They Don't Know About Us Chapter 2, an one piece fanfic

They Don't Know About Us

Author's Note: So the last chapter that was supposed to have both Rouge and Shanks' backstories plus leading up to Ace leaving the Red Force got WAY to long so I split it up. I'm thinking about after this chapter writing for the build up to Marineford in the perspectives of our main characters. This does follow mostly Ace on the Moby Dick after the backstories just so you guys are fully aware. I'm also thinking of doing a one shot collection of just random ass moments of the family dynamic I have going on and alternate versions of scenes, ect. I dunno, maybe. Eh, well anyway I hope you enjoy! This chapter is Shanks' backstory! So some scenes might seem the same as from Chapter One but that was from Rouge's prospective and this one will be Shanks. Mihawk might seem OOC. I'm going to try and keep him as close to canon Mihawk as possible, but I feel like a lot of him would be slightly different if it came down to family and loved ones.

Please take note that this chapter DOES have Rape/Non-Con Elements or threats of it. They are in a world of pirates and crime so I could see a lot of bad pirates too just as much as our sweet, powerful pirates like Shanks, Luffy, Law, etc. Take Doflamingo for an example with Viola cause um.. yeah. That happened. One part will start with "He was thirteen…" you can skip that part entirely if that makes you uncomfortable. The scene ends at the line break. Nothing gets to far but it's the next part that will be a bit more vital to the story later on. So you don't have to read the part. It's marked off. Then another element when Shanks and Teach have their first encounter after Roger dies and he gets his scars. Which was mentioned in the previous chapter in Rouge's perspective.

On a side note: From a review on from pagalaelma: Is Luffy a swordsman in this one? YES! Ace and Luffy both are advanced with swordsmanship but with their Devil Fruit abilities, don't rely on it as much. It will come up eventually but YES! Mihawk taught them swordsmanship. I had already been thinking about that when I was still in the planning phase before starting this fic. They don't carry swords either, but both were gifted a sword from Mihawk. They do have them though.

Additional Notes: I'm not going to spend to much time going over the adventures of the Roger Pirates since that pretty much is all canon. I've got stuff I gotta do xD so I'll just summarize part of it before moving on. Some of the scenes had already taken place in Rouge's chapter so I don't really see a need to do them again. Except maybe two of them to be told from Shanks' POV. I won't be going to in detail here about Ace and Luffy's childhood because I will be doing it within the next two with Ace and Luffy's stories before Marineford. So just a heads up.

Fact for this chapter: I will be mentioning Roger's sword in this. If you don't know it's name… Spoilers I suppose. I do try to stay away from manga spoilers so that's why I'm not mentioning things that have happened except maybe the location UNLESS it's already been animated. Other than that, it doesn't get mentioned. The same goes for my other fic "Bring Me To Life" as well. I know not everyone reads the manga, so I try not to mention what hasn't been animated. Luckily, this fic won't be going into the details following Marineford… since Marineford changes here.

Chapter Warnings: Slight Rape/Non-Con Elements/Attempted, Canon Violence, Male Pregnancy, Child Birth, Mentioned Character Death (Sabo, who obviously isn't dead xD), Mentions of Underage Drinking, plus the normal.

Chapter Two: Why Wait (by Belinda)

Chapter Summary: When Shanks turned four, he left his mother to start his journey on the Oro Jackson with his father. Growing up on the Oro Jackson, eventually he watches his father become Pirate King only to get executed almost a year later. At sixteen, he finds out he's pregnant with his first child. Three years later, he finds out he's pregnant with his second child.

Life on the little island in the West Blue was peaceful. Shanks lived there with his mother on top of a hill in a secluded little home. The villagers were nice, a few times Shanks would play with the other children within the village. The rest of the time, he spent helping his mother in their home. He could see the longing on her face whenever she looked out at the sea. He didn't ask her about it at first but had finally found it in him to ask her about it. The large smile that came to Rouge's face was enough for the excitement to fill him.

That's when she started telling him the stories of her nakama and his father. His father was the Captain of the Roger Pirates, Gol D. Roger. His mother had been a Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. He soaked in every second of his mother's words. The large smile that was permanently plastered to her lips as she talked about the pirate crews.

The two would sit together for hours as Rouge talked about her life on the sea. She laughed whenever he told her that he was one day going to become a pirate. To live life as free as possible and traveling the seas. He did know that he wanted a life of freedom and he would do anything for it.

Still, his heart hurt looking at his mother. Whenever she thought he wasn't looking, she would be looking out to the sea with a sad smile on her face. He knew in his gut just how much she wanted to be back with her nakama. Rouge had explained pack bonds and bonds in general to him when he asked her about it.

She had a pack bond with the members of the Whitebeard Pirates. While they weren't biologically related to each other, they were a large family. She said it hurt that she couldn't be with them, but she had a duty she had to fill before she could ever think of returning. The young Omega child had questioned his mother on why they didn't just go together. She had stated it was getting far to dangerous and that she was scared for him. Both her and his father had high bounties and were part of crews that were constantly attacked by Marines. He would tell her that Papa Eddie would protect them just like he had done with his mother in the past. She would smile at him and say she knew but the fear still remained. That if he ever had children one day, he would understand the feeling.

Either way, he wanted his mother to be happy. She looked sad most days whenever they weren't doing something together. He just hoped one day that she would be able to be truly happy again.

Some days, Rouge would teach him how to fight. They would fight within the yard, Rouge teaching him how to use a power known as haki to be able to strengthen himself and also to be able to locate someone or notice is someone was approaching without having to see them. They found out he had the third form of haki called the Conqueror's haki when Shanks was getting picked on by older children for being an Omega. He had accidentally knocked out almost everyone who was present aside from about three people including his own mother. Shanks had cried when he got home, fearing that he had accidentally killed them. Rouge had to explain to him that wasn't the case, that they had just passed out and would be completely fine.

He was going on four whenever he met his grandfather for the first time. Garp had showed up with what Shanks would define as a "bang" quite literally when he gave Rouge a "Fist of Love". He didn't know Garp was his grandfather at first when he had cast himself between his mother and the Vice Admiral. Rouge smiled at him, explaining Garp was her father and Shanks' grandfather. Garp had stayed for a few days before having to depart from the island. Shanks holding a newfound fear of the so called "Fist of Love".

When he turned four, he met his father for the first time. Shanks knew almost immediately the man was his father whenever he entered the home. The man's scent comforting and protective. An unseen bond telling him exactly who the man in front of him was. Roger had cried into his shoulder as they held each other, running his finger's through his hair. After Roger had pulled away, he gave Shanks his straw hat. Telling him to protect it and care for it. When Roger asked for him to go outside, he obliged, joining the man named Rayleigh that had entered the home originally with Roger. He quickly nicknamed Rayleigh his uncle. Catching the pack bond between his father and the man within seconds of the two entering their home.

He stayed outside for a while until he had looked through the window to see his mother crying. In concern he had walked back inside when Rayleigh was distracted with the rest of the crew. He caught a lot of the conversation between his parents. Rouge expressing her want to return to the Whitebeard Pirates and Roger's idea of letting Shanks come aboard the Oro Jackson. His mother seemed to protest at first about the separation, but Shanks had chosen that moment to round the corner and proclaim to his mother that he would be okay. That he loves her.

His mother had protested but Shanks gave his exclamations that Rouge belongs with her pack too. She finally gave in, placing her necklace from Roger around his neck.

The Roger Pirates stayed on the island for a week before they were departing from the island. Rayleigh had carried his belongings onto the ship as Shanks said goodbye to Rouge until they saw each other the next time. Shanks held in his tears as he boarded the Oro Jackson for the first time. Roger had picked him up placing him on his shoulder as the ship started to depart from the dock. Shanks waved to his mother until he couldn't see her anymore.

A part of him cried for his mother, the other part was excited for his new journey with his father.

The first few weeks were easy for him. The excitement of now having the title of Apprentice of the Roger Pirates under his belt. His father had told him that they were heading back to the Grand Line. On the way back, they had stopped at an island and ran into a young Alpha boy named Buggy. Well more like Shanks had. The Alpha boy was apparently all alone and living on the streets. With one look to his father, the Oro Jackson gained another nakama.

Shanks couldn't be happier on the Oro Jackson. To put the cherry on top, he had wished his mother would have joined them, but her heart belonged with the Whitebeard Pirates. He wondered what her pack mates were like in person. How many new people Papa Eddie ended up with while Rouge was away. So many questions ran through his head. How was his mother doing? Was she happier again? How was her crew.

He did know for positive, just how much he missed her. He had never been away from his mother before. Roger was doing well enough to keep up and if Roger was preoccupied, Shanks went to Rayleigh. Both men listening to him and letting him cry as he wished for his mother.

That night he cried for the first time since leaving the West Blue. He cried out for his mother as Roger held him, rocking him and running his fingers through his hair. Shanks breathed in as much of Roger's scent as he could in his own attempts of calming himself down. Roger hummed a song that Shanks' recognized as Bink's Sake, which was doing a number in helping sooth him. The Alpha making promises that he would be seeing his mother soon. He had fallen asleep right there, curled up in his father's arms.

Like promised, he saw his mother often. It made him even happier seeing Rouge and meeting her nakama. The Whitebeard Pirates had a few kids older than him on their crew but were still children. One of them being a kid named Marco that Shanks automatically made a target of his antics. Whenever the duals would break out among the Roger Pirates and Whitebeard Pirates, Shanks found himself versing Marco. He could only stare in awe as Marco's arms turned into blue and yellow flames with the flames turning his arms into wings. Marco explained to him of his mythical zoan type Devil Fruit. The Toni Toni no Mi: Model: Phoenix. It fascinated him. So, that night around the campfire, he asked his mother about Devil Fruits. Which she happily obliged in explaining to him.

Shanks found himself enjoying the company of the Whitebeard Pirates, spending most of his time latched onto his mother and talking with the apprentices of the ship. He really enjoyed Marco and Thatch. The two bickering like siblings but showing their love and protectiveness of each other at the same time. Papa Eddie was a really good man. Often treating Shanks like one of his own whenever the two crews did get together. Despite the man being the rival captain and Shanks being Roger's apprentice. He also found how safe he felt curled up in Whitebeard's lap whenever his mother decided to dual with Rayleigh for a while. Whitebeard welcomed it, letting the young Omega cuddle into him. There was only one member of his mother's crew that gave him a bad vibe. An apprentice named Teach. He especially didn't like the way Teach would look at him. It only made him curl into his mother even more.

When it was time for the crews to depart, he waved off his mother as she started back to the Moby Dick and him to the Oro Jackson. Buggy made fun of him, calling him a softie like normal as he waved off the rival crew. Shanks just shrugged it off and disappeared into the interior of the ship without a care. Buggy didn't know, so Shanks was going to let it go in one ear and out the other. He often found himself clashing with the blue-haired Alpha, the fights having to be broken up by Rayleigh just about every single time. The rest of the crew would egg them on, but Rayleigh put a stop to it with a swift punch to the top of their heads.

Buggy asked him once about his relationship with Roger. Shanks wasn't sure what to say to him. He had taken to calling his own father "Captain" in respect to the man leading the ship. Instead of explaining the complex situation between his parents and himself, he just stated that Roger was his Captain just like him.

Shanks learned quickly just how much Roger and his crew got into altercations outside of seeking out the Whitebeard Pirates. It definitely made him understand more on why Roger hadn't shown up in the West Blue until he had. He also learned quickly that his father was not a man to be messed with.

Growing up on the Oro Jackson was an experience all on its own. Shanks quickly learned that his father loved to fight but loved the adventure more. They were going through the Grand Line, charting all the uncharted and dangerous waters. He didn't get to see his mother as much whenever they were getting further down the Grand Line.

There was one person they constantly ran into on most islands. An up and coming swordsman with the scent of wine and forest. His sharp golden eyes captivated Shanks whenever he looked at the Alpha teenager. More than once, Shanks found himself clashing with him, which more often than not, it ended in a stalemate for the both of them.

He quickly learned the teenager's name was Dracule Mihawk. Gaining a name for himself in the Grand Line as "Hawkeyes" for his keen eye and ability to manipulate his sword. They first met when Shanks turned eight. They ran into Mihawk just as much as when they ran into the Whitebeard Pirates. Shanks started to wonder if Mihawk was seeking him out so they could duel.

Both his father and Rayleigh would tease him whenever Mihawk came around. The anticipation that filled him whenever their duels would start. Buggy also got in on the teasing. Often telling him that he wouldn't make it as a pirate if he was going to be soft for an opponent. Being soft in general.

The last time he had seen Mihawk had been around the time that Oden joined the crew. The crew had landed on Wano and clashed with the Whitebeard Pirates again for three days and three nights straight. It ended in a party and swapping of supplies.

That was also the last time he had seen his mother for a few years as the Roger Pirates sailed the second half of the Grand Line.

That had been around the time that Shanks had learned his father was ill. A terminal illness that attacked his lungs. Roger had pulled him aside and explained the entire situation to him. His father was slowly dying and there was absolutely nothing Shanks could do about it.

He had gone back to his room that night and cried himself to sleep. He barely stirred when Roger had came into the room and sat next to his bedside. Running his fingers through his hair to sooth him. A motion that both of his parents seemed to do. Either way, it was absolutely calming. Though, it didn't help much when it came down to the information that Roger had shared with him and the rest of the crew.

His father was going to die, and a lot sooner than Shanks wanted. He wanted more time with his father. More adventures. It was all going to come to an end soon. Way to soon.

"I know I don't have much time left, Shanks… but live your life in just the way that you want. That's all I can ask for." Roger had whispered to him before placing a kiss on his head and disappearing out of the room.

Shanks hardly slept that night.

He was thirteen when they were getting closer towards the end of the Grand Line. The most dangerous parts of the waters. They had stopped on a lawless island to get more supplies for the journey to their next stop. They had also taken down a crew when they arrived that thought they could take on the Roger Pirates. Only to suffer in defeat as even Shanks and Buggy were able to take men twice their age. Shanks was sitting a little way away from the rest of the crew, munching on a chocolate bar that his father bought for him in the town. Listening to the crashing waves of the ocean, watching the moonlight reflecting off of the waters.

The crew was distracted. Sitting around the fire, letting the light from the flames illuminate the area around them. He could smell the cooking food. His father was sitting next to Rayleigh like usual, chatting with the other Alpha that Shanks couldn't quite understand what they were saying. He was far enough away that he could hear their voices but couldn't tell what words they were actually saying to each other.

The Red-haired Omega looked back out to the sea, taking another piece from his chocolate bar. Enjoying the quieter part of the beach. He loved his father and the crew, but the drunken pirates became a lot to handle at times. He did have a gut feeling that he was going to end up just like that one day. A smile played on his face as he looked away, breaking another piece of chocolate off and eating it.

A chill went down his spine. He turned his head towards the forest that was to his left, sighing in relief as he saw nothing. He looked back to the ocean, letting out a small sound as a hand covered his mouth and nose. Jerking him off of the sand and dragging him kicking towards the forest. Shanks clawed at the hand covering his face, tears coming to his eyes from the lack of oxygen. He kicked and screamed, trying to make as much noise as possible to alert his crew. His father. Rayleigh. Anybody. His vision blurring as he fought against the suffocation. He couldn't even smell through his nose to try and identify anything about the person. Their scent. Their dynamic. Nothing.

He tried to use his haki, only to hear a low laugh in his ear as he struggled. "Why don't we have a little bit of fun, boys. Gotta pretty little Omega here from that crew." The man laughed. His sword was ripped from the sash around his waist. Fingers running over his now exposed skin of his hip a little too long. The Omega pirate's heart was beating against his chest and white sound ringing through his ear.

Shanks wasn't even sure how far from the crew he was. He couldn't tell through the lightheadedness he was facing. Finally, he was thrown away from his kidnapper. Crashing into the ground in a heap as he sucked in a deep breath. He went into a fit of coughs as he nails dig into the dirt and grass below him. He flipped himself off his knees and started scooting back as he started counting the people around him. He counted six men in total and his eyes widened as he recognized them. They were the men from that morning. The ones they had taken down when they had arrived at the island.

The stories that he heard from his mother and grandfather started running through his head. How Omegas would be treated by pirate crews who didn't hold a certain code. The look in their eyes was enough to tell him their intentions. The smell of lust rolling off of them. He could smell the booze in the air, probably having been split when they through him to the ground.

He was still pushing his way across the ground when his back hit a pair of legs. The color drained from his face as he looked up to see the man standing above him. By his scent, Shanks could tell the man was an Alpha. The way he held himself, he was safe to assume he was the pack leader and the Captain. Earlier that day, Shanks had been busy with a few of the lower ranked men of the crew. Never actually seeing the Captain that his father had faced.

"The pretty little Omega apprentice, Captain." The man who Shanks was sure grabbed him, just by his voice, said, "Just like you asked for. He should be enough to get revenge on that crew."

A lump formed in Shanks' throat. He looked away, trying to find any way that he could escape. Exit strategies running through his mind. He hoped with everything that his father had noticed his absence. He wasn't far enough away from them that they wouldn't of heard something. They had to of.

Shanks pushed himself up to his feet, standing in a fighting stance. Covering his hands in haki with a snarl. The Captain smirked at him, laughing for a moment. Shanks noted the pink tint to his cheeks and the way he stumbled. The man was intoxicated. If Shanks got lucky enough, he could probably take a few of them out and escape. At the moment, he was completely surrounded, blocking off all escape routes.

Now or never. He thought. He turned, throwing a haki covered hand and hitting one of the men in the nose. The man let out a yelp and grabbed for his now bleeding nose. Shanks took the moment to push off of the man's back, kicking the man beside him in the head. When his feet touched back to the ground, he grabbed at his sword that they had discarded next to the fire. Unsheathing the blade quickly, he slashed at the next man that came up on him. He managed to graze the man in the side. Gaining a yell of pain from him as he grabbed at his now bleeding torso. The man grabbed at his shirt as he fell down, ripping the front of his shirt open and pulling it completely out of his sash.

Before Shanks could go for the next one, something hit the back of his head. Knocking his straw hat off and into the dirt before he collapsed to the ground. His sword dropping next to him with a clank. His ears ringing and vision once against blurred. He raised a shaky hand, touching the wound and pulling his hand back enough to see the blood on his fingers through his disoriented vision. He bit his lip, sending out a weak wave of haki, any attempts of trying to keep the men away from him.

The Captain was now looming over him, the sadistic grin playing on his lips as he made a tsking sound. The Alpha kneeled down next to him. His fingers touching the back of Shanks' head where the wound was. Shanks let out a whine of pain as the fingers dug in. He attempted to move away despite the spinning around him.

"A feisty one too." He purred.

Shanks snarled at him, gritting his teeth in pain as the pain erupted through his head again. "Screw you."

The Alpha only continued to smirk at him. The rest of the men were now standing again, getting close to him. Shanks willed his body to move despite the disorientation. He needed to get away. He had too.

The Omega apprentice gave out weak kicks, using the last bit of his strength in an attempt to shove them away. Hands covered his body, pinning him down. Still, he fought against the hold. Trying anything and everything to try and get away from them. His heart was racing once more between the adrenaline and fear coursing through him. His sash was ripped from his hips, coming up to cover his mouth. Effectively gagging him.

Shanks growled, trying to rip his limbs from the roaming hands. A weight pressed into his thighs, locking his legs into to place. He froze as he felt the Alpha captain push up against him. Breathing heavily, he started to wiggle.

I can't let this happen. Shanks thought to himself. The men looming over him laughed at his attempts.

"Maybe we will even keep you alive and send you back to that crew of yours. Let them see what happens when they mess with the wrong people." The Captain whispered, leaning over him to get up close to his ear. It sent shudders down Shanks' spine. The Alpha's hands pushing his shirt up, bunching it up underneath his arms.

He completely froze as the hands moved down his torso and stopped at his hips. Nails digging into his skin, hands gripping hard enough to leave bruises, before they slipped into the sides of his pants and jerked the fabric off of his hips. The cold air hitting his skin. A noise slipped out of him as the Alpha's hands continued to move.

"Relax, Omega. It'll be better that way." Shanks felt disgusted at the use of his secondary gender in such a demeaning way. Knowing what context, they were using it in. It made his stomach twist in knots.

No. No. No. No. NO!

He squeezed his eyes shut, bracing himself for what was about to happen next. Instead the smell of strawberries and coffee bean filled his nose as the weight behind him was ripped off of him. He heard the loud crash and yell of pain as the Alpha's body connected with a tree.

A low, almost feral, growl filled his ears as he blinked his eyes open to see Roger standing over him, facing away from him but facing the Captain from before. The other men were pinned down by Oden and a few others from the crew. Buggy and Rayleigh were next to him. Rayleigh kneeling down and pulling him into his arms. Buggy grabbed his straw hat and sword off of the ground. The Alpha placed the straw hat back on top of Shanks' head, handing his sword over to Rayleigh. A growl leaving the Alpha apprentice as he marched over to stand next to Roger.

Rayleigh took the moment to help pull Shanks' pants back over his hips and pulling the sash from his mouth. "Thank god we got here in time." Rayleigh looked completely sober now despite being drunk the last time Shanks had seen him. "You're safe now. They can't and won't harm you." The First mate's fingers ran through his hair, soothing him before he paused. Pulling his hand away to see the blood on the tips of his fingers.

"Get Shanks out of here. I'll take care of this." Roger growled.

"Captain…" Shanks muttered. Roger looked over his shoulder, their eyes meeting for a moment. Shanks felt all the fear melt from him as he looked into his father's eyes. The protectiveness, the love, almost any emotion Shanks could feel from his father. The Alpha's eyes glowing gold for the moment before melting back into red. The same red that was associated with an Alpha going into a rage.

"Rayleigh, get him back to the ship. Buggy, go with them. We've got this." Roger ordered.

"Yes, captain!" Rayleigh and Buggy said at the same time.

With Shanks secured in his arms, Rayleigh started back towards the ship with Buggy in tow. Shanks could hear the growls coming from Buggy that had yet to stop. The Alpha not saying a word to him, rather clutching onto his own sword as he stared back at the clearing.

Shanks couldn't help the smile that came to his face as he heard the screams ringing out before silence quickly followed. He allowed his head to lean fully against Rayleigh's shoulder. Taking in the Alpha man's comforting scent of citrus and vanilla. "Stay awake Shanks until we get to Crocus. We need to get you checked out. That injury doesn't look good."

Shanks nodded weakly, uncaring in that moment as he just laid there. He focused on keeping his eyes open as they got back to the ship. Some of the crew were on standby at the ship, dropping their swords as they made it out of the forest. Crocus came out of the crowd, rushing over to their side. "To the infirmary." He instructed quickly.

The scenery around Shanks was coming in and out as he placed down on the bed in the medical bay. He caught Crocus hovering over him, light flashing momentarily into his eyes before the man pulled away. He stayed as still as possible as the doctor went over his injuries, turning his head away from him to look at the back of his head. A towel had been placed against it to control the bleeding as Shanks caught Crocus asking Buggy to fetch him some supplies he needed. Shanks cracked open his eyes to see Rayleigh sitting directly at his bedside, his hand covering Shanks'. The Omega hadn't even noticed he was shaking at first until Rayleigh had squeezed his hand softly, muttering calming words.

Shanks grimaced as he felt fingers gently prodding the back of his head. Rayleigh continued to mutter to him as Crocus worked. "Alright, Shanks, I need you to try and stay awake. I know you might be tired but I'm going to give you something to help with the pain." Crocus stated. A needle pierced his arm, giving him the pain medication. "Rayleigh, raise his head slightly so I can get the bandages around it."

Rayleigh moved his hand from Shanks', reaching around carefully to pick his head up as Crocus started bandaging the wound. Shanks only winced slightly from the pressure before his head was placed back down onto the pillow. Rayleigh sat back down, looking Shanks in the eye with a soft smile. "Shanks, did they do anything to you?"

Shanks shook his head as well as he could. "No… they tried but I fought back."

Rayleigh gave him a soft smile. "Good. You're safe here. Remember that. Crocus is going to take good care of you." The man stated.

Shanks nodded, still forcing his eyes to stay open. Rayleigh didn't leave but silence fell over the room.

Buggy had been excused from the room, leaving just the doctor, Shanks, and Rayleigh. Crocus was sitting at his desk, writing down notes of Shanks' condition when Roger entered the room. The Captain instantly rushing over to Shanks' side, fretting over him. Shanks noticed the blood splattered over his father first thing. His eyes roamed up from his clothes to his father's face, seeing the fury laced in his normally calm features.

"Shanks, son, did they do anything to you?" Roger questioned. Shanks shook his head just like he had for Rayleigh. Roger gave a sigh of relief before notifying them that all the pirates were dead. Roger sat down next to Rayleigh, placing his cleaned hands on Shanks' arm. "This never should of happened in the first place. I'm so sorry, Shanks."

Shanks gave a soft smile, turning his head slightly to completely look at Roger. "It's not your fault. None of us had a clue that they would come back." He stated. He paused, eyeing his father for a moment. His eyes were back to their rightful storm cloud color, gone was the gold or red that had shown before. "What did you do earlier? With your eyes?"

Roger's eyes went wide for a moment, mouth dropping open as he looked over to Rayleigh. Rayleigh smiled. "It's a special ability that resides within family members and pack members. When you hold a bond with someone, you can reach into that. Unlike with a bond, its effects are stronger. His eyes radiated that gold color to assure you. Make you feel safe." Rayleigh explained. "The color gives it away. Gold is family and mates. Blue is pack members. Just like whenever a secondary gender sparks a rage. Alphas' eyes turn red. Betas will turn green. Omegas will turn purple." Rayleigh finished.

Roger laughed slightly. "This is why Rayleigh is always by me. He explains this better than I do!" The Captain stated, turning back to face Shanks. "Are you okay?"

Shanks curled up on the bed, turning to his side to face his father and Rayleigh even more. "Yeah, nothing happened. I'm okay. I promise."

Roger just gave him a soft smile, running his fingers through Shanks' hair. "If you need to talk about it. You can talk to me, Rayleigh, Crocus, anybody. No one will think differently of you. Nobody. You fought and held them off until we got there. At thirteen against six adults."

Shanks smiled. "They deserved what happened to them."

Roger and Rayleigh both nodded in agreement. "Yes, they did." Roger confirmed. "I love you, son."

Shanks sighed softly, nuzzling his nose into Roger's wrist. "I love you too, dad."

They had done it. They had dominated the Grand Line and made it to the last island. Shanks, himself, didn't get to go to Laugh Tale since Buggy came down ill right before they were about to depart from the island closest to it. Shanks had chosen to stay behind and care for the Alpha apprentice so they could continue on. Shanks assuring Roger that if the two wanted to go to Laugh Tale one day, they would go by their own ships.

Shanks had waited in eagerness for his father and their crew to return. The cheerfulness that filled him whenever the Roger Pirates did return had him bouncing on his feet. Waving his arms as the men on the ship waved back to him and Buggy.

When they arrived back, the first thing he did was hug his father with tears streaming down his face. Roger became known as the King of the Pirates from that moment on.

That night, Roger announced their last adventure and the Roger Pirates were disbanded. There was not one dry eye in that moment.

With the crew quietly disbanded, Roger and fourteen year old Shanks departed from the ship and met up with Rouge, who had taken a leave of absence from her position as the Second Division Commander. One year that they would have together before Roger would be turning himself into the Marines. One year left with his father.

It was peaceful on the small island that they decided to spend their last year. According to his father, he had bought a home on an island called Baterilla in the South Blue but didn't want to drag attention to the place in the case if Shanks or Rouge needed it in the future.

Mihawk had found him on the island. Numerous times throughout the year to get involved in a duel with him. His father and mother watching every movement. Roger and Rouge both stepping in to help Mihawk and Shanks with their swordsmanship if they sat it fit. Mihawk even dueled with Roger a couple of times. Getting beaten every single time. Shanks could see the fury behind the golden eyes of the Alpha each time.

His mother and father looked happy as they spent their last moments together. The three practically glued to each other except for when they were asleep. Spending as much time as possible together before the year ended.

All good things eventually come to an end.

As the year came to a close, Roger said his final goodbyes to his beloved and child setting off towards the nearest Marine post. Shanks had read in the paper of the "capture" of Gol D. Roger. The Marines and World Government acting as if they had actually taken down the Pirate King. Shanks could almost laugh at the clear press manipulation.

Rouge was silent through it all. The announcement revealed that Roger was going to be executed in Loguetown. The same town that he was born in was going to be where his final moments took place. As soon as they could, they left for Loguetown. Shanks wondered how much of their crew was going to be there. If they were going to be there at all. When the crew quietly disbanded, Shanks was the first to depart aside from Roger. After that, he didn't know what happened to them. Any of them. He assumed they would of went in hiding from the Marines. He could only guess that Rayleigh returned to Sabaody. Oden to Wano. His best guess was they all returned home to their homelands or somewhere familiar. The thought passed his mind about Buggy. Buggy was his friend. At least he thought he would be.

His mind ventured off to their many adventures. The many fights that they had been involved in. Shanks wasn't in it for the fighting, he was in it for the adventure. More than once, Buggy told him he wasn't cut out to be a pirate. Even without the want to fight, Shanks thought back to all the times he had fought at his father's side. The war against Shiki. The many duels against the Whitebeard Pirates. The fights against the Marines. All of them going through his mind. Shanks didn't see the need to fight. Rather wanting to take a calmer approach, but his father enjoyed the fighting. Seeing the large grin plastered to Roger's face as he faced off to an opponent. It gave Shanks so much joy just by seeing how happy his father was. How free.

A small smile came to his face despite the tears in his eyes. Rouge had her arm over his shoulders in comfort as they finally made it to Lougetown. That's when Shanks heard the rumors. The Marines were searching for a child of Roger. His blood had ran cold just as his mother's face had gone pale. The only relief came in the form that they thought the child was still yet to be born or close to being born. He hadn't been found out. It was almost laughable that they just now thought that Roger was siring a child. They were fifteen years too late.

He never thought he would have to fear the fact that being Roger's child could have a heavy impact on him. How it created a target on his back because his father became the Pirate King. The most feared man who wasn't a pirate or Revolutionary. Even though Dragon was slowly coming up behind him to gain a title of being the Worst Criminal. It was in that moment that Shanks knew he had to be careful in the future. Telling his mother that he wouldn't be going by Gol anymore. Rather Portgas if someone where to ask. Thankfully for him though, most people called him red-hair for his striking bright red hair. It would be easy to hide his namesake. At least he hoped so. He didn't bare a resemblance to Roger physically, looking more like his mother. His own hair color coming from his grandmother. Hiding his identity would be easier for him. His mother had agreed, despite both of their hatred for the need to hide. It was no longer safe for them. Even Rouge would be a target if it was discovered she was Roger's mate and wife.

Loguetown was buzzing with life. A lot of the people in the town to see the much-anticipated execution of Gol D. Roger.

From that moment on, they laid in wait. For the last moment that either of them would ever see Roger alive. Shanks was dreading every second leading up to it.

Shanks had felt his entire world shatter as he watched his Captain… his father get executed. Proclaiming to the world that they could have his treasure if they could find it before he was promptly executed before he could say anything else. A smile plastered to his father's face the entire time. He wasn't sure how he even got through it. His mother was standing right there with him. A smile on her face as she watched on. He couldn't help his own tears.

As the rain started, he remained where he was at until they had taken his body away from sight before he turned on his heel. His mother had pretty much left soon after that. Giving him a quick goodbye before stating she needed to return to her crew. She was hesitant but with Shanks' reassurance, she fully decided to leave Loguetown. With a final goodbye, Shanks watched Rouge leave. As her boat disappeared, he turned back and went into town. She was going to be returning back to her crew. Taking back her position as Second Division Commander. She was safe with Papa Eddie and her nakama. They wouldn't let any harm come to her. It had been practically a rule on the sea, you didn't mess with a Whitebeard pirate. Not unless you were prepared for the entirety of the crew to come after you. He knew Whitebeard would do anything for his nakama. His mother included.

He had ran into Buggy soon after, asking the Alpha if he would like to form a crew with him. Only to get shot down. He wasn't expecting anything less from Buggy. He was sure the next time that they saw each other, they would both be captains of their own crews on the Grand Line.

That night was the drunkest he had been in a long time. He didn't really drink much on the Oro Jackson but tonight he didn't have a care in the world. He had picked up quickly on some of the others present that he had known for a while. Buggy was present, having stood right next to him as their captain met his end. He had also picked up on Dracule Mihawk's scent mixed in with the crowd. The nineteen year old Alpha wasn't that far from him. Standing somewhere behind where he had been.

Mihawk. The Alpha training to be the World's Greatest Swordsman. At least in the Alpha's own words. It seemed like he ran into Mihawk more often ever since the Roger Pirates had been disbanded. He didn't want to admit to the growing feelings that he was gaining for the Swordsman. Whenever he saw the Alpha, his own instincts craving to submit to him. He sure as hell didn't listen to his Omega side. He shook his head to try and dispel the thoughts from his mind. That really should be the last thing he should be thinking about at a time like this. Clutching onto his glass as he drank probably his tenth shot of whiskey at that point.

He wasn't surprised when Mihawk found him in the run-down Gold Roger bar. The same bar that was named after his father. The Alpha's musky scent filling his nose as he slipped onto the stool next to him. Shanks knew he was drunk at that point when he turned to look at Mihawk. His head swimming as his eyes settled on Mihawk. The Alpha looked indifferent like normal. His face void of emotion. Mihawk had always been an expert on hiding his true emotions. Which tended to piss Shanks off to no end. How did someone manage to wear a perfect mask that barely could get a dent into it? He could even hide his scent if he wanted. Something that not a lot of people could manage without the help of medications or patches.

"What do you want, Hawkeyes?" Shanks muttered, tipping back his glass of whiskey, emptying the glass in one drink. Letting the glass hit the bar loudly as he placed it down. He could feel how warm his face was. He was getting drunk and he didn't have a care in the world. Absolute zero fucks given. He had every excuse in the book to be completely intoxicated out of his mind. He wanted to forget about this day. His life changed the moment the blades hit his father. His father was dead, leaving him and his mother behind while at the same time starting a new era of pirates. On the bright side, at least he still had his mother.

Mihawk leveled a look on him. His expression just as unreadable as before. He really didn't want to see Mihawk in that moment. He wasn't sure how it would end if the Alpha had stayed. Shanks looked to the bartender to order another drink but was stopped as Mihawk ordered him a water instead. A small amount of anger coursed through Shanks as he looked over to Mihawk. Who was still staring at him with the same stoic features.

"Really?!" Shanks exclaimed, his face flushed over in a mixture of intoxication and embarrassment.

"You're drunk, Red-hair." Mihawk stated as the bartender placed the water in front of him.

Shanks scoffed, taking the water, and taking a drink from it. "My captain just died. I'm allowed to drink."

"You're fifteen." Mihawk added.

"So."

Mihawk rolled his eyes, a small smile playing on his lips. The first sign of emotion that Shanks had seen on him since he arrived. "I came to keep you company." The Alpha whispered, looking away for a split second. Shanks was sure he had seen the quick flare of red come to Mihawk's face, but he couldn't be positive in his drunken state. For all he knew, his mind was making it up. "You look like you need it."

"So, kind of you." Shanks retorted but a smile coming to his face, nonetheless.

The two fell into a comfortable silence as Shanks let his head fall, leaning against Mihawk's shoulder. The Alpha's arm thrown over his shoulders, pulling him closer. The Omega found himself leaning in further to take in more of Mihawk's scent that was now assaulting his nose at full force. The mixture of wine and forest. It was soothing. He knew exactly what Mihawk was doing but didn't care to say anything to him. The Alpha was comforting enough.

Shanks wasn't even sure how long they had sat there before Mihawk was pulling him off of the stool and out of the bar. The Alpha's hand holding onto his own as they moved through the crowd of people who had came to see the execution of the Pirate King. Mihawk was the only reason that he was even able to stand straight as they maneuvered the crowded streets. The Omega falling over his own feet with almost every movement as the world spun around him.

He didn't even register that Mihawk had took him to an inn until the key was already in the lock. "If you wanted to sleep with me. Why didn't you just say so?" Shanks muttered. Shanks cursed his drunkenness for the slip of his tongue. He hadn't meant to say that.

Mihawk rolled his eyes probably for the twentieth time since finding Shanks, pushing the door open and leading the Omega inside. "Not while you're drunk." Shanks would not admit that his face had flushed at that, only that his face was red because of alcohol. Nope, it was alcohol only.

Shanks grinned. "That wasn't a no."

Mihawk snorted as he guided Shanks over to one of the beds, dropping him onto the mattress. "Get some sleep, red-hair." The Alpha did take the moment to pull off Shanks' hat and place it on the bedside table and slip his shoes off. Leaving them by the bed.

Shanks sighed as his head hit the pillow, burying his nose into the stale smelling fabric. Mihawk sat down on the other bed, propping his legs up and pulling out a book. It didn't make sense that Mihawk would take him back to his room at the inn. Mihawk only sought him out to fight, nothing more and nothing less. His eyes settled on the Alpha, watching his movements before he sighed again and buried his nose further into the pillow. Folding his arms underneath his head and pillow, stretching on the mattress.

"He wasn't just my captain." Shanks muttered. He heard Mihawk shuffle on the other bed. "He was my father." Shanks peeked an eye out, looking over to see Mihawk having a mixture of shock and understanding on his face. The Omega groaned. Right after his conversation with his mother about making sure no one knew who he was to Roger, he goes and tells Mihawk.

Good job, Shanks. You already messed up.

Mihawk closed his mouth, placing his book on the bedside table next to Shanks' hat. "I should have figured it out. That's why he was with you on that island. I suppose Hibiscus Rouge is your mother? Why else would she be there too?"

Shanks nodded. "Yeah. They met when my mom was seventeen. Dad was already sailing at that point. They just started running into each other. It led to me." He sighed, pushing himself up to sit back on his legs. "I shouldn't be telling you this. He became the Pirate King… the World Government already tried to find his child once. If they knew…"

"You would be a target." Mihawk finished. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."

Shanks gave him a soft smile. "Thanks, Mihawk."

Shanks stayed with Mihawk in Loguetown until his new ship had been built. He wasn't exactly sure why Mihawk had stayed around as long as he did. One thing definitely led to another as Shanks soon found himself falling into Mihawk's bed at night. Marks covering his body the next day. He definitely hadn't expected his relationship with Mihawk to turn into a sexual one, but he didn't mind in any form.

Mihawk departed from Loguetown before him. Shanks boarded his new ship, a list of possible recruits in his pocket as he started towards his first destination. During his journey, he managed to collect a decently sized crew. Crew that would eventually turn into his own pack. His first mate came in the form of Alpha Benn Beckman. Benn was often his voice of reason and a grounding spot when Shanks found himself getting to carefree at times. He also found a sniper named Yasopp, who he had personally sought out. Yasopp was supposed to be the best sniper in the East Blue. He also found Lucky Roux. His crew getting bigger and bigger by the day before finally Shanks thought he was good enough to make it back to the Grand Line.

Making it back to the Grand Line was easier than he thought. Almost immediately, he ran into the Whitebeard pirates again. Seeing his mother was always pleasant. What he hadn't expected was Teach. Teach stood in front of him, throwing an insult at him which in turn caused his crew to react. He tried to stop them but failed to do so as the fight among the crews quickly broke out. His words did nothing to stop his pack as they fought to defend his honor from Teach. Shanks grabbed his sword, gripping the handle tightly as he took on Teach. The look in his eye sent shivers down Shanks' spine. He hadn't seen someone look at him like that since that night three years ago. The anger flared in him as he kept his guard up. Sword clashing with Teach's bladed claw. It was the only thing he could do to keep Teach at bay. The Alpha attacking him before he had even drawn his weapon. He could smell his pheromones in the air, trying everything to get him to submit. Shanks growled at the attempt, not once diverging from the task at hand. Keeping Teach at bay. Teach's attempts didn't affect him. His mind still cleared. He thanked everything that he had complete control over himself. It could end badly if he hadn't been taught to fight against people like Teach.

His eyes widened as Teach broke through his defenses and pain erupted on his face. Directly over his left eye. Shanks let out a yelp of pain, his hand reaching up to cover the wound. He tripped over his own feet and crashed into the ground as Teach loomed over him. His blood running cold as he felt Teach's fingers touching his newly exposed skin. The movement sent chills down Shanks' spine. The look in his eye was something that Shanks despised completely. From their position, no one would have been able to see it. With maybe the exception of a couple people. That was if they were paying attention. His other hand held up ready to strike. Teach leaning down low enough that others couldn't hear but Shanks could of the things he planned to do. The red-haired Captain felt his eyes widen as his mouth dropped open. That hadn't been something he expected to come from Teach. He always got a bad vibe off of him, but never expected him to be one of those pirates. Not on Whitebeard's ship where everyone was an equal. There was no treating another as lower than you. Even the Commanders who outranked the regular crew members still treated their divisions fairly.

Shanks didn't have to do a thing as Yasopp and Lucky Roux pulled Teach off of him and Benn immediately coming to his side. He let out a gasp of pain as the sting hit his face once more as Benn pulled him off of the ground. He caught his ship's doctor instructing Benn. Shanks' mind was still reeling from the words Teach had said. Benn scooped him up, starting off towards the ship before anything could be said. Shanks could practically smell the anger radiating off of his mother.

He was rushed back to the ship, the hand that covered his wound replaced with gauze to help stop the bleeding. His straw hat was taken off of his head and placed on the table beside the bed. His doctor was coaxing his hand away as Shanks still tried to keep it covered. Finally, Shanks let his wrist be pulled, showing the wound to the doctor. "Thankfully, it didn't get your eye. You'll just have some scars." The doctor muttered. He wiped the blood away as he moved, grabbing some medicine that was spread over it to keep it from getting infected.

Shanks just kept quiet as the Beta doctor took care of him. Careful with his movements not to cause any more unnecessary pain to his Captain. Benn stood on guard at the door, watching for anyone who might get to brave and board the ship. Shanks let the doctor do his work, keeping his hands to his side to keep himself from reaching out and touching the injury. The doctor's movements were quick as he worked to bandage his eye, stating that Shanks was good to leave once he didn't feel dizzy.

Shanks only sighed as he pulled off his sash from his waist and slipped out of his shoes. Curling in on himself. The last thing he wanted was to get into an unnecessary altercation. Teach still sent chills down his spine. Teach broke through his defenses like it was nothing.

He wasn't sitting there very long before the door crashed open once more and his mother came rushing inside. Rouge took a seat next to him on the bed, wrapping her arms around him. Shanks practically melted in her hold. He sighed in contentment, letting all his thoughts disappear. It wasn't long before he was lulled to sleep by the mixture of her soothing scent and her fingers running through his hair.

Thankfully it hadn't taken long before he was able to take off the bandages around his eye. Three scar marks covered his left eye, giving him the idea for his crew's new jolly roger. The flags were quickly changed with the new jolly roger. A smile was on his face as the flag was revealed.

It wasn't long after that event before Mihawk showed up for another duel. His nakama ran into the nearby town for supplies while Shanks moved on to duel with Mihawk. Both of their bodies covered in sweat as their blades clashed. A smirk played on the Omega's lips as he leaned his weight into his haki covered blade. Mihawk was giving him the same satisfied grin as they clashed once more.

Just like all the times before, it ended in a stalemate. Shanks grinned as he sat on the sand with a water in hand. He took a drink, wiping his mouth with the back of his head. He handed the bottle over to Mihawk, who accepted and took his own drink. Shanks turned to look out to the ocean, adjusting his hat on his head. The Omega took the moment to look over to Mihawk. The Alpha looking out to the ocean as he leaned back with his arms bracing him. His hat sitting securely on his head. His torso naked but a long overcoat covering his arms. Shanks choked down the knot in his throat as he looked back out to the ocean, his face flaring with heat.

"Red-hair." Mihawk stated, pulling Shanks out of his thoughts. The Omega looked over to him, seeing the swordsman shift until he was facing the Red-Haired Captain. "I wanted to give you something. You can say no if you want too." His entire demeanor was almost completely out of character for the Alpha. The Alpha always held a certain amount of confidence in himself, was now looking completely unsure of himself. The same man who would seek him out just for a good fight. The man who had challenged those stronger than him and won. Leaving no one around him standing. Becoming known quickly for his strength and will. Who was now sitting right here next to him with an uncertainty.

Shanks grinned at him, turning to face the Alpha. Mihawk quickly put a mask back on his face, showing the same apathetic nature as normal before he stood up and walked around Shanks, kneeling behind him. Shanks felt his heart racing as Mihawk reached around him, revealing what had been in his hand.

"Would you accept?" Mihawk whispered, leaning in close to Shanks' ear.

Shanks' eyes fell on the trinket. It was a simple golden chain but the pendant hanging from it had the form of Mihawk's Yoru and Shanks' own Gryphon with a cherry blossom flower over the crossed swords. The Omega felt his stomach twist as he nodded. Mihawk moved, clasping the necklace around Shanks' neck. His fingers tracing the curve of Shanks' neck, sending the mixture of sparks and chills down Shanks' spine.

Shanks turned, sitting back on his folded legs. His face only burning brighter as he realized how close he was to Mihawk in that moment. It was oddly romantic. Even more so than what normally Mihawk would do. If anyone was the helpless romantic, it was Shanks.

Mihawk was the first to move, leaning forward and connecting his lips to Shanks. Shanks wrapped his arms around Mihawk's shoulders as the Alpha stood up, easily picking up the younger pirate. The Omega wrapped his legs around Mihawk's midsection in one swift motion. Mihawk didn't even stumble from the added weight.

Shanks smiled into the kiss as Mihawk carried him off towards the Red Force. They had plenty of time before Shanks' nakama would be returning. His world quickly turned into bliss as his back hit his bed with Mihawk looming over him.

That only started the more constant visits. Mihawk and Shanks seeking each other out at every possible chance. Shanks was gaining his own notoriety in the Grand Line and gaining a higher bounty at each passing moment. Gaining territories in the New World. He became quickly known as the pirate that only fought when provoked. He was fine with that. He wasn't in this world for the fight. He was in it for the freedom and adventure. He had to strength to back it all up. Even the Marines left him alone because of his pacifism. Mihawk, in his own right, was taking on more opponents, only for them to fall at his feet each time. When they would meet up, they would duel than usually fall into Shanks' bed for the night.

That was around the time that Shanks started to notice the change in himself. Strange cravings that he couldn't place. The sharpness of his scent that lingered even heavier around the ship. His crew even more reacting to him. Benn was becoming more fiercely protective of him. Even Yasopp and Lucky Roux were becoming more glued to him.

It had been a comment from Mihawk that started to put it into perspective for him. "For someone who normally stays out of conflict, you look more exhausted than usual." It had came after a fainting spell that was originally summed down to exhaustion. Fainting spells that were happening more often than not. That's all he had to say. Shanks had found himself in his doctor's quarters after that.

The news ringing through his mind. "You're pregnant, Shanks."

His entire world shifted in that moment. Standing on the deck of the Red Force, hand over his stomach as the course of the ship was set for the last known location of the Moby Dick. He had to see his mother. Through the fear coursing through him. To the uncertainty of where he stood with Mihawk. It was all too much.

It surprisingly didn't take long before they had crossed paths with the Moby Dick. Boarding the ship and making the beeline to his mother. Rouge knowing right away what situation Shanks had found himself in. He could feel the concern coming from her nakama at his change in demeanor. Shanks never encountered another pirate crew without activating his haki first. Showing that he was not a man to be messed with. In that moment, he didn't care. He just wanted his mother. She always knew what to do when Shanks didn't know.

She had questioned him on the father of his pup. Shanks giving Mihawk's name. Mihawk was the only person Shanks had ever slept with and the only one within the time frame. Without a doubt, Mihawk fathered his pup. Undisputable if he told anyone he had lost his virginity to Mihawk. She had asked him if he loved Mihawk. He did. He couldn't even deny the feelings that he felt towards the swordsman. Mihawk was someone special to him. Someone he could see spending his life with. Despite them both having two totally different goals in life and different adventures. Rouge had told him the necklace that Mihawk had given him was full proof that Mihawk was interested in him in the same way. It gave him a satisfied flutter at the thought. He just so happened to also fall victim to one of his fainting spells in that moment.

When he had came to, Rouge had told him of her plan to go to Baterilla, where she believed it would be safer for him and his pup through the course of his pregnancy. He had agreed. Roger had bought the place if they ever needed it. In that moment, Shanks needed a place to stay safe.

They had arrived to Baterilla within a few months. The small swell in Shanks' stomach showing the small life that Shanks was currently protecting. A life growing within in. A life made by him and Mihawk. He found himself constantly running circles over his stomach, a smile on his face as he hummed softly.

His nakama had decided to stay on the ship during their stay, coming up to the home every single day. They only went back to the ship after Shanks fell asleep for the night.

Mihawk had found him just as soon as they landed on the island. Coming up to the house the night they had docked. Shanks could only hold in a bated breath as Mihawk stood in front of him. His crew and mother giving them privacy as Shanks broke the news. "I'm pregnant, Mihawk." He had muttered.

It wasn't even a second later – Shanks not even having time to blink – before Mihawk had his arms around Shanks and spinning him around with his nose buried in Shanks' scent gland. A smile wide on his face as he pulled back. The new emotion on the Alpha's face was a pleasurable sight. Mihawk did not show emotion often. Almost nonexistent if you were to ask someone. Now, he was grinning like a mad man.

All his fears disappeared, just like his mother's assurances that Mihawk would be happy. That night, Shanks had a bond mark on his neck. Showing the world that he was connected with Mihawk. Mihawk having his own from Shanks.

Mihawk had been glued to his side ever since that moment. Not living Baterilla even once through the course of Shanks' pregnancy. The months passed by in a blur for Shanks. The crew fixing up the ship to prepare for a baby. A nursery built that was attached to Shanks' room, the room filled with supplies that they would need to care for a newborn. Shanks' doctor reading book after book and working with the doctors on Baterilla to train himself for pediatrics. His mother had been a grounding force around him. Keeping him calm whenever he thought something was going wrong.

Just like in the moment, his pup kicked for the first time. They all had been lounging in the massive, secluded yard. Shanks leaning back against Mihawk with his hand over his stomach when he felt the strong hit to his stomach. Shanks was almost ashamed to say that he had panicked thinking something was wrong with the pup. Rouge had only laughed and told him that his pup was kicking. Which lead to a celebration among the crew as Mihawk was the first to feel the kicks before everyone got a turn within Shanks' newfound excitement.

He was awaiting the day to meet his pup.

It was peaceful on Baterilla. Shanks missed the sea like no other, but in his state, it wasn't safe to be on the open ocean. As much as he wished that he could be. He had taken to walks on the beach. Mihawk joining him just about each time.

The two walking hand and hand as Shanks kicked at the water barefoot. Even Mihawk's jacket was gone, pants rolled up his shins and his boots gone. All sitting up with Shanks' sandals at the edge of the beach.

It was almost picture perfect. The two walking along the sand, the cold water hitting Shanks' ankles as the sun was setting. Like Shanks said, he was a hopeless romantic. He sighed as he turned, leaning against Mihawk's naked chest. The Alpha's arms wrapping around his waist, hands landing on his growing stomach. Shanks reached up, wrapping his arms loosely around the Swordsman's neck as Mihawk nuzzled into his neck.

Shanks let out a noise of contentment before muttered, "What about Ann for a girl and Ace for a boy?"

Mihawk smiled against his bond mark. "They're perfect."

He had woken up in the middle of the night to the start of the contractions. At first, they felt like small cramps before they started to get stronger. Shanks had chosen to walk around, helping to sooth the labor pains he was feeling. Mihawk had been with him the entire time, making sure he kept balanced and if he needed to stop at any moment.

He wasn't expecting the sudden piercing pain to rip through his abdomen that had him doubling over. It didn't feel like his normal contractions that he had been feeling throughout the day. It had sent him into a panic, exclaiming that something was wrong. Mihawk had scooped him up almost immediately and started off for the room that had been set up for the delivery. The Alpha muttered in his ear the entire time, trying to sooth him. Fingers running through his hair.

Through the pain, he could see his doctor, Rouge, Yasopp, and Benn within the room. The door was closed behind Benn as his doctor worked his pants off. He couldn't hear what his mother was saying through the ringing in his ears as he gritted his teeth in pain. This pain wasn't like anything he had felt before. Mihawk was whispering in his ear, urging him on. The Alpha had crawled onto the bed behind him, his legs on either side of Shanks and letting the Omega lean into him. Their hands intertwining as Shanks let out a yell about the pain. Mihawk was continuing at his attempts to keep him calm as his doctor checked his dilation. The uncomfortable feeling in his gut. With that he had the confirmation that it was time to push.

Yasopp and Benn were on either side of him, holding his legs up. Shanks couldn't find the strength to thank them in that moment as he put all his focus in on getting the pup out. He barely noticed the bag of blood that had been connected to his arm by his mother.

Mihawk had released his pheromones and scent in strong waves as the next contraction hit. Shanks bearing down for the countdown. With each contraction, he would repeat the cycle. Falling back against Mihawk in exhaustion. Trying to focus on his breathing, heaving as the pushing would take his breath away.

He could feel just how weak his body was getting. He couldn't think straight. The only reason that he was even able to sit up slightly was because of Mihawk and Yasopp and Benn holding his legs to keep him in position.

He wasn't even sure how long he had been going through the cycle of pushing before finally the release of pain and a loud cry followed. He gasped, sucking in a deep breath as he leaned back against Mihawk with an exhausted grin. His eyes falling on his pup. His mother announcing that he was now the father of a boy. His son was cleaned off quickly before being placed against his chest. The small, warm body pressed against his own naked chest.

Shanks couldn't even begin to describe what he felt in that moment as his eyes lingered on his son. He cradled his son, the pup's head in the nook of his arm. He had hardly noticed the tears starting as the smile broke out on his face. Mihawk reaching up and running his knuckle over the pink cheek of their son. His freckled cheek. A feature he got directly from Shanks and Rouge. A tuff of black hair on his head that matched Mihawk's. He had the gel over his eyes to keep bacteria out, but Shanks could see through the cracks of his eyes that they looked closer to Shanks' eye color. They would know for sure when he was closer to six months old.

"Ace." Shanks muttered, his voice showing just how exhausted he truly was. "His name is Gol D. Ace."

Mihawk hummed in agreement. "Our little boy. You did so well, Shanks." He stated, pressing a kiss to Shanks' temple. The two stayed in silence after that, basking in the euphoria of having their son right there with him.

After a few minutes, he allowed for his doctor to take Ace to check him over. His doctor did his job quickly before he was passing Ace back over to Shanks. He had already finished up with cleaning Shanks up and taking care of what needed to be done.

Shanks relished in the moment of holding Ace close to him. Taking in his son's scent of cherry blossoms and wine. A perfect mixture of both his and Mihawk's. His doctor had stated that most likely Ace would present as an Omega when he fully grew into his scent and pheromones. Which usually happens within a couple of days to a few weeks after birth. He vowed to himself that nothing would ever harm his child if he had a say. Just looking up to Mihawk, he knew the Alpha felt the same way.

They stayed on Baterilla for six more weeks before Mihawk had to depart for his own duties and Shanks was cleared by his doctor to return back to sea. Mihawk left Shanks behind with a kiss and a kiss to Ace's forehead before he was departing on his little boat. Shanks gave his goodbyes to his mother before also departing on the Red Force, heading back towards the Grand Line. It had shocked him when his mother revealed that she was retiring from piracy and would be moving back to Dawn Island, but if that's what his mother wanted, he would support her. Just like he would with Mihawk. Like him, Mihawk had his own dreams to capture. Even if that meant Mihawk wasn't always going to be with them.

Shanks was anxious returning back to the sea with a newborn pup. Ace was so small and vulnerable. He thanked everything that pirates and marines alike didn't mess with him due to his nature of not getting involved in conflict. The last thing that he needed to happen was for an attack to the ship.

His mother's words about him rang through his mind and they couldn't be more true. Ace was the light of his life. He knew that much. He would do absolutely anything to protect this pup. Give him a life full of love, joy, and happiness. Ace was something that Shanks never realized he needed in his life until the moment he had laid his eyes on him.

Ace was his perfect thing. No matter how far he went or what he decided to do in life. Shanks would be there every step of the way.

The time passed quickly. Before Shanks knew it, Ace was a toddler. Presented quickly as an Omega like Shanks' ship doctor had thought. His scent of cherry blossoms and wine stuck with him. The cherry blossoms sticking out a bit more than the wine scent. He wreaked havoc on the ship at every chance he got. Babbling on in excitement around the nakama. Mihawk was able to come by every so often, almost as often has he had before. Ace's face would light up the moment the Alpha stepped on board. Clinging to his Alpha father almost immediately. It worked in vice versa as Mihawk didn't let Ace leave his sight except for a few moments whenever they were together. Spending those precious moments together. It was hard for Shanks to believe that Ace was already two at that point. Time seemed like it flew whenever pups were so tiny.

It wasn't long after that did Shanks discover that he was pregnant again.

He had decided to go to Foosha village where his mother was now residing during the course of his second pregnancy. It had also been the first time that Garp met Ace. The man attaching himself to his new grandson almost immediately. Shanks thanked the heavens that Garp had a code about not hitting pregnant people with the "Fist of Love" though he knew it would be coming for him the second he wasn't pregnant anymore. Like before, Mihawk wasn't far behind him.

His second pregnancy was far easier than the one he had with Ace. With Ace, he had fainting spells when he didn't eat enough, or his blood pressure spiked. His morning sickness was also severe with Ace. With this one, it was easier to keep food down and he had only fainted once the entire time when he forgot to eat breakfast. He also had a lot more energy compared to his first pregnancy. How vastly different they were coming as a surprise to him.

When it came time for his pup to arrive, his labor had been a lot shorter and quicker. With only seven hours of labor and twenty minutes of pushing. Thankfully this time, there were no issues and his pup arrived without complications.

He had given birth to another boy, in which him and Mihawk named him Luffy. He was deemed to be an Alpha by the doctor. His scent radiating forest and cherry blossoms. Like Ace, he had a tuff of black hair and his eyes appearing to be like Shanks' again with the stormy grey-black color that both him and Ace had.

Shanks couldn't be happier. This was his little family. With the extension of his nakama who he shared pack bonds with. His world complete. At this point, he had fulfilled everything he wanted in life.