Jake says his first word.
"Mama."
Striker almost, almost dropped his glass of water as he heard Jake utter his first word ever. It was a bittersweet moment for him; while elated to have been present, the choice of that particular word broke his heart.
Jake wasn't aware of it, of course. He merely kept parroting the word throughout the day despite not knowing what it meant.
"Mama." Jake cooed as he fruitlessly tried to climb up his father's leg.
"Really, kiddo. I'm the only one around and yet you can't say 'papa'?" Striker sighed in dismay, lifting Jake unto his lap.
As he bottle-fed his son, Striker hummed a little tune that Jane would often sing. Jake cooed in delight as his eyes began to shutter shortly after. Once he was burped, Jake was lovingly tucked into his cradle.
"Sweet dreams, Jake." Striker whispered, kissing the impling's forehead.
Before leaving the nursery, he heard a different word from Jake's lips.
"Dada..."