A Hard Day's Night

[Darth Evandrus]

Theme​

"Matey... please... stop."

Evandrus usually had a lot more patience for Elix's energy but he had come to Serenno with the kid to see Andraste. That was fine. They had spent the trip in the ship looking over The Bravest Sith episodes and other stuff.

Apparently he was over Ewoks?

But lightsabers? Lightsabers were cool.

Which was one of the reasons why Evandrus had gotten no sleep on the flight to Serenno - the little bugger kept trying to 'look at' the lightsabers that Evandrus had on his person. Considering he had three with him these days? Well he wouldn't have put it past the kid to try and take one from him while he was sleeping.

Why wasn't Elix tired after being awake for almost as long? That was a mystery for the ages, truly. But even now the kid was trying to reach for one of Evandrus' lightsaber, even as they were in the elevator up to Andraste's apartment in the capital of Serenno.

Technically the whole palace they were in was her's but she only really 'lived' in one area of it.

"Creggy! You've got loads!"

True.

"Got too many to use..."

Not strictly speaking true.

"Still no, matey." he confirmed, earning him a pout from the young prince, "Come on matey, buck up! We're gonna see your mum."

Apparently that wasn't going to make it any better. Elix's pout grew even more pronounced and he hugged Evandrus' leg. Blinking tiredly down at the young prince, Evandrus was confused... why was he acting like this? Reaching down, he ruffled Elix's hair a little bit,

"Hey... hey what's wrong kiddo?" he asked Elix, kneeling down in the elevator to address him, "Come on... you can tell Creggy what the matter is, right?"

Elix looked up at him with those big round eyes and the pout firmly in place. Hells, it looked like the kid was worrying himself something chronic.

"Is momma mad at me?"

He couldn't help himself.

"What? Why would you think that?"

Elix shook his head until Evandrus picked him up in his arms, carrying the kid. He made a fake-grunt of effort to joke about how much bigger Elix was getting, which still managed to draw a small giggle from the kid.

"... not see momma much..."

Ah.

That? That was probably Evandrus' fault if he was honest.

He had been spending more time with Elix but he had been in the dog house first and then busy after that. Alright so that was probably on him... as the elevator arrived, Evandrus smiled as he carried the kid into the royal apartments,

"Well you'll see matey - your momma is going to be over the moons of Iego to see you again!"

Elix hugged him tightly.

"Promise, Creggy?"

He smiled tiredly, softly,

"Promise, matey."

The proof should be here soon too - they had called ahead from the bottom of the elevator after all.

@Sreeya

 

[Andraste]

Andraste was always on the move, and a pregnancy didn’t slow her down. Having been through this once before, she actually had an easier time with it this time. Traveling from planet to planet was still a thing, and she kept all her diplomatic meetings going. The tabloids and media made countless articles and reports about her second pregnancy, along with polls on whether it’d be a boy or girl. It was somewhat disturbing to her how much attention media paid to her personal affairs, but such was the life of someone as important as her.

The palace of Serenno didn’t offer much privacy outside of the apartments she had for herself and her family. It was a section of the palace away from the rest of the building where very few people were allowed. It had its own separate entrance and path, along with guards poised in the way. She knew Cregan and Elix were coming, and she had to decide how she felt about Cregan. There had been distance between them first from a previous encounter and then the kitchen incident. She had made no efforts to see him, though her feelings for him never changed. However, as more time passed by, she found herself yearning to see him again, though she wouldn’t admit it.

As they arrived, she made her way over to greet them, spotting them both. She managed a faint smile, adorned in a dress that was made to support her ever growing belly. Andraste’s gaze shifted over to Elix and her smile widened, “Hey you,” She moved towards him, “I missed you,” She used the Force to float him over to herself, something he always enjoyed. The little boy giggled as he tumbled through the air, purposely wiggling around so he did a few flips before Andraste snatched him out of the air and hugged him to herself. She gave him a kiss on the cheek before gazing into his silver eyes, her smile faltering a bit. She was reminded of how little she saw of Siris, the Eternal taking over now more than ever.

After a moment, she finally looked up at Cregan again, her expression difficult to read, “Hello, Cregan,” She felt slightly awkward. Andraste had avoided him for some time, but she was also not going to turn him away. Enough time had passed to where she let their scuffles from earlier go, but it didn’t mean it stung any less, “You look terrible,” She muttered, noting how he looked as if he hadn’t slept in days.

@Nefieslab

 

[Darth Evandrus]

Ah the kid was such a mommy's boy he almost immediately forgot any of the worries that he had had about meeting Andraste again. It was cute to see he had to admit and it brought a bright smile to Cregan's face despite the tiredness.

"Momma!"

Nothing quite as cute or pure as seeing a young boy clinging to his mother in a tight hug. But even as Elix nestled into her embrace, Cregan saw her expression become darker, more reserved.

And then she was looking at him.

... And either being insulting or truthful! He chuckled weakly,

"Well you look radiant as always Alais - I'd even go so far as to say glowing." He admitted with a tired smile, "I... I've missed you."

He didn't sleep without nightmares unless he was sleeping with her or in hyperspace so that was actually a contributing factor to his tiredness. But mainly?

"Our son has decided that Lightsabers are cool and that he wants one of mine." He revealed as a came closer to her, "Apparently Ewoks aren't his favourite thing anymore... so I spent the flight over making sure he didn't nab my lightsabers."

Elix squirmed a little bit before looking up at his mother, confused,

"Momma... creggy said you had a baby... where's baby?"

@Sreeya

 

[Andraste]

Andraste amused herself by poking Elix playfully in the belly, which elicited a giggle she always loved hearing. She missed everything about him – his smooth skin, his little tuft of hair, the way he smelled, all of it. Andraste never knew she could yearn for another human being this badly until she had to be apart from her son. Even being apart from her husbands didn’t come close to the attachment she felt for Elix. She kissed the boy’s head before turning to look at Cregan. She couldn’t stop the smile on her face that came from Cregan referring to Elix as ‘our son’. It brought an odd sense of warmth to see the way they connected, and she knew Elix was well loved.

“He’s getting big fast,” She walked towards the inside of her quarters, bidding Cregan to follow. Elix squirmed and wiggled before asking about the baby. Andraste gave him an amused grin, “In my belly,” She pointed down at her growing stomach. Elix scrunched his face up in confusion as he stared, “But how?” Andraste sighed, not ready to have this conversation just yet, “So you like lightsabers?”

Elix went on a long speech about everything sabers, complete with sound effects. Andraste set him down on a squishy chair, rolling her eyes. It was common knowledge that she despised sabers and found them to be nothing more than glorified toys. It was the bread and butter for most Force users, and she despised the thought of ever using one. Regardless, she would entertain the little boy’s obsession, deciding she would get him a toy saber and hope he didn’t poke someone’s eye out.

“I know I haven’t been the best about meeting with you,” Andraste finally addressed Cregan again, coming clean about her behavior, “I won’t deny I was upset. I threw myself into work and tried to distract myself. I’ve missed you,” She sighed, sinking into the sofa next to Elix. Andraste looked exhausted, though it wasn’t as bad as her first pregnancy, “By the way…we’re having a baby girl.”

@Nefieslab

 

[Darth Evandrus]

There was just something about seeing his wife playing with their son that just made him smile. It made him feel like she really was Andraste to the Galaxy and Alais to the family and that was what he wanted. He wanted to be able to see his wife in the Empress and that was exactly what he got here and now.

It was enough for him to almost ignore how tired he was.

"Oh he is." he agreed with a laugh, "I've already said he's going to be taller than me soon."

Cregan was, after all, not a tall man. Not short either but... yeah... not tall. Elix looked back at Cregan with this big eyes of his.

"But Cregan is big!"

He couldn't help it.

"Ha! You'll see soon enough matey - you mum and I aren't the tallest people around." he explained before paling at the mention of where the baby was. Honestly, he'd never jumped to agree to his wife as quickly as he did right then and there, "Haha - yeah, which was your favourite colour again?"

Cregan followed his wife and his son further into the living area. As she sank onto the sofa, Cregan smiled a little bit. It was a tired expression but it was kind and understanding - it was the kind of smile that Cregan Drast gave out.

"I did the same. I erected some buildings... went on an adventure with Kal... got some docks ready for ships..." he shrugged with a small smile that widened slightly, "All busy work until I could see you again."

Not really but whatever. He paused when she explained that they were having a baby girl.

Now... this was a sticky situation. He... shouldn't know but he did. His face froze for a moment before he decided that he didn't need to act too surprised. Instead he went with his instincts.

"A baby girl? I'm going to be a daddy to a baby girl?

Kneeling down in front of the sofa, he reached out with his hands. One he took her hand in and the other he rested against her bump. Never taking his eyes off of her's, he rested his ear to the bump and just listened.

His hand squeezed hers.

"Our... our baby girl..." he looked into her eyes, "She's going to be perfect... I am going to scare away all the boys, or girls, until she's twenty seven though."

@Sreeya

 

[Andraste]

Andraste quirked an eyebrow at Cregan, “Adventures with Kal? I hope it’s not anything to do with abominations…his obsession is getting out of hand,” She grimaced at the thought. Andraste used to accompany him on those missions and she barely made it out alive each time. She decided she was permanently done dealing with those…things. She stared at him for a moment after breaking the news about their baby’s gender. Cregan’s expression…there was something about it. It wasn’t something she could place easily, but his reaction was a bit off and not what she was expecting. As if oddly delayed.

Andraste said nothing of it, eyeing him curiously as he knelt down and rested against the bump. For a moment she simply admired the situation, Elix next to her and singing to himself and Cregan resting against her. Her fingers absentmindedly traced through his hair, displaying affection she hadn’t had the chance to show in some time. At his words, she quirked an eyebrow, “Twenty seven? Oddly specific number,” A grin appeared on her face, “I recall you making your moves on me when I was much younger.”

She leaned in towards him, with slight difficulty from her bump, to kiss him playfully on the lips. Elix made a retching noise and squirmed in disgust. Andraste pointedly ignored him, deciding he needed to simply get used to his parents occasionally showing affection to one another. She leaned back with a smile, “Can you stay or do you have to leave us again?” It was her perpetual question to her husbands. She saw Siris the least now, even managing time with Kal now with their new residence they bought together. Cregan had been around the most, but now even he was wrapped up with constant activities that pulled him away for months at a time.

@Nefieslab

 

[Darth Evandrus]

Adventures with Kal... she quirked an eyebrow at that. He blinked a few times at her question before he just couldn't help it anymore - he laughed brightly, the first real laugh he'd had in a while,

"I don't know why but your initial reaction made me think to myself if 'Adventures with Kal' sounded dirty or something." he told her with a bright smile before shrugging and shaking his head, "No, it wasn't abominations. It was... a vision of the future brought to us by a woman of great power."

His eyes flashed, darkening as they turned yellow for a moment,

"We made sure to kill her for spreading lies about our future. About our dream. Our Empire."

Elix started to sing and Cregan smile, his eyes clearing slowly back to their regular blue. He hadn't even noticed the change himself and he just enjoyed resting his head against her bump for a moment. Feeling her curiosity, Cregan felt like he was being analysed even though he knew he wasn't.

He should probably come clean and he would!

... if she asked any questions about it. For now he was just enjoying the moment. He smiled, enjoying the feeling of her hand through his hair. He smirked up at her,

"I recall that as well... and if our baby girl never meets a man like me I will be VERY happy." he declared with a laugh, tracing a pattern idly on her bump, "I was going to try and kill you during our first meeting after all. And after that I did very naughty things to you - none of which may occur to my daughter!"

He was being unreasonable and he probably wouldn't hold to these 'rules'.

Probably.

The kiss? Well Elix might have pulled a face but all Cregan wanted to do was smile - he might have smiled through the entire thing actually. He chuckled lightly and leaned forwards to steal another kiss before leaning back. He glanced at Elix, who was pouting.

"Gross Creggy!"

Cregan placed a hand on his chest.

"Who? Me?! You're right!"

Leaning forwards, Cregan kissed his wife loudly and dramatically on the lips, making sure to hum into the kiss as he played it up for their son, who was making "ew" noises and desperately trying to cover his eyes so he didn't have to see it. Breaking the kiss, Cregan laughed a little bit before leaning back and just smiling at his wife.

"I'm not on campaign right now. I'm taking it easy - setting up a company and a shipyard on Lothal." he admitted with a little chuckle, stroking her hand, "So I'm home every night. And I'm able to take the time to bring our son to see his mum and sister. Able to take the time to spend time with my wife doing something FAR more important than missions..."

He winked.

"We've got to name our baby girl."

@Sreeya

 

[Andraste]

Andraste had to grin at the thought of Kal and Cregan going on…adventures, “Alas, Kal might be a bit too broody for that,” She admitted sadly. It was no secret she wouldn’t have minded seeing her husbands get along and become 'closer'. She gazed off into the distance for a moment before coming back to the present, half hearing what Cregan said. She scowled at once, “What woman of great power?” Her tone was harsher than intended, but her features softened after Cregan admitted to killing her.

The way he said it – how it was so nonchalant and flippant – made her reflect on how different he was now. Gone were the days where he questioned which side of the war he was on. His smile was there, but it wasn’t quite the same, and the years had taken him down a darker path. As he rested against her belly and she softly ran her fingers through his hair, she couldn’t help but wonder if she dragged him into darkness and far from what he wanted to be.

She chuckled at his words, “I would be very happy if she meets someone like you. But I don’t think that’ll ever happen,” Andraste gazed at him fondly, “There is only one you. Only one you with all your perfections and your beautiful imperfections that shattered through every wall I’ve ever built up. There will never be another you,” She gazed at him for a bit longer, shaken out of her thoughts as Cregan leaned over to kiss her just to get a reaction out of Elix. Andraste happily obliged, though she couldn’t stop the laugh that escaped her right after.

Andraste was happy to hear that he would be able to spend more time with them. At his wink, she nodded and looked over at Elix, “I need some alone time with you. I’m either surrounded by stuffy politicians or this little monster,” She prodded Elix in the belly, who giggled and toppled over on the sofa. Andraste turned to look back at Cregan, “Maybe a vacation for just the two of us?”

At the topic of the name, Andraste paused for a long moment, “I’ve been considering the name Lyanna,” She looked at him nervously, “What do you think? I think it’s beautiful and sounds princess-like,” She secretly wanted to be able to name this child as Siris had named Elix.

@Nefieslab

 

[Darth Evandrus]

His wife's eagerness for himself and his fellow husbands to get adventurous with each other was well known at this point. He would be the first to admit that he didn't mind the idea either... But she was right. Sighing dramatically, he smirked a bit,

"Not this time my dear - just two manly men doing manly things but not to each other." He joked before smiling a little bit, "A nobody. She was connected to the Force strongly due to a cave on Korriban so we removed her from the cave and ended her."

It hasn't been as easy as that but hey, it was basically right.

Cregan stared up at her as she spoke to him from the heart. These moments were... they were precious beyond words. These moments where she showed, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that she loved him as much as he loved her? They were beautiful and they were pure and he would do anything to have more of them. He just smiled at her,

"And there's only one woman who can make me into the man you see. Well..." he touched her bump as he maintained eye contact, "Two. My girls."

At the mention of spending some time alone with him, Cregan felt that he was suddenly a little less tired... he smiled back up at her wide as he nodded in agreement,

"Definitely." He agreed, kissing her lightly on the lips, "Anywhere in the Galaxy my love. As ourselves or as ourselves - Andraste and Evandrus, Alais and Cregan or even just a man and a woman with no real names. Though maybe I should take you to my homeworld and we can buy that island?"

Would keep the locals away.

He idly used the Force to play with Elix as she thought. When she gave the name he froze for a moment before looking at her. It took a moment before he melted a little bit,

"Have you... done research or something? That's a traditional name of my people." He reached out and stroked her cheek, "So... Lyanna Drast. Our baby girl... Elix what do you think?"

Elix looked up at them,

"'Bout what?"

Cregan lightly pointed at the bump,

"Your baby sister. Think she could be called Lyanna?"

Elix's face scrunched up in concentration for a moment before he turned to Alais and, completely serious, nodded.

"I like Lyanna. She can be sister."

@Sreeya