You were in the middle of dinner when the doors of the great hall burst open, catching the attention of the multitude of pirates.

One of your legs was entangled with Kid's under the table, just for a bit of teasing while the two of you exchanged burning glances, much to the twins' dismay. However, the sudden noise and Bartolomeo's voice had you turned to the entrance.

«Get your ass in there, you scum!»

The green head's silhouette appeared between the doors as he kicked someone else inside. The other man seemed already wounded, because he whimpered and tumbled in the middle of the hall.

Mihawk was the first rising to his feet.

«What's the meaning of this?»

You frowned, and your heart missed a beat when you spotted the child clinging to Bartolomeo's fur.

«Kuzan!» you gasped, immediately on your feet.

You barely noticed Kid standing as well, soon imitated by Killer, the twins and half of your crew, because you ran around the table to reach your son.

«What happened?!»

Hearing your voice, the baby finally pulled off his face from the pirate's chest.

«Mommy...?»

Your heart fell right into your guts when you saw the blood on his forehead and his eyes smudged with tears.

«Kuzan!»

His lower lip began to tremble uncontrollably as he basically dived from Bartolomeo's to your arms. You caught him and held him tight, his little fist clenching on your dress for dear life. He buried his face in your cleavage, shaking lightly.

Whatthefuckwhatthefuckwhatthefuck?!

At that point, the whole room was watching the scene, most of the pirates baffled as you were.

«Barto, what happened?!»

«This piece of trash hit him.» the Cannibal spat, holding the man down with his foot «And he would have done much more, if I hadn't come.»

What.

It was like the entirety of the blood in your veins caught fire, all at the same time. The rage exploded inside you like a tornado, your sight was coated in red, and all your muscles tensed spasmodically.

«He. Fucking. What.»

Gasps and murmurs echoed all around. Perona let out a small shout, pressing her hands over her mouth.

You turned to the man like a fury, but the sudden movement startled Kuzan, who had a shiver between your arms.

«Mommy.»

His cry came out like a whisper, but it was enough to stop you instantly.

He was the top priority now.

Your heart was still pounding in your chest when you realized that a deafening silence had fallen on the hall. With the exception of a single, firm stride.

You raised your eyes to see Eustass Kid, an Emperor of the Seas, slowly walking his way around the table and approaching you.

The other crews retracted like tides at his passage.

In all your years together, you could count on your fingers the times you saw such fury on his face.

«Cannibal.»

Many rough pirates shuddered when he spoke. Many others took a step back.

Kid finally stopped a few feet from the man, his blazing eyes glued to his frame.

«Maybe I didn't hear you quite well. Did you just say that this man attacked my son?»

A shiver traversed the frozen tables.

Bartolomeo crossed his arms over his chest.

«I did. He was about to cut him.»

WHAT?!

Moved by an unknown suicidal force, the culprit balled his hands in fists and raised his head to the Emperor.

«Fuck you! You and your family deserve to burn in–»

...but the voice died in his throat when he saw Eustass Kid towering over him, his raging eyes burning him alive.

«Silence.»

The shockwave of Conqueror Haki washed the hall.

You felt it yourself, holding Kuzan tight to shield him from it, so it was no surprise when the man's forehead hit the floor, his mouth foaming with puke.

Even Law and Doruya, who had come behind their father, had to back down against the table.

«Hawkeye.»

Kid's eyes never moved from the pirate on the floor.

Mihawk quirked an eyebrow.

«Yes?»

«I guess you have a secluded room where I can... spend some time with this man.»

There was a brief pause before Mihawk let out a small sigh.

«This happened to my guests under my roof. As an apology from my side, you will have full access to the dungeons for as long as you like.»

«Good. I'll find my way.»

With a sudden movement that startled even you, Kid grabbed a handful of the pirate's hair and marched towards the door.

The man screamed, trying to dig his nails in Kid's grip, but his fingers met nothing but metal.

«NO! W-WAIT! LET ME GO!»

«Kid...!» you hissed when he passed you.

He stopped without turning.

Your whole body was shaking in rage, but you were trying your best not to let it out. You were dying to torture the bastard, but you didn't want to further scare Kuzan in any way.

Words didn't make past your livid lips.

At the same time, the twins quickly walked over.

«We are coming with you, father.» Law stated, his voice cold like you hardly heard it before. Doruya nodded firmly, anger twisting her features.

They both moved to get closer, but Kid let out a low growl that made your skin crawl in goosebumps.

«Stop.»

Surprisingly, the two of them froze in place.

«You are not going anywhere.»

Kid's head tilted slightly towards you and he lowered his voice.

«Tend to Kuzan, I'll come to you later.» he ordered «Leave this to me, birdie.»

You took a deep breath, then nodded.

«Yes.»

Without another word, the Emperor reprised his way out, dragging the weeping man with him.

«NO, PLEASE! STOP! HELP! Somebody... somebody help me, please! I DON'T WANNA DIE!»

«...and you won't.» you heard Doruya's hiss by your side, oozing with rage «Not for many, many days.»

«Here, here, kid. Look at this.»

Kuzan detached his face from your bosom and rubbed away some tears from his eyes.

Marco the Phoenix had a kind smile on his face as blue warm flames enveloped his hand.

You were currently sitting on the sofa of the room Perona had prepared for Kid, trying to recover from the shock.

Honestly, it was taking more time for you than for the child. And not just you.

Since Kid disappeared with the bastard, Killer never left your side, not for one second, and was now protectively standing nearby the couch.

The twins were there as well. Doruya was still clenching and unclenching her fists, unable to control her fury, while Law had been quieter than usual and looked more focused on his brother.

Perona was nervously walking around the perimeter of the room, muttering to herself something like "in our home!" over and over. Her anxiety seemed to only match Heat's, who refused to stay with the rest of the crew when you moved away.

Finally, Bartolomeo sat in a corner, occupied feasting on a plate full of meat, since he lost the dinner.

After the show, Marco the Phoenix immediately appeared by your side to offer his healing services. His presence was warm and comforting at that moment, and he guided you away from the hall.

«Ohh...!»

Kuzan's eyes sparkled at the sight of the blue flames, now completely captivated by the trick.

Marco let him try to catch the fire to show him it was safe to touch.

«I promise this won't hurt.» he smiled while moving it closer to his face.

Kuzan's lips curled and he turned to look at you, a silent question his big humid eyes.

It gave a squeeze to your heart.

«Yes, monster, it's fine. It will make you feel better.»

The kid blinked.

«Otay.»

Marco finally let the flames touch the wound as Kuzan shut his eyes closed.

You observed the skin slowly healing almost completely.

«Here we go. Better?»

Kuzan frowned and touched his forehead.

«Yes!» he turned to you with a grin «Mommy! No hutt anymoe!»

«I'm glad.» you breathed, relief blooming in your chest as your lips brushed his head.

«Don't worry, there is no serious damage. He just needs some rest.» Marco patted your shoulder «Your son his very strong.»

«Of course he is!» Doruya scoffed «He's an Eustass!»

Marco chuckled, rubbing the back of his head.

«Well, if it weren't for his appearance, I would never say that, honestly.»

«...and here's where you're wrong, Phoenix.» Bartolomeo laughed from his spot.

You frowned, still holding your son to your chest.

«What do you mean?»

Among all the people that joked about you making Kuzan with someone else, Bartolomeo was the most persistent.

«Oh, you should have seen him, Y/n!» the pirate uttered, spitting food here and there «The way he stood against that bastard! Even in front of a sword that was twice his side, that little thing didn't pale a bit and looked down at his aggressor.»

Doruya's eyes widened.

«Kuzan did?!»

Bartolomeo nodded profusely.

«Totally! And you know what he said?»

«What?»

«He shouted "DIE, YOU SCUM!". Well, at least that was the sense.»

Killer shook his head, as shocked as everyone else.

«Are you sure, Cannibal?»

«Yes, I'm sure, Massacre Soldier.» Bartolomeo replied «I swear, it was like seeing your crazy captain trapped in the body of a baby... only I like this one better.»

«Oh boy.» Perona sighed.

«Kuzan.» you turned him in your arms so you could face him, a proud smile bending your mouth «You were the bravest boy!»

«Really, Kuzan! You're so damn strong!» Doruya added in delight, kneeling beside you on the sofa.

«Congrats, brother.» Law smirked, ruffling his hair.

«Your father will be thrilled to hear this.» Killer said, a hint of proudness clear in his words.

The child turned his face to each of you as you spoke, confusion curling his immature features at first. When he picked up at least the meaning of your fawning, he blushed deeply, his pale skin almost reaching the shade of his hair before he tried to hide his embarrassed grin in your chest. The action caused you all to laugh, so he tried to dig himself deeper into you.

Kuzan fell asleep shortly after, the stress finally taking over his small body.

You were reluctant to part from him, it physically hurt you to settle him in Law's arms, but the truth was that guilt had been devouring your guts for hours now, and you needed some time for yourself to let your emotions out.

«Don't worry, mom, he'll be safe with us.» Doruya declared.

The twins shared a room in the same corridor as Kid's, while you were supposed to stay with Perona, since she and Mihawk decided to spend apart the nights preceding the wedding.

Not that it mattered now, but you used the excuse of having a shower to buy an hour for yourself.

Kuzan didn't wake up, he just snuggled against his brother's shirt, snoring lightly.

«Thank you, guys. I'll pick him up as soon as I'm done.»

The twins left the room, followed by Heat, who didn't seem willing to let Kuzan out of his sight any time soon.

You watched them disappeared, before a hand on your arm startled you.

You turned to Killer, recognizing his protective warmness, although your body didn't relax.

«I'll stay with them until you arrive.» he whispered «Take your time, Y/n. Do you need anything?»

You sighed, leaning your forehead against his chest and closing your eyes for a moment.

«No, I'll be fine.»

His hand moved to your head.

«It's not your fault. You know that, right?»

You just hummed, taking a step back.

Marco had left already, while Bartolomeo finally stood with an empty plate in his hand.

«Well, I'll be off as well then.» he said, turning to the door.

«Barto, wait!»

«What... WAH!»

The greenette almost stumbled on his feet when you jumped on him, throwing your arms around his neck and holding him impossibly tight.

«Thank you.» you said in his hair, whisper almost broken «Thank you for saving my son. Thank you. You're the fucking best. I'll be forever in your debt.»

«Ah... hum... you're welcome?» he awkwardly patted your back «It was luck, really... and you know I'm here to protect the squirts.»

You clenched on him some more.

«...thank you.» was the only thing you managed to repeat before finally letting him go.

«It's okay.» he cleared his voice «Well, then... I'll be down drinking... call me if you need anything.»

You nodded and he left the room.

«Jeez. Kid will hate to be grateful to that guy, now.» Killer chuckled.

«I know.»

«But I guess we all are.» he sighed «Oh shit, he'll be the new hero of the island, won't he? We'll never be able to live this down.»

The Massacre Soldier rubbed your arm one last time before taking his leave.

«See you later, Y/n.»

Perona, who was now the only person left in the room, had been awfully quiet the entire time.

«Y/n...»

You tiredly turned to her as she grabbed your shoulder.

«Y/n, I'm so fucking sorry! I don't know how it could happen! I know Mihawk feels terrible as well, I'll get rid of those zombies, I–»

«It's fine.» you said, quietly detaching her delicate hands from you «It's not your fault, Perona... I'm the one who left him unwatched.»

«What are you saying? You didn't do anything wrong, Y/n, you...»

You halted her words with a gesture.

«Please. I just need to be alone. Sorry. I'll come back to you.»

She bit down her lip, her worried eyes gliding over your figure, but eventually nodded.

«O-Okay. I guess you'll sleep with your son and Eustass tonight. If he comes back from the dungeons, that is. So... I'll probably see you tomorrow.»

Once you closed the door behind her back, you finally let the tears rolling down your cheeks, as you slowly fell on your knees.

How could I?! How could I leave him COMPLETELY FUCKING ALONE in an unknown castle, with myriads of strangers walking around?! He's the son of a fucking Emperor, for fuck's sake! How could I be so idiotic?

You snarled in your despair, your forehead dropping to the floor.

I let my son alone, I almost got him killed! What kind of mother am I? I don't deserve him. I don't deserve any of it! I'm trash.

What if... what if Bartolomeo weren't to arrive?

The sole idea turned your blood into ice, anxiety crushing your chest and leaving you breathless as you rolled on your back.

It took several terrible minutes to push the image of Kuzan in pieces away from your brain.

You couldn't breathe for a long time, you thought you could die.

Your crisis lasted much more than you intended, you seemed unable to calm yourself.

You didn't know how many hours had passed now, and you still had your face buried in the couch, muffling your tears in the pillows, so drowned in your despair you didn't hear the door opening.

«Birdie?»

You froze in place.

Your breath was heavy when you mechanically rose from the couch to face the Emperor, and almost stopped again when you saw him.

Eustass Kid simply looked like he showered in blood.

However, you recovered quickly.

It wasn't a new image for you, and knowing the blood belonged to that bastard somehow relaxed you a bit.

«What the hell are you doing?» he asked, closing the door «Where's Kuzan?»

«He's with Killer and the twins. He's fine, Marco the Phoenix healed him.» you quickly said, rubbing the tears away from your eyes.

Kid threw his fur on a chair.

«Then why the fuck are you such a mess?»

«Because...!» you grimaced, hands running in your hair «How the fuck can I just live with that, now? It was my fault!»

His eye twitched.

«Your fault?»

«Of course! I am the one who left him unwatched in enemy territory!» you looked at him, waiting for a reaction «Aren't you fucking furious at me?»

There was a pause.

«...I didn't even know where he was.» he said.

«BECAUSE YOU TRUSTED ME!» you blurted, starting to walk around the room like crazy «You entrusted your son to me, and I left him alone! ALONE! You should be fucking mad, you should hate me, you should punch me, for fuck's sake! I almost got my own son killed, I don't even deserve to live, I–»

«Enough.»

Kid's hiss stopped you for a second before you furiously turned to him, but he grabbed you firmly and held your chin in place, looking down at you with blazing eyes.

«Enough with this bullshit.»

You growled, a new yell bubbling up in your throat, but his grip on your face tightened until he almost hurt you.

«I'm not talking to you as your man, Y/n. I'm ordering you as your captain.»

The words died in your mouth.

Kid almost never pulled that card, because you both knew you couldn't argue against a direct order.

And you were not going to, not even now.

Your body grew limp in his hold.

«Pull yourself together, now. Your son needs his mother.»

A pained grimace entered your face, your eyes never moving from his.

«Yes, captain.» you whispered.

Kid held you for a few more seconds before letting you free.

«Very well.»

You took a deep breath.

Somehow, he managed to calm you down. Both your breath and heartbeat were calmer.

«I'll have a shower. I expect to find you in our bed with our son when I get back.» he grunted.

«Yes, captain.»

«I'm not talking as your captain anymore. I want to sleep beside my fucking woman, tonight.»

A small smile distended your lips.

«Yes, Eustass fucking Kid.»