The rainforest's treasure

The days that followed were a whirlwind of diaper changes, midnight feedings, and the endless marvel of watching their daughter grow. Despite the lack of sleep and the occasional argument, Jackie and Pemuya's love for each other and their children only grew stronger. Pemuya's recovery was swift, her strength seemingly doubled by the presence of her daughter. She insisted on doing everything herself, from changing the diapers to burping the baby, but Jackie was never far behind, eager to learn and help in any way he could. Valmont's visit came sooner than Jackie would have liked, but when he saw the genuine happiness in Pemuya's eyes as she introduced him to their daughter, he couldn't find the words to refuse. The former enemy looked at the child with a softness that surprised him, and for a moment, Jackie allowed himself to hope that perhaps there was a good man buried somewhere beneath the layers of his past. "You're beautiful," Valmont murmured, his gaze lingering on Sophia who looked so much like him. Jackie clenched his fists, fighting the urge to punch him. But Pemuya's hand on his arm kept him in check. She was right; this wasn't the time or place for anger. They had a child to think about now, and she deserved a chance at a peaceful life, free from the conflicts of their past. "She is," Pemuya chuckled. "Given that she's a little copy of you." Valmont's eyes searched hers, seeking a hint of malice, but all he found was warmth. "You know I had no choice," he murmured. "I know," she said firmly. "But look what miracle we created despite... all that." Jackie took a deep breath, swallowed his pride, and nodded. "I'm sorry," he told Valmont. "For the way I've been. But you have to understand..." Valmont held up a hand. "No apologies needed," he said, his voice gruff. "I'm grateful to you for taking care of Sophia. You know that I can't do it myself, given that I've got no home. But I know she will always be safe and happy with you." Jackie nodded, the tension in the room slowly dissipating. They had a truce, for now, and for the sake of the baby, he was willing to hold his tongue.

* * *

As the days passed, Valmont's visits grew more frequent. He would bring gifts for the baby and sit awkwardly, watching Jackie and Pemuya interact with her. The sight of him holding his daughter, his blue eyes filled with something akin to love, was a strange one, but it didn't stir the anger in Jackie's chest like it once had. One evening, as they were all sitting in the living room, Tohru playing with his toys and Valmont watching, Jackie couldn't help but ask, "Why are you really here?" Valmont's eyes flickered to Pemuya before returning to Jackie. "Because I want to be with my daughter," he admitted, his voice low. "You can believe me or not." Jackie studied him for a long moment, the tension in the room palpable. Finally, he sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Okay," he said. "But if you ever do anything to hurt her or Pemuya, I won't hesitate." "I've heard it a hundred times already, Chan," he waved his hand wearily. "And I'm tired of explaining to you that I've got no reasons to hurt my family." Pemuya watched them, her heart torn. She knew Jackie's anger was born of love and fear, but she also knew Valmont's words were true. "Jackie," she said softly, "please." Her plea was enough, and Jackie nodded. "Fine," he said, his voice tight. "But she's still my daughter, and I will protect her." "Sophia has two fathers," Pemuya smiled to them. "Isn't it wonderful?" Jackie looked at her, then at Valmont, and finally at the baby in his arms. "Wonderful," he repeated, though the word felt strange on his tongue. He didn't know if he'd ever be able to accept Valmont fully, but for Pemuya and for their daughter, he'd try.