Baby Daddy. {Thatch x Reader}

Late Night Talk.

"Here ya go, little guy~" You can hear Thatch speaking softly as you come down the stairs, it's the early hours of the morning, still dark outside so you know he isn't getting out of bed yet.

Whatever discussion they had with pops earlier sure set him back a lot, he hasn't spoken much since then and kept getting stressed out about the smallest of things like the stroller being stubborn when he was trying to unfold it and the baby milk taking too long to cool down enough for Acey to drink.

You've seen this side to him before but he often tries to handle it better than this. Peaking into the kitchen you see him looking somewhat happy at least, he has a sweet smile on his lips as he changes his boy's diaper, a small bottle of milk sat on the side and waiting to cool down.

Thatch's eyes melt your heart though, his bags have been getting darker by the day and his hair is all over the place but he's still smiling and honestly, you love it. Some people are just built to be good dads and Thatch is clearly one of those guys. 

"So, what was all that about earlier?" You question now that he's in a calmer mood, making your presence evident to the brunette and immediately, his face drains. His dark eyes flickering to you as you approach him.

"Heh...s'pose I should've expected you to ask about it eventually." Thatch attempts to jest but his voice sounds far too flat, his eyes falling closed as a sigh escapes his lips. "It's...well, pops has a kid. Ain't that something?"

He what?

"I thought he was--"

"Yeah, he did too." You fiancé already knowing exactly what you were going to say, he's been with you so long that he can essentially read your mind now. "Hell, the only reason he adopted us is because he thought he couldn't have kids."

Now, now. I doubt that's true, Thatch.

"You think it changes anything?" You softly ask with a smile as you languidly play with little Acey's hand, the boy looking up at his father with a somewhat saddened expression. He must be picking up on the bad mood.

Thatch doesn't answer your question though, he's looking focused and unsure, as if he's still trying to work it out himself. "I don't know," he finally murmurs before he leans forward and plants a kiss on Acey's forehead in attempts to lighten up his boy's mood, no doubt. "I wonder if you can even have the same amount of love for a stranger's child that you have for your real kid."

So that's what's troubling him.

"You're all his real kids. No amount of flesh and blood will change the fact that he raised and loved you like you're his own and that kind of love and bond doesn't just disappear because you don't have his DNA."

Acey is even nodding his little head to that as if he understands exactly what you're saying, his stare still glued to his father as he reaches his hands out to him, clearly wanting a cuddle. Of course, Thatch doesn't need asking twice. The handsome man swooping the baby up in his arms instantly but still looking troubled about the whole ordeal.

"I don't know...this Charlotte woman is apparently helping him find out about the genetics or whatever." He explains some more, Acey prodding a small tattoo that sits over the left side of Thatch's chest. A symbol that resembles his place in the family, they all have one. 

Ace, you little genius!

"That tattoo is what binds you all together though, you all got one in honor of your father. And this kid, if he's Newgate's, will be your brother. Not a wedge between your bonds." You notice the brunette smile a little at your words as he plants another kiss on his son's forehead, his eyes finally lightening up. "You don't honestly think that pops is just going to abandon you, do ya? He wouldn't have collected your lucky fingernails if you were that easily replaced."

Your words cause your lover to chuckle softly, one of his arms leaving Acey to give you a half-cuddle. Not that you're complaining, the man is shirtless and his body is very warm tonight, you'd be crazy to refuse that warmth.

"You're right, I shouldn't have doubted pops like that. I'm just...not thinking straight is all." The man rasps, giving you a kiss on your lips as his hand slips down to hold yours. His mood already seeming improved. "Let's go to bed, we've only got a few hours sleep before the construction work starts again~!"

Yes, you smile, you cute fucker.

"Ugh, don't even mention that racket~!" You giggle out as Thatch gently tugs you along, of course you're the one who picks up the bottle on the way out. You might even offer to be the one to feed Acey so that Thatch can actually get some rest for once. 

Although, you'd be lying if you said you weren't worried also. You know pops will never abandon his boys but you're nervous about what changes will occur if this kid turns out to be his, if they'll see less of the old man. 

Hell, he took them away from deadbeat parents. Thatch was abandoned as a baby, Marco and Sabo were abused, Ace's parents died, Luffy's dad left him and the boy doesn't even seem to know his mother so you're admittedly worried for all of them. You don't think they could handle feeling pushed out again but then, you believe in pops. You just have to remember that he isn't like that.

Wait, is that a power drill that I hear in the distance or have I just been driven crazy?