The scent of Pine is in the air (Pine, Bix)

[Connor Dwyre]

Connor was out and about. For the most part, he was in a decent mood. But, he wasn't fully happy. He had so much in his head right now that it was getting to a bursting point. Training with Suichi, Bix training with Gabriel, Bix, the upcoming events that were to begin, Bix... ok so there was some things more prominent on his mind.

He was confused about much, and how to deal with things. He just... didn't understand. Mostly revolving around the girl he had affection for. He felt there was something she didn't tell him. He knew the girl had little emotion to show, but he felt there was something else. Another reason. He just had no idea what it was, or why she didn't tell him.

Often times, walks helped to clear his mind. Though it was the afternoon, he was in the park. There were people, but not too much in the way of noise. Instead, the sounds of the birds could be heard, the wind felt, and the scent of flowers played upon his nose. However, all the pleasantries of nature would not quell his emotions.

He had hoped to calm himself down, but the more he thought, the worse he felt. He wasn't crying, at least not now. His eyes were moist, but his shades covered them, so there was little to worry about there. The question 'why' played over and over in his head. Was the kiss something he should have done? Though Bix still talked to him, he felt there was now a little distance there wasn't before. He didn't feel like they were getting closer. Thankfully, they weren't getting farther apart.

There was only one other girl he really talked to in his life, though it was more likely they would spar than date. That, and he didn't have the affection for her. He felt a tightness in his chest. All he wanted to know was the truth. That was it. The why. Nothing was clear to him, and for that, his mind remained unfocused. It was a wonder how he navigated at all. When his mind was cluttered, he had trouble using his 'vision.'

He had chosen a bench to avoid walking into a tree or a person. This way, he could sit in his current state without fear of injury.

[Pine]

Today started out like any other normal day. Pine got up, worked out, took a shower, ate breakfast, went to school, played dodge the hall monitor, went back to the home. Yet there was something missing, he had not run into Liberty. Of course it wasn't always a bad thing to not run into ones girlfriend every day. Spending too much time together created boredom as easily as it created closeness. Still, they had only been official a few days and Pine wanted her around as much as possible.

They were due to go out into the woods a few days from now and Pine had gathered everything he was asked too. He hoped her guardian had everything Liberty believed he did. If not, it was still early enough for Pine to ask a few people in the home. He knew there were three or four people that were campers, that included the woman that ran the home. Not that she received any real amount of vacation time, due to the nature of her job, but Pine had let her talk about about her adventures in the wilderness.

Pine stopped doing his crunches and picked up his cell phone. Pulling up his contacts he scrolled down to Liberty and selected the text message function.

Hey hun,
I missed you at school today
I'll be in the park (same as last) in an hour and a half.
Hope to c u there.


Pine hit the send button and got up. Sure the message was lame but he was a beginner when it came to this relationship stuff. You didn't just automatically become an expert when it came to women. It was something that had to be learned through trial and error. The situation was slightly more difficult because there was also Bix to think about. Bix was as much apart of Liberty as her skin. Pine enjoyed when Bix was around because he made her so uncomfortable. The sword often doted on the first time they met. It made him feel good to remember how easily he beat her and brought out Liberty.

Pine of course had to get ready and as promised tossed on a T-shirt. He picked an atticus skate T to go with his medium denim jeans and his black and white converse shoes. Making sure his hair was nicely gelled into place he left the house

WITH FORTY MINUTES TO SPARE

Pine arrived at the park with forty minutes to spare. The move was intentional, he wanted a little time to enjoy the scenery of the park before his attention was taken up by Liberty. So Pine began to walk around and look for a place to sit and enjoy himself. The problem was the park was rather busy on account of the nice weather. It was still peaceful and pretty but full of people and their pets. There seemed to be no empty benches. This forced Pine to find the next best thing, a bench with one person on it. Why just one person? The answer was simple, that way he wasn't interrupting something if he sat down. Less reason someone would turn him away from the seat.

It took a couple of minutes but Pine found a seat with a boy who seemed to be about the same age sitting on a bench by himself. Perhaps the kid went to Moral High? Perhaps he might be good for a conversation? First Pine had to make sure he could sit at the bench and not get into fight. The last thing he wanted was to have Liberty enter the park while he was in the middle of beating someone up. Just to be sure the shield took over.

"Hi....w-would you...mind If... If I joined you?" Pine asked cautiously, which was the purpose of the shield. The shield was the peace maker not the fighter and as a result spoke in a cautious and harmless manner.

[Connor Dwyre]

Connor had been lost in thought for some time. Confusion would do that. The more he pondered, though, the farther he was from figuring things out. Why did life have to be so difficult to comprehend? People, situations, everything. Life was full of stress, and the normally laid back boy was having difficulty dealing with things as they were. Too much had happened recently, and his mind was constantly working, whether he wanted it to or not.

The park had seemed a good a place as any. Sure, there was the normal traffic of people, but they went by Connor without so much as a passing glance. As this was what he wished, he was thankful for it. His cane would give away that he was blind, if any saw it perched against the bench between him and the edge closest to him. His shades would more than likely confirm that.

He let his mind wander, if only to try and calm himself down. However, his thoughts always came crashing back to his current predicament. He yearned for a distraction, and it seemed one had come to sit beside him. The voice asked the question, and sounded almost as timid as he did on occasion. Connor nodded, and gave a weak smile. not because he didn't welcome the company, but rather his somewhat upset state kept him from doing so.

"Sure." He could tell by the voice that it was someone young, and that meant they might go to the same school. It seemed not everyone was so anxious to pick a fight as everyone thought. That was somewhat reassuring. From the timid way the boy spoke, he assumed it was the same belief about every kid wanting to fight that made him wary to sit next to him.

"You don't have to worry. Not every student of 42 is looking to brawl." He smiled. The person sitting there, someone to take his mind off of things, made him feel better. "Oh, I'm being rude. Pardon. My name is Connor. Pleased to meet you. So, what brings you to the park today?"

Liberty or Bix had never told him about Pine. He had no idea who the boy was that sat next to him. Oft times it is said that ignorance is bliss. In this situation, that was true and not at the same moment. Ah, the paradox of life.

[Pine]

It took a second for the student to respond. For all Pine knew he was sleeping. Pine had approached from the opposite side of the bench furthest from Connor. He had not noticed the cane because he was more focused on the boys body looking for a violent reaction. If he was from 42 then there was a chance he would react violently to Pine. This was the general course of actions when the shield talked to people. They thought he was weak and attacked him. If he approached with the sword it always ended in a fight.

The student finally reacted with a weak smile and a nod. Pine relaxed a little and took a seat on the bench. They student spoke then, informing Pine that not all 42 students were looking for fights. He also introduced himself as Connor.

~Hold the phone...Connor as in Bix's Connor?~ Wondered the sword.

~Connor is a rather common name I highly doubt they are the same person.~ Replied the shield.

Pine decided that it would be better not to ask. He came to the conclusion that when Liberty was ready to introduce them she would. Pine was important to Liberty and Connor was Bix's only friend for her to be complete they both needed to meet. Though Pine knew nothing of Connor besides his name. Though Pine could already see how this situation would play out if Liberty showed up and this really was the right Connor.

"Th-Thanks...I'm Pine...Like...Like the t-tree. It's nice to...meet you Connor." Pine replied. "I came to...to the p-park to enjoy the...scenary. I-I come here...T..To think. How about you?" Pine asked quizzically.

[Connor Dwyre]

Pine. It was a unique name. But, then again, so was Bix. The uncommon was something Connor enjoyed, and so he found that he might have met yet another interesting soul here. The boy still seemed nervous, and so Connor calmed enough to be his normal, open, cheery self. As there was no violent reaction, nor any ill intent in his aura, there was little Pine had to worry about.

If Connor could read minds, the situation might be awkward, But, as he couldn't, the two still remained somewhat ignorant of the other, and their relation to the same... well, sort of the same person. Oh, how right the sword was, and how the shield knew, but didn't wish to admit the truth! Connor's own personality was far less aggressive than at least part of his new acquaintance's persona.

"It seems you and I came here for the same reason." Connor's attitude was more positive now. He had company, and it wasn't company that wished to pound his head in. "I came here to clear my head, too. The park can be very serene. At least, when it's not crowded." He took a breath of the fresh breeze that rolled through. The weather was getting warmer, so it was more than comfortable.

"You're the second person with a unique name that I've met since I moved here." He was, of course, referring to Bix. Though of course, he didn't say so. Even if Pine went to the same school, what were the chances he even knew her? At least, that was what he thought. "More interesting than mine anyway." His expression showed that he liked it, not any sign of poking fun.

"So, do you go to 42 as well?"

[Pine]

"The people are part of the scenary...they...kinda...C-complete the picture...You know?" Pine said and leaned back on the bench, allowing his hands to rest comfortable on the backing. He allowed a small grin to cross his lips as he watched the people going about their lives. Not so much the adults or teenagers but the children. Those innocent little creatures that live only for today and run around laughing and playing. They are so happy all the time just content with living. Pine remembered what that was like. He also longed to still be like that again, to regain what he had lost. Even if he was a prick when he was younger at least he was loved.

"For example...Look at those children over there." Pine pointed at the small group of children probably 20 feet or so away. "They...allow you to think...rem-remember what it was like...to be innocent and always...always happy."

Of course Pine still had not clued in to the fact Connor was blind. He was not interested in physical disabilities he was just partaking in innocent conversation. Neither of the two had moved to harm the other, there was no aggressive action, no disagreement. They were just two people sitting around enjoying the park and having a conversation. Pine didn't really think of being the second interestingly named person Connor had met. Pine had met several people with interesting names from all over the world. In a large school like Moral High it was easy to meet a few.

"I am...I am a f-freshman at Moral High... Pine began before focusing the Connors comment about his name being uninteresting. "I would rather have your name than my own...At-atleast...people...do not...do not make fun of you...for your name."

[Connor Dwyre]

Connor chuckled when he said to look at the children. Obviously, he hadn't noticed Connor couldn't see. Well, that was fine. He would know soon enough. Connor listened to him though. Pine was right. Though Connor didn't see the children, he could hear them. Hear their laughing, their playing, their fun. Connor had little fun growing up. Life had been harsh and cruel. But, he had come out like he was, kind and gentle. Thanks to his mentor, he had survived and still become a good person. At least, that's what he was told.

Pine mentioned getting made fun of for his name. Connor shook his head. "No need to wish to be or have something else. It makes you different, but that's not a bad thing. As far as getting made fun of for my name, you're right. Never happened. People chose to make fun of me for other reasons." He pointed to the shades, then lifted the cane. He placed it down. "Some people are far more cruel, and will make fun of you for anything they can find wrong with you. In your case, it was your name. Though I find it cool, others fine it funny. For me, people picked on me or avoided me because I'm blind."

He shrugged. "You learn to deal with it after time. Oh, don't worry about pointing those kids over there." He pointed where they were now., They had moved from earlier, but Connor pinpointed them without even facing their direction. He pointed to his ears. "When you see them, you are reminded. For me, it is their laughter, the sounds of them playing. That reminds me of better times, as few as they are." He was brought back a bit to his current situation.

"So, what did you need to come and clear your head about? Hopefully something less stressful than what I'm here for."

[Pine]

~HOLY FUCK HE'S BLIND!~ Gasped the Sword.

~HOLY FUCK HE'S BLIND!~ Repeated the Shield.

"Holy fuck you're blind..." Pine blurted out without even realizing what he had just said. When he did figure it out he attempted to do some damage control.

"I'm sorry that just came out...I didn't even notice...I mean I wasn't really paying much attention. I generally don't unless someone attempts to start a fight or shows aggression. I'm not gonna lie, the fact you pointed out those kids exactly was pretty cool." Pine wasn't kidding about that either. He assumed most blind people would not be able to do such things. General direction yes, exact location not so much. Though in Pine's defense, he had never met a blind person until now. Pine was so flustered he didn't even notice the sword had taken over in all the mental confusion. His tone was not as soft or hesitant as it was, and he no longer stuttered though he did still pause to collect his thoughts in the middle of sentences. His voice also held an air of confidence that was not there before.

"I'm here to think about how miserable life is in general. I'm a bit of a loner you see. I don't care much for the people we go to school with. Most of them try to push me around because I put up an innocent front to avoid conflict...It works 50% of the time the other 50% of the time I make them wish they left me alone. Still it makes it difficult to make friends when you choose to stutter like an idiot and have the name of a tree. Otherwise I talk like I do now and end up fighting because people misinterpret what I say. I come to think about such things. What about you Connor, what do you come to think about?" Pine stopped for a second to stretch and crack his neck. So far he had done more talking then he had in the last few days and it was starting to hurt his jaw.

Pine was not much of a talker, he was more of a listener. The most he ever talked was with his fists. Even then, an elbow to the face generally ended the conversation pretty quickly. Come to think of it so did a knee to the sternum or the head.

"I'm going to take a shot in the dark and say it is one of a teenagers general problems. Life sucks, you need money, school sucks, or the most common of all...woman troubles. In most cases I lean toward woman troubles. I doubt you're an exception to that, assuming you do like women. If you don't thats cool, attraction is funny that way...It doesn't always follow the conventional male to female pattern. Though let it be said that I am only into women."

[bix]

Arrival
&& Surprise

Hey Hun
I missed you at school today
I’ll be in the park (same as last) in an hour and a half
Hope to c u there

Bix had been. At home. Laying on her bed. Surrounded. By homework. Working on. Whatever. She had to get done. Tonight. She would allow. Liberty to call Pine later. When it was time. So that she could talk. To her new boyfriend. That was all. Liberty thought of anymore. Pine. Constantly. Droning on. Her excitement. Over the upcoming. Camping trip. And not to mention. The fact that. They had kissed. That they were falling slowly. For one another. Liberty was. Too afraid to move fast. Afraid that he would. Break her heart. And hurt her. The way others have. Yet she found herself. Becoming more. And more open with him. Every day. It changed. And evolved. She had missed him at school. And now Liberty wouldn’t. Shut up about. How much she wanted. To talk to Pine.

That was when. The text had come. And Bix reached over. Grabbing the phone. And read it. MY TURN!! Liberty took over. She was getting strong. Just because. She did. Actually have. Something to live for now. Something that. Made her happy. Bix could only. Roll her eyes. And let Liberty come out. To play. Still there was a good. Amount of time left. But. Of course. They had to look nice. Bix would never. Understand why. Liberty work tight clothes. Now that she had met Pine. Still though. She moved closing her books. And went to take a long shower. Drying her hair. And straightening it. So that it would fall. Silkily around. Her shoulders. Using all. The different moisturizers. On her body. She came out. Moving to her closet.

There was an abundance. Of clothing. She chose her tights. Black. Tossing them. Out onto her bed. She picked. A pencil skirt out. That was black. So it would match. Over that. She would wear. A blouse. Something slightly. Out of the norm. For her. Since it was somewhat. Fancy. It was off white. Made of silk. Eggshell in color. It buttoned up the front. And had a bit of. Victorian lace. Swirled against. Her chest. To accent it. And gave a slight peak. To the pale skin. Underneath. Though showed. No actual view. Of modest skin.

Getting everything dressed. And on her body. She brushed out. Her hair. Tying one side back. With a sterling silver. Flower barrette. That was pretty. And caught the light. With a blue stone. As it’s center. Then with. Some heels. She was ready. And felt. That she would make. A good impression. Taking her umbrella. She stepped outside. Opening her umbrella. As she made her way. Towards the park. Eager. To see her Pine.

She was early. About twenty minutes or so. Only because. She had not really. Paid attention to the time. And missing him. All day. And now. She would have the chance. To see him. She walked. The gentle. Swerving walkways. Of the park. Not sure. Exactly where. They would meet. Normally. By the pond. But he. Had not said. Exactly. It was the first place. She had gone. And he was not there. Though she was early. She figured. She could walk around. A bit more. And return. About the right time. To check again. Her body. Filled out. The clothing more. Now than ever before. But she knew too. Pine had never seen her. This dressed up. She just felt.. like. She wanted to dress up. To see him. To be pretty. And hopefully. Have him remark. On what she had chosen.

The umbrella. Shaded her skin. From the sun. Allowing her. To walk. Without too much. Exposure. Her hands were. Bare. But covered. And her face. Was under the shade. As she walked. Heels on. The pavement. Creating sounds. As she walked. There was confidence. In her step. In the hopes. That Pine would like. What she wore. What she had done. Her normal scent. Of ginger. Wafted in the breeze. AS she moved. Through the park. Eyes searching. For her Pine.

[Connor Dwyre]

Connor had chuckled at the realization Pine just made, and he put his hand up. "No worries. I know you didn't mean anything by it. The fact you didn't notice is kind of funny. But, you didn't treat me any different, and I don't want you to. Aside from being blind, I'm normal. Well, whatever normal is." He smiled at the compliment about pointing the kids location. "Oh, that. Well, when you can't see, you learn to do things a little differently. I use my other senses, and it makes up for the no sight thing."

The boy went on to tell what he came to think about, and Connor nodded. Yes, life in general wasn't all that great. It was miserable at the school, and Connor could understand Pine's way of thinking. Connor, too, put up a quiet, innocent front. Not that it was all that far from the truth. He was friendly enough, but he did keep to himself.

Most students were closer to pummeling you than wanting to befriend you. Even Sara, who was the only other person Connor called friend at this point had wanted to spar with him. He assumed that was how she showed affection. If that were true, she liked Connor a lot. Either that, or she just liked to hit him. He wasn't fully sure yet.

"To be honest, most of the students at our school aren't exactly people you'd want to associate with anyway. They're not good people. There are a few, but being a loner there isn't so bad. I know how bad things can get. But, at least you don't have to worry here, or from me in school. I can honestly say it's nice to meet someone and talk rather than fight." Connor felt like he was actually making a connection with someone on a deeper level than fists. Pine was a pretty good guy, and Connor's tone and aura reflected that, even to those not sensitive to it. From all his body language and speech, Pine would know Connor liked him.

When Pine took a few guesses at Connor's reasons for being here, he chuckled. Though it was also about the upcoming events, he was dead on with what he called women troubles. "Yes, I like girls. Well, one in particular. She's my best friend. I told her I liked her more than that, but the feeling isn't the same. I honestly don't know if she can feel. She can be kinda cold sometimes... well, a lot of times. But, I am getting used to it." He smiled, thinking of the unique mannerisms of the girl. "She liked me as a friend... I know that much. I'm not sure if I should try, or just give up."

He shrugged. "Above everything, I want her friendship. If it doesn't go anywhere more than that, I would be alright. I just wish I knew the reason why, you know?" He sat back, and sighed. "Sorry. Didn't mean to unload like that. It's the first time I was able to let it all out though."

As he finished, he could hear the footsteps getting closer. The familiar scent of ginger was in the air. Connor smiled. "Well, looks like your about to meet her. I can always tell... she's the only one who wears the scent of ginger." Connor stood, and smiled at the girl, who was on the walkway, headed in their direction.

He gave a small wave to the girl, and spoke to Pine. "Over there. That's Bix."

Welcome to the corner of Awkward and Uncomfortable.

[Pine]

Normal. There was an interesting goal. To be normal, what does that actually mean? The dictionary definition paraphrased is simply to conform with the norm. The norm, also known as an ambiguous concept. The norm is a social construct, a model of what everyone in society should strive to become. There is only one problem with this constructed norm, every group in society has one and they are all different. Pine often wondered what norm he fit in with, what was his normal.

It was good that Connor didn't take offense to Pine's little slip. He went on to talk about the students at school and how they weren't worth bothering with. The dialog went on to mention that he would not fight with Pine and that it was nice to be able to talk with someone without a violent intent. "I have to agree with you. It is nice to meet someone I don't have to fight. Even the little girl who has the locker beside me has tried to beat me twice. I have to admit she has spirit and I admire that. Though at her size spirit isn't enough. Do you know what started the whole fight? She couldn't open her locker and I could open mine. Seriously, who fights over something that stupid? I have to say that many of the people we go to school with drive me insane."

Pine continued on the conversation by asking Connor about his problems. According to Connor he liked women and that was the source of his troubles. Apparently she was his best friend and she was giving him the cold shoulder. It seemed to have all happened because Connor told the girl he liked her more than just a friend. She however, didn't return the feelings, it was kind of sad. He could only hope it didn't have to do with Connor's disability. People could be cruel when it came to such things, and not just women.

What Pine didn't understand was if she was his best friend why not come out and tell him she wasn't interested and forget the cold shoulder game? Couldn't she see that Connor was being hurt more by her reaction than he would be by just being told the truth? In most cases Pine would tell him the girl wasn't worth the effort and just drop her like a bad habit. The problem here was that she was his best friend and you cannot just drop your best friend. So Pine had to think of what to tell him.

"Don't worry about it. I asked the question you just gave me a detailed answer." Pine began as he slowly collected his thoughts. "I kinda understand your problem. You see, you entered the friend zone. The friend zone is a relationship death sentence. This girl probably will never see you as anything more than a friend. She's probably giving you the cold shoulder because she is scared to approach the situation for fear of hurting you. She probably doesn't realize her actions are hurting you more than just confronting the situation would. Of course I could be wrong."

As Pine finished thinking out loud Connor mentioned he smelled the girl's ginger scent. Pine allowed a small grin to appear on his lips. The grin immediately disappeared as Connor mentioned the girls name. Bix. Pine had to bite his lower lip to keep from accidentally yelling something for the second time.

"So...Your that Connor..." Pine began in a rather uncomfortable tone. "I know why Bix is acting the way she is...Well one reason...You see...hmmm...I know you have met Liberty...Well her and I are...together..." It sounded weird to say something like that out loud. Pine left hand on Connor's right shoulder and gave it a small squeeze. "I do owe you a thank you though...For taking care of Liberty when I could not. Not because I didn't want to...but she never told me what happened. She kinda disappeared for a month...I am surprised she never mentioned me to you." Pine took his hand off Connor's shoulder and leaned forward so his hands were resting on his thighs. He let out loud sigh and collected himself.

"Man...This is really awkward..." Pine said and looked over at Liberty who was now in view. She looked really good in her blouse. Pine of course had a thing for skirts so the black skirt, though modest, was good at turning him on. She was dressed completely different from her usual mode of dress. Pine wondered if she had done so to see his reaction. Had he not run into Connor today she might have received quite the response. He gave a small wave and raised his voice loud enough so Liberty could hear. "Hey! Look who I found!" His tone was cheerful but he actually felt probably as troubled as Connor did right now.

[bix]

Truth
&& Explanations

Liberty walked. Eager to find Pine. To spend more time. With him. To enjoy his arms. Around her waist. To feel his lips. Kissing her softly. She couldn’t wait. To find him. She wanted. To run up. Hugging him. And snuggling back. Into the warmth. Of his arms. To know. That he was as happy. To see her as she was. To see him. Having missed him. All day. And been yearning. To see him. Now that they were dating. She felt as though. She would just. Burst. If she was unable. To at least. Talk to him every day. But today. She would get to see him. Something that excited her. To her very core.

Hey! Look who I found!

Pine’s voice. Called out. From her left. And Liberty’s head. Swung around. Heart leaping. In her chest. To see her Pine. The first thing. That she noticed. Was no sweater. He had held up. To his promise. Of next time. He would not. Wear a sweater. Her eyes took him in. Until she saw. The sheen of red. Beside him. Her eyes shifted. And saw Connor sitting there. Oh. Joy.

What the hell?
~It’s Connor.~
Alright genius, lets go deeper than that, and figure out why.
~To… sit in the park?~
Are you lookin’ to piss me off today? You did tell him right?
~Tell him what?~
The reasons you can’t be together!
~I thought you told him the emotional thingy~
Bix! You were supposed to tell him about Pine!
~Why? I don’t like Pine. That’s your thing~
great.. just great

Liberty smiled. At Pine. As she turned. And began. To head over. In their direction. She couldn’t help. But feel her eyes. Gravitating. To the man. That was now her boyfriend. And the one. That she cared for. A great deal. Leaning down. As she got there. Her lips. Softly brushed his. Before she sat down. Between. The two men. It was awkward. To say the least. But she was. With Pine. And would not. See Connor as. Anything more. Than a friend. Perhaps a brother. Since Suichi. Was going to adopt her. But not anything more. However. It was not Liberty. That Connor. Was interested in. It was Bix. Therefore. She hoped. He would not. Be too hurt.

Her hand. Found Pine’s. Sliding her gentle. Soft fingers. Through his. Clasping it. She had come. To be with him. Connor, was. A surprise. Though she figured. If Bix was going. To be an idiot. ~I’m not an idiot!~ And not tell him. Then it was up. To Liberty. To do the dirty work. Connor seemed. To want to leave. But her hand. Caught his wrist. And tugged. Asking him silently. To stay. For just a moment. She wouldn’t. Stop him again. If he really. Wanted to go.

“I take it that, Bix did not tell you, all the reasons that she could not be with you.”

She hated doing this. It wasn’t her place. To tell him. Why Bix. Could not be with him. It was the emotional thing. For Bix. But also because. All the emotions. Tied up. Within Liberty. Concentrated. On Pine. Who’s hand. She was holding. Gently. Gaining support. From him.

“Before, we moved in with you, and Suichi. Before I met you. I met Pine and .. well.. I started to like him. Only recently, did we start dating. Bix was.. supposed to tell you. I.. didn’t want you to find out this way, it isn’t fair to you.. nor Pine. I know that I do not come out at home.. Bix .. is the one that.. lives there… really. She’s the one you guys accepted. I am just.. along for the ride in a sense.. when at home.”

Liberty sighed. Looking down at her lap. With her blue eyes.

“I apologize for Bix.”

[Connor Dwyre]

Connor's face dropped a bit at Pine's small explanation. Liberty had a boyfriend. Well, that wouldn't have bothered Connor. Honestly, the fact that Liberty had someone made him happy for her. The girl was hurt, and to have someone special can help you through difficult times. At least, he had heard or read it somewhere. he had yet to experience it for himself.

"You're Liberty's... boyfriend." He had expected to have a fist come at him, as he was the boy living with 'his girl.' Instead, he thanked him for his help in letting Liberty heal. "It's... nothing. Really." When Liberty approached them, Connor got up to leave. Before he could bid them goodbye, Liberty stopped him, and he, a bit numb, let her. She explained what was going on. The things Bix had left out. Connor listened, without speaking. He knew right now that he wasn't the only one in an uncomfortable position.

Honestly, he held no ill feelings for either Liberty or Pine. There could have been a fight. One of those 'stay away from my girlfriend' things. But, Pine understood more than Connor did at first anyway. Apparently he knew of Connor and had only just found out that the boy he had shared a bit of conversation with was the boy Liberty or Bix had spoke of. Connor couldn't hold anything against them.

Bix, however, was a different story. Now, Connor was quick of mind, and was able to piece things together better than most. Small details began to play out in his mind. The other day, Suichi had been going over his camping equipment. When an excited Connor had thought they were going on a trip, he told them it was their roommate who needed the equipment. Connor thought little of it then. His mind began racing.

Bix didn't need it. Liberty must have. Suichi must have talked to Liberty. At some point. He had mentioned a few times he wanted to know more. Something about hearing it from her directly. Maybe Liberty wanted to go camping with Pine? That means Suichi knew. He knew why Bix wouldn't... he didn't say anything to me. He knew, and he kept it.

Connor smiled at the two who were with him. "You don't need to apologize. I have been talking with Pine here. Honestly, he seems like a really good guy. I am really happy you found someone special. For everything you've been through, you deserve it." His words came from the heart. After all, it wasn't the two before him who had hurt him. He turned to Pine. "I hope we can become good friends. Liberty should bring you over sometime. Suichi, my mentor, is a great cook." He shook his hand.

"If I could see, I am sure I would see a sweet couple. And I promise you have nothing to worry about from me, Pine." He chuckled a bit. "I am glad that during your absence I could help." He thought for a minute, then stood. "Suichi took the tent out. I thought we were going to use it. He said you needed it for something, but didn't tell me what. Um..." he paused. "I guess... you needed it, right?"

Once this was confirmed, Connor nodded. He tried to sound cheery. "Everything is there. He added a couple of other things, too. Some of the things he and I used on our last trip. I hope you guys have fun." He was sincere, though he was very, very hurt right now. He took a deep breath, and spoke.

"Well, no need for a third wheel." He grinned. "Pine, it was really nice to meet you. I hope we can hang out sometime." He really did like the boy. Liberty had found a good guy for her. "Liberty, I am happy for you." He began to leave. He thought about saying something to get through to Bix. To show how he felt. But, that would ruin any good air that Pine and Liberty had. Instead, he said nothing and headed home. Liberty had made no second attempt to stop him.

By the time he arrived home, tears had streamed down his face. He was angry, hurt, and felt like he couldn't trust the two people he should have been able to. Suichi saw him and greeted him.

"Connor-san, you are home already? I thought... Connor, what is wrong?"

He took off his shades, and stared through the man before him. "You... knew, didn't you?"

"Knew what?"

"Don't act stupid! I just met Pine! Liberty's boyfriend. That's who needed the tent. Liberty. That's why Bix can't... you knew, didn't you? DIN'T YOU?"

Suichi paused. He had hoped Bix or Liberty would have told Connor before this. He sighed. "Yes. I knew."

"And you didn't tell me? Why? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because she asked me not to. I gave her my word."

"So... you all want to keep secrets. You're my teacher, and she's my best friend, and you want to keep things from me." Connor hadn't taken his unseeing gaze off of the man.

"Connor..."

"NO! I don't want any of your wisdom. I don't want an apology. I don't want to hear anything from you. Don't speak to me. Don't come near me. All any of you had to do was tell me. That was it. Do you all think I'm stupid? Or that I'm too blind to see and understand? Just an explanation. You, or Bix. That was all I would have needed. It would have hurt, but I would have got it."

He started to his room. Suichi tried to take a step forward. Connor whipped around. "I said don't come anywhere near me." He got a few things from his room, and then was gone. Out the door leaving Suichi there to watch him walk. He didn't try to stop him. There was no way he could have. A singe tear rolled down his face.

"Connor... I am sorry."

Connor walked to the park. But not to any where close to where he would run into the couple again. It might have been easier if he didn't like the boy. Or if it was Liberty he liked. The whole situation was too complicated. He liked someone who was only a part of another. And, he might have just made friends with the boyfriend of the other half. He was so confused. He managed to guide himself to a spot off the beaten path. A more heavily wooded area of the park.

This wasn't where he had met Bix. Someplace new. Someplace he hoped they wouldn't find him. He didn't want them to see him like this. He didn't want to ruin anything for them. They deserved to be happy.

[Pine]

Liberty smiled as she saw them but Pine wondered if it was genuine or forced. She came and sat down, her lips brushed Pine's as she did. There would be no kiss, not now. Not after everything that had happened and things that were about to come to pass. Connor made to leave and Liberty stopped him. Her other hand gravitated to Pine's hand which she clasped. Pine understood the move, she wanted comfort. Pine gave her a reassuring squeeze but his grasp was fake. In fact as she came clean to Connor he wanted to hold her hand even less.

He was getting angry, not with any one party for now but with the situation he was put in. Pine didn't mind being the bearer of bad news...To people he didn't like. Connor was the only male student at Moral that he could actually have a decent conversation with and not have to fight. They were bonding, albeit unknowingly about Pine's girlfriends alter ego, but actually getting to know one another. It shouldn't have been Pine that told Connor he was dating Liberty it should have been Liberty. Liberty had told Pine during their excursion in the park a few days ago she would make it clear to Connor she was taken. Yet here sat both men completely thrust into a situation neither should have been in to begin with.

What really angered Pine was when Connor started to respond. Not at Connor mind you, but at everyone knowingly involved, including Liberty.

"Aye, I'll come find you around school...It will be nice to actually have another guy to talk to instead of fight." He said in a cheerful manner. Pine was faking it and he was sure Connor was doing the same thing. Connor then continued to talk about how he was sure they looked like a sweet couple and that their tent was taken out. Which meant Liberty had been out and about in the house. That also meant that his mentor also knew what was going on and hid it from Connor. Pine bit his lower lip to keep from screaming.

As Connor made his leave Pine calmed down sufficiently to say something.

"Connor...Take it easy man. I'll see you around soon." His tone was slightly concerned. Pine knew what he did after his friend betrayed him and his parents disowned him. He broke down. Pine hoped Connor was stronger then that for his own sake.

As soon as he left and was a good distance away Pine removed his hand from Liberty's grasp. He wasn't going to touch her until she explained herself and the situation to him.

"How...Dare...You..." Pine said barely above a whisper. "How could you do that to someone you consider a friend? On top of that what happened to making it clear to him that we were together. You promised me you would, Bix made no such promise. So what happened Liberty? You no doubt told his mentor about us and now Connor knows that too. Well, at least I'm sure he does now. Not to hard to put two and two together. That also means you were out and about the house so why not tell him then? I mean you could have even told him at school or on a the way home or something. Instead it falls to me... Do you have any idea how hard...how painful it was for me to do that?" There was a hint of anger and frustration in Pine's voice as he spoke. How could he not be angry or frustrated. his girlfriend had just lied to him and gotten caught.

[bix]

Explainations
&& Tears

Connor left them. And Liberty. Looked down. At her hands. As soon. As Connor turned away. Pine let go. Of her hand. And Liberty looked up. Her eyes widened. Seeing him upset. She wasn't sure. Exactly. What she had done. Tears welled up. In her eyes again. She hated to cry. But it seemed. That she did so. More lately. Than she would like. Sighing softly. She waited. Until he had finished. Laying into her. Telling her. That she had promised. To tell him. That she had promised. To tell Connor. That she was taken. Especially. Now that she was with Pine. And she needed. No one else. He didn't understand. He went on. To say that. Obviously. She had been out. At home. Obviously. If she had talked. To the mentor. That if he had known. Surely she had time. To talk to Connor. When he was done.

Tears ran down. The face. Of Liberty Fontaine.

"You don't understand! It isn't as though I was embarassed or even though I didn't want to. I did! Bix is the only one out at home! She is! I know you don't believe me but it's true! She is the one that lives there. Ask Connor, he knows.. I have only been out once."

Liberty. Looked at her hands. Her hands clenching. Into fists. Her nails. Biting into her palms. Not enough. To break the skin. She was frightened. That he was so mad at her. And scared. That he would leave her. When the only thing. That she wanted. Was to continue. To be close to him. And to grow closer yet.

"But I have not been out at home. HOnestly... I haven't. I.. I met Suichi here.. in the park. In my favorite spot. He sought me out. Because he wanted to meet me. Because all he knew was Bix and he wanted to know about why I left home. We met in the bench, by the pond. Were you saw me a few days ago. But.. but we only met yesterday. Suichi's only known for a day! And he only got the tent ready yesterday and ... and so it really hasn't been that long. I told her.. I told her to tell him. she doesn't really let me out at home... only the one time.. when she needed to tell Connor before we were together.. why she couldn't be with him."

Liberty's tears continued to fall. She felt sick. To her stomach. She felt. As though her world. Was falling apart. Moment by moment. She was so afraid. That he would just leave her. That he would just. Get up. And tell her. That the trip. Was off. And he would. Have nothing. To do with her. After having. So much rejection. In her life she was. Afraid of finaly. Losing him.

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry." Liberty whispered. "I was going to tell him. I was. I thought .. I .. was afraid to hurt him. .. and I was.. so excited.. about us.. and our trip.. and that.. that someone finally liked me.. and saw me. Liberty. It's so hard.. she's out.. out all the time but after.. after meeting you I want to be here too..."

Liberty bit her lower lip. again and stared. at her hands clenched. in white fists, with pale knuckles with how tight. She was holding. Them shut.