Private Pearl in the Oyster

[Makai Dashiell]

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

Makai rubbed his temple a little. He hadn't expected this. Of course Persephone would launch into hysterics but he supposed it was to be expected given her background. She didn't quite know them yet, not even living with them for a year.

"Yeah...sure. Go clean up and we can head out."

Persie scrambled off and upstairs, Makai looked at his wife.

"...so that happened. Can't say I saw that coming. Let's just keep an eye on her, maybe you spend more one-on-one time with her. She likes you. Also, we might want to invest in a waterproof makeup company at this point."

A small chuckle. A teenager and a baby. What a combination ahead for them.

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

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

Of course, Makay would crack jokes at a time like this. Typical. He didn't always pick up on the subtler emotions of teenage girls, but that was okay. She was used to it by now.

"We'll keep an eye on her, and I'm more than willing to talk with her," she added, nibbling on her lower lip, a habit she couldn't quite break. A new thought surfaced, and she frowned. "But honestly, she might want to talk to someone else, you know? I doubt she'll really open up to us about how she's feeling. I remember holding back my real thoughts plenty."

But then, other than Iko, who did Persie have to confide in?

"Who else does she trust to talk to?" she asked, her mind already racing through the possibilities. "Or maybe it is time we started introducing her to some other teenagers her age that would do her some good?"

It was no different than what their own parents had down to them when they were younger.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

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

Makai watched his wife nibble on her lip - she was in pure thinking mode. Thumb ran across the back of her hand as she talked. They had plenty of time to discuss Persephone. Between having to wash her face, fix her hair, and reapply makeup they weren't going to be interrupted anytime soon.

"So you didn't tell me everything back then?" He grinned at her. "I didn't tell you everything either, but we've established that and my idiot tendencies."

They were now in the same difficult position as their parents - finding suitable friendships for a teenager. Brow furrowed. To be completely honest, given the status of the family it was a smaller pool of friendships for Persephone to draw from.

"I'm drawing a blank...the Raaf-Yvarro family is quite large. I was hoping for someone without the Force but...Dad has been working with them and Miss Raaf seems quite reasonable."

Makai had been forced to join the fraternity full of sons of lawyers and bankers, solving his issue. Ellie had Saffron and to an extent, Casteel. Eyes widened a little, turning to look at his better half.

"I just realized we're the only young couple I know of with an impending family...hell, we're the only ones married I know of..you know, around our age. We're going to have the same problem finding playdates for MP. This is just the beginning."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

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

A slight amused huff of hot air would puff out of Myra's lips and she gave him a brief incredulous look as if to say, really?

"No, I didn't tell you everything. That would have been embarrassing!" Myra replied, adding, "Besides, I thought some things were rather evident that I didn't need to tell you. So, clearly, that had been lost in translation."

Of course, then he mentioned how they were going to likely be in the same situation as they were as kids with their own daughter. Myra shook her head.

"No... I think we can work things out. It just might mean doing more... events than with people our age who do have families and play dates, I guess. No different than what mama and your pa did."

A frown drew over her face.

"Maybe we can see who else besides the Raaf-Yvarro. They are a great option, but we'll need to show that there isn't a particular set of favoritism in the future for the kid's sake." and their businesses.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

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

"Embarrassing? Yeah...at that age I can see that...remember when we were out shopping and you needed products? I held up that big old pack and asked real loud if it would hold back the flood? To be fair...I didn't know the nuances of such things..."

His lips twitched in amusement at the memory, grinning at his wife. Ellie's faced had flamed red and he had just stood there clueless and lost, ready to carry the package to the checkout. On the verge of laughing, he nudged Ellie.

"Now that was embarrassing for you and talk about being me clueless. I really didn't see the big deal, I mean...who was going to care? You should have known then that the start of our teenage years was going to be eventful.I can see why you didn't tell me everything after that."

He paused, trying to reign in and get back to the topic at hand.

"Persephone really does need a wider circle though. It might help her acclimate further too, get more comfortable. The crying a few minutes ago really showed she is still quite unsure. I suppose its to be expected but still, that was rough."

Brow furrowed as he circled back to MP and the future.Something Ellie had said made him curious.

"Events...like what, the farmers market? The cafe? What do people our age do?"

Makai wasn't trying to be funny. They had such an unusual childhood and both had been forced to grow up early due to various circumstances. His father had been lucky he fell ass backwards into meeting Danger and the families became extremely close.

"I mean what our parents had would be ideal. Reflecting back on us growing up it was nice from a kid perspective to have like this close-knit tie,Danger and Alric are practically my second set of parents." He gently nudged her again. "We were pretty lucky. We got to have a lot of amazing experiences thanks to our parents. I just want that for MP. I know she'll eventually have siblings but still.."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

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

Myra immediately flushed at Makai's recollection of the time he bought her feminine products. She immediately brought her hand up to try and cover his mouth, but he managed to dodge with a smirk and a flash of icy blues before continuing regarding who exactly to get Persie to meet up with and what events.

"You know. The same mama and your pa did. Let's start taking her out to Expos and other social events where she can mingle. She has a tutor... I was about to suggest maybe having her go to a proper school, but with her distress over the baby, she just might think she really is being sent off to boarding school."

Myra mused over this.

"If she has such interests in fashion, perhaps there are reputable fashion designer families that may have children around her age. Also could start having her join some clubs or activities that will have her meet others more regularly."

Meaning that they would likely need to properly introduce her into society shortly.

The question is, was Persie ready for it?

 

[Makai Dashiell]

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

Hand slipped out of hers and instead went around her shoulders, drawing Ellie in closer to his side. They were already sitting close but they were an oddly tactile couple - almost always touching in some form or fashion. Considering this was turning into more or less like one of their nightly conversations, he might as well be comfortable..

"Oh right. I am going to take her to that Hapan Gala with me since we're already here." Makai figured it was a low-stakes entry into larger society. "As for school...I wanted to send her to a private academy as well. However, this comes with a lot of challenges. One of us would have to be home more often to be here for her. Where would be live? Here? Joiol? The Farm? Gallinore has excellent academies for young girls but we never planned on making this our permanent home but Joiol is isolated, rural. If we don't decide soon, just remember we're kicking this can down the road for MP and her education."

Fingers tapped along her shoulder, an obvious sign he was thinking.

"Is Rue doing private studies or academy? If her and Rue went to the same school it might be more palatable. Show Persie we're not leaving her behind because she comes home with Rue every afternoon." He paused. "If we can't be home, I suppose we can hire her Governess to have more of a nanny-caretaker type role."

"Or...we stay like it is for now. I mean, if Mom hadn't left I would have continued living on Ceto, going to some fancy private school and only leaving the planet for vacations. If you think I'm weird now imagine how much worse it would have been....plus, we would have never met."

Makai gently squeezed her shoulders at that thought.

"There are pros to her having a tutor and getting her around. There's also pros to keeping her here and putting her in school. I feel like a lot of it depends too on what we do in regards to MP. Are you going to want to stay home for awhile? Get back out there after three or four months? Of course...I don't expect these answers now but if we're going to be stationary for a year, private school might be a good exposure for Persie. Maybe we ask your Ma if Rue can join her for a year, let them experience it together.I hate to toss more on our plate but we can watch Rue too if it came down to it."

He paused, carefully choosing his words.

"I'm putting the ball in your court - you're the one already sacrificing a lot to start our family. Reality is, even if you go back at full speed four or five months after birth, I can play stay-at-home Dad and give us another five months - thats a school year. At that point it just depends on the planet we settle on."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

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

Myra listened quietly, pondering over Makai's musings about the next steps. He was right; they had options, but it wasn't the best time to make a decision about Persie's education. The uncertainty of the situation weighed heavily on them.

"Rue has private tutors for now. She follows Mama wherever she is going as long as it is safe while we've been busy. She may not be sent to a private school until perhaps she's in her early teens -- besides, she's a unique case. We were monitoring her to make sure she's stabilizing well since we imprinted her with memories up until a bit ago. This is her first time interacting with anyone outside that clone lab."

It wasn't like Persie, who had years of experience out with her biological mother and all, with a personality of her own. They had to make sure Rue was mentally stable and alright.

"Let's wait on her education for now -- making too many changes will spark her nervousness and cause her to fall apart again. We can figure that out maybe in a year or two. In between then, get her at least meeting more kids her age that we deem would benefit her."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

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

He noticed Ellie didn't answer his other questions. Most likely because she didn't know herself. The lesser of their problems for now he supposed. Persephone was front and center right now.

"I agree. The tutors and Governess have really gotten her up to speed considering her educational level when we took over. I'd hate to see her backslide now because we decide to make changes to her education plan. She seems content beyond becoming a big sister, which I didn't think we would achieve. I like having her around too - Persephone needs to be around us for obvious reasons."

Being where she came from, modeling a positive relationship for Persie was critical, especially at this age.

Yet,Makai knew the tricky part would be finding suitable younger teenagers for Persephone to be fiends with. He hated to say it but Casteel types were ideal. Families who were focused on raising their children to take the helm of businesses or noble titles and could relate to the pressures Persephone would be feeling as she grew older.

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

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

Myra nodded, taking a deep breath before inching forward, moving to embrace Makai in a deep, warm hug. She needed the reassurance of his warmth and presence. In his scent and the way he held her.

Snuggling close, the heiress let out a deep sigh. "Yeah. Too many changes is why I think we should wait on everything else as well -- where to live and such. If we make too many, Persie might just actually start thinking we are trying to push her off somewhere."

Closing her eyes, she let her cheek rest against his chest, feeling the soft rise and fall of it as he breathed in and out.

"Let's give a bit until after the baby is born. Take it one step at a time. It won't hurt us to have several properties in the meantime if that is your concern. We can try for all those locations or somewhere new. Things are constantly changing because of the war -- it doesn't hurt to be ready just in case."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

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

"Yeah, who knew she was a crier. Let's not push too hard in one direction or another."

Arm was already around Ellie as she scooted closer, taking the opportunity to relax as they talked and waited on Persephone to make herself presentable once again. He kissed the top of her head, silently wondering if they should have mentioned getting food delivered instead of going out. Yet they both were doing this for Persie. Makai knew the teenager would want to eat and get in a little retail therapy after her crying jag.

"No, it certainly does not. We've got this place, family compound on Joiol, your place on Chandrila. I'm thinking of a regional headquarters on Sarnus for Aina....maybe somewhere near there too. Its at the top of the Tingel Arm near the Dalonbian Sector. I agree we need a few places to shuffle around as needed to keep the kids away from any wars without intruding in on our parents."

Makai tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear as he continued.

"Before the baby is born obviously I think we need a baby moon or whatever they are called. However, let's take a family vacation too, just the three and a half of us." He chuckled at his own joke of the baby being the half. "Persephone I think will appreciate the one-on-one time with us."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

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

Makai's kiss at the top of Myra's head was warm, comforting, and it made her sigh, melting further into his embrace. She felt a wave of relief wash over her. Grateful that they were on the same page. They'd talked through everything -- about Persie, and about where they would eventually settle down. Myra's heart still raced with quiet anxiety, though. It was her first pregnancy, and with her medical history, she couldn't help but worry how it might affect the baby, or either of them along the way.

But then, the corner of her mouth twitched, a little spark of curiosity breaking through.

"A babymoon?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. "What is that?" The confusion in her voice was real, but then she paused. "A vacation does sound nice," she admitted, her eyes softening.

"Honestly, the two weeks we spent away felt really refreshing." She flashed back to that peaceful time they'd shared on Naboo, just the two of them, away from the chaos of their usual lives.

Makai's suggestion brought her back to the moment. "It could help Persie feel more connected to us, too," Myra added thoughtfully. "Maybe it'll show her we're not trying to push her away... or send her off somewhere." Her voice softened, hoping they could somehow make this all work.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

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

"From what I understand, like our honeymoon only before the baby. Where we focus on us before MP graces us with her presence. Not sure when to take it...obviously before it gets too difficult for you to move around. Only if you're up for it too."

Makai knew nausea was hitting her hard right now. Besides, he thought it was a little too early for a babymoon. It might be a good time for a family vacation though. If he was reading between the lines, it seemed like Ellie was wanting a pause in the hectic nature of their lives. They always took unforgettable trips together - Naboo and their honeymoon were his favorites so far. Even her birthday weekend getaway had been interesting. Perhaps due to shutting off the outside universe as a whole.

"I loved our time on Naboo. One of my best times I've had with you."

He paused and rubbed her arm.

"Now we can go anytime with Persephone. In fact, lets go sooner than later. Try to solidify that we aren't sending her away. Last thing we need is to be setting up the nursery and she starts another crying fit. Plus, I want to selfishly hang out with you."

Makai pulled her back close, sighing as he thought.

"Where though? She can't swim. She doesn't like to get dirty."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

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

Myra's eyes would widen in comprehension regarding the explanation of a babymoon.

"Oh, okay I see." she replied, although the slight frown that came from that indicated she was perplexed by it, "Isn't that just a normal vacation?"

Why did it have to have a different term?

In any case, Myra took a deep breath, enjoying the sensation of Makai rubbing her arms before considering his remarks on just doing the vacation earlier and taking Persie along. But where?

"She'll likely need to learn how to swim one day. " Myra admitted, although perhaps making that a focal point now wouldn't be the best.

"Could try to travel and visit some of the Wonders of the Galaxy. Crystal City of Calius saj Leeloo is beautiful on Berchest.. Might be interesting to her as well considering their penchant for fashion, galas, and events there.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

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

Makai tipped his head down closer to her ear, voice low as he spoke. In case Persephone came down, he didn't want his words to be overheard.

“I think a babymoon also is supposed to be a time where we have copious amounts of sex since apparently our intimate life will be drier than Tatooine for years.”

The half-Galan kissed her temple after speaking. He didn’t quite believe what he had read and heard on that front, and was simply relaying the third-hand information received. He was just starting the stack of new father advice books on his nightstand, so perhaps there was a different perspective from someone other than former fiance bros he had run into on the grav-golf course.

His lips left near her ear and began to speak normally again.

“Plus, it's supposed to be like a last hurrah before we are parents. As in, our lives are about to be irrevocably changed? I don't think I will be any different...maybe a little more protective.. I am suspicious of some of this advice.”

A surprise their daughter may be, but they both had been speaking of their future children for ages. After the initial shock, he was more excited than apprehensive.

“Let’s do that then. We can go to Berchest and see this Crystal City,that will be our family vacation with Persephone. Can we go soon? Well, soon as you are feeling better and the doctor says its safe.I don't want you trying to power through. As for us…I really want to go to Jerrilek.”

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

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

Of course Makai would take the opportunity to say something so lewd like that! Immediately, Myra's face became as red as an apple, and she pushed her hand against his shoulder -- granted, it didn't have that much strength.

Had she been feeling better, she might have made her own quip but between the nausea and feeling exhausted, she wasn't much for a roll in the sheets as much as cuddling.

"We shall see about that Mister Dashiell!" Myra quipped, shaking her head and unable to help but chuckle slightly. With another sigh she mused some more.

"Who knows how we will change? I know Mama has been on me on making sure I go to all my appointments, even telling me I should hire a full-time medic on staff just in case." that was coming from the mindset of a woman who had lost her two pregnancies, so it made sense. They had the money to afford it anyways.

"Yeah, we can plan it out to go soon, but I am not sure how well I'll do. You just might be the one doing more of the outdoor activities than being a homebody like me."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

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

"I don't know why you're blushing Missus Dashiell, you're fifty percent of the problem."

He offered a small grin, although he was a little concerned. Makai had taken off for all her foreseeable appointments and was trying to be more present. A little difficult when he was often now taking notes for Ellie when he was out on mining business- not that he couldn't substitute someone else if needed. More he wanted to ensure things were running smoothly before taking a large stretch of time off.

"Let's hire a midwife or doctor to be your personal physician during this. Perhaps also a pediatrician towards the end for MP. Just to ease some of our fears and make sure everything goes smoothly, especially since this is the first time around."

Ignoring the talk about vacation for a moment - he was in no real rush to go, Persephone had her studies after all, Makai carefully broached a subject triggered by her last sentence.

"Are you okay? I'm not talking about the nausea and being exhausted. More...with the anxiety and everything else. I know you've been spending more time at home but I haven't been here. Do you want me to stay around a little more? Do you need me to be more present?"

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

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

Myra leaned against Makai, resting her forehead against his collarbone, her fingers absently tracing the smooth fabric of Makai's shirt. She was trying to focus on Makai's words, his suggestion to hire a midwife and a medic for the house. It made sense. It was practical, and she knew it would ease his worries, honestly mama's too. Even Myra's own too, even though she was still adjusting to the weight of it all -- the pregnancy, the responsibility, the unknowns.

"I think you're right," she managed, her voice soft, laced with the exhaustion that clung to her every movement. "It would be best to hire them." She took a breath, but the room suddenly felt like it was spinning. Ironic, she thought, that he'd just asked how she was feeling, and now the answer was hitting her like a speeder crash.

Her hand went to her stomach, a faint grimace flickering across her face. "Honestly, I'm... I'm not feeling very well at all." She swallowed hard, trying to steady herself. "It's been... difficult to keep anything down lately." Her voice trembled slightly, betraying how worn down she was. Each day seemed to drag on, a blur of nausea and exhaustion that left her feeling like a shadow of herself.

Makai's concern deepened in his eyes, but before he could speak, Myra pressed on, her mind flashing to Persie. She didn't have the energy to handle everything right now, but something had to be done. "Can you... can you think of what to do with Persie for now?" she asked, her voice quiet but urgent. "I just... I think I need some more rest." Her head throbbed, and the nausea churned uncomfortably inside her, but she forced a small, tired smile.

Before she could say anything else, a wave of nausea rolled over her, and her smile faltered. Panic surged through her as she felt the gagging sensation rising in her throat. Without another word, she pushed herself up, stumbling toward the refresher as fast as her legs would carry her, just in case the worst happened. The door slid shut behind her, and she barely made it in time.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

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

He had been growing increasingly worried, Makai was noticing a pattern. His wife would be fine for short conversation then quickly tire, needing more rest. He assumed it was the fact she was literally growing a child and coupled with a busy work day, it left little for anything else. Now she was mentioning not feeling well and vomiting. That was a different beast entirely, not just the general unwell feeling he would expect.

"Of course. Just leave everything to me. Go get comfortable and lay down."

He could easily smooth over relations with Persephone, uneasy to leave the house now. About to help her upstairs, she was gone in a flash to the downstairs bathroom. Makai quickly followed, opening the door without announcing himself. They typically respected a closed door but this was way beyond anything normal. He was greeted with her hunched over, not doing well by the sound of it.

Makai quickly wet a wash cloth and ringed it out, placing it on the back of her neck. He expected nausea but this seemed different, ongoing and strong. If she couldn't even sit still on the couch without feeling sick in his eyes it was a cause for concern. Knowing how much Ellie hated hospitals, he would meet with a happy medium.

"Once I carry you upstairs, maybe get a meddroid over to look things over. Just to make sure. We're probably overreacting but let's not take a chance."

Hand rubbed her back, waiting to give the all-clear before assisting her up to their bedroom.

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Satisfied with her makeup and of course, a small outfit change of her top, Persie came bounding down the stairs. She was looking forward to trying a restaurant in the shopping district, maybe one they hadn't tried before. Maybe even siting outside. Gallinore was cooler in temperature and humidity than most places they had stayed in before.

Yet she was greeted by the sounds of someone being sick upon turning into the family room. Brow furrowed and she cautiously moved towards the sound, finding her guardians together in the downstairs bathroom. Unsure, she peered in, seeing Myra looking very sick. Nearly pale. A shot of anxiety settled into her stomach, concerned.

She had lost her Mama. She couldn't lose Myra too.

"You....um....you need me to help?"

Eyes flicked to Myra and Makky then back again. She was fighting her background. Where she was from a man could easily take advantage of a woman who was sick and not feeling well. Or just generally not with it. While her instincts wanted to take over and take care of Myra, her head was trying to remind her that the pair was different.

From what she could tell, Myra an Makky seemed to really love one another. Didn't mean old habits died easily.

"I...I should sit with her."