The inner self (Bix)

[Connor Dwyre]

OOC: Unless otherwise stated, I will be RPing as Suichi, Connor's mentor and adopted father.

Though it always seemed as if he was running errands, there were days Suichi chose to walk and take in the world around him. Right now, he was doing just that, as the day was not too overcast. No rain was to come, and the day was warm. At least enough that he needed no jacket. He wore a fedora, which was obviously his favorite. It was worn, and had lost it's bright khaki color. Though dim, it still gave the man character. He wore a short sleeve button down shirt, gray, and black dress pants.

There had been a bit of turmoil in his household over the past few days. Connor seemed fixated on his training, though his mind seemed elsewhere. There was a deep reason for his renewed enthusiasm, and he knew only part of it was his developing affection for Bix. The other reason Connor remained silent about. It took a few days for the boy to even admit what had happened after their talk, and Suichi could only chuckle. He had more insight than Connor did, and he felt bad for his student. After all, Connor had good intentions in mind. He just had difficulty understanding the situation.

Suichi found himself curious at the situation himself. He knew much, but had planned to approach Bix herself and ask. He didn't assume it would be easy, but he felt it was important. He was out now to clear his own mind, and meditate a bit on it. He passed the lake, and saw a young girl who he recognized instantly. Though, he had seen her frequently with Connor, now she was alone, looking out over the lake.

If Suichi had known this was where they had their own meeting, Connor would have chuckled at the irony of the situation. He walked slowly, his own gentle aura around him. He never held aggressive energy with him, as it would serve him no good. He approached the girl, and with a smile, greeted her.

"Good afternoon, Bix-san. I hope it is alright if I join you for a bit." He smiled, and gave a bow. "Oh, and the envelope is on your nightstand." The money Bix always left Suichi she always found on her own nightstand, with a message that read 'Much appreciated.' The envelope of money going back and forth had become something of a game between the Asian man and the Gothic child. It was understood, and neither was going to give in. The game was on.

"I was hoping to share a few words with you. Well, both of you. That is, if it is alright with you." He smiled, treading lightly, but being forward and honest.

[bix]

Father Figure
&& Confidence

It was cool out. The sun. Was not too. Bright. And yet. She was wearing. Her normal. Body covering. Clothes. Not to mention. A black lace. Umbrella over. Her head. Hiding her skin. From the harmful rays. Of sunlight. That beamed over head. It would not. Rain today. And yet Bix. Felt herself drawn. To this spot. Over and over again. She felt. As though it was a place. She was able. To collect her thoughts. The bench behind her. Went unused. It was unimportant. To her. She would sit. Whens he needed to. And before then. She would stay. Standing. And enjoying. The sound. Of the lake. And watching. The water. Ripple as the sky. And clouds. Moving across. The surface. Of the pond that she stood. In front of. Watching the world. Seem to pass her by. The crunch. Of shoes. Upon the gravel. Was not lost. On the girl. As she stood there. Listening to the sounds. Of someone. Impeding on her. Sanctuary.

Good afternoon, Bix-san. I hope it is alright if I join you for a bit."

Ah. Suichi.

Her eyes. Blank as they were. Shifted. Quite quickly.To see the face. Of her guardian. She was hoping. That perhaps. She could discuss with him. To get custody of her. Her parents. Hated her. And her father. Wouldn't even. Be able. To stand the sight. Of her. Especially. After Jeremiah. Had attacked him. For hitting Bix. Her goal. Had been. To ask Suichi. To adopt her. Or at least. Gain custody. For the one. Known as Liberty. Wished for this. She needed a family. And though. She felt right now. She had this family. Her. Suichi and Connor. But she felt. That perhaps. It would be. More permanent. If it was on paper. Somehow. But she was not sure. Afterall. It was just something. That happened. Still though. She was not sure.

"Oh, and the envelope is on your nightstand."

Bix grinned. She knew the envelope. The white piece of paper. That traded money. Back and forth. Between the two. A silent game. That Connor knew. Nothing about. Bix constantly. Put money in it. And on his nightstand. But then. He would give it back. However. He left his wallet. Inside. When he trained. With Connor. Bix had taken. To slipping money. Into the wallet. Not enough. To really notice. But enough that. He would recieve. Some form of. Reimbursement. From her. Twenty here. Twenty there. Just enough that. He wouldn't. Be able to. Notice much.

"Returned, it will be. Soon enough, I assure you."

"I was hoping to share a few words with you. Well, both of you. That is, if it is alright with you."

Oh was he now. How interesting. She had a feeling. This had something. To do with Connor. And the kiss. She still. Wasn't sure. HOw to deal. With something like that. And since then. Pine had asked her. Or more told her. That she was. Now his girlfriend. So that was. Harder now. To deal with. Than before. She did not. Want to hurt him. Bix did. In her own way. Care for Connor. Her Conrad. The name she. Called him often. At least in her mind. Because it was. A name she enjoyed. Rolled. Of the tongue. She had however. Taken to calling him. Con. Often enough. In the house. This way. He would not know. The difference. Between Conrad and Connor. Which were similar. Perhaps different of origin. Still though. She was not sure. How a nickname. Would be recieved. By the blind boy. He would either. Take it. As a sign for more. Or despise her. For being too friendly. When she tried. To keep them. As friends.

"Very well then, you may speak, if wish it you do."

Turning. Bix moved back. To the bench. Gently sitting. Down on the bench. Her umbrella still. Over her skin. Her body was clothed. Heavily. Jeans. Long sleeves. A light coat. Her hair up. In a pony tail. Behind her. The only skin. Exposed. Was her face. And her neck. Even her hands. Were clothed. In soft riding gloves. That allowed her. Most sensation. But without the harm. Of the sun.

[Connor Dwyre]

She grinned, and that warmed his heart a bit. He wanted her to feel welcome. Though there had been no formal adoption, he looked to her like he was now her guardian. If she asked him, the answer would be a yes, and he would do what it took to make sure she was comfortable and safe. The girl took to the bench, and he beside her. She seemed to have some idea what he wanted to talk to her about, though he suspicions would be a bit off.

"There are a few things I wish to talk to you about, some more important than others." He smiled. He knew now why she needed the shade, and he had taken the necessary steps to keep her room dark, as well as the whole house. This way, she could move around during the day as she pleased, without worrying about the sun's effect on her.

"I will get the least important one out of the way. Connor told me about the other day, though it took me a while to get out of him what was on his mind." He shook his head. "He is so strong, yet so soft at the same time. It is amusing. I have seen how he gets around you. He get's so afraid and nervous, and I have never seen him like that before. You have quite the effect on him."

He chuckled at this. "But, I understand that it isn't fully mutual. I wanted you to know that it was alright. I understand more than you may know, and I do know about the girl inside the shell." His voice was gentle, without hostility. "I understand you are a part of a whole. That you are a shield. However, I do not feel that it makes you any less of a person. My desire to speak to the one named Liberty is not because I wish to put her importance over yours. I would just like to understand both sides of the coin."

He smiled again. "There is balance in all of us. Yin, yang, light, dark. The black and white. I don't think it is that simple of a split with you and Liberty. I do believe that both light and dark resides in both. When I tried to discuss this with Connor, he became upset. I don;'t think I was clear with my words." He sighed. "I had referred to you as broken. That was not the right phrasing. Broken implies that something needs fixing. I do not believe there is something about you that needs to be repaired. I do believe there is a reason for your state of split mind. I should have said that to him. He had stayed mad at me for days because of that."

He shrugged. "The real reason for me wishing to speak to you was not about what happened between you and Connor the other day. That is for you two to work out. I merely would like to learn more about the girl who i accept into our little family. Bix, you are welcome and I assure you safe to be whoever it is you are within the walls of our house. There is no judge. "

"But, I would like to meet the other who shares the body with you. Not because you are unwanted. I would like to get to the true self. I believe you were always here. You were always a part of Liberty. The strength, the ability to endure and survive. You were always there. With her through everything. If and only if it is alright with both of you, I would like to meet her. And if you are comfortable, I would like to learn more about why things are the way they are. But, that is only up to you to decide if you wish to confide it to me. If you are not ready, or not able to, then perhaps another time when you are."

He calmly awaited her answer.

[bix]

Meeting
Liberty

He had talked. To Connor. About her. And he was right. She was broken. Though he tried now. To take his words back. She refused to let him. Though she said nothing. She knew that. What he said. Was true. She was broken. Split in two. Bix was created. To be the hard outer shell. That would allow her. To remain safe. To remain virtually unharmed. By the people around her. That were quick to judge. And hated being around. Her because of. Her strange behavior. Still though. She listened. Her eyes. Looking out at the lake. As he sat there. Beside her. Talking about. How she didn’t need. To be fixed. What she needed instead. Was to only merge. Back together. That she and Bix. Were merely two parts. Of a whole. That they just needed. To go back together.

“Believe, I do. Were that to happen, your charge. Would be crushed. Tells me, he has, that to lose myself, is indeed a fear.”

He explained that. His desire. Was not to. Push Bix away. As he began to state. Over and over again. But instead. He wanted to. Speak with Liberty. She wasn’t sure. What exactly. He wanted to say to Liberty. What he thought. He might get out. Of the girl. That was much softer. And more vulnerable. Than Bix. Bix was here. For a reason. And she did not. Let go of her position. Very lightly. He stated. That the reason. To speak with Liberty. Was not about. What happened with Connor. But to ask questions. And to find out. What was going on. With her life. And in her mind. What had caused. All of this to happen.

“As you wish.”

Bix closed her eyes. And her body. Seemed to relax. Just slightly. Her eyes. Stayed closed. As it took a moment. For the switch. Internally. Liberty was having. To quell. Bix’s fears. No matter. How many times. Suichi mentioned. It was not because. He wished more for Liberty. She still felt. As though. It would be that way. In the end. Once he met. The real girl. When her eyes opened. There was a softness there. Real emotion. In her eyes. As her head picked. It’self back up. And she looked. Over at Suichi.

“Hello, it is a pleasure to finally meet you face to face, Suichi.”

[Connor Dwyre]

He nodded. "Yes, I suspect that is the case. Connor has a fondness for you that I haven't seen in him before. Loosing you would not effect him positively." But, Suichi firmly believed that Bix wouldn't vanish. Not entirely. She would always be there. But, if Liberty had a relationship with someone else, then Connor would still have lost his best friend, and his only romantic interest. But, that was something he would have to work out at that time.

He could see and feel the shift. There was a warmth that was there a moment ago. During the switch, he could tell she was at her weakest. but, he was not hear to prey upon her. No, he simply wished to understand. To get the whole picture, not just a fragment. When he saw the shift, and heard the sweet voice, he smiled. He knew Connor had met this side of the girl. Yet, still he wished to be with Bix, not Liberty. Suichi tried to understand. Connor was guided by his emotions. So, why would he choose the one who was seemingly devoid of them?

He would not be rude, and the girl said it was a pleasure to finally meet him. He smiled. "A pleasure for me as well." He paused a moment. He was almost unsure how to proceed from here. Suichi, in all his experience, had never come across one like her. But, he had wanted to speak to her. "Forgive me for delaying in my response. I was not exactly sure how this would go."

He took a breath, and let it out. "As you may have heard, I wish to learn more about you. I would like to know why there was a need for a shield. Connor had brought Bix to me, and I could see the need for her to have a place to stay. Well, for both of you that is. Though, the reasons were not clear, I know Connor acts based on his heart. As I am sure Bix can tell by now." He chuckled at that. He could only imagine how that went.

"But, as I said, this is not about him. This is about trying to understand. I wish to know what is going on. I understand it is personal, and Connor refused to speak about even what he knew. If it is too painful, you don't have to tell me. But, if there is something I can do to help, or at least reassure you both that you are safe, I will. My only request is to have you share your story with me."

His tone was as gentle as ever. "Why is Bix protecting you, and what is it she is protecting you from?"

[bix]

Meeting
A father

It ws nice. to actually. Meet Suichi herself. He had conversations. With Bix. Nothing that. Ever seemed. To get them anywhere. But then again. Bix was not. Someone that. Would ever. Really have some kind. Of connection. With anyone. connor was. As close. As she had gotten. To letting anyone. Close enough. Bix did not. do emotions. As was so obviously. Stated when. It needed to be. Because some people. Did not seem. To understand. He was quiet. For a while. And she figured. That he had probably. Not expected. It to be so easy. to talk to Liberty. Afterall. Bix was very. Protective. Of the more vulnerable girl. However. She trusted Suichi. Which was saying something. Because she never. Seemed to trust anyone. She did not. Even fully trust Pine. Liberty. Trusted them both. Completely. However. It was different. With Suichi. Because he was like. A father. To the both of them. The father. They never had.

"Take your time, we've no time limit."

When he finally. Did speak. He said. that he wanted. To know. Just what it was. that had created Bix. What it was. That she was protecting. Liberty from. Of course. He could have asked Bix this. But he would have. Had to decifer. The way that she spoke. And thus. It would ahve been. A much more. Difficult. Conversatin. That likely. Would have taken. Several days. Of thinking. And figuring out. Just what she had meant. About everything. That she had said. He told her. That if it was painful. She did not. have to tell him. Making her chuckle. As she looked over. At her mentor. And she nodded.

"If it were not painful, Bix would not be created."

Liberty pulled her legs up. So that they were folded. In front of. And underneath her. This story. She knew. Would bread. Many questions. She knew that. And so she figured. It was best. To get as comfortable. As possible. Since not only. Was her story. Emotionally charged. Liberty. Put her umbrella. In the crook. Of her arm. So that she did not. have to hold it. So much. As it could lean. Against her body. She sighed.

"Once, I was a happy child. I had a great life, a mother who while she really was never good at expressing herself took care of us. It was normal. For the most part. My brothers were born, twins, we all have names of country pride. Justice and Glory, and myself Liberty. I do not know why. However, unimportant it is for the most part. My father, had never been nice. Stress at work and the stress of a family on a small budget. However, he lost his job... and I.. I became the stress relief."

Liberty paused. For a moment. While she spoke. Her eyes. Did not look. At Suichi. Afterall. She did not want. To see the emotions. That were going to move. Over his face.

"It was I. That was in trouble. I that became hated. The reason that. Everything had gone wrong. My mother. She did not care instead she rather egged him on and decided that she too would take out her anger on me. My brothers remained unharmed it was only me. They tried hard to be supportive but could only be when our parents weren't around because they would only get hurt later. At first. I suppose looking back it started off simply with just verbal things... I grew self conscious.. .and began to retreat into myself. But it only got worse. Beatings began.. and I .. I found that sometimes they would draw me in.. pretending to be soft, giving me time with them, enjoying their company and then.. they would go off on me... again and again and again I fell for it and no one ever cared. I began to be made fun of at school, at home, at work, anywhere I was for being strange aI trusted no one because I couldn't. Those which were supposed to love me harmed me and I found that everwhere I turned more pain was waiting."

Liberty's eyes. Dropped to her hands. The ones covered in the gloves. That she wore. She sighed softly.

"Bix was created. When I could no longer.. stand the pain." Liberty's hands. Balled up in fists. "There is only so much rejection and pain that a person can take I think, and one day.. I just.. died.. a bit. Bix stepped forward. .. my protector. She helps me get through my days when people are so cruel. Even now, people hate the way I speak, the way I dress, the pale skin, the everything. I don't understand. But I know that without Bix.. I would not be here. For I think I would have given up on any sort of life a long time ago. I don't know that I was made for this world, I've no real place to belong... it seems...."

[Connor Dwyre]

To wait, and listen. It was how Suichi had taught Connor how to move, how to fight. However, it was also the key to conversations. There was a reason he wished to hear the story from Liberty rather than Bix. No just for the way the young witch spoke, though that was part of it. Suichi had a accent when he came to this country, and he could understand her. But, it was because you could always read more from emotion, and Bix had little, if any at all. He wanted to hear Liberty's side of it, which he knew Connor had not. It was deeper than Connor knew.

As he listened to her tale, the pain and suffering she went through swept over the man who sat beside her. Thought, he didn't start bawling, his eyes did become moist. He felt a pain in his heart, and tried to comprehend how someone could bring a child into the world, only to treat them like that. How a father and a mother could raise their hands to strike their own blood... it made no sense. Suichi wished he could ease the girl's pain. He wished to let her know that she no longer had to go through it. But, he knew wounds like that ran deep, and only time and kindness could heal them.

The blind boy knew not of the mother's abuse, nor how truly painful it was for her. Connor's home life was not picnic, but Bix and Liberty's was far worse. When the child's story was done, which had it's effect on the older man, he put his arm around the child. He knew Liberty had comforted Connor the other day. It was time someone repaid her the favor.

He held her without speaking. Like a father is supposed to do for his children. When he did speak, his tone remained that which she was used to. At least form him. Kind, soft, and gentle. "Liberty, you have been through more than anyone should have to be. I am sorry you had to be put through all of that. But, you should not think you belong no where. You do belong, and so does Bix."

He had pulled away a bit, so he might face her. He smiled at her. "Though I am not used to the way you dress, nor the color of your hair, or the way you speak, it matters not. As I said the day you and I met, variety makes life beautiful. In my home... no, our home, you have nothing to fear. Be whoever it is you are. Though I cannot guarantee the outside world, within those walls you are safe." He smiled.


"Just so you know, I appreciate your trust in me. You have mine as well. I will keep your secrets safe. Even from Connor. If he is allowed to know, that is fine. If you'd rather I not tell him, that is fine as well." He wanted her to know that confiding in him meant he would honor her trust, and he would not break it under any circumstance. He paused a moment. "Bix does well to protect you. But, know you have more than just her to rely on now. You both have Connor, and you both have me."

He rubbed her shoulder. "You are a most interesting person, and I am happy to have you as a part of our small family." His tone and in his eyes, anyone could see he was telling the truth, and his words were sincere. "You will never have to worry about being struck either. The only way that might happen is if you wish to be trained in self defense, as I train Connor. Though, that is sparring. But, we can talk about that another time."

He grinned. "I only see one problem. Though you live with us, and you have moved in, it isn't fully official. I can call myself your guardian, but I am afraid legally, there is little I can really do. If you feel comfortable enough to wish to stay completely, I do believe I still have to deal with paperwork." He thought a moment. "If you are still a minor, that is. If so, it is a bit frustrating that your parents haven't even thought about looking for you. It doesn't surprise me from what you have said, but it is still frustrating."

He sighed. "Liberty, and Bix. If you wish for it, I will be happy to go through what needs to be done in order to make your stay official. You need only to tell me. When you are ready, we can take care of it." He smiled gently. "You are both fully welcome. Oh, and relay to Bix that she is wanted as much as you are. Even if she tries to hide it, I can tell she thinks that she is liked far less than you. Remind her that I am not so judging."

He chuckled. "And then there is Connor. I am sure she knows he cares for her, too." He chuckled again. He only wished he could have seen what had happened. Connor was like a small child at times. So innocent, and so naive. It was dangerous, and got him into trouble. A noble heart with good intentions, and followed by bad luck.

"When I told her that her only payment was to treat Connor well, it was that she would be a friend to him, and not harm him. She is still doing just that. Though, I do enjoy our little game of envelop tag." Which he had no idea he was loosing. He had still yet to notice the money in his wallet. For a man who had such great perception, he had still not caught the extra money that had appeared here and there in his wallet.

"If you don't mind, since I have you here, I would like a bit of insight. I am sure Bix has her reasons, and something more than that she doesn't understand emotions. I am not trying to have her decide. After all, she isn't required to date the boy. I am merely curious."

If Bix rejected Connor's 'more-that-a-friend affection, that was fine. He wouldn't kick the girl out for not being Connor;'s girlfriend, nor should they date and break up. That, and he truly didn't want to make the decision for her. That was not his mission here. He simply wanted to know a bit more, and he thought Liberty might know more and might tell more than Bix would. Though, if Bix wished to speak for herself, that was fine too.

"Of course, if Bix would like to explain, I am willing to listen. As I said before, your secrets are safe. If she or you wish for me to not tell the boy, I won't."

[bix]

Touching
Moments

He hugged her. He was lucky. This wasn't Bix. For she would. Have gone stiff. But instead. It was Liberty. And so. As he pulled her into. A very fatherly hug. Her arms. Went around his neck. And her body. Found itself. Against his own. Tears leaked. From her eyes. It would take more. Than a single talk. To get her. To heal. This. Was merely explaining. Why Bix existed. It had nothing to do. With acutally healing. Perhaps another time. When they were not. In public. Perhaps another time. When he really. Wanted to help her. Find herself. And remerge. With Bix. But right now. She wasn't sure. How that would happen. Or if he wanted. To go through. That kind of trouble. When others. People that had. Jobs for this kind of thing. Could never. Breach the surface. Trust was something. Not easily given. From Liberty nor Bix.

Still though. She found that Suichi. Was more a father. In the weeks. She had lived with him. Than her real father. Had been in years. She found herself. Looking to him. As a mentor and yet. Silently so. Never asking. questions. Never asking. For anything. She silently helped. Around the house. Doing the dishes. cleaning up. Doing laundry. Helping with. Whatever she thought. Needed help. She wanted. To be a good daughter. The kind. That Suichi smiled. When thinking of. And the kind. That showed her. Silent appreciation. For what she had been given. In a home. That had not been her own. Til recently.

He mentioned. That she should not think. She did not. Have a place. To belong. That she and Bix. Were both welcome. And belonged. In the home. That he had gifted them with. He was too kidn. She knew. That someone. Might eventually. Take advantage of him. Because he was so sweet. But she hoped. That no one would. Because they would. Scar a great good. In this world. Had Bix. Believed in God. She would have felt. That Suichi. Was a form of an angel. And yet. Pehraps instead. He was a gift. From the Goddess. To a pupil. That even abused. And beaten. Remained true. To the path. She had chosen. He mentioned her dress, her hair, her skin, her speech. All things. That marked her. As a strange being. That was true. She was not able. To help that. At the moment. Only Liberty. Spoke normal. Though still. She spoke formal. In a tone that was gentle. And yet somewhat. Detatched at points. It was not the confusing. Backwards speech. That Bix used.

"We would rather.. you not tell Connor. There will be a time to tell him, you may.. however.. explain to him that we are not broken just seperated if it would be easier on him."

Bix was shocked. As was Liberty. When he mentioned. That there was a problem. That problem. Being that while. In their hearts. She was one of the family. In paper she was still. Just a stranger. Taking up room. In their home. She was surprised. When he mentioned. That there would be. Paperwork. That had to be filled out. And that he would have to talk. To her parents. And that he wanted. To make his custody. Of her legal. She was indeed. A minor. At only sixteen. She was not an adult. And therefore. She was still. Considered a child. Therefore. She needed guardian. And it seemed. That Suichi was. Interested in. Becomming just that person. He mentioned. That he was surprised. Her family. Had not tried. To find her at all.

"Glad, we are sure they are.. afterall we caused them nothing but trouble why would they wish to find us. Me.. or Bix. It matters not we were never wanted there."

He mentioned. That if she wished it. He would fight for her. And go get custody. Of the girl. Like he had for Connor. Adopting Liberty Fontaine. No matter. That she was broken. That she had a psych record. That the phsycolgist. Believed she was unstable. Unfit for society. She had read. When Bix had taken. The folder from the man. He mentioned. That he and Connor. Both wanted Bix there. As well. That even if. She felt she was. Liked less. Than Liberty. He wanted instead. For her to know. That they were both. Wished for equally.

~Liar!~
He isn't lying, I don't think Suichi CAN lie
~Why did he want to talk to you then and not me!? He knows me, he's never met you!~
Exactly, but he also knows you don't do emotions. Come on you're like a robot
~You hide from emotions!~
Yes, but I can deal with them slightly easier than you who pretends they don't exist. Regardless, he likes you
~Whatever~

"We would both, like to be adopted. But fair warning, we've been to a psychologist that stated us as unfit for normal society."

He went on. To ask her. Just what it was. That made Bix. Only want to be. A friend to connor. And not something more. She wondered. If he would tell Connor. The thing was. That she wanted. To tell Connor and yet. They both knew. It would break his heart. Or at least. Hurt him. In some way. Neither of which. They wanted to do. She sighed softly. And looked down.

"Between us again, and I will tell you .. it's me." Liberty confessed. She looked down. At her hands gently. Which lay in front of her. "I .. like someone else. The truth is I liked this person before I ever met Connor. He's very sweet to me and yet he challenges Bix, but only to get at me, because he knows how to manipulate Bix to allow her hold on me to subside so I can experience things as well"

"He's very sweet, and when I was really hurt.. right before I came to live with you.. you remember.. my face.. well that was the best of it. The worst of it you couldn't see. anyway, we lost contact except through phone because I refused to let him see me like that because he would want to go and avenge me or something. We only recently hooked back up and now.. well.. we're dating and .. and I guess it's me because well Bix doesn't understand love. Or care like that. She understands. Strong..weak.. protectioning someone... these are things she understands."

Liberty sighed.

"He is falling for the wrong girl. You see.. we are the same person as you said. Split from the same person same being, same personality. But.. she is there to protect me from everything that would hurt me. Emotions and betrayal. Hurt me. So she is my protector. Hench why she doesn't understand the softer feelings. She doesnt understand why I like Pine or why I am constantly thinking about him... but.. she does care for Connor. In her own Bixxy way. She wants to protect him.. I fear that is all he may ever get from her.. I am the one.. that can love.. and like..."

"I don't want to hurt him. He doesn't deserve it and Bix refuses to let me tell him because she doesn't want him hurt. There we go protecting him. Giving him mixed signals but she doesn't understand. Anyway, speaking of P Pine. That's my boyfriend, we're going camping I was wondering if I could borrow that tent I saw in the garage a few weeks back."

[Connor Dwyre]

"I will not tell him. You have my word on that. I will tell him about the separation. Nothing more." When she said she wished to be adopted, Suichi smiled and nodded. She told him of the doctor's diagnosis, and Suich made a face like it was unimportant and waved his hand. "Bah to all that. I have learned that in this country, they want to label everything. You are both fine, at least in my opinion. I care not for what someone's else says of you. I am sure there would be a label for me if I got evaluated, too."

She spoke again, answering his question about Bix not returning Connor's feelings. The reasoning was sound, but it did cause him to chuckle a bit. "That is it, then?" He shook his head. "The boy and I are alike more than even I knew. Something similar happened to me in my youth. I hope you don't mind a small story from an old man." He grinned. "There was a girl I had many affections for when I was growing up. I had wanted to tell her, but had been to shy and self conscious to tell her. When I did, I found she wished only to be my friend, because someone else had her heart."

He sighed. "It was painful, yes. But, she had told me, and though I wished I could have changed her mind, I made me smile to know she was happy." He looked at the girl. "Admittedly, your situation is a bit more complex, but it is still similar." He put a hand on her shoulder. "My advice is to tell him, and tell him soon. Yes, it may sting him. But, by not telling him is doing far worse than hiding it. Though Bix believes she is saving him pain, it is going to hurt more in the long run by not speaking."

"He values her friendship above all else. He has told me that much. Yes, he does like her more, but it is her friendship he wishes for. So long as that remains, he will be alright. Trust my words on that." He hoped things would improve. He also knew that if Connor found out all this, he would know that Suichi probably knew. He would get angry, but in the long run, he would get by.

"If this boy is sweet on you, and he takes good care of you, than I see nothing wrong. I would like to meet him at some point, too. Nothing to fear, but I am sure you would like to have him visit. My home is yours now, too. Connor will have to learn to be alright with it. It may sound a little harsh, but your feelings are important, too. Do not feel like you need to hide things. As far as I am concerned, you and Bix are family now."

He smiled. "That is why I needed to speak to you. I wanted to welcome you both myself. i had already welcomed her. I felt it was your turn as well. If she was concerned with the why, now she knows. I am sure she can hear me." He had no idea that Bix asked why he needed to speak to Liberty. He was just taking a guess. Suichi's many years gave him acute perception and understanding.

She asked about the tent, and told him of the camping trip. "Ah, yes. My old tent. of course you may borrow it. It is large, though. It fits up to six people comfortably. All the pieces are there, and it is clean. Thank you for asking. You are more than welcome to it." He smiled at the young girl. "Just be careful."

"The three of us, you, Bix, and myself, at some point, may be able to find a way to help with your wounds. The ones that run far deeper than the bruises. But, we will work on that another day. For now, both of you should enjoy everything you can. Though, you and I do need to take care of the adoption procedure. Let me know when you wish to do that. I am ready when you are for it."

He hugged her again. When he released her, he grinned. "If Bix wishes to have her time again, I do believe our meeting is done for now. I thank you for seeing me, and I thank her for allowing me to see you. It shows trust, and I do not take that lightly. I swear on my honor that I will never betray it."

He waited for Bix to return, and bid Liberty goodbye. When he knew he had the young witch back, he smiled at her. "I should thank you directly as well. Your show of trust means much. I hope you can both find comfort and safety in your new home with Connor and myself." He sat there with her, not speaking for a few moments. He, too could enjoy the serenity and silence of the day.