12: Getting to know you

Yeah the kids I came up with are basically Luffy and Uta, and this was a perfect picture.

3rd person POV:

Shanks left the bar with his daughter. "So where would my little princess like to go?" "Hmmm, this way dad." And she pulled him by the hand towards the beach.

♥️a walk on the beach♥️

"You know me and your mom spend the first part of our first date here." "I know, it's my favorite story," Melody said. "Oh really, well then how about I tell you the story, in my perspective." Melody giggled then started running. "You're gonna have to catch me first." Shanks went after his daughter just like he went after Cleo that evening. "Got you." "Dang it, dad can you pick me up and tell me the story." "Why of course." For now the hand that usually holds a sword, holds a little girl.

♥️a nice walk from the beach to the bar♥️

Melody came in humming, and Shanks put her down. "I take it it went well," Cleo said. "Swimmingly," Shanks said with a smile, a smile Cleo hasn't seen in years, she gave him something to drink, Shanks didn't refuse and sat on the stool. "Why the drink." "Because you're gonna need it if you're taking him for a walk," Cleo points at Junior who right now is talking to Ben. "Right, wish me luck," Shanks says. "More like don't screw this up," Ruby says from the kitchen.

♥️on a simple walk♥️

Junior decided to walk around town. The look people gave Shanks and his son, it was a look of happiness. "He looks just like his father." "It's uncanny." "His father's looks but his mothers eyes." They both ignored the words they heard around them, and talked amongst themselves. "So, Junior, your mom says you look up to me." "I'd look out into the ocean hoping I'd see your ship or flag," Junior said in a soft tone. "Well I'm here now," Shanks said with a grin, like the one from his first wanted poster. "Yeah you are," Junior went for Shanks sword, but Shanks grabbed it too. "Hold it son, you want Griffin, you'll have to earn it." "Damn," he hung his head down, "can I still hold it while you tell me a story?" "Sure." It's a hop, skip, and a jump while dad tells a story. Next thing you know a few bullies are in their path. "Hey Terrance, you know what was that about my dad never coming back." Junior let go of the sword and crossed his arms. The boy and his gang looked up—some in amazement other's in fear—next thing Junior knew they were on their knees begging for forgiveness. "I'm sorry man, I was just jealous I haven't seen my dad in—""Spear me the backstory, truce man," Junior said in a very mature tone. "Truce," Terrance repeated back, and then he and his boys made a path for the father and son. "Come on dad, this way." ". . . That was very good how you handled that bully," Shanks said. "I had you with me, I felt confident." "Or maybe it was the hat," Shanks said patting his head.

♥️time with both of them♥️

Cleo gave Shanks a kiss. "Good luck." "Don't worry, I'll be fine," Shanks said. He left the bar with the kids, and just a few feet away from the bar he asked them the question. "Want a tour of the ship?" Their eyes lit up. "Yes!" They said in unison.

♥️on the Red Force♥️

The twins loved every inch of the ship, Shanks took them to the treasure room to pick something out, Junior was ok with what he had, Melody on the other hand found a little ring with roses that she liked. In the end he took them to his room. "Will we get to go with you dad?" Melody ask. "I can't wait to see the Grand Line," Junior said all joyful. "Well kids," Shanks leans on his desk with maps, "that's something your mom and I will have to discuss, so for now you can't come with me." "Damn," they both said. "Come on, let's go pick up your mom." They get off the ship, only to find Cleo outside the bar, Shanks future vision comes true—sorta. The children running were his, and the mother's arms they ran into was Cleo. "Hey . . . What are you standing around for," Cleo said. "Dad get over here!" Junior shouts. The family group hug is complete. "Hey, the mayor said they'd have a bonfire party tomorrow in honor of your return, but tonight Lucky.Roo said he'd make dinner for everyone, so in the meantime why don't we go to the park," Cleo said. "Lead the way, kiddos," Shanks said with a smile.

♥️at the park♥️

The children played, the parents talked. "The kids wanna go out to sea with me, but I told them that's something we'd have to talk about," Shanks said. "I can tell you now, they aren't leaving till they're older," Cleo said serious. "I understand, we'll talk about this from time to time," Shanks said. The children were going down double slides, making both the parents smile. "How did you do it, let me guess, the girls," Shanks said, and Cleo looks at him very serious. "Yes, and where where you?" Shanks ruffles his red hair before looking at Cleo and answering. "I was being me, then I heard you and I had to turn the ship around." "I did scream your name while giving birth," Cleo said. "When's the last time you screamed my name," Shanks said in a lustful tone. "One of the nights we were making them." They both leaned in for a kiss, then . . ."BOO!"The kids jumped from the back of the bench, mom was scared a bit, dad didn't even flinch. "You'll have to do better then that," Shanks said. "How about Ben gets back to babysitting, and you and I can have a real talk, alone," Cleo said, moving her head right. "I'm here boss, you two can talk alone now," Ben said. "Keep a close eye on them," Shanks said grabbing Cleo's hand. "Dad where you going?" Junior ask. "Don't worry son, your mom and I have to talk about something important, and it can't wait, you and Melody stay with uncle Ben ok." The children didn't question it and went back to playing, with Ben sitting on the bench watching them. "I never thought I'd hear you say the word, son," Cleo said. "Neither did I," Shanks said. Cleo came close and whispered in his ear, "Shanks it kinda turns me on." Now they were running to the ship, just like the old days.