[Smoker catches what Ace is trying to do and helps him out, then gently moves to pick Ace and doll up, and set him in his lap.]
Of course I love kids. And don't give me shit about how being with you I can't have any, I wouldn't without you. Remember? I first adopted Adela because of you.
[Nuzzles Ace's shoulder and reaches around him to blindly get Ace more food. And pull out ingredients for French toast. It won't slow him down, he promises.]
Kids are like you. Fun. They're way more durable than you think, too. Most kids are just...
[Sigh.] Lost messed up brats like your father; Whitebeard, always took in and made something out of. Yes, they're more impressionable, but they're not too different from being a division commander, or a marine captain, or leading a pack of wolves or dogs.
You're responsible for them, and you know they're going to make mistakes and nearly get themselves killed, and maybe you along with it! So you try to teach them how to protect each other and survive anywhere and try not to let them drag anyone down. You try to teach them the best justice you can, and then you just have to trust them to follow it.
Babies are a little trickier, because they can't talk, and no one enjoys toilet training, but it's pretty much the same as a puppy. You get out what you put in. You protect them, feed them, make sure they're clean, and in return they're loyal and love you as best as they can. And wake you up at stupid hours crying or licking your toes. Pretty much the same.
no subject
Of course I love kids. And don't give me shit about how being with you I can't have any, I wouldn't without you. Remember? I first adopted Adela because of you.
[Nuzzles Ace's shoulder and reaches around him to blindly get Ace more food. And pull out ingredients for French toast. It won't slow him down, he promises.]
Kids are like you. Fun. They're way more durable than you think, too. Most kids are just...
[Sigh.] Lost messed up brats like your father; Whitebeard, always took in and made something out of. Yes, they're more impressionable, but they're not too different from being a division commander, or a marine captain, or leading a pack of wolves or dogs.
You're responsible for them, and you know they're going to make mistakes and nearly get themselves killed, and maybe you along with it! So you try to teach them how to protect each other and survive anywhere and try not to let them drag anyone down. You try to teach them the best justice you can, and then you just have to trust them to follow it.
Babies are a little trickier, because they can't talk, and no one enjoys toilet training, but it's pretty much the same as a puppy. You get out what you put in. You protect them, feed them, make sure they're clean, and in return they're loyal and love you as best as they can. And wake you up at stupid hours crying or licking your toes. Pretty much the same.