The Price Of Living - Platonic Dad, Vampire Mihawk x Platonic Daughter, Vampire Reader Commission
Hi guys! It's been a hot minute since I've managed to get the time together to write anything. I got this commission a while ago, and hadn't been able to write it until now due to a lot of wild personal things going on that I've been dealing with. But I finally had the time and energy to write it, so I hope you guys enjoy it!
It was a ton of fun to write, and by far one of the longest fics I've written. A lot of people really liked the father figure Mihawk fics, so I've glad I was able to write another one! Obviously some violence in this one, so be sure to be careful if you have any triggers.
Thank you guys for sticking around and I hope you like it!
Word Count: 6,014
Everything about the world always changes, that wasn’t a debatable statement, but a fact. When there are people thriving, there’s those who can’t catch a break. Such is how life is, and as the world changes, so do the people who reside upon the Earth. Vampires have always plagued the world, but in recent years that has become something to think of in a brighter light. There weren’t just vampires slaughtering everything in their path in search of their next feast, but humans had come together and formed a collective.
Vampire hunters, those who’d had enough taken from them and turned their lives around to defend those who couldn’t do it themselves. Organizations had risen, built from the ruins of the desolation and destruction caused by those unfortunate enough to be turned. Oftentimes, not even the vampires themselves had much say in the matter. If a human were to go a week without water, they’d also go into a frenzy when they saw a flowing stream…such is how vampires were with blood.
Every day they struggled with starvation, and while some had learned to control it to an extent, many were too far gone to consider the alternatives. One alternative was to join forces with the hunters and become one themselves. There were seven “emperors” within the ranks of the hunters…one of which was a man by the name of Mihawk, who had never lost a fight of any capacity. No one really even knew if he was ever human to begin with.
His eyes were piercing, and he carried himself with confidence as he walked carelessly through towns he would arrive in. Though more often, he stayed on a distant island, not caring for socializing when he could be spending time on his own. Even though he was a hunter, the world knew he was a vampire. The discussions about his alliances with the hunter’s association were often a focal point in many conversations, but no one really knew much about him aside from those few points.
You had seen him in the papers, but he was currently the last thing on your mind. Right now, you were running for your life. A loud noise beside you caused you to yelp, grimacing as you pushed yourself to move faster. Vampires tended to play with their food, as it were, and as you heard the malicious laughter from behind you, you were positive that was the case. It didn’t matter why he was after you, since the reason was clear. You were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. As unfortunate as it was, you weren’t going to give up easily.
The thought stayed present in your mind, that there was a high possibility you wouldn’t make it out of this alive. Rather than cause you to be consumed with fear, you took it as the driving factor of why you were fighting with all that you had…even though at the moment, running was far more important. You kept thinking that if you could just put distance from you and him, that maybe you could catch him by surprise. Vampire’s senses were heightened in every regard, and as the dim lighting of the moon cascaded across the barren streets, there was no doubt you were at an extreme disadvantage.
Your chest heaved, a few tears of fear and anger trickled down your cheeks, and legs aflame from how long you had been running. Whatever happened…you refused to look back. It had always been that way. Your determination to put up a fight, to never falter or waver, it was what kept you going on the darkest nights. Even if you were going to die…you didn’t care, as long as you could take that son of a bitch down with you.
Making a sharp turn, the concrete scraped against your leg as you slid along it. A swear became caught behind your lips, and you rushed to push yourself up to continue running. You hadn’t heard that ear grating cackle in a while, but you weren’t dumb enough to think the monster had let you get away. It wasn’t the safest part in town, and you knew that…the things the people around here heard didn’t cause them to bat an eye. If they pretended the horrific slaughters never happened, then they didn’t have to fear for their own lives. That seemed to be the motto around here.
A sharp pain tore through your shoulder, and the breath left your lungs as the beast slammed you against the side of the building. Rage filled you, seeing his smug and manic smile. You tried to struggle, break free of his gasp however you could, but it was blatantly futile. A sharp cry pierced the air, and it took far too long to realize that it was your own. You grit your teeth as his nails, sharp as talons dug into your shoulder and effectively pinning you in place.
The vampire’s smile widened, and he shook his head, tutting like you were a small child. “Hm…” He said, looking to be deep in thought. “You know what? You’re feisty. You’re gonna make a great little pet.” His words dug against your mind, threatening to tear out what little sanity remained.
That was a few weeks ago. Since that horrendous beast turned you into the monster you had always loathed. Many series of unfortunate events followed. The vampire had forced his blood to run through you, and left you in a state of obedience. You struggled every day to regain your sense of self, but the fire? The will to fight? To tear him to shreds? It never left you. Not even for a single damn second.
When he had finally been killed by the hunters, you thought your freedom would come easy. But when was anything in life ever easy?
The second he was killed, you knew. It wasn’t the relief you had hoped for. A scream seemed to tear your own throat to pieces, the feeling of every drop of the blood in your body seemed to ignite. The thought had never occurred to you, that once he had died, your unwilling bond would feel as if it tore through your flesh and turned you into a crazed beast with no thoughts of satisfaction and remorse. His blood was the only blood you had drank, and the dependence you had to him because of it had snapped the last bit of humanity you had…even though it was temporary.
The hunters had found you the second it happened, and while you don’t remember the rest of that night…you knew within you what had happened. You had killed the hunters who intended to take your head for being associated with the greatest terror that small little town had known. Despite everything, you refused to drink the blood of another human. Another…another human. You clung to that thought for weeks. That you were still you. Still a living, fighting girl who had your humanity branded to you. Unable to be removed or revoked.
The love, the happiness, even the sorrows and anger, everything that made you a human. All of it seemed to dim, and at moments appeared to be gone forever. But the fire you had always had pushed you further. No matter what happened, no matter what got thrown your way, you’d fight. You survived. And you intended to keep it that way. If fighting to the death was the last thing you ever did? You’d be content with whatever hell death would throw you into for staying a fighter until the bitter end.
That fire is what brought you to this island. Mihawk’s island. Nearly everyone on this Earth feared it. They all knew of his power, and avoided it. If it was the last piece of land on the ocean? Most people would rather drown than step foot on it. But here you were. Ready to plead for his aid.
The lack of your sire had drained your body of most of its strength, but if anyone
could make you stronger, wiser, it would be the very vampire that ruled this island and the waters surrounding it. No matter the cost, you would prove yourself to him. The deep recesses of your brain screamed to fight against the cruel world, including the hunters who tried to take your life because of your association to a beast.
Walking along the desolate forest of the island, it wasn’t surprising how little life there was. A squirrel here and there, but nothing noteworthy. You swore as you clenched your fists, the determination you previously had being coated with a thin layer of fear. The colossal building you presumed he resided in now becoming clear in the distance. Your destination was so close…and you had to steel your mind and thoughts to prepare for any possibility of what was about to come.
Before you could exit the dense forest, a sharp twinge splayed across your mind, and you spun on your heels and swiped at the figure behind you with what little strength you had left. The instincts you had gained since turning hadn’t wavered in the slightest. While your body may be weak, your mind was still as strong as it had ever been.
The figure, who you immediately recognized to be Mihawk, had blocked your attack by raising his sword, causing your claws to scrape across it. His expression was stoic, albeit a tad annoyed. Your expression relaxed, while staying guarded. The silence was deafening, as he waited for you to explain yourself.
“I…” Your words faltered, and it occurred to you that you had thought up every scenario. Every possibility of how the encounter could go. But now, as you stood before him, all of those thoughts had disappeared. As you took a deep breath, not out of necessity, but habit, you spoke in a firm tone. “Sir…I want you to train me. To be my sire.” Your eyes flared with determination, the hesitation absent from them entirely.
It was nearly impossible to detect the slight widening of his eyes, almost surprised, before he had controlled his expression once more. “No. Leave my island. I don’t take on any young one who thinks they’re going to be the exception.” His sword lowered, and your expression turned baffled for a brief minute.
The words left your mouth, shaking your head to keep your expression firm. “At least hear me out. I came all this way, risked my damn life, and wasted a ton of time only getting weaker so I could have the chance to live again!” The tone of your voice wavered slightly, and the frustration laced your words. You blinked, not meaning to practically yell at him as you just did, letting out a small, nearly inaudible, “please…”
For several moments, the most response you gained from him was a raised eyebrow. The silence itself was deafening, and your expression changed between a wide array of emotions. Were you feeling fear? Rage? Desperation? No…the most prominent feeling you had was sheer willpower. You’d stop at nothing to be trained by him, knowing he may be your only hope. You didn’t risk your life countless times, be beaten and battered, just to lay on the ground and die like your very existence meant nothing.
You opened your mouth to speak, but Mihawk held out a hand as he spoke instead. “I don’t take on thralls. Not if they’re not worthy. You’ll have to prove to me you’re capable, and then and only then will I so much as consider the notion.” His voice was even, calculated from years of concealing his emotions from hunters and vampires alike.
The corners of your mouth twitched slightly, but you shook your head to clear any excitement from your mind. He wouldn’t give in so easily, and who knew what he had planned to prove your worth. Mihawk wasn’t one to give in easily, and as his reputation of the strongest vampire in the world would prove to be difficult for anyone to match. But you didn’t want to match his strength, you just wanted to get strong enough that you wouldn’t have to live in fear for the rest of your life. You’d prove yourself to him, no matter the cost.
“What do I need to do?” You spoke, softly yet determined. As you straightened your back, and squared up your shoulders in a mock display of confidence, you thought you saw a brief look of respect in his eyes.
He didn’t say another word, just motioned for you to follow him as he began walking towards his castle. The walk itself was quiet, and you continued to open your mouth to say something but nothing came to mind. It was near awkward as you walked, glancing over at him without so much as an acknowledgement you existed as he kept his eyes forward.
Once reaching it, he walked through the door and you went to follow…only to bump into an invisible wall. You blinked, remembering how you’d heard vampires had to be invited inside. A quick glance at him showed a small smirk on his face. It made you huff, crossing your arms over your chest, completely unamused. He stood in the entrance, seeming to wait for your response. It was almost embarrassing, a slight pink dusting your cheeks.
“C-Can I come in?” You asked, feeling cheesy from just saying it. But rushed into the room as he gave an affirmative nod. After a few steps, you turned to him with a slight glare. This bastard was messing with you. You were vulnerable enough to ask for help and he goes and does that? The complete audacity.
The walk to the dining hall was silent, aside from a few grumbles of annoyance from your lips. He didn’t make any note he heard your words, but even you knew he heard every word. And as he opened the doors, your eyes widened slightly, in awe of how beautiful and macabre it was. You looked around the room, jaw dropped slightly before you registered him sitting down at the table.
He gestured for you to sit beside him, as he took the end seat of the table far too large for just two people. You sat, almost hesitantly, and looked at him with questions in your eyes you never vocalized. “So…when do we start the training…or whatever?” Was the only question you managed to get out. You weren’t even really sure what he had planned to do in order to plan your worth.
“Eat.” He said, and you looked at the empty table with confusion before he waved his hand, plates upon plates of food appearing before you. It all looked…way too good to be true.
Noting how much meat was on the table, your mouth watered, a slight gleam of red in your eyes as it finally registered how hungry you were. You reached out for a few foods to put on your plate, the ribs calling your attention as you struggled not to lunge and eat them in one go. You picked a piece up, shaking with hunger before lowering it from your mouth slowly. “Is…is it people?” The question was soft, and unsure.
Mihawk raised an eyebrow, looking between you and your food. “And if I said it was?” The question made your heart drop, conflicting feelings across your face. The question had you wondering…was it worth it? All of the fighting, scrambling to keep yourself alive, was consuming human flesh worth the fight? People die all the time…but it felt wrong still, the thought of feasting on someone who once had a loving family.
He sighed, though his lips twitched into the smallest of smiles. “Good. You’re hesitant. While that hesitation to harm others is…endearing, it can also get you killed.” He shook his head, continuing. “No. It isn’t human. It’s deer meat, and while it may not completely satisfy the hunger of the undead, it is enough to replenish their energy.”
That was all you needed to know. You dug in, surprised at the flavors of the food that you never really remembered the common foods tasting like. It was almost…dull. The enriching spices and flavors were far more subtle, and even bread seemed to taste like nothing. Almost as if you were exclusively tasting textures rather than any actual flavors. The meat, however, seemed to taste far more satisfying. You entirely focused on the various meats, not even aware of the slight red glow in your eyes as you ate.
Mihawk ate at a much slower pace, savoring the food before him in appreciation. He paused to speak to you in a firm tone. “Vampires who care not for the people they feast on have no right to become stronger. It’s important to fight, and kill, only when necessary.” He wiped the side of his mouth with the cloth, speaking in a slightly softer tone. “You care for the living, more so than many.” It was a near appreciative statement, as he noted how eagerly you were eating.
“Have you eaten yet, since turning?” He asked genuinely, noting how you tried to conceal the ravenous hunger you were feeling…albeit failing miserably. “Food, no matter the species, is essential to life. If you haven’t eaten in a while, it’s understandable how weak you’ve been since you arrived."
You paused only momentarily, trying to think. “Um…about two months. Give or take.” You spoke, not thinking there was much to your statement. With how involved you were in your food, you didn’t notice his eyes widening slightly in shock.
“Two…months?” He mumbled the words, almost unaware that he’d even spoken them.
His mind wandered…looking at the young vampire before him. Two months is practically unheard of. Most vampires would be completely incomprehensible at even one. Once the hunger sets in, they’d stop at nothing to consume any and all living things around them. They became completely primal, not speaking or even stopping their kills to pause and think. The fact it had been nearly two months since you’d eaten…you were far more strong-willed than he could have ever anticipated.
He’d normally get onto those eating so ravenously, but instead he added a second helping of the food onto your plate silently. A quiet gesture of appreciation and concern. “You’ll need to be eating regularly. Depending on the vampire, two to four times a week is essential.” He cleared his throat slightly and waited for you to finish eating before he continued.
“Next I will observe you hunting. There are more than enough animals on this island for you to hunt down. I’ll respect your desire not to harm humans, not that there were any on the island to begin with.” His usual demeanor of controlled confidence had resumed, giving no note of other emotions in his expression.
You nodded, but tilted your head in thought. “What…animals should I be hunting?” You furrowed your brow, but a slightly relieved smile was on your face. It’s a wonder how you made it that long without eating, both to you and to him. But now that you’d eaten more than your fair share of food, you felt ready to take on any challenges he threw your way.
“That will be up to you. I will stay here and observe, you’re to catch five separate animals and bring them back here.” He stood from his seat, gesturing to the forest outside the window. “There will be no more food provided for you while you’re here, and anything you catch I will cook and prepare for your meals for the next few days.”
Your eyes widened slightly, but you nodded with a determined expression. If that’s what you had to do, you’d do it with no hesitation. While you weren’t one to hurt other humans, you’d hunt down animals. It wasn’t something you’d done before, but surviving was far more important. If you wanted food? You’d catch it. And if hunting down animals is what it would take to make Mihawk your sire, you’d figure everything out along the way to ensure it happens.
Before you could speak, Mihawk dissolved into the shadows and left you speechless. “W-Wait what do I use to hunt them!?” You called out, but groaned when you didn’t gain a response. You huffed with slight irritation and resolve. “Fine…I’ll do it myself. I’ll catch ten animals and show him I’m serious.”
You walked back the way you came, nearly getting lost in the vast expanse of halls, before reaching the front door. “I’ll show him…” You mumbled as you swung the door open. A quick glance around had you wondering if you’d get lost in the forest itself, but now wasn’t the time to worry about all that.
As you stepped into the forest, you tried to listen for any noises of life that you could find. You couldn’t discern between an animal walking around, or just the sound of the trees swaying in the wind. Okay…so maybe this would be harder than you thought. But you weren’t going to give up easily, even if it took days…you’d beat this stupid challenge. It was a skill you may need, but not one you had ever tried to hone before.
With a huff of determination, you set out deeper into the woods. The trees all looked the same, and the forest itself was cluttered beyond belief. It’s clear no one had truly been in the forest before enough to declutter it in the slightest. And just as you thought that, a noise peaked in your ears above you. A quick glance up showed a squirrel high up in the tree.
You grinned, realizing you saw your first prey. You debated momentarily how to get the squirrel, thinking maybe you could throw a rock at it. Upon picking up a stone, you narrowed your eyes and aimed, throwing the rock with all your strength right at the squirrel. Clearly, you had forgotten about enhanced senses of being a vampire.
You missed the mark, instead blowing a stone sized hole right through the tree and watching the squirrel jump to another tree and make its escape. Your jaw had dropped, but slowly turned into a smile. Oh yeah, catching ten animals was going to be a piece of cake. You were faster, stronger…and by far smarter than any of these forest animals. You’ve totally got this.
Mihawk was watching the entire time, letting out a breathy chuckle at your clearly miscalculated throw. He gained a newfound respect for you at your determination to pass these trials. How you would giggle as you caught an animal, how you’d pump your fist in the air at your victory…it was all entirely endearing to him. Vampires were usually cold, manic and unhinged when hungry or faced with challenges. You seemed to be the opposite. Goofy, proud and more than a little excitable. It was refreshing to say the least, to see you near innocently laugh and giggle as you caught an animal.
He was quickly realizing that you would indeed become his only thrall. Were he to have a beating heart, it would be racing from the quiet laughter he’d let out when you’d make a sarcastic comment at an animal that couldn’t understand you in the slightest. Yes…despite never having a thrall, it would be a strong possibility with you. You wanted to survive? Well he was growing to want that just as much as you did.
It took you all of two hours to catch ten animals, and you skipped back to the castle with a silly grin on your face. Letting them drop to the ground, you knocked on the castle door. “Mihawk! Can I come in?” You called out with much less embarrassment as you initially had. The door opened near instantly, as if he were waiting for you.
The corner of his mouth was slightly raised, and he opened the door fully for you. “You know…you only need to ask that once.” He said, near teasingly. A glance at the dead animals you were dragging behind you made him let out a soft chuckle. Some of them were far more injured than others, no doubt due to the…interesting…methods you had when catching them.
Many were hit by rocks, some were even simply grabbed too hard. It had him shaking his head, and he led you back to the dining room. He waved his hand and the animals disappeared, having you gasping and looking at him with irritation. “Wait hey! I caught those fair and square!” You whined, this time gaining a more audible laugh from him.
“Yes, yes. I know. You did…well. I simply sent them to the freezer for cooking later.” He reassured, taking his place once more at the head of the table. “Now…as for being your sire.” He locked eyes with you, gesturing for you to sit beside him on the other side of the table. “You’ve done well, however there are things you must know before we proceed.”
You eagerly sat beside him, nodding and listening intently.
“It is not for the faint of heart. You will be bound to me. If I were to give you an order, you’d have no choice but to obey. Think of it as a…connection, on a deeper level.” He continued to speak, noting your expressions as he did so. “You may have experienced a deep rooted pain when your other sire had passed. It would feel similar to that if anything were to happen to me down the line.” He leaned forward, resting his elbow on the table as he placed his chin in his hand.
“However the longer the bond remains, the more viscous the pain may be. Some thralls have been known to die from the pain once their bond had escalated for several hundred years.” He let his words sink in, before extending an arm to you, palm up. “You may be my thrall, but know that many will seek to harm you. Tear your bond, and bring harm to me. You will be required to train with me daily, in order to reduce the chances of harm befalling either of us.”
You nodded as he spoke, taking in his words. It took several moments to ponder, looking at his extended arm in front of you. There was no doubt in your mind that this is what you wanted, but you wanted to carefully consider your options. This would be dangerous, but it would be even more dangerous to be alone through all the pain the world would undoubtedly bring. You took his arm in your hands, knowing what to do from the first time the vampire before Mihawk had made you his thrall.
Hesitantly, you opened your mouth, teeth sinking in lightly to his wrist. As pitiful as it sounded, you didn’t want to hurt him. You drank from his wrist, but fought your own will as much as you could to pull back after several moments. At first, it didn’t feel like anything happened. But quickly that changed.
It felt as if a wide surge of power coursed through your veins, eyes widening as you looked at him. Words couldn’t describe it, the feeling of having someone as powerful as Mihawk being the one to protect you. You weren’t naive, you knew that he had the power to harm you more than anyone, and your bond would prevent you from leaving. But along with the power you felt, the overwhelming sense of safety encapsulated it.
“So…it’s done then?” You spoke, almost alarmed by how much more firm your voice sounded as your senses all worked in overtime.
“Yes, it is done. You are now bound to me, until the day either of us perish.” He pulled his arm back, rubbing the spot on his wrist you had bitten until the wound itself had cleared from his skin. “Know this. I will never harm you, and never intentionally put you in harm's way.” He spoke genuinely, and there were many underlying emotions in his tone.
“We start training tomorrow. Tonight, we shall feast in celebration.” He gave the closest thing to a smile as you’d seen him give, and he patted the top of your head a couple times as if you were a child being praised by their parents. “You did a good job today. You show a lot of promise, or I wouldn’t have allowed you to be my thrall. Be proud of how far you’ve come.”
You felt tears start to well in your eyes, a relieved smile on your face. All of the emotions you’d suppressed up until now seemed to be bubbling under the surface. The fear, the desperation, the fury, the relief and happiness all welled into one. As a tear fell, he wiped it from your cheek gently. “Thank you…” You muttered, before smiling wide at him. “This means a lot to me. I mean it.” You let out with a soft laugh.
He gave a genuine smile, before standing to show you to your room.
A couple months had passed since then. He was always kind to you, even during more intense training sessions, always looking out for you. He respected your desire to never harm a human being, and seemed to appreciate it if nothing else. Your time was joyful, more so than either of you had anticipated. There were many nights you’d sit and read together, simply enjoying each other’s company. Other nights, he would teach you how to cook with varying animal meats in a way that allowed as much nutrition to come through than before.
You hadn’t had anyone else come to the island until today. The hunters association had sent numerous hunters to hold a meeting with Mihawk, undoubtedly about a mission he had to partake in. Despite feeling like you shouldn’t be there, Mihawk insisted you stay sat next to him. It was awkward, bordering on uncomfortable as they talked about the details of the mission. The hunters continued to throw glances at you, and as the meeting was coming to an end, one hunter was bold enough to ask who you were.
Mihawk, without hesitation placed a hand on your shoulder and gave you a tender glance before his expression turned firm as he looked at each of the hunters of the association. “She is my daughter. There will be no harm that comes to her, understand?” His tone carried a hint of warning, as if daring anyone to try and harm you.
Your gaze shot to Mihawk’s face, unsure of if he meant it or not. Clearly you weren’t biologically his, but what was his reason to lie like that? Your jaw had even dropped slightly, looking at him with a mixture of curiosity and confusion. Deciding now wasn’t the time to bring it up, you looked back to the table while often stealing glances at Mihawk as the meeting ended.
Everyone got up to stand, and the two of you walked the hunters out of the door. They exchanged a few more statements, before the door closed behind them. “Allow me to escort you back to your room for the day.” He spoke, a hand on the small of your back as he led you back to your chambers. His words continued to ring in your ears, unable to forget what he’d said.
Deciding to question him, you spun on your heels to look at him, the same curiosity and confusion you felt expressed clearly on your face. “Why…did you call me your daughter? Was it just to protect me?” The question had nagged at your mind ever since he had mentioned it, the desire and near need to know driving you mad.
Mihawk gave you the tender smile you’d only ever seen directed at you, and he shrugged carelessly. “Not just to protect you, no. I said it because that’s simply how I see you.” He had spoken in such a matter-of-fact tone, that it nearly left you frozen in place. He was clearly waiting for a response, but when he didn’t get one he continued. “If you wish for me not to think that way, I won’t bring it up again. Your comfort in the matter means more to me than my paternal feelings towards you. Though…I can’t promise I won’t still see you that way.”
Your eyes widened slightly as you nodded slowly. “No…no it’s okay. I don’t mind. It’s…kind of nice, actually.” You let out an awkward laugh as you rubbed the back of your neck. “I’m not sure if I’m ready to call you dad yet or not, but I do kinda feel the same.” You turned your eyes back to him, and gave him a soft smile. “But it’s not like we don’t have thousands of years to get to that point, right?” You said with a small laugh, pointing out the obvious.
Mihawk let out a laugh in return, and patted your head gently. “And right you are, my dear.”
As the months passed, you’d only grown closer and closer. The feelings you both had became natural after a while. You’d called him dad more times than you could count, and he seemed to grow softer around you than you’d ever seen him. Who knew you’d have the privilege of calling the strongest vampire in the world your dad? And it was hard to miss the tender smile he’d give you each time you said it.
There were times he’d be away, on missions the hunters association would give him. Those were the hardest times, not knowing where he was or how he was doing. Little did you know, he was even more careful on those missions than he ever was before. It only made sense in his mind, knowing he had a daughter waiting for him at home. If he got injured, he knew you’d be able to feel it too. It wasn’t something he’d planned on worrying about, but he was more than willing to take longer on the missions if it meant playing it safer so you’d have no room for worry.
Besides, he would never get tired of seeing you leap at him for a hug while calling out “DAD!” each time he’d return home. While it was unexpected at first, it became one of the greatest joys he’d ever had in his undead life. It usually resulted in you showing him a cool new trick you’d learned, and seeing a spotless home you’d clearly worked hours on cleaning. The small joys of each day made him grow impossibly more fond of you.
As the sun set today, you were both working on preparing the food for the day when you both looked up and out the window. You heard a noise outside and carefully walked to the window to see what the noise was. Seeing two people bickering and fighting like children wasn’t what you expected to see. They were certainly acting like siblings, their fighting being more pulling on each other’s ears and poking each other than any kind of fighting that could do harm.
Despite acting like children, they were both fully grown. A tall man with green hair was screaming at a much smaller girl with pink hair. They were dressed in vastly different styles, and threw silly insults at each other through the whole thing. It had you giggling, looking up at your dad with a teasing smile.
“So…you wanna have another couple kids? They seem…fun.” You jabbed, bumping his arm with your shoulder. You looked back at the two bickering, wondering if they truly were siblings based on how they were acting.
Mihawk let out a small laugh, shaking his head, “No…I’m more than content with the child I have now.” He spoke genuinely and softly, wrapping his arm around your shoulder and giving it a small squeeze. “Yes…this one is more than enough to keep me happy.”