Home Again

Part Three

Law sighed contently while raking his fingers through Neo's hair. Like always she was laying on top of him, her breath fanning over his bare skin as she slept. His eyes drifted over to the pregnancy books waiting for him. He really knew he should be reading those right now, but knew Neo needed him more. And he couldn't complain about their current situation. It had been so long since they had been able to make love in their own bed. It felt beyond amazing to be here with her again. So he waited patiently for her to wake up. While doing that, he wondered what the crew and their guests were up to. Surely they all were behaving themselves since he's heard no loud noises and no one's come yelling for him or Neo. And since Straw Hat wasn't anywhere near them they should have plenty of time together. Though he didn't give it much more thought when he noticed Neo was starting to wake up. She shifted. Resting her chin on his chest, she looked up at him with a sleepy smile. "Feeling okay?"

"Yeah," Neo said. "A bit tired. And my breasts feel a bit tender." She pressed a kiss onto his tattooed chest then licked his skin. "You taste so good."

Law chuckled. "Glad to hear it. And sorry about your breasts. My grabbing them probably just made them ache worse."

Neo continued to place kisses and small licks over his chest. "It's all right. We should take a shower together. The hot water will help them."

"If that's what you want," Law said still fiddling with her hair. A shiver ran through him when she slowly traced his tattoo with her tongue.

"It is," Neo said, still working her magic over his chest. "Eventually."

Law chuckled again.

Neo paused and sighed. "I can feel my bump rubbing against your stomach." She frowned. "It's not very comfortable. I'm really, really going to hate not being able to lay like this when our baby gets bigger."

"I know," Law said. "But remember, it's only for a little while."

"A little while?" Neo narrowed her eyebrows. "I'm at the beginning my fourth month, you said. And elementals stay pregnant for seven. A little while isn't months, Law."

"Sorry," Law said. "The time will fly by faster than you know."

"It doesn't feel like it," Neo said. "Right now it feels like time has slowed down."

"That's because you're worried about Straw Hat and the others," Law said. "And you still have concerns about being pregnant."

Neo gave a slow nod. "I can't help it. Being pregnant is still so new. So is having the Straw Hats as friends. And I know they can handle themselves, but they're going into an emperor's territory. Maybe I should have gone with them. I could have flown us in and out a whole lot easier than they can just sneak in."

"Not with your magic cutting out like it still is," Law said. "Besides, you wouldn't have survived being away from the crew any longer than you've already have been. And before you suggest it, we all couldn't have gone to rescue Blackleg. Big Mom would have notice us coming. And, no, we all couldn't have fit into the sub. It's just not possible."

"Sometimes it's a pain that you can read my mind, magic bond or not," Neo said.

"Perhaps," Law said. "But you really love it."

"I do." Neo smiled. "Let's take our shower now. I know you want to get to those books. It's all you're currently thinking about."

"Sorry," Law said. "I just want to know how to help you. I know this pregnancy is going to be hard on you because of your past issues."

"Try not to worry," Neo said. "I know you'll take good care of me. And speaking of which, are you going to be all right with Healer Zinnia?"

"What do you mean?" Law asked.

"Well, you two don't always see eye to eye when it comes to me," Neo said.

"You don't have to worry," Law said. "I'll be studying with her for this just like I did on Luminous. And I will let her take control since she's the expert on this. I just want to know everything I can."

"Okay," Neo said. "I just don't want you to get stressed out about all of this. I know you're plenty worried yourself over me and our baby."

"I know. Just try not to worry so much," Law said. "It's not good for you or our baby."

Neo's heart fluttered at his words. "Our baby. It's still so strange that this is actually happening yet a bit exciting."

"It is." Law nodded.

"I wonder how many people are going to now target me since everything was revealed in Dressrosa," Neo said.

"We'll just have to wait and see," Law said. "You know I won't let them touch you."

"I know." Neo nodded. "I also wonder what the elementals are doing now that our secrets are out. Do you think they'll move back to Luminous? Wait, haven't I already asked that?"

"Some might," Law said. "But most will probably stay where they are."

"I'd feel better if I knew what was going on out there," Neo said.

"Perhaps Red Hair will bring back news about that since he's spreading the word about the pollution stone," Law said. "He's a pretty thorough man."

Neo nodded.

"Let's take a shower now. It'll help ease your mind," Law said. "And I'm sure the crew is wanting to see you again."

"Okay." Neo pushed herself to the edge of the bed and sat up. She stretched out before standing up. Her hand went right to her baby bump. "Do you think our son will like showers?"

"You're really going to be set on us having a son, aren't you?" Law asked.

"I am." Neo stuck her tongue out at Law. "And we are. Get use to it."

Law stood up and grabbed her chin with his fingers. Smiling he said, "You better watch that sass."

"I'll sass you if I feel like it," Neo said. "You won't do anything about it anyway."

"Oh, I'll do something about it all right." Law snake his hand around her hip, pulling her closer to him.

"And we both know that we'll both like it," Neo said.

"Absolutely." Law leaned down and kissed her.

Taking his hand in hers, Neo lead him into the bathroom. She turned on the water to their preferred temperature.

"A bit too hot for you," Law said, turning the hot water down when steam lifted into the air. "You have to be careful. You don't need to become over heated."

Neo huffed. "There's going to be a lot for me to learn about this, isn't there?"
"You'll learn soon enough," Law said. "You're a smart girl."

"I don't feel very smart," Neo said.

"You only feel that way because of your past," Law said. "But I assure you, you are smart."

"You're so sweet," Neo said. "Can we get in now?"
"Yes." With a confirmed nod from Law, Neo stepped into the shower. He quickly followed. Placing his hands on her sides, ran glided his hands over her now wet skin while placing a kiss on her shoulder.

"You trying to get me aroused? In the shower?" Neo asked, leaning her head back against his shoulder.

"No," Law murmured against her skin. "I just want to kiss you all over your body."

"You just did that a few minutes ago." Neo giggled.

Law hummed. "And I'd love to do it again. But I can feel you're tired. So we'll wait for a while."

"You're such a tease," Neo said.

"Just consider it payback for all the times you've teased me," Law said.

"Oh? You mean like this?" Neo trailed her fingers up his thigh. Reaching her destination, she tugged.

Law moaned, his lips vibrating on her skin. "And you call me a tease."

Neo turned more towards him, capturing his lips with hers.

He kissed her deeply, his hands wandering her body with passion and possession. Sighing in contentment and disappointment for being in the shower, he pulled away slightly. "No sex in the shower, especially since you're pregnant."

"I know, I know." Neo reached for the shampoo and started lathering his hair up. More teasing and kisses came to them while washing each other. It took an entire thirty minutes for them to complete their shower. By that time the water turned cold, singling them enough was enough. Grabbing her towel, she pressed it to her hair while drying their bodies with her wind crystals. She tilted her head. "Hm?"

"What is it, love?" Law asked heading for the door. "Something wrong?

"Kailen's down in the training room," Neo said following him. "Why would he be down there?"

"He's probably going to train with the crew," Law said.

Neo's heart skipped a beat. "What?"

"He did this when he was with us before," Law said pulling out a pair of boxers from the closet. He turned to her and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "He'll be fine. Why don't you go see for yourself?"

"Okay." Neo nodded slowly before heading for the door.

"Hold it," Law said.

"What?" Neo turned back to him. She looked down at her naked body when he pointed at her. Flushing she walked back over to the closet. "I would have remembered."

"Not before another man saw you naked." Law tilted her chin with his fingers. "Remember, I'm the only man ever allowed to see you naked."

"I know." Neo smiled.

"Dress." Law pecked her lips then started dressing himself.

Neo pulled out her own clothes. After pulling them on, her eyes locked onto Law's favorite black and yellow hoodie. She wanted him to be with her ever second. But since he couldn't she pulled his hoodie on then cupped her baby bump.

"You're going to do nothing but cup your stomach until our baby is born, aren't you?" Law asked.

"Maybe." Neo's smile widened. She walked over to their nightstand and grabbed her brush. After getting the tangles out of her hair, she kissed Law and left the room. "See you later."

"Call if you need me," Law said sitting down at his desk.

"I will." Neo waved to him before disappearing around the door. She shuffled down the hall, probably faster than she should have, and then bolted down the stairs. Before long the sounds of sparring enter her ears. She knew she didn't have to worry about Kailen. She knew the crew wouldn't purposefully hurt him. They would make sure he was well at home here. Still she couldn't help but be concerned. They had just reunited after so long. Her heart ached a bit thinking about his decision to stay on Luminous. She wished he had come with them from the beginning. But he was here now. And he was going to stay. She would get to know her brother even more than before. She all but jumped through the door when she reached it. "Kailen!"

Kailen, in mid-kick, paused, and looked over at her. "Neo?"

Shachi, who was readying to block his attack, also paused. "What's up?"

"What are you doing?" Tears came to Neo's eyes. "I mean I know what you're doing. I was just… worried. I didn't know you were coming down here to do this."

"Neo." Kailen walked over to her. He put his arms around her and pulled her to his chest. "I'm sorry. We should have told you what we were planning on doing."

Neo shook her head. "No, it's not your fault. I'm just being emotional again. I knew this would happened." She looked up at him. "You have to train with the crew if you're going to be living with us now. I just got a bit worried that you might get hurt. We haven't spent much time together since you arrived."

"I'm sorry," Kailen said. "I just thought you'd want to spend more time with Law. But we can spend some time together. How about I meet up with you after this?"

"I guess that'll be all right," Neo said.

"Don't worry, Neo. You know Kailen is safe with us," Shachi said.

Neo peaked around Kailen's shoulder and looked around the room. Also with Shachi was Jean Bart, Uni, Usopp, and Brook scattered about in the training room, all looking back at her curiously. "Oh, hi, guys."

They all greeted her back, most with smiles on their faces. She twitched awkwardly at their smiles. It was easy for her to tell they were a bit amused with her. "Oh, you all try being pregnant. It's not easy. And I'm just starting."

"No, thank you!" Uni said holding up his hands. "I'll leave that up to the women to handle."

Jean Bart, in all his wisdom, just smiled.

"I've been around pregnant women before so this isn't exactly new. But this is the first time I've spent time around a pregnant elemental," Brook said. "And I must say I'm not sure what to expect."

"Then we're in the same boat." Neo giggled at how literal that was. "Anyway, Law's up in his room studying on the subject now. I'm sure he'll tell you all what to expect so you all will know how to handle me in situations."

"I've never been around a pregnant woman," Usopp said. "At least not much. Occasionally back on my home island. And of course my own mom, but then I was inside of her at the time."

"So what are you two doing down here?" Neo asked the Straw Hats.

"Just checking the place out a bit more," Usopp said. "This place is amazing. Franky is already off with one of your engineers to really check out the sub. I think his name was Conner."

"I see," Neo said. "Well, I hope Franky enjoys himself. I'm sure he will considering how much time and effort he put into the Sunny. Though I doubt he'll be as impressed with the sub since he build the Sunny himself."

"He'll love it," Usopp said. "Don't be surprised if he even adds his own personal touch to this place."

"That might not be a good thing," Neo said. "Law designed the sub to his liking."

Usopp shrugged. "Guess we'll see. Usually he'll only touch something if it needs fixed."

"So are you fine with me sparring now?" Kailen asked.

"I suppose so." Neo brought her eyes back to her brother. "But be careful. I know the crew won't hurt you, but still…"

"We'll be fine," Kailen said.

"It is us after all," Shachi said.

"Okay then." Neo pulled away from Kailen a bit before finally releasing him completely and joining the Straw Hats on the bench. Her eyes locked onto Shachi and Kailen as they took their fighting stances in the middle of the room. Her pulse beat steadily under her skin. She could feel Law keeping a close eye on her through their bond. It caused her to start taking slow deep breaths. She knew he needed to study and he couldn't do that if he was worried about her. With each breath her pulse slowed down. A few minutes later she could feel Law's attention being pulled away by his books before he was completely absorbed in them. Her own mind began to fade away from the punches and kicked that Kailen and Shachi were exchanging. Their grunts also faded from her ears as her mind filled with Sanji. "Hey… Usopp?"

"What's up?" Usopp asked.

"Sanji won't actually marry that, um, whoever it is he's suppose to be marrying, will he?" Neo asked.

"Why would you ask something like that?" Usopp asked.

"I don't really know him all that well. At least, not like you do," Neo said. "I do know that he likes women, a lot. So if he really ends up liking this woman…"

"Oh, I get it. You don't have to worry about Sanji," Usopp said. "He's crazy about women. And there's no denying that he's a pervert, but he won't actually leave the crew. I know he has his reasons for leaving. He'll be back."

"Sorry," Neo said. "I know Luffy will bring him back. I'm just…"

"Still a bit uneasy about everything, right?" Usopp asked.

"Yeah." Neo nodded.

"That's fine," Usopp said. "We can assure you all you need."

"That's right," Brook added. "We're here for you as much as you need us. Now, if you would, please show me your panties?"

"Don't you dare asked to see her panties, you pervert!" Usopp, Shachi, and Kailen punched the skeleton.

Brook crashed to the floor. "Ouch. How did you two even hear me over all the noise you were making?"

"We're her brothers!" Shachi and Kailen growled. "We can hear things like that easily! Now don't you dare ever ask her that again! We'll tell the captain if you do!"

"I'm sorry," Brook said. "Please don't tell him. He'll kill me. Though I'm already dead."

Neo laughed, her bells ringing lively. "You all are just too funny! I love you all so much!" She jumped up. "I'm going to go check on the others! I'm getting hungry too! We might start supper soon! So don't get over worked!" She sang as she ran out of the room.

"We just ate lunch," Usopp said. "How can she think about food right now? I haven't been this stuffed in a long time."

"Pregnant women tend to eat a lot," Kailen said. "And she's literally eating for herself and her child. Plus the food will help keep her magic healthy as well while she's carrying her baby."

"She's going to be a real handful now, isn't she?" Shachi asked.

"She is." Kailen nodded. "But I'm sure you all will be just fine. After all, you've already been with her for a while now."

"Yeah." Shachi nodded with a smile. "Let's get back to work."

Kailen nodded.

Neo hummed happily to herself as she skipped down the hall. She wanted to go to the galley to look for Penguin but felt she should check on her other guests and headed for the rec. room. She figured at least Robin would be in there. But she wasn't surprised to find Zoro sitting at the table with Tero, Ikkaku, and Clione playing poker. Robin, like she knew, was sitting on the couch with a book in her hands. "Robin, finding stuff to read?"

"Yes." Robin lowered the book to her lap. "The history of your home is very fascinating. I know it's a secret from the world, but I really would love to visit there one day."

"I think I might be able to make that happen," Neo said with a wink. "After all I'm very connected to the island and its people."

Robin smiled. "Then I look forward to the day."

Neo nodded then stepped over to the table. "How are you doing, Zoro? Making yourself at home?"

"It's fine," Zoro said. "A bit different being inside all of the time."

"You don't have to be," Neo said, eyeing his hair with peaked curiosity. "Since we're above the surface you can go out on the deck whenever you want."

"That's nice." Zoro looked up at her. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

"This stinks. Your hair is no where near long enough to braid like Jean Bart's," Neo said with an annoyed huff.

"Were you braiding Jean Bart's hair?" Ikkaku looked up from her cards.

"No, I didn't think of that until now," Neo said. Then thoughtfully added, "I'm going to have to do that. I bet he'll look really cute in braids."

"I'm guessing this is one of her playful mood swings that we've been warned about," Ikkaku said.

"Just great," Tero mutter.

"Hush." Ikkaku kicked his shin. "You love her as much as the rest of us."

"You didn't have to kick me." Tero frowned.

"You should grow it out. I bet you'd look really cute with long hair." She grabbed Zoro's cheeks in her hands, tilting him this way and take to visualize him with long hair. "On second thought, don't grow your hair out. You look cute enough as it is."

"Will you stop being so annoying?" Zoro asked, his cheeks burning while the pirates in the room snickered.

"Oh, you know you love me," Neo said. "If you didn't you wouldn't have carried me through Dressrosa like you did." She sat down on his lap and put her arms around his neck. "See?"

"Keep it up and I'll push you off of me," Zoro said.

"You will not," Neo sang, her hand landing on her stomach again. "I'm pregnant. Remember? Besides, Law will kill you if you hurt me. Not to mention what the crew will do to you, your own crewmates, the elementals, Godfather, and his crew."

Zoro gritted his teeth. "You've got to be kidding me. It's like a wall of invincibility has been put up around you. You could probably rule the entire New World like that."

Neo giggled.

"Good thing our girl's so gentle," Ikkaku said. "But it would be fun to take over the New World like that."

"I'm still having a hard time seeing a guy like you carrying a girl around like you did." Putting his hands behind his head, Tero smirked at the swordsman and leaned back on his chair. "But then again… seeing Neo sitting on you lap like that… and how tolerant you're being of her childish nature…"

"Shut up! I still can't believe she told you all about that!" Zoro's cheeks burned red.

"He's embarrassed," Ikkaku said. "That's so cute."

"It's not often we get to see you like this," Robin said.

"Not you, too! Just shut up! All of you!" Zoro said. "I'm not embarrassed! I only did what I had to do! If I didn't, she would have inhaled all that smoke from that stupid cook's cigarettes!"

"You do care!" Neo hugged him. "You're really a sweetheart despite trying to hide it! I love you!"

Zoro growled but didn't say anything.

"Neo tells us everything just so you know," Ikkaku said.

"Well, not literally everything," Clione said. "She and the captain keep their love life pretty quiet."

"Don't be a pervert," Ikkaku warned. "You know they're not like you. They don't talk about their conquests or their perverted fantasies."

"Just because I have fantasies it doesn't make me a pervert!" Clione said.

"Yes, it does," Ikkaku said placing her cards on the table. "Royal flush."

"Again?" Clione asked. "I think Neo's luck has rubbed off on you."

"Well, us girls have to stick together." Ikkaku winked at Robin and Neo. "We're outnumbered by you boys here."

"Whatever." Clione tossed his cards at her. "Just shuffled and deal."

"Well, you all sound like you're having fun," Neo said.

"What are you doing in here anyway?" Tero asked. "I figured you and the captain wouldn't come out of your room for another couple of hours."

"And what's that suppose to mean?" Neo asked.

"It means you two are basically two rabbits," Tero said. "I'm actually surprised that you and the captain haven't already had kids by now."

"We're not rabbits!" Neo said, tears gathering in her eyes. "How can you say that?! We love each other! Is it wrong that we want to show that to each other?!"

"You just had to open your mouth," Ikkaku said.

"I'm sorry, Neo," Tero said quickly to keep her from crying. "I didn't mean anything by that. I know you and the captain love each other very much."

"Good." Neo smiled. "That's better."

"Crisis averted," Zoro said.

Neo stuck her tongue out at him before kissing his cheek.

"Hey!" Zoro flushed. "I'm so glad this is only a temporary situation. I have no idea how much of it I can handle."

"You didn't wipe her kiss off," Ikkaku said.

"Shut up and deal the blasted cards!" Zoro snapped.

"So what is the captain doing?" Ikkaku asked while she shuffled the deck.

"He's reading the pregnancy books that Healer Zinnia snuck onto the sub," Neo said.

"Really? I'd figured you'd be there with him," Clione said. "You're usually curious about new stuff. Or are you still afraid of your pregnancy?"

"I'm still scared," Neo said. "But I do want to learn about it. Law just wants to read over them before we go over them together."

"That's the captain for ya," Clione said. "He always likes to be thorough, especially when it comes to you."

Neo smiled and nodded, a light pink dusted over her cheeks before she snuggled into Zoro's chest.

"Will you stop doing that?!" Zoro blushed. "I'm not your toy for cuddling!"

"You are now." Neo looked up at him innocently. She laughed when he did nothing to get her off of him.

"Why don't you go bother someone else?" Zoro asked.

"I can't," Neo said. "The one I want to spend time with is Kailen. And he's sparring right now."

"Just go cuddle up to him and bat your eye lashed at him," Zoro said. "I'm sure he'll stop and spend time with you."

"He will when he's done," Neo said making circles on his chest with her fingertip. "Right now I want to cuddle with you."

The pirates laughed at Zoro predicament.

"You all are so going to die if you don't stop laughing!" Zoro said.

"Sure thing, Mighty Pirate Hunter," Ikkaku said passing out the cards. "I'd invite Neo to join us but I think she's having enough fun."

Neo eyed Zoro's cards as he picked them up.

"Don't you dare tell anyone what my hand is," Zoro said.

"I won't." Neo summoned an earth crystal and created herself an apple. "Anyone want an apple?"

"I'll take one," Ikkaku said while everyone else turned the offer down.

Neo nodded and grew the woman an apple. Handing it over, she sunk her teeth into her own apple. She hummed when the juice washed over her tongue. "So yummy. Oh, I should make an apple pie. That'll be good."

"It does sound good," Clione said. "But with that big meal we had for lunch I'm not sure how much of supper I'll be able to eat."

"It wasn't that big," Neo said. "Was it?"

"Bigger than your normal meals" Tero said. "But it's understandable since it's the first meal you cooked for us since you've been back. Plus we have extra people riding with us."

Neo glanced over her shoulder at Robin. "Are you all fine with the food?"

"Of course," Robin said. "Don't worry about us. With Luffy around all of our meals are always rather big."

"Luffy does eat a lot," Neo said. "Sometimes I wonder where he puts it all and how he can eat that much."

"I think we've all wondered that at some point or another," Robin said.

"Sanji's great for having to cook for Luffy all the time," Neo said.

"He is." Robin nodded.

"I can't wait until he's back," Neo said. "I'm ready to cook with him again."

"And I'm sure he's ready to cook with you, too," Robin said.

"Yeah." Neo nodded and turned her attention back to Zoro's cards. She continued watching the poker game and snacking on apples for another hour. It was at that time she sensed Kailen stepping into the room. "Kailen!"

"I'm done sparring," Kailen said, his hair damp from his shower. "You still want to hang out with me for a while?"

"Of course!" Neo jumped up from Zoro's lap and ran over to her brother.

"Finally," Zoro said. "She's off me."

"Oh, hush!" Neo said. She wrapped her arms around Kailen's and looked at him. "Let's go out on the deck for a while."

"Okay." Kailen nodded.

"See you all later," Neo said as she pulled Kailen out of the rec. room. She continued to cling to his arm as they made their way up the stairs and out onto the deck. Some of her crew and the three warriors from Wano were out on the deck. They were laughing and talking, unaware of the two elementals presence. "Let's go up by the mast."

"Okay."

Neo summoned a wind crystal. Picking them up, she lifted them to the mast where they sat down. "That's better. We'll get a little privacy up here."

"I'm glad you're doing well," Kailen said. "You're really at home here."

"Yeah." Neo nodded. "But that doesn't mean I have forgotten where I came from."

"I know," Kailen said. "You'll never forget that."

"So what have you been up to?" Neo said. "How's everything back on Luminous?"

"It's great as always," Kailen said. "Nothing much has changed. They still keep a close eye on you and your travels when they can."

"Not surprising," Neo said. "But what about you? What else have you been doing back on Luminous?"

"Other than missing you like crazy?" Kailen asked.

"Why didn't you just come to me sooner?" Neo asked.

"I wanted to," Kailen said. "But there was something I needed to do before I could come to you."

"And that's what? Trying to find a faster cure for that horrible plant that almost killed me?" Neo asked.

"No, there was something else," Kailen said.

"Tell me."

"I wanted to learn about elemental babies," Kailen said.

"What?" Neo tilted her head at him.

"Healer Zinnia was so sure that you two would end up having a kid or two at some point," Kailen said. "And I knew I would be joining you at some point, too. I wanted to know everything about elemental babies so I can help you and Law."

"So you studied under Healer Zinnia?" Neo asked.

"I did." Kailen nodded. "Healer Zinnia knew she would be coming to your home, but only for a while. She and the others really wanted someone with you and your family, someone who could help if your kid got ill or something. They're a bit worried since we have no records of what happens to a mixed breed."

"Do you think there's anything to worry about?" Neo asked, her heart pounding in her chest. Her hand slipped under her clothes to cup their baby.

"Healer Zinnia doesn't believe so," Kailen said. "She'll know more once your baby has arrived. Since there are so many similarities between our people and humans there shouldn't be any problems. But they still want records of what happens to an elemental who's also half human."

"Why didn't you tell me this before?" Neo asked.

"I didn't want to scare you," Kailen said. "You needed time to get your head wrapped around having a baby. And you needed to spend time bonding with Law over this situation."

"It has been a rough few days," Neo said. "But it's getting better, for the moment anyway. I'm still concerned over Sanji and the issue with Wano. Something bad is going to happen."

"Have you had a nightmare about it?" Kailen asked.

"Only about Sanji," Neo said. "I think I'm too concerned about him to really worry about what's going to happen in Wano."

"I wonder if we're going to run into Kaido," Kailen said.

"We probably will," Neo said. "Being in the New World, you never know who you're going to run into. And the emperors have many territories here."

"At least you'll be safe within Shanks' territories," Kailen said.

"Maybe," Neo said. "But we could just end up causing trouble for Godfather and his subordinates."

"Nonsense," Kailen said. "You know our godfather will do anything to protect you. I'm sure he would have gone straight to Dressrosa if he knew what kind of trouble you were in there. And the same goes for his crew."

"I think you're right," Neo said.

"So how many people know about your connection to him?" Kailen asked.

"I'm not sure," Neo said. "But I don't think it really matters. It's not like secrets can stay secret for very long. My life is proof of that."

Kailen nodded.

"So who's taking care of our parents house? Did you sell it or something?" Neo asked.

"I could never sell it," Kailen said. "Tao is actually keeping an eye on the place for me."

"How's he doing?" Neo asked.

"He's fine," Kailen said. "Still a bit upset that his father betrayed you and our home. But he's come to terms with it."

"I'm glad," Neo said. "I wouldn't want him to feel guilt for what his father chose to do."

"He also told me to try and send him a picture of you, Law, and your baby," Kailen said. "He'd love to see what his princess's baby looks like."

"Send them a picture, huh?" Neo hummed. "I guess so. I'm sure there will be plenty of pictures take when our son is born."

"Your son?" Kailen cocked an eyebrow.

"Yes, our son," Neo said. "I know we're having a boy. Though I think Law doubts that a bit."

"So how's he really doing with all this?" Kailen asked. "I know from the time I've spent with him on Luminous that he's not a very open man."

"He's scared," Neo said. "He was keeping that from me. But once I opened up to him, he opened up to me. He'll be all right. Despite his pirate reputation he's a lot more gentle than people believe."

"Especially to you," Kailen said.

Neo sighed, resting her head against Kailen's shoulder. "He is amazing. I'm so happy that he found me and took me in."

"I am, too," Kailen said. "He's made you so happy."

"Yeah. He's going to make a great dad." Neo rubbing her hand gently on her stomach. Her eyes drifted closed. "I'm very happy."

Kailen chuckled when his sister fell asleep on him. "Well, you do need your rest. So sleep as much as you like. I'm not going anywhere." He closed his eyes, resting a bit himself until Neo woke up.

An hour and a half later, Neo began to wake up. As she did her stomach turned. She sat up and covered her mouth.

"Neo?" Kailen asked.

"Sorry." Neo jumped up and rushed down to the edge of the sub. She gagged, tossing everything up in her stomach.

Kailen jumped down and pulled her hair out of the way for her. "Easy."

Neo continued to cough and gag until her stomach had nothing left to give.

"Neo!" The crewmates on the deck rushed over to them, as did the warriors of Wano.

"Lady Neo," Kin'emon said. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine," Neo said to them and to Law who was observing her closely again. "Just a little nauseous. I probably shouldn't have ate so many apples earlier." Summoning a water crystal, she rinsed out her mouth then took a nice cool drink before turning to everyone. "I'm okay. Really. This is normal after all."

The crew nodded and moved away from her.

"I can't believe some women want to do this on purpose," Neo said. "It's not a very attractive thing to have happen to you."

Kailen couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, you still look as beautiful as ever."

"You're only saying that because you're my brother," Neo said.

"It's the truth," Kailen said. "I know you have plenty of men goggling you."

"Well, Law has said he's caught men looking at me," Neo said. "But I haven't noticed."

"You're just too in love with Law to notice," Kailen said. "Even some elementals back home found you attractive."

"Scared little me?" Neo looked at him in disbelieve.

"I saw them," Kailen said. "And heard some talking about you. A few I wanted to punch because they said some inappropriate things."

"Did they really say things like that?" Neo asked.

"Yeah." Kailen nodded.

"I find that a bit hard to believe," Neo said. "I'm their royal."

"That doesn't matter," Kailen said. "Remember our people are prone to temptation just like humans are."

"I guess I just didn't notice that," Neo said. "But it doesn't matter. If they look once and Law catches them they won't look again."

Kailen laughed. "Now that is something I have no trouble believing."

"I haven't asked about you yet," Neo said.

"What do you mean?" Kailen asked.

"Do you have any concerns about our baby or about being on a pirate crew?" Neo asked.

"No more than usual," Kailen said. "I'm going to take some refresher lessons from Healer Zinnia while I'm here. Though I am a bit concerned about fitting in with the pirates. I'm not sure what I can offer outside of fighting. And I'm not the best fighter on the planet, but I'm sure they'll help with that."

"I'm sure you'll find a place on the crew," Neo said.

"I know I can help clean the place," Kailen said.

"Maybe you'll develop an interest in learning how to pilot the sub," Neo said. "Or you could always help in the galley. I'm sure Basil will enjoy the change of company."

"Maybe," Kailen said. "I'm not the best cook around but I know how to do it."

"Actually," Neo said thoughtfully, "I think learning how to pilot the sub might be a good thing."

"Oh?"

"I was just thinking," Neo said. "As long as everything goes all right with my pregnancy and nothing bad happens, we won't be able to take our son out when we know we're going to fight. Someone will have to baby sit him." She gasped. "Oh no! Why didn't I think of this before?! How can I possible leave our baby behind and fight?! But then how can I stay with our son while my other babies go out and fight?!" She pulled away from the railing and started pacing the deck. "What do I do?! How can I pick one over the other?! What if I chose wrong?! What if I chose to go out and fight and the sub gets attacked with our son onboard?! What if chose to stay and my other babies need my help and end up severally hurt or dead?!"

"Whoa, whoa!" Kailen grabbed Neo's shoulders to stop her from pacing. "Calm down, little sister. Take a deep breath."

"But I-"

"Breathe, Neo," Kailen said. "Take a deep breath."

Neo inhaled then released it.

"Everything will be just fine," Kailen said. "You and Law have plenty of time to work that out."

"But how?" Neo asked. "The navy targets children born from pirates. Then pirates or bounty hunters could try and kidnap our son. Or anyone else for that matter."

"Well, what if I stay with your son?" Kailen asked.

"What?" Neo's eyebrows drew together.

"Maybe I could stay with him as his personal bodyguard," Kailen said. "With my elemental magic I might be able to protect him a little bit better than the crew could. Not that I don't think your crew can handle it themselves. I just mean that we're a bit tougher than they are since we're more in tuned with nature. I'm sorry. I don't know how to word that better."

"It's all right. I understand what you mean. Actually, I never thought of that," Neo said. "We do have the advantage in that sort of situation. You can always ask animals for help too."

"You don't have to make any decisions right now," Kailen said. "Most likely you'll want to stay with your son at some points while at others you'll leave the sub with your crew. Also for times you know you'll be fighting you can always make the decision based on how you think your crew will do in the fight."

"That makes sense," Neo said. "I'll have to talk about it with Law."

Kailen nodded. "Feeling better now?"

"A little bit," Neo said. "How did you think about that so quickly?"

"Well, back on Luminous, while studying with Healer Zinnia, I spent some time at the orphanages and with some parents. I learn some stuff from their experiences," Kailen said. "So I've picked up on some safety measures from them, too. Though they didn't have to worry about anything like this. It still helped hearing them talk about their experiences. I took plenty of notes and brought them with me if you want to read over them."

"I might," Neo said. "It might help to know what I'm getting myself into when our son is born."

Kailen smiled.

"What?" Neo asked.

"Do you realizing you keep saying our son?" Kailen asked.

"I have?" Neo tilted her head. "I didn't notice it. I guess it's because I'm so close to Law because of our bond. Sometimes I do feel like we're one person instead of two. Or maybe because we created this baby together?" She giggled. "Either way I like referring to our baby as ours because he is ours."

"I know." Kailen nodded. "Just be prepared to deal with some people that might think that's crazy. And some women will think that you should just say my or mine."

"Why would they do that?" Neo asked. "It takes a man and a woman to make a maybe. It should be ours."

"Not all women think like that," Kailen said. "They're all just different."

"I guess so," Neo said. "But it's just normal for me I guess. I love Law. And we are having a baby. Even if I'm the one carrying our son."

"Sounds fine to me," Kailen said. "I just wanted you to be aware of that so it doesn't catch you by surprise."

"Thanks," Neo said. "You've helped a lot since you've been here. I really am glad you decided to come."

"I am too," Kailen said.

"By the way, were did you put your things?" Neo asked. "Who's room are you sharing with?"

"Penguin and Shachi," Kailen said.

"Oh, you'll have fun with them," Neo said. "I just hope they don't try to get you drunk."

"Don't worry," Kailen said. "I have no interest in drinking."

"I've tried a beer before," Neo said.

"When?" Kailen asked with alarm present in his tone.

"Don't worry," Neo said. "It was just a small sip. It was when we were on Amazon Lily shortly after the war of the best. I was curious about it. Law let me try it. It tasted terrible. I don't see how or why someone wants to drink that stuff."

"Well, okay," Kailen said. "As long as you didn't drink much of it. You know how it affects our people."

"Yes, I remember," Neo said. "And, trust me, you're not missing anything. But you can try it if you get curious about it."

"I think I'll pass," Kailen said. "I don't want to accidentally get drunk and destroy this sub. That would not be a good thing."

"Definitely won't be a good thing," Neo said. "Law would be very upset."

"And he scares me." Kailen laughed.

"Don't worry," Neo said smiling. "Even if you did damage the sub he wouldn't hurt you because of me."

"I'm still not going to chance it," Kailen said. "I hope he doesn't mind me not calling him captain. I'm not sure I can."

"I don't think it'll matter," Neo said. "Besides, you're brother-in-laws. You're different from the rest of the crew. You can call him Law or captain."

"So what are you going to do now?" Kailen asked. "Do you still want to stay out here for a while?"

"I do." Neo nodded. "It's nice and warm out here. And I want to spend more time with you."

"Sounds good to me," Kailen said.

Neo crossed her arms over the railing. She smiled when Kailen mimicked her position and continued to talk to each other.

Neo turned into their room and closed the door behind her. She wondered over to Law. Placing her fingers on his shoulders, signaling him she wanted to sit on his lap. When he scooted his chair back, she sat down and wrapped her arms around his neck. She placed a couple kisses on his cheek.

"What is it, love?" Law asked flipping to the next page of his book.

"Nothing," Neo said. "I was just missing you. I feel like I haven't seen you much today since you've been studying."

"I'm sorry." Law leaned back in his chair. "I didn't mean to make you feel neglected."

"You didn't." Neo pressed her eyes into his neck, breathing in his scent.

"What can I do to make it up to you?"

"You don't have to."

"I want to."

Neo hummed. "You can just hold me for a while. That'll make me happy."

"Then you shall have it," Law said. He placed his hand on her thigh and gently rakes his fingertips over her leg. "What have you been doing today?"

"Not much," Neo said. "I got to spend some quality time with Kailen. And before that I got to torture Zoro."

"Oh?"

"I sat on his lap during a playful mood swing," Neo said with a giggle. "He blushed very easily."

"I think I'm jealous," Law said. "You're not suppose to sit on anyone's lap but for mine."

"Don't be upset." Neo took Law's earlobe into her mouth and sucked then licked the shell of his ear, making him shiver. "I only did it because he's fun to play with. But you are way more fun to play with." She shifted her position. Straddling over him, she placed a deep kiss on his lips. "And I'm sitting on your lap now."

Law instantly wrapped his arms around her waist. His hands roamed over her back before slipping under her clothes. Both their hearts fluttered in sync when he brushed over her baby bump. He pulled his hoodie and her shirt off on her body, letting them fall to the floor. His hands then roamed over her skin.

Neo rolled her head back as Law kissed and sucked across her neck while his hands kneaded her soft mounds. She moaned when he hit her soft spot and arched into him. She tugged on his hair, desperate for a kiss. Her hands cupped his face when he looked at her. She pulled him into a deep kiss.

Law shifted to stand up. He wanted her on the bed. But before he could get to his feet, a knock came on the door. Both sighed and stopped kissing. "Yes?"

"Sorry to interrupt but supper started fifteen minutes ago," Bepo said.

"Thanks, Bepo," Law said. "We'll be there in a minute."

Neo sighed. "So much for that."

"We can be late," Law said pressing his lips to the base of her neck.

"We already are," Neo said.

"You don't want to have sex?" Law asked.

Neo's stomach growled, answering his question. "Sorry."

"Don't apologize," Law said. "You have to eat a lot more now. It's natural for you."

"I just hope I can eat it all without throwing it up," Neo said. "I think I almost envy Luffy's stretching abilities."

"You want to stretch?" Law asked.

"No, but it might help keep the food down," Neo said. "Or maybe not. It's normal for me to get sick, right?"

"It is." Law nodded.

"That's such a waste of good food," Neo said. "We're not supposed to waste any out here."

"It's fine, Neo," Law said. "You know we won't run out of food. You can easily grow plenty of fruits and vegetables."

"Oh, right," Neo said. "I'm beginning to think this pregnancy is making me forgetful. Does it say anything about memory loss in these books?"

"Not that I've read so far," Law said. "If we're really going to eat then you had better get dressed."

"Okay, okay. I'm dressing." Neo reluctantly pulled herself off his lap. She plucked her clothes off the floor and put them back on. She then took his hand and they left the room.