Private Old fashioned training

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Cryin'? Yous was cryin' while making the blade? Is it cause you hurt yaself or cause yous was overcome with emotion for me while makin' it?"

Persephone grinned, she was clearly teasing Iko about his experience, being a bit of a brat. She could be a joker when she wanted to be, but it was rare, and it was often a bit more sarcastic than typical joke. Yet it was all her. She already knew the answer would be that he was clumsy and he probably hit his finger or something while forging the blade.

Eyebrow raised at Iko Vel .Sometimes it seemed like he was purposely tryin' to be cheerful. Was that a Jedi thing? Persie typically just let her emotions happen, then dealt with it then. Tampin' down stuff wasn't useful ; well, except for fear. Her Mama always said don't let 'em see you blink, so thats what she strove to do.

"They ain't going to turn you into a workhorse Iko. Maybe I shoulda made myself more clear....cause ain't no one goin' to see you as dead weight. One, we're kids, ain't no one expecting us to be workin' five days a week. I meant..." Persie struggled how to put it."...ya just gotta be involved. Kinda like a politician's family. Like...ya know...lets say the husband is runnin' to be a Senator, right? He's putting in the work, that's his job. He's gotta wife, maybe she watches the kids and does charity stuff. So the wife, she's gotta go to like all the campaign mess...the balls...the charity stuff....look pretty, shake hands too. Then the kids, theys probably at a few of those, tryin' to make it look like a real 'appy family. Mindin' their manners an all. Learnin' what to do."

Under the careful eye of her Governess, Persephone had clearly been blossoming. Just a short few months ago she hadn't been able to vocalize something like that.

"So we's will be learnin' what to do. Mindin' our manners and showin' up to learn what to do."

She spotted a store geared more towards sentients their age and popped inside. Loud pop music played overhead and groups of bored teenagers were inside. Hand grabbed a shirt off the rack and hung it up in front of Iko, wheels in her head spinning, brows crinkled together as she thought. No, not this one, back on the rack it went.

"You're not a robot, you can have emotions."

 

[Iko Vel]

"O-Oh no. It's...just a saying. Y'know. Blood, sweat and tears. But...yeah. I totally was crying over not seeing you."

Iko smirked himself, rolling his eyes slightly as he teased Persephone back. Squeezing her hand for a moment as they walked together. He was purposefully trying his hardest to be as happy as he could. Negative emotions weren't...good for you at the end of the day. They weren't good for your health. Especially if you let them fester and grow worse and worse inside of you...No. He wasn't meant to think about that for now. Just listen to Persephone.

"...Wait. You mean kids ain't meant to work five days a week? But Dad was havin' me clean around the place all the time. Scrubbin' the booths, cleanin' the plates, fixin' any broken pipes. 'E said I wasn't born to just sit around all day. That people will always be expectin' me to work. There's no such thing as a free lunch...I mean, I'm decent at keepin' manners. My dad had to tell me to shut up a couple of times around a few of the customers...but he always told me, it was better to be neither seen nor heard. Only to make yourself know when you're needed or wanted."

His eyes went down to the top as Iko wondered if it would look good...before Persephone instantly took it away. Wow. Did it really look that bad on him? Was it the material? The colour? He wasn't sure himself.

"...You best not try to take me near any of the girl stuff."

After all, Iko didn't necessarily know if Persephone knew what would be good on guys. She probably did, but it was better for him to say that just in case he thought about what she said about having emotions and not being a robot...biting his tongue for a moment as he tilted his head to the side.

"Am I? I just...always put my emotions into forging and stuff. Anger. Sadness. All of that stuff just straight into the metal. It's...hard to explain I guess...I should make you more stuff if I'm being honest. It was one of the first times I've made something...and actually felt good making it."

Persephone Dashiell

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"No, I'm not takin' you near the girl stuff. You ain't got the body for it."

More subtle joking,a small smirk playing on her features. Taking in his love of blue, Persephone was drifting towards blues and greens as she scanned the store. Jacket was taken off the rack, held up, then tossed over one of her arms as a 'keeper' to try on. Another shirt held up, then interchanged with another. She paused, going back to the first one. Second one immediately went onto her arm as the 'keeper' category.

"So's...stick with me, deserts get cold but are also dryin'. I'm puttin' you in layers. Don't fret til you try it on."

They moved to pants and Persie studied Iko as if she could see through him, studying his body carefully. She was getting better and picking out pieces without asking for a size, she had been practicin' on Rue and Makky to an extent, although he didn't like what she picked out.

"Yeah, so no, you won't be workin' all the time. Remember I said you gotta study?"

Much like a mother doing back to school shopping, pants were taken off the hanger and placed each side on Iko's hips. No, she was off slightly, back to the drawing board in her guessing of size, one size down she was certain.

"Yous should make more, 'specially if it is helpful for your emotions, you know? Its good'ta have some place to get all that outta ya."

Iko Vel

 

[Iko Vel]

"Huh? Who said I'm frettin'. 'Cause I'm totally not frettin'. I'm fret free. I'm fretless. Yeah. Totally...I'm not convincin' you, am I?"

Iko raised an eyebrow at the different clothes that Persie was picking out for him. They were already so much fancier compared to what he wore back on Coruscant. And much fancier than his robes. AS much as he liked his robes, he had to admit, they did make him seem like a bit of an old man when it came to his fashion. Not that he'd ever admit that. He didn't want Persie to think he cared that much about his clothes.

"But I was studyin' when my dad 'ad me work. I'd sit in the kitchen readin' 'ow to fix problems for the restaurant. 'e called it "Multitaskin'" and said anyone should be able to do it. Only idiots like me couldn't."

He pouted at that for a moment. How wrong was his dad in the lessons he gave Iko...The more and more he learned from Persie, the more and more he realised how very wrong his father had been.

"Yeah...I should probably do some more smithin' and stuff..."

All of a sudden, Iko seemed to have became a lot more...nervous and shy. Rubbing the back of his neck as he limped alongside Persephone, looking over some of the clothes as he was trying to put his thoughts into words.

"...Thanks by the way Persie. You don't 'ave to do any of this for me. I appreciate it. And I appreciate you. Our friendship is great. You're...great. I'm great."

He mumbled away. As much as he was a foolish kid, he was slowly starting to realise how much more there was to the Galaxy. How valuable friendships could be and how important it was to have people there for you. It was just a surprise to him, considering he had just realised that his father had never really been there for him.

Persephone Dashiell

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Iko was rambling as she picked the last of her selections. In the end, once Iko Vel went into the fitting room and emerged, he should look roughly something like any other teenage boy out there , only a bit cleaner. The final outfit would be a little less blue then she intended but her vision had gotten away from her and decided to run with it.

"No need to thank me. I should be thankin' you, ain't no one ever let me style them. Normally they run for the hills."

This was akin to goin' to a theme park for her. As in, if she had an unlimited allowance she would easily be sendin' Iko into the fittin' room all day. Boys were a real challenge to style, such borin' clothes. Why was everythin' so dark?

"Also, yes, I am great. You're going to be sayin' I'm even greater once you put all this on....as for you...eh...you might be okay. Its too early to tell."

All the clothing was passed into his arms as they neared the fitting rooms. Hopefully her vision would turn out, this would be her first forray into stylin'. Mental notes were already bein' takin'.

"Okay, put on everything's then come see me. Don't judge til the entire thing is on!"

 

[Iko Vel]

"I don't mean for stylin' and everythin' Persie. I mean...thank you for being 'ere."

Iko rolled his eyes, taking the clothes as he headed into the fitting room to start getting dressed. The young Lad wasn't too sure how he felt about most of the clothing. It looked alright, sure but he felt like he looked...like everyone else. That wasn't necessarily something he liked. Twisting in the mirror to try and check how he looked, a small pout on his face. Persie had tried hard for this so he should appreciate it. At least he think she tried hard. He wasn't sure himself, it just looked like she was grabbing random things for him to try out.

Eventually, he came out of the fitting room, giving Persephone a small little twirl...before wincing in pain. Ow. Twirling. Not a good idea. His leg had went dead on him again, as he hopped up and down on his good leg for a moment, trying to wake his bad one up for a moment before looking over towards Persephone and giving her an awkward little grin.

"So...How do I look? Do I look as good as you thought I was going to? I feel like I look a bit...plain. But I mean if you think I look good like this, then I look good. You're the expert with this stuff."

Persephone Dashiell

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Again, no thanks needed."

Critical eye looked over Iko Vel , listening to his concerns about being plain. She circled the boy, looking him up and down before coming to stare at his face once more. Up and down once more. She could see what he meant about being a little plain. Perhaps this entire stylin' a boy thing wasn't exactly as easy as she thought.

"I sees what you mean. How would yous make it less plain?"

It wasn't if boys had the same amount of accessories girls had. There was no purse she could put on him. No necklace. Earrings, maybe. Bracelets a maybe as well, some of those wooden ones guys tended the to wear, like the one Makky had. Rings, sure, again dependin'. Hands fell on her hips, looking perplexed. She would have to understand male fashion in order to make it in the industry.

"Or, tells me what you'd wear in here. Don't say a cape."

 

[Iko Vel]

"A Cap-"

Don't say a cape."

"...Oh. Well...What do you like? We could get like...somethin' matchin'? Like...a bracelet? Or maybe like some kind of necklace with a charm on it? Like...can't wear somethin' connected to the Jedi if I'm gonna be neutral...What's somethin' we both like?..."

Iko stood there, clearly trying to put some kind of thought into this. Maybe some kind of star pendant? No. No. That's too lame...Actually...The boy suddenly moved forward, grabbing Persie's hand to actually drag her through the store for once. Grabbing various different bits of jewellery, checking them over in his hand before shaking his head and moving on.

"Are there any like...animals you like or somethin'? I'm a fan of most of them. Though I mostly like aquatic ones because...well, the ocean is blue. Never 'ad any animals of my own though. Was always told they're too much 'assle to care for...which is a shame. I'd 'ave liked a pet."

He rambled away as Iko was in his focus mode. It was almost like two sides of him, there was his goofy mode where he was just making jokes and trying to get people to laugh, and then this side of him where he was dedicated to his plan. His idea that was slowly but surely forming as he grabbed a set of pendants, holding them out towards Persie.

"'ow about these? Would you want the moon, or the sun? I'm 'appy with either."
At that, Iko just broke out into a bright grin. He could barely believe it but this was fun. He was mostly enjoying looking through the jewellery because of its craftsmanship. Some of them were clearly well made whilst others seemed clearly made just to get sold.

"If they're expensive or somethin'...I can try and make my own stuff to sell. To pay back for my 'alf of it."

Persephone Dashiell

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

This was new.

Persie had never been drug through a clothing store before. Normally she was the one doin' the dragging, trying to show how cute something was or trying ton convince her guardians to buy it for her. Was this was it like on their end? Just havin' to follow along against one's will? Not exactly against her will, Persie didn't mind, just cause it was cute.

"Prolly the moon? Just cause you're sunny and the moon reflects the sun."

See? She knew more than most thought of her. Studies must be getting absorbed somehow.

"If they're expensive or somethin'...I can try and make my own stuff to sell. To pay back for my 'alf of it."

Giving Iko Vel a bored, exhausted look at that, she chose to ignore him. They weren't in some high end boutique. They were in a mid-range clothing chain that catered towards teens. Nothing was that expensive.

"We can get these today or...d'you think you can make us some? Cause then it would mean more, y'know?"

 

[Iko Vel]

Iko had no clue why Persie was reacting this way about his statement. He thought it was nice. There was also the fact that he didn't even realise this wasn't some high end boutique. To him, someone who was used to having hand me downs, everything seemed so fancy and new. He was like a proper pauper right now. But he was still happy to be here at the end of the day. Whilst fashion wasn't his thing, what was more important to him was that he was getting to spend time with Persephone Dashiell that wasn't going to get interrupted by some pirate.

"Yeah, but you're like the sun to me. You brighten things up for me. Even if you can be a bit...I dunno what word to use...strict? Direct? I like it though. But...yeah! I can make us our own pendants. Do you want anythin' special with yours? Any specific colours? You deserve the best that I can make!"

The young lad was practically glowing with energy after the suggestion to make himself and Persephone something. Iko wasn't used to making himself non-weapon based stuff so this would be a nice change of pace for him. He just would have to figure out what metal to make them out...and at the same time, maybe he could make Persephone's family some stuff as well. He'd have to do some research first...and compared to what he was going to be making for himself and Persie, it wasn't going to have as much affection and care put into making the jewellery but it was going to be something at least.

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"I definitely ain't no sunshine to no one."

Again, an eyebrow raise. Persephone thought it was sweet but her personality did not lend towards the sunny, bright type. Iko Vel on the other hand? The literal definition of ray of sunshine. She wasn't even sure he had a overly grumpy bone in his body.

She was sure it was there, it was just outshined by his outlook on everything.

How did Iko put it? Direct personality? Strict? Persie thought it was just another word for bitchy, but that didn't bother her. She knew how she was, so it wasn't as if it was some surprise.

"Do we's want matching ones or different ones? Don't even hafta do sun and moon...could so something ocean. We can look at the HoloNet and plan it... It'll be fun for us t'do."

A small 'group' project, although Persie wasn't sure what she could actually contribute besides givin' orders.

 

[Iko Vel]

"You're my sunshine! And I won't take no for another answer."

Iko pouted at that, folding his arms along his front. Persephone might not have been as cheery and as energetic as Iko was, but part of the reason he had so much energy right now was because of her. She was helping him to ignore the pain. Which meant she was the best in his eyes.

Though he tilted his head slightly at the idea of them doing some research for the pendants, nodding away in thought. It sounded pretty fun. It couldn't be too complex of a design at the end of the day, since he wasn't that experienced with it all, but it would be a good experience.

"Sure. I mean...technically we can have it be moon and ocean. They're still related. With the moon being in charge of the tide. And well...I guess that would make you the moon, and I'm the ocean?...Oh! And it can be a blue moon with a blue ocean. You're a genius Persie!"

Once again he broke out into a grin, complimenting Persephone on her intelligence...When, the reasoning for it being a moon and ocean was mostly coming from him. Of course there were other choices they could go with. They still hadn't even gotten onto the HoloNet

Persephone Dashiell

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"I like the idea of the moon and ocean. Mainly 'cause the moon controls the ocean."

A broad grin, teasing Iko Vel once again. Yet the moon and ocean seemed more fitting, because despite what Iko said, she was certainly not a bright sunny person, nor did she inspire anyone else to do the same. One has to know their limitations and she certainly knew hers. How would they get the materials for their project? Could easily raid Makky's supply of gemstones and metals, they didn't need much in terms of supplies. It was just small pendants.

She would ask him later.

"So that's settled. Go on and get yer old clothes. I'll settle this up. Then we's can walk around some more and talk, find ideas for our pendants."

Persie went off to the registers to pay, staffed by bored looking older teens who were ready to leave their shifts, it didn't take too long. It didn't remind her of the boutiques, those were normally staffed by folks who loved fashion and would equally talk each others ears off. This was clearly just a part-time job for the workers.

 

[Iko Vel]

Iko rolled his eyes slightly at the moon comment but broke out into a grin at it. Bumping Persie with his side for the tease...before immediately regretting it as his leg went dead again. Really should have thought about that first.

"'ey. I'm not wrapped around your finger. You don't control me Missy."

He hurried off to and grab his old clothes back up and fold them up neatly. Throwing them over his arm like some kind of towel and holding them close to his body as he hurriedly limped over towards Persephone. If she had gotten a bag, he'd dump his old clothes into it. If not, he was just going to carry them in one arm, whilst holding Persie's hand with the other one, ready to go and explore more of the city with her.

"I know we were gonna talk about our pendants...but I got a question for you Perse. Why...Why do you like clothes so much? is it because of artistic reasons? 'cause they look nice? Or...is there somethin' else that I just can't think of?"

It was a good idea to just try and get an understanding between why Persie liked the things she did. It would help him to eventually get a gift for her in the future. But it wasn't going to be anytime soon. He didn't want to bombard her with gifts. Then they'd lose their special meaning.

Persephone Dashiell

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

With Iko Vel 's clothes dumped into the provided bag, Persie continued to carry the items despite the protest. He was injured and no way was she goin' to let some injured guy do the heavy lifting. Once he was healed, that would be an entirely different story. She really didn't mind anyways, ain't used to anyone else carryin' stuff, and boy could she shop on the regular.

"Ooh...umm..."

Did she tell him the truth or did she just kinda brush over the entire situation? Quiet for a long moment, it was clear she was debating on what to do. This was all new. Did one tell their boyfriend about these things? Thats what they did on the holodramas. Was the holodrama like regular life? Probably not.

"Uhmm....well, I do like the creativity and artistry of the designs...and uhm...lookin' good is a bonus. Every girl likes to look good, y'know. I would look at all the holos and advertisements back home...thinkin' one day, maybe that could be me, y'know? Just somethin' ya tell yaself to make it through. Everyone has somethin' they tell themself to keep goin'."

She continued on, not bothering to look at Iko for the next part.

"Mainly I told myself if I got outta there, I would buy what I wanna. So's....this is a long way from two outfits that I had to wash everyday by hand...and sew together. I hate bein' dirty, so I had to wash one set every day....but I can sew now...so....I don't ever wanna wash somethin' out ever again though...I don't care what'da label says."

 

[Iko Vel]

Everyone has something they tell themselves to keep going...Iko frowned at that part. Was that true for him? It was...probably true for him yes. He just wasn't willing or ready to face it yet. But Persie was being open about that, so she had his full most interest right now. Making a mental note that he should always try to clean for her...and also make sure he, himself was clean. He already washed regularly, but he wanted to stay as clean as he could for her. It was time for him to take care of his stuff a lot more than what he did previously.

"...You already look pretty to me Persie. I mean, I thought that back when we met on Ukatis...And I still think it now. You're pretty, no matter what you're wearin'. You 'ave...nice eyes. And your 'air is nice and...I...I'm not good at givin' compliments, okay? A lot of the time...it feels like people don't mean them. They just say things to get people to react but...I mean it. You're super pretty Persephone. I'm lucky to know you."

Iko leaned forward to give Persie's cheek a soft peck, before turning his head away with a small blush on his face. It was tough for him to put his thoughts into words. Trying to figure out how to put into words how even if Persephone was bitchy, that he was still lucky to know her. Sighing to himself at the cogs in his head slowly but surely turned away, letting out a sigh as he came face with the thoughts that he didn't want to, but had to if he wanted to voice it.

"...My dad doesn't see me as an actual kid. 'e sees me as free labour. The Jedi...see me as someone to train and throw out into the Galaxy to shoulder everyone else's problem. And I chose to be blind...and ignore it... But...you? You don't see me as someone you expect anythin' from. And...it's nice. To know that you like havin' me around, not because I can do somethin' for you, or that I can give you somethin'...but because it's just me. It's why...I'm willin' to give up the Jedi for you. Because you see me. And...I see you Perse...I don't see someone who I can get stuff from, or someone I want to do for me...I see Persephone Daishell. My best friend and...girlfriend."

Persephone Dashiell

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Oh..uhmm...thanks...I,uh, 'preciate it."

Blush stained her face as Iko Vel complimented her, only deepening in color as he gave a quick peck of a kiss on her cheek. She wasn't fishing for compliments, it was one of those things that just was. Needing validation wasn't her thing, but it was nice to hear all the same. A small part of her was worried about gettin' used to this. What if Iko went away for good? Maybe it was worth it to just...take a chance? At the very least, if it didn't work out, maybe she would have this experience to look back on?

"Yeah, I just like yous for yous...you don't hafta try or be anyone else 'round me, y'know. We can just be who we's are....well, I always am. Whatcha see is whatcha get...still, its nice'ta know you don't look at me weird when I am myself. Lots of folks do....one's outside the family. It's okay though, I ain't out to impress anyone."

Hand squeezed his, brow furrowing.

"Don't be so quick to leave the Jedi. 'Sides, you might wanna go back someday...you might get bored or decide it aint for ya. Which is okay....I think we's could still date? Jedi date, right? I mean....I think they do, I read a holomag article with some Jedi Master and her 'usband. So's y'all are allowed off leash once in awhile."

 

[Iko Vel]

"...You better appreciate it! 'Cause otherwise I said all that for nothin'...And screw anyone who looks at you weird! You're great. And if they don't know it, they're dumber than me!"

He tilted his head at her statement about reading the holomag article, breaking out into a small chuckle at that. He supposed Jedi did date but...Hm...Iko glanced over towards Persie, giving her hand a small squeeze.

"Yeah...but I'm pretty sure Jedi are meant to pick the Galaxy over the person they're datin' and...I ain't sure I can do that. If I had to choose between a bunch of strangers I barely knew, and you? I'd pick you. Every time. Which...isn't very Jedi-like...But...I guess it also goes against what I used to want to be. I wanted to be a Hero, who saved everyone. Because...I never had one individual person who was important to me. But now I do...Since the stuff with the pirates, I've been worried about you day and night I know I don't need to worry about you but...I dunno. I'm also worried about Casaana but...I dunno. She's like me in a way...Oblivious to some things."

What was up with him? He was being so much serious than he normally was. He was aware it was a somewhat foolish idea to pack up everything and leave the Jedi for one person...but he wasn't going to back down from that choice. It was his life, to either mess up or do what he wanted with. Squeezing Persie's hand, Iko just carried on talking, looking ahead of them instead of looking at Persie.

"And whilst I'm oblivious to a lot...There's one thing I am sure of. I won't regret the time I spend with you. I could never get bored 'round you. I mean...it sounds like a totally different life to what I'm used to. And I like it. It sounds...exotic. I don't need to be Iko Vel, the Hero and Jedi. I can just be...Iko Vel, regular teenager, the inventor..."

Persephone Dashiell

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Wait, yous think Cassie has a crush on you? She just seemed annoyed by you to me. Or you mean she likes you like a friend? I think its hard to tell with her."

Caasana was interesting. The fact she wanted to be a pirate and was excited when they got boarded gave her a bit of pause. Persephone just thought she was probably a little sheltered. It made sense ; living and doin' stuff with the Jedi, looked like it could be real easy to kinda fall into one's own world and stay there and not know 'bout nothing else.

"Oh, I've been okay. Don't hafta worry about me, Huila Station has a ton of security 'cause of all the important folks livin' there right now. Be real embarrassin' if half of the company leadership got wiped out, ya know? Plus, everyone is makin' me have a private pilot now and Thirty-Seven is my bodyguard til they find one for me. In fact, Thirty-Seven is followin' us right now.

Thirty-Seven was distantly following, keeping a good berth between himself and the two teenagers.

"I'm glad yous won't regret our time together. I won't either, even if yous decide to go back. It will be somethin' different...but yous still a hero. You got shot tryin' to save me, no matter hows stupid it was. Don't you try that again Iko Vel , I ain't going to have you dyin' off. I already lost my Mama, I aint 'bout to watch you die too."

 

[Iko Vel]

"No! No! I don't mean she likes me...I mean that she is like me. We both are kinda...naive? Is that the best term to use? She probably is annoyed by me. Since if y'didn't know...I can be annoyin'."

Iko was no stranger to that. But he wasn't going to change it for anyone! He was who he was! He turned his head back at the mentioning of Thirty-Seven, giving the robot a small little wave. It had been nice being in the droid's arms...Well more, it was nice being carried about. He had never been carried around before and it was fun not having to use his legs.

I ain't going to have you dyin' off. I already lost my Mama, I aint 'bout to watch you die too."

At that, Iko's face fell for a moment, his head swinging round to look at Persephone. That statement had caught him off guard. He obviously knew Persie's mother wasn't around anymore...but for her to compare him to his mother in the way that she didn't want to watch him die. Well...It had made him think of things differently. Most Heroes were only recognised after they died or sacrificed themselves for someone else...If it had been an actual blaster that had got him, maybe he would have actually died. He raised his hand to his side for a moment before squeezing Persie's hand.

"...I promise ya. You ain't gonna have to watch me die. I'm goin' to do even more exercises every day to make sure I'm fit and 'ealthy! Ain't no way I'm gonna leave you behind! You're stuck with me now Perse."

As much as he was taking it seriously, Iko had his own way of well...approaching things. His statement came from a place of care, even if it might have just sounded like him being an idiot.