"Mom! Save me!"

I blinked and looked up from the stack of paperwork on my desk as a black blur ran into the room and tried to hide behind my chair. The mop of messy, black curls could be seen as the eight year old glanced at the open door.

I surprised my chuckle as I turned the chair around to look at my son's shocked face. It still threw me for a loop every time I saw the small changes from the blood adoption Marco and I did with Hadrian over two years ago. It wasn't much of a difference due to me being his blood relation, but the most notable change had been his eyes. While his left one was still the bright emerald green that he inherited from Lily, his right eye was now the same teal-blue of Marco. He was also growing like a weed, already 3'4 at the age of eight.

"And just who are you running from this time, kit?" I asked. Hadrian had started to learn how to fight the previous year, and many of the crew took turns teaching them what they knew. Both hand to hand and with weapons. He, like myself, favored swords and knives over guns, though he was a decent shot thanks to Izou and Curiel. I had also started to teach him magical theory and potions once a week with Marco sometimes sitting in on the lessons since you didn't have to have magic to actually learn any of it yet.

"Uncle Haruta," he replied just as someone came through the door.

I looked up and let out a laugh. The brunette commander was now sporting bright blue hair that clashed with his green tunic.

"Liz, let me get to that little terror," the man said, his voice mostly amused with a hint of irritation.

"Oh? And why should I?" I teased.

"He turned my hair blue!"

"On accident!" Hadrian hurriedly explained. "I was trying to turn Uncle Thatch's hair pink since he pranked me last week!"

"Hadrian, what did I tell you about using magic on your uncles?" I looked at the boy with a raised eyebrow.

He looked away and puffed out his cheeks in a pout, crossing his arms. The sight was adorable.

"But he deserved it..."

I tisked and shook my head, waving my hand at Haruta to turn his hair back to normal.

"Next time, make sure you hit your intended target. Now, go apologize and give Uncle Haruta a hug."

I smiled as he pretended to be upset as he did as I said, the commander ruffling his hair and playfully putting him in a headlock. Glancing at the clock on the wall, I got up and stretched. Two hours of paperwork had made my back stiff and it was time for lunch.

"Okay you two, let's get to the galley for lunch." I clapped my hands together and made my way out of my room.

The galley was ripe with noise, half of the crew that was on the ship at the moment already there. I made my way to the table the commanders sat at and settled into my usual spot, Hadrian going to sit with members of Izou's division. He often took turns sitting with each division at breakfast and lunch, spending dinners next to Oyaji and Marco. He liked to tell the old Captain all about his day, to which the man listened intently to the youngest member of his crew with a smile. It was a sight that always warmed my heart to see.

"Hey Liz!"

"Yo Lizzie!"

"Liz!"

I smiled widely as the commanders all greeted me, making my plate. The only ones missing were Thatch, Marco, and Jozu.

"So, when is Marco due back from his mission?" Namur asked.

I looked over at the fishman as I took a sip of my tea, leaning forward a bit. Marco had been sent to check in on one of the islands in our territory a week ago that hadn't checked in for a while. While he was gone, I had been put in charge of the first division and our finances.

"Tonight, I think." I hummed softly. "Breakfast by the latest."

"Are you going to wait up for him?" Izou asked from beside me.

"While it's tempting, I've been more tired than usual recently. I don't think my dear husband would be happy with me if I didn't at least try to get some sleep once I finish organizing the chore schedule for next week."

I started eating as I contemplated whose turn it was for the usual chores. If I remembered correctly, it was Vista's division. Since Thatch's division rotated kitchen duty, I never bothered to put them on the schedule, so the fifth division was next up for chores. We also needed to do a supply run soon. Maybe Izou could head that.

"Don't overwork yourself, Liz. Don't want Commander Pineapple getting worried now, do we?"

I rolled my eyes as Thatch sat down next to his soulmate. I knew he was joking, but I could also hear the hint of worry in his own voice. I wasn't overworking myself. I had just been more tired than usual the past few days is all. And I told him just that.

"Well, go see Tate if it gets to be too much, okay?"

The ginger man gave me a look that threatened to tell Marco if I didn't. Honestly, he could be as bad as my husband sometimes.

"Fine, I will go see Tate if I'm still feeling like this tomorrow. Will that make you feel better, Thatch?"

"Yes, that's all I ask. Can't have my favorite witch getting sick now, can I?"

~MotP~

I rubbed my eyes as I leaned back in my chair. It had taken me longer to finish up everything than I had thought. Especially since I had taken a few breaks to spend time with Hadrian and eat dinner. Glancing at the clock, it was now past midnight. Had I really lost track of time that bad?

I sighed. That wasn't like me at all. I hummed and rested my head on my arms for a moment, not really wanting to get up just yet to move to the bed.

The feeling of someone picking me up made me open my eyes slightly. The strong arms and muscular chest that I was against was warm and very familiar. Marco was home.

He carried me to the bed and laid me down gently before carefully taking my clothes off and slipping one of his shirts on to me. How sweet.

"I love you, yoi. Sweet dreams, Liz."

I felt him kiss my cheek as he got into bed with me, wrapping me up in his arms. As I drifted back to sleep, I couldn't help but think that I was so lucky to end up with a soulmate like him.

~MotP~

"Why didn't you make her take more breaks, yoi? She fell asleep at her desk last night."

"I tried, but your woman is just too stubborn for her own good. That's the third time this week."

"She didn't even have as much to do as usual since I took half of it off of her hands after dinner."

The sound of people talking reached my ears as I slowly woke up. I shifted and groaned softly. My back was a bit sore and I felt overheated. Strange, we were close to an autumn island. Why did it feel like summer?

A hand brushed against my forehead before I heard Marco speak again.

"Why did you push yourself so hard, yoi? You have a slight fever now."

I blinked a few times before finally looking up at Marco. Then I realized what he had said. Merlin, did I really do that? Fuck, I should've realized that when I had woken up yesterday and almost immediately had to empty my stomach. Speaking of which...

I got up and hurried to the bathroom attached to our room, almost falling to my knees as I threw up into the toilet. Warm hands pulled my hair from my face and rubbed my back.

"Why don't you take her to the infirmary, Marco?" I heard Izou say. "I'll go inform Oyaji, and Haruta is already watching Hadrian in the training room."

"I will, yoi. Please tell Oyaji that I'll report to him about my mission after lunch."

I leaned back against Marco and closed my eyes as I heard Izou and whoever was with him leave. The blonde rubbed my back for a few more minutes as I started to feel better. It had been the same yesterday too. I had felt fine after getting sick. Maybe it was just a stomach bug?

"Come on, yoi. Let me check you over in the infirmary," Marco said softly.

He helped me up and let me rinse out my mouth before picking me up to carry me to the infirmary. I probably could've walked, but my head was starting to feel a little fuzzy. So, I just laid my head on his shoulder as he calmly walked down the hall. On the way, I noticed a few concerned looks thrown my way. I probably looked terrible with my hair a mess and only one of Marco's shirts on. Merlin, how could I have been stupid enough to get myself sick?

Once we arrived, Marco set me down on an empty cot before starting to check me over. I watched as his frown deepened the more he checked me over.

"Marco?" I asked after about ten minutes.

He ran his fingers through his hair and looked over the file that held my medical information in it. I then noticed his eyes widen slightly. Had he figured it out?

"Liz, yoi?" He set the file down and turned to look at me fully. "When was your last monthly?"

I frowned. "Why would you..." I paused. When had my last monthly been? Thinking back, I couldn't recall having one in the past two months. How had I not noticed?

I quickly waved my hand over my stomach, barely whispering the spell I needed. A yellow glow appeared for a moment before turning a pale pink.

My heart skipped.

I did the spell again just to be sure. The same result.

Then, feeling tears well up in my eyes, I looked up at Marco with a smile.

"Guess I'm not sick, huh?" I joked.

It took him a moment before he smiled back and pulled me into a hug. I felt him kiss the top of my head before moving to pepper kisses all over my face. I laughed, my tiredness leaving for the moment due to sheer joy.

"Best news to come back to, yoi." He kissed me properly before pulling back to look down at me. "How far along do you think you are? We don't have the equipment here to check."

"Into my third month, I think. There's a spell I can use to tell me, I just haven't used it since Lily was pregnant with Hadrian." I bit my lip as I pulled the spell from my memory before laying my hand on my stomach. Muttering the spell, a piece of parchment appeared in my free hand.

'10 weeks 3 days'

I handed the parchment to Marco, who went to go write everything up in my file, and then just stared at my stomach. At twenty-nine I was going to have a baby. Hadrian was going to be a big brother. I could hardly believe it. I was really pregnant.

~MotP~

I was still in a bit of shock from the news as dinner rolled around. Marco and I had decided to tell everyone then since it was the one meal that hardly anyone missed. I had stayed in our room most of the day to rest. Doctor's orders, according to my husband. This allowed me to think up the perfect way to announce the good news. And tell Marco that we would be having a little girl.

I smiled to myself as I made my way down to the galley. I had purposefully waited a bit longer so that I would be one of the last ones there. I had also put on a simple, dark pink sundress that Izou had gotten me and a pair of black flats. It was quite different from my usual choice of outfits nowadays, to say the least.

Walking into the galley, conversation seemed to stop as all eyes turned towards me. I gave a smile as I made my way to the usual table where Marco was sitting next to Thatch, his head in his hand as he watched me with a lazy smile.

"You're looking better, Liz," Izou stated as I sat down.

"Well, once we knew what was wrong, I just needed to rest some more." I made my plate, contouring myself a cup of tea instead of the glass of wine that I usually had with dinner. "I now feel much better."

"Glad to hear it, child," Oyaji stated from his seat at the head of the commander's table. "Marco told me that you both have something to share."

I smiled and nodded, standing up. Marco helped me stand on the bench, catching the attention of some of our siblings. I whistled loudly to get the rest of them to look over at me. With a wide smile, I clasped my hands together in front of my chest.

"Marco and I have an announcement!" I started loudly. "I'm sure some of you noticed, but I haven't been feeling well the past few days. So, my wonderful husband decided to give me a check up this morning. Don't worry, it's nothing life threatening," I added when a few looked at me worried. "It is only life changing!" With a flourish, I sent pink sparks up before resting my hands on my stomach. "I'm pregnant and it's a girl!"

Cheers went up all around and Oyaji laughed loudly, clearly happy about the news.

"About time!"

"Congratulations!"

"Good job, Commander!"

I laughed and felt Marco pick me up, spinning me around. Turning to him once my feet were on the ground, I gave him a kiss.

"I'm gonna be a big brother!"

Hadrian ran over and hugged us both, making me laugh even more. Everyone was so happy. It was a wonderful feeling.

"Let's celebrate with a party!" Oyaji called out, causing even more cheers to go up.

As everyone chatted excitedly, I was pulled into Marco's lap with his hands resting on my stomach. Hadrian had decided to rest his smaller hand on top of Marco's as he asked the man question after question. We got many comments from those around us, Izou hugging us both with a wide smile.

"How far along are you?" the cross dresser asked. "And how do you know it's a girl?"

"Ten weeks. And the spell I used to confirm our suspicions turned pink." I leaned back against Marco's chest as he kept running his hands over my stomach. "That means that we'll be having a little female Marco running around in no time."

Izou laughed as my husband pinched my side playfully. He knew I was only teasing.

"Better than a mini you," Thatch joked. "I think one of you is enough for us."

Izou smacked him for me, but I smirked in his direction with a wink. Deciding to have some fun, I subtly waved my hand. Slowly, his ginger pompadour turned green with silver highlights. It was a wonderful representation of my Hogwarts house.

More laughter filled the galley as the man let out an indignant squeak.

"See!" He exclaimed, laughing as well. "How could we survive another you, Liz?"

"You'll live, Mr. Don't-Touch-My-Hair. It'll be back to normal by morning."

I gave him a smile as he tried to pout, failing miserably since he was laughing too hard. I really loved my family at times like these.

~MotP~

"Dad! Mom! Can we go to the beach?"

We had docked at an island for a supply run a few hours ago and Marco and I had decided to relax on one of the upper decks for once, waiting to go on land. I had just started showing at seventeen weeks, and I was already a bit self conscious since most of my clothes were quite formal fitting. I would need to get some looser ones soon.

I looked up from my book as Hadrian ran over to us, Vista not far behind him. The large man was one of the boys favorite uncles to hang out with. Especially with his fascination with swords.

"Did you finish with your lesson, yoi?" Marco asked. The blonde was leaning against one of the masts while I had my head on his thigh, using it as a pillow.

"Yep! And my chores!"

"Well, if you promise to not wonder too far from the Moby or Vista, you can go." I gave him a smile as he cheered. He was still so excited by the smallest things. It made me happy. "But, I want you back at the docks in two hours so that you can come with us into town. The three of us are going to have an early dinner to celebrate a certain young man turning nine in three weeks."

We always had a small celebration before Hadrian's birthday at whatever island we docked at beforehand. Since we would be heading to Fishman Island next, our current stop was our last one before heading that way. So, Marco and I hade decided to celebrate tonight.

This news made the eight year old even more excited as he grabbed Vista's hand and dragged him off of the ship.

"How are you feeling, yoi?" Marco asked after a moment. He had been asking me that a lot recently. Like he knew that there was something on my mind other than my pregnancy.

"He's almost eleven," I stated in lieu of an answer.

"Mhm. Two more years, yoi."

I felt him start to play with my hair as I closed my eyes.

"I'm scared that he'll be taken from us back to our old world. Eleven is when we get our Hogwarts letter."

"We'll be prepared if that happens, yoi. You don't have to stress about it."

I sighed and turned my head to look up at him. "I try, but I don't want him to leave yet. And I don't want him in the hands of Albus. He'll most likely be used like some kind of sacrificial lamb for his 'greater good' bullshit."

We won't let that happen. If they find a way to get to him, we will be there, yoi."

His words seemed to calm me, if only a little, and I felt myself smile. He was right. I had a way to travel back already, so I could follow him just fine. I just wasn't sure when I would need to do it. Hopefully not for a few more years.

"What did I do to deserve such a smart and handsome soulmate?"

We both laughed before settling into a comfortable silence.

"I love you, yoi."

I shifted and wrapped my arms around his hips in a partial hug.

"I love you, too."

~MotP~

Hadrian held my hand as we walked through the small town towards the little cafe Marco had told me about. He was rambling on about his time on the beach with Vista while swinging our joined hands. My free hand was resting on my small baby bump, a habit now that I had started to show.

"And then we made a hug sandcastle! It was almost as tall as dad!"

I chuckled and smiled down at him. "Is that right? It sounds like you had a wonderful time on the beach."

He nodded his head and continued to tell me about his day. As we got closer to the cafe, I could hear some of the women around whispering about something or other. Spotting Marco leaning against the outside of the building, I took a guess that he was the topic of conversation. It was the same everywhere we docked. The First Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates was a popular man. Especially with the women. Even if he did already have a wife and soulmate.

"Dad!"

I laughed as Hadrian ran over to him and jumped into his arms, Marco easily picking him up. It was a sight to see. Marco, the usually emotionless commander, smiling his lazy smile with our son on his hip as the boy told him about his day. He really was a wonderful father.

"Hello, love. Did you find what you were looking for?" I asked, leaning up to peck his lips.

He kissed me back and wrapped his arm around my waist. "I did, yoi. Ready to go in for dinner now?"

"Food!"

I laughed again before nodding, Marco leading me inside while still carrying our boy on his hip. Hadrian was always hungry.

We sat down in a table at the back, away from prying eyes, and let Hadrian lead the conversation. He was very excited for our visit to Fishman Island. Namur had promised to show him around a bit while there, and he really wanted to see Jinbe again. It made me smile as he talked. If he had to go back to our original world, he would be accepting of everyone based on their character, not their blood. It was a good trait to have when dealing with the wizarding world. Magical beings were often overlooked when it came to the British Ministry. Even if we never have to go back, it was a good trait to have. Especially since the two of us were quite...unique with our skills.

Dinner was wonderful, and Marco had decided to let Hadrian ride on his shoulders back to the Moby. As we got closer, I started to feel a bit uneasy. Like something was going to happen. I had felt like that before on multiple occasions, but it seemed different. I didn't sense any trouble yet, but there was a distinct feeling of unrest in the air.

I slowed in my walk and looked around to try and figure out why the feeling had appeared. Nothing. Strange.

"Everything okay, yoi?"

I frowned and shook my head. "Let's hurry back. I'm not sure, but I think we're being watched." I kept my voice low as I caught back up to Marco. "And not in the usual way."

"You're sure, yoi?"

I nodded. I let my magic flow out subtly to try and figure out where the feeling came from. I didn't find anything at first. And then I did.

My magic had detected someone following a bit behind us and two more hiding in an alleyway up ahead. Marines? No, they wouldn't be sneaking around. Bounty hunters? Maybe. Or other pirates.

I grabbed Marco's arm gently, tapping it three times to let him know how many there were. Now, how to get Hadrian out of there before shit hits the fan?

Sadly, it seemed like I wouldn't be able to. The person who had been following us chose that moment to make their move.

With me being the closest to the alley, a hand reached out and grabbed my arm, yanking me away from Marco and Hadrian roughly. Turning my head, I sneered up at the man now holding my arm.

"I'll be rich bringing you in," he said as he pulled me closer and put a knife to my throat. "The soulmate of Marco the Phoenix. Maybe we'll take the kid too. Once we take care of the commander there."

I kept myself calm as I let my eyes turn back to Marco. He had set Hadrian down, who was staring wide eyed at the scene, and stared at the man with a bored expression.

The other two that were with the idiot seemed to have decided to block the exit of the alleyway. How very stupid.

"Is that right?" I asked, a small smirk playing on my lips. "And you really think that you can take us both?"

I may have been pregnant, but I could still fight. My magic protected the baby enough that as long as I wasn't magically exhausted very little could actually harm her.

I felt the man falter at my lack of reaction and took my chance. Grabbing the hand with the knife, I quickly spun around and kicked his legs out from under him. I then pinned his arm behind his back as he landed on his stomach and dug my knee into his back harshly.

"Looks like you'll be missing payday," I said sweetly as Marco took care of the other two with minimal effort. I put my hand on the back of his neck and squeezed at his pressure point there. After a moment, he passed out and I took the knife as I stood up. "Pathetic. How did they even get into the New World?"

Turning to look at Marco, he stepped over one of the men's bodies and walked over, tilting my head up and to the side. Guess he was making sure that I wasn't hurt.

"You okay, yoi?" he asked.

"Very. Hadrian?"

He motioned behind him to where Hadrian was sitting on a crate with a smile.

"Come on, let's get back to the Moby. Oyaji will want to hear about this." I took his hand and made my way out of the alley, letting Hadrian take my other hand.

"You were so cool, mom! How'd you do that?" Hadrian asked as we walked the rest of the way back to the Moby.

"Pressure points. If you know where they are, you can easily take down those bigger than you." I heard Marco chuckle as he leaned over to kiss the top of my head. I was very glad that he had let me handle the man who had grabbed me. It had taken a few long talks to get him to stop fussing and keeping me out of all fighting. We had compromised for me to only fight when I needed to. It worked out fine since not too many people were stupid enough to try and attack us. "I'll teach you how, if you would like, kit."

"Yes! Dad, did you hear that?"

"I did, yoi. I'm sure we can have one of your uncles help you learn."

I laughed as Hadrian cheered, finally stepping onto the main deck of the Moby. Oyaji was in his chair, and the moment the boy noticed, he ran over to the large man laughing.

"Jiichan! Mom and dad beat up these guys who tried to attack us! It was so cool!" he yelled. "And mom told me that she'll teach me how to use people's pressure points like she did!"

"Gurararara! Is that right, brat? No one was hurt, right?" Oyaji looked over at me and Marco as we came over, Hadrian's shouts making a few of our siblings look at me with concern.

"Other than the three men who wanted to collect our bounties? Not a scratch," I said with a smile to him. "I don't know how they made it to the New World with how weak they were. The leader got taken out by a pregnant woman, for Merlin's sake."

"Gurararara! Glad to hear it, daughter!"

"Hadrian, sweetheart, why don't you tell jiichan about your day while dad and I finish up some work before your magic lesson?"

I leaned down to kiss my son's cheek and gave him a hug. I then pat Oyaji's knee before giving them a wave and heading into the ship towards mine and Marco's room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: This was a long one, but I got it done! Hope y'all like the way I'm taking this story so far. Please let me know what you think. Love y'all!
~Em