Titi's Decision

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"Wait," Titi called out, stopping him in his tracks. Her voice was soft, but filled with determination. "Jack, they're going to visit my family in a week to arrange my marriage with the Prince of Arabasta."

Jack turned back, his eyes widening in surprise. "Is that something you want?"

Titi hesitated, her eyes downcast. "I'm not sure. It's an honor to marry the Prince, but I've never met him before. I don't know if it's the life I want."

His calm blue eyes met hers, and he asked gently, "What do you want, Titi?"

Titi's eyes filled with a mix of longing and uncertainty. "I want to experience life, to see more of the world, and to make my own choices. But I also don't want to disappoint my family."

Jack studied Titi's face for a moment, his calm blue eyes taking in her expression of longing and uncertainty. He took a deep breath and spoke in a gentle but firm tone. "Titi, you are more than just a figurehead for a prince to marry. You are a person with your own dreams and desires. You deserve to see the world and make your own choices."

Titi looked away, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I know, but it's not that simple. I have a duty to my family, and I don't want to let them down."

Jack stepped closer, his voice taking on a more persuasive tone. "Titi, sometimes the hardest choices are the ones that lead us to true happiness. Your family may be disappointed at first, but they will come to understand that you need to follow your own path."

Titi's eyes met his again, her expression a mix of hope and fear. "Do you really believe that?"

Jack nodded, his calm blue eyes steady and reassuring. "I do. And I can help you see the world, if that's what you desire."

Her eyes widened in surprise. "You would do that for me?"

He smirked slightly, the flirty tone returning to his voice. "Well, I am a pirate hunter, and I travel freely. It wouldn't be a problem for me to have a beautiful companion like you by my side."

Titi hesitated, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and fear. "But what about my family? What would they say?"

Jack's expression turned serious. "We can talk to your family and explain your decision. I'm sure they will understand, in time. The important thing is for you to be true to yourself."

Titi bit her lip, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "I... I need some time to think about it."

"Of course," Jack replied, his voice gentle. "Take all the time you need. I'll be here in Nanohana for a few days, so don't feel rushed."

Over the next few days, Titi found herself drawn to Jack, despite her reservations. They spent hours together, exploring Nanohana and discussing her dreams and fears. Jack never pushed her, but his presence was a constant reminder of the choice she had to make.

One evening, as they watched the sunset together, Titi finally found the courage to speak her mind. "Jack, I've made my decision. I want to see the world and make my own choices. I want to join you."

Jack's calm blue eyes met hers, a hint of pride and approval in his gaze. "Are you sure, Titi? This decision will change your life."

She nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "I am. I know it won't be easy, but I have to follow my heart."

Jack smiled, his eyes taking on a soft warmth that was reserved for those he cared about. "I promise you won't regret it. Together, we'll explore the world and make unforgettable memories."

Titi's eyes filled with tears of gratitude, and she hugged Jack tightly. "Thank you, Jack. Thank you for helping me find the courage to follow my dreams."

Jack knew that the next step was to visit Titi's family and talk to them about her decision. He and Titi made their way to her family's home, a beautiful, traditional Arabastan house. As they approached the entrance, Titi took a deep breath, her eyes filled with both fear and determination.

Her father, a tall man with graying hair, opened the door and welcomed them inside. He greeted Jack with a firm handshake and a friendly smile, his eyes studying the pirate hunter with curiosity. Titi's mother, a petite woman with a kind face, greeted them with a warm embrace. However, Titi's brother, Kadar, stood off to the side, his arms crossed and a sneer on his face.

Once they were all seated in the living room, Jack began the conversation. "I want to thank you for allowing me to visit your home. I know that this is an important time for your family, with the upcoming marriage proposal from the Prince of Arabasta."

Titi's mother and father exchanged worried glances, while Kadar simply narrowed his eyes. Jack continued, "However, Titi has come to a decision that she feels is best for her. She has chosen to join me on my travels and explore the world."

Titi's father frowned, his voice filled with concern. "Is this what you truly want, Titi?"

Titi nodded, her voice steady. "Yes, Father. I want to see the world and make my own choices. I don't want to be tied down by a marriage I don't truly desire."

Her mother's eyes filled with tears, but she smiled softly. "We just want you to be happy, Titi. If this is what you truly want, we will support you."

However, Kadar's expression darkened, and he spat out, "You're throwing away our chance at wealth and power for some childish fantasy! You have no idea what you're doing!"

Jack's calm blue eyes turned into a raging deep blue, his anger boiling just beneath the surface. He glared at Kadar, his voice cold and cutting. "Titi has made her decision, and it is not your place to question it. Your sister's happiness should be your priority, not your own selfish desires."

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