Private Old fashioned training

[Iko Vel]

Fondor -

Iko groaned to himself as he limped around the training room he had set up, making sure everything was going to be fine for his guests arriving. His father had been...kind enough, to give the young lad some money to rent out a place on the new Capital, whilst his father refused to leave the family shop. Hm, his dad called him an idiot. Well. It was partly true that Iko was an idiot. It was why he was limping around the room but that was neither here nor there. Hm...Maybe he could make himself a metal cane next time he was free. But for now he carried on tinkering with the droid he had set up, sticking his tongue out in concentration. It wouldn't be long until Persephone Dashiell showed up, and for once Iko wanted to at least be somewhat professional for his friend.

Alright. Everything was set. Now he just had to make sure the little gift he had was ready. Limping off to the lounge area of the apartment, and throwing other random different boxes and bags around the floor completely ruining the hard work he had made to clean the place up. "There we go! Perfect!" He grabbed the box straight under from one of a stray takeout box, brushing it off carefully to make sure it was presentable, before spinning around on the heel of his foot and looking over towards the room...blinking to himself at the complete and utter mess he had just made.

"...Chit."

Makai Dashiell Persephone Dashiell

- Wrong character. Meant to post this with Iko Vel

 

[Makai Dashiell]

At first, Makai suspected it was a fleeting friendship between Persephone and Iko Vel after the courtship festival. The pair had been sending messages back and forth, but he knew Persie and didn't expect the girl to keep up the friendship. Or more likely find a reason not to, having a habit of trying to keep folks at a distance. Yet she had ran into the boy again during a pirate raid on a transport back to the Centrality region, apparently still fast friends. According to Persie, even putting himself in the line of fire to keep her out of harms way.

Seeing the boy was sticking around, he decided it was time to meet this Iko. It had been different when he became friends with Ellie ; they were much younger and the relationship was already established between the Arceneau and Dashiell families. He would have invited the teenager to Huila Station or elsewhere, but with the injury it didn't seem wise. Instead Persie all but begged him and Ellie to go visit and he obliged by tagging along.

So here he was, dragging a box scrawled with 'golf clubs' on the side down an apartment hallway. A gift for Iko, one based off what Persie had told him. An odd request, but one he could easily grant.

They finally reached the correct door and Makai reached out to knock, much to Persie's embarrassment. Did one not knock anymore? Was he already out of touch?

"What? Am I not supposed to knock? Is he supposed to know mystically through the Force?"

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Face flamed red with embarrassment. How could he just knock like that? Did Makky not know? Why was he the one taking charge when it wasn't even his friend? It was like he wasn't even here!

Hand went and batted down his arm before he could knock again. If looks could kill, her now-brother would be dead ten times over. Persie put her hands on her hips, ready to level with Makky, and quickly too before the door was opened. Hopefully with his injury, Iko Vel would be slow in moving around and greeting them.

"No, you're not supposed'ta knock! You're just here to meet 'em, not run the show!" Persie hissed quietly, not wanting anyone to over hear her words. "Don't go doin' anything embarrassin', which is hard for ya, I can tell. I don't know how My-rah puts up with yous."

 

[Iko Vel]

"What? Am I not supposed to knock? Is he supposed to know mystically through the Force?"

Ironically that was Iko did do. Though only because Persie felt familiar to him through the Force. He just assumed the other presence was some kind of new droid or something. It made sense, and Iko had no issue with his friend having a new bodyguard. Of course the knock also gave it away, but Iko was already at the door by then, pulling it open with a bright grin and holding his gift out straight in front of him.

"Here Persie! This is for...Oh. You aren't...Persie."

The young lad blinked up at Makai Dashiell for a moment. Before looking around him to see Persie, giving her an awkward little wave. Now he felt even more embarrassed about the mess that his place was before he shook his head, mostly to himself.

"Come on in. Don't want you...to catch...a cold...erh..."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Makai wasn't getting into an argument with Persie. It was one he wouldn't be winning either, the girl could argue until her last breath, as evident by her early morning presentations when he and Ellie were trying to drink caf in the morning. He had learned more about the fashion industry and ZikZok than he ever wanted to in his life.

"Not quite Persie, but genetically similar."

Dragging his 'golf clubs' box inside, the half-Galan subtly looked around the flat. Not at the mess, that wasn't a big deal. Makai was looking for signs that someone else lived here ; parents, a sibling, an uncle. Surely this boy wasn't living alone? Granted he had criss-crossed the galaxy and made some stupid decisions, often on his own or with Ellie in tow. It was more of Makai trying to figure out some of the background on the teenager without prying immediately.

Hand outstretched in greeting towards the teenager, a bit formal but it was the first time they had met after all.

"Makai Dashiell, Persie's brother."

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Persephone all but pushed her 'big brother' out of the way. What was he doin'? Hand outstretched? Introducin' himself? How many times on the way over did she say not to be an embarrassment and to just be the strong silent type? Well...frankly that wasn't Makky, he was more of the dorky weirdo type, but she thought he could at least pretend.

"Iko!"

Gift ignored, Persie immediately hugged her friend. She was probably squeezing entirely too tight, especially considering his injuries, but Persephone was concerned. They had shared a few messages but she was concerned that Iko was busy recoverin' alone. Well, he had mentioned his Daddy but Persie had half a mind already about him.

She stepped back slightly, looking him over with her critical blue eyed gaze.

"How're yous feeling? Don't be lyin' none either."

Makai was clearly forgotten.

Iko Vel

 

[Iko Vel]

There were absolutely no signs of anyone else staying here. In fact, the apartment didn't seem that well-lived in. After all, Iko was technically meant to have been staying on at the new Space Ship Temple thing...He didn't know how to describe it himself. Either way, his dad was staying on Coruscant still whilst his mother and the rest of his family weren't in the picture right now. It wasn't important to Iko either way, it wasn't like he knew anything better.

"Oh. Iko, Iko Vel! Persie's erh...Jedi Friend? Yeah. That works. It's nice to meet you Mr Dayshield...I mean...Dashiell"

He cleared his throat for a moment. Getting his friend's family's name was...important. Yeah. He was making a conscious effort to try and make a good impression funnily enough. Either way, Iko gave Makai a firm handshake before beckoning them to come inside of the place as he limped off into the living area. He already knew better than to try and hug Persie or something. A smile was good enough in his head! Wait...he wasn't the smartest person, so was that a bad idea? Hm...He wasn't sur- That thought was interrupted by the sudden hug. Letting out a small groan of pain but that didn't matter to him as he threw his arms back around Persie to give her a hug. A faint red shade growing in his cheeks at that before he shook his head.

"Erh...I'm sore. I guess. It's nothing I haven't had before. Been a bit of a pain to walk about so I've just...been using my allowance to order food."

Iko waved his hands over at all of the takeout boxes. That was partly a lie. He would have ordered the food, even if he wasn't in pain. Though that made him realise, he really should have had food prepared for his friend.

"I can try to...make something for you to eat if you want. As long as it doesn't involve cooking. Or baking. Or anything that is actually relat-...Actually..."

Iko rubbed his chin in thought at that...Cooking could be like forging. Just following a recipe...Hm...

"...I'll test that theory out later."

Makai Dashiell Persephone Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

"No, we're fine, thank you. Just take a seat and get some rest, we're not here to intrude and put you to work."

Makai didn't miss the blush that came to Iko's face during the hug. He had heard some about the teenage boy through Persephone and talking about their adventures but nothing that made it seem they were close. Apparently she was playing her cards close to her chest, not unexpected considering her age and background. It was becoming evident that he would have to ask Myra Arceneau Dashiell to take Persie out for the day and see if a little girl talk could pull more information about the nature of the relationship with Iko Vel .

Instead he patted the taller box marked 'golf clubs' , speaking to Iko.

"First off, thank you for keeping an eye on Persephone. Typically we put her on private transports for safety reasons but I never expected pirates to be a concern on public transports. Pickpockets maybe. The Dashiell family is in your debt." There was a small pause. "Persie tells me you enjoy forging weapons. I've brought you a box full of phrik and a few pieces of fravisite as a small token of our thanks."

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Yous should sit down. I just came to see how you'rn recovery is goin', not to be entertained."

Iko Vel had mentioned a little training, teaching her how to fight with more than just her fists. Persephone didn't see how that was going to happen, considering walking seemed to be an issue. Let alone trying to mock fight and spar around. It was all fine with her, maybe they could leave Makky behind to do somethin' borin' and catch a movie.

She didn't travel all this way just to say hello and leave.

Makky had mentioned the phirk and other metal, and fine brows furrowed. Persephone didn't know the difference between ores and metals and the like. Makky had been trying to show her the mines and the business, but most of their lessons were focused on actually running the companies rather than the product contained inside.

"Is that good? Phrik is somethin' special?"

 

[Iko Vel]

His eyes went towards the box for a moment and whilst some people might have expected him to be happy over it, he didn't...seem like he was jumping for joy. SHaking his head ever so slightly as Makai said the Dashiell family was in his debt. A small pout growing on the boy's face as he folded his arms along his front and winced in pain ever so slightly.

"You don't need to be in my debt. And you don't need to give me a token of thanks. Persie's my friend. All I need to do is see her smile and that's good enough for me. I might like making stuff but ain't nothing more important to me than my friends...Which reminds me."

Before he even thought about sitting himself done, Iko spun around on the heel of his foot...and nearly took a nosedive straight down onto the ground as he lost his balance, reaching out to grab the wall to make sure he didn't fall. Even if he was hurt, that didn't mean Iko was going to slow down for a minute.

"Erh...I just realised. I might be a bit hypocritical...but I made this. For you. As a gift. For...training."

He held out the box, whilst waving his hand off towards a battered up and rusty droid he had managed to get, that was just standing in the corner of the apartment. Though he finally headed over towards a chair to sit himself down, letting out a small groan. His eyes lit up at Persie asking if Phrik was good or not causing the young lad to start nodding his head rapidly.

"Oh yeah! It's like a super rare metal. At least for me. I can normally only get away with songsteel. They can do somewhat similar stuff, they can both stand up to lightsabers. Not that I ever expect you to have to fight a lightsaber. That would be my job...If...I was there, I mean. Songsteel is what your gift is made out of. I also got a fancy crystal to use in it...which cost a bit, but it was worth it. It was...needed. Yeah. Totally.

Makai Dashiell Persephone Dashiell

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Persephone looked at the blade, turning the weapon over in her hands.It was absolutely beautiful, shimmering and delicate despite the deadly nature. No one had ever given her a gift of this nature ; not someone from outside the family. My-rah and Makky had given her gifts which she had been very grateful for, both surprising her now and then since coming into their care.

This was different though. Someone went out of their way for her that wasn't related. Thought about her despite her rough and tumble nature. Persie wasn't quite sure how to take it. Knownin' someone actually thought about her. She was still tryin' to digest that Miss Ar-sin-new had referred to her as a 'favorite child' at dinner.

"....but you shouldn't have..."

Closing the distance, Persie hugged the sitting boy once again, only this time placing a quick peck on his lips. It was her very first kiss, her bold nature making the first move, hoping it would be received well.

Her cheeks flamed red, realizing Makky was still there.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

One minute Makai was watching the interaction, idly wondering if a knife was a good idea for Persephone to have. He doubted Ellie would be concerned ; the Trade Princess often shot blasters for sport at an unnerving accuracy. The half-Galan was more concerned about Persie being a little too rough and tumble and threaten the wrong sentient and get herself into deeper trouble. A talk on the when and where would have to be had to ensure she knew the serious nature of such a thing.

The next moment his eyes were wide as Persie planted a quick kiss on Iko Vel .Hands shoved into his brown jacket, clearing his throat to remind the teenagers he was still there, standing next to the box of phrik. At least his very first kiss he had the good sense to do it away from prying eyes. Out in the snowy, cold woods he had made his move on Myra Arceneau Dashiell , at probably about the same age as Iko was currently. Considering the rocky road he and Ellie were on at that point, Makai was thankful she didn't end up smacking him.

"You two...uh..." Makai motioned with his hand between them. "...you two are...?...Dating?"

 

[Iko Vel]

"I mean, I won't always be there to look out for you. And I learned that it's better to have a weapon that's hid-"

Iko was getting ready to ramble like he normally would when it came to weapons but before he could finish his sentence, he both felt Persie hugging him again and the sudden peck. His eyes went wide in shock at that, stuttering a little bit as he felt a burning sensation in his face as they were turning a bright red. All the sound in his mind had just stopped and for once, Iko didn't actually have a single thought in his head. He just wrapped his arms around Persie to give her a slightly nervous hug.

"I...Of course...I had to. You're my friend. And...And I was angry when I saw you in danger. It wasn't...good anger either. Good anger can be used to focus. To fight through pain. But...I just had mad anger. I couldn't see anything else. Everything was red...And I don't want that to happen again. So...Yeah."

More mumbling. Nerves. Focus Iko. Focus. Urgh. Why did everything feel so funny? His felt like it was burning. His chest felt all funny. He felt like he was floating on a cloud all of a sudden. Even all of the pain he had was in the back of his mind. At least until he tried to stand up which spent another small spasm of pain through him, snapping him back into reality.

"...You're my best friend Persephone."

"You two...uh..." Makai motioned with his hand between them. "...you two are...?...Dating?"

Though the sound of Makai's voice snapped Iko back to reality once again, glancing over towards Persephone's brother before looking back over at her as he once again went back to stuttering.

"...I...Are...Are we dating?...Does...Is...That what the kiss meant?...I mean...I-I'd be okay with that. I think...I've never dated someone. Or kissed someone...but erh...If you're okay with it...I'd be okay with it?"

He was a mess of words right now. Unable to figure out exactly what he wanted to say. Stumbling over his words as they bounced around his head before he took in a deep breath. Steady. Focus. It's not like a fight. It's nothing dangerous. He was just...nervous.

"I...I'd be more than okay with it actually. I'd like it. I...like you, Persephone Dashiell."

Persephone Dashiell Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

What the hell am I witnessing.

He was suddenly eternally grateful much of his awkward phases fumbling around with love had been well out of the presence of his friends and family. Beyond holding hands or forever engrossed in their own conversations, Makai had kept any attempts private. Not that there had been many, he was incredibly oblivious, awkward, and not seeing the world correctly at the time. It seemed Iko Vel was far less oblivious then he was, which meant he was going to avoid some of the drama the half-Galan did.

Hand removed from his pocket and he pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment. He was going to have to message Myra Arceneau Dashiell , no doubt this was going to be a topic of conversation for them for the next several nights. When they first decided to bring Persephone under their care, there had been some thought they would be a better example for the girl compared to his father when it came to love and relationships.A concern given her upbringing. Apparently they were too good of an example.

"Does this mean we will be seeing more of you Iko? You're more than welcome at any time to come and visit. The entire family is going to want to know more about you."

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"I...I'd be more than okay with it actually. I'd like it. I...like you, Persephone Dashiell."

At that, Persephone turned bright red. Bright, tomato red at the admission from Iko Vel .It felt like she couldn't breathe. The world was on fire all around her. Then there was this boy. She wasn't supposed'ta be doin' this. Boys were...weird. Annoying. Oblivious. Practically another species they were so different. Persie wasn't supposed'ta be friends with anyone, friends meant you had to care for someone. Let alone tryin' to be kissin' on someone.

It just kinda...happened.

"I like yous too Iko Vel."

More blushing, incredibly red faced at the admission. If she could sink deep into the floorboards she would have. It was all overwhelmin' . Who woulda thought of all people her? Maybe she was growin' and learnin' after all, despite her admission to her guardians otherwise, that she had already learned it all. Typical teenage bravado.

"Datin'? Uhm...sure....I....I don't know what dates do....What're we supposed'ta do?"

 

[Iko Vel]

"Well...you erh...better like me! 'Cause...I'm such a catch. Yea'...That's right...No. No. That sounds wrong. I'm just...'appy you like me Persie. You're great."

Okay. Trying to act like he had an ego wasn't a smart thing. It didn't seem natural to him to be all cocky about himself. He was just a guy. Though he blinked at how red Persie was, and put his hand out for a moment, resting the back of it against her forehead with a frown.

"Are...you okay? You look 'ot...Your face is all red."

Even if he had the same redness in his own face, Iko wasn't thinking clearly about that. There was a part of him that was worried that Persie might be coming down with a fever...No. No. He was just being overly paranoid.

"...I dunno what we're meant to do if we're datin'. We're erh...boyfriend and girlfriend? I think that's...the main part of it? Meant to go...do stuff together? Movies? Walks?"

Wait. Did that make the training a date now? The training had practically went out of his mind after the kiss. Though his eyes lit up at Makai's offer to come around and that he was welcome to as the boy broke out into a bright grin once more.

"Oh! I'd love to! The family can know anything they want about me! I mean, I'm a bit borin'. I ain't a great Jedi. I ain't too studious. I'm a fighter...Erh...I ain't got a Master...I don't 'ave too many friends. Erh...Oh...Wait. You didn't...actually want me...to tel you about myself...now. Sorry."

Makai Dashiell Persephone Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Makai stared in disbelief as Iko Vel called himself and Persephone boyfriend and girlfriend. No sane person would believe this was happening to him. He briefly looked around and found a spartan chair to sit in the bachelor style apartment, a basic hard metal folding chair in typical young man apartment fashion. Was he getting a headache? It certainly felt like it.

He was mildly amused by Iko wondering if Persie was sick due to her bright red blushing. Makai had done the same thing as a teenage boy, not realizing the true reason. Perhaps Iko was oblivious after all ; still, had to hand it to him for at least being smarter than his fifteen year old self. Now he was beginning to wonder how stupid he actually had been.

"No its fine, you can tell me about yourself. I figured you might just want to hang out with Persephone instead of answering my questions. I think thats why we came here after all, so she can spend time with you. You can come over to the Station and have dinner with the family, you can tell us everything about your life then, how about that?"

It would cut down on needing to repeat it. Just wait until Danger found out. Or Judah. Both weren't keen on having Jedi anywhere around them, not that they would ever make a kid feel out of place. He could just imagine the looks.

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Persie was certain her face got hotter and redder when Iko Vel touched her forehead. Was there a high pitched noise in the room? Why was she hearing a high pitched noise? Did no one else just hear their blood rushing furiously through their head? No, it can't be right. Ain't never happened before this. Maybe she was literally dyin' of embarrassment.

"...I dunno what we're meant to do if we're datin'. We're erh...boyfriend and girlfriend? I think that's...the main part of it? Meant to go...do stuff together? Movies? Walks?"

"Boyfriend...girlfriend..?" Persie all but squeaked that out, sounding way too high pitched compared to her typical voice. Oh,there was no objectin', if Iko wanted to call her his girlfriend then who was she to correct him? She wasn't fightin' that battle...'sides, it was kinda thrillin' if she thought about it. Girlfriend. Iko liked her.

"Walks an' stuff...."

She sounded unsure, then realized she could ask Makky. He went on dates...right? Persie couldn't see My-rah not making Makky take her places. It was probably somewhere tragic knowing her brother, but the girl was certain they went somewhere.

"Makky, what'd yous and My-rah do? 'Sides try to suck off her face and drink wine."

 

[Iko Vel]

"No its fine, you can tell me about yourself. I figured you might just want to hang out with Persephone instead of answering my questions. I think thats why we came here after all, so she can spend time with you. You can come over to the Station and have dinner with the family, you can tell us everything about your life then, how about that?"

"Oh! That sounds great. It'll just be me though. My dad's stayin' on Coruscant. And the rest of my family is...somewhere."

Iko blinked for a moment, trying not to focus on that thought right now. It was too much of a dark thought and he wanted to have a bright mindset. Everything was brighter on the blue side...or was it the red side...mayb-

"Makky, what'd yous and My-rah do? 'Sides try to suck off her face and drink wine."

"Wait. Sucking faces off? No. No. I don't want to do that. It sounds gross. I mean so does wine."

Ironically, the young lad was whining himself at that. But then he remembered what Makai said about Persephone coming to spend time with him and Iko tried to stop his whining, instead trying to think of something they could actually do. Training was still on the table...but the droid he had tinkered about with was really good at making bruises. He had learned that first hand himself. He couldn't exactly cook and going for a walk was off the table...

His thoughts were all over the place. He just wanted to make sure Persie was happy. Alongside Makai at this point, since...well, he didn't want to upset her family by accident.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

"Makky, what'd yous and My-rah do? 'Sides try to suck off her face and drink wine."

When did this become about him? Both kids seemed to be disgusted by the prospect of making out and drinking wine ; better keep it that way for a long time. He wasn't going to argue or discourage there, but considering he didn't know much about Iko Vel beyond the few short sentences both Persie and he gave, it could be hard to determine what the kids could do.

"What did we do a lot of? Movies, then to a cafe afterward. That was a staple." Makai was aware he was picking activities he did with Ellie as a best friend, dating-without-knowing-it, but he figured the same things he did at that age would probably apply to any teenager. "Surfing, sailing, swimming...hanging out at the shopping emporium, do kids still do that? Just wander around inside those things? Maybe get a pretzel and loiter?"

Barely approaching his mid-twenties and he was already clueless as to what teenagers did.

"Mini-golf...walking around....sleepovers, you two aren't allowed that...uh.....there was a big aquarium on Dac that was fun to go to. Don't put any pressure on it, if you two are friends just spending time together will be enough.You'll make the fun along the way."