Intrude

Amidst the dim ambiance of the room, golden rays filtered through the branches of the Sunlight Tree Eve, casting soft luminous patterns on the walls. The shimmering, diffused light barely highlighted the figures entwined in a tender embrace on the floor.

Amelia's gentle breathing was a calming rhythm against Jack's chest. Her head rested in the crook of his neck as he cradled her close, fingers lazily playing with strands of her hair. It wasn't a scene filled with poetic murmurs or whispered endearments. It was just Jack, holding Amelia, a quiet testament to the intimacy of the moment.

Lost in the serenity of each other's company, neither of them heard the door creak open. Otohime, her presence unnoticed, stood frozen at the threshold. A warm pink hue painted her cheeks as she took in the scene before her. The rawness, the genuine intimacy – it was undeniably captivating.

For her, Jack was an enigma. She had seen him amidst chaos and blood, a fierce warrior in his element. But here, he was different – vulnerable, perhaps, even if only for a fleeting moment. She hesitated, torn between the urge to step away and the intrigue that pulled her closer.

Regaining her senses, Otohime finally found her voice. "I… I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude." Her voice wavered, the hint of embarrassment unmistakable.

Jack's eyes, a calm blue, shifted to Otohime, a small smile tugging at his lips, which stood in stark contrast to the stormy seas that usually raged within them. "No need to apologize."

But after the surprise of seeing them together, questions bubbled up in Otohime's mind. She recalled how Jack had rented only a single room with a double bed for the extensive family he traveled with. Yet now, the chamber was filled only with him and Amelia. Otohime trusted her instincts; she had never sensed any of them leave the room. The unique Observation Haki she possessed from birth allowed her to perceive their presences, but at this moment, she felt only Jack and Amelia. Where were the others?

She glanced around, searching for any sign of Aria or little Robin, Hancock, her sisters and other adults. "Where is everyone?" she inquired, her voice edged with genuine concern.

Jack slowly sat up, helping Amelia to sit beside him, although the proximity between them remained unchanged. The room, dimly lit by the Sunlight Tree Eve, became the backdrop for the ensuing conversation, painting a tapestry of the past, present, and the shadows of emotions that hung heavy between them.

He looked at Otohime, his blue eyes calm yet inscrutable, the same eyes that she'd seen pierce through enemies with a gaze that could almost kill. "It's an ability of mine," he began, his voice even. "A pocket space where I keep those I care for safe."

Otohime looked taken aback. "You mean... they're all here, but not here?"

"In a way," he continued. "It's an isolated island—my own private sanctuary. That's where they all are right now."

"But...why?" Otohime queried, the hint of confusion apparent in her tone.

He pondered for a moment, choosing his words with care. "There are times when the world outside isn't safe for them. Especially Aria and Robin. The pocket space provides a haven."

Amelia gently interjected, her fingers grazing Jack's arm as she did, "It's a strange feeling, being in there. But it's also warm, safe. We all love it."

Otohime felt a mix of emotions. She was impressed, no doubt, but also slightly overwhelmed by the realization of the lengths Jack went to protect his loved ones. She then noticed their current state of undress, and her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink.

"I...uh," Otohime stammered, suddenly all too aware of her surroundings. "Sorry, I should have knocked."

Jack gave a faint smirk, one of the rare hints of amusement that occasionally graced his features. "It's alright. Though it might be best for you to give us a moment."

She nodded hastily. "Of course. I'll be outside." And with that, she hurriedly retreated, leaving the two in their shared solitude.

Once the door clicked shut, Amelia tilted her head to look at Jack, her gaze searching his. "She's curious about you."

He hummed in response, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "Hmm."

She let out a soft laugh. "Always the enigmatic one."

His response was a gentle squeeze of her hand. "We should get dressed."

Amelia nodded. "Yes, before another unexpected visitor decides to make an entrance."

In the dim light, Jack and Amelia swiftly adjusted their garments, knowing that they had an audience awaiting. Jack, with a deep inhalation, summoned his family from the pocket space. Almost immediately, a collection of young voices echoed in the room.

From the void, Aria materialized first, her tiny feet firmly planting themselves between Jack and Amelia. Her eyes gleamed with mischief and delight. "Daddy!" she cheered, her arms outstretched. Without a second thought, she lunged, wrapping her little arms around his neck, her face buried in his broad shoulder.

Robin, the little three-year-old, followed suit, though her movement was more measured, eyes bright with wonder. "Daddy, you're back," she articulated, a tiny hand reaching for his leg.

He bent down to scoop her up as well, settling her on his other side. "Missed me, Little One?" Jack asked, his voice tender. Robin nodded earnestly, "Lots and lots."

Hancock, Sandersonia, and Marigold also emerged, their eyes taking in the scene around them. Sandersonia repeated, mimicking Robin's earlier words with an innocent twinkle in her eyes, "Daddy back."

Hancock, ever the observer even at the tender age of four, inquired with a hint of mischief, "Why everyone in underpants?" Marigold, the youngest, stared blankly at the surroundings, her little mouth forming a wordless 'oh.'

Aria, having just thrown herself into her father's embrace, felt something different today. She glanced towards her mother, Amelia, and felt a sensation she hadn't identified before. The room, bathed in the light from the Sunlight Tree Eve, reflected a serenity and connection she had not previously noticed between her parents. But today, the undercurrent of tension, an invisible barrier she'd felt but hadn't fully grasped, seemed to have dissipated.

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