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

[Pine]

Pine's head slowly turned away from Liberty as her eyes began to well up with tears. He would not watch her cry because then he might start to feel guilty for what he was doing. The fact was as Pine saw it as she was in the wrong. As soon as Pine stopped talking she came back to defend herself.

According to Liberty she was never out at home. In fact, Suichi had to come to the park to meet Liberty. That was an interesting turn of events the only problem was he had no way to verify all this. Pine had not met Suichi and Connor had run off to do god knows what. What it really came down to now was how much did he really trust Liberty? The problem was Pine didn't trust anyone. With everything that had happened to him up to this time Pine wasn't sure he could really trust anyone. The moral dilemma here was that this wasn't just any person this was his girlfriend. There had to be a level of trust between them. Right? Pine had to let the argument play out before he could answer that question.

The part that caught his attention was that Liberty claimed she wanted to tell him but was afraid to hurt Connor. She then apologized and claimed she was so excited that she was so happy that he actually saw her and not Bix. Pine took a deep breath before speaking again. This time his tone still held frustration but was soft and almost calm.

"Connor and I were talking about this earlier. He told me how this girl was treating him after he opened up to her. He also mentioned her being his best friend. I told Connor that she was doing so because she didn't want to hurt him which is why she didn't confront the problem. The overall problem was she wasn't protecting him but hurting him more by doing so. You had a responsibility to your friend and you let him down. Why didn't you think about how he might feel if he found out from someone else? I know we haven't been dating long at all but you did say you were interested in me. When he first approached you and you were out why did you not just say that to him in the first place? Why not just tell him you were interested in someone else?"

[bix]

Answers
&& Honesty

That was true. She did not. Want to hurt Connor. That was the way. That it was. She wished. To stay his friend. To begin to enjoy him. To know that. They could be friends. Getting to know. One another even more. It wasn't as though. She hadn't thought about it. She had thought about. Just how much. It would hurt him. To know. But she could not. Figure out. How to tell him. How to break it to him. HOw to explain to him. That she had enjoyed the company. Of someone. That she had not. Spoken to. For a while. She bit her lower lip. AS he asked her. If she had thought about. How Connor would feel. Why she hadn't. Told him the one time. That she had come out. At home to help. Connor about bix.

"You're right! You're right I should have told him. And I shouldn't have held onto that knowledge. But then, while I liked you so much I didn't think you would like me back. Afterall we hadn't talked in almost a month because of me being beaten up I figured you would have moved on or found someone better I was afraid to admit that I was quite taken with you. Then, I was afraid to hurt his feelings by telling him just how much I liked someone else. Me! Not Bix. Bix doesn't like you, I don't know why... I think you're wonderful.. but she doesn't.. so the girl he likes does not like anyone. She wants Connor as a friend, and I told Connor that he was with the wrong girl so to speak because while Bix cares she isn't good with emotions. She doesn't understand them. But he didn't believe me he thinks that she can be opened up. I wasn't sure how to tell him that I, Liberty, was taken with someone when Bix, the girl that he actually likes isn't. I know that we're the same person.. but.. in a way.. sometimes we aren't."

Liberty bit her lower lip. She had no idea. What to do now. How to say. What else she might. Be feeling. Afterall. She wasn't sure. What else to say. She loved being. Around Pine. She wanted to be around him. To know him. To get closer. And she wanted. To be with hi. But now here she was. In danger. Of ruining everything. That they had. ONly days after. It had started. She was so afraid. To be alone again. To surrender. The strength. That she had gained. From knowing Pine. She wished. to be forgiven. And yet he was so angry. And he had. Every right to be. Their first fight. Only days after. They had gotten together. And days before. Their trip. The one that. She was looking forward to. So much. Every day. On the calender by her bed. Was an 'x'. Crossing them off. Showing her. How many days. There were left. Til they went. Camping together.

"I'm so sorry.. "

Her voice shook. As she whispered this. Passsionatly. Liberty pulled her knees up. He would go now. She could not really. See any other. Option. He was angry with her. Angry just like. Everyone else. In her life. She hated it. She hated to know that. She had diappointed the. One person in the world. That meant the most to her. She loved Connor. But like a brother. She wanted. To date her Pine. Yes HER Pine. And now. She had ruined everything. Her arms. Wrapped around her knees. Holding them. To her chest. Glad that her skirt. Was knee length. She put her head down. On her knees. Her tears. Leaking down. Into her skirt. As she sat there. Her hair softly. Covering her from. Pine's view. She would understand. If he left her. She would never. Never be able. To find someone. To trust like this again. She really did. Care for her Pine. Even if. It had only been. A few days. She had cared for him. More than anyone. Ever before.

[Pine]

Pine was still not facing Liberty directly. He was not going to watch her cry, he was not going to give in because he felt bad for doing this. Liberty had to understand that she had erred and had hurt someone badly. Not as bad as the knife wound to her chest but bad enough. He could hear her voice tremble as she frantically spoke her mind. It sounded like she was scared. What could she possibly be scared of? It wasn't like he was going to hit her over this or cancel the camping trip. He was angry but it wasn't like they were going to agree or see eye to eye on everything. They were two different people, they would argue, according to men's health magazine it's healthy. It showed that they were actually a couple.

There was still one thing she was failing to understand. Bix. Bix was not the real entity. Bix was a creation that protects Liberty from harm by creating an emotionless wall. Pine understood her existence came after the stabbing probably as a result. Though Liberty, after so long under Bix, failed to realize Bix was not the one in control.

Pine felt the bench shake slightly and he looked over to see Liberty with her knees up and her face buried. He understood what had just transpired. Liberty had just blocked herself off. Pine let out a sigh, slid right beside Liberty, slid one arm behind her back and one arm under her knees, he then lifted her onto his lap.

"You know..." Pine began and kissed the side of her neck. "Just because we are arguing doesn't mean you have to break down. I'm not going to cancel the camping trip, hit your, or dump you over this. I fully intend on exploring that tent...I mean the woods with you. Though you are still missing one key factor to this equation. Bix has been out for so long that you have forgotten who is really in charge of that pretty little body of yours." Pine gave her bum a quick squeeze before continuing. "Bix was created to protect you from your parents. The problem here is that you allowed her to protect you from everyone and as a result she seems to believe she is in control. This is not true, you are and have always been in control. Though Bix may be needed at times there is no real reason to allow her to be out as much as she is. It is really time you put Bix in her place and took back your body. If we are going to argue, and we will it's part of being a couple, I would prefer it is about something one of us did and not because of Bix." Pine then took the Barrett of Liberty's head and put it on his own, the moment she would look up to see what happened he would kiss her.

Pine was still angry, and that was not going to change fast. Though he had to accept that Bix was going to be around for a little until Liberty gained the strength to put her down. For that reason he would stop laying into her and instead try to build her up little by little until one day Bix went back to just being a part of Liberty. He hoped that would be soon.

[bix]

Breakthrough
&& Decisions

~I told you he would hurt you~
Shut up. Just Shut UP! You're wrong!
~Am I? I"m pretty sure that he's causing you this pain~
NO! I am causing myself this pain for letting YOU out so much
~So what? I'm a cancer now?~
You might as well be!
~Well.. then just get rid of me~
I might just!
~I dare you to try you weak little...~
Shut UP!

She gasped slightly. Almost. Inaudibly. As she felt an arm. Around her form. It was. Something she had not. Expected from him. Especially. Right now. He was angry with her. She assumed that. He would go. Leaving her. To deal with. Connor. Going after him. To fix what. She had done. And then maybe. Maybe. He would let her. Come back around him. And be his girlfriend still. AS afraid as she was. He seemed. To shock her more. By picking her up gently. Just softly. As though. She was still something. He cared for. Her eyes were still closed. But she leaned. Into him. Needing. And wanting his touch. So very badly. But she didn't. Want to get. Her hopes up. Too soon.

"Just because we are arguing doesn't mean you have to break down. I'm not going to cancel the camping trip, hit your, or dump you over this.

"You.. aren't?"

Liberty asked. Though she was not sure. That he heard her. As he went on. Speaking as though. She had said nothing. But still. She listened intently. The kiss. On her neck. Burning pleasantly. On her skin. She enjoyed his lips. So very much. Every time. He touched her. She felt her body. Come alive. And she felt her skin. Tingling. Her heart skipping beats. Was this? What love was like? Was this something. That she would enjoy. Feeling for the rest of her life. Or was this. One of those things. That faded over time. She hopd it didn't. Because she really. Really loved this feeling.

I fully intend on exploring that tent...I mean the woods with you

Liberty smiled. Though with her head. Burried in her arms. And her legs. He would not. Be able to see it. Just yet.

"We both know what you mean Pine Treefellow."

He went on. To tell her. About how. The real problem was. That Bix. Was created. To make sure. That Liberty. Was protected. From her parents. But that. Liberty had made. The mistake. Of letting Bix. Become the front man. Of letting. Her protect Liberty. From the entire world. And that. Was what was getting. Her in trouble. That she. Needed to be. Strong enough. To take control again. That she needed. To push Bix. Back in her place. ~Why that little...~ He's right... Suddenly, her hat. Disappeared. Off her head. And that. Caused her to look up. Only to find it on. HIs head. But what caught. Her attention. The most. Was when he kissed her. Everything. Was better. In that one moment. Her lips. Softly danced. With is own, and her legs. Gently let. Their tensness go. And she let her body. Relax. Moving so that. She was more into. His body. Kissing him. Gently.

"I.. I am sorry. I will.. be better, I will.. try to take control."

Liberty. Softly leaned in. Kissing him. Just once more. Softly. Gently. She adored him. There was something. Special about him. And the way. They were able. To spend time together. She loved the way. That she could. Just be with him. And be herself. At the very. Core of her being. As the kiss broke. A soft smile crossed. Her lips. She looked up at him. So gently. And yet. Much happier than before. Staying in his lap.

"I really did miss you today... Pine."

[Pine]

"We both know what you mean Pine Treefellow." Liberty said softly through her knees.

Pine wasn't even phased by her comment. There would be a time when he would address that but it would not be yet. When one was on a roll they must keep up the momentum in order to get their point across with maximum effect. Though for the sake of an entertaining conversation full of blushing and evasion he would come back to that little sentence after he had finished.

So Pine continued on his little speech at which ended with Liberty promising to attempt to control Bix. For Pine that was enough, he would be content with her trying and happy when she finally put the being back in it's place. Pine had nothing really against Bix. It really was not her fault she was the way she was. In fact, that was how she was created. What Pine minded was the fact she was taking the front seat on every action that did not involve him. This whole argument could have been avoided had Liberty maintained control the whole time. Though, there wasn't much to be done about it now except try to make sure this doesn't happen again.

"I really did miss you today... Pine." She said softly after their second kiss of the moment

"I missed you too...Kinda why I called though I wasn't exactly sure you would be able to come. Figured Id give it a shot. Though let it be said that considering your a grade above me and our schedules are different means we will not be seeing each other all the time. Though according to sappy movies time makes the heart grow fonder...Or something along those lines." Pine said knowing full well he sounded like a complete nerd. He did have to admit, Liberty was starting to grow on him. Perhaps one day he would be able to fully trust her and open himself up.

"Oh and about that comment you made about knowing what I meant...I meant the woods...It just so happened that I said tent since we were talking about the tent earlier. You my pretty little friend have a dirty mind...I like it...I like the way it works. I guess that means your eager to explore the tent also so to speak."

[bix]

Fond
Feelings

Liberty listened. As he told her. That he had. Of course. Missed her as well. Which was why. He had called her. This afternoon. Or well texted. Hoping that. They would be able to. Meet here. And see one another. Their relationship. Was still very new. And therefore. They were still. In the stage. Where ever moment. They spent together was amazing. And only made them. Want to spend more. Exploring one another. And their lives. Getting closer. And finding some way. To really. To get to know. One another. On a deeper level. Be it physical. Or more emotional. It was still. Something that was. Developing. And would take time. But she was not. Worried about the time. She would give. All that it took.

He mentioned. Movies stated. That if absence. Was experienced. The heart then. Would indeed. Grow fonder. Something that. Made her smile softly. When he mentioned this. Perhaps it would. For right now. She wanted. To stay in his arms. In his lap. And feel his arms. Around her. Softly holding her. To his chest. And knowing. That right now. She had no place to be. And could stay here. As long as she wished to. Without fear. Of being parted. That was of course. Until it was time. For him to go home. He had a curfew. And she understood that. And she would have. To go home. And face Connor. To explain to him. What really was. Going on with. Her and Pine. And Bix as well.

"Our schedules are different but perhaps we could walk home together.. or perhaps we could meet after school sometimes and go to the park.. or get food or something. We may not really have classes together but it would be a way to spend time together. And there is always dates. I"m sure our first won't be our last."

He mentioned. Her comment. On his comment. Earlier. Making her chuckle. And blush. He tried to tell her. That he had meant. The woods. Liberty rolled her eyes. Playfully at him. She knew. That wasn't true. He knew that wasn't true too. He was merely. Trying to seem. Less teenage boy. And more boyfriend. Didn't matter. She knew what. Was going to happen. She knew that. She was going. To the woods. To lose her virginity. To the first man. That had gotten through. To Liberty. To the one. That she was falling. For day by day. There was no love yet. Though she knew. Were they. To continue. On this course. It would not. Be something. She could keep. From happening. Liberty would not rush. Feelings so deep. They would come. When they were ready. And not before.

"I am excited for our trip. I just have a few extra things to get. But I'm basically ready. And as for explorations. I hope we explore both, afterall we'll need to give the tent a break at some point."

Liberty blushed. Looking away. Her body tilted. Leaning into his chest. This was nice. To be with him. He didn't mind. Her strange hair. Or her pale skin. He loved her skin. It seemed. Especially. The soft texture of it. Since she cared for it. Like no other. He didn't mind. Her dress. Or that Bix was part of her. He accepted her as a whole. And she accpeted him. The very same. Though he was not. Nearly as strange as she.

"How was your day? By the way."

[Pine]

Liberty began to throw out suggestions as to ways they could spend time together at school. All of them were reasonable alternatives to trying to search her out at school. Pine had no objections to hanging out with her after school considering school ended the same time for everyone. There was also far less of a chance they would be interupted by a fight as they would be at the school. School always meant there would be a fight. Pine had done well the last little bit in terms of avoiding fights but that didn't mean he wasn't unintentionally dragged into them.

Pine smiled when the mention of a date came up. She said that their first date would hopefully not be their last. Pine stroked her head as she said this. Her hair was just as soft as her skin. It felt kind of like silk in comparison. Liberty reminded Pine of one of those old china dolls made of poreline. As a matter of fact Pine had never seen her outside in the sun without an umbrella.

~Maybe she's a vampire!~ Ventured the little voice.

~I doubt that...Vampires are unable to move around during the day no matter the protection they wear. Not to mention vampires are mythical creatures, they don't exist.~ Said the shield.

~That doesn't mean much coming from the guy who believes in angels and demons.~ Countered the little voice.

~Alright I'll take that...Though if she was a vampire she would have either turned me or killed me by now. So she is not a vampire. Though I do wonder why she hides herself from the sun like that I should probably ask.~

"Give the tent a break?" Pine began almost shocked that she would say such a thing. "I had no intention of doing anything besides sleeping in it. I have no idea what your cooking up in that dirty little mind of yours but I like it." Pine said jokingly as she mentioned giving the tent a break.

In truth, Pine had no real intention of leaving that tent except for food and the washroom. Liberty just didn't realize it yet.

"My day was alright. Nothing special today I'm afraid...Well besides meeting Connor that is....I-I hope he's alright...How was your day?"

[bix]

Teasing
&& Laughter

Liberty. Could not help. But smile. The way that. He spoke to her. Was fantastic. She had never. Really had a friend. Least not. In a very. Long time. Even though. Pine. Was a great deal more. Than just a friend. He was fast. Becoming someone. That she could not. And did not. Want to miss. A day with. She called him. They talked often. She had not. Really. Sought him out. At school today. But she had also. Looked for him. Just incase. They happened. To be down. The same hall. But that was fine. They now had plans. To meet. After school. And walk home. Together. Which meant. A lot to. The young. Azure headed. Girl. She wanted. As much time. With Pine. As she could get. Without being. Too overbearing. With the time. They spent together. The last thing she wished. Was to suffocate. Pine into. Trying not. To spend time. With her.

As he teased her. About being dirty. In mind. She laughed. His hand. Was in her hair. And Liberty. Had never. Felt more comfortable. Or safe. Except. When they were in. ‘Their spot’. That was what. She thought of it. As now. Their spot. The place. In the woods. Were on the day. They had. Become a couple. Laying among. The foliage. Making out. Talking. And then. Falling asleep. With his head. On her bare flesh. Of her stomach. Her fingers. In his hair. And his arms. Wrapped around her. Holding her. So gently. And yet. Securely. At the very. Same time. It was a moment. She replayed often. In her mind. One she loved. Her first. Truly happy memory. In a very long time. Liberty. Didn’t laugh often. But here. She had. And a delightful laugh. It was. Making her blush. Just hearing the sound. Of it.

“Ah, well, in that case, I look forward to exploring the woods, the tent is for sleeping as you say. Forgive my mind, for traveling down a less.. savory path.”

Liberty teased. Him back. With a grin. On her face. He went on. Telling her. About his day. She listened. As he told her. That it was. Nothing special. That was. Until he met Connor. Guilt. Took over her face. As she sighed. Leaning her head. On his shoulder. She looked softly. Down at her hands. Which were in. Her lap.

“I will talk to him when I get home. Tell him the truth, me though, not Bix, she’ll mess it all up.”

The sunlight. Seemed to move. Out from. Behind the clouds. Liberty suddenly. Became alert. Her eyes studying. It for a moment. Even though. She was. Mostly covered. Still. It was something. She could not. Afford. A month. Of a rash. Wasn’t. Going to happy. Leaning back. For a second. She grabbed. Her umbrella. And with a press. Of the button. It unfurled. Out to her right. Away from Pine. And then. It was over them. Held by her hand. Shading them. As sunlight. Began to illuminate the park. She was now. Protected. Her legs. Would not be. But the tights. She wore. And the shoes. Would protect. Her skin.

“Are you hungry? Or uhm.. do you have time.. to eat with me? I was thinking, we could.. leave here… and maybe get something to eat? A little.. mini date.. or something?”

[Pine]

Liberty was attempting to tease back. Pine was impressed that she would do such a thing. It seemed that every time they got together she opened up more and more. It meant that she was gaining strength all the time and eventually the entity known as Bix would be absorbed. As two separate beings they were only half as good as they could be as one. Liberty was great there was no doubt about it. She had put on weight for Pine, she had come out more for Pine, she was going to go all the way with Pine, but for all intensive purposes she was too easily hurt and far to innocent. If Bix and Liberty were able to meld into one viable conscious being Pine would be set. She would be tough enough to handle herself but sensitive and open enough to deal with other members of the human race.

"Oh I see how it is." Pine began and tried to put on a serious face. "When I said sleep I think we might have had a misunderstanding. Considering we only have one sleeping bag we would be technically sleeping together. I dunno about you but I like to sleep in the nude. Not to mention I have no control over the lower half of my body...If you were to wiggle just a little on my lap we would have a problem. So me and you in one tent and one bag could be dangerous. Though I'm willing to brave the danger if you are." Pine couldn't hold a straight face or a serious tone and by the end had burst out laughing.

Pine saw a glint of light in the sky and looked up to see the sun peering through. He let out a small grin and looked at Liberty who had her eyes locked on the sun. She seemed bothered by the sight of it. As if it was a dangerous weapon, an instrument of death sent out to kill her. Suddenly without warning Liberty pulled out and opened her umbrella.

~HOLY FUCK SHE IS A VAMPIRE!!!!~ Roared the little voice in a panic.

~Calm down...There has to be a reasonable explanation for this. Said the shield.

~Yeah...She's a FUCKING VAMPIRE!!!! MAY THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPEL YOU BITCH!!!!!~

"Um Liberty hun...Why did you pull out that umbrella the moment the sun came out?" Pine asked nervously. He knew vampires didn't exist, yet he did believe in angels and demons. This was going to be an interesting conversation.

[bix]

Fun
&& Answers

It was true. That she knew. What was going. To happen. When they got. To the tent. Alone in the woods. Afterall. It was going. To be fun. And she remembered. All too well. What it was like. Being with him. In the woods. The day. They had begun. Dating. How much passion. Had moved. Through their bodies. And how much fun. They had ended up. Having for. One another. She had adored. That day. And remembered it. All too often. Causing random blushes. To cross her face. Depending on. Where she was. And yet. She remembered. Because it was a moment. In her life. That was filled. With utter happiness. Even when. She had to tell him. Where her scar. Had come from. It was not important. It was. To her. And to him. But in the memory. It was only a side. Something she had. Confided in him. But the most. Important thing was. That they had. Fallen asleep. Holding onto. One another. Softly laying. In the folliage. Her head. On his shirts. And his head. On her bare stomach. It was her favorite. Memory to date.

"I will, brave the danger as well."

Liberty chuckled. Shaking her head. As she pulled up. The umbrella. To cast the pair. In the shade. He still. Wore the hat. That she had worn. Here today. And thus. He looked adorable. In it. Her hand reached up. Unaware. His thoughts. Were on. Her strange behavior. Brushing his bangs. From his eyes. So that she. Could see them clearly. She smiled gently. She loved. His eyes. They were so beautiful. And she loved. to see them. Because they showed. His emotion. Which was why. She figured. He often hid them. Instead of. Letting them show. Both of them. Seemed to hide. In their own little way.

It was then. That he asked her. About the sunlight. Why she had. Just shaded them. For him. The sun was. No danger. He might. Burn if. He was in it. For a few hours. But he would not. Have the reactions. To it that she. Herself would have. Her eyes locked. Onto his. This was slightly. Embarrassing. To admit. And yet. It was something. That was. Completely. Out of. Her control. And it wasn't. As though. She was born. With the condition. It had happened. Around the age. Of twelve. Actually. When the sun. Had suddenly. Become her enemy. She had done. A great deal. Of research. On the matter. And it seemed. That was often. How it was done.

"You see, I have a condition. It's scientifically identified as 'photodermatosis'. Basically. I'm allergic to the sun. I grow ill. And my skin gains rashes from even the smallest amount of sun over five minutes in length. Too long, my body can and will go into shock. I would then, have to be taken to the hospital. It is one of the reasons. I wear so many layers, and dress so modestly. I try to allow myself, the minimal amount of skin to be exposed. Thus, if the sun comes out, it is easier, to hide."

Liberty shrugged. Her slender shoulders. It was just. Something she had. Learned to deal with. It was funny. That most. Believed. She was just. Gothic. Though to be honest. She had chosen to be so. Because of. The style. Because of the way. She could be. So protected. And yet still. Carry her very own. Most interesting. Style. Without having. To sacrifice. The sensitive skin. She smiled up. At Pine.

"Strange, I know, trust me, I've been told often. Well... by my family. No one else knows, except for Suichi, and now you. Suichi helped me fix my room, and the house. So I can move freely in the house without having to worry about the sun."

[Pine]

Pine breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Liberty. "For a second I though you were going to say vampire." Pine said with a small grin.

Instead of saying she was a mythical creature, which would have been funny, Liberty mentioned to Pine that she had a condition. The condition was best known as a sun allergy. Pine had heard of such a thing before and even seen a documentary on it. Pine had a belief that the idea that Vampires burned up in the sun came from these people. People like Liberty who would die if exposed to sunlight for too long. It actually made sense, considering how uncommon the disease is. There was medication that could help with the exposure problem but they didn't do much good.

Though Pine felt kind of bad for Liberty. He felt bad because she could never really go to the beach and play in the warm sun, go for runs, walk around in a bikini outside...Pine had to stop thinking about such things. The idea of Liberty walking around in a bikini was turning him on. The fact her skin was so pasty was offset by it's softness. There was no doubt that when Liberty was around she made a great pillow. Her skin was warm and very soft, there was no doubt great care was taken to keep it that way. Pine was sure he would find out exactly how she did it on their day in the forest. There was no way whatever she used on it could miss a couple days of application.

"It's nice that Suichi is so accommodating to your needs. I wonder though, how long do you plan on staying there? Eventually you will have to do one of three things, emancipate, go into the system, or go back home. I'm curious to know what you plan on doing?"