Private Pearl in the Oyster

[Makai Dashiell]

FONDOR

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell | Danger Arceneau

Makai hustled to his next appointment : dinner with the Arceneau women. He barely had time for anything, let alone change, so he hoped the more casual look with the tie left behind and just suspenders would work. It was nothing but power walking from the spaceport to the five star Artesian restaurant nearby.

Opening the doors, it appeared he made it with time to spare, spotting only Ellie and not her mother waiting. Thankfully the Queen of Trade had yet to appear and he closed the gap between himself and the brunette.

Makai pulled his wife into a searing kiss, holding her close as he did so. The most appropriate reaction inside the lobby of a high end restaurant? No. Yet he didn't care, both had been busy and they had not seen one another since the PharmaTech appointment after the Commonwealth Gala. Now they were back on Fondor, this time for a dinner with the matriarch of the Arceneau family.

“I missed you so much.”

They were pulled in so many different directions. It wasn't surprising considering the fact they had been busy since the honeymoon. He had been busy not only expanding but buying out Alicia Dreys portion of their mines. He had wanted to take over Lady Mecetti’s stake as well, but his wife had talked him out of aggressively buying out a war widows shares. He supposed he agreed.

“How are you? You look great.” He figured they had a few minutes before Danger showed up. It would serve to catch up just a little before his mother-in-law arrived.Speaking in person was always a little different than catching up over the HoloNet or various calls. More real. “How’s our little Mining Princess?”

Makai smiled and took the opportunity to speak to their daughter, although he wasn't quite clear if a fetus could hear yet at this stage. It hadn't stopped him yet.

“You’ve been treating your Ma alright? Not acting up?”

Iced blue eyes met stormy grey, clearly amused.

“Haven't had to use the wait til your father gets home line yet I assume?”

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell Danger Arceneau

Oh, there were sparks.

Likely, the pair after that passionate kiss was enough to get splashed on the front page of some trashy tabloid, but might as well feed the paparazzi a bit so they could leave them alone later.

With a chuckle, Myra's lips grew wide with a smile and she gave a chuckle. "I missed you too," rolling her eyes and pulling back to snake her arm around his. She leaned on him for a bit, the pair enjoying each other's company before their waiter helped them find their table.

"Good, just tired. I swear I feel like I need to nap every few hours. I'm just exhausted," she had been sleeping far too much lately, having to depend on her assistants and El-Three to take on most of the face-to-face meetings and reviews for MaraTibx.

"Shuush!" Myra gave Makai's bicep a bop with her hand. "Don't say things like that in public!" she murmured, giving him a mock glare. They had to keep things quiet. The last thing she wanted was to have more reporters stalking them for more news.

"Just don't... mention it so openly," It was one of the reasons they had requested a private venue within the restaurant so that they could enjoy dinner in peace, but also be able to talk a bit more freely without being overheard.

"Mama should be here soon. You ready?"

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell | Danger Arceneau

"Maybe a cut back on your schedule for a bit? I'm sure your Ma will understand once we tell her."

Makai rolled his eyes slightly at the mock glare and the reminder they shouldn't talk so openly about Ellie's current condition. Of course she wasn't showing and had been wearing a bit less little form fitting outfits, but there was a concern there. Mainly from his wife. Personally, he didn't think they were that interesting of a couple to be listened too that closely. Just a normal newlywed young couple in his eyes ; he didn't look at Ellie as the Trade Queen's daughter.

"Think they are hiding behind the potted plants with a telephoto lens and microphone?"

A grin as he nudged his wife but complied, realizing he was going to have to wait until they were alone together to ask more questions to get the answers he really wanted.

"Not ready in the slightest. My hands have been shaking the entire way here. I'm just...hoping everything is positive."

Makai wasn't looking forward to the various reactions from his family members. He could only imagine the range of disappointment. Granted, Danger would know the complete truth, but he knew his father would have a line of questioning a mile long. He was going to need a stiff drink for that conversation and extra patience.

As if on cue, he caught sight of the flame-haired Matriarch entering, spotting them off to one side of the lobby.

"Ready or not." Makai whispered in Ellie's ear, feeling his nerves bloom anew.

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

"Yeah. I think I'm going to have to do that. Besides, it might be time to hire another assistant. Mama had so many that I don't think she'll mind if I hire another... especially once we tell her." Makai, revealing that he was nervous, was now feeding into her own nervousness. While she didn't expect her mama to be disappointed, it was still a fear Myra had regarding the Queen of Trade that she would fail to live up to the imaginary expectations Myra thought Danger had of her, especially since she wasn't her real daughter. Understandably, it was an issue that Myra was working through, but it was undoubtedly still there.

"Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised for a paparazzi to be hiding behind a pot.. or using a micro droid to take pictures." She'd heard that some of the more scandalous holo tabloids were practically invading privacy with the level of attempts at getting a shocking picture, holo, or piece of news.

"Just wait. They'll start saying that your mama and pa are in some sort of scandalous swingers cult with Zuly and who knows who else..." nothing different than what had been plastered before between Judah, her mama, and her pa, Alric.

Speak of the devil and she will show, Myra thought, just as she caught sight of the deep auburn hair of her mother. A nervous smile grew over her lips.

"Okay, we got this... we got this..." she murmured, giving Makai's hand a small squeeze.

"Hi mama, it's good to see you!" Myra called out as soon as Danger was close, stretching out her arms to envelope her mama in a hug and to kisss her cheek.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Makai Dashiell Myra Arceneau Dashiell

A practiced eye would notice that something was off between Makai and Myra. However, Danger chose to keep that to herself and instead enjoyed the hug and kissed from her daughter. A soft chuckle and the scent of magnolias would spread as Danger held onto Myra for a few more seconds, kissing her on her cheek before moving on to do the same to Makai.

"Well, aren't you both lookin' a sight for sore eyes..." her arms would pull back and she'd give them a good once over, "Certainly more tanned than I've seen you Myra in a while. The honeymoon must have done you both some good." she chuckled with a wry twist of her lips.

The waiter came then to guide them towards their private seating, and once they were done with salutations, they would be led there. Seated comfortably, they now had an opportunity to talk more freely, which Danger was happy to dive into.

"So, tell me how your honeymoon went. How did you enjoy it?"

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell | Danger Arceneau

“Hey Mom, you look great.”

Makai hugged the Trade Queen next, lingering a moment as he did so, returning the kiss on her cheek.

Their table was in a more private location, off to the side behind fanciful screens decorated with tree motifs. He could still hear the indoor fountains and diners, it was more that they couldn't be seen or overheard easily.

He waited for both women to sit before joining next to Ellie. He slid his hand into hers under the table, thumb rubbing against the back of her hand as he began to talk to Danger about their latest adventures.

“We had a really good time. So much so I think we should go back for our first anniversary. Who knew such a place existed?”

Makai turned and smiled at Ellie before looking back to Danger and continuing the rundown of what they actually did.

“Lots of incredible experiences. Wine tasting, massages, boating, swimming and we got a bit of relaxing in too. We ate way too much food and probably sat in the sun together way too much.”

A small squeeze of Ellie's hand as he continued on.

“Then I surprised Ellie with a place on Gallinore in the Hapes Cluster. Just somewhere we can go besides Joiol. It's an incredibly safe region, so that was a big driving factor too. With the way the galaxy is too, it's always good to have a fallback.”

A waiter came and placed water on the table and got an initial appetizer order. Makai waited until the waiter left before speaking again.

“Thank you for watching Persephone. I know she's been doing her internship but you still had to keep an eye towards her. We are grateful.”

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Makai Dashiell

Myra clung to Makai's hand under the table, flashing him a soft smile of encouragement and taking as much strength from him as she could while he spoke, answering Danger's query on their honeymoon. Danger watched the pair with avid interest, listening in as she surveyed the menu. Considering the kids taste recently, she figured a bottle of wine would be good to start along with the water.

"Gallinore? Of the Hapes Consortium? Hope ya'll didn't have to deal with any of the issues with the gender equality rebellion." There had been plenty of talk regarding the political issue, only enflamed when the Alliance passed the Gender Equality bill that forced worlds under its purview to ensure equal rights. Matriarchal and Patricarchial worlds such as Kuat, the Hapes Consortium, and Anaxes were peeved to say the least.

As for Persephone, Danger gave a small gesture of her hand, as of it say it wasn't an issue. "Ain't nothin' but a thing. Kept her occupied enough with Lana over material and fabric creation out at Browncoat. Apparently she was keen on trying to mimic a type of color she saw at one them fancy fashion shows you indulge her with. Toss her a few excursions to some behind the scenes and she was pretty much occupied by herself." otherwise, hanging out with Danger and Rue meant that Persephone was bored with having to play nice. She was unlike Myra, who did her best to try an learn. Unless it had something to do with fashion, Persie didn't seem that interested.

"I do like seein' that you both seem well rested..." well, to a degree. There was a tightness around Myra's eyes and an edge to Makai that they couldn't quite hide.

"Or at least I reckon I hope you are..."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell | Danger Arceneau


"Oh,well I did buy a rainbow gem mine and the elderly woman I got it from was very persistent Ellie owned at least half. She liked the sound of Ellie so thanks to my better half for that one. The only real gender inequality, although I'm aware men have a lower station around Hapes. It hasn't been an issue."

Listening along about Persephone's antics, he nodded along. It seemed she was doing fine and in her element, although Makai suspected the girl most likely wanted to be home. Persie was the type of teenage girl to be attached to her room ; watching her runway shows, organizing something, or working on fashion ideas. He got it though, the girl didn't have much of anything for herself before coming into their care. Now she was enjoying it.

"We've had a few sleepless nights lately."

Not an exaggeration. Despite being now excited for the prospect of the baby, the first night of the positive test he couldn't sleep at all. He had just laid in bed, thoughts racing. Even now, settled more into the news and having absorbed it, between being busy and worried about Ellie and their daughter, sleep didn't come as easy as it used to.

Makai turned to his wife, searching her expression for a moment. A very subtle nod gave him the go ahead, and he squeezed her hand tightly in reassurance.

"We didn't just invite you out to dinner to catch up, as much as we both love you. There's some news to share as well."

A small pause. His hand tightly against Ellie's was sweaty and he could feel a slight waver in his voice, nervousness creeping in quickly once more.

"Ellie is pregnant with our daughter. Your first granddaughter." Makai looked to his wife. "Both Ellie and the baby are healthy, things are progressing well."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell


Oh. So Makai was just going to rip off the bacta patch right off.

To say Myra’s face bloomed with shock followed by a flush of embarrassment and mortification was putting it lightly. She had thought of easing into it, working through what to say and framing it in a better light. Well was there a better light?

Emotions rose, hormones raged, arched and then Myra’s eyes turned red rimmed and her vision began to blur. The immense fear she would disappoint her mama swelled and just like that, Myra burst into tears.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Makai Dashiell

The Queen of Trade had a Sabaac face that could make anyone wonder what went on behind those emerald-fire eyes. Then again, Danger had been well practised in making sure her actual thoughts kept to themselves while keeping a genteel cordious smile and relaxed expression. In this case, at least she hadn't been drinking otherwise she just might have choked on it. Or maybe she felt that would be the case? Maybe the news was such a curve ball that it wasn't so shocking.

Well practised on conveying neutral remarks but aware that the kids would see through that, Danger mused regarding the potential ramifications regarding the matter of Myra being with child. A mild mental quip would briefly race through her mind, along with muted amusement at how Judah would react to the news. At least, until Myra began to cry.

Well, any potential humorous commentary certainly went out of the cargo hatch then.

"Well congratulations!" Danger sang, although concern would mar her face as she turned towards Myra. "Oh honey, it is alright. Here drink some water. I know them hormones like to get you swingin' from one side of the Dune sea to the next." Danger did her best to comfort Myra, grabbing a napkin to hand over to her with a faint smile.

"Go on, get your bearin's, have you've been eatin' right? Give me all the details."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell | Danger Arceneau

Makai produced a handkerchief from his inner suit pocket, gently placing it in his wife’s hand. He hadn't expected her to cry, at least not in that moment. She had been a little more emotional than normal but they both had been thrown for a loop lately.

“See, we had nothing to worry about.”

He spoke quietly near her ear as he placed a comforting hand on her back. A quick kiss on her temple as Ellie tried to get herself together.

Shoulders relaxed as he turned back to Danger. It had been a wild card on how she would react and take the news. Granted she didn't know how far along Ellie was but the Queen of Trade was no idiot. They were far enough along to know the gender, the redhead could do simple math and determine this just didn't happen.

“Thank you, for taking the news well. We've been so nervous since finding out. Uh… for obvious reasons. It wasn't expected.”

Makai left it at that for the moment. If Danger had more questions on how that was fine, but the focus right now was on his wife.

As usual, he tried to inject a little humor into the news.

“Better to get the news now than when we were sixteen, right?”

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Makai Dashiell

Myra covered her face and blew her nose, but she was still sniffling and her lower lip was trembling. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry... I'm just... it's just."

Danger reached out and patted her daughter's hand, before squeezing it. "Darlin', it's fine. I know your body is likely making you feel all kinds of things right now. Just breathe and take a few sips of water, alright." Danger encouraged her, her throaty drawl a comforting sound.

The redhead gave Makai a quick, understanding look and a faint nod. It wasn't time to go into just how others might take it. Danger didn't have to read between the lines to understand what the younger Dashiell meant. Odds were, with the way Judah was acting, well that wouldn't go well. Persie was young, so she might be sensitive to matters. Rue would be excited; she was young enough to not feel as if there would be an issue with Makai or Myra having a baby.

A snort came, however, when Makai made a joke about this coming out now than when they were sixteen. A roll of her green eyes and then she murmured, "Startin' the jokes now, are we?"

She poured another glass of water for Myra, waiting for her to get her bearings before signaling for the waiter to come. That way they could get their order in and Myra fed.

"Alright, just let me know how I may help?'

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Danger Arceneau | Myra Arceneau Dashiell


Makai kept his hand on Ellie’s back, now rubbing soothing circles along her spine as she tried to get herself under control. He knew it would be a minute, even in a non-pregnant state she always took a minute to find her bearings.

“What we need is your support.”

He paused for a moment, stopping to wipe his sweaty free hand on his trousers. Makai was less nervous now, and he was able to take a few steady breaths without fear of what was to come next.

“Ellie and I decided you will be the only person to know the truth. I'm already altering my schedule to make every appointment and be fully present by the eighth month but…. If something were to happen and I wasn't there, I just wanted someone else to be aware of the situation.”

He stopped for a small sip of water, hand still circling against Ellie's back.

“Plus, you're her mother and although we haven’t discussed it much, I'm sure you'll be around for the birth. Obviously that is Ellie’s decision but that's a bit down the road.”

Making paused a small moment to smile at his wife.

“You've always been in our corner, so I don't expect that to change now.”

Another deep breath. Things we're looking better. At least on his end. The news was given to Danger. She took it well. He has formulated a story with the help of Ellie.

“As for what Dad and Mom and well…anyone else in our lives will know… the story will go we stopped preventative measures once we got married, thinking it was going to take awhile to reach this point. Not a total lie, I don't think either one of us expected it to be so…quick? So everyone else will just think Mining Princess was conceived on our honeymoon and not in the Centrality sector.”

Makai shook his head.

“I would argue I normally don't need a story so detailed but given how Dad and I have been butting heads…”

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Makai Dashiell
​

Danger listened quietly, actively panning her gaze from Myra with a soft smile of comfort and a squeeze of her hand over to Makai, who suddenly had grown up so much in her eyes. Of course, he was grown up. He was in his mid-twenties already. But it was all the more evident as he spoke with conviction and maturity that made Danger realize how far he'd come.

Myra calmed down, and she nodded and smiled at what Makai said. The love and gratefulness in her grey eyes as she looked at him was very evident to the Queen of Trade. She was even more grateful that the two had managed to work through their misunderstanding and get to where they were now. Indeed, they were compatible, and for those instances that they weren't, it seemed that they were doing their best to make sure things didn't go astray once more.

"Well, you'll have a firm supporter here regardin' this bundle of joy and the story. If your pa and mama start givin' you issues, I'll set them in their place." At this point, she had no issue giving her mind regarding Myra and Makai. Sure, Judah had made himself more than clear that his business was his, despite his last assurances that it wasn't the case anymore. Oh, the apology was nice, but as soon as Danger pressed with her commentary, he returned to the same defensive square he'd been in before. The hot and cold attitude was exhausting, and she'd mind her q's and t's, but all bets were off regarding their children.

"I'll be happy to be wherever ya'll are comfortable on me bein'. We can make sure things are taken care of as well as the little one grows and you'll need more time restin'."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Danger Arceneau | Myra Arceneau Dashiell

Makai slipped his hand from Ellie's back and found her hand underneath the table, interlocking their fingers together once again. The worst of her sobs now seemed to be behind them for the moment, her mood back on the mend after the positive reaction from Danger. The half-Galan squeezed his mother-in-law's hand back in gratitude.

"Thank you...I..." He turned his head to look at Ellie. "...we appreciate everything. It's a lot to figure out and juggle at once, so this is just one more piece off our plate."

He was unconcerned about his parents. Beyond having the story straight between the three of them sitting at the table, it wasn't an issue to not see eye-to-eye. His mother was being surprisingly supportive in multiple ways in his life, and they were on some type of shaky ground where she didn't quite believe he was a grown man. His father...well...his father might view him as a grown man who made the most horrible choices ever.

"I'm not so concerned about Mom and Dad but the back up is welcome. My concern is more when she arrives, uh..."

The half-Galan paused and squeezed his wife's hand, seeking encouragement. It wasn't an easy subject to broach but it had to be done.

"...we just want everyone to get along. You. Judah. Thessa. The most important thing will be our daughter. Its not going to be easy for her and if Ellie felt an immense pressure growing up I can't imagine what the first granddaughter of Danger Arceneau and Judah Dashiell will feel. The last thing she will need is her grandparents fighting. I'm going to give this same speech to both of my parents. I need you guys to figure it out one way or another."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Makai Dashiell

​

Danger listened attentively, taking another sip of her water. By all intents and purposes, she appeared to have a pleasant and joyful demeanor regarding the news—at least until Makai began broaching the subject of his ma and Judah.

There was a slight narrowing of her feline green eyes, as if mildly astonished that Makai would even suggest that she wouldn't ensure she minded her manners—as if she hadn't done so plain as day already. The seemingly affront would be noticeable, and Danger would give a slow blink over at Makai, a mother's disappointed expression regarding the seemingly startling expectations the younger Dashiell had regarding just how Danger would act around Thessa and Judah.

It wasn't missed by Myra either, who immediately turned from Danger over to Makai, and the stress rose. If there was anything that Danger disliked, it was when her character was put under the microscope on how she was supposed to act around others. If there was anyone who acted like a fool and an idiot, it was Judah—and if both Dashiells were willing to forgive and forget the mountain of betrayal and trauma the blasted woman gave, fine. Not her Kowakian monkeys, not her zoo.

But she'll be damned if the boy that she raised would so deem that they all needed to get along.

"Hmm, is that so?" Danger would coo, her throaty drawl at the humor of the situation and irony bubbling with a faint "heh,"

Makai had crossed a line.

"One would reckon that a child that I raised as my own would know me well enough regardin' just on how nice I can conduct myself," Danger replied quietly, her disappointment evident regarding the matter. Out of the whole thing regarding Thessa, not once had Danger even slipped regarding commentary on Makai about his mother. Nor had she made her grievances regarding the full hot Hutt mess of his father and his dramatics. If anything, it had been Judah who had been loud and clear regarding the whole ordeal.

"Oh, don't you worry, I'll mind my manners and tongue 'round the little ones -- as I have always done."

She took a sip of her water.

"If'n you want me to stay out of whatever matters your ma or pa have regardin' your buddin' family, best say so now. The last thing I need is another Dashiell to tell me to mind my place and keep to myself."

Myra immediately interjected, “mama, I’m sure Makai didn’t mean it that way.”

“Then it’s best to make it clear, right?” Danger quipped back with a slow but distinct drawl. She wasn’t in a joking mood to kark around. She was too old to get into another hot mess.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Danger Arceneau | Myra Arceneau Dashiell

It was clear Danger did not understand where he came from. Sure, playing nice was one thing. That had been occuring for years. Playing nice was also taxing. She hadn't been on the receiving end of adults playing nice for years.

He had.

He knew intimately the pitfalls of the adults around him acting nice and cordial for the sake of the child. The not wanting to invite anyone to events to prevent another round of being fake. The watching the time, counting down on to when he could leave.

As much as he wanted to educate Danger on how playing nice wasn't beneficial for anyone, he couldn't. He was in a precarious position of playing nice for his wife's sake but also ensuring his child wouldn't go through the same experiences he had.

"You're free to do what you wish. I am merely reminding all parties involved, all parties who will be spending time together for the next eighteen years, to settle their differences."

Makai looked to his wife briefly, shooting her a concerned look.

The half-Galan didn't understand where the sudden flying off the handle stemmed from. One minute things were fine and the next Danger was treating him like his father. Which was curious, considering he didn't know what was going on there beyond they had an argument.A big one from what he had pierced together.

"Do you need to talk about something? Are you okay?"

Thumb ran along the back of Ellie's hand. It was a sign he was anxious, concerned. No doubt this would be a topic of discussion tonight between them.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Makai Dashiell

Danger maintained a calm and relaxed expression, sipping water as Makai issued his expectations -- or rather, his seeming command -- for all parties to resolve their differences. She felt a surge of vexation at the thought. Really, this was a conversation better suited for Judah than her. Of all the people, she'd had figured Makai would realize at least that.

Hearing so from a twenty-something-year-old talk like so to a woman with several decades of experience playing nice, fooling Force users and officials with her pleasant demeanor without offering a singular clue to her internal thoughts was laughable. She'd done fine keeping her lips mum in the decades around Makai regarding her real thoughts about his mother. That he would believe that she couldn't behave herself in a manner above reproach was, again, disappointing.

No, she didn't need to settle her differences with anyone. She'd managed her interactions with Judah and Thessa quite well, to the point that Makai was unaware of the specifics of the issues regarding his pa and her. He only sensed something was amiss due to the close-quarter confines and the changes in Danger's behavior compared to the past since that gala on Naboo.

"Ain't anythin' of importance," Danger replied with a faint smile regarding Makai's question about needing to talk. It was similar to how Makai had asked Danger back on the Reach to drop the subject regarding Myra. At that time, Danger respected it. She expected Makai to do so as well. While Danger had depended on Makai increasingly regarding her concerns and thoughts, she didn't want to delve into this one with him. The younger Dashiell already was tense regarding his father and ma to bring up this conversation; diving into it more would help no one.

It only reminded her that perhaps it was best to search other far more predictable venues regarding her confidence when it came to delicate subjects that couldn’t be discussed with Makai. Saffron had been that. Maybe it was time to also look into a Companion. A non-disclosure agreement and a complete understanding of what was expected while considering her needs. Perhaps she should contact Casteel regarding that.

Either way, Makai still had to work on his tact - the what, when, and how to relay his words in a manner that would have been taken far more favorably than his expectation of settling differences.

"You've answered my question, and I shall deliver accordingly." She glanced up, and the waiter she had summoned had finally arrived.

"Oh, good, menus then." Danger's lips curled back into a wide, full-lipped smile, offering a grateful cant of her head and sweet words.

"Well, reckon we should order somethin' to fill up our plates. We've some good news, and I'm feelin' peckish." Any further conversation would have to be placed on hold unless Makai was willing to do so with the waiter in front of them.

The dinner's tone had undoubtedly shifted, and now even Myra felt at a loss. This had gone completely sideways.

​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Danger Arceneau | Myra Arceneau Dashiell

Makai blinked a few times.

He wasn't sure why the reminder to settle differences before the baby was born was taken so harshly. This was more than merely 'playing nice', it was a desire to have folks genuinely get along. It wasn't as if everyone wasn't going to be in proximity to one another due to the nature of family.

With the reminder he had tried and beyond telling both of his parents the same thing, the half-Galan wasn't going to touch the subject again. He had enough to worry about beyond three grown adults who couldn't work things out amongst one another. If they didn't want to work things out then fine, he was done.

The waiter came and brought the reminder their evening wasn't done. It would be eggshells the rest of the evening no doubt.

No longer feeling overly hungry, he ordered a bowl of some kind of thick noodle with nuna and vegetables, waiting for the Arceneau women to make their selections and the waiter to leave before speaking once more.

"So, what's new?"

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra's heart pounded as she sat at the dinner table, sensing the tension hanging in the air. She wasn't entirely sure how things had spiraled into awkward silence, but she knew that something Makai said had struck a nerve. Her mother's polite but tight smile didn't help ease Myra's anxiety. Hormones buzzed in her chest, making her emotions swing wildly between defensiveness for Makai and a desperate need to keep the peace.

She could tell Makai hadn't meant any harm -- he just wanted everyone to get along, especially with their growing family. The divorce he'd been through with his parents had left him wary, and she knew he was trying to protect their future, not drive a wedge between anyone. But explaining that without making her mama feel like she was being accused of something was tricky.

Taking a steadying breath, Myra squeezed Makai's hand under the table, a gentle reminder that she was on his side. But then she turned to her mother with a soft, pleading look in her eyes.

"Mama," she started, her voice a little shaky as she tried to find the right words, "I think what Makai was trying to say… it wasn't about you at all. He's just… worried. I know it might've come across the wrong way, but he's really just asking for us all to be able to lean on each other, especially with the baby on the way."

Myra's gaze flickered between them both, trying to read their expressions. "The divorce was really hard on him, and he doesn't want any of that pain or uncertainty to affect our little girl, you know?" Her voice softened further, almost breaking as she tried to keep herself composed. "It's not that we expect there to be issues, but Makai's just… making sure we all start off on the same page. He wants us to be a team."

She swallowed hard, trying to gauge if they were hearing her. "Mama, you've always been so supportive, and I know Makai appreciates that so much. He just… well, he's been through a lot, and I think he's scared sometimes. But I know that wasn't his intention to offend, really."

Myra blinked rapidly, willing herself not to cry. She just wanted her mama and Makai to understand each other, to see the good in what he meant. "We both need you, Mama. And Makai's just hoping we can all be there for each other, no matter what." She bit her lip, glancing at Makai, hoping her words bridged whatever misunderstanding had cropped up.