting the best pout on his lips and fluttering his eye lashes.

“No, no, no. Do not do this to me. Those pouty eyes won’t work.” Marco hissed. Ace continued, making his pout even more prominent. After a moment, Marco gave a sound of defeat and huffed. “For fucks sake. Fine.”

Ace snickered, pulling away as Thatch and Izou cheered out, reaching out for Marco and hauling him off. This was going to be interesting.  

Chapter Text

There were always these small moments that Luffy learned something new about Shanks and his nakama. Shanks was always willing to tell them about anything that came from his time growing up or even just from him and Ace being born. One of the major consistencies had been Shanks’ love for music. For as long as Luffy could remember, there would be countless times that Shanks would be singing softly or even just humming a random tune.

There was one song in particular that Shanks and the Red Hair Pirates would sing that would always just immediately catch his attention.

Bink’s Sake.

It was one that they sang often. Luffy knew all the words to it. Out of all the songs, it had to be his favorite. He loved the tune no matter what instrument it was played on. Piano. Violin. It was so beautiful to him. The piano tended to feel more cheerful while the violin felt more soothing. Mixed together, it made it even better for him.

There were not many nights that Shanks would play it himself. Rather letting their musicians do it. Luffy loved the nights when Shanks would. Ace would be sitting on the bench with him, playing alongside him while Luffy would lay up on top of the piano. Letting Shanks’ voice sooth him to sleep.

Apparently, according to Shanks, the West Blue was known for its music and dancers. Especially the island where he had been born. He would tell them, while he didn’t really have a solid memory of the island, he could remember tunes of their music when they were played. Roger had also apparently reignited that spark.

Shanks always seemed to be his most cheerful when they were having a party. Rather it was from the drinking or the music, Luffy didn’t know but it always put a smile on his face.

Just like this night, the party was going and Ace and Luffy were allowed to stay up longer than normal. Ace was by Shanks’ side at the piano. His small fingers were moving along the keys next to Shanks’. Playing the familiar tune that Luffy loved so much. Normally, it wasn’t Shanks at the piano but usually Bonk Punch or Monster. Shanks knew how to play and even loved to play at times. Just normally, he spent the time having fun with the rest of the crew. Usually, nights like this meant that something was heavy on Shanks’ mind.

They had been in an altercation earlier that day. One that Luffy had found himself getting involved in. He had seen too many times the way that people would talk about Shanks, and it always angered him. He never understood why Shanks just allowed it to happen. Though, it meant that Luffy could lounge here on the piano and listen to his Omega father play.

Shanks was singing the words softly as Ace sang along with him. He could hear the others partying behind them. Shanks’ voice along was calming him, but it was still heavy on his mind. “Dad—”

“You know, Luffy… music and pirates are inseparable.” Shanks suddenly cut in. “It was always one of my favorite things growing up. Listening to my father… my nakama. I was much like you. Either I would be laying back and listening or I would be singing along.”

Luffy frowned, “That’s not what I wanted to know.”

Shanks smiled, not even looking up from the keys of the piano. “I know.” He sighed softly, finally peeking up from underneath the straw hat sitting on his head. “You want to know why I continue to allow people to do what they do.”

Luffy nodded. “You’re supposed to be so strong, Dad.” The Alpha boy frowned, pushing himself up until he was sitting back on his legs. “If you’re so strong, why don’t you just beat them up.”

Shanks laughed softly, shaking his head, “I’ve told you many times, Luffy.” He replied, “You don’t have to throw a punch to win a fight.”

Luffy grumbled, laying back again, but this time his face was hanging over the piano just above Shanks’ hands. The Alpha boy could look up into the Captain’s eyes, his frown deepening. “I don’t like what they do to you. It’s not cool at all.”

Shanks smiled, still he continued to play. “Luffy…” He muttered, giving a soft look for a moment. “The seas used to be a different place back when I was growing up. Not everyone has those same mindsets anymore.” He explained. “I know I could easily defeat them. I could do it without even lifting a finger, but I choose not to. That is my choice. Not everything has to be resolved by using violence.”

“But—”

“It’s like music.” Shanks continued, “How calming it can be. How it can induce the want to dance. How it can cause someone to cry. To be happy. To be angry.”

“I don’t get it.” Luffy stated, tilting his head slightly.

“You can choose to continue to play that song that induces that anger… or you can switch it and play one that makes you happy.” Shanks replied, “Like your favorite song.” Luffy grinned, turning over onto his stomach and kicking his feet up into the air. “When I feel upset… or something bothered me… I like these nights. Where I can just let it go. You still have a lot to learn about the world around you, Luffy. It’s not all black and white. One day you will understand, you’ll see for yourself exactly what I mean. For now, just lay back and listen.”

Luffy let the smile drop from his face for a second. Thinking about how even though Shanks never reacted to what was happening to him, he reacted the second Luffy got involved. “Dad… you let them do that to you, but when he…”

“I’m your Omega father, Luffy.” Shanks immediately interjected, “It will never matter what happens to me, but the second anyone dares to bring you or Ace into it… they will not be walking away from it.”

Luffy had decided from that moment on, he was going to drop the conversation. There was no use trying to talk Shanks into it. Ace had remained quiet throughout the entire conversation, just sitting there, and continuing to do what he had been. Ace had always told him that it was just how Shanks was. If he paid attention, he would see it. He wished that it was never the case.

He still didn’t understand it, but if it meant hearing his favorite song, he supposed it would take it. He smiled as he laid his head down on his arms. Just listening to Shanks returning back to the lyrics of the song.

Binkusu no sake wo, todoke ni yuku uo
Don to icchou utao, unaba no uta
Douse dare demo Itsuka wa hone yo
Hatenashi, atenashi, waraibanashi

He let his eyes flutter shut. Just listening to the sound of his Omega father’s voice and the piano playing. “Play it again.” He muttered as the song came to an end.

Shanks chuckled but Ace interjected with, “Luffy! You always do this! Let us play a different one for once!”

“It’s alright, Ace.” Shanks muttered, “One more time is alright.”

The song started back up and Luffy had found himself being lulled into sleep. Letting his eyes shut again.

Bink’s Sake would always be his favorite song. Even if it might be some of the only chances that he could try and talk Shanks into changing what people around him did. Telling him that he should be acting.

Though, there was a part of him that was sure it would never happen.

He fell asleep, right there listening to the tune. Though, part of him didn’t want this to change. He always got to hear his favorite song on these days. He did know that when he was older and left this ship, he would find a musician and the first song he would request would be this one. This would have to be a song that they knew.

It was his favorite after all.

Many years later, when he met the man – or skeleton, which was cool as hell – the first song he heard him play was Bink’s Sake. He had known in that moment, that Brook was going to be his musician. He had made sure of it.

Chapter Text

To be inducted into his family, a person had to go through one thing to prove their worth. They had to take his Fist of Love. It was his way of his showing his love and if they couldn’t handle it, they didn’t deserve his family. Even if his family was full of criminals and brats, they were still his family. He had to make sure they found good mates if they chose to have one.

Garp made sure of it.

Though when Luffy found a prospective mate to be, he had been surprised to see that it was Sengoku’s grandson. The adoptive son of Corázon. Trafalgar D. Water Law.

Of course, Luffy had to find a mate to be in another criminal.

Just adding to the pot.

He eyed Law from where he was. What was he supposed to do here? This was Sengoku’s grandson. Yet, he had his induction to do.

He hummed. It would be worth it. He could take whatever Sengoku could possibly throw at him. He grinned as he popped his knuckles, noticing Luffy’s gaze moving to him. “Wait, Gramps!” He exclaimed just as Garp lunged. Luffy had pushed Law away by his chest, causing the Omega to stumble on his feet and cause his fist to hit Luffy on the top of his head.

Luffy immediately started flailing, grabbing the top of his head as he screeched out in pain, “That hurt!” It felt almost stupid to even say that, but it was the truth. Garp’s fist hurt. It wasn’t something you wanted to be on the other side of. He had moved before he had the chance to think. Taking the hit before Law could receive it. Garp smirked. He had seen that before. With Mihawk towards Shanks. At least Luffy learned something good from his Alpha father. He loved his grandson and in that moment, he knew that he was doing everything right. Luffy was already showing great commitment to his crew, and now the person he clearly was interested in.

If only he had used that to become a Marine and not a damn pirate.

“You just had to get in the way, Luffy.” Garp stated.

“Why the hell are you just punching people?!” Luffy exclaimed, sitting up as he stared up defiantly at him.

Garp smirked. “Just need to pass out some of the good ole fist of love.”

“It’s bullshit!” Luffy exclaimed, hopping up to his feet. “You don’t have to punch every damn person who might join the family!”

“I do what I want!” Garp snapped.

“So do I!” Luffy exclaimed.

“You should have been a Marine, brat!” Garp shouted.

Luffy growled, “I didn’t want to be a Marine! I’m a pirate!” Before Garp could give more of the fist of love, he stopped as a tattooed hand landed on his wrist. The one that he had pulled back and was preparing to knock some sense into Luffy. He stared wide eyed at the Omega Doctor. He had noticed that same defiant look in Law’s eyes.

“Don’t.” Law hissed.

“You are so lucky that you are Sengoku’s grandson.” Garp growled.

Luffy blinked, “Wait, you weren’t going to hit him?” The Alpha pirate questioned.

The stunned silence came next from the others as he noticed Shanks, Ace, Luffy, Rouge, Marco, Dragon, and Sabo, and even Mihawk staring at him in betrayal. “That is so not fair.” Ace gasped.

“That’s favoritism.” Sabo added.

“I thought Shanks was the favorite.” Mihawk grumbled, looking surprised.

“He still punches me!” Shanks exclaimed, “I just can get away from him now!”

“It’s the initiation though.” Rouge muttered, “Like, it feels wrong.”

“He’s punched us all and he gets a pass because he’s the grandson of the Fleet Admiral.” Marco bemused. “That is awfully like favoritism.”

Ace smirked, hitting a closed fist against his palm. “I think maybe, we should do it if Gramps isn’t going to. It’s not exactly fair to all of us if he doesn’t get one too.”

“It’s not the same if it’s not Gramps.” Shanks groaned, pinching at the bridge of his nose.

Rouge shrugged, “I feel like it’s a fair trade off. Maybe if we all get him, he will understand what it feels like.”

Marco chuckled, “I think that Hawkeyes and Red-Hair could easily do it on their own. Commander Rouge and Dragon too.” He hummed as he started adding, “But I don’t think Straw Hat will get involved so, we would be short a person. Which if Vice Admiral Garp isn’t going to do it, it would need to be everyone he’s given it too.” His eyes moved to Luffy this time as all expectant looks went onto Luffy.

“That shit hurts!” Luffy shouted, “Why would we do it to him!?”

“We all got it.” Sabo stated with a shrug.

Was he sensing some jealously among the others? Not that they had to know that he was actually going for him with that punch. It was hilarious to him that they were wanting him to punch Law with his fist of love. Garp almost wanted to laugh. He had rubbed off on them all. Even they were carrying on his little tradition now.

Apparently, it was the family initiation at this point. Well, he had said it was. It was the only way he would accept anyone into his family.

He had punched every single one of them including their mates. Even if Sabo wasn’t his blood, he was Ace and Luffy’s bond brother and Dragon’s adoptive son. So, he had to have one too.

Now, they were accusing him of favoritism?

He loved and got angry at his brats all the same.

They just had to be criminals instead of strong Marines. He could only dream of what the Marines would have been like if they had all joined.

Law was starting to look worried now as he looked around, “Am I getting a bounty of punches on my head?” He questioned, looking over at Luffy.  

Luffy let out a nervous laugh. Garp thought about his options. He could either just do it, please his family but also face the wrath of Sengoku or not do it and please Sengoku and then face the wrath of his family. Either way, Law was getting punched with the Fist of Love.

He hummed, which had Luffy looking right at him. “Wait—Traffy!”

Garp smirked, pulling his arm back with the haki coated on his hand before he slammed his fist down on the top of Law’s head and sent him into the ground. He chuckled, smiling as he said, “There is no escaping from the fist of love, not even for my friend’s grand brat.”

Law grumbled, rubbing at his head as he groaned out, “That really does hurt, and he just always does this to you?”

“Any time he sees us.” Ace stated, a smile on his face as he walked forward, reaching his hand out towards Law, “Welcome to the family, Law.”

Law took it, letting his fellow Omega pull him up. “How long am I going to have a headache.”

“Roughly a week.” Shanks added, walking over, and clapping Law on the shoulder, “I can teach you my tricks of getting away from him.” Garp’s gaze narrowed on Shanks as the red-haired Omega smirked at him.

“You little—” Shanks was gone just as Garp’s fist came down. He was standing behind Mihawk now, sticking his tongue out with one eye closed as his arms wrapped around his mate and he leaned his head against his shoulder. “You little shit.”

Garp felt the smile come to his face as he noticed Luffy had moved through the corner of his eye. Seeing the Alpha looking over Law. “I’m so sorry, Traffy.”

Law shook his head, “Don’t worry about it.”

Luffy smiled, leaning in and pressing his lips against Law’s forehead. Garp could have died in a fit of laughter from how fast Law’s face got red. Even with how much of an olive skin tone he had. “Kisses make everything better.” Luffy muttered.

Law reached up, placing his hand against his mouth as he looked away, “Thank you.”

Garp smiled. Law was a good fit for Luffy. Almost the exact opposite of his grandson, but from what he had seen, they were a lot alike. They were going to do well together.

Now, Law had also been initiated into the family.

Their little family was complete.

Even if they weren’t Marines. He wouldn’t change it.

Chapter Text

He had been on the ship for a few hours. It was the dead of night and Shanks was fast asleep and Mihawk had decided not to disturb him until he woke up. Shanks clearly looked like he needed the extra sleep. The thought was in his mind that Shanks was refusing any type of help from the others to get any sleep. The bruises were deep under his eyes and the last time Mihawk had seen that was when Roger had been executed and Shanks had refused to sleep. Though, this time was just Ace’s sleep schedule.

He walked around Ace’s room, bouncing on the balls of his feet with the baby secured in his arms. Ace had just gone back to sleep, but Mihawk hadn’t once put him down since he had gotten back. Ace was only about three months old and Mihawk was surprised with how big he was already getting compared to the size he was the last time he had seen him less than a month before.

He didn’t even look up as he heard the soft footsteps, catching the cherry blossom and strawberry scent almost immediately. A smile came to his face as he continued to bounce on his feet, feeling arms wrapping around his midsection and a head settling on his back. “When did you get here?” Shanks questioned. The exhaustion was clear in his voice.

“A few hours ago.” He replied, “You should still be asleep.”

“I’m just used to waking up now.” Shanks muttered, a small yawn leaving him before he was pulling away and moving across the room. “Is he asleep?”

“Yeah. Fell back to sleep not that long ago.” Mihawk whispered. The two had fallen into a blissful silence, just the three of them within the room. Shanks had set down on one of the chairs that was in the room.

“Have you even put him down since you got here?” Shanks questioned. The Alpha looked up, looking over at him with a smirk on his face. The Omega chuckled, a smile breaking out over his face. “I will take that as a no.”

A comfortable silence fell within the room as Mihawk continued his movements. Sometimes, if he stopped moving, Ace would start to stir, and he wasn’t about to put the baby back down. He had him in his arms, he was there to stay for the moment. A soft smile was on his face as he hummed softly. It was no particular tone.

“He has one hundred and thirty-five freckles on his face.” Mihawk stated, breaking through the silence that had fallen between the two of them.

“You counted his freckles?” Shanks questioned.

Mihawk shrugged. “Wouldn’t you if you couldn’t stop looking at him.”

The Omega laughed softly, curling up a bit more as he leaned his chin onto his palm. “Has there even been a moment since I gave birth to him that you have actually put him down?” Mihawk hummed, thinking for a moment before he was shaking his head. “He’s not going anywhere.”

Mihawk made a small noise. He hadn’t looked up from Ace once the entire time. He wasn’t going to look away either. “One day, I’m going to come back here and he’s not going to be so small anymore.” The thought had always crossed his mind. What it meant for him to be away from Shanks. From Ace. He would miss so much. It’s what he had to do though. “When I hold him, sometimes… it feels like time has stopped for the moment.”

No matter what, this was never going to change for him. Ace would always be the first person he would get to. Even Shanks. He loved his mate and his loved his child. He’s had more time with Shanks than he had with Ace. He was going to treasure every single second of it. Especially before Ace gets bigger and time seems to slip away.

He smiled, finally looking over to Shanks for a moment before immediately looking back at Ace. Shanks had been smiling at them. It was a tired smile, but it was there. “Go back to bed, Shanks. We’ll still be here when you wake up.”

“Isn’t that pretty much what I just told you?” Shanks questioned back.

Mihawk looked back at Shanks for a second, “You get every second with him. It’s time for you to take a break.” He replied, turning his attention back to Ace to see the boy’s eyes were opening and looking back at him. “You’ve done more than enough to deserve to get some rest. Now, me and him are going to go take a walk outside.” He didn’t even let Shanks answer him back before he was starting for the door with a smirk on his face.

He only stopped short as Shanks came up next to him, his lips pressing into his cheek as he heard, “Alright. I’ll go to bed.” The Omega whispered. He leaned into Mihawk’s side. His head settled against his shoulder for a second as Shanks looked down at Ace. Reaching out and letting his finger graze over Ace’s check. Mihawk leaned in, pressing his lips to the top of Shanks’ head. “I love you.” The red head turned his head, gazing up at him for a moment before Mihawk leaned in again. Pressing their lips together.

If time could just stop for a moment, he would want it to be this moment.

They were his entire world, and Mihawk would never change that. He would get stronger for the both of them. He would remain there. He would be someone that Ace could look at and say he was proud that he was his Alpha father. That he was proud to be his son. No matter what Ace decided to do with his life.

“I love you both.” Mihawk found himself whispering as he pulled away. He smiled at Shanks, motioning towards the bed before he was leaving the nursery and heading into the hall.

Shanks needed the sleep. He needed the time.

He would go back in there soon enough.

For now, he was perfectly content with this.

Chapter Text

There was one thing that always infuriated Luffy. It was the way Shanks would react to other people around him. Luffy knew that Shanks was strong. That he could defend himself, but he just never did. It had caused more than one fight between the two of them. Though, it could be said that it was Luffy screaming at his Omega father while Shanks just sat there and took it. Laughing it off before quickly changing the subject. Even Ace had started to tell him there was no use in telling Shanks to change the ways he did things. It was like Ace knew something he didn’t. He could never understand it. He didn’t know how someone who was on Gol D. Roger’s ship, let alone the son of the Pirate King, would allow for people to walk all over him. Everything from hitting on him to dumping liquor or food on him. No one had ever managed to lay a hand on Shanks, but it was always there.

He didn’t get it.

How was Shanks even a pirate if he didn’t act like one?

More times than he could count at this point, Benn would tell him it was because Shanks didn’t want to break a part of him. He already lived on a pirate ship around some of the strongest men he had ever seen. What could possibly happen? They were never in some sort of danger, and it was fun traveling the world.

Luffy was back in one of his moods where he didn’t want to speak or even see Shanks. He was tired of seeing Shanks let himself be a steppingstone. What he allowed to happen. He was so angry.

Ace was still in his room, pretty much staying there for the time being since they had gotten back. Shanks had also retired to his room for the night. Luffy had gone to the deck, knowing that there would be men on watch, and they would see him. They had free range of the ship. They could go wherever they wanted, but Shanks was adamant that they stayed within shouting distance. Especially Ace. He didn’t understand it. What was so different between him and Ace?

He grumbled as he turned and sat down, arms crossed over his chest. The frown was settled deep on his face. He hated all of this. There was a part of him that wondered if it was the Omega part of Shanks that was keeping him from acting. That didn’t seem like the right answer. He wondered so much about things. Was it because the men and women who constantly bugging him were Alphas? If that was the case, he didn’t want to be an Alpha. He didn’t want to be seen like that.

He didn’t look up as he heard the approaching footsteps, instead he curled up a bit more and hissed out, “Go away, Dad.”

“Well, luckily, I’m not him.” The voice had stunned him, causing Luffy to snap his head up to see that Mihawk was standing there with a smirk on his face.

Luffy’s face lit up, “Papa!”

Mihawk walked closer, placing his arms on the rail, and looking out to the ocean, “Why are you mad at him for this time?”

Luffy frowned, huffing for a second as he crossed his arms. “He’s not strong.”

“What makes you say that?” Mihawk questioned.

The Alpha boy peered up at him, narrowing his gaze for a second in curiosity. “He just let’s himself get hurt.”

There was a flicker of a smile but also what looked like a frown that came to Mihawk’s face. It was so hard to tell which one it was that his face was trying to turn into. Hell, Mihawk was hard to read in general. Luffy could never understand what was going through his head. Or really what he was doing most of the time. Mihawk really was just a book of mysteries to him. At least, Mihawk defended himself.

“If Alphas are supposed to be like that, I don’t want to be one.” Luffy scoffed, gritting his teeth as he felt the anger flare over his face. “Why do they just get to treat people like that?! Why does Dad let it happen?! Is it because Alphas are supposed too just be over them?!”

“Do you have any idea what it means to actually be an Alpha?” Luffy froze completely at the question, looking up at Mihawk with wide eyes. Mihawk’s eyes were on him now. That normal sharp glance even sharper. For a second, he felt the guilt going through him. He had completely spaced that Mihawk was an Alpha.

Luffy looked away for a second, “They are supposed to be strong. Fight to protect their pack… and that’s not me.”

Mihawk chuckled for a second, bringing the boy’s attention right back to him. “Alphas do that.” He muttered, “But there is so much more to being an Alpha than meets the eye. The same with a Beta or Omega. Each dynamic has their own special thing about them, but they are also all misunderstood.”

Luffy was confused now as he stood up, turning, and looking up towards Mihawk completely now. Mihawk didn’t have that stoic look that he normally had. It was a soft one, understanding even. “Then what are they?”

“Didn’t Beckman teach you about this?” Mihawk questioned, looking down at him for a moment. Luffy frowned. He didn’t actually pay attention when Benn would work in their studies with them. Luffy wanted to be a pirate. Why would it matter if they studied? Instead, he nodded. “Luffy, it’s just what Shanks does. He knows when a fight is not worth it.”

“It’s worth it if they are being mean to him!” Luffy gasped.

Mihawk shook his head, “Shanks knows when he’s stronger than him. He also knows when he should pick a fight or not. He… doesn’t like fighting if he can help it. Especially in front of you and Ace.” Mihawk stated, “Those people who do that to him think they can walk all over him just because he’s an Omega. Just because he doesn’t fight back. What you don’t understand… he wins every single one of those fights without ever raising a finger.” Luffy blinked. What the hell was that supposed to mean? “Alphas are known as the protectors. They usually are because their instincts tell them to. However… Alphas are also very nurturing and caring. They tend to their packs and help meet their needs and make sure they have everything they could possibly need.”

“Alphas really do all of that?” Luffy questioned, the awe coming to his face.

Mihawk nodded. “Most people just look at the dominating and protective instincts.” He paused as he shrugged for a second, leaning a bit more on the rail. “I won’t get too much into it since you’re so young, but it’s not always that way. Someone’s dynamic doesn’t make their personality.” A smile came to his face as he looked down at Luffy, “I think you fit Alpha perfectly. It wouldn’t matter what secondary gender you were born with, but in my opinion, you are what an Alpha is supposed to be.”

“I am…” Luffy wasn’t sure if he was questioning himself or making a statement. He was so intrigued by what Mihawk was saying.”

"For a pack to work, they need to work together. Someone who is born an Alpha do tend to be more of a leader, but they don’t bring harm to others for some personal gain. They usually are reacting in protection of themselves or their pack.” Mihawk continued, “You fit that perfectly by the way you react to Shanks or even Ace. Hell, to the rest of them too. You care about Shanks’ safety. He can take care of himself. He knows what he’s doing, but you want him safe. So, you are reacting in anger at him. That is someone who is meant to be a pack leader.”

Luffy was in awe. He had never thought of this. Shanks and Ace were both Omegas. He could tell the difference between all of them, even though he did see the similarities. Usually, that was in stubbornness. “You said a pack needs to work together.”

Mihawk nodded, “A pack will only work and remain together if everyone is doing their part. Even in small ways.” The Alpha man said, “Rather it is protecting the pack. Caring and nurturing for them. Making sure they are fed. Pirate crews are often also packs. Rarely are they not. A pirate crew usually are some of the closest packs on the sea.” He explained. “In the older days, most packs were run by an Alpha. So, when people see Shanks, they don’t ever expect him to be an Omega. They think they can break him down because of that. From my own experience, it’s not the Alpha or Beta you have to worry about when you encounter a pack… it’s the Omega.”

Luffy couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Did he really have this all wrong? “Really?”

Mihawk nodded again, “Being an Alpha isn’t about beating others down or trying to show dominance over them. It is about protecting, nurturing your pack, and loved ones, making them stronger. There are so many things that Alphas do that people have lost sight of.” He continued, “Betas typically are the most levelheaded ones, the voice of reason… Omegas, however, they can be some of the most unpredictable. Its why people tried to knock them down. Make them submit just because of the fact they can bear children easier than any other dynamic. Omegas can be some of the most dangerous people out there because of how they can react when their pack is in danger. They are especially protective of the bonds they hold. Alphas tend to be the fighters because they react first. The Betas are usually the right-hand man to step in when they are needed. The Omegas are the glue that hold everything together, they are also the most protective and fierce out of an entire pack.”

Luffy looked ahead of him, out to the ocean, “So, it’s not a bad thing to be an Alpha?”

Mihawk chuckled, “Not at all. A true Alpha cares for the livelihood of their pack, but they also care for other people, and they do it fiercely.” He replied, looking down at Luffy with a smile on his face, “An Alpha is not supposed to use the so-called superiority of their dynamic against others. They are supposed to use it to value the lives around them. You are what an Alpha is supposed to be, Luffy.”

Luffy was grinning, bouncing on his feet. He was understanding now. Understanding more about what it meant to be an Alpha, a pack leader, everything. It drove him further into what he was wanting to do with his life. He would do it. He would be the Alpha that he was supposed to be. The pack leader that his nakama could rely on. Just like Mihawk was saying, he would make sure he had one of each dynamic. Make sure that he had an Alpha, Beta, and Omega. His crew would be the best in the world. Even stronger than what the Red Hair Pirates were currently. Stronger than everyone. They would also care about those around him. Just like he was supposed to do.

“Thanks, Papa.”

“Just remember, you are more than what people believe Alphas are.” Mihawk added, “Alphas are not meant to control others. They are the ones who care for their pack and protect them. Value the lives of others. A true Alpha would never act like those men do.”

Luffy nodded, “I’ll do it! I will!”

“I know you will.”

They had ended up standing there, speaking about what it really meant to be an Alpha for the rest of the night. Mihawk had even started telling him more about Roger and Rayleigh. How they acted.

Luffy would be just like Roger. That’s what he had decided. He would be like Shanks. He wouldn’t be like those others.

They weren’t true Alphas, but he was.

Chapter Text

If there was one thing that Shanks truly enjoyed when he became an Omega father was seeing the milestones that his babies were hitting. He could remember what it felt like to see Ace hit them and it made him that much more excited to see Luffy go through them. Ace and Luffy were polar opposite babies when they were smaller. Ace was more content. Slept more and would occasionally start being nothing short of a terror. Luffy, it felt like the chaos just followed him wherever he went.

Shanks knew immediately that Luffy was the one that he would have to keep an eye on. Almost from the second that Luffy was able to grip onto something. He was just over a year old now. It had felt like the time had flown by. That his babies weren’t so small anymore.

Mihawk had arrived, almost completely out of the blue for his normal time frames. Shanks had smiled, watching his mate and children together. Mihawk had almost immediately – by immediately, the second his feet hit the deck – went over to Ace and Luffy. Scooping up Ace and letting his hand rub over the top of Luffy’s head. He had stayed right there, playing with the two for the better part of an hour before he was placing Ace back down on Luffy’s small pallet for the two to play before he was making his way over to Shanks.

“I guess I’m just here.” Shanks muttered, a playful smirk on his face as Mihawk got up to him. “Couldn’t even grace me with a kiss?”

The Alpha snorted, leaning in, and pressing his lips into Shanks’. It’s not like Shanks actually cared in the least bit. Their children were amazing. He also would hope that Mihawk cared enough to address them first. They were the two most effected by Mihawk’s absence. Shanks was used to this kind of thing, they were not. Even if it had been this way from day one.

“If the positions were switched, you’d do the same.” Mihawk murmured when he pulled away.

Shanks laughed, nodding, “Oh yeah, you know I would.”

“Exactly.” Mihawk stated, eyeing the drink in Shanks’ hand for the moment, “It’s day time, Shanks.”

Shanks shrugged, “It’s the only one I’m having. I’ve been somewhat of a lightweight because of staying off of it because of pregnancy and feedings.” He stated, sighing as he took the final drink before placing it to the side. “It’s not like you don’t drink during the day. Trust me, spend an entire day with the two of them and you’ll be drinking to.”

“I don’t doubt it.” Mihawk replied, looking his arm around Shanks’ shoulder, and pressing a kiss into his temple, “Just be careful, alright?”

“Always.” The Omega whispered, “I’m never alone.”

“Well, it’s more of the drinking during the hot day. I know you’d never put yourself or them at risk.” Mihawk added.

“Says the man who will drink an entire bottle of wine in the morning.” Shanks retorted.

Mihawk raised his hands, showing mock defeat. “Alright, alright, you win.”

Shanks leaned in, letting his head settle against the Alpha’s shoulder as he looked back over at their children. Ace was padding his way over, a smile on his face as he held his arms up towards Mihawk, “Papa! I want up!”

Mihawk chuckled, kneeling down and pulling Ace up and onto his hip. “Better?” He questioned.

Ace nodded, leaning and placing his head on Mihawk’s shoulder. “It’s close to nap time.” Shanks murmured, reaching out and letting his fingers move some of Ace’s bangs out of his face before he was looking back over to Luffy. He froze completely as he noticed that Luffy had been crawling at first before he stopped, planting his feet firmly on the deck before he was starting to push himself, “Oh seas, Mihawk!”

Mihawk’s attention moved from Ace and towards Luffy. The toddler had managed to get to his feet, swaying slightly with a broad smile on his face as he held his arms up. Slowly, he started to move his legs. Shanks placed a hand over his mouth as the smile broke out onto his own face. He kneeled down, holding out his arms and motioning for his youngest son. “C’mon, Luffy, you can do it.” He assured.

Luffy started giggling with each step, his smile only getting brighter as he started to pad along. His steps were swaying, like he was completely off balance, but he had managed to stay standing. “Da… da.” Luffy’s little voice came next before he was back into a fit of giggles. He was so much closer to Shanks now, reaching out himself before he was stumbling straight into Shanks’ chest.

The Omega made a squealing sound, scooping Luffy off of the ground as he planted a series of kisses to Luffy’s cheek. The toddler immediately started shoving his face as he laughed away before Shanks was pulling back, “Look at you! You’re being such a big boy!” He exclaimed, lifting Luffy up into the air for a moment before pulling him back down to settle against his chest. That moment felt great. Watching the happiness that had been spread over Luffy’s face. He didn’t even think twice about it. Wasn’t unsure of walking forward.

Shanks leaned in, rubbing his cheek against Luffy’s.

His boys were growing up too fast. Even Luffy knew how to walk now.

He almost wanted them to stay little forever, but he knew one day they would grow up. He was just waiting for the rest of the milestones. Even if it meant they had to grow up.

“Can’t you stop growing?” Shanks muttered, pressing a kiss into Luffy’s forehead.

Luffy kicked his legs, motioning back towards the deck as the Omega kneeled down and let him back down. Sure enough, Luffy had started swaying again, but started on, giggling away as he started towards Benn. Shanks laughed, looking up at Mihawk, “Our boys are growing up.” Mihawk stated, “Before you know it, he’ll be wanting to fight by your side.”

Shanks let his smile get bigger, “I just want them to stay small.”

“I know.” Mihawk muttered, leaning his nose into Ace’s hair. “Me too.”

Shanks turned his attention back to Luffy, going after him as he made it to Benn. Each time, Luffy continued the same motion. Walking over, wanting to be picked up before he repeated the cycle. Going between Shanks and the rest of them before he finally got through them all and back to Mihawk. His kids were growing up too fast. He just wanted them to stop, but damn did it feel good to see them growing up and hitting all these milestones into becoming what they were going to be. Shanks couldn’t wait for it.

Chapter Text

He hated this. Standing among the Warlords, waiting for the inevitable moment that the Whitebeard Pirates would make their appearance. They would never allow for one of their own to be executed if they did something about it. Mihawk stood there, as stoic as ever as he looked ahead.

How could he be doing this?

Just standing here and waiting for the moment that Ace gets executed.

This wasn’t right.

It seemed like the best choice at the time. It meant that he was at Marineford and ready to fight against the Marines at any given moment in time instead of locked in Impel Down. Jinbei, another Warlord, who was an ally of Whitebeard’s had refused. Being taken to Impel Down immediately for his refusal to aid in this war.

Why didn’t Mihawk just tell them that he refused based off of the fact that Ace was his son? How could he just stand here when he can feel the distress coming off of Ace. He had heard Sengoku’s story. Sengoku wasn’t completely wrong. He was right about Ace being related to Rouge and Roger, just not how he was.

He heard the sirens start up as the Marines started to panic. Knowing that the Whitebeard Pirates had arrived. That the war was about to start. It was inevitable. It was going to happen. It didn’t matter what he did, the war for his son’s life was about to begin.

He waited.

Each second dragging on and on as he stared out at the sea. Whitebeard’s ships coming up out of the water directly in the bay. It was the smartest move that they could have pulled. Sneaking right into the middle of Marineford.

He counted the Commanders aboard. They were all there. All present and ready to fight for Ace.

So, why was he still standing here?

He gritted his teeth, clawing at his arm. “You’re troubled, Hawkeyes.” Doflamingo cackled. “Afraid?”

“No.” He shot back.

His mind ventured to the day that Ace was born. Seeing Shanks’ exhausted smile as he brought their child into the world. That had been the happiest moment of his life. The moment he became a father.

What father he was. Standing here among the same people that were going to fight the Whitebeard Pirates. Ace’s nakama. He watched Whitebeard walk onto the figurehead of his ship, telling Ace to hang on a moment. That they were coming for him. That man was the man that Ace admired. Wanted to meet for most of his life. He was also the man who Ace called Oyaji. Mihawk let out a low growl. That man was acting more like a father than he was. Even Ace yelled out to him as such. Whitebeard had only smirked as he used the powers of his Gura Gura no Mi, using them to create a seaquake that had rumbled the ground of Marineford.

He turned his head enough, seeing Ace on the scaffold. The conflict. The anger. The hurt. All the emotions showing directly on his face. More so, his eyes. Ace was bad with his emotions. Either he could keep them perfectly in check and only his eyes would be a dead giveaway, or he would explode with them. There was really no in between.

He couldn’t just leave Ace up there. He had to get him down. He was the closest one to him aside from Garp. Garp was only here as a backup. He wouldn’t be involved in this war.

Mihawk turned his gaze back to Whitebeard, the air catching in his throat as the Alpha looked at him. A knowing look there.

He couldn’t do this.

He couldn’t knowingly let Ace be outed as the supposed son of Roger and Rouge when he knew it was far from the truth. He had to act. He couldn’t wait to tell Whitebeard the Marine’s plans. The fact they planned to execute Ace early.

He couldn’t do it.

Ace’s nakama were about to put their lives on the line. He knew that the others were on their way. There would be no way that they weren’t. He had heard that Luffy broke into Impel Down. Shanks without a doubt was already almost here. Rouge probably was coming. It’s just what they did. Dragon would probably be coming along with members of the Revolutionary Army. They were family.

And he was just standing here. Doing nothing.

Mihawk growled again, before he was lifting his head up, “ENOUGH!” His voice bellowing out, echoing over the still calm battlefield.

The dead silence came next as Mihawk turned, looking straight up at Ace to see his son looking at him with wide eyes. He could see Ace’s mouth moving, but he couldn’t hear the words that he was saying. He was running almost on autopilot as the seaquake that Whitebeard had created started sending the tsunami back their way. It sent Aokiji into action, freezing it over to keep it from connecting with the land.

Though, all eyes were on him.

Even Sengoku was looking at him with wide eyes.

His outburst shocked everyone, but it was like an overflooding of emotions going through him. He couldn’t stop it. He had to act. His son needed him.

Mihawk took in a deep breath, pulling Yoru from his back as he addressed the Warlords, “I will not be fighting alongside you. I recommend that you stay out of this war. What is about to come is more than just the Whitebeard Pirates.”

“Hawkeyes—” Hancock started. The shock was clear on her face. Hell, the rest of the Warlords looked surprised by his sudden outburst.

Mihawk would never be able to look his son in the eyes again if he continued this. Ace already despised him as it was. He wasn’t about to give him another reason to. He had spent too much time away from him at this point. He knew Ace held resentment towards him. He had for years. Starting from his early teens and lasting well until now. Even the last time they saw each other, he could see that resentment in his eyes.

He had to act now, or he would lose his son forever.

“Not only have the Whitebeard Pirates made their appearance…” Mihawk started, raising his voice as he looked at Sengoku, “Portgas D. Ace’s influence on this sea goes further than that of his nakama. His grandmother will show up. His uncle. His brother. His mother.”

“I know Luffy is coming.” Hancock squealed, the blush coming to her face as she smiled. Mihawk had chosen to ignore her. Even though it felt completely out of her normal personality that she was fawning over an Alpha male.

“What the hell are you going on about?!” Sengoku barked.

Mihawk smirked as he placed the haki into his blade. Not thinking twice as he made the first move. Sending the attack straight at the Marines that were at the cannons. He was seeing red now. Every bit of instinct flooding through him, only being urged more by the distressed scent of his child.

“HAWKEYES!” Sengoku snapped. “Restrain him!”

Mihawk leapt, dodging around each Marine that tried to get to him. “No! Leave him alone!” Ace screamed. “Don’t do this! Don’t!” He knew exactly who Ace was talking to in the end. It was him.

“You were right about Ace’s birthplace!” Mihawk shouted as he fought against the crowd of Marines that came at him as his feet touched the ice. He dodged, ducking under arms and legs. Using Yoru to block gun fire. “But you were wrong about his parents!”

“How would you possibly know that?” He heard a Marine question him as he deflected the sword that was aimed for his head.

“Because I’m his father!” He snapped.

Almost as the words left his mouth, each Marine froze in their tracks. All attacks ceasing as Mihawk held Yoru in front of him. Blocking the four swords that he could count that were hitting his blade.

“Did he just say?”

“Hawkeyes? He can’t be!”

“Does this mean?”

He could hear the confusion coming next as the hushed questions followed. Mihawk made eye contact with Ace. Seeing the shock that was there.

“If you want to kill him! You’ll have to kill me first!” Mihawk roared, blowing back the Marines that were around him. He stood tall, keeping Yoru ready for an attack. “Don’t you understand, Ace! Your life will not end here today! How can I call myself your father if I just stand by and watch this?” He could see the taken back look on Ace’s face before he could see the contort of his features.

“How can we be sure you aren’t just saying that to keep this boy alive?” Sengoku questioned.

Mihawk huffed, gritting his teeth for a second. He paused as he noticed the movement behind him, seeing the line of Whitebeard Commanders around him. Marco was to his right and Thatch was to his left. The rest of them lined up next to them. Standing in a line alongside him. This was the moment that he might not be a Warlord anymore, but that title didn’t mean anything if he allowed Ace to be put through this. Mihawk turned his attention back to Sengoku. “I can tell you everything there is to know about that kid.” Mihawk shot back. “The day of his birth. How much he weighed. The first thing his mother said to him. The first article of clothing he wore. His favorite lullaby that his mother would sing to him. What age he learned to walk. What is it that you need to know?”

Sengoku’s eyes narrowed. “If you are supposedly his father. Who is his mother?”

Mihawk smirked. “I think you might actually already know. If you found out about his existence through Cipher Pol, you should know already who was present on Baterilla.” He paused, sighing as he looked at Ace, “You really do know how to make things dramatic, Ace. You getting captured is bringing the whole bunch here.”

He could see the flush that came to Ace’s face before the anger came, “As if you’re one to talk! Who do you think I got it from?!”

Mihawk shrugged. Ace wasn’t exactly wrong. “I’m not sure if it’s from me or from your mother. We’re all quite stubborn.” Mihawk shot back. Ace recoiled, looking away for a moment with a pout on his face. “You’re so much like him, Ace. When I look at you, I see him.” The smile came to his face for a moment. “Even your brother is so much like him. I used to look at the two of you and wonder how I was so lucky to have you all. That he provided me a family. I had no one until I met him. When he told me… I already had my ambition of being the greatest in the world. When you were born, I knew that I had to do everything to make sure I stayed there.”

Sengoku stepped forward, a scowl on his face. “You’re lying to cover for him. You’re not his father, or you wouldn’t have been here. You wouldn’t have accepted to fight the Whitebeard Pirates.”

Mihawk glared, twisting his blade in his hand. “You don’t get it do you?” He questioned. Sengoku stopped for a second. The realization coming to his face. “If I was locked away in Impel Down, I was no help to him! Take away my Warlord title. Lock me away. That’s fine, but I will not allow you to execute my son!” Mihawk exclaimed.

He was a valuable asset for the World Government. Now, it was just if the World Government wanted to risk making him their enemy again. He eyed Sengoku. Sengoku held the power here to strip him of that power. Could they afford to lose him? Sengoku seemed to be contemplating it. He didn’t get time to answer before the Marines had jumped in on the Whitebeard Pirates who were standing there causing Mihawk to also move.

He could see Ace struggling against his bindings now. They were all futile attempts, but he was still trying. “Please! Don’t do this!” Ace screamed. “Why now?! Why now of all times do you choose to do this!?”

“I should have shown you a long time ago, Ace.” Mihawk replied. He looked back at Sengoku before turning his gaze to Garp. “He can tell you. Right, Garp?”

Garp was smirking now, taking a few steps forward. “He’s telling you the truth.” The murmurs broke out among the Marines again. Even some of the Whitebeard Pirates.

“Wait, how does Vice Admiral Garp know this?” Mihawk heard one Marine question.

“Ace is his biological grandson.” Mihawk stated. “That batshit crazy old fool has an inclination to use his fists to show his family he cares for them.”

“And it fucking hurts!” Ace added. “Trust me when I say you want to run if he comes at you with those things.”

Garp bellowed out a laugh for a second, “It’s all in love, you fool.”

“Yeah, and you really thought we would want to be Marines?!” Ace exclaimed, “Seriously! Like beat us into wanting to be Navy soldiers. God, I was glad to be a pirate just to get away from you!”

Mihawk hummed, chuckling for a second from seeing the bickering between the two. “If you had just listened to me, you wouldn’t be in this mess!” He stopped for a second as he suddenly stopped, blinking, “Oh, that’s right. A warlord’s immediate family are pardoned and have frozen bounties.” He started cackling for a second as he looked back at Mihawk. “I may have forgotten to tell you that.”

Mihawk blinked, sighing as he rubbed a hand over his face. “Are you serious?” He grumbled, before he finally snapped, “You damn fool! That’s what you said that special clause was?!”

“I thought you’d figure it out.” Garp shot back. “You’re supposed to be smart.”

“It’s not like being a Warlord comes with a manual.” Mihawk groaned. “That means this entire situation should never have happened.”

Sengoku hummed. “Well, there’s an issue here, Hawkeyes.” Mihawk looked back up at him, narrowing his gaze, “You never registered that you had a mate or children. If it’s anyone’s fault, it’s yours. That is, if this is all true.”

Mihawk gave Garp a look before he sighed. “You really think a pirate will announce they have a child after what happened in the South Blue twenty-two years ago?” He shot back.

Sengoku frowned before he scoffed. “Fair enough.” He stopped for another moment, “You still have not once said who his mother is?”

Mihawk smirked. “Do you really want to know?”

Sengoku nodded.

“Well, I guess I could say he’s the one person the World Government knows they shouldn’t make angry, and I’m sure by now you have made him very angry.” He stated. “A certain red-haired Omega known to the world as Red-Haired Shanks.”

The only way to describe the silence around him was that he could hear a pin drop if it fell.

The silence was only broken by the sounds of screams coming from above them. Mihawk looked up, sighing as he stated, “Well, there’s the other.”

“Other?”

The Alpha sighed as he turned, using Yoru to create a large hole within the ice just moments before a ship and a group of people fell into it. It only took a few moments before he could see Jinbei surfacing with Luffy over his shoulder. Mihawk stepped forward, motioning for the other Warlord to hand him his son. “I’ve got him.”

Jinbei nodded. That must have meant that Luffy told them who he was. He had also noticed the rest of the Strawhats with him. His stupid son. Infiltrating Impel Down. Luffy had noticed him immediately, his eyes widening as he screamed out, “Papa! We got to save Ace!”

“I know, Luffy.” Mihawk stated.

He could see the way that some of the Strawhats were staring each other for the moment before Mihawk felt the hairs on the back of his neck standing. He looked over his shoulder just in time to see the canon fire coming their way.

Ace’s heart was pounding. He could hear Sengoku giving out orders. “Aim at Dracule Mihawk.” Sengoku said into the snail. “Shoot the second his guard drops.”

Ace looked back out at Mihawk, watching as in fact turned his attention to Luffy. Ace immediately started to shake his head. “Please, stop!” The cannon fire came next, a large explosion happening next. “PAPA!”

He screamed. He couldn’t do anything. He was stuck in place. All he could do was sit there and watch in horror as the cannon fire went off and everyone who had been standing there was engulfed in it. His Alpha father was there. His brother was there. He had seen Luffy. Seen him drop from the sky. It had his heart racing. He couldn’t lose them because of the decisions that he had made. He couldn’t allow for this.

“Please… just let them go!” Ace screamed. “Kill me! Just kill me already! Don’t hurt them!” He was begging and pleading with anyone who would listen. He was yanking at his shackles, trying to make as much noise as possible to get the attention back on him.

He gritted his teeth, sucking in the air as he noticed the calm that came next. The way that everything seemed to level out. His eyes widened as he noticed that Mihawk was standing there completely unharmed, Yoru in front of him as his gaze connected with Ace’s.

“I would rather die where I stand than allow for you to ever say those words again.” Mihawk had muttered it, but Ace could hear it completely.

He slumped back, feeling all the tension leaving him as he stared straight into his Alpha father’s eyes. Releasing a shaky breath. “Papa…” He whispered.

Then he saw Sengoku freeze, the Fleet Admiral looking down at him with wide eyes. “His… eyes.” Sengoku stated. His voice was so low that it was practically inaudible.

Ace looked away from him, looking back at Mihawk to see that the Alpha’s golden eyes were shining brighter. The one tell that could let anyone know when someone was viewed as family. When they were blood related. Adopted. It didn’t matter. That color could only be achieved by those who saw each other as such.

“You’re going to go home, Ace.” Mihawk stated, much louder this time. “You should know by now. Your life will not end the way his did.”

Sengoku was looking at him for a moment before he was looking back down at Mihawk. The contemplating look on his face. Ace swallowed the lump in his throat. They all knew. Their secret was out.

The entire battlefield was at a standstill. All eyes locked to Mihawk before eyes were turning to Ace. Not once had Ace’s eyes changed from that golden color. Mihawk had made sure to keep the connection going.

“They say that when a parent imprints on their child…” Sengoku started, “A bond that is almost unbreakable is formed. That bond can be used in many ways. Comfort. Protection. Calming. Even the projection of a memory into their mind.”

Mihawk eyed Sengoku for a moment. “And?”

“If this is as true as it seems…” Sengoku said, looking at Ace for a moment, “Project a memory onto him.” A smirk came to the man’s face for a moment, “A man of your power should be able to do this. It could be anything, and he’ll have to tell me what it is. A memory that holds a meaning to you.”

Mihawk had heard of that before, but he had never tried it. There were many beliefs behind their secondary genders and the strange ways that bonds could work. Even how powerful they could be. He wouldn’t think Sengoku would risk lying when it was becoming clearer to everyone that he was telling the truth. It was reasonable for them to skeptical. Pirates lie.

“What the hell is he talking about?” Luffy questioned.

The woman who Mihawk recognized as Nico Robin stated, “I remember reading once that it’s believed that the bonds between mates and their children can be so strong that memories can be transferred through a single thought. There has been speculation that if it’s powerful enough, that even others can see it.”

“That is so cool.” Luffy muttered. “Wait, how is that supposed to change this? Isn’t the eye thingy enough?”

“Pirates lie, Luffy.” Zoro stated, walking a few steps forward, “They don’t want to believe what they are seeing right in front of them since it will prove the Marines wrong.”

Mihawk chuckled for a second, “You really never paid attention during your lessons, Luffy. Did you?”

Luffy huffed, looking away for a moment, “Why does it matter if I know this?”

“Because sometimes, it can mean life or death.” Mihawk replied.

He could never lie about something like this.

No one ever asked him, so he had no reason to lie.

He looked back at Ace one more time and for a moment, it was just the two of them. There were many memories that he held that he was fond of. Many of them were after he met Shanks. After they had their children together. Then it hit him, the one thing that would work.

He thought about it, looking right at his son. A smile coming to his face. He could remember it all.

The first thing he saw was Shanks sitting on a bed, a small baby in his arms. The exhaustion on his face, but the happy and proud smile on his face. Sweating hair sticking to his forehead. “Ace.”

Within a blink, it was gone.

It was like everything around them had changed as all Ace could see was a softly setting sun. The smell of the ocean that made his nose twitch. The light wind that combatted the warm heat around him. It looked like the coast of Goa. Dawn Island to be specific. He was in amazement as he looked around for a second. It wasn’t like he was on the scaffold anymore. The only reminder that he was still bound was by the heaviness around his wrists, but he felt light.

Ahead of them, like he was looking through someone else’s eyes was Shanks and himself. Shanks looked back at him, giving him a soft smile as he held onto a young Ace. For himself, he was still so young. Probably between three and four as he was held firmly in his Omega father’s arms. Shanks was clearly heavily pregnant.

“Mihawk!” It sounded so clear to him. Next thing he knew, it was like he was getting closer. Shanks had moved, placing the smaller Ace on the ground. He could see himself smiling. Little hands reaching out. He almost instinctively moved his arms to reach out, but being unable to actually move them, but he could see hands reach out. Pale ones with small scars littering the skin. Kneeling down and grabbing the small child. He could feel the sensation in his hand.

There was only one word that went through his head.

Perfect.

The gaze moved away from the young Ace and back to Shanks, who was rubbing a hand over his stomach, a soft smile gracing his face. Such a soft look within his eyes. “He loves his Papa so much.”

What did I do to ever deserve something like this? Ace paused. These weren’t his thoughts. No. They were Mihawk’s. He could actually hear Mihawk’s thoughts. He was seeing this from Mihawk’s perspective.

I never want to see these smiles leave their faces. Even if it means that I have to continue on as a Warlord. It’s worth it. They are worth it.

As he blinked, the memory left his mind. Disappearing around him and leaving Marineford around him as he leaned back on his legs. Mihawk was looking at him, that same soft look within his eyes despite the sharp glance. One that Ace had grown so accustomed to.

He hadn’t even realized tears had came to his own eyes until he was blinking them away. As the Omega regained his bearings, he peered around. Noticing the change among those around him. They had seen it.

“It’s true.” He heard one Marine say.

Ace tore his gaze away, looking up at Sengoku to see the stunned look on his face before he was sighing and nodding. “I see.” He stated. “It seems like our intel had been wrong.” Ace could only choke on the air in his throat as Sengoku nodded, “Release him.”

It was that easy?

Sure enough, he could feel the cuffs being loosened before they clattered against the scaffold, and he could feel the flare of his fire roaring back to life. He didn’t understand it as he stumbled to his feet, rubbing at his sore wrists as he looked at his grandfather’s friend. “Why?” He questioned.

Sengoku sighed, raising up the snail in his hand. He had turned to address the Marines and Pirates down below, a look that even Ace couldn’t decipher on his face. “Portgas D. Ace is the son of Warlord of the Sea, Dracule Mihawk.” He stated, his voice ringing out over the den den mushi. “A subclause in the Warlord contract…” Sengoku turned his gaze back to him, a nod of his head as he added, “Ensures of the protection of any and all immediate family of the Warlord including mates and children.”

Ace looked over his shoulder in shock at Garp for a moment, shaking his head, “What is happening?”

Garp had a soft smile on his face, “Ace, you’re free to go.”

The Omega didn’t know what to say, shaking his head as he looked back at Mihawk. “I don’t understand.”

Sengoku had carried on, “Since Hawkeyes agreed to be a Warlord prior to the birth of Portgas D. Ace. His bounty will be abolished.” Ace almost couldn’t breathe. “As long as Hawkeyes remains a Warlord, Ace cannot be harmed.”

Ace didn’t need to be told twice before he was turning on his heel and rushing down the scaffold steps. Each step causing his heart to skip a beat. Not one Marine turned towards him. Even looked at him or reacted to him running by. His only thought waws to get to his family. His heart raced with each step now as he got closer.

Mihawk stood there, sheathing Yoru back into place as he gave a soft smile. Ace did the only thing he could think of.

He wrapped his arms around his Alpha father for the first time in years.