"Big brother, aren't you gonna be late for school?" Pearl asked, holding Krieg's hand. Gin held the other one and swung around to take big leaps as he walked. "You always leave early."

"Class doesn't start 'til 10, little oyster. We're going shopping for you and Gin-Gin today," Krieg informed with a small smile.

He was genuinely excited about his weekend at home. Even though his kid brothers had the unfortunate luck of having to go to school with him, Nanny got a rental van for the day to run her errands and was happy to drop the Dons off to Krieg's new school. She would also be picking them up and bringing them to the thrift superstore. Ellie and Anya wouldn't be with Krieg this time, but the old man who played dominoes at the barbershop volunteered to be with the boys. Today and Sunday would be the last days of furnishing the house. After that, it would be grocery shopping, visiting hot spots in town, and developing a new routine now that the boys didn't have to wake up as early to start their day. Nanny drove off to let the boys enter the large campus while Krieg escorted the kids to the large fields so they could race each other freely. He kept his eye on them, but he almost couldn't help but tear up at the visual. His boys were finally free. They were able to laugh and play and roam. Everything... was alright now.

"Komm schon, großer Bruder!" little Gin called, waving his arm with a bright blush and big smile. "Look at all the islands!"

His littlest one was referring to the lockers. Krieg hadn't gotten one yet. He was supposed to receive a number on Monday, but he didn't really care in all honesty. The less he had to see of other students, the better. He didn't want to deal with everyone and their stupid bracelet. Damn that! But, the locker islands had a fun map to follow, so Krieg played along with them. He ran to catch up to his boys and pointed at Dawn Island on the map.

"Hey, we got a map of all these treasure islands. Wanna explore them for some pirate booty?" Krieg asked, inspiring excitement for Gin and humor for Pearl.

"Ew! I don't wanna see no pirate booty!" Pearl said with laughter and disgust.

"Is there real treasure here, big brother?" Gin asked, eyes sparkling at the idea.

"Well, my school is the home of swashbuckling, superpowered pirates. Our principal is Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King. Only those who finish their studies and do good get to know the secret about his treasure. It's called One Piece," Krieg explained, word-vomiting everything from the brochures he read about this school.

"One Piece? You say that a bunch of times and it's not about treasure. Can I have one piece of pizza? Or one piece of sausage?" Pearl asked to show an example.

"Well, it's harder to forget about it, but I think we should build our own treasure chest with everything valuable that we love," Krieg suggested.

"But I can't fit you in a treasure chest, big brother. You're too big!" Pearl said, smiling brightly.

"All our stuff is too big for a box! We need a bunch of boxes!" Gin added.

"Alright, then we'll make a bunch to fit all our treasures in them. We'll visit one island at a time and think of something special to put in a treasure chest. It has to be something you wouldn't want anyone to take from you," Krieg suggested, holding out his hands for the little ones to take them. "Did you remember to bring your crayons?"

"Unh-huh!" Gin and Pearl nodded.

The last thing on Earth Mihawk wanted to do was be at school on a Saturday, but he forgot he had a lab report to turn in for Physics I and had to retrieve his materials for said report. Honestly, he'd rather go back to sleep, but he didn't want to ruin his GPA for the sole reason of... potentially being a certain new student's tutor and mentor. He didn't know what class said new student was in, but... well... he had to prove Auntie Shakky wrong, okay! Dracule Mihawk could handle most situations in stride and/or with little to no reaction like surprise or exaggerated shock. Shakky just caught Mihawk at a bad time. That was all! He just didn't expect Krieg to find him to apologize for missing his big demonstration or saying... those... beautifully sweet words. The way he smiled and boasted about simple things like knowing the guy who gave him a personalized stapler kit was... so dreamy. It didn't make any sense. Why was the new guy... such a stunner - a closet stunner, no less? Krieg hardly spoke to anyone because of his cram session, but he was given total independence to study at his own pace given the deadline. He was an elite. He should be studying with other elites like himself. Sure, Mihawk didn't study with anyone himself, but... he wasn't cramming a bunch of his studies together like that!

Imagine Mihawk's "nonexistent" surprise when he saw Don Krieg at Dawn Island lockers. He had two kids with him. They had to be the ones he was buying little underwear and pajamas for. They were cute... and wearing clothes entirely too big for their bodies. They had to be wearing Krieg's old clothes or something. Mihawk followed the family of three from afar until Krieg picked one of the boys up and put him on his shoulders. In that moment, they were all smiles and filled with such joy that it was infectious. Honestly, Mihawk just blushed lightly at the thought of Krieg being a father figure. It was to a point where Krieg looked different, almost beautiful instead of simply handsome. No, Krieg was right. He didn't have time to date and neither did Mihawk. The aspiring swordsman had a business proposal to work on and a stupid Fall Fair to help organize. The snack bar was probably closed anyway. Oh! The vending machine alley by the bookstore was not, though. Hmm...

Idiot.

That's what he was feeling like right now. Mihawk stared at his shopping bag with a visible frown on his face and a dark aura on his shoulders. Why was he here? Why was he doing this? Krieg didn't deserve any of this after what happened at that broke boi mall yesterday. But... those kids, his smile, their little happy faces... Shit.

Mihawk: I'm such a simp...

Zeff: ... Dare I ask why you think that?

Mihawk: I... I just bought a bunch of snacks for the new guy...

Zeff: ... ... ... ... WHAT!?

Mihawk: *screaming emoji* SHUT UUUUUPPPP! *face slap emoji*

Zeff: Why are you buying him anything? GO PUT IT ALL BACK!

Mihawk: It's already been rung up! I used the belly to pay for it!

Zeff: How much did you spend?

Mihawk: ... ... ...

Zeff: Dude.

Mihawk: ... ... ...

Zeff: DUDE!

Mihawk: Enough for three or four people...

Zeff: WHY!?

Mihawk: He brought some kids here, and he has to study on Saturdays to keep up with his classes. I guessed they were the kids he bought clothes for when we saw him at the mall. They're... actually adorable...

Zeff: You're an S-tier simp FOR SURE. You on campus? I need to borrow your notes from Algebra II. We have a test on Tuesday. Forgot about it.

Mihawk: I'll be in my dorm... after I drop off these *angrily cussing emoji* snacks. Idky I'm doing this...

Zeff: Prime simp behavior.

Zeff: Do you even know where he is? You bought all that for nothing if you can't find him.

Mihawk: He headed over to the Art & Design building. It's by the lake, so he's probably giving the kids something to look at while he studies. They were looking at the locker maps earlier. How long do cram sessions even last on a Saturday?

Zeff: If I remember right, I think about... three to four hours. I had to do it freshmen year and I HATED it. Never again. The school operates on a half-day schedule on Saturdays when the holidays are coming up. Why didn't you buy something from Oro Jackson? You could've bought him "food" food.

Mihawk: I'll tell him about it. It closes at 3, right?

Zeff: 2:30

Mihawk: 3

Mihawk: The shuttles take you to town anyways. We have plenty of eateries to go to on the weekends.

Zeff: You mainly visit one. *smirking emoji*

Mihawk: You're getting better, but you shouldn't have gotten 5th place at all.

Zeff: You've only told me that like 82 times. Thanks, bro. *big red heart emoji* Hey, at least I'm learning how to get better at cooking.

Mihawk: Where are you interning this year, Zeff Ramsay?

Zeff: Actually... No idea. They're still deciding, I think. I've been struggling this year. We're working with bitter ingredients, and it's been brutal since Day 1. Hate it here... *squiggly mouth emoji*

Mihawk: Persevere. You'll be fine. You're learning. That's the purpose of an aspiration. You're striving to be the best and you will be.

Zeff: Aww. *big red heart emoji* Thanks, dude! Did you drop off those snacks yet or is new guy incognito?

Mihawk: ... ... I've been standing by the stairway for like 10 minutes. I can hear them in the study room, though.

Zeff: *crying laughing emoji (x3)* Why are you just standing there like some creeper? Go say hi! It's obvious you like him enough.

Mihawk: There are kids in there.

Zeff: Just write another post-it note.

Mihawk: Never again will I do that...

"Daaaad," little Pearl called shyly.

Krieg was coming out of the study room with Gin and Pearl in tow. Pearl spotted Mihawk looking at his cellphone and just standing nearby, but it was a stranger to him so he panicked and hid away until Krieg evaluated the situation. Calmly, Krieg pulled Pearl and Gin closer to him and smiled gently at them to show it was okay. They were still unsure of what to make of Mihawk, so they just clung to Krieg and waited. They were so cute! You could tell they were related. They sort of favored Krieg. They had his eyes and red lips. It looked like only Gin had his lengthy hair, and it was dark versus Krieg's lavender locks, but they both sported the man-bun. Just Gin's was smaller and a bit cleaner and Krieg's was naturally messy and wild with the curled ends.

"Hey, hey, it's okay. That's just Mr. Mihawk. He's a swordsman," Krieg said, introducing them. "He's the same age as big brother. We're school buddies!"

"Tall," little Pearl whispered.

Mihawk didn't say anything for a minute until he kneeled down and looked at the little boys for himself. His features softened and he whispered, "I won't hurt you. I'm here to bring you something."

"Like a present?" Gin asked, eyes lighting up a bit. He was the more social one looked like, so Pearl was more reserved.

"Mm-hm," Mihawk replied, nodding. He opened his bag of goodies and held up two packs of breakfast cookies. Little less sugar than Oreos, easier on the teeth. "There's juice in here, too."

"Can we take it, daddy?" Gin asked shyly, looking up at Krieg for approval.

"Yeah! Tell him thank you and bring it in the room," Krieg said, watching the boys hug Mihawk and take the bag of goodies away together.

"Thank you, Mr. Miyawk!" they almost sang in unison when they came back with big smiles.

"Mi-HAWK," Krieg corrected, chuckling at them. "C'mon. You said you had to potty."

"I forgot I had to pee!" Pearl panicked, running ahead of the group.

"Wrong way, little oyster! The big door's this way!" Krieg said, laughing at his little one. Gin chased after his brother and helped him push the restroom door open. He then turned to Mihawk and said, "Thank you, Mihawk. You didn't have to do that."

"Couldn't find a babysitter?" Mihawk asked after nodding to Krieg's thank you.

"Hm? Oh! They're with her the whole day during the week. I'm giving her a break," Krieg replied, following his brothers to the restroom. "Plus, she's got errands to run today. Lot of payments to make and rent to collect. Happens when you're running a small apartment/condo complex. You're not cramming, too, are you?"

"No, I just forgot I had a report to finish for Monday," Mihawk answered. "Needed my stuff out of the lockers. I also live here in the dorms."

"Oh, that's right! I forgot about the dorms!" Krieg said, throwing his head back and then turning to make eye contact with Mihawk. He didn't even pay attention to the fact that they entered the restroom together like normal people. "I studied in my temp room, but I didn't really care for the atmosphere. What's it like living in them?"

"You can decorate it to your standard. My roommate and I share similar morbid, dark aesthetics, so it makes living there easier. We're have the same courses with exception to homeroom and maybe having different teachers for two or three classes, so we have a study session together from time to time in the dorm's study room. It's not often since I prefer studying alone and he prefers studying with his people. It's comfortable with the right person," Mihawk explained, appreciating the conversation. Felt more natural.

"Huh. That's pretty convenient," Krieg remarked, hearing flushing in the stalls. "You good, babys?"

"Yes, dad!" Pearl replied, hopping out of the stall.

"Daddy, I'm stuck!" Gin replied in a panic.

"Pearl, go under and check on your brother," Krieg instructed, walking over to Gin's stall.

"Are they your children?" Mihawk asked, heart pacing irregularly. That might be why he's not open to dating. He has a girl at home to help raise his sons.

"No, they're my little brothers. They just switch between names. They called me big brother this morning. Gin, what happened?" Krieg asked, leaning on the door.

"He fell in the bowl!" Pearl answered, making Gin laugh. They both started laughing together. "How'd you fall in?"

"It's too big for my butt!" Gin replied.

Krieg silently chuckled at them both and said, "Can you tug 'im out, little oyster? We'll have to clean 'im up."

"C'mon, Gin, pull!" Pearl instructed, tugging on his brother to pull him out of the toilet bowl. When he heard a big plop, he then said with a chuckle, "Ew! You pooped!"

"I can't go poo if I'm stuck!" Gin whined.

Krieg just crumbled and laughed silently on the stall door. Guess the straining made pooing easier. Mihawk may not have laughed aloud, but he did let out a huff and silently laughed along with Krieg. He's almost eighteen and still laughing at poop and fart moments. Where'd his maturity just go? But, at least the littlest one of the group managed to get unstuck from the evil toilet bowl. Krieg had to wash the kid off from the waist down since the water managed trickle down to his ankles, but he made sure everyone washed their hands first and then the kids played under the hand dryer machines. Gin probably had the most fun with that since he had to dry his butt off. Pearl just laughed at Gin's face and initial screaming from the loud noise of the dryer. Luckily, Krieg came prepared. He had two baby bags full of stuff, and spare clothes happened to be in both of them. Little weird that the spare clothes were pajamas, though, especially the ones Mihawk saw Krieg buy. Mihawk didn't question it, though. He pretty much just tagged along with the Don family as they went out for a break. He didn't realize he was with them for the tail-end part of an hour. Krieg promised to take them out every hour to see the locker islands. That way they weren't just cooped up in a study room with nothing to do. Plus, they could have their snacks.

"This one's called Fish-Man Island, daddy!" Gin said, pointing to the map.

"That's a quirky name. What kind of treasure do you think you'd find there?" Krieg asked with a hum to inspire thought.

"Super rare, super special, super big fish!" Gin replied, throwing his hands up.

"Water dragon scales and harpoons!" Pearl replied, pretending to be a water monster.

"You can make all kinds of things with dragon scales. Like strong armor and shields. Maybe the fish can help you make faster boats so you can move just like them in the water. Do you think they like shiny stuff?" Krieg asked, making the little ones think.

"Oh! Crystals and jewels! Dragons always protect the shiny. My fish will bring me to treasure if I'm good," Gin answered. "And bite a big hole in my ship if I'm bad!"

"Or they tail whip you!" Pearl added, wiggling his butt for emphasis.

"Okay, then we'll have to keep an eye out for shiny rocks and colorful seashells. Watch out for glass, though. You'll cut your hand," Krieg said, letting the little ones run around to play.

"What, no harpoon hunting?" Mihawk joked.

Krieg turned to him and returned the joke, "Why find them when we can make them? Besides, a certain swordsman should know how to build high-quality weapons with a LEGO block set, yes?"

"LEGOs?" Mihawk questioned, genuinely confused by the suggestion. "They have dragon scale blocks in LEGO sets now? Kids are so spoiled today."

"We have an entire collection of LEGO blocks... that seems to be growing every year," Krieg said, eyes widening with dread. "They'll have an arsenal of foot-destroying weaponry by next Christmas."

"... Fine," Mihawk sighed, accepting his simp status. "I'll help them make a harpoon. I need to use the printers anyway."

"What, no home office?" Krieg joked with a smug grin. "Can't be an elite with no million-dollar office. That's peasantry!"

Gin found something and stopped to look at it closer before he shouted, "I found a quarter! Daddy, look!"

Yup, Mihawk was definitely a simp. The little one needed a piggy bank..., and Mihawk put it in his mind to get him one. Shit! After walking the kids back to the study room, he went to his locker to retrieve his Physics I material, retrieved his school laptop from his dorm room, rolled his eyes and tried to convince himself that he wasn't crushing on Krieg even more, and walked his happy ass back to the study room that was occupied by Krieg, Pearl, and Gin. He worked on his report while Krieg worked on his lessons for the next hour, and he Googled harpoon designs and LEGO block examples and instructions for the boys. When he found acceptable images and step-by-step instructions, he sent them to the printer at the student tech center, which was closest to them and on the ground floor of the computer science building, and went to go get the printouts as they were leaving for the next break.

The boys were making crafts for each island and it's treasure to put into a treasure chest for later. That's how Krieg was keeping them occupied. He borrowed books from the library to help them get inspiration for their own drawings, and he had plenty of construction paper and/or Play-Doh for them to make stuff. Gin was really good at drawing fish and dragons, and Pearl was fantastic at making pop-up art for his age. When the two put their designs together, they made legitimate artsy things. Krieg, as Auntie Shakky explained, was very good at building things. That's what caught Roger's attention. Krieg made a sword out of LEGOs! A legit sword! He could've easily made a harpoon, but Mihawk was competitive by nature and instead challenged himself to build a proper harpoon to match the quality of Krieg's design.

"Thank you for the harpoon and snacks, Mr. Miyawk!" the boys cheered.

"Mi-HAWK," Krieg corrected, nibbling at his boys' shoulders playfully. "Thanks, man. See you around."

It really was over. A solid three and a half hours passed... and Mihawk didn't even realize it. Before he knew it, Krieg was packing things up, turning in his assignments, documenting everything he did for the week, and turning in his keys. The boys wanted to see the big bridge that Krieg had to cross every morning, so he walked them over there and waited for his ride to head back home. Mihawk wanted to stop them, to offer a ride on the shuttle bus, to study more with them, but he caused enough trouble for Krieg as it was. It was wrong to pressure him to wear the bracelet. Maybe there was a way to protect him. There was no need to force relationships on him when he legitimately had responsibilities outside of school. The fact that his brothers even called him father from time to time meant that Krieg was a big part of their lives. So, maybe the way Krieg earned his brothers' love, Mihawk... had to learn how to earn Krieg's. He understood commitment and compassion, Mihawk... wasn't sure if he did. He didn't dislike his past relationships, but they weren't anything to brag about. It was really the perks that came with it. In dating the girl, he now had access to science seminars and student research projects. In dating Vista, he had access to huge business discussions and entry into large-scale competitions for viewing since he was interning with Mr. Newgate. There was nothing to gain with Krieg. That would normally turn him away due to his elite status and his hunt for recognition in athletics, but... somehow the simple life of just studying together and taking care of children...

Once Nanny picked the boys up, they all went home to put everything away and waited for the old man to join them on the ride through town. It was nice talking to the man, and he was kind enough to help shop for minor stuff. So, they entered a store called Reuette to finish off the bedrooms with proper mattresses, wardrobes, and decor. Though the kitchen was important, Nanny had gotten a notification that the furniture was on its way and would be in by Sunday morning at the latest. The bed frame for the boys was in better condition than they thought, so the little ones needed mattresses like today. Clothes as well, which was what Krieg was mostly worried about. As the guys walked in, Krieg put into his mind how old he was willing to allow the mattresses to be. They had to last until he graduated, moved, or the boys got too big for them. Mattresses get replaced every ten years. So, anywhere between almost new (less than 6 months) to maybe five years old was acceptable. If anyone was really desperate, then they could push their luck with something older. Krieg used to be, but damn that. He saved up and scrounged around. He's getting something better for his boys.

"Alright, babys, let's see what kind of mattress you like," Krieg said, letting them sit, bounce, and lay on the firm ones first. "How's that feel?"

"It's hard like rocks!" Gin said, throwing his hands and feet up before rolling off. No firm mattresses for the youngest.

"Feels good when you lie like this," Pearl said, sprawling out like he was making a snow angel.

"Defending his territory, I see," the old man remarked, chuckling a little. "The classic 'Nah' sprawl is strong in this one."

"But not like this!" Pearl said, trying to lie down like normal. So firm is okay for back sleeping but not side sleeping. Pearl liked a little firmness.

"Alright, let's try this one," Krieg said, lightly tossing Gin on a plush mattress.

"It feels like a cloud!" Gin commented, not moving from his spot. It looked like he died randomly... but he started rolling around. Not dead. Good.

Plop. Pearl followed in jumping on the mattress very lightly and didn't move for about twenty seconds before he finally spoke. "Oh, wait, it does..."

"Can you lay on your sides comfortably?" Krieg asked, raising a brow.

The little ones moved slowly and said, "Yes."

"I like the firm one, though. My back feels funny on this one," Pearl explained. So, plush is good for stomach sleeping but not back sleeping. Okay, Pearl's the more hardcore one.

"Try those ones over there. Behind you are the ones that are firm and super soft. See if you like them," Krieg suggested, watching them roll off and run around to the next section.

"This one's perfect, daddy!" Pearl complimented, rolling around in every position he could think of.

"It's not rocks! But, I like the fluffy one," Gin said, popping up to laugh.

"Oh, you upgraded to father recently?" the old man asked, grinning toothily.

"I would upgrade titles, too, if I was gettin' a new mattress that didn't explode if a pen was still in my pocket," Krieg commented, walking over to the boys.

"That's good that you've been such a great support for them. You're doing well," the old complimented. "Means you have a naturally compassionate soul and you're a provider above all else."

"I hate that about myself sometimes..." Krieg said remorsefully. "It'd be easier to not care and be angry all the time. Wouldn't have to feel the pain."

"Lashing out is feeling the pain. Moving on is growing from it. You chose to grow from it, Krieg. Keep teaching them that," the old man advised, making Krieg look at him before he looked at his feet. Even though Krieg felt it was wrong to call him father when their actual father was barely alive, he appreciated the wisdom bestowed on him. The old man nodded and then said, "Jya! Your kids have beds, but their father is still on the floor. That's not quite right now is it? Let's shop for you, young man."

"Pick the fluffy bed, daddy!" Gin suggested, bouncing on the plush mattress.

"What about a waaaaaatteeeerr bed?" Pearl suggested, wiggling around on said waterbed.

"They have those here?" Krieg questioned, making the old man chuckle at his excitement.

He didn't get the waterbed, but he did get a nice day bed with storage. Now, to finish furnishing the bedrooms so they could move onto the den and play area. The boys could use the space for company. They were too sweet not to have friends over...