Private 3AM

[Makai Dashiell]

JOIOL

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

Crashing waves drifted through the open windows, a breeze rustling through every so often.

At the stove, Makai was concentrating on toasting his rice with careful precision. It was an action he was used to by now, well versed to the point he could tell by smell how close he was to being done. Not an unusual act in itself, but given the time of day it certainly was. Yawning slightly, he moved the bottle of white wine used to deglaze the pan closer.

“You know…”

A boyish grin was playing on his features, amused despite being exhausted. He had just come back earlier from one of those CIG meetings, standing in for his father. That has turned out to be a wise decision, plus it kept his face out there. While he had plans to take a good stretch of time off once the baby came, until then it was getting business aligned and working where he could.

“....no one tells you how tired you are before the baby comes. I’ve read all those books geared toward Dads right?No one mentions this stuff like it's a massive secret. They’ve mentioned this…”

Makai motioned to his sleep pant and undershirt combination, a clear sign they both had attempted to sleep at one point in the night.

“...getting up at odd hours to assist. Guess I’m supposed to be smart enough to put two and two together. Or maybe most guys just go back to bed and sleep through this. Which doesn’t seem like a winning strategy, relationship wise.”

Pausing to deglaze the pan with the white wine, he grinned at his wife again. Maybe it was the late hour and being tired, but he was finding his comments funny. No doubt there would be a good deal of eye rolling.

“Look, it’s just like having wine night. Which…I’ve missed. Not the wine, just the hanging out, like right now. Plus,” A hint of nerves entered his voice. “I always worry about missing some major topic without them. Misunderstandings.”

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

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

Myra leaned her head on her hand, giving him a soft smile, the faint freckles across her nose standing out against her pale skin. The craving for risotto had hit hard, ridiculous hour or not, and Makai had insisted on cooking it despite her guilt over him being up so late. She loved moments like this -- their quiet time together, much like their old wine nights. She'd sit at the counter, sipping ginger tea to settle her stomach, listening to him as he chopped, stirred, and shared the day's little details. Tonight, his voice filled the kitchen with anecdotes from the estate staff and stories about his work before he got into the unknowns fathers to be aren't told about.

At his joke about the exhaustion before the baby even arrived, Myra laughed softly, her shoulders relaxing.

"Right? And don't get me started on the nausea and exhaution," she grinned, reaching out to give his arm a gentle squeeze. "The first trimester has definitely done a number on us -- talk about a whole new type of 'date night.'" She chuckled, grateful for how understanding he'd been, giving her all the space she needed without a hint of complaint.

Her gaze softened as she studied him, but the mention of 'misunderstandings' had her raising an eyebrow. She straightened a little, her tone shifting to something gentler, almost probing.

"Are you still worried about that?"

She'd thought his anxieties had mostly settled, but his careful way with words lately told her something else.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

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

"I can't imagine what its been like for you. If you weren't vomiting you were sleeping. Scared me more than once. It seems things are better now. Not great, but better and I will take that improvement for now. Who knew our little girl just wanted to hang out seaside?"

Makai couldn't chalk it up completely to being near the ocean. Neither knew how much Galan heritage would come into play with their children. Joiol was also a different pace - a different feel than their home on Gallinore. The compound reminded him of sunny days on Mon Cala growing up, concerns of the galaxy seemed to fade away on the small agriculture planet. As a result, maybe it was easing any underlying anxiety or tension Ellie had. After all, she had really no time to grasp being pregnant before the horrible nausea began and the worry set in regarding it.

"We can be married for sixty years and I'll still worry about it." He chuckled a little. "Which is fine. Keeps me on my toes."

He stifled another yawn, reaching across the counter and taking a sip of her tea. A small face, he had never been a huge fan of 'dried leaf water' as it was. He placed the tea cup back down with a bit of a grimace, mentally noting to stick to caf.

"Enough of my rambling, I'm just all over the place. You've been okay? How's MP doing in there? She hasn't been giving you too hard of a time?"

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

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

Myra's freckled nose wrinkled, her hand flying up as she shook her head with a silent plea. Not the time for any mention of vomiting, especially when her stomach was finally cooperating. None the less, she couldn't hold back a smirk at his grimace after sipping her tea.

"If you don't like it, then don't drink it, silly," she said, laughing as she reached over, fingers ruffling the dark waves of his hair. Her hand slid down, grazing his cheek and the roughened stubble that had crept in around 3 a.m. He always shaved it away first thing, but she had to admit she kind of liked the scruffy look on him.

With a soft sigh, she nodded. "Honestly, I'm doing fine. Just have to take it one day at a time. Mama's more worried than anyone... "

Which, of course, she understood. With everything Danger had gone through with her own pregnancies, it made sense that her mama had her in a constant state of alert.

Myra tilted her head, her curiosity turning the conversation back to him. "But how about you? It's been a whole whirlwind with your dad, Balun, and, well, this new chapter for your family. How are you feeling about it all?"

She paused, watching him carefully. "And…how's your pa taking it?"

 

[Makai Dashiell]

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

"I just wanted to taste it." Makai laughed, having been curious if she prepared it any differently than he had. Didn't seem to be the case.

Gently taking her hand after it trailed down his face, Makai kissed her palm before letting it go, listening to how she was feeling with their growing daughter. One day at a time was all they really could do. Didn't seem to stop any of them from worrying. Makai was finding himself trying to relax yet it wasn't coming so easily. Perhaps their time here would help but he wasn't exactly counting on it.

"I'm glad you're doing fine. All we can ask for at this point. Still going to worry."

He stopped to add warm stock to his risotto. Brows knit together has he thought about her question and stirred. Despite it being only the two of them, he wasn't sure what to say about Bale. He felt maybe he would know more in a year or more. Not after he had been thrown into the deep end.

"I don't know. I'm not really surprised this happened though - how many times was I dropped off at an ATC facility to be with your family? I told Bale I'm pretty busy and I can't really be some 'big brother' that he may need. I have you and Persie and MP - all three of you come first and I'm kind of laser focused on our family right now. You need me. Persephone definitely needs both of us. MP....can't do much for her right now but I do try reading to her, let her know I'm at least here."

Makai had read by the third trimester their daughter would be able to recognize sounds while still in utero. He was trying to get a jump on that early. Not that he was certain MP wanted to hear his reports on mining but that was the subject matter for now.

"As for Dad...From what Bale tells me....I don't think well. I mean, I can't imagine having a kid dropped in my lap seventeen years later and thank Inari I'll never have that problem. You should talk to him. I need to explore some mining opportunities in Sith space, but I also don't want you left alone, maybe he can come stay? In his own part of the compound, of course."

Not that his wife was ever left alone. They had staff and the midwife and of course Persephone.

"He likes you the best anyway."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

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

Myra traced her fingertips along the edge of her mug, her gaze never straying far from Makai as spoke. His kiss on her palm still lingered, warm and tingling, and she had to stifle a grin at the thought.

Even at three a.m., he looked… well, handsome. That roguish, sleep rumpled kind of perfect that only seemed to add to his charm. But there was no missing that familiar line of concentration between his brows.

She wanted to ask more on what he thought of Balun, but it seemed he was more focused on what he could or could not do for Balun, instead of, how he felt to all of a sudden have a half brother. Odd, but alright.

"Well," she said, raising an eyebrow, "I don't think your pa was planning on, you know… sowing his wild oats across the galaxy," she teased, though she knew there was more to Judah's story than either of them could really piece together. With a slow tap of her finger, she considered what Makai had just suggested -- that she reach out herself, maybe invite Judah for a visit. That would be… nice. Why not?

"Having him over would be good," she said, finally, her smile growing. "Wouldn't hurt to catch up, even if I doubt I'm at the top of his list."

A pause then an arch of a soft brow.

"Sith Space, huh?" she asked, her curiosity taking over. "Going back to the Panatch reach?"

 

[Makai Dashiell]

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

Yawning, Makai added more stock and stirred. He grabbed a spoon and tasted the rice, giving a small nod. The dish was nearly done, the last of the stock would absorb and finishing plumping the rest of the rice. Wooden spoon was placed on the side of the pan for now and he turned his attention back to Ellie.

"Wild oats? Really....now I'm picturing...things I don't want picture." He paused, circling back to Bale. Tired, thoughts were a little more scattered than normal, which was saying quite a bit given the Dashiell tendencies to do so. "I'm not quite sure how I feel. He seems like an alright guy and I'm excited to have him around. At the same time, disappointed on having missed out on eighteen years of having a brother. Would have been nice growing up to have someone around. You and I have had this conversation before - this life can be isolating for children."

A reason he was trying to let Persephone be with her friends little more often than not in addition to keeping her in the finishing school. She wasn't quite a regular but making those connections now would go a long way in helping her feel less alone. Especially when she had so many Jedi friends.

Makai rolled his eyes.

"You're at the top of Dad's list, trust me. He's thrilled you married me so he could finally have you officially in the family. He will be thrilled to be at the beck and call of one Myra Elspeth Arceneau."

Another stir of the risotto - it was looking finished to him. He moved to grab a bowl and utensil for Ellie, he wasn't overly interested in the dish and would eat something different.

"No, that is actually in either unclaimed space for the moment or part of the Galactic Alliance. I've got my sights on Dorvalla for lommite and this planet just outside Sith space called Vero. There's this moon - Ellur. Mining colonies gallore, its time to make my move and join in."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

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

Myra stifled a chuckle, taking another sip of her tea as Makai muttered something about not needing any visuals of his father sowing anything across the galaxy. But his face softened as he drifted back to the thought of Balun and the family dynamics that'd landed him here.

"So… you grew up with me," she said, watching him curiously over the rim of her cup. "How's that any different?" They'd been inseparable since she could remember, after all. If anyone knew the ins and outs of Makai's quirks and the impact of his past, it was her. Then again, considering the trauma he had after the whole affair with his parents, would have gone either extreme.

"Then again... considering how things were for you and your pa after your ma left... not sure how well that would have been either. You might be looking at it through the lens of rose colored what ifs."

She let him muse on that a bit before adding,

"Oh, lommite mines? Now that's going to be interesting. Are you sure the Sith Government will be okay with you taking charge of those if they end up overseeing those sectors?"

 

[Makai Dashiell]

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

"I wouldn't trade us growing up together for anything. We had a great childhood because of it and without our experiences life would have been boring and pretty rough for both of us. I am looking at things through rose-colored what ifs, mainly because I always pictured if I did have a sibling, they would help run the company. Even if that were the case...doesn't mean that would have happened. Just like MP - just because the entire family is involved doesn't mean she will be as well."

He paused to scoop the risotto in a bowl for her, adding the spoon on the side. A small taste from the main wooden spoon he had been using - pretty good. Certainly perfected over the last month. Feeling playful, the bowl was set down in front of her with a small flourish and a low comment in her ear before winking. With a boyish grin, he moved away, reaching in the conservator for a dessert cup.

"They do control the lommite mine area right now. The moon, no. However, a bill has been passed opening up the area to economic expansion. Taxes are hefty, fifteen percent, but it opens up an entire new avenue of opportunity for us. Dad has been working with the Commonwealth and its been smooth sailing surprisingly. Unlike the Dark Empire, there's been no mention of execution or not being able to work with other governments."

Popping the lid on his dessert cup, he shrugged.

"I think they are trying to undercut the Galactic Alliance. It's smart, more businesses in their area is just more revenue."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag:

Myra understood Makai's perspective -- it made sense that he'd see a sibling as a partner in their family's business, someone to take the load off, someone to share the vision. But for her, the idea of a sibling had always been less about logistics and more about connection. She thought briefly of Rue, still finding her place in the family. Rue was new to it all, born from a holoworld with memories built on compressed time rather than the normal life experience a girl her age would've had. They were learning each other's habits and quirks and how that meant to be sisters, when she was her mama's clone.

And just as she settled into that thought, Makai leaned over and whispered something that made her cheeks flame. She let out a shocked, half-laugh, half-gasp, "Makai!" but couldn't keep a smirk off her face. That was just like him, always ready to catch her off guard.

She barely had time to compose herself before he set the risotto in front of her with a chef like flourish. She gave him an amused look, picking up her spoon to dig in, savoring the creamy flavor as she let the banter flow back and forth.

"Oh, really?" she teased, raising an eyebrow at his mention of the bill for economic expansion. "Might have to get Lana to look into that for Mara Tibx… give you a little competition." She chuckled, catching the spark of interest in his eyes at the idea.

Taking another bite, she mused, "I was actually thinking about that. Maybe expanding into terraforming, building up agricultural worlds. The galaxy's had its share of wars lately -- everyday resources like food, clean water, medicine, those are gonna be top priorities. People just need to live, you know? Not every battle needs a blaster."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

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

"Don't be surprised, you've looked in the mirror lately I'm sure. Can't blame a guy."

His dessert cup was parfait like, little layers of fruit in between. Spoon dug in, leaning against the counter near her as they both ate and talked. Despite all of their money and ability to do nearly anything in the galaxy, this was one of favorite things to do. It was moments like this - playful banter over a snack or lounging on their couch drinking wine - that he always looked the most forward to.

"A little competition Missus Dashiell?" Teasing tone matched hers. "Seems unfair already. You, MP, and Lana all on the MaraTibX team and me all on my lonesome. Is that how you run your operation? Steam rollin' the little guy."

Another spoonful of his dessert up as he mused over her words. Was there a lot of terraforming and taking care of the little guy right now? He wasn't sure. Seemed a lot of products and companies were still focused on war and strife. Selling to governments and going in on their own to get change done was something he could get behind.

"I agree. I've been wanting to focus more on the agricultural side of Aina more. Let's do it. We can start a list and research the areas we'd like to start in." He paused for a second. "Talking about business, I know you're feeling better."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

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

Myra may have enjoyed the bit of dirty talk from Makai, it made her feel better that he at least still thought she was sexy and attractive despite the crazy pregnancy symptoms.

Of course, leave it to Makai to eat dessert right in front of her, Myra mused, watching how he enjoyed the parfait. She'll steal some from him in a bit, but for now, she was enjoying the couscous.

"Steam rolling the little guy? You aren't quite so little, Mister Dashiell. Don't try to act innocent." Myra replied, waving her fork over at him.

A half a smile shone at hearing him say he wanted to focus more on the agricultural side of Aina.

"Oh? Do more than the Slimegro? I think you're now trying to get into my field now,' She shot back, sticking her tongue out at him in a joking expression.

"Hmm, could do that, especially if the Sith Order is welcoming more corporations to its region. Would allow a greater influx of produce to be shipped within the nearby areas." she added, pondering.

"I am feeling better. Maybe hitting the second trimester is helping keep the nausea at bay. I'll let you know when i've swollen up like a Giju if I'm still feeling okay.

"Do you know if they'll be taxing exports more?"

 

[Makai Dashiell]

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

"I'm very innocent. I won't stand for this slander."

Another spoonful of his parfait and he rolled his eyes at her when she mentioned pushing in on her territory. There had been long laid plans to fully expand his agriculture business. Besides, he had worked with Alicia Drey and the Listate Order with agricultural projects in the not too distant past.

"Funny, you've known I've been working on the kelp farm idea. Unless you weren't paying attention to me, which is possible. Just probably 'yes dear'd' me and kept moving."

A grin as he teased her, greatly amused with himself.

"Fifteen percent is all I know, which isn't horrible. No penalty for working with other governments. The expansion can be good for us and other companies. Not that I am going to pull a Centrality project and move the entire family there, kind of wary but also optimistic. At least they are willing to find a middle and work. It should keep us busy for a good while, well into MP being a toddler..."

Another roll of his eyes at the mention of her being 'swollen up like a Giju'.

"You look great. I'm sure you'll continue to look amazing and not swollen at all. Even by the ninth month mark."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

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

Myra snorted, rolling her eyes at Makai's mock innocence. By now, she was well acquainted with how quickly his thoughts could tumble into the Coruscanti gutter.

"Innocent, right -- just like how we innocently ended up pregnant." She waved her fork at him, half laughing, savoring another bite of risotto as warmth and energy slowly returned to her.

"And I did listen about your kelp farm idea of yours. But you've been talking about it for fuel, maybe that fancy nice smelling shampoo -- not fertilizer." She pointed her fork at him with a smug grin, then stuck her tongue out playfully at him.

But the tone shifted slightly as she pondered the bigger picture, especially with the economic edict he mentioned. "Fifteen percent? Not bad, really. Makes me wonder if some of the other sectors will consider it a hint. Might be a good way to keep trade moving rather than tightening their control over everything."

Then, at his compliment, she flushed, a soft smile spreading over her face. "Oh, we'll see about that. You've never seen me that big before!" she joked, though the hint of warmth remained in her eyes.

She took another bite, savoring the food. "So…are you planning to dive deeper into agriculture? Or just testing it all out?"

 

[Makai Dashiell]

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

"The fuel is still an idea, the kelp for fertilizer is a by-product of several processes. Waste product."

Naturally his kelp farm idea was alive and well. Mining - ores, gemstones, minerals, all kept him extremely busy. He couldn't recall if Ellie knew his goal of becoming the largest mining company in the galaxy. Agriculture took a backseat but it was still important, diversification was key to survival.

"Agriculture will remain secondary for now. I wanted to expand more with Empire of the Lost and I had plans trying to form with Alicia Drey but since she is dead now...this will be more of a experimental thing. Maybe on a handful of worlds until I accomplish what I would like in the mining world. So in ten to fifteen years time maybe I can focus fully elsewhere ; ocean farming especially."

Shoulders shrugged slightly as he took another spoonful of dessert. While he had been excited for an agriculture project, plans were quickly derailed. It dissolved a little of his excitement, plus with his little family expanding, locking in on one sector fully just made sense.

"I've got a few ideas and enough to keep me busy around here. So you won't have to worry about me taking over your corner of the galaxy."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

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

Myra gave an arch of a brow, then commented, "Just because one woman passed doesn't mean you can't continue to try to expand in Imperial space?" That sounded odd to Myra, who then realized what she said and quickly added, "May she rest in peace," as if to cover the faux pas that the woman had passed and that was a sad thing.

"Haha, and I was joking on the competition -- besides, you know all of mama's businesses thrive on competition." which why it was just Myra giving a slight quip on it.

"And I know," Reaching over, she went to take his hand and interlock their fingers, giving him a squeeze, "I'm very appreciative on what you are doing and planning for the future. I know we both want to be very involved."

It now just meant that Myra also had to think about how things would go for her as well.

"I also have to think on how things will go with Mara Tibx... or if mama is just going to take over and let me handle MP for a bit."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

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

"I still could yes but I've turned my sights elsewhere. Its alright, like I said I've got other things to juggle. There are more exciting things on the horizon with more friendly governments. As for the competition, I welcome it. Makes for interesting dinner conversation, always nice to go head to head with the expert herself."

Makai smiled as her hand slid into his, a familiar and comforting feeling. He squeezed back, thumb running against the side of her hand. Spoon was set down and he kissed her cheek before answering.

"No need to be appreciative. I got us into this mess, least I can do. Gives me something to do instead of worrying. I can't do much of anything for MP right now, which kind of makes me feel useless." He paused, nodding in agreement. "I had thoughts at one time being a part-time stay-at-home Dad..... What if we trade off with MP? It won't be feasible when she's young but one person works three days then switches to MP duty for three days. Or you can let Danger handle most of it for now. Neither of us know what we're doing so I think trial and error."

He chuckled slightly.

"We also can't call her MP forever either....well, she'll always be my little mining princess but you get the idea."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

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

Myra enjoyed getting the kiss on the cheek. It sent a loving rush through her that lightened her spirits. She smiled at Makai, before taking a few more spoonfuls of her food. She chewed thoughtfully, musing over what Makai mentioned regarding trading off, how that would work, and then also on names.

"Whoa, going in for deep conversation at ... half past three am?" she teased him, before taking a deep breath.

"I think the switching off we can see once she arrives and we know how things look like. We don't know if she'll be one of those easy babies or one that requires constant attention because she has colic." which would be enough to worry any first time parents.

"Maybe once she is older, get a better understanding on what we can do."

Now as for names....

"Honestly, I've been sick so my mind has been elsewhere rather than on names... Though I think I wrote some down in my diary years ago."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

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

"Oh, I'm sorry. We haven't had many good moments to discuss anything and I kind of pounced."

Makai gave a smile sheepish smile in apology. He leaned back against the counter and decided not to further dive into anything too major at the moment. Despite being tired, he was awake, already debating if he should just stay up and do a few things or try to take a 'nap' so to speak.

"Yeah, it wouldn't be until she's a little older. I still want to have plenty of time together as a family. I know you think I love minerals and ores more than you" He stopped to roll his eyes. "Yet this is also a chance to spend time together before we get back to whatever insane schedule awaits us."

Briefly he imagined MP in one of those baby carriers one wore across their chest, tucked in while he spelunked through a cavern system. It would, in theory, work. It was more if Ellie would be on board with such a thing.

"So the name is buried underneath all those variations of 'Myra Elspeth Arceneau Dashiell' in your diary, got it. Sounds like we will discuss it more once the diary is found. Probably at the farm, I can't see you taking that to Chandrila considering we weren't together then."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

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

"It's okay -- I haven't really been so present with being exhausted and sleeping all the time and not feeling well," Myra replied, giving Makai a reassuring expression.

The corner of her mouth perked up when he mentioned that he knew she thought he was far more enamored with minerals and ores than her, and while he was a rather big nerd with it, she knew that really wasn't the case. Sure, he could end up completely distracted if they found a new mineral or some rare type of fossil, but Myra knew he would do his best to place her first when it mattered, and now their daughter, too.

However, it was now Myra's turn to feel flustered, a blush tinting her cheeks.

"Hey! Be happy I decided to be proactive on the matter!" She quipped back ruefully, narrowing her gaze playfully in his direction. For good measure, she stuck her tongue out at him, before adding.

"Hmm... I think one was Phobe, actually."