บท 110: Bedtime Story
"Princess," Jack's voice broke her reverie. "Did you have fun with your sisters?"
Aria nodded enthusiastically, her eyes shining. "Yes, Daddy. We played hide and seek on the island. Robin's getting really good!"
Robin, still nestled against Jack's side, chimed in with a proud grin. "I hide behind big rock! No one found me."
Jack chuckled, the sound soft but sincere. "That's my Little One. Always surprising us."
Marigold, her voice small and toddler-esque, murmured, "Sleepy."
Sandersonia perked up, repeating her word with clarity. "Sleepy!"
Hancock, always wanting to be part of the conversation, piped up with, "Bedtime story?"
Jack sighed, though not in irritation. "Alright, one story. But then it's off to bed."
The door's soft knocking echoed in the dimly lit chamber. "Enter," Jack commanded in his usual even tone.
Hesitantly, the door opened to reveal Otohime, her eyes tightly shut, seemingly anticipating another unexpected intimate scene. "You can open your eyes, Otohime," Jack remarked with a hint of amusement.
Otohime's eyes fluttered open, relief washing over her as she noticed everyone decent, the children adding to the wholesome environment. "Dinner is ready," she mentioned, a trace of hesitation still evident in her voice.
Jack studied her for a moment before answering, "Thanks, Otohime. I'll put the girls to sleep first, then we'll come down."
Otohime hesitated, biting her lower lip, looking like she wanted to voice a request but didn't quite know how to put it into words. Reading her expression, Jack extended the offer, "Would you like to see the pocket space?"
A bright smile broke out on her face, her eyes shining with curiosity. "Really? I would love to."
Nodding, Jack turned to Amelia and the girls, sending them in before turning his attention back to Otohime. Taking her hand, which caused a slight blush on her cheeks, the surrounding space distorted, and in the blink of an eye, they were transported.
Otohime gasped, her eyes widening in awe as she took in the serene beauty of the isolated island within Jack's pocket space. It was a picturesque setting, with lush greenery, chirping birds, and the gentle rustling of leaves. A family gathered at a gazebo in the distance, their laughter and chatter filling the air with warmth.
No sooner had they arrived than the children rushed toward Jack. Aria, her eyes filled with a mix of mischief and joy, jumped up, and he effortlessly placed her on his right shoulder. "Daddy," she chirped happily.
Robin approached with her usual mix of wonder and understanding. "Daddy, we played by the stream," she reported, her tone serious. With a soft chuckle, Jack hoisted her onto his left shoulder.
Hancock, with a twinkle of mischief in her eyes, clung to Jack's back, whispering something about a "secret game" they had played, while Sandersonia and Marigold grabbed onto his legs.
Sandersonia, ever the parrot, echoed Robin's words, "Stream fun." Marigold added her input with a bubbly, "Water!"
Amidst this joyful chaos, Otohime's gaze flitted between the children and Jack. The contrast was almost startling: the once-intimidating warrior was now the center of this whirlwind of affection and innocence.
Aria, perched high on her father's shoulder, suddenly met Otohime's gaze. There was a momentary connection between them, an understanding perhaps. The young girl's eyes reflected a depth of understanding beyond her years. She leaned into Jack, whispering something. He smirked, clearly used to her antics.
Liana, Jack's mother, approached Otohime, extending a hand in greeting. "It's a pleasure to have you here, Otohime." The two women chatted briefly, building a bridge of understanding.
As the evening set in, the atmosphere inside the pocket space took on a serene hue. It was a world untouched by external strife, a haven created by the strength and will of one man—Jack. Liana and Luna were seated with Isabella, Sophie, Titi, Ponis, and Shakky. Their conversation was a melange of shared memories, laughter, and tales of their recent adventures. Otohime, a guest in this intimate setting, listened intently, occasionally joining in.
Sophie leaned in, her voice brimming with excitement. "The Upper Yard is unlike anything I've ever seen. I can't believe we were there!"
Ponis, her eyes sparkling with adventure, added, "Each island, each place we visit—it's like a dream. I never thought I'd experience so much."
As the grown-ups conversed, Otohime's Observation Haki subtly honed in on Jack. Every movement, every emotion, she felt with an almost palpable intensity. She watched as he gently led the children towards a cozy nook, where a large plush bed awaited them.
"Alright, Princess," Jack began, settling Aria on the bed. "Which story shall it be tonight?"
Aria, her eyes twinkling with mischief, replied, "The one with the dragon and the lost city!"
Robin, adjusting her tiny frame next to Aria, added with her newfound vocabulary, "Yes, dragon story, Daddy."
Jack's calm eyes looked over the two girls, the lightest hint of a smile gracing his lips. "Very well."
As Jack began weaving the tale, Hancock and Sandersonia nestled in, their eyes fixed on him with rapt attention. Marigold, still struggling to fully grasp language, cooed with a contented sigh, her head resting against Jack's leg.
The tale was an engaging one—of a mighty dragon, a lost city, and the brave heroes who sought to reclaim it. Jack's voice was even, but there was a richness to it, an underlying warmth that only surfaced during moments like these.
Otohime, from her vantage point, observed the scene. The fierce warrior she had known in battle was now the gentle storyteller, holding his audience of little ones spellbound. The contrast was profound. The stoic, often inscrutable Jack was now so palpably tender, his eyes soft as they danced over the faces of his girls. This juxtaposition was not lost on Otohime, and a newfound respect for the man welled up within her.
Aria, at some point during the story, had snuggled closer to her father, her head resting on his lap. Robin, always the observer, was mimicking Aria's position, her tiny fingers playing with a strand of Jack's hair. Hancock, Marigold, and Sandersonia had succumbed to sleep, their breathing even and peaceful.
As the tale came to an end, Jack's voice dropped to a whisper, and he concluded, "...and they all lived happily in the city, with the mighty dragon watching over them."
Aria's eyes, heavy with sleep, looked up at her father. "Goodnight, Daddy," she murmured.
"Goodnight, Princess," he replied, planting a soft kiss on her forehead.
Robin, fighting to keep her eyes open, whispered, "Night, Daddy."
Jack smiled down at her. "Goodnight, Little One."
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