I don't own One Piece.
I'm so sorry for the super late update! It was supposed to be updated on Christmas, but I had so much last minute stuff to do for my trip I didn't get to finish it. So instead I'm updating this after I get back from my trip! On a second note, I absolutely love Berlin!
You guys know the drill, specials do not effect the story line.
This year I'll leave you guys with the first big family Christmas moments in Mitsu's life. Perhaps next year, if you guys want, I'll add in her second big family Christmas, and so on.
With that said, let's visit Christmas past.
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The First Family Christmas
Mitsu/Katsu Age: 6 Months Old
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The house in the woods was well hidden from sight. It was built by a small pirate crew wanting to ensure the safety of those inside. However, even if it wasn't in sight, they had not soundproofed the home. Which left the stressed out mother to worry that even the village would hear the wailing of the two babies.
"Shhh, babys, it's okay." Sayomi hummed, rocking both red haired babies on her hips as she paced back and forth. Dark circles had formed under her eyes the past few months since she had the twins. Both have become quite the handful. "It's okay."
Sayomi wondered if she was trying to convince herself that. Christmas was two weeks away and yet neither child had a single toy under the undecorated tree in the living room. Their first Christmas and they wouldn't have anything.
"Come on, Sato." She cooed, noticing Mitsu had finally called asleep on her right side. "Look, your sissy is sleeping too. It's okay. Ka-san is here. You're safe."
Even so the boy continued to cry, though it had refused to smaller whimpers. Carefully, Sayomi walked towards the second bedroom which contained the cribs her brother had built. With some practiced skill, the woman placed Mitsu into the first crib and tucked her in.
However when she turned to continue to rock Sato, the baby started to cry louder and reached out for his sleeping sister. The woman's eyes widened as she quickly turned back towards Mitsu to allow Sato full sight of his sister. "Its okay, Sato. Mitsu's sleeping, we need to be quiet." She whispered softly, slowly rocking the baby.
Sato didn't appear to care what his mother was saying. His attention was fully on Mitsu, who he was still trying to grab. The tired mother sighed, looking back and forth before softly lying Sato in beside his sister.
His crying almost immediately stopped, and all that was left was a few sniffles as he stared at Mitsu, who remained undisturbed by the twin.
Sayomi sighed tiredly, shaking her head. "All that so you could sleep by Mitsu. You woke all of us up for that." Not wanting to bother much more, she softly placed a light blanket over the twins and left the room quietly.
As soon as the door was closed Sayomi looked up to stare at the empty Christmas tree. It had been a tree which she had chopped down herself. However she didn't have any money for any Christmas decorations, nor did she have any money for any Christmas presents. The sight made her want to cry.
However, a soft ringing drew her attention to her room. Only one person called her.
Wiping her tears, Sayomi walked in her room and answered the snail. "Hey, Shanks." She muttered
"Sayomi!" The snail grinned, cheers echoing in the background. "How's my little sister doing? And my wonderful niece and nephew?"
"We're the same age." Sayomi sighed, "Sato refuses to sleep in his own crib now. But it's okay here."
She didn't feel like it was okay.
"I bet they have a big Christmas list, don't they?" Shanks laughed.
Sayomi stopped. Her eyes remained unblinking as she tried to will the tears away. She didn't want Shanks to hear or see her cry. She was the strong twin of the two of them. She was the one who took care of Shanks.
The snail's smile dropped at the silence and a concern look crossed its face. Just barely Shanks was able to make out a few tears welling up in the snails eyes, meaning his sister was holding back tears.
"Sayomi-?"
"Oh yeah! They sure have a big Christmas list. Of course I'll have to put forth a little more effort. Since Taro can't be here." She forced a laugh.
She wasn't angry with Taro. She had met him before he was a pirate and understood the situation. Both had agreed for him not to see or meet the children at least until they were adults. It was safer that way.
"Are you okay-"
"Well, I better go! The sun will be rising in a few hours and I need to get some food ready for the babies before I get some sleep." She smiled and chucked into the snail. "I'll talk to you later, Shanks. Tell Benn and Lucky I said hi!" Before another complaint could be said, Sayomi hung up. Her smile had dropped and all that remained was a tired looking woman.
All Shanks needed to see was that little moment. Benn had been beside him and had seen it as well. All they had to do was look at each other before coming to a conclusion. They were going to Sayomi.
.................
"Mitsu!" Sayomi shouted, running to the crawling child. The girl had crawled towards the kitchen and was trying to brace herself against the wall to stand up. Mitsu wasn't one to sit around. She was trying to completely bypass the crawling stage and jump into the walking and running stage.
It wouldn't be an issue, but the child always went towards the kitchen. One of the few places Sayomi had not child proofed.
Luckily, while Mitsu was getting into everything, Sato was focused on sitting up without face planting. Sayomi had noticed while he tended to want to be around Mitsu more, he was far more laid back. She didn't worry as much about him getting into everything.
Picking up the babbling girl, Sayomi blew a piece of hair out of her face and smiled warmly at Mitsu. "Ka-san needs to get a baby gate." Sayomi said, making Mitsu smile in return to her mother. Only when she placed Mitsu down beside Sato did she stop and sigh. "I'm talking like a crazy person now."
Christmas was two days away, and still nothing about her situation had changed. Perhaps if she had a ship she could have sailed and found some of the treasure she had hidden on her favorite island. However, she wouldn't be able to bring her babies, so even that was out of the question.
Her attention was drawn away from her two babies when a knock sounded at the door. Instantly all fatigue left her body as she looked towards the door. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion and she slowly approached it.
Since she had moved here the villagers haven't been the nicest. They spat on her when she went in public and glared at her. Clearly they knew she was a pirate and they didn't think kindly of them. It was why she wasn't able to get a job, nor get a babysitter for her children.
If it wasn't for her knowledge she had gained as a pirate she wouldn't have made it this long. It also helps that her house was built by a fresh water spring and there are plenty of wild animals for hunting.
Reaching above the door frame Sayomi pulled a dagger she had hidden. With her free hand she unlocked the door. Glancing back at her babies she endured they were a safe distance in case a fight was to break out then opened the door.
However she froze at the sight in front of her.
"Sayomi-!" Shanks blinked, his smile dropping into a frown.
Standing in front of him was not the same twin he grew up with. She wasn't glowing nor energetic. Not even a big smile was present on her face. The same goofy giddiness she normally contained appeared smothered. She looked tired. Dark bags under her eyes, and her long red hair unwashed and tangled. Even her posture was slouched.
"S-Shanks?" She whispered, almost making the man flinch. Even her voice wasn't the same.
When he looked further into the house, his eyes first landed on the two babies which were babbling together. One appeared to be holding the hands of another which was trying to sit up. Behind them sat a bare Christmas tree.
Right then it clicked. He understood why his sister was so stressed and completely saddened. Christmas is her favorite holiday, and her children won't have the perfect first christmas she wants.
Shanks drew his sister, who stood four inches shorter than him, into a hug. "Why didn't you tell me?" He asked simply.
Sayomi's bottom lip trembled. "I didn't want to bother you. Especially with money. What kind of mother am I if I can't provide for them?"
His heart tugged painfully, and he couldn't help but feel anger towards the man that did this. Sure Sayomi loved Taro, but he should have explained the situation before. He shouldn't have just left her to raise two children by herself. This very moment is the reason Shanks will always hold a grudge against the Emerald Pirate.
"First, you're a single mother. You're doing wonderful. You're the best mother these kids could ask for. You give them all your love and attention, surely you know that's worth more than anything." Shanks answered, pulling back to see his sister's tear streaked face. "Second, if you need help just ask me. You know I'll be there if you need me. Especially with financials. We might blow a lot on alcohol, but I always have extra for you and the kids."
The tears fell harder against her cheeks and Sayomi sniffled as she tried to hold in sobs. "I'm so sorry, Shanks. I can't make any money because nobody will hire me. And if they did, nobody would watch Sato and Mitsu."
Shanks nodded sadly, having seen how the villagers treated him on his short walk through. He hated having his sister here, and he would have to find another island for them when the kids are older. One that would be pirate friendly.
Benn had stood outside the house, not wanting to interrupt the siblings. However he had heard the conversation. It was more than enough to make him turn around and walk back towards the village. Clearly there were things he needed to do.
Loud giggling made both adults turn to look at the babies. Sato was sitting up and Mitsu was trying to use the couch to stand up, and currently was succeeding in her progress which was producing the giggles.
"You didn't tell me one of them was walking now!" Shanks gaped, walking past his sister to his niece and nephew.
"Mitsu is. Sato is still at the sitting up stage." Sayomi smiled, walking over to Sato as Shanks had walked over to Mitsu.
The captain crouched and offered his hand to the girl. Mitsu only started at him for a moment before grabbing his finger with her hand. With shaky steps, she walked towards him, a big toothless smile on her face.
"Oh my god, she is adorable." Shanks whispered.
"They both are." Sayomi smiled, sitting next to Sato, who smiled up at her.
...............
The next morning when Sayomi woke up, she found Shanks already up with the children. On top of that, part of his pirate crew had stayed the night and apparently decorated the home.
She blinked in surprise when she saw her Christmas tree decorated. Though none of it matched and it looked patchy, it was perfect. While there wasn't a star on too yet, Sayomi didn't think much of it.
"Dahahahaha!" Shanks grinned, lifting a giggling Mitsu in the air. "You're a spry one, ain't ya?!" The baby giggled and gurgled an answer while kicking her legs happily.
Sitting on the floor with a calm smile was Benn. His arms were crossed as he stared at Sato, who was trying to successfully sit up straight. "You almost got it, Sato." He encouraged, amusement filling his face as the baby tired harder to sit up. "You gotta catch up to your little sister. Otherwise you wont be able to protect her as well when you get older."
Though Sayomi smiled, she lightly slapped Benn on the shoulder. "Don't say it like that. Besides, I already feel like Mitsu wont let anyone try to protect her when she gets older. She'll do the protecting."
Both adults turned to look at the baby, only to grin as Shanks lowered Mitsu closer to his face with a big smile on his face as he cooed over her.
"Who's gonna be a fierce pirate one day? You are!" Shanks cooed, lifting the baby up in the air before repeating himself.
Sayomi smiled fondly while Benn rose an eyebrow. "Captain is such a softie."
"Mainly with kids." Sayomi answered with a shrug. "But at least I know I can count on him."
Benn smiled at the red haired woman. "You mean all of us. Just because you aren't in the crew doesn't mean you aren't nakama. You're like the annoying little sister I never wanted."
Sayomi rolled her eyes, patting Benn on the shoulder. "I love you too, Bennie Boy." The woman stopped to stare at Shanks, who was tossing a giggling Mitsu in the air. Her eyes widened and she reached out her hands. "Shanks! Be delicate with Mitsu!"
"She's fine!" Shanks protested, catching the baby with an eye roll. However fear gripped at his heart when Sayomi stormed over to him. "Sorry! Sorry!"
With quick hands, Shanks offered the baby towards Sayomi, who quickly took Mitsu. She looked her over with a motherly worried look. Once she was sure the girl was unharmed, she scooped up Sato and started walking back towards the kitchen. "You guys must be starved."
"We are!" Shanks grinned. "You gonna make us-"
"Idiot." Benn snorted, "She's talking to the babies."
Shanks blinked, "Oh." Then he pouted, "but I'm hungry too..."
The pouting Captain was ignored.
.........................
Once Shanks realized his sister had nothing for her children's first Christmas, he had to step in. Not just for the sake of the children, though he doubted the twins would remember, but for the sake of his sister.
When he saw the dark circles under her eyes, and the toll of sleepless nights, he couldn't just sit by. Since she refused on living on the ship with him and his crew, all of who welcomed both the younger twins and the older twins without a second thought, Shanks knew he would be spending a good amount of time on this island.
So on the night of Christmas Eve, Lucky Roo and Benn had worked together to get the babies to sleep. Meanwhile Shanks worked on his sister. The exhausted mother wasn't hard to get to sleep. Though she was stubborn, her exhaustion wore her down enough for Shanks to get her to bed.
As soon as Sayomi was sleeping, Shanks set out to his ship. His crew following after him. Benn had gone shopping earlier and Shanks himself had snuck off to wrap the presents. Though they weren't the prettiest, he didn't think his twin would mind.
As the crew started carrying presents towards the small house again, Shanks couldn't help but look at the transponder snail with a frown. He had the number memorized, just like his sister did. However Sayomi would never call. It would be suspicious. But if he called, it wouldn't bring too much attention.
Before he could get the chance to attempt a call, Lucky Roo called out to the Captain. "Captain, we've just about got everything. You gotta help us set everything up."
Shanks nodded slightly, turning away from the snail. It was best he didn't call Taro. He would just make sure he was more available for his sister.
"Right." Shanks bent down to pick up a chest. It contained enough money to last his sister a year, living comfortably. Perhaps with this she wont stress as much.
Turning back towards the crew, Shanks followed after them.
......................................
Sayomi was woken early the next morning by Shanks. The mother was quite confused as to why her brother was placing her children on her and grinning. She barely stopped herself from attacking him when the first thing she saw was his face.
"I'm blind!" She cried dramatically, a smirk crawling on her lips. "I just saw the most hideous being!"
Shanks frowned, still holding Sato, who was busy staring at the man. Mitsu had been crawling over her mother. "Very funny. Get up, you're wasting daylight."
Sayomi sighed, hugging Mitsu to her chest. "What's the point, Shanks? I couldn't get them anything, so their first Christmas won't be magical. The only reason it might be nice it just because you're here." She looked up at her brother, who just had a small smirk on his face. "I'm really glad you came here with your crew. I hope you know that. I actually got to sleep."
"Oh shut it." Shanks rolled his eyes, pulling Mitsu into his arms then jerking his head towards the door. "Come on. Santa came."
Sayomi blinked, pausing in confusion. "Wait, what?"
Shanks groaned dramatically, "Sister dearest! Come on! Everyone is waiting for you!"
The mother narrowed her eyes at her twin. "What did you do?"
"Come see what Santa did!" Shanks grinned, running out the room while making swishing noises to raise giggles from the babies.
Not wanting to waste another moment, Sayomi threw the covers off of her and shot out of bed. Grabbing a black sweatshirt, she pulled it over her head as the cool air hit her making her shiver slightly. Then with curiosity eating at her, she exited her room.
Immediately she could hear her brother's crew laughing and talking. No doubt they had already busted out the alcohol. Much like her brother, Sayomi loved to drink, she had developed a high tolerance during her pirate years. However, she didn't enjoy the thought of the crew drinking around her babies.
Yet, when she rounded the corner, she had to stop in complete shock. Not only had her brother provided her with Christmas decorations, but he had also filled the living room with presents. Then to make it all more special, he had clearly bought a feast, which the crew had cooked.
The best part? Nobody was drinking any alcohol, and her babies looked absolutely ecstatic.
Shanks turned around to look at his sister, a big smile forming on his face as he opened one arm, as he still held one child in the other. "Merry Christmas Sayomi!"
Hearing their Captain, the rest of the crew shouted out a similar greeting.
Sayomi's bottom lip trembled for a moment before a few tears fell down her face. She wiped them and smiled at the crew. "I really missed you guys."
"Aww! Sayomi's getting soft!" One of the crew members joked.
Shanks chuckled, walking over to his sister and wrapping one arm around her in a side hug. "Don't be alarmed. I did get a lot of presents. But, half of them are not toys. I got some things I noticed you needed, but I had the crew wrap them so the twins will have something to open and play with. Because half-"
"-Of the magic is ripping open the presents on Christmas day." Sayomi whispered, remembering a childish rant she had with Shanks during their younger days.
"Yes." The Captain smiled, "I'll help you put some of those things together. I hope you don't mind, but I got a bigger crib for the twins. I noticed Sato likes to stay with Mitsu, and those cribs you have are far to small if they're going to share one."
"You did everything." Sayomi sighed, laughing softly. "You saved their Christmas. Thank you."
"I would do anything for these two babies." Shanks smiled looking at Sato that still sat in his arm. "And I have to make sure my sister is well off as well. So I'm leaving you some money to make sure you can make it until I come again. I'll also make sure we come at least three times a year."
She blinked, "Three times?"
"Our birthday," Shanks answered, "Their birthday," He looked at the twins, "And Christmas. You won't have to worry about that again. And if you ever need anything, just ask."
Sayomi never thought she would need to hear those words. However she couldn't be more grateful that her brother cared so much. Perhaps that's just how twins are. Perhaps that's just how Shanks is.
Either way, Christmas was saved, and so were the next years to come. Even when another child joined in the family. Each year Shanks was there to make it better than the last.
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End of the Christmas Special!
This is not edited.