Treasure (Mihawk x OC) Ch. 3

“Mi amada,” his deep voice cooed while his calloused fingers grazed the skin of my shoulder.  “I know you’re awake.”

Chuckling slightly I opened my eyes and turned my head around slightly to meet his golden orbs gazing at me lovingly.

“Mi amor,” I whispered while turning around, “it’s still early.”

“I know, but I will be leaving soon.”

Cuddling closer into his neck, I inhaled his musk finding comfort in just his presence.  I sighed heavily while running my fingers over his exposed chest.

“Must you go to these meetings?  It’s becoming more frequent lately, and I need you right now.”

“I know mi amada, but being a warlord comes with responsibility.  Also,” he rubbed his hand over my swollen stomach, “I need to protect both of you.”

“But it’s getting close to that time,” I placed my hand over his on top of my abdomen.  “I would hate for you to miss it.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Tilting my chin up, Mihawk captured me in a passionate kiss.  While minding my pregnant belly, he leaned me back onto the pillows while ravishing me in his gentle kisses.  Pulling away he rose out from our bed then went to assist me to my feet.  

Ever since we found out that I was with child, Mihawk waited on my hand and foot, refusing to let me do anything strenuous.  Though it was flattering, there were times when I just wanted some breathing room.  However, after years of marriage I should be used to his protective nature, even though he knows full well that I can handle myself.

Leading me into the kitchen Mihawk prepared some tea while I went to work at making breakfast.

“Shanks will be here soon,” Mihawk said.

“Really?  You actually called him?”

“He owes us for when we retrieved that devil fruit for him.  I thought that you would enjoy the company and he would be here if anything were to happen.”

“Mihawk, wouldn’t it be better if my mother were to come here and help?  I mean she’s had eleven children herself.”

“Yes, but your mother tried to kill me with her wooden spoon.”

“Only when she found out we were getting married.”

Mihawk shook his head while snorting slightly.  

“No, she tried to kill me with her shoe then.  When she found out you were pregnant, she went after me with the wooden spoon while she was cooking menudo.”

I laughed a little bit.  Yes, my mother was a little more high strung especially with me being the only girl she had.

“True.  My mother can be difficult, I’m sorry for everything she has done to you.”

Arms wrapped around me from behind while I was finishing up cooking breakfast.  Lips graced my neck causing me to moan back into his form.

“Everything has been worth it for you.”

“Mm, be careful mi amor.  I’m already pregnant; I didn’t think that after this one that you would try again so soon.”

“No, we need a little time together after the little one comes.  But you need to sit down for now.”

Mihawk began leading me over to the table to sit down, making me groan slightly.

“Mihawk, I’m not finished cooking.”

“You need to rest, I can finish up breakfast.”

“All I do is rest lately.  I’m quite bored now.”

Mihawk pecked my lips lovingly while kneeling in front of me and rubbing my belly.

“Do it for me please.”

Rubbing his cheek I submitted and gave him a smile.

“Fine, but after the baby is here you promise to start training with me again.”

“Absolutely.”

Kissing him again, he got up to finish cooking when suddenly I felt a small kick to my side.  Taking a deep breath, I rubbed that area to soothe the slight pain while reveling in fact that my child was trying to tell me they’re there.

A plate was placed in front of me making me look up at my husband who showed concern in his eyes.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine.  The little one just wants some attention with a little kicking.”

With a sympathetic look he joined me at the table to eat breakfast.  We engaged in small talk for a while, until it was time for him to get ready to leave for Marineford.  While he adjusted his signature hat on his head I wrapped my arms around his torso from behind.  

“Gitana.”

“I know it’s just hard to be away from you during this time.  I guess the hormones are making me needy.”

He turned around and embraced me close to his chest.

“Believe me, I would rather be here with you.”

“Well,” I pulled away slightly, “I shouldn’t keep you waiting.”

Mihawk nodded his head, and we both made our way to the entrance of the castle.  When we arrived at the entrance, he took both of my hands in his.

“Call me on the transponder snail if anything happens.”

“Si, mi amor I will.  Just come home safely and quickly.”

“Me promito.”

Mihawk bent down to give me a long loving kiss when we were interrupted by someone clearing their throat.  Separating, we looked over and there stood Shanks with a goofy smirk on his face.

“Don’t mind me, nothing I haven’t seen or done before.”

“Must you always say something?” Mihawk nearly growled.

“I can’t help it!”

I chuckled while my husband huffed in annoyance and cursed to himself at why he even asked Shanks to come.

“Shanks, where is your crew?” I asked.

“They are going to the nearby island.  I thought is best that we don’t stress you out too much with partying since you’re so far long.”

“Thank you I appreciate it.”

“Alright mi alma, I have to go.”

Mihawk pressed a peck on my cheek as he walked over to Shanks and they shared an understanding stare.  He extended his hand towards Shanks and Shanks shook his hand.

“Take care of her.”

“Of course, you couldn’t have picked a better man for the job.”

“I don’t know about that.”

“Mihawk!” I scolded.

He didn’t answer and just kept walking away from the castle.  Shanks chuckled while approaching me.

“How you put up with him on a daily is no less than a miracle.”

“How you two don’t kill each other at times is no less than a miracle.”

“Very funny.”

Shanks slung his arm over my shoulder and gave me a brotherly side hug.

“It’s nice to see you lass.”

“Likewise Shanks.  Come in let me show you where you’re staying.”

I lead Shanks into the castle and down the corridor towards the guest bedroom.

“Got any sake?”

“Of course, I know that I have to have some on hand when you’re around.”

“I promise not to drink so much while I’m here, especially since you can’t share a drink with me.”

“Maybe some time after the baby comes.”

“I will drink to that!”

*~Two Days Later~*

“How are you feeling today?” Shanks asked.

We were walking on the shoreline just enjoying the ocean breeze.  But there was a change in the wind, almost as if a storm was approaching.

“Soreness, but that’s been the norm lately with the birth getting closer.”

“What do you think the child will be?” he asked.

“Why are you taking bets with your crew?” I smirked.

“Mayyybe.”

We both laughed when a crash of thunder sounded in the distance.  When that thunder cracked though the air a wave of nausea came over me and I clutched onto Shanks’ arm.

“Whoa Gigi!  What’s wrong?!”

“I-I just feel sick all of a sudden.”

The nausea was getting worse to the point that I broke away from Shanks to run towards some rocks at the opening of the trails and keel over on my knees throwing up whatever was in my stomach.  I felt a hand holding back my hair and rubbing my back while I continued to get sick.  Shanks kept reassuring me that it was alright and to let it out. When I was finished I coughed a little bit.

“I’m…I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

“No no no, you’re alright, it’s going to be alright.  Do you think you can stand?”

“Y-yeah.  Guh!”

Suddenly, the winds picked up in ferocity of the approaching storm while a rush of liquid leaked between my legs.  Anxiety set in for me as I clutched onto Shanks’s arms.

“Wh-what just happened?!”

“My water just broke…”

“What does that mean?!”

“The baby’s coming!” I shouted.

“Uh-oh…”

“J-just get me back home please!”

“Right!”

Shanks hoisted me up in his arms and rushed back towards the castle at top speed.  I gripped my stomach as contractions started to set in and it began to rain.  I tried to time my contractions while Shanks carried me all the way back to the castle.  Once there he carried me into my bedroom and set me on the bed.

“Uh-uh, what do you need?  What do I do?  How do I do this?  Who should I call?”

“Shanks Shanks!” 

I reached out to smack him on the back of the head to slow him down.

“Huh?!”

“Shanks, please slow down.  I need you to be calm because I’m already anxious.”

“Right, right.  What should I do?”

“Listen, go into the kitchen and grab my transponder snail that’s on the table.  I need to call Mihawk okay.”

“Hawkeyes, right!  And rum, we need rum!”

Shanks bolted out of the room towards the kitchen…hopefully.  Riding out the next contraction, I slowly rose out of bed, shivering as my soaked dress clung to my body.  Getting to my feet I reached over to my dresser to pull out a random nightgown and make my way into the master bathroom.  Once inside I gripped onto the sink and moaned as another contraction hit.  When it passed, I began to clean myself up and get dressed into the clean nightgown.  After I was finished, I walked back into my bedroom to lie back on my bed.

Suddenly, Shanks returned but missed his footing and crashed himself into the doorframe.  I shook my head slightly at his anxiety.  

“I’m okay!”

A bottle of rum in his hand he rushed over to give me the transponder snail.

“Thank you.”

“Welcome,” he took another swig of rum.

Activating the small snail, I called Mihawk’s transponder snail.  For the first few rings he did not answer.  I tried again, and still no answer.

“Where is he?” I growled.

“Now, try and stay calm.”

“I am calm!” I shouted as a painful contraction hit.

Shanks shrunk back at my sudden outburst.  I tried again to call Mihawk when finally there was a connection.

“Mi amor?  Are you alright?”

“Oh yeah, I’m just fine.  Ya know, I’m only in labor!”

“What?!”

“Where are you?!”

“I’m almost home!  The storm—”

“Move idiota!”

“M-Mama!”

“Mija!  Just stay calm!  Just take deep breaths and go sit in a tub of warm water!”

“Can I speak to my wife please?”

“Ah!” 

A painful contraction hit and I dropped the transponder snail on the carpet.  I gripped the sheets trying to get ahold of the growing pain.

“Gitana!  Shanks where are you?!” Mihawk yelled.

Shanks picked up the transponder snail.

“Hey Mihawk!  Glad to hear from ya!  Umm-so yeah Gigi’s in a bit of labor but she should be fine!”

A shout of pain came from me making everyone cringe.  Beads of sweat began to run down my forehead.

“We’re coming Gitana,” Mihawk assured.  “Just try to be strong for me.”

“I-I’ll try,” I gasped.

“Shanks you do everything you can for her!”

“I got it, I got it!”

Static came through the transponder snail so Shanks put the snail on the nightstand then took another swig of rum.

“Well it’s just you and me Gigi.”

“S-Shanks,” I gripped his hand tightly as the storm outside raged harder.  “I hate to admit it, but I’m scared.”

He squeezed my hand reassuringly.

“It’s going to be alright, you hear?  You’re going to have a healthy baby, and then we’ll see who wins the bet.”

“You would have to bring that up.”

“Just trying to lighten the mood lass.”

*~A Few Hours Later~*

I was taking in deep breaths while Shanks dabbed away sweat from my brow.  He was being very careful to try and help to ease my pain.  The contractions were so close together, I felt like it was almost time to deliver, but I doubt that Shanks would be the best person to try and deliver the baby himself.

“Where the hell is he?” Shanks cursed under his breath.

“I just hope they are safe,” I breathed.

Just then the door to my bedroom burst open, and both my mother and Mihawk arrived.

“Oh thank God!” Shanks gasped.

“Are you alright?” Mihawk grasped both sides of my face with his cool fingers.

“I’ll be alright, but I’m close.”

“Shanks you may leave now,” my mom shooed.  

“Alright, I think I’ll raid the cabinet a bit more.”

Shanks left out of the room while my mother prepared to deliver the baby.  Mihawk shed his coat then climbed into bed behind me regardless if he was soaked to the bone from the raging storm outside.  His cool touch was soothing, to my heated body.  He began massaging my shoulders trying to relax me as the pain in my pelvis became intense.

Meanwhile, my mother was finished setting me up to deliver the baby and she checked under the sheet to figure out if it was time.

“Alright mijita, it’s time to push.”

“Phew,” I breathed heavily as sweat dripped down my temple.  “Alright, I’m ready.”

“Ready, push.”

With a painful cry, I pushed for about ten seconds then released to lean back into Mihawk.

“Good job mi amor,” he cooed in my ear while kissing me and massaging my aching midsection.  “You can do it.”

“Push.”

Again, I cried out as I pushed for another ten seconds leaning forward to help with the motion.  After ten seconds, I leaned back again; Mihawk wiped the sweat from my forehead as he continued his encouragement.

“Bueno, I can see the head.  One more big push mija.”

“One more, just one more,” he whispered.

“Okay.”

Inhaling a deep breath, just as a crack of thunder hit I gave it everything I had crying out in pain to push out my baby.  When I fell back weakly, soft cries came from where my mother was at the end of the bed.  Both Mihawk and I fell silent for a moment; there it was, the cry of our child.

My mother smiled lovingly at the small baby in her hands.  She looked to us happily, and spoke softly.

“Dios mío, a que bebe es mas bonita.”

“It's a girl?” Mihawk questioned.

“Si mijo, it’s a beautiful baby girl.”

I smiled softly as tears formed in my eyes.  It’s a girl, a healthy baby girl.  Turning my head towards Mihawk, I saw something I never thought I’d see before; his eyes watered.  Reaching up with my hand I caressed his cheek lovingly.  Suddenly, Mihawk captured me in a feverish kiss holding me close to his form.  When a need for air became prominent, he pulled away to press hasteful kisses to my forehead.

“Gracias!  Gracias mi amor!” he buried his head in my hair.  “You did it!”

“We did it,” I whispered tiredly.

“Gitana,” my mother called our attention.  

She was standing next to us with a bundle wrapped in a towel.  Leaning over she handed me the tiny baby and Mihawk wrapped his arm around us encompassing us into his larger form.  Tears began pouring down my cheeks in happiness.

“She’s beautiful,” I sniffed.

“Bienvenidos mi pequena,” Mihawk greeted while petting her head softly.

She moved her little head slightly at the soft touch of her father.  Our baby was here, and she was perfect.  She had black fuzz on her head, and though she was still pink, there was no doubt that she would have her father’s porcelain skin.  She stirred slowly as she opened her eyes and there was the signature of Mihawk; her eyes were his fierce, amber hawk-eyes.

“What should we name her?” I asked.

For a moment, we both became so memorized by her presence we didn’t even speak of what to name her.  We were both just impressed with her being here and safe in our arms.

“Marcelina,” Mihawk whispered.

“Marcelina?”

“Yes.  She is born of two pirates, it only seems fitting.”

After I thought over her name, and it was perfect.  Marcelina, of the sea.  

“Yes, Dracule Marcelina,” I declared.

Shifting over a bit, Mihawk leaned over to kiss Marcelina’s head then return to kiss me once more.

“Ambos son mi vida y mi precioso tesoro. Te protegeré a ambos hasta que me muera la respiración.”

“Te amo, mi amor.”

“Yo también te amo, los amo a ambos.”

We were so enraptured in this small family moment, that I didn’t even notice that my mother had finished cleaning up the mess and Shanks walked into the room.  He whistled in amazement causing us to look up at him.  

“Where is the camera when I need one?” he smiled.

“So, did you win the bet?” I asked.

“You bet I did!”

Chuckling slightly, I turned my attention back to Marcelina who was reaching for her father’s crucifix.  I yawned heavily feeling exhaustion wash over my body.

“Mija,” my mom called, “I ran you a bath.  You should clean up then go to bed.”

“Yes Mama,” I nodded.

Shifting my position, I handed Marcelina to Mihawk and let my mom help me up then lead me into the bathroom.

Mihawk’s POV

“You did good my friend,” Shanks pat my shoulder.

“Heh, I’m a father now.”

I gazed at my tiny daughter in my arms who fell back asleep and nuzzled into my chest.  I lightly stroked her hair trying to soothe her.

“Ya know Mihawk, she may be the next Greatest Swordsman in the World.”

“She will be, but she will be the Greatest Swords-woman.  When that day comes, I will accept defeat with pride.”

“You’re going to be a great father Mihawk.”

“Thank you.”

“Well, I’m going to get another bottle of rum and turn in for the night.  I bid you all good night.”

Shanks exited the bedroom and that’s when Gitana returned from out of the bathroom.  She had a slight limp but she made it over to our bed, with the help of her mother.

Gitana’s POV

“I’ll use the guest bedroom down the hall.  Call me if you need anything.”

“Thank you Mama.”

My mother left out of the room shutting the door behind her.  Mihawk handed our daughter to me then rose from the bed to go and freshen up since he was still soaked.  I lied down with Marcelina on my chest and just like her I closed my eyes to just get some rest.  

As some time passed I felt Marcelina being lifted from me which made me stir.  I saw that Mihawk had brought over the bassinet that we had, placed a tender kiss to her head, then laid her down.  Once she was tucked in he climbed into bed with me and wrapped me in his protective embrace.  

“Sleep now mi amor.  You deserve it.”

Without another word we both fell into a deep slumber relieved that not only did we weather the storm, but bring a new treasure into this world.