Impossible Chapter 4, an one piece fanfic

Impossible

Author's Note: Hey everyone and welcome back to Impossible! So, again at any time a dark theme could show up within any of the chapters. Shanks' backstory is turning out a lot longer than I meant for it. This entire chapter was supposed to take place in the last one, but it did not turn out that way. I do hope you enjoy the chapter. On with the fic!

I am trying to level out some fluff, happy times, and consensual sexual content so it's not all completely non-con/dub-con. Like always, I will let you know where it starts so you can skip to the next line break and skip it!

Smut Warning on: Mihawk's lips were…

Chapter Warnings: Male Pregnancy, Child Birth, Birth Complications, Near Death Experience, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Content, Bonding/Mating

Chapter Four: The Captain of the Red-Hair Pirates: "Red-Haired" Shanks

Chapter Summary: Shanks meets an Alpha named Benn Beckman, effectively forming the Red Hair Pirates. As Shanks starts to gather reliable nakama, he finds out that he's pregnant. He travels to Baterilla after speaking to Rouge where he gives birth to his son, Ace.

After departing from Loguetown, he had decided to stay within the East Blue and try and recruit some people into his crew instead of heading directly back for the Grand Line. His journey had taken him to a small village where he had almost immediately encountered an Alpha named Benn Beckman.

He hadn't expected to meet anyone on this island. It was a small place, not necessarily known for anything. He had been to the East Blue as a child and had been here before. He only stopped because he was in need of some more supplies.

It seemed to him that the world hated him. He didn't have anything to block out his scent and pheromones, so they were raging around him from the imbalance he had. The grief of losing Roger still going through him. Being on his own.

There were times that he wanted to be left one, and this was one that he didn't want to be. He would rather just sit by someone and act like he knew them.

He should have known the second he felt an arm slip over his shoulder and the smell of booze reaching his nose that he was dealing with an intoxicated Alpha who had picked up on his scent. He knew his scent was a sweet one.

He frowned, stopping what he was doing to side eye the Alpha for a moment. The man's face was flushed over, giggling slightly. This man was more than just intoxicated, he was plastered.

"What's a pretty thing like you walking around alone?" The man's words were slurred that Shanks could almost hardly understand him. He sighed. This wasn't the first time someone's approached him, and he knew it wouldn't be the last.

"I would prefer to be left alone." Shanks stated, trying to shrug the man's arm off, only for it to tighten and pull him in.

He was absolutely not in the mood for this.

"Come on now, let me just walk you home. Some scary people out here." Shanks didn't pick up any malicious intent. He was sure the Alpha probably couldn't even stand long enough to do anything. He could never know. His haki wasn't indicating danger. Just someone who was drunk and a terrible flirt. "Having a pretty face like that will attract some crazies."

Like you? Shanks thought.

Shanks forced a smile onto his face, laughing slightly, "I appreciate the concern, but I can take care of myself."

The drunken Alpha laughed, leaning a bit closer towards Shanks, sniffing slightly. Shanks made a face, pushing at his shoulder slightly. The Alpha's arm slipped off of him thankfully, but the man stumbled on his feet again. "You're really pretty." The man said again.

"Thank you. You've said that already." Shanks stated. "Now, if you'll excuse me." He said, going to sidestep away.

"Why don't you come have a drink with me?" The Alpha questioned.

Shanks shook his head. "No, thank you. Just need to get some things and be on my way."

"Just one drink. I'll pay."

Shanks was about ready to drown himself in the nearby fountain. There was no getting away from this man apparently. "Once again, no thank you."

"It will be worth your while." The Alpha drawled, stumbling again.

"I'm sorry but I'm really not interested." Shanks replied.

The Alpha frowned. "I don't see a mark on you or a ring. Not even one of those courting necklace things." The man paused for a second and chuckled. "Someone like you should have loads of men and women lining up wanting to be with you."

Shanks was starting to get completely uncomfortable now. He peered through the corner of his eye. He didn't want to have to fight his way out since the Alpha wasn't trying to necessarily do anything. He didn't want to have to resort to haki, which he could easily do and just get this done and over with. He would rather just talk his way out of it without having to actually harm anyone. He was already radiating a warning. Having just enough haki streaming off of him that was keeping others at bay. It didn't seem to affect this man and if it was, he wasn't showing it.

He paused as he caught the Alpha pheromones walking by. A large man moving to pass by them. A cigarette in between his lips. Long hair pulled back into a ponytail. Perfect. "Oh! Honey!" Shanks exclaimed, the Alpha turning to look at him with a quirk eyebrow. "There you are! I've been looking for you. I'm almost done with the shopping." Shanks stated, moving just enough to stand a bit closer to him.

The newcomer looked between him and the drunken Alpha before understanding came to his face. "There you are, darling." The Alpha stated, moving his arm to wrap it around Shanks' shoulders. "I see you have made a friend."

"Just someone who wanted to go get a drink." Shanks replied, grinning as he turned his head to look back at the drunken Alpha. Shanks reached up, bringing his mother's necklace into his hand.

The drunken Alpha's eyes locked to the necklace in his hand, his face changing before he was sputtering, "Oh, I'm sorry, Beckman. I didn't realize that he was taken already!"

"Go home." The Alpha—Beckman stated. "Sleep it off."

The drunk man nodded, muttering out a few apologies before he was rushing off. Shanks waited until he was gone to pull away and smiled. "Sorry about putting you on the spot like that." The Omega stated, holding his hand out, "I'm Shanks."

The Alpha took his head, an amused look on his face. "Benn Beckman."

He had known almost immediately upon meeting him that this man was going to be his First Mate. He wasn't sure if it was that gut feeling that his mother would always get or by the way that Benn spoke. He had been the first person outside of the Roger Pirates to completely take him seriously the second they found out he was an Omega. He had succeeded in talking Benn into joining him. Becoming the first official member of his crew.

He had decided to stay within the East Blue to at least get a decent amount of people to join him. Including a doctor thankfully. They would need one on the ship. Shanks had pretty decent knowledge and it seemed like Benn did too, but they would have needed one sooner or later. So far, he had gotten lucky and had been getting people to join him just about anywhere that he had went until he had a good enough amount to head back to the Grand Line.

The trip to the Grand Line seemed even more thrilling than when he was with the Roger Pirates. He summed it down to being his own Captain now and experiencing it with new nakama. What he hadn't expected was to immediately run into Crocus the second they had gotten to the end of Reverse Mountain. Honestly, he should have known. It's where they had found him before. It was only right that he would return home to care for Laboon.

It had been nice to see his former Doctor. Crocus had checked over his crew, making sure that his nakama were "up to standard". He knew where Crocus was coming from, but it wasn't necessary. He was an Omega Captain on the open sea with a bunch of Alphas and Betas. He had yet to find another Omega so far. Leaving him as the only one on board. He felt pretty confident in being able to judge someone's character and he didn't get anything odd from any of them.

It was almost immediately that Crocus had given his seal of approval and told Shanks to visit him the next time he came back through, and they were on their way.

It wasn't long after that they had ran into Mihawk again. They hadn't seen each other in almost six months and the first thing that they did was clash together in a duel. Haki flaring and blades clashing together. Smirks on their faces.

It had surprised his crew the second that he had moved forward. Causing them to try and explain to him exactly who Mihawk was. He didn't need to be told. He already knew all too well who the Alpha he was clashing with was.

"You're getting stronger, Red-Hair." Mihawk drawled from behind his blade.

Shanks smirked. "You are too." The Omega pulled back, slashing again with the same satisfied smirk.

That night, Shanks found his back getting pushed up against his door. Mihawk's lips connected to his own as hands moved to tear his sash from his hips. His own hands moving to undo Mihawk's shirt and pushing it from his shoulders. The very familiar heat building up within the pit of his stomach. His own body telling him all that he needed to know.

The satisfied smile came to his face as Mihawk pulled away long enough to pull the pinstriped shirt over the Omega's head and tossing it somewhere within Shanks' quarters. Mihawk's shirt followed quickly before his hands were back on Shanks' hips, pulling him closer.

"It's been too long, Red-Hair." Mihawk stated, sounding almost out of breath.

Shanks smirked, arms looping around Mihawk's shoulders. "Well, we've got a lot of time to make up for then." The laugh ripped from his throat as Mihawk all but manhandled him off of the floor, his legs twisting around the Alpha's waist before his back was hitting his own bed.

Mihawk was here with him now. That's all he cared about in that moment.

Mihawk had hung around for a few days after their fateful meeting. Staying with him throughout the course of his heat. His own heat accidentally sparking Mihawk's rut before Mihawk could take anything to counteract it.

The first thing he had noticed was the way his nakama hung around him more the second Mihawk had showed up. Almost like they were trying to protect him from the Alpha. It wasn't necessary but it gave a sense of security knowing that they had his back just as much as he had theirs. He had proven as much when he had met some of them. Helping them out of sticky situations they had been in when they had met.

With Mihawk departing, he had pulled the Alpha into a kiss right in front of his crew. Seeing the shocked expressions – amused from Benn – as he pulled away and turned back to face them with a shrug.

"Why didn't you just say that you were together, Boss?!" Hongo exclaimed.

Shanks shrugged. "What's the fun in that?" He tossed back. He paused, looking back to Mihawk's retreating form. "I don't really know what we are honestly."

"With that kiss, anyone would say otherwise." Lime Juice added, poking at Shanks' cheek.

What he didn't understand as he watched Mihawk leave was the feeling of wanting him to come back. He had never felt that before.

Over the course of the next two months, he had found himself getting even more increasingly exhausted. At times, he was barely even able to keep his eyes opened. He couldn't keep any food down most of the time no matter how hungry he was.

He was feeling absolutely dreadful.

He rubbed at his eyes as he stood on the upper deck with Benn. He leaned against the rail, resting his chin against his palm as he watched his working nakama. Normally he would be helping them, but lately they had been keeping him out of taking care of much of anything. It was mildly infuriating. There weren't many of them and he was already so used to helping on a ship because of his time on his father's ship. He would at least like to help.

"You should go lay down, Shanks." Benn stated.

Shanks hummed. "I don't want to."

"You look exhausted." Benn replied. "Even if it's just for a little while. The crew will understand."

Shanks pushed against the rail, the fatigue still coursing through his body. "Maybe just for a while." Dark dots danced over his vision, he felt Benn's arms loop around his torso before he could hit the ground.

Shanks blinked as he came too. No longer seeing the beautiful outdoors, but instead the roof of the infirmary. He groaned, placing a hand against his head as he pushed himself up. He wasn't alone in the infirmary. Akito was with him, sitting at his desk with his back to him.

The doctor turned, a smile on his face as he said, "You're awake, Captain."

"What happened?" Shanks questioned, reaching immediately for his hat that was on the bedside table.

"You passed out from your blood sugar dropping." Akito stated.

Shanks nodded, sighing as he rubbed a hand over his face. He still felt exhausted. "Thanks, Akito." He muttered.

Akito hummed, standing up and moving to stand in front of him. "There is something you need to know." Shanks looked up to him, seeing that fond smile still there. "I ran a few tests and discovered the reason behind your recent fainting spells."

"What is it?" Shanks questioned.

"You're pregnant, Boss."

Shanks was still in shock sitting within the infirmary. He didn't even know what to do. Let alone tell his men. The only thing that was crossing his mind was that they were going to decide not to be with his crew anymore. Leave him behind. He loved his nakama. Loved having them around. He didn't want to lose any of them.

He peered down, placing a hand on his flat stomach. There was a life forming there. That was half him and half Mihawk. The thought crossed his mind, what if Mihawk didn't want them?

There were so many questions running through his mind. So many things that could go wrong. He was only sixteen. He was so young. He wasn't ready for this.

Why couldn't he breathe?

He was gasping for air, clutching at the pinstriped fabric underneath his hand. Tears stinging his eyes. Arms wrapped around his torso, hands falling onto his wrists. The small of tobacco, vanilla, and pine. "It's alright, Shanks. Calm down." The husky voice came into his ear, the pheromones flaring around trying to get him to calm down. A sob ripped from his throat before he could even register Benn's words completely.

"Benn—I can't…" Shanks heaved as Benn's arms curled around him tighter, almost like they were trying to ground him back to reality.

Benn quietly shushed him. "It's alright, Shanks." Benn muttered.

"What am I supposed to do?" Shanks whispered, choking on the cry that tried to escape him again.

"We'll figure it out." Benn replied, placing his chin on the top of Shanks' head. "Just one step at a time, alright."

He announced the news almost immediately, seeing the concerned faces of his nakama immediately warp into excited ones as he was getting clapped on the back. Smiles and laughter filling the area around him. Even with their excitement, that fear was still cemented into his mind. Keeping him unsure of what to do.

He sucked in a deep breath, looking back at his nakama from underneath the brim of his hat. "Find the last known place of the Whitebeard Pirates. We're going to see them."

"The Whitebeard Pirates?!" Hongo questioned. "Why them?"

"Commander Rouge of the Second Division." Shanks stated. "She's my mother."

Seeking out the Whitebeard Pirates had been easy. They had been closer together than he had thought. He could barely get a few words in before he had fainted right in front of them all. Coming too a few moments later and his mother immediately understanding what was going on and why he had been there.

Rouge had immediately told him to get off the sea. Head for the home that Roger had bought on Baterilla that was located in the South Blue. He had agreed, telling her that he had just wanted her to know about his baby.

They were sitting in the seclusion of the trees. The others having a sort of party and barbeque. Shanks leaned against Rouge; his head settled on her shoulder as her fingers ran through his hair. She was humming to the tune of Bink's Sake.

"Mom?" Shanks whispered. Rouge hummed, not exactly replying to him verbally. "How did you do it?"

Rouge stopped humming, pulling away slightly so Shanks could turn his head up to look at her. "What do you mean?"

"How did you go through all of this—" He paused just long enough to motion at his stomach before he finished with, "Alone?"

Rouge smiled. "It was hard, but I managed. When I was pregnant, my father was with me for most of it. Dragon was too. I was never truly alone. Rising you had been hard since I had to do it alone, but I never regretted my decision. Never regretted anything about the way I raised you or brought you into this world. You'll just know."

Shanks sighed, leaning his head back against his mother and looking up to the sky. Picking at his nails for a moment. "Mom, did you ever think that your nakama wouldn't want you around? Or… maybe that Dad wouldn't want me?"

Rouge made a noise, not one particularly out of shock, just like a soft hum and denial mixed in. "I never thought that. I left because it was a life a newborn shouldn't be around. They loved the fighting and the plundering." She paused, sighing, "But, Shanks, you're different. You don't actively seek out a fight. You just do whatever your heart says. You and your baby will thrive, no matter what you choose. Just for your pregnancy… get off the sea."

Shanks smiled, turning, and curling into Rouge's side.

Even with all the time apart, Rouge always seemed to know what to say.

Mihawk's face came to mind. His stomach twisting and fluttering. The feeling that had only been getting more and more ever since he had met the Alpha.

"Mom…" Shanks whispered.

Rouge looked down at him, that smile still plastered to her face. "What, sweetheart?"

"I'm in love with him."

Rouge chuckled slightly, pressing a kiss into the top of his head. "I've known that for a long time, Shanks." She stated. "He's quite the catch. Even if you don't believe it now, you'll see it one day. That boy loves you more than you ever know."

Leaving the Whitebeard Pirates, they had gone straight for Baterilla. Setting themselves up at the house that Shanks knew. He was already starting to get a bump by the time that they had arrived. They had only been there about a week when Mihawk had shown up. Finding him with ease.

Shanks felt like he couldn't even begin to breathe again as Mihawk stood in front of him. Eyes landing on his stomach. No emotion written in his eyes or on his face. Just blank. He didn't even have to say a word. Mihawk knew. This was one thing that he could never see though with Mihawk. Was that indifferent mask that he could wear at all times.

"Mihawk… Mihawk please say something." Shanks finally said.

They had been standing in silence for what felt like an eternity to him. They were just in a tension that seemed to fill the room.

Finally, Mihawk walked forward, a palm reaching out to lay on his clothed stomach. The look of shock on his face before his eyes were on Shanks. "You're…"

"Pregnant." Shanks finished.

Mihawk's face broke out into a smile. The Alpha letting out a laugh of disbelief before his lips were connecting to Shanks'. The Omega had been caught completely off guard before he let his eyes flutter shut.

The Alpha pulled away that smile still on his face as his hand came up to cup the side of Shanks' face. "How do you feel, Red-Hair?"

Shanks shrugged. "Alright, I guess." He whispered, leaning into Mihawk's touch. His gaze moved down, noticing Mihawk's hand was still over the curve of his stomach. Fingers spread out over it. "You're really… okay with this?"

Mihawk leaned forward, his nose touching the top of Shanks' head. "I never thought of having a child. Not with my ambition to be the strongest. Living the life of a criminal… but, with you… always."

Shanks felt his face flare. The heat rising on his skin. The Omega sighed, "We live completely different lives, Mihawk. How are we going to do this?"

Mihawk forced Shanks to look back up, that soft smile still on his face still. "We'll figure it out. There is nothing that this world can throw at you that you can't overcome."

Shanks smiled, placing his hand over Mihawk's. He believed every word that was coming out of the Swordsman's mouth. "Mihawk, what if… what if I screw up?"

Mihawk tsked, shaking his head. "You won't."

"How can you be sure?" Shanks questioned again, tilting his head as he exhaled sharply.

Mihawk hummed. "You grew up on a pirate ship. You know exactly what to do. You'll do beautifully."

Shanks laughed, wiping at the tears that had formed in his eyes. "Damn hormones." He whispered.

"Shanks." Mihawk said, pulling his attention back to him. There was a serious look back on the Alpha's face that had Shanks completely paused in place. "Mate with me."

Mihawk's lips were moving against his. The Swordsman's hands moving up the back of his shirt. Blunt nails scratching down his back at had him making a noise into the Alpha's mouth. His pants were already long gone, but he didn't want to discard his shirt just yet. Leaving it on the entire time they had been in here.

He mewled as Mihawk thrusted up into him. Throwing his head back and letting out the moan that had been trapped in his throat. His arms moving to wrap around Mihawk's shoulders, fingers curling into his hair. The Alpha's mouth had gone to his neck. Nipping at the curve of it. His heavy breathing leaving a trail of goosebumps wherever it touched.

Mihawk moved to pull his shirt off, but Shanks stopped, moving his hands down to the end of it, pulling it back down before he was looking down at him. "Please don't." Shanks muttered.

Mihawk gave him a soft smile, pressing another kiss into his lips. "I need to."

Shanks didn't know what to do. Technically, Mihawk was right so the Alpha could get to his bond gland. At the same time, he didn't feel comfortable. The way he didn't look the same. Tears pooled in his eyes almost involuntarily as he bit down on his lip. Mihawk's thumb found his lip. "Mihawk… I don't…"

"Shanks, you are beautiful. No matter what you look like." Mihawk whispered, his lips right over his. "Besides, you are glowing with my child, aren't you?"

The air caught in Shanks' throat as the tears spilt over and the smile came to his face. He leaned in connecting his lips to Mihawk's. The Alpha's hands moving to wipe the tears away from his face. Just as soon as they were there, they were gone again. Back on his hips and sliding his shirt up. That feeling still remained ever so slightly but as Mihawk pulled his lips away, the reassurances fell from them.

Shanks' shirt was thrown on his head, discarded somewhere within the room. Mihawk had a smile on his face still as he whispered, "Absolutely stunning." His hands roamed over his now naked skin, moving so Shanks' back was on the bed. Mihawk leaned in again, connecting their lips as he snapped his hips. Hitting Shanks' sweet spot dead on that had the Omega seeing stars. The sounds dropping from his lips with each small touch. Each chaste kiss.

He bared his neck, tilting his head enough that gave Mihawk complete access to his bond gland, a smile on his face as Mihawk looked down at him with lust blown eyes. Mihawk didn't say anything as he leaned down, teeth grazing over the sensitive gland. The Omega gasped, hand curling into black hair, as the sharp puncture came next. The swirl of the bond forming in his chest followed next. It was unlike anything he had ever felt before. On one hand, he felt complete. But on the other, it was like he was missing something. He was now tied to Mihawk in more ways than one.

He had came right then and there with a high pitched moan escaping his mouth. Hand curling even tighter in Mihawk's hair that he was sure he might have ripped out a few strands. Clamping down on the Alpha. Mihawk growled against his neck, pulling back to reveal the shining red down to him. The sharpened teeth.

A smirk came to Mihawk's face next as his arm curled around Shanks' waist, flipping their bodies over so the Omega was on top of him. Shanks' toes curled as the friction caused even more stimulation to his body. The slick that he produced sticking to their thighs. Almost uncomfortable against Shanks' already sensitive skin. He curled his hands on Mihawk's abdomen, letting out a shaky breath.

He paused as Mihawk tilted his head, showing the bond gland that was there. The soft smile returned to his own face as the Alpha nodded, moving his hand to pull Shanks down by the back of his head. Shanks could feel the sting behind his eyes, his teeth starting to sharpen. He let his eyes flutter shut as he pressed a kiss into the pale skin of the Alpha before opening his mouth and biting down onto the gland.

That missing feeling soon warped again. Changing completely as he felt himself being completely tied to Mihawk. Just like him, Mihawk reached his climax. His high splashing on the inner part of him. Shanks mewled into Mihawk's neck, nails digging into his skin before he pulled away.

He leaned in, connecting his lips to Mihawk's with a mutter of, "I love you."

And he truly meant it.

He was head over heels for him.

Shanks hummed, letting his bare feet kick at the water. Mihawk wasn't far from him. Their hands intertwined as they walked through the water. Shanks was already roughly five months along now. Just a few more months and their baby would be here. One thing he had quickly realized, they didn't have a name.

Shanks looked over to Mihawk. The Swordsman was staring out towards the water, an indifferent look on his face despite looking so comfortable. Relaxed. "Hey, Mihawk?" Mihawk hummed as his reply, not even looking away from the water. "What would you want to name the baby?"

Mihawk paused, looking over to him for a moment. He made another noise, a small smile coming to his face. "A boy… I don't know. A girl… Ann."

"Ann?"

"That was my mother's name."

Shanks grinned, crossing over to stand in front of Mihawk, reaching up to place his hand over the back of the Alpha's neck. "It's beautiful. I love it."

"What about a boy?" Mihawk questioned.

Shanks hummed, biting on his lip. If he was being honest, he never thought about it. Roger flashed before his mind. Sword in hand. Haki flowing around him. It had clicked. "Ace."

Mihawk smiled. "I like it."

The pregnancy was doing a number on him. All of his energy had been zapped from him. He had been pretty lucky and hadn't had as many fainting spells of his blood sugar dropping. He did form a type of narcolepsy that seemed to strike at the most inconvenient times. It had scared them a few times. His body had been aching. Especially in his hips and lower back. The swell of his stomach felt like it was getting bigger and bigger each day.

He smiled as he rubbed his hand over it. They already had their names picked out. With each passing moment, it felt like the world was becoming brighter to him all over again. He had fondly started referring to the pup as "Firefly." Like his little light within the darkness. Guiding him back to where he needed to be.

He walked around the kitchen, restless despite the exhaustion going through his body. Akito had put him on bedrest, but he couldn't find it in him to actually stay still long enough.

He paused as he felt the soft thump underneath his palm. For a moment, he felt like he had imagined it until it happened again. "Mihawk!" He shouted without a second thought.

He could hear the crashes that followed as Mihawk, Benn, and a few of the others came barreling into the room. "What's wrong?" Mihawk questioned the second he had gotten up to Shanks. The concern plastered to his face. Shanks smiled, laughing slightly as he reached out for Mihawk's hand and placed it where he had felt the thumps. "Shanks?"

Mihawk froze as the next thump came. A few more following. Shanks laughed as he saw the movement of his shirt from it. "They're kicking."

A smile broke out onto Mihawk's face as the Alpha fell down to his knees. His hand still on the place where the small kicks were connecting. "Making yourself known, firefly." Mihawk muttered. Another kick followed immediately, working to make Shanks' grin bigger.

This was completely real. This was actually happening.

He was nearing his due date. Getting days and days closer to the time that they would welcome their pup. His nakama and Mihawk hadn't allowed him to do much. Mostly making him rest while they did the work. It was starting to make him go stir crazy. He just wanted to do something.

"Why can't I help?" Shanks whined, biting into another strawberry as he sat on the stool at the kitchen's bar. "It's not like we're doing anything anyway."

Benn chuckled as him and Mihawk continued to sort through the new belongings for the baby. "You are exhausted." Mihawk stated, picking up a pile of baby clothes and placing them in a box that would be taken to the Red Force. "You need to rest."

"But—"

"He's right, you know." Benn stated, not even looking up from what he was doing. "Akito had placed you on bed rest. That's where you should be."

Shanks frowned, leaning his chin onto his palm as he bit down into the next piece of fruit. He couldn't even argue before the door was opening and quick footsteps followed with Lime Juice exclaiming, "Boss, you need to hide!"

It was almost instantly that all of their guards were up. Mihawk was coming around the bar, hands moving to his shoulders like he was going to guide him. "What's going on, Lime?" More of the Red Hair Pirates started to flood into the house, all with the same concern and fright on their faces.

"Vice Admiral Garp the Fist is here!"

Mihawk was already trying to haul him from his chair. Shanks shrugged him off, laughing slightly as he jumped up. Mihawk's hand was back on his bicep before Shanks could get out the door. Stopping him dead in his tracks. "You can't."

"It's fine, Mihawk." Shanks replied.

"He's a Vice Admiral. If he finds out about you. Both of you are dead." Mihawk growled. "I won't allow that to happen." Shanks smiled. He knew exactly what Mihawk was referring to.

Shanks laughed. "Really it's fine. He already knows."

His statement seemed to shock Mihawk for the moment. The look coming to the Alpha's face as his grip loosened. "Knows what?"

Shanks froze as he looked over to his crew with wide eyes. He had completely forgotten that he hadn't told any of them but Benn and Mihawk. It was a secret he wasn't supposed to tell anyone. Shanks sighed, bowing his head. "I haven't been honest with you."

"What's going on, Boss?" Bonk Punch questioned.

Shanks exhaled sharply, "My father is… Gold Roger."

The room was left in a dead silence. Shanks almost didn't even want to look up. Most people believed Roger to be a harsh man. Cruel and uncaring. A monster. Demon. He had heard those words many times. Even referring to if he had a child, they deserved death just because of their shared blood. It was why he had dropped his name all those years ago. Simply going by Shanks. Now with his nickname that was even on his bounty poster. He thought about going by Portgas, which he had in the past, but that would reveal to the world of his connection to his mother. The Whitebeard Pirates didn't know about him as far as he knew. They didn't act like they did. It was better not too. If he went by Portgas, that could end up leading the world to connecting her back to Roger. Maybe in the future. He wasn't sure. He just knew he couldn't use Gol. As much as he wanted too. The thought had crossed his mind on giving his baby the family name Portgas. He would leave it up to Mihawk. If Mihawk wanted to use his family name or not. There were still so many questions and so little time before the pup arrived.

He only looked up when he heard, "That's even more reason to hide you, Captain!" Hongo shouted. "If he knows and finds out about the baby, he surely will try and hand you over!"

It had taken him by shock. Looking at the rest of his nakama, it was still the concern on their faces. No anger or distain in sight. "You really… you don't care?"

"Why would we?" Lime Juice questioned. "You're our Captain and we chose to follow you. For someone with a heart of gold like you… there's no way you would ever be what the world says."

Shanks felt like he could break out into tears again as the others began to agree before the concern was back, telling him to hide out as they tried to stir Garp away.

They just didn't know that Garp knew about this place. Who owned it and who would be here.

Shanks placed a smile back on his face and shook his head. "It's alright. Really. He won't tell anyone." He stated, pushing past the others to head outdoors despite the others yelling for him to come back.

Sure enough, coming up the hill was Garp. His hands in his pockets as he marched up towards the house. Garp paused as his eyes landed on Shanks. More or less, his gaze zooming in on Shanks' stomach. "Well, this is what you have been up too, brat."

Shanks grinned, grabbing the brim of his hat. "Well…" Before he could even say anything else, his nakama were standing in front of him, pushing him behind them and placing themselves as a human shield between Garp and him. "Guys, it's really okay."

Garp bellowed out a laugh as he continued forward. The others working even more to try and make sure he was concealed. "You got a good group here, brat." Garp stated. "Luckily for you, I won't do the Fist of Love on you with that baby in your stomach. I was wondering what happened to you. You just vanished off of the Grand Line."

Shanks grinned. "Dad did buy this place if we needed to get away."

"After what happened here, I'm surprised you came here." Garp replied. "You should have gone to Dawn."

"What is going on, Boss?" Hongo questioned, dropping his voice.

Shanks flashed him a smile. He blinked as he noticed the flash next to him before Mihawk was face first on the ground. "GRAMPS! What the hell!?"

"Wait, GRAMPS?!" The other shouted immediately after.

Mihawk groaned as he pushed himself up, rubbing at his head. "Still crazy I see."

"Garp is my grandfather. He's my mother's father." Shanks stated before turning a glare on Garp. "Why the hell did you hit him?!"

"He knocked up my precious grandson!" Garp retorted.

"How did you even know that?!" Shanks exclaimed.

Garp chuckled, his hand landing on Shanks' shoulder. "Two reasons. One… he's the only non Red Hair Pirate here. Two… when he accepted the Warlord position, he asked for the Marines to leave you alone." Shanks blinked. Mihawk asked for that? Mihawk had leveled a sharp glance on Garp. "Now, you look like you need some rest. Off to bed." Garp ushered, a hand on his upper back and pushing him towards the house before he could even blink.

Garp had stayed with him. Almost refusing to leave. He was sure the others were timid yet welcomed his presence. Garp had effectively made him stay in bed like Akito had instructed. He was overdue now by a few weeks. His baby being stubborn about their arrival. He didn't blame them. This world could be a cruel place. At least in his womb, they had no worries. All the food they could want and a nice, warm place to sleep.

It was the close of the year when he started to feel the sharp cramps in his abdomen. Enough pain that it was causing him to wince and rub soothing circles into his skin in hopes of trying to sooth his pup. The excitement was buzzing around him. Knowing that he had finally gone into labor. Akito had been counting his contractions. Timing them. His water had already broken. Thankfully, he had been walking around when it happened, and it didn't soak everything else. Though, they had everything they needed to make sure that his bed wouldn't have to be replaced after this.

He had been set up in his room. The room changed from a bedroom and made closer to a birthing room like he would see in a hospital. They had everything that they needed. Pain medication that Shanks wasn't even sure he would use. He had been risked to his bed. The others getting anything that he could possibly need. Mihawk stayed at his bedside, only leaving to get him something if he asked for it. Garp was also within the room. Staying close to Shanks' side but also not standing directly over him. Part of him was comforted by the fact that Garp was here. He didn't ask Rouge to come with him, and at that moment, he wish he had. This was terrifying.

The pain was getting worse with each contraction as they began to get stronger. The pain shooting up his back that made him even more uncomfortable. Akito was working away. Checking his dilation. Checking his baby's vitals and his own. His baby's heartbeat was echoing through the room, coming through a specialized den den mushi.

Akito was checking his dilation again. A feeling that Shanks despised. It was uncomfortable each time, but he was in enough pain that he didn't even care anymore. Akito was just making sure everything was going smoothly. Akito smiled at him, pulling back as he said, "You're fully dilated, Captain."

It was already the early hours of the next day. The first day of the new year. It felt almost fitting that he would start another year with his baby.

"You ready, Red-Hair." Mihawk stated, pressing a kiss against his forehead.

"Always." Shanks whispered.

"When the next contradiction hits, you're going to push for ten counts." Akito instructed.

Shanks nodded. He focused on his breathing for a minute before the next contraction hit and he was baring down. He almost felt like he couldn't breathe as Akito counted out for him. Once he hit ten, he let his head fall back against the pillows. He repeated the action three more times before pain ripped through his abdomen. Harsher than it was before. Shooting straight up his back. His breathing started to pick up as he shook his head. This pain was worse than anything he had felt this entire time.

He could hear the den den change as his baby's heart rate started to change.

Something was wrong.

It surged even harder as he tried to twist away, a scream ripping from his throat as he shook his head. "Something's wrong. Something's really wrong." He exclaimed, hand moving to his abdomen as the tears pooled in his eyes. He could feel the wetness on his thighs now as he heard a string of curses leave Akito. The words kept falling from his mouth as his heart started to race.

"The placenta detached early." He heard Akito say. "Calm him down. We have to deliver this baby now. The head is already crowning. He can do this. Just two, maybe three more pushes and they'll be here." Akito turned to Benn, saying something that he couldn't pick up through his panic.

Another hand grabbed his, a hand moving to sooth his hair. "It's alright, Shanks. You need to breathe. Focus." Garp muttered.

"You can do this, Shanks." Mihawk added, taking his other hand. "Just like he said."

Pheromones raged in the air. A mixture of Garp's, Mihawk's, Benn's, and Akito's flaring in an attempt to calm him. It seemed to work as he felt his body relaxing enough but the pain was still there. "Breathe, Shanks." Benn stated, a hand landing on his naked thigh, forcing his leg to stay open, as he assisted Akito. "The next one, push."

Shanks nodded, grimacing as more pain shot through him.

Sure enough, the next contraction hit, and he started the cycle again. "That's it, Captain. You can do this. Your pup will be just fine."

More assurances were being thrown his way. Shanks took another deep breath and kept going. Going through two more contractions before the pressure released and the loud cry broke through the room. He slumped onto the pillows, heaving as he tilted his head up just enough to see the tuff of black hair before the crying baby was placed on his chest.

"Congratulations, Captain. It's a boy."

It felt like there was nothing else in the world as his eyes settled on the scrunched-up face. There was a gel over his eyes, which he had been told before was to protect his eyes from any bacteria that could possibly get in them. The dust of freckles across his cheeks. Little fists moving around as he squirmed. He reached up, placing his hands over his baby. Letting his fingertip graze his cheek.

Shanks felt like he could breathe again despite the pain that he was in. The growing exhaustion that he felt. The only thing he could get out as black dots covered his vision was, "Ace."

The room was blurry as he managed to crack his eyes open. Looking around as he blinked to clear his vision. The room was silent now except for some small noises that came around the room. He brought his hand up, rubbing at his eyes before he was starting to push himself up.

"Take it easy, Captain." He heard Akito immediately say.

He stopped for a second, "Ace. Where is he?"

Akito smiled, looking away from Shanks. Shanks turned his gaze to see Mihawk standing there, bouncing slightly with the swaddled blanket in his arms. "You gave us quite the scare there." Benn stated.

"What happened?" Shanks questioned as Mihawk leaned down, placing Ace within his arms. Shanks couldn't even look away from Ace's small face. Soothed and quiet. Fast asleep. After everything that happened, he was finally here. Shanks almost couldn't believe that he had given birth to such a beautiful human.

"The placenta detached from your uterine wall early. Thankfully, since you were already so close to delivering him, we were able to get past the risks of him losing too much oxygen." Akito explained. "You, however, hemorrhaged and that's why you passed out."

"How long have I been out?"

"Maybe eight hours." Akito replied. "I was able to stop the hemorrhage with a minimally invasive procedure, but you will need to remain in bed for a few weeks."

Shanks smiled. He didn't even care. He had Ace now. That's all that mattered.

"Your vivre card started to burn." Mihawk stated, taking a seat on the bed next to him.

Shanks shook his head, his smile only getting bigger. "My mom will come."

"You know she will." Garp confirmed.

"It was all worth it." Shanks muttered, rubbing at Ace's face again. "He was worth it all."

Sure enough, Rouge had shown up. She had looked panicked until the second her eyes had fallen on him. The relief that came to her face once he smiled at her and explained what had happened. Without a second of hesitation, she had taken Ace into her arms.

Mihawk's arms wrapped around him as he watched his mother and his son. The Omega turned his head, grinning at Mihawk. "Told you."

"I never doubted it." Mihawk muttered, leaning in, and pressing a kiss to his lips. "Try not to scare us again, alright."

"You know… I can't promise that." Shanks stated. "But I can sure try."

Rouge walked over with Ace still hooked in her arm. Her hand reaching out to cradle his cheek. "I am so glad that you are okay. My heart practically stopped the second I saw your vivre card."

"I know, Mom." Shanks replied, placing his hand over hers. "I was alright. Everyone took really good care of me. Even Gramps was here." Garp had left a week after Ace's birth. Leaving with a farewell and telling Mihawk to listen to his summons in the future.

Rouge only chuckled as she sat down on the bed. Ace still within her arms as she said, "He did the same with me. The second he saw the fact you were pregnant. That man will never change."

Shanks hummed. "I was glad he was here. It's not often I get to see him without him trying to arrest me."

"That stupid Marine mindset." Rouge replied. "I'm pretty sure he gets proud whenever we get away."

Shanks shrugged, leaning back onto the bed again, curling onto his side as he looked up at his mother. "I wish Dad was here for this."

Rouge smiled, reaching out and running her fingers through his hair. "He was here, sweetheart."

The second that Akito had cleared him to travel, he was already itching to go back to the sea. It had been far too long. He had grown so accustomed to being on the sea, he couldn't even remember what it was like to actually live on dry land. With everything prepared, he said his goodbyes to his mother, promising to visit her soon as she departed to return back to her nakama.

Mihawk had split off from them already, having to answer a summons that he had received. Shanks stood on the deck. Ace secured within his arms as the vast South Blue surrounded them. The others were just as excited as him. They had plenty of supplies that they could stay on the sea for a while before they had to stop again.

Some of the fears he had were quelled. His crew had migrated around Ace almost immediately. Rather it was asking him if he needed help or just to hold him. A part of him wondered if at this point, they had held Ace more than him or if they liked his pup more than him. It always brought a smile to his face.

Benn couldn't resist either. Some of the times taking Ace from him so Shanks could fulfill his duties as a Captain. Most of the time, Shanks would just walk around with Ace hooked in his arm or wrapped up to his chest as he worked.

It was an adjustment, but one that he was working on. He wouldn't exchange it for anything that this world could offer him.

Ace whined, bringing Shanks' attention back down to him. The red head smiled. "Hey, there, firefly." He whispered. "Waking up?"

Ace's eyes fluttered open. His little fists moving around as he started to kick slightly from the blanket he was bundled up in. He still had the fear that he might not be making the best choice. Attempting to raise an infant on the sea. He wasn't even taken to sea until just after he turned four. He already aware of the dangers ahead. Ace wouldn't know that. Would he be ripping his baby's innocence from him before he even got a chance?

For now, he would just have to wait and see. They had the home on Baterilla if he needed to get off the sea. There was Garp's home on Dawn Island too. He had places he could go to if he needed to. It would be fine. At least, he hoped.

Life had been harder since he gave birth, but at the same time it never felt more fulfilling. Seeing Ace slowly starting to blossom. Getting bigger each and every day. The smile on his face. It made it all worth it. The fears that he had before were slowly started to simmer. They weren't heading back to the Grand Line. At least not yet.

They had spent most of the time traveling around the South Blue and picking up more nakama along the way. Surprisingly agreeing to join him even with a baby on board. They had came across a young teenager who was completely alone. Fighting for his next meal. A boy named Lucky Roux. An Alpha male who was only twelve. Shanks had immediately offered his ship to him. Lucky had surprisingly taken his offer immediately.

There was something that each of his nakama did with Ace. Benn would read to him if Ace's attention had been captured in that moment. Grabbing at his First Mate's pants whenever he wanted to sit in the man's lap.

He enjoyed spending time with Lucky. Ace was already starting to crawl and eat on solid foods now. Making a huge mess if he could.

It warmed his heart at the way not one of his men seemed to take a disliking for Ace. Doing anything they could with him while also doing their own duties on the ship. Going as far as to make sure that Shanks could place his attention where it was needed.

One thing Ace really loved to do was crawl around as fast as his small legs and arms could carry him and bolt around the deck. Leaving everyone to chase him around as he went into a fit of giggles. Ace found it to be the funniest thing in the world as he tormented Shanks' nakama.

Shanks laughed behind his hand as Lucky tried to catch Ace, missing just barely as Ace took a sharp right. The Omega's attention was only taken away as feet hit the deck right in front of Ace. Stopping the baby dead in his tracks. Ace fell down to his bottom, looking up and laughing, holding his hands out to grab at the person in front of him.

Mihawk kneeled down, a smile on his face as he reached out and brought his son to him. Ace was still giggling away, hands curling into Mihawk's sideburns and pulling on them. Mihawk poked at Ace's stomach, that same grin on his face as he crossed over the deck to where Shanks was.

"I wasn't expecting you for a couple more weeks." Shanks stated, the surprise going through him at the sight of Mihawk.

"I was in the area." Mihawk replied, "Nothing would stop me from coming to see the two of you." He added, leaning in, and pressing a kiss into Shanks' lips. The Omega smiled, returning it right back. Mihawk pulled away, turning his attention back to Ace. "I see you are terrorizing your Momma's men."

"Mama!" Ace shouted.

Shanks completely froze. Jaw dropping and eyes widening as silence fell over the deck. Ace said his first word and it was Mama. Mihawk looked over to him, shocked for a split second before he snorted, his free hand covering his mouth as he started to snicker.

"Mama! Mama!" Ace continued, hands moving towards Shanks now.

"Oh, you son of a bitch." Shanks muttered, gaze moving to Mihawk now as he shook his head. "You just had to say that."

"I'm not exactly wrong." Mihawk stated. "He'll drop it eventually."

Shanks didn't believe a word that just left Mihawk's mouth as Ace continued to yell at him, wiggling in Mihawk's arm to try and get to him. The Omega reached out, taking his son into his arms, and sending a glare at Mihawk. "You owe me for this."

Mihawk bellowed out a laugh, pressing another kiss into his forehead. "You'll figure something out."

Shanks had heard rumors of a master sniper within the East Blue. More specifically located in Syrup Village of the Gecko Islands. He knew where it was. It would be easiest enough to find. Now, just to see if this sniper would join up with them. He wasn't sure if it would take a lot of convincing. He was an Omega with a child now. That fear that no one else would want to come along with him was there. His nakama that were with him didn't show even a care in the world. Just claiming Ace as their own.

"We're going to the East Blue!" Shanks exclaimed.

His men turned towards him, looking up at him from where he was at on the upper deck. Ace was hooked in his arm like normal, curling his hand into his shirt and pulling on it.

Smiles were thrown at him as confirmations flew his way. The men already moving to start preparations for hitting Reverse Mountain. Instead of taking it to the Grand Line like normal, they would take the sharp turn and enter the East Blue instead.

He looked down as his shirt was pulled on again, stormy eyes staring up at him. "Want to go to the East Blue?" Ace couldn't answer him, but he did start kicking his legs and a smile coming to his face. "I do to. Maybe we will even run into your Uncle Dragon. Who knows what he's up to these days?"

The trip over Reverse Mountain had been easier than he thought it would be. He kept Ace secured as the ship went over the harsh waters. Ace making sounds with each movement, but the smile plastered to his small face.

Their first stop would be Loguetown. Get supplies to travel throughout the East Blue. He almost didn't want to get off the ship. Roger's final moments flashing before his mind as he went down the gangplank. Hat on his head, cloak over his shoulders, concealing Ace from sight. Ace was fast asleep within the fabric that he used to keep Ace secured in place.

Shanks exhaled sharply starting towards the town. The others had instructions of what to do but Shanks had something he felt like he needed to do. He notified his nakama that he would be back, heading towards a secluded part of Loguetown. He only knew about this place because Garp had slipped him a message with the location at Baterilla.

He paused as he came to the group of cherry blossom trees, a lone headstone underneath it that simply said Roger and nothing else. Nothing else to identify who the grave truly belonged to. He walked forward, kneeling down in front of it. Sitting on the stone was the same necklace that Roger used to wear.

A smile slipped onto his face as he reached out and touched the engraving. "Hey dad."

The necklace was secluded enough that you would have to be standing right on top of the grave to see it. Part of him wondered if Garp placed it there so they could be sure that it belonged to Roger.

"You knew, didn't you?" Shanks whispered. "You knew about Mihawk and… what you said through Fishman Island. You knew." He stopped as he had to blink the tears away that had started to sting at his eyes. "His name is Ace. Gol D. Ace… but he probably won't ever go by that name. Maybe Portgas someday or… maybe even Dracule. I dunno yet. I'm going to leave it up to him." He sat down, careful in his movements not to wake the slumbering baby. "I have nakama now. I'm my own Captain. Just like you said I'd be. I don't know where anyone else is. Well, Crocus is back on Reverse Mountain, and I don't know what happened to Buggy. I want to see them all again one day. Ray-san especially. Mom decided to actually accept Whitebeard-san's offer to be a Commander. The Second Division. That was Oden-san's Division." Shanks laughed slightly, reaching up and wiping his hand over his eyes. "You started an era. There are so many pirates on the sea out to find the One Piece. The World Government is losing their minds. I've been staying out of the fights. I just want to travel with my nakama. Raise Ace. Just… I dunno… I wish you were here. You'd love him. He's really amazing."

Shanks paused as the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. His Observation haki notifying him that someone was approaching. He pushed himself up, grabbing his cloak and pulling it in to conceal Ace even more. He didn't bring anyone with him or tell them exactly where he was going. Whoever was approaching him was powerful. He couldn't properly fight with Ace strapped to him. Not unless he wanted to put Ace at risk.

He grabbed at the grip of his sword anyway, eyes moving over the area. He blinked as he noticed a cloaked figure coming his way. They weren't radiating malicious intent, but he had to admit, it was creepy.

"I knew I would find you here."

Shanks' hand loosened on his sword as a smile slipped onto his face. "Uncle Dragon!" He exclaimed as he finally caught sight of the man's face.

Dragon had a smirk on his face as he got up to Roger's grave. "Your nakama are still in town. The second I saw Benn Beckman and not you, I knew you would have came here."

Shanks smiled, letting his cloak go. "We're heading to the Gecko Islands next."

"The sniper." Dragon replied.

"How did you know that?" Shanks questioned, chuckling as he shook his head. It was Dragon after all. He somehow always just knew things. "Yeah. I'm going to try and recruit him to my crew."

Dragon hummed. "Just be careful. The World Government is starting to go after anyone they see with a pirate flag."

Shanks nodded. "I will be." He replied, looking down to Ace, who was now waking up. "I want you to meet someone."

Dragon turned towards him, closing the distance between them. A bigger smile coming to his face. "So, this is why you disappeared off of the Grand Line. I've been following your movements, and no one had seen your ship in a while."

Shanks smiled with a noise of confirmation. "I was on Baterilla."

Dragon reached out, his finger swiping over Ace's cheek. "He's beautiful. If you don't mind me asking, who is his father?"

"Hawkeyes." Shanks replied within seconds.

Dragon chuckled. "I should have seen that coming." He paused as he sighed. "I need to get going. My men are moving out throughout the town. We have places to be."

Shanks nodded. "Stay safe, Uncle Dragon."

"Same can be said for you, Shanks."

It was as if Dragon almost disappeared right before his eyes in the normal Dragon fashion. Shanks smiled, looking back at Roger's grave for a moment. "I'll keep my promise, Dad."

He turned and started to walk back towards the inner part of the town, A smile still on his face. Even with Roger gone, it never truly felt like he was.

Departing from Loguetown, their destination had been set directly for the Gecko Islands. Shanks could feel the excitement starting to go through him now knowing that he was getting closer and closer to meeting this sniper. He had heard so many things about his skill level. He was someone he wanted on his crew.

An Alpha man named Yasopp from what he found out.

Now, it was just if he accepted his offer.

When they arrived at Gecko Village, Shanks left Ace in the care of Benn while he went to the island by himself in one of their small boats. He was immediately met with the sight of a man sitting on the cliff, his chin settled on his palm and the look of curiosity plastered on his face.

"I heard rumors of a man named Yasopp." Shanks stated, placing a hand on his hat as he looked up, a smirk on his face. "I'm Shanks. A pirate."

Author's Note: So, this chapter was supposed to include Luffy as well but I kept getting ideas and then decided I wanted as much fluff as possible before the next chapter. I hope you enjoyed it! It took me so long to get through this chapter and get it written. I've been going through a really rough time lately. I've been in a really dark place, so I had to take a break for a few days. I will see you guys in the next chapter!