Private The Parent's Trap

[Danger Arceneau]

Danger gave a cluck of her tongue, "Tsk tsk tsk... My, oh my," she began, that suggestive roll leading her to the chair next to Judah. She sank into the plush leather, shapely leg crossing right over left, the Trade Queen sinking forward for the elder Dashiell to ignite the tip of her cigarillo.

A whiff of her spicy perfume soon mixed with the clove and whiskey notes of the lit vice, cherry red tip flaming in a purposeful draw within the fullness of Danger's lips. Leaning back, Danger forced smoke from the corner of her mouth, right hand coming up to pull the cigarillo free with a surprised expression as if to say 'Huh, these ain't that bad t'all."

However, there were important things to chat about.

"Whhhhelll," came her enunciated drawl, eyebrows perching high in dramatic intrigue. Even her shoulders gave a shimmy, enough to tempt a wayward eye south. However, this time, it wasn't done with the intent of allure as much as sharing some much-anticipated Southern Systems gossip.

Oh, did she ever have a big, ol' fat pot of tea to spill!

"Take a big guess who came a callin' not fifteen minutes from the appointed meetin' with her knickers in a knot?" The amusement radiated from Danger, so much so she couldn't help the chuckle. She'd already given Alric all the details, to which he'd shake his head and indicate that she should leave the kids be. However, her gut instinct had never done her wrong. Of course, this proved her right once again.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

He had known the redhead for nearly two decades at this point, since Makai was a toddler. Judah had seen the many facets of Danger Arceneau, ones most didn't get to see. At this point, the woman was practically family.

Yet he has never seen her this giddy and excited. It was the total opposite of his mood, one of trepidation and worry. As a father, he wasn't sure how much more he could take. He had always wanted at least four children and after how exhausting the one son could be as of late he had been privately relieved. Couldn't imagine needing this much energy to try to sort all their lives at once.

A long drag of the cigarillo, a stretch of silence.

“Danger Arceneau if your next words involve candy and Makai and your daughter being upset, stop. I'll need the medbay on standby in order to treat the heart condition I'm about to develop.”

Another pause, another drag.

“So Myra called you, upset it was clearly the wrong Dashiell she was expecting."

Danger Arceneau

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Judah’s interruption cause Danger to pause, blink, only to laugh. Not the delicate titter; but laugh, the sort of boisterous throw back of her head that shook her shoulders and upper torso, and prompted her to shut her eyes in mirth. The hand holding the cigarillo in between pointer and middle finger gave a flourish, sending a spiral of smoke in the air in her attempt to tell him to hold his Taun-Tauns.

“Oh bless your heart! Thankfully, no,” she chortled, taking a sip of her cognac and welcoming the burn. She needed the stiff drink to parch her throat after a laugh like that.

“No, no, Myra didn’t mention no candy, but she was sure fired up to see him instead of you there.” She admitted, chuckling to herself anew,” Askin’ why I didn’t give her no warnin ‘bout Makai comin’ round. I told her that I did. Said Mister Dashiell will be the one she’ll be needin’ to work out that contract. “ a pointed gesture towards Judah and a knowing grin, “ Added that I was sure she’d notice how all grown up and handsome he was, especially with them eyes of his. Twin pools of the sea you just want to dive in.”

Danger tittered.

“You should have seen the look on her face! Flushed redder than a Tatooine sunset she did, oh she was hot and bothered!” And it wasn’t in anger. No. What had Danger in glee is that Makai still affected Myra. That meant what she felt for him were still there.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Hearing Myra had been upset at the fact Makai had ‘subbed in’ for him wasn't surprising. Judah had spent enough time with the Arceneau heiress to know the mere mention of his son could rile her up quite easily.

With no mention of candy, shoulders visibly relaxed. Now he could partake in some of Dangers mirth at the entire situation.

“If it's one thing we Dashiell men excel at is providing a handsome face. Makes up for our dense nature.”

Judah could only imagine how his son reacted. Shocked considered he had laid the trap with ‘Miss Arceneau’ in the message.Obviously the pair had to have spoken before Myra had called her mother, a good sign, even if it most likely was terse.

“Can't say I'm surprised. Every time we've met she hangs on every mention of Makai. Surprised they’ve stayed away from one another this long.”

“I'm sure she found your advice completely unhelpful.”

—

Mrs. Datos quickly scurried down the hallways. Mister Dashiells office was on what was dubbed the Executive Level, his office along with countless others higher up : Director of Salvage, Financial Officers, the Director of Risk Management, the list went on and on.

The elderly Pantoran woman carried a stack of data pads under her arm to look busy as she made her way to Accounting and Revenue.

“Marcee. Marcee.” The woman hiss-whispered as she approached the desk, noticing a meeting down the hall.

“Sybil, I don't need anymore work today.” A younger human woman rubbed her temples and the older woman leaned across the desk.

“No Marcee, I've got gossip. I think Mister Dashiell is having an affair with Danger Arceneau. She just burst into his office looking quite the temptress. For an ‘emergency’ I just heard them laughing.”

“I thought you said he was with that Togruta that showed up off and on”

“I haven't seen her name pop up in his schedule for awhile. Not that it ever did…”

“Poor Mister Kuhn. Wonder if he knows?”

“I think so. Probably all in one of those rich orgy cults. Do you think Mister Dashiell goes to that many social events? No chance in hell.”

Danger Arceneau

 

[Danger Arceneau]

"Hmmm..." Danger gave another chuckle, shaking her head at Judah. The knowing look she gave, along with the coy half-shoulder roll, would indicate that he wasn't wrong. Dashiell men were blessed with handsome faces and some dense tendencies.

"Well, you made that pretty mug of yours work to your benefit with Salacia." Danger chimed, bringing the cigarillo back to her lips to take another drag. With an amused breath, Danger continued on with her song, " Well, from what Myra has done told me before, there been time and circumstances that provoked her into thinkin' Makai thought of her more of a sister than a potential interest."

There had been a time in the kitchen of their family farm when the younger teen had once let it all out. Well, as much as Myra felt comfortable telling Danger. Odds were that Saffron heard more than her mother did, but Danger didn't mind. Having a friend was necessary, and Saffron was the safest bet for someone detailing love troubles.

Danger, for damn sure, wasn't an expert on mending broken hearts as much as scoring high marks for being on the receiving end of heartbreak.

"Don't mean that all her ventin' equals no interest. Myra has a bit too much if you ask me." again, why Alric had mentioned it would be best for Danger and Judah to leave the kids be. Danger blew a stream of smoke, studying the cigarillo as she lightly rolled the end between her fingers.

"Either way, I told her she has to buckle up and do what she must. If she can't handle dealin' a contract with Makai, how could she possibly entertain business negotiations with the Emperor of the Sith?'

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Judah had heard the Makai side of this story before, although he was certain the facts probably varied from what Danger had heard. Makai had wove a tale of a first kiss, an awkward attempt at love, and a fight Judah didn't quite still understand. It was clear at the time his son wasn't quite ready for the attention of a girl such as Myra, not that he voiced his concerns in such a manner.

It would have devastated the kid.

He smiled at the fact Danger thought the girl had a bit too much interest in his son. Personally, he could understand the intensity of young love and how everything was amplified, including that first spark of interest or one sided crush.

“You can't be so logical Danger. They are kids. You don't remember your first flush of love? Not even with Alric? When everything and every action was so damn interesting while everyone else rolled their eyes?”

Judah paused, smiling.

“Maybe I'm just a bit of a romantic.”

Eyebrows raised at the mention of contracts with the Sith. While business was business, he didn't agree with sending a woman as young as Myra in to handle such a thing.

“Danger don't send that girl into Sith territory unless you and I want to quarrel.”

A mite protective, but Judah had seen Myra had grown up, the girl a fixture in his life. While there was a fierce streak, Judah thought her a bit sheltered and inexperienced to handle such a task.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Makai was working his way down the corridor of the Executive Level, stopping as a few people said hello to him. There was no real rush and he hadn't been back to Celestia Station in a long while, so it was to be expected.

Gone was the refined look he had sported on Maramere with the help of L3, he was back to looking like he was spending a day in some mountain valley. Ore dust coated his boots, a worn patch on his pants.

Mrs. Datos was still talking to Marcee as he passed.

“Mrs. Datos, Miss Ulis. Nice to see you again, hope Dad isn't working you too hard.”

Considering the two had just been gossiping about sex cults, their work load was perfectly fine. The half-Galan continued without stopping, continuing on to his father's office.

The sweet and earthy smell of cigarillos hit him. Brow furrowed, expecting his father to be alone he found it surprising the man would be smoking while reviewing star charts.

Makai opened one of the doors, talking as he did so.

“Dad? Hey Dad, whats going on in here? Smoking? You need to cut back old…”

Eyes fell on his father and Danger Arceneau sitting in front of the desk, cigarillos in hand, some type of alcohol sitting near them. Eyebrow raised, clearly surprised.

“.....man.”

“The prodigal son returns. Come in.” Judah stood up as Makai drew closer, pulling the young man into a tight embrace. “I've missed you, good to see you back on the station.”

Makai hugged his father back, lingering for a moment before drifting to Miss Arceneau, placing a kiss on her cheek in greeting.

“Miss Arceneau, this is a surprise.”

He looked between his father and the Trade Queen.

“Am I interrupting or can I talk to you both?”

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Well, talk about a sense of timing.

Very few times had the Trade Queen ever been taken by surprise. For the most part, Danger had the ability down pat to roll with whatever punches came her way, keeping a cordial expression and working through whatever bucket of Giju she had to slog through to get a deal done.

Nonetheless, the sudden arrival of Makai managed to spark an incredulous expression from her -- at least, as much as it would be a tell, her brows rising at Makai's arrival over to Judah, as if to say, Whheeelllll, isn't this a mighty fine surprise?

"Well, I'll be!" She began, full lips breaking into a wide and warm smile. "Aren't you a sight for sore eyes, Makai. How was your trip?" she sang to him, taking the kiss on the cheek and returning the mark of affection with one of her own.

"Oh, not interuptin' t'all, just chattin' some ideas. Got a few projects underway I wanted your pa's input on." to say the least. Tossing the kids together and seeing what came out could be considered the most critical project she needed to succeed.

In her elder years, Danger was undoubtedly getting to be a classic busybody.

"Whatever is on your mind?" she asked, the honeyed drawl of her voice pouring over the glass of cognac she brought to her lips to take a slow sip. The way those emerald eyes studied Makai over the rim of the lowball would convey to Judah she was itching to hear what the younger Dashiell would say.

Maybe Makai might pick it up. Maybe not. He was a Dashiell, after all. One had to slap them over the head to get them to notice the subtle clues.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Once he stepped back, Makai appraised the two for a moment before grabbing his own low-ball glass. Cognac poured, the half-Galan sat behind the desk in his father's chair, taking a sip of the drink. Is this what these two did on a regular basis? Gossip like two old hens?

How was his trip? The Trade Queen knew how to play coy, he had known that for a long time. He could practically hear her grin in the words.

“Decent once I got over the shock of seeing Mistress Arceneau instead of Miss Arceneau.”

Makai wondered where to go next. Did he call out his father and Danger or play into their little game. Maybe a bit of both? He had a lot of ground to cover between his personal life and wanting a new assignment from his father plus the logistics of his budding romance.

“Don't worry, you've got the tunnel borer machine contracts. Details to follow but I've got to provide a report on which planets they are needed on.”

Another drink, Makai relaxed back into the chair.

“Ellie was quick to realize you two had been plotting to get us in the same room. She's smart like that. I have to hand it to both of you, here I thought you'd be too busy running companies to have time for hobbies.”

He flashed a boyish smile, clearly joking.

“In addition to the contract we've sorted out that we love one another. Have for awhile.”

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Oh, so was this the game we were going to play then? Danger mused to herself, canting her head to the right as she saw Makai take another sip from his glass. Truth be told, with Makai sitting there in his pa's chair, flashing that signature little boy grin, and being bold enough to call out Danger and his pa on their plans, well, he shone a certain bit of attraction that the Trade Queen could respect.

Too bad for him that he will always be that little boy with the blue-speckled butt dashin' to make headway into the ocean without a lick of sense. Either way, Myra had sent over the after-action report and confirmed what Makai said. Contract all good, even detailing what could potentially be a future partnership in constructing smaller-scale versions of ion contaminant cleaning devices for the mines.

"Oh did you, now?" Danger replied, lips curving up with a wide grin, and with no shame whatsoever, looking mighty pleased with herself, sang, "You're welcome." gesturing with her glass of cognac over to his direction as if in a toast.

"Was takin' you two long enough," she added, perhaps much to Judah's dismay and Makai's embarrassment.

Well, that wasn't no lie.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

“Thank you.”

Gone was that little boy smile as he genuinely thanked Danger for her meddling. Who knows where he would have been if it wasn't for her and his father's interference? Talking to Kuro while staring at some ores no doubt.

“I know this is my second chance so to speak. I'm not going to let Ellie down again. I…” Makai gave a long pause.” I wasn't in the position before to be what she needed. A little time but that's water under the bridge.”

Chair swiveled to look directly at Danger Arceneau.

“Which is why I have a big ask from both of you. Miss Arceneau, you're up first. Dad sit tight, I've got a bigger ask.”

Another drink, a bit of liquid courage.

“I want to ask you to give Ellie some time off on a regular basis. I have a lot of ground to make up for, and rightly so.”

“Ellie would never ask you for this, I think we both know that. She strives hard to impress you.”

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Now, we were getting to the meat of the issue. While the affection Danger held for Makai was edged by the self-satisfied aura of the Trade Queen's signature half-smile, there was a token of admiration that he would be so keen to make his request from her without further ado.

Danger always had a partiality to those who would make their desires and wants crystal clear; it made for easier negotiations for both parties to ensure a mutually beneficial conclusion.

However, it wasn't going to be easy. Makai never had to deal with the Trade Queen head-on. Oh as a mother, yes, but this was different.

It was more than just business.

It was Danger's legacy.

Myra's future.

"Why should I?" Came Danger's counter, the woman leaning back against her chair. The cigarillo she'd been smoking shone fiery red at the tip with her hard drag. The atmosphere of the lighthearted gossiping hen would fade, and in her place was the Trade Queen that made Arceneau a galactic name.

"You say you got a lot of ground to make up for, but do you have a plan?" She was not holding back. Not even for Makai.

"You evah play Dejarik, Makai?" Danger referenced the holochess game she often had as an analog feature in her office. Smoke fled from the corner of her mouth, her eyes glittering green orbs of malachite at Makai. Observing. Studying. Grading.

"It ain't a game you play by the seat of your pants." No, every move, attack, and special ability use was done by planning several moves while coming up with potential countermoves. There was always a goal in mind.

What did Makai plan to play with the dejarik board set in front of him?

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Makai wondered when Danger the Trade Queen would slip and bring in Danger the mother. He had pondered this on the way back to the Tingel Arm, curious what the situation would look like. Was he prepared? Not in the slightest. The half-Galan was treading in dark, choppy waters and the moment was coming to a head as to if he would swim or drown.

Low-ball glass was set on the desk and he straightened his posture from the relaxed one just moments ago, kicked back in the comfortable chair. Makai consciously making an effort to match her energy.

"Of course I do."

He made no effort to look at his father, although what he had to say next involved the man, this was clearly a situation between himself and Miss Arceneau and would be conducted as such.

"I've made the trip back to the Tingel Arm to speak to my father in person about a new assignment. While I've enjoyed my time mapping, charting, and discovering ore veins, the work is below my scope of knowledge. I've done this work since I was seventeen, its time I leave the field work and step into the office. While it is unknown what my father would have me doing, I was going to state my case for a higher position in order to carry the mantle as the only heir to Salacia."

There was no pausing, no fiddling with the low-ball glass as he continued.

"Once the assignment is hammered out with my father, I establish a base of operations for myself in the Core or a near-Core world. I'm assuming something to do with the Pacanth Reach, which is not far from Chandrila. I was going to make the same request for a similar schedule to match Ellie. I mentioned the work ahead in repairing what has been damaged. This can only be accomplished by showing Ellie through my actions, words aren't going to cut it. I need to be there with her. A consistent presence it will allow her to see I am serious that I want to spend the rest of my life at her side. That I'm tired of wandering through life without her. She likes to talk herself out of situations, I'm not going to let her do that. I'd like two days a week together, in addition to what social and business events I could potentially escort her to."

"It 's going to be a difficult balancing act, but I complete my testing for an L3-37 that will make coordinating our lives easier soon. I'm keenly aware that Ellie and I are on similar but different tracks in life. Hers is more difficult by far. I'm not here to derail anything for her, for the company, for yourself. I just want to be her shelter in the storm."

He had gotten a good many things from his father in the genetic lottery but when it came down to his stubborn streak he was his mother's child. Rarely feeling the need to dig in his heels, topaz met malachite in a challenge. Makai wasn't backing down.

"I trust this is acceptable, Miss Arceneau?"

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Judah, for the most part, had been listening to the exchange with a touch of fatherly pride. It was clear his son had a rough idea of where he was headed and what he wanted out of the situation. Apparently his boy was a late bloomer.

Then he saw that topaz glint, the body posture, the clear challenge in his son's tone. It was a look he knew well in his ex-wife and it was clear Makai had inherited a bit of stubbornness from her.

He began to cough on his cigarillo after taking a particularly aggressive and long drag, now trying to catch his breath.

Judah made an bit of a motion with his hand to indicate he was well and fine, just shocked.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

"Well, I'll be," Danger would drawl out, the corner of her mouth arching up into an impressed smile. Drawing forward, the Trade Queen set her glass on a side table, returning to Makai. Pride shone in her expression, as would amusement. That Makai had taken to decide on getting testing for the Mock III L3 Personal Assistant Droid was an angle she had not expected. Clearly, the younger Dashiell had put some deep thought into his next steps. Actions spoke louder than words. It had been through Alric's utterly idiotic persistence that had proven to Danger that he did want her after all. By all accounts, Makai was ready to do that with Myra.

Danger Arceneau was, first and foremost, a businesswoman. If ever there was a man for her to invest in, it was the man who had the balls to come to terms with what he wanted, plan how to get it, and have the sheer pig-headed determination to see it through.

Where Judah might've gotten flashbacks of his ex-wife, prompting his coughing fit, the Trade Queen saw potential -- because stubborn people knew what they wanted, they tended to be more decisive. They have greater focus, and they get things done. Qualities like vision, action orientation, grit, resilience, and persistence are derivatives of stubbornness. Hell, one could even argue that perseverance is stubbornness with a purpose.

"Reckon, you got yourself a battle plan, young man -- that is, seein' what your pa says to your proposal." An arch of a brow and then a low chuckle, turning towards Judah to check if he was okay.

"Looks like ya'll might be gettin' some vacation time comin'." she teased, chuckling as she took a deep drag. "What with Makai here fixin' to alleviate you of some of them events at the core."

That was enough hint to say Makai had passed Danger's test. Now, seeing how well he'd do on his own, it was up to the Dashiell. But if it wasn't clear, Danger swung back to Makai, adding, "Get your testin' done with that Mock III. Once you get your L3 assistant up and running, we'll see on gettin' Myra's schedule handled."

She'd assigned him his first goal. Let's see how long it takes to get done.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Coughing fit had well abated by the time Danger started to reply in regards to Makais request. Judah has remained quiet for the most part, knowing the most difficult person to convince would be the Trade Queen and not himself.

Judah was proud his son had come up with a rough plan, a rough idea of what he wanted instead of just telling Myra Arceneau he loved her with no direction on where to go next. A younger Makai would have dropped that bomb and went back to mapping ores for months on end with no other communication.

“I think giving you a new assignment is an easy one to do, I've been waiting for you to ask me for months in fact.”

He had expected Makai to broach the subject upon graduation but there had been nothing but radio silence. Now it seemed he had finally found a bit of focus and direction ; or at least had a good motivation to do so.

“You remember our new Director of Mining Operations, right? Shar’tala? You and her will be overseeing everything dealing with that side of the business, so you'll both need to be on the same page when it comes to the next steps of the business. Pacanth Reach expansion is our highest priority, and as such I've informed Shar’tala she will be setting up a new office on Palanhi.”

There was a pause.

“From the ground up, you've got a great deal of work ahead of you.”

Judah realized it was a great deal of responsibility quickly, which is why he wasn't giving over complete control just yet. All in due time.

“Not to mention Miss Arceneau gifted you a speeder corporation when you were young. Laravan Corporation. I haven't done anything with company and now that you've decided to step in this direction, I think its fair to hand over the reigns at this time.”

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Shoulders relaxed once Danger had finished speaking. The half-Galan had been concerned that maybe he was being a bit too stubborn but it had felt warranted, concerned he wasn't going to be taken seriously about his intentions.

“Yes, of course. Once I get finished here at the station the testing will be completed. I appreciate the willingness to work with me.”

Makai wasn't sure so many other mothers in the ‘verse would be so quick to make such an adjustment. He figured it helped that Miss Arceneau had known him for nearly most of his life, had spent so much time with him.

One small step closer to his goal. He had Dangers approval for now, best to strike while she was still in a charitable mood and decided not to let them take a vacation together.

A small nod at the assignment. It seemed daunting then his father added the bombshell that Miss Arceneau had gifted him an entire company when he was just a small child. Gaze went between his father and the Trade Queen, wondering when all this had happened and exactly how. Had to be after his mother left.

“Thank you, Miss Arceneau. That’s quite a gift. You really shouldn't have.”

 

[Danger Arceneau]

The mention of Laravan Corporation brought the subtlest freeze of Danger's lips. It had been almost two decades since she'd gifted Makai the speeder corporation after gaining the winning bid at a Southern Systems Business Bazaar auction.

Sitting with her right leg crossed over her left, Danger seemingly did not indicate how the mention of the corporation struck her, but the memory came with it nonetheless. After all, the mere presence of Makai as a child with his chubby cheeks and mop of dark hair had prompted the Trade Queen's mighty, fierce desire to gift him the company.

How the longing only another mother could identify had risen in her breast, softening the Trade Queen's features in a way few rarely ever could identify. How that void had surged with an inky blackness of melancholy, left by two of her own that never made it past their first breath of life. The thought that Fiona would have been Makai's age at the time.

"Thank you, Miss Arceneau. That's quite a gift. You really shouldn't have."

Danger had to. It had been the first step into catharsis.

A knot grew in Danger's throat, realizing where she was. Who she was with. Judah, and Makai, had now grown into a young man that she could see a mighty fine potential in. The one who asked for permission to court her daughter. Danger was sure that Alric would want to give Makai a talking-to as well, but she would leave it for Alric and Makai to come to an understanding. She was sure that there wouldn't be an issue. He'd also known Makai and Judah intimately since Myra came into their lives.

Despite the fine trembling, Danger took another drag and she managed to appear to gather herself and her bearing. A smile would curve over her lips, white, spicy smoke billowing as she gave an incline of her head to Makai. "Well, reckon it's one thing to take over your pa's company that he built up, but quite another to build a successful one on your own. There's pride in ownership there. Perhaps you can branch out into an industry that interests you."

She was sure that his head was full of knowledge regarding geology, but perhaps there were other interests he could pursue.

"Perhaps sailing boats? Would give you an excuse to take prototypes out for a spin... and maybe bring someone who could be a soundin' board for an ideas or two." If he could read between the lines, Makai would see that Danger was painting him a method of being able to be out and about in the sea with Myra for her feedback while doubling as an outing.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Judah had caught the trembling, it was easy to see from his close proximity to Danger, the way he could subtly see the cigarillo shake.

He instantly felt horrible about bringing up the company, not that he had an idea as to the why behind her reaction. Nor did he have a clue as to why she had gifted such an exorbitant thing to his son in the first place. They had argued a bit over it but Danger wouldn't relent.

His hand reached out and took her free one, giving a gentle squeeze. Judah couldn't make whatever she was experiencing right, but at the very least he could make her feel a little less alone.

Hand lingered for a long moment, until he felt she had centered herself again, speaking to Makai about sailboats and taking Myra out.

Judah leaned back again, watching her. At one point, he had a massive crush on Danger Arceneau. Watching her in action, it was easy to see why. She naturally cared for his son with such an ease and passion that it would give any man looking for a good woman, a good wife to pause and think. If he had continued on Maramere, what would have happened? Would they be married? Would Myra be his own? Would they have more children? Would they be together and happy?

Yet he had waited too long, waited while he hoped for his wife to return.

Judah was thankful his son wasn't making the same mistake he did ; waiting while the perfect woman stood right in front of you.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

It was an intimate gesture. One Makai felt like he was intruding on. Topaz eyes suddenly found the floor very interesting.

Growing up, he had never quite figured out the relationship between his father and the redhead. As a child, it was easy to accept at face value the pair were merely friends. His singular focus had been on Danger Arceneau much of the time, her focus on mothering him as best she could.

As he got older there were several facets he saw at play. Of course Miss Arceneau was married and happily so, but the boy had still seen something there between the odd pair. A farm kid who got lucky and the most powerful woman in the galaxy just happened to be friends?

As a young man his current theory was one of two possibilities; either his father and Danger had some type of love affair or(and possibly and) they had somehow lost a child, their child.

He never explained this to anyone. To him it made perfect sense, why had Danger been so insistent on taking him under her wing? To cling so tightly? Something had happened between them - not that he would ever ask.

Danger was speaking one again and he lifted his head, taking in the wisdom the woman was sharing. It was a good idea, and one he would build on.

“Last time we went sailing, uh, Ellie kneed me in the groin. Completely on accident! Gangly teenage limbs and all. We…uh….we may have to work towards that goal.”

“Again, thank you. Really, thank you isn't enough.”