Adopting Even More Cute Daughters
Soon, three toddlers toddled over next to them, trying to climb onto Jack's leg. Their wide eyes were filled with innocent excitement and mischief. Sandersonia, with her golden hair tied into a bun, attempted to pull herself up using Jack's pants, while Marigold, the smallest of the trio, clung onto her elder sister's shirt, trying to imitate her actions.
Boa Hancock, with her lustrous raven-black hair and curious violet eyes, tugged at Aria's dress. "Up, Aria! Up!" she demanded with a pout.
Aria bent down, her eyes twinkling with affection. "Alright, little drama queen." She picked up Hancock and hoisted her onto her hip. "Happy now?" Hancock nodded, her lips curving into a satisfied smile.
Robin, observing the commotion, giggled and pointed at the climbing duo. "Silly!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with amusement.
Sandersonia gurgled something incoherent, her eyes sparkling with determination, while Marigold mimicked her sister's sounds, both struggling to express their intentions.
Jack chuckled, looking down at the two trying to ascend him. Bending down, he effortlessly scooped both into his arms. "Quite the climbers, aren't you?" His calm blue eyes teased the little ones, who simply clapped in glee.
Shakky watched the interaction with a fond smile on her face. Her heart fluttered every time she saw Jack with the children. The gentle care he took, the soft words he spoke to them, everything was in stark contrast to his stoic demeanor. It made her cherish these moments all the more.
Hancock looked at Jack and called, "Daddy, hungry."
Shakky's gaze faltered. Each time she heard the little ones address him as "Daddy," it tugged at a chord in her heart. Aria, being Jack's daughter, naturally used that endearing term. But the children of Amazon Lily imitating her stirred a cocktail of emotions within Shakky. She wondered if he truly viewed them as his own or if it was just a temporary allowance. The thought made her hesitant, confused, and, above all, uncertain about the dynamics of their evolving relationship.
Jack's eyes, however, held no such hesitation. He smiled at Hancock, pulling her close to his chest. "Let's go eat then," he said, his tone gentle and affectionate.
Aria, who was still holding Boa Hancock on her hip, grinned. "Can we have pancakes, Daddy?"
Jack smirked, glancing at the little girl in his arms and then at Aria. "Sure, Princess. But only if you help make them."
Aria's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Deal!"
Robin, witnessing the playful exchange, beamed with joy. "Pancakes yum!" she chimed in, her voice innocent and bubbly.
Jack nodded, his calm blue eyes warming slightly as they met Robin's. "Absolutely, Little One."
As they all began to move towards the kitchen, Shakky lagged a bit behind, lost in her thoughts. She was new to these emotions, feeling them in all their intensity for the first time. The pangs of jealousy, the fear of loss, and the joy of shared moments—all were overwhelming. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside her.
Amelia, having observed Shakky's internal struggle, approached her. "Everything alright?" she inquired, her eyes filled with genuine concern.
Shakky looked up, her face reflecting her uncertainty. "I... I just don't know where I stand, Amelia. The kids, they see him as their father. But what does Jack see? What are we?"
Amelia sighed, her eyes softening. "Shakky, Jack's not one to wear his heart on his sleeve. But actions speak louder than words. Just watch how he is with the children, how he is with you. That will tell you everything."
Shakky nodded, taking a moment to process her friend's words. "Thank you, Amelia."
Entering the kitchen, the air was filled with laughter and the sweet aroma of pancakes. Sophie was flipping them skillfully on the griddle, while Amelia mixed a fresh batch of batter. Luna, giggling, tried to prevent Marigold and Sandersonia from making a mess with the syrup. Titi and Ponis were engaged in a lively conversation by the side.
Jack, with Hancock still in his arms, was setting the table, placing plates and cutlery with precision. Aria, alongside him, handed him the napkins, her face bright with pride, eager to help her father.
They were all soon seated for food, and the atmosphere was lively. Children were gathered around Jack, each asking for his attention. Marigold and Sandersonia were still small, their babbling a joyful noise in the room, and Luna and Sophie took over them to feed them, whereas Aria, Robin, and Hancock were around Jack, all vying for his help and affection.
"Pancake, Daddy?" Hancock asked, her small voice filled with curiosity, pointing at the golden stack.
Jack's calm blue eyes softened, and he grinned at the little girl. "Of course, Little Hancock. Here you go." He deftly placed a small pancake on her plate and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
"Thank you, Daddy!" Hancock chirped, her eyes bright as she took a bite.
Robin, witnessing this, leaned over, her big eyes wide and eager. "Me too, Daddy! Pancake yum!"
"Absolutely, Little One," Jack replied, his tone gentle as he placed a pancake on Robin's plate, cutting it just as he had for Hancock.
Aria, watching all this, couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Her father was so good with everyone. She looked up at him, her voice filled with determination. "Daddy, I want to try cutting mine!"
Jack's eyes met hers, a glimmer of approval in his gaze. "Sure, Princess. But be careful." He handed her a small knife, watching her intently as she began to cut her pancake.
Aria's hands were steady, and she looked up at Jack with a triumphant smile when she had finished. "I did it, Daddy!"
Jack smirked, ruffling her hair affectionately. "I knew you would, Princess."
As the meal continued, the lively chatter filled the room. Sophie and Luna were engaged in conversation with Titi and Ponis, their voices mingling with the occasional laughter of the children.
Shakky, however, couldn't help but watch Jack's interactions with the children. Amelia's words rang in her ears, and she found herself paying close attention to Jack's actions. His calm demeanor, his gentle way with the kids, and the softness in his eyes when he looked at them—all of it spoke volumes. She felt a warmth spread through her chest as she finally began to understand.
"Daddy, more syrup please!" Hancock's voice pulled her from her thoughts.
Jack, without hesitation, reached for the syrup and poured a small amount onto Hancock's pancake. "There you go."
"Thank you, Daddy!" Hancock's face was aglow with joy.
Shakky felt a soft hand on her arm and looked over to see Amelia smiling at her, her eyes twinkling with understanding.
"He loves them, Shakky. And he loves you too. You just have to see it," Amelia whispered.
Shakky nodded, her eyes welling up with emotion. She looked back at Jack, a newfound clarity in her gaze.
"Everything alright, Shakky?" Jack's deep voice cut through her thoughts, his eyes meeting hers, the calm blue depths holding a trace of concern.
She smiled, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. "Yes, Jack. Everything's perfect."
The rest of the meal was filled with joy and laughter. The connection between them all was palpable, and Shakky's earlier uncertainty was replaced with a sense of belonging. She was part of this family, and Jack's love for her was as real as his love for the children.
As they finished eating, Jack's calm and authoritative presence continued to guide them, his eyes never losing their warmth. The children were content, their faces smeared with syrup, and their hearts filled with the simple joy of being together.
Jack's character shone through in those moments, his actions speaking louder than any words could. He was not one for grand gestures or flowery declarations, but his love for his family was evident in every glance, every touch, and every gentle word.
They were a family, and Shakky knew now where she stood. The fear of loss and jealousy had vanished, replaced by the certainty of love and the comfort of knowing she had a place in Jack's heart.
They finished the meal with contented smiles, the bonds between them stronger than ever. Shakky's heart was at peace, her love for Jack deepened by the understanding that he felt the same way.
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