Desperation && Desire (Pine)

[bix]

In Need
&& Desperation

Storm clouds. Hung heavily. In the air. And seemed. To ripple. with electricity. There would be rain. Here shortly. And she knew. That she would certainly. Be wet. Later but for now. The rain. Was still up. In the clouds. The wind. Was non existant. The calm before. The storm. AS many would call it. It was going to storm. She knew it. It was all too obvious. Yet she was here. Why? Because she needed it. She needed a break. From the house. From the kindness. And from the looks. That inquired. With their minds. And yet not. With their lips. She knew that day. would come at some point. They would sit her down. And ask her. What it was. That had happened. What it was. That had driven them. Into their home.

It had been a while. Since she had seen him. Bix had. Been laying low. Because she knew. That certain people. Would certainly. Be upset. If they say her. With the way. That she. Had looked. After her father. Had beaten her. Severely that night. The one in which. Jeremiah. Had come to save her. She had taken. Weeks. to get better. But then. Had no place to live. and so she. Had lived. Whereever she could. Including the train station. As well as the park. This park. That bench. That she sat upon now. Sitting on the top though. Not the seat. Her feet. Were in the seat. Instead. It had been a while. Since had seen her. And things had changed. She was much more beautiful now. Than she had been. A home cooked meal. Every night. Certainly helped. With that.

She had curves. Especially now. Her hair was longer. Just slightly. Stright as well. Today. As she sat. Upon the bench. Flowing softly. Around her. Blue hair as always. No need to change it. From her favorite color. The right side. Pulled up slightly. With a silver barrett. That held a heart within. It caught. The almost. Non existant light. And gave a shimmer. Her eyes watched. The pond. That was in front. Of her. As the water. Seemed so stagnant. And yet. Above the storm clouds. Reflected beautifully. In the water. She wore a pair of jeans. Low riders. That accented. Her fuller hips. And a belt. Because of the weather. She was able. To dress. A bit more. Nicely. Though she was also. Doing it. Because Pine was coming. She wanted. him to be surprised. At her figure. Likely the one. That she hoped. He would enjoy. More than. Her old one. She rose. And when she did. Unaware. P ine was in sight. She had certainly. Filled out. Her chest. Was larger. And encased. In a long sleeve. Blue shirt. That clung. To her body. And her form. Like second skin. A swift breeze caught her hair. Letting it blow. Around her for a moment. Before it settled. Her eyes. Were torn. Between Liberty and Bix. Torn because. She was unsure. Of who to be, of what to say. Of his reactions.

Her eyes. Watched the water. Until she heard. Footsteps behind her. She turned. At the sound. And her eyes. Seemed to settle. On Liberty. The moment. That she saw Pine. Walking down the walkway. She smiled at him. Though it was barely there. Not as heartfelt. As it should ahve been. Afterall. She had called him here. Because she needed him. She needed him. Like she needed. No other. Not just. To be her boyfriend. But also. Because things had happened. And she was holding them in. She had begun. To shake. When she was not. In full control. Full on trembles. In bed. She would shake. For half an hour. Before she could calm herself. Enough to sleep. She needed Pine. And that was why he had been called. That was why. He was here. Coming to meet her. As he said he would.

"Pine"

Liberty walked. Over to him. And she hugged him. Taking in. His scent. It had been so long. She had missed him. So much. She sighed. Softly. Standing there. For probably. Just a few moments. Too long. But she needed him. More than he knew. She needed him. Like the earth needed rain. Though she was afraid. To tell him. Just how much.

"Thank you, for coming." she stated. Pulling back. As she turned. Moving back. To the bench. Unaware. Of any effect. Her body. Might have on him. For she felt. She had filled out slowly. But she wasn't sure. If she was. Attractive to him now. But only he could tell her. And she hoped. That he would.

[Pine]

It had been around a month since he had seen Liberty. It was a bit of a mystery to Pine as to who was avoiding who. For the first few weeks after the date Pine had not gone out of his way to find Liberty. There was still a great deal troubling his mind. A great deal of fear and mixed emotions he only partially understood. His minds were constantly fighting over his next course of action and what had transpired on their first and seemingly last date. Still, Pine did keep a lookout for Liberty and even visited the classroom she used as a safe haven a few times. The result was still the same, no Liberty.

After the first few weeks he began to inquire when they talked every few days as to what was going on. The answer never changed, she was grounded. Apparently she missed her curfew and was being punished for it. Pine did not find this unreasonable, it was not beyond his ability understand rules. Still, Pine did not understand why she avoided him at school and this led to more questions. Had he done something seriously wrong? Perhaps she was just as confused as he was and dealing with inner conflict. Bix was not one that easily gave up control. Even then, Pine swore it was Liberty he was talking to and not Bix.

Close to the one month mark Pine began to get worried. She was still avoiding him at school, he could not find her after school, and she began to sound worse and worse on the phone. As Pine continued to inquire and continued to run into a brick wall. He was beginning to believe she was not worth the effort. She may be grounded but there was no excuse for avoiding him at school.

Pine was in the shower when his phone rang and let it go to message. Pine got dressed before he checked his phone to find it was Liberty that called. She has left a message that asked him to show up in a designated park an hour from now. It was pretty clear something was very, very wrong. So what did Pine do? He grabbed a light sweatshirt and his Ipod and made his way to the park.

The song Prom Queen by Lil' Wayne playing his left ear as he entered the park. Liberty had not given him the exact location of the meeting in her message, only that it was in the park. So Pine stepped on the path and began to walk down toward the benches. Looking up Pine could see the clouds were heavy and there was the smell of rain in the air. His eyes scanned the area until they found blue hair.

Liberty had noticed Pine and she got up to greet him. She was different, not as skinny as she had been before. In fact she looked...attractive. Pine was almost dumbstruck as she embraced him. The feeling was different, she was soft and felt human. The embrace broke and Liberty thanked him for coming. As she turned and began to move back to the bench Pine's hand shot out and caught her own. He gently pulled back in order to stop her from walking away and forcing her to turn around and face him.

"You look good...Yet you could have shown yourself off at any time in school. In fact I haven't seen you in around a month. I hate to be blunt but I would like an explanation as to why you have been avoiding me until now... I kinda...I...I was worried." His little speech started off stern but by the end it was soft. It was true, he had been worried and because of it he wanted an explination.

[bix]

Decisions
&& Honesty

The hug. Was something that. She had needed. For a long time. Pine was still. The object of. Her affections. That was why. She had called him all the time. Why sometimes. He had notes. In his locker. You would think. It would be hard. For a gothic girl. To hide in the school. Blue hair blazing. Pale skin glowing. But she had found a way. Often waiting. Until Pine had left. A place he had checked. Before she used it. Herself. He had almost caught. Her once. In her special room. Upstairs. The one she had told him. To meet her in. If he ever wanted. To find her. But she had left. Through the other door. Just before. He opened it. For then. He would have known. Everything. And seen the damage. That she had suffered.

When she pulled back. She could only smile. And look. Into his eyes. She turned. So that she could. Go back to the bench. So that they. Could talk there. Afterall. This wasn’t the best. Conversation. To have while standing. She sighed gently. But he surprised her. By catching her hand. Quickly. And giving a pull. She spun back. To face him. Thinking maybe. He wished for another. Hug. She looked into his eyes. And she stood there. Unsure of. What he wanted. Or why he pulled her back. But he spoke. And she knew. That something was up. His voice was stern. And her heart broke. Eyes shimmering. With the tears. She refused to let fall. Just yet. For she knew. They would fall later. She had not meant. To hurt him. Only to keep him. From finding out. The truth.

“You’re right, you deserve an answer. That is one of the reasons why I’ve called you here. I .. I couldn’t tell you before. But, I need you Pine, and I hope you’ll understand why.”

The fact that. He thought she looked good. Had not passed her. She had filed it away. To beam over later. But she did. Push herself. Back into his arms. For another hug. Just to feel. His arms around her. One more time. And to help her. Stop shaking. It was becoming. More frequent now. And often. Would betray her. In her voice. When she spoke. With Pine.

“So much.. has happened Pine. I knew you were the only one I could ever tell my story too.. The only one that will understand me but I didn’t want you to see me like that…”

Bix swallowed hard. And pulled back. This was Liberty. Definatly Liberty. He was talking to. And while Bix. Screamed profanities. In the back of Liberty’s mind. She listened not. Because she wanted. To tell Pine. Just what. Had been going on. And why. She had been scarce. And avoiding him for a month. He had.. been worried. And she had never known. She meant so much to him. So as she pulled back. Her lips softly. Placed a kiss on his cheek. And she took his hand. Pulling him softly. Towards the bench. This really was. A sit down. Conversation. As she took him. If he went. With the bench. She smiled.

“I have missed you Pine. I apologize for worrying you, it wasn’t my intent, I only.. wished to avoid .. to avoid.. stares.. and questions I wasn’t ready to answer.”

When she sat, and he sat. She would put herself. Very close to him. Taking his hand. She wished. That they were dating. She wished. That they already. Had that connection. And yet she felt. That would only. Make her revelations. That much. More difficult. For now, she. Wanted to tell him. And then. Perhaps they could. Do something more. Be something. Much more solid. Than merely friends. Liberty looked down. At her pale hand. Against his own. And she smiled. It just felt right. To be with him. She felt so happy. And open. When she could. Be close. She had gotten. More open with him. Over the phone calls. That they had shared.

“I could not see you. It was my choice, yes, but it was not because I was grounded Pine. I had been grounded, so I did not lie. But.. the reason I haven’t seen you I was.. I was… was healing.”

Liberty. Looked up. At the sky for a moment. She wondered. If she should show him. For it was easier. For him to understand. The extent. Of her beating. If he saw. Parts of the aftermath. And not just hear. The story.

“My father…”

She rose, squeezing his hand. Just once. She sighed. And turned her back to him. Lifting up her tight shirt. He would see. Bruises covering her back. That had once. Been bone deep. And were now. Still deep. But healing. Turning around. She showed him her stomach. Which was the same. And then. She pulled her shirt down. But stretched. The collar down. From her neck. To show him a bandage under. Her left collarbone. Before she came back. To sit down again.

“My.. my face.. I was.. was waiting for.. for it to heal.. I’m surprised you didn’t hear the rumors.. I uhmmm… have stitches here.” Bix tapped the wound. From over her shirt. “And uhm… I .. I didn’t want you.. to see me that way and I..”

Tears poured. Down her cheeks. Her hand. Grabbed his quickly. Chest heaving. She didn’t. Want to cry. She figured it would. Make him uncomfortable. Liberty’s body shook. As she tried. To control. Her emotions. The ones. That had been. Building since that night. It was hard. Harder every time. Not to cry. Not to just. Let out. Everything. That had happened to her. She had lost her family. In that night. At least before. While they hated her. She still had them. And her brothers. But. Now she had. No one. She was taking charity. Living with a friend. For now. Though neither of them. H ad seen her wounds. Either. One was blind. But she was healed. Just enough. When she had moved in.

[Pine]

~WHY YOU STUPID, IDIOTIC, DUMBASS....~ The sword was angry, and the shield tuned him out until it had calmed down enough to communicate without any profanity and in a coherant manner.

~Why? Why would you go and outwardly tell her you... we...were worried? The sword asked barely able to control itself.

~Well she is a friend right? People get worried when their friends go missing for a month. By telling her we were worried and implying we may care more than she originally thought...We get the explination faster because she feels it's owed to us.~ Replied the shield in a cool and collected manner.

~Fuck you and your infalliable logic!~

As he focused back on the girl in front of him he noticed trembling and glassy eyes. Suddenly the stern approach seemed like the wrong course of action to take. Clearly, whatever had kept her avoiding him for so long was something he may not want to hear. Suddenly, coming seemed like a very, very bad idea. This little fear was validated by the fact she outwardly told him she needed him. All three voices in his head were silent as he stood there dumbfounded by the comment. Pine wasn't sure he wanted to be needed. It was nice to have someone that wanted you but needed was a whole different beast. That meant a whole new type of commitment Pine was not equipped for.

Liberty continued to speak and slowly the voices in his head began to react in chaos for the second time. Pine wondered what she meant by seeing her like that. Seeing her like...and then it hit him like a tonne of bricks. When they went out Liberty had bruises on the back of her neck from a family member. As she pulled back from a second embrace a kiss was placed in his cheek and he was led to the bench where they could sit.

The location this conversation was going was already known. A parent had beaten her up. Generally this would not overly bother Pine but Liberty disappeared right after the date. This meant he was responsible for what happened to her. She was beaten because he offered to take her out. She was beaten because he wanted to spend some time with her. She hurt because of him. The thought hurt even worse when she showed him what was left of the damage. He was especially bothered by the indication of stitches under a bandage. The location was just under the collar bone, that was a known area to put a killing blow. Right under the collar bone was the lung and many times a puncture there was fatal.

~Dude...That's just really bad... I don't even want to make a joke about it~ said the little voice.

~How the fuck could a parent do that to thier own child? I kinda miss my parents now...fuck....~ Replied the sword who had instantly calmed down and become depressed.

~I REALLY how this isn't our fault...If it is....I don't even want to think about it.~ The shield ventured.

He was barely paying attention to what she was saying now. Pine had seen many terrible things in his years as a gang member but nothing this bad. The whole idea of doing that to a blood relative was disgusting let alone doing all that damage to another person period. Pine was brought out of his daze by her crying. Liberty had grabbed his hands and now sat there shaking with tears rolling down her face. Pine bit his lower lip hard and pulled her into an embrace. He held her tightly against his frame and pulled her up onto his lap. He then rocked gently as he had the last time she cried on his shoulder. He would hold her as long as it took for her to stop crying. He would not force her to finish nor push her to let it out.

"I-I'm sorry..." Was all he could muster. There was really nothing else he could say.

[bix]

Tears
&& Pain

It seemed. That he. Was not. A stranger to her. At least. He did not. Seem as awkward. With her. As he had been. Before. She closed her eyes. As her body shook. And tears. Silently flooded. Down her face. Dropping. Upon her body. But he put her arm. Out and around her. Pulling her over. And into his lap. HOlding her closely. Holding her tightly. To his body. And that was. All it took. Before she began to sob. Unlike ever before. Letting out much pain. He was the only one. That had ever. Seen her really cry. The only one. She felt safe enough with. To cry with. To show her weakness. she clung to him. So tightly. As he apologized to her. And she cried. Shaking her head. It wasn't his fault. But weeks. Of her pain. Being held in. Was all coming out at once. And she couldn't. Seem to calm herself down. Her whole body was racked. With harsh sobs.

It was. Ten minutes. Before she. Finally calmed down. But her arms. Did not release. Her Pine. She needed him. That was no lie. Her eyes closed. Because they were sore. And because. She just wanted. To be around him. And in his arms. Like that night. When they had kissed. She missed that. Connection. She looked up at him. And she sighed. As she wiped. Her tears away. her swollen eyes. Looked up. Into his own. She bit her lower lip. and she touched.. His face. With her hand. She was unsure. What he understood.

"It isn't your fault. It's mine. It's all my fault Pine. I've missed you so much. But I .. I was swollen and black and blue, and I didn't want you to see me like that. Because.. because I like you.. you know that Pine."

Bix blushed softly. Curling herself. Up against him. Her head. On his shoulder. Her eyes. Closing for a moment. They were tired now. Now that she had cried. So hard. She had needed that. And the fact. That he held her. Through the whole thing. She needed Pine. She had told him so. But she doubted. He had understood. What she meant. With a sigh. Her eyes opened. But only half way. As she stared. Softly away. From them both.

"Pine.. I was afraid. I've never felt so afraid in my entire life. I nearly lost my life that night... I .. I don't stay there anymore.. I can't.. I have no family.. no home.. nothing. A friend of Bix's took us in.. they are very nice to us.. I.. missed you so much though. That's why I called all the time, just to.. just to hear your voice.. I know.. I know we are aren't.. dating but those pictures.. got me through.. a lot."

Liberty swallowed.

"Are you.. angry with me Pine? For not telling you?" she whispered softly.

[Pine]

Every person had a comfort zone. It was of course different from person to person. Considering how this who event was going Pine couldn't even see his comfort zone anymore. It was somewhere down the rabbit hole first star on the right and straight on till morning. He wasn't even sure what was going on anymore.

Pine understood the crying and that it was needed. Though the expectation was that all the time needed would be closer to five minutes and not ten. Crying for ten minutes straight was a long time. Not to mention the tears had soaked right through his sweatshirt and T-shirt. Pine was very uncomfortable but continued to let Liberty cry.

Now came the beginning of the fun, Liberty confessed she liked him. Pine couldn't say he didn't see this one coming, considering what was going on now and the events of the date her admitting it was not unexpected. What surprised Pine the most was that she said this was not his fault. Pine believed otherwise. Had he not kept her out so late, Liberty would not have been beaten black and blue. She would not have had reason to hide for a month and worry him. No, in Pine's mind he was to blame for all this and nothing she could say would change that.

Liberty stopped talking then and snuggled against him. Pine was unsure of what to say and as a result just sat there silently holding her. Her face turned away from him and looked toward the park and she spoke again.

"Pine.. I was afraid. I've never felt so afraid in my entire life. I nearly lost my life that night... I .. I don't stay there anymore.. I can't.. I have no family.. no home.. nothing. A friend of Bix's took us in.. they are very nice to us.. I.. missed you so much though. That's why I called all the time, just to.. just to hear your voice.. I know.. I know we are aren't.. dating but those pictures..." Liberty was cut off by Pine's lips connecting with her own.

The kiss was not a loving one, it had no real kind feeling attached to it. Pine just really needed her to stop talking for a few minutes so he could digest everything he had just heard. Scared, almost killed, disowned by her family and living with a friend. Too much information for Pine at once then to add in how much she missed him and how the pictures did something for her was more than he could bare to hear in one sitting. Now Liberty was just like him, alone. Disowned by her family because of actions she took. Actions he had participated in. How could she cling to him if this was partially his fault? How could she wish to be held by him, be kissed by him and even be around him knowing this?

Pine broke the kiss and looked away from her. "If...If we had never gone out that night...This wouldn't have happened. You would have never been hurt like this...You would still have a family, all be it a bad one, but still a family. Now you're like me and I cannot help but feel partially responsible for it. I-I am t-truly sorry for what happened to you..."

[bix]

Understanding
&& Explanation

He kissed her. At first. Liberty was. Thrilled by this. The fact that. He. Pine. Liked her. Perhaps enough. To date her. On a more. Permanent basis. She felt it though. Nothing was there. And tears. Burned under her lids. Fighting to find. Their way out. And yet Liberty. Would not let them fall. However. Once the water. Grew too much. They leaked. From her eyes. As he kissed her. An emotionless kiss. Only added. To the emptiness. That she felt. So as it broke. Liberty looked down. In her lap. he didn't. Like her afterall. To top everything off. Heartache had to. Hurt the worst. He spoke to her. Saying that. It was all his fault. That if he had. Not taken her out. That night. That everything. Would have remained. That she would. Not have lost. Her family. And her home. Because of him.

"That isn't it!"

Liberty rose now. Tearing herself. Painfully. From the arms she wanted. Most to be in. She walked. A couple steps away. He didn't understand. She was not sure. That she could make. Him understand. He felt. It was his fault. But it wasn't. It had nothing. To do with him. And everything. To do. With her father. While she could not. Actively cry. Anymore. Tears streamed. Down her cheeks. As she spoke.

"Please... please don't regret the best night of my life. Please Pine.. those pictures mean the world to me they got me through every painful day remembering the fun we had together."

Liberty's arms. Wrapped themselves. Around her slender frame. Clasping her body. On either side. Her fists balling up. In the shirt that she wore. Trying to maintain. Her composure. As she contintued to tell him. Just what it was. That had happened to her.

"It wasn't you. Believe me when I tell you this. This.. happened a week after the date. You saw me at school and things. Up til then. Mom wasn't home... she took the twins out for dinner. I wasn't hungry I had eaten a bit lunch. Father came home, he was angry, and my mom.. wasn't there.. normally they both come at me. But he figured he could punish me on my own. For doing witchcraft in the house."

Liberty looked down. At the ground. In front of her.

"He charged into my room. When I was chanting. I was wearing a crystal of protection. But my chant wasn't finished. So it didn't work. He .. uhmm.. did what he did.. and stabbed.. my crystal... into my chest.. and.. I blacked out after that. I woke up in the home of a friend.. I don't remember how I got there. But I was bandaged and stitched .. and cared for .. for a while.. "

Taking a deep breath she continued.

"My father needs no excuse. Nor my mother. To beat and abuse me in any way shape or form. So it was not you. It is me. I am not who they want, I am not the daughter they wished for. I am not the girl they wanted. I am strange, abnormal, a witch, and a recluse. I'm nothing to them, but a bother, and a punching bag. You.. you gave me something to hold onto. My first happy memory in goddess knows how long."

I just wish... you felt the same about me, as I do you.

[Pine]

You know when you say something and immediately regret you said anything to begin with. This was not one of those moments but it was close enough. Pine had gone and made the wrong assumption about what happened. He figured that this happened because of the date when actually this seemed not to be so. Liberty quickly got off of the confused boy and took a few steps back. It became pretty clear the moment she told him not to regret the best night she ever had. Also that the pictures helped her get through the painful recovery process.

~Don't you two feel dumb~ The little voice joked.

~Not now...Now is not the time.~ The shield replied softly. It was now fully concentrating on the blue haired girl that was now literally falling apart in front of him. Yet the problem lay in the fact Pine could not relate to her pain. His parents never took any action against him before they disowned him. No slapping, spanking, time outs or even a chiding. He could not empathize with what this girl might be going through. The thought was frustrating.

Liberty related the entire story of what happened to her from start to finish. The irony of getting stabbed by your own protection crystal was not lost on any part of Pine. Had this been different circumstances he might have cracked a joke about it. There was serious doubt as to if there would ever be a right time to use this as a joke. Pine could only helplessly look on as Liberty held herself in an emotionally defensive position. She continued to talk and drive her point home.

When she had finished Pine slowly stood up and walked toward Liberty. He once again wrapped his arms around her and held her close. Now it was his turn to speak and perhaps do a little damage control in the process.

"I wouldn't regret it. Everything that was said and done that night was not fake. Every kiss and action meant something..." There was a short pause as Pine tried to gather his thoughts to continue. "I...I Cannot begin to understand or try to relate to what happened to you. Besides being disowned my parents never disciplined me at all. I do not know what it's like to live in constant fear of those that gave life to you. Nor can I understand why they would hurt you like they have. I don't regret kissing you, or holding you, or the fun we had all...What I regret,i f that is even the right word, is what's going on right now."

Pine let Liberty go and reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. Reaching in he retrieved a small piece of paper and showed her the picture of the both of them as he tickled her.

"I want this one back...though...with the body you have now. It pains me to see you distraught and crying like this. Please stop crying and smile..."

[bix]

Finding
Happiness

He came to her. Rising from. The bench. When she was done. Speaking. About everything. He came to her. And wrapped his arms. Around her body. Holding her close again. Holding her to his chest. Letting her feel. The arms. That she needed. So much. That made her. Happy. Not to mention. Feel safe. Even if. He had never. Intended it to be so. She found. That Pine. Was the only one. She felt. She could trust. So completely. She could not only. Be Liberty. But she could confide in him. Things like this. His arms held her. To his chest. And Liberty's tense body. Began to relax. Snuggling into him. She closed her eyes. And listened. To what he had to say.

He told her. That he did not regret. Their date. And everything. Touching, kissing, holding hands. That they had done. During their date. Had not been. Meaningless. Liberty smiled weakly. Snuggling into him. Even further. Loving his scent. And the way. She felt so comfortable. She could be herself here. With him. He could not seem. To understand. That he was. What she needed. And what she wanted. More than that. In life. He confessed. That he did not know. What she was going through. That with her family. He could not imagine. That he had never. Been disciplined. By his parents. Merely disowned. Still though. She knew that. He was likely. Someone that could. Understand. Just a little. If not more than that.

He puled back. And she stood there. AS he got out. His wallet. Showing her. A piece of paper. But it turned out. To be the picture. Of him tickling her. That night. Brought a smile. To her face. He told her. That was what he wanted. That he wanted this Bix. And she looked up. At him with a nod. She pulled her keys. To the new house. Out of her pocket. On t hem. Was the stuffed. Dog that held. The picture. Of them with bunny ears. She showed it him. So he would understand. She was not. Kidding earlier. Putting it back away. She looked at him.

"I am her, and thank you for letting me talk to you. I needed to talk to someone and you were the only one I knew I could tell."

Bix stepped into his arms. Soft eyes. Looking up at him. As she leaned up. And she kissed him. Her hand cupped his cheek. And she felt. His hand move. Into her hair. Holding her as close. As she needed to be. Her lips moved slowly. At first. Kissing him. But then passion. And her emotions. Took over. And her kiss. Grew more passionate. His lips. Seemed to follow. And that was all. She wanted. Feelings. Conveyed through. This kiss. Her body. The new one. The one filled out. For him. She pressed it. Against his body. Hoping he. Would like it. More now. That she was not. So skinny. It broke. Only because. They needed. To breathe. And her eyes. Looked up at him. With a bit more. Life to them. Because she felt. A great deal better. After telling him. Everything. And the kiss. That had been kissed back.

"do you have time today Pine? I'd like to .. to spend some time with you today. It's been so long.. I'll buy you lunch if you want."

She wasn't. Desperate persay. She just. Really wanted. To spend time. With Pine. Afterall. It was nice. To just be with him. And she really did. Like him. Which she hoped. At some point. She would gain the nerve. To ask him to be. Hers.

[Pine]

They kissed then. An actual kiss. Not the empty type like Pine had attempted earlier to shut Liberty up so he could think or spur of the moment like their date. This kiss was purely deliberate and full of those soft, squishy feelings you observe so frequently in movies. Her hand cupped his cheek and his hand somehow made it into her hair pulling her even further into the kiss.

Two thirds of Pine watched dumbfounded by what was happening. The shield and the voice had no idea the sword was capable of such actions. He was meant to be the fighter, that was the sole purpose of his existence. Yet here he was in full control kissing a girl. Not just any girl but one he went out of his way to make fun of in the beginning. A girl whose handler he beat into verbal submission for sport. Not because he cared but because he wanted to see her squirm, he wanted to see the fear in her eyes, to watch her fall apart at the evidence of her own fallibility. It led the others to begin to question their need for existence. Were they truly needed anymore?

The sword of course was feeling like his old self again, in full control of it's actions. Though he wasn't completely sure as to why he was doing this either. The sword was going to leave it at 'it just needed to be done' and not bother to try to understand true reasons behind it. To him it wasn't really important, all that mattered was that he was content for the first time in ages. It felt nice. Almost as nice as her frame now pressing against his own. It was still bony, no one could fill out that much in a month, but her body was a marked improvement. It made him wonder what she would be like in another month. Still she did feel far more pleasant against his form. Pine's free hand moved to rest on Liberty's side before it slid around her frame to rest on the small of her back pulling her closer. Before the kiss broke he even let his hand venture down to her bum which was surprisingly tight.

The feeling brought a new hunger to Pine. He began to want something else on top of what he was already getting. So when the kiss broke and Liberty looked up at him Pine gently pulled away as she talked. His hands moved casually to his hoodie pockets where they would cover something else that was starting to grow. Liberty would not have felt it against her but right now if his hands were not in his pockets Pine was doubtful she would miss it.

"Food...I ate before I came just in case...But I could use a drink and perhaps...~A distraction~ company for a walk. Pine said as he held out an arm for her to link on to. Certain things were starting to get under control but one of his hands needed to stay in a pocket for now.

His little beings were furiously working to fill his head with enough unattractive thoughts and get him under control. It took a few minutes but eventually it happened.

~MEMO TO SELF...NEVER EVER TOUCH HER BUM UNLESS CERTAIN THINGS ARE ABOUT TO HAPPEN!!!! DAMN PUBERTY, GOT ME AGAIN!!!!~

[bix]

New Leaf
&& Closeness

Their kiss. Was hot. And this time. It felt. As though. He really did. Like and. Find her attractive. More so. Than before. As they kissed. His arm. Moved around. Her still slender body. She would. Always be slender. It as in her frame. In her nature. To be larger. Still though. It was nice. To be around him. Enjoying. This kiss. And the way. That his hand. Move down. Her back. Holding her. So that her body. Pressed. Against his. And his hand. Found her rear. Covered in the jeans. That she had worn. This day. And gave it. A squeeze. Making her passion. Kick. Into over drive. Wanting much more. Wanting to find. Out what would happen next and yet. To breathe. Meant she had to break. The kiss. And so she did. Pulling back.

Pine stepped back. And his hands. Moved into his sweatshirt. She wondered. If he was hot. In the sweatshirt. The weather. Was beginning to warm. AS spring. Had hit the city. Still though. She figured if he was. He would take it off. He explained. That he had eaten. Before just incase. Though she was unsure. Of what that incase was. But she figured. He had his own. Reasons. She took his arm. AS he explained. That he could use a drink. And some company. To walk with him. Her smile grew. As a nod was her answer. For the moment. As they found their path. And began to walk.

"I am hungry, I haven't eaten all day I was very nervous." she chuckled a bit. "So there is a place... around the corner ahead. .. a little cart that has hot dogs and drinks."

Normally. She wouldn't eat. A hot dog. They were. Disgusting. But this place. Sold turkey dogs. with turkey chilli. For the more. Health conscious. Person that might. Be in the park. Such as Bix. But they also. Sold the other normal hot dogs. But Bix. Would rather starve. That resort. To such. Deprevation. She looked at him. As they walked. And she smiled. Enjoying. That he was not. Mad at her. For disappearing. And was not. Adverse. To keeping company. With her for a while. Which was what. She really wanted. more Pine time.

"My absence, has been a while. Tell me, what have you been up to Pine. I hope something more interesting and yet less painful than me."

Bix laughed again. But she shrugged. Trying to get past. What had happened to her. There was no reason. To concentrate. On it. She lived with Connor. And Suichi now. They took care of her. And she did her best. To assure. That she did her part. In the house. Since they would not. Take any money.

[Pine]

"So there is a place... around the corner ahead. .. a little cart that has hot dogs and drinks."

Pine's nose crinkled in distaste. How could anyone enjoy the taste of street meat. Pine wouldn't touch the stuff even if he was starving. He was more geared toward the whole 'my body is my temple' way of thinking. Besides you never really knew what those people did when you weren't looking. Though, if this was what Liberty wanted then who was he to comment. Besides, the poor girl hadn't eaten all day and how would she get more attractive if she didn't eat? So Pine decided he would let it slide just this once.

"Less painful yes...." Pine started as he began to answer Liberty's question about what he had done for the entire month she was missing. "I really haven't done anything. Anything interesting that is. I read the books, worked out, talked to you, went to school, bantered with the other kids in the home...nothing really out of the ordinary." Pine finished.

Outside of spending time with her Pine didn't really do anything. He had very few friends at school and he only bothered to talk with a few kids in the home. Generally life was pretty mundane and boring for the kid. Then again, even an exciting life became mundane and boring after a while. Still there had to be something interesting he had done lately.

"Oh! Um... You remember that modeling agency that came to the school? Well I decided to get some pictures taken. I'm not sure if they are going to get used or what's going on with it but I did it. They said my pictures would work for a health magazine and that they'd let me know if they wanted me for more in a months time."

They approached the hot dog stand and Pine got himself a water. After Liberty ordered Pine payed for both the water and her food. As they left the stand it occurred to Pine that in a sense Liberty was now free. So was he, his parole officer had already cleared him to take a few days and go on vacation if he wanted.

"So on our last...first date we talked about going on a trip. Now that you are free of your parents and I can get the time away how about we take that little trip into the woods?"

[bix]

Lunch
&& Plans

He and she. Had the same. Opinion. On hot dogs. Especially. From a vendor. But she was starving. And she had to feed. Her new body. Or she would lose. All the weight. She had been trying. So hard to gain. So as they walked. And reached the vendor. He explained. That he had not. Been up to much. Though his time. Had of course. Been less painful. Than her own. Which she had asked. And yet. Already knew. The answer to. He explained. That he had read the books. She had given him. And that he had worked out. She enjoyed his figure. Very much. It was greatly. To her liking. And mentioned. The kids at his home.

"Are there many kids at your home?" Bix inquired.

When they reached. The stand. Liberty got herself. Two turkey dogs. With chilli. And cheese. She began to eat. The second. They were in her hands. She was neat about it. As neat. As one could be. With a chilli dog. And they stopped. For a few moments. At a bench. So that she could eat them. She would have rather. He mentioned. His modeling thing. And her eyes were on him. While she ate. And he explained. What was going on with that. And that he was. Supposed to hear back. From them in a month. Her smile widened. And she swallowed her bite. Quickly.

"That's fantastic! I'd bet you'd be really great at modeling. You have a nice bo .. I mean. ... uhhh " Liberty bit. Her lower lip. Trying to think. Of how to put it. And not embarass herself. Completely.

"Uhmmm a good... look for modeling."

There. That was safe. Enough for. Her. She finished. The last. Of her second hot dog. And wiped her hands on. Her napkin. He hadn't had. To pay for it. But she appreciated that he had. Her job. Was all she had. And she was trying. To help buy things. For the house. She lived in now. Trying to suppliment. Some kind of money. To help out. Since Suichi. Refused to. Charge her rent.

"So on our last...first date we talked about going on a trip. Now that you are free of your parents and I can get the time away how about we take that little trip into the woods?"

As Liberty. Reached out. Taking Pine's hand. Now that it wasn't. In his hoodie. Since he had. Bought the food. And water. She smiled. Blushing at the same time. And yet excitement. Reigned supreme. Over her face. As they began. To walk again. Her smile. Was already telling him. What her answer soon. Would be. The mere thought. Of being alone somewhere. With Pine was very. Pleasurable to her. Not to mention. They could. Get to know. Each other better. Not to mention. Sleeping in a tent. Where she could. Curl up against him. And to feel the cool night air. To get cold. As she often did. And share a sleeping bag. With him. So many thoughts. Ran through her mind.

"I would love to! Really I would. We could go .. like next weekend if you have time. I haven't anything to do I can get the days off work and tell the people I live with I'll be out for a few." she beamed. "I don't have any camping supplies though.. I'll have to go get some. I'm sure that Suichi has some. He seems well traveled so I can take care of some of the supplies."

Afterall. She wanted to make sure. That she was doing. Her part. If they were going. To take a trip. The real question was. How they were g oing to get there. When they both. Did not have cars. Unless maybe. Someone at the home. He lived in. Had a car. And could take them. Or she supposed. A taxi could drop them off. And if they had a cell. It could pick them up. But then. That depended on. How far the woods were. Where they wanted to camp. And so many other things. Their packs would be heavy. With water, food, tent, sleeping bags. And clothes. But still. She could not imagine. anything she wanted. To do right now more. Than that.

"We could leave early. On Saturday morning and then come back Sunday afternoon."

She knew that now. School was seven days. A week. But nothing. NOTHING was going to stop. Her from going camping. With Pine. Already she was excited. Her eyes. Her face. Filled with life. Only around him. Others still dealt. With Bix. Only Pine was able to get Liberty. And Bix intended. To keep it that way. Pine was special. To Liberty. And she needed. No one else.

[Pine]

"That's fantastic! I'd bet you'd be really great at modeling. You have a nice bo .. I mean. ... uhhh....Uhmmm a good... look for modeling."

Pine choked on his water as Liberty tried to alter her sentence. Coughing out some of the water he began to laugh. It was interesting that Liberty would say such a thing. Not because she was a friend but because she had never seen Pine in anything less than semi-baggy jeans and a sweatshirt. Now came the million dollar question, to mess with her a little or not to mess with her. Pine was never fully comfortable with the looks he got when women saw him without a shirt on. They tended to stare. The problem was since he had nothing better to do then workout all damn day his body always looked pristine. Yet the two of them were beginning to get close and sooner or later she would see what he looked like without the sweat shirt on. He might as well see how she`ll react.

Pine grabbed the bottom of his sweat shirt and T-shirt and lifted both off his form exposing his abdominals. A person who works out several times a day and watches what they eat can easily obtain the body Pine now had. Sporting only 10% body fat meant he had the muscle definition of a statue. Perfectly chiseled and on portioned but his were a little different. Due to all his fighting and conditioning his chiseled six pack were not just beach muscle but body armor. They were thick from extended blunt force trauma.

"You mean this body?" He said as if dissatisfied with himself. "I wasn`t aware you have ever seen me without a shirt on. I guess that was my mistake. Thanks for the compliment though."

Pine allowed his shirts to fall back into place before continuing to talk. When he brought up the camping trip Liberty went nuts. It was kind of cute to see her get so excited. Talking about needing this, what days they would be out, where she could get that. Pine needed her to calm down a little so they could talk about it. The only problem was how would he get her calm. Then it hit Pine and a small smirk crossed his face. One hand slipped around her back and the other swept under her knees lifting the girl off the ground. She was now literally being cradled in his arms.

`Whoa there kiddo no need to get so excited. We both need to plan this and see what needs to be done. So hows about we sit down and talk about it...Or I could just hold you like this for a while. Let`s start with something simple for example whose suchi?"

[bix]

Planning
&& Excitement

"You mean this body?" He said as if dissatisfied with himself. "I wasn`t aware you have ever seen me without a shirt on. I guess that was my mistake. Thanks for the compliment though."

What?!

"No no no!"

Liberty's face. Turned into. One giant. Red color. She saw his abs. Only now. And her face. Went even darker. Her hand reached out. And she brushed. Her super soft fingers. Against his rock hard abs. They were amazing. She would never. Have a body like that. But she didn't want one. She only wanted. To be attractive. To PIne. And right now. She was. Or at least she was. Getting there at any rate. After the kiss earlier. And the feeling of her butt. She figured. That if nothing else. She was on a. Really good track.

"I .. I haven't seen. .. seen anything.. I just.. just from.. from hugs and.. and how easy it is.. to .... to pick me up and .. and well.. because.. because well.. I think.. I think you're handsome!"

There! It was out. By God. She had said it. That she found him attractive. Her hand pulled away. As his sweater. Hung back down. Over his body. She looked at him though. Wondering why. It was that. He wore a sweater. All the time. When he had. Such an amazing body.

"Why then, do you wear a sweater a lot? I mean.. I mean you.. you're hiding .. uhmmm.. yourself.. Like.. like if I wore.. wore big things like that you'd prefer I didn't right?"

She was asking. But pretty sure that. She knew the answer. If he had a body. That was as beautiful. As it was. She could not see. A reason. Not to actually. Show it off. But she wouldn't force him. She was only curious. If he wished. To continue. With the sweater. She would never. Ask him to change. But hope instead. That when they got closer. He would begin. To show it off. A little bit more.

As the topic of camping. Came up. And Liberty began. To excitedly ramble. So happy. That this was going to happen. And that this. Was going to be. Just them. No one else. Out camping. Getting to know one another. Not to mention. That she wanted. To experience more. And the fact. That Pine wanted to take her. And they could see the stars. Among other things. It would be. a blast. She knew it! Suddenly. Pine moved his arm around her. Catching her attention. Immediatly. But he didn't. Stop there. Instead. He lifted her up. Under her legs. And now she was. Being carried. Bridal style. She was beaming now. Happy that he was holding her. Her head. Tilted and lay. On his chest.

`Whoa there kiddo no need to get so excited. We both need to plan this and see what needs to be done. So hows about we sit down and talk about it...Or I could just hold you like this for a while. Let`s start with something simple for example whose suchi?"

Kiddo?

Well she supposed. That she was. A bit excited.

Liberty blushed. As he gave her the options. She wanted to say B. Afterall. What was better. Than just being held. Right like this. It was comfortable. She was happy. He didn't seem to mind. And she didn't seem. Heavy to him apparently.

"Or both. You could sit while you hold me."

Ah yes. It was the best plan ever. But whatever he decided. So long as she was in his arms. She would be happy. It was the best place. For her to be. When he decided. She would go on. About answering his question. The one about. Suichi.

"He's my.. uhh guardian now I guess you'd call him. I went to visit my friend. Well actually.. it's Bix's friend, not mine. Yes.. she actually has a friend now. Anyway, Bix went to visit and they figured out she didn't have a home anymore. Cuz her bag was filled with clothes and stuff. So.. they gave her a room. Free of rent. Suichi is the man that owns the house. He looks after connor and now Bix."

Liberty smiled. Up at Pine. He was amazing. And she was having. A great time. This day. Had turned out. Far better. Than she ver thought. It would.

"He's originally. From Japan, and he goes on journies that's why I think he would have some of the camping supplies that we need so we dont' have to go buy them all." Liberty offered.