An Outting of Awkwardness (Closed)

[bix]

Nervous
A Witch Torn

"A DATE?!"

Bix rolled her eyes. "Shut it. G."

Her brother. Known as Glory. To his family. Just laughed. Sitting. On the edge. Of Bix's strange room. Neither of them. Glory or Justice. were allowed. In her room. Unless invited. She had scared them. Long ago. Telling them. Wards would kill them. If they entered. Without permission. And she liked. to think. That some. Of that fear. Still existed.

"So.. you need our help?" Jus asked. He was. The kinder. Of the twins. The one. That she had. Really. Wanted to ask. For help from. But. Where one went. The other followed. It was a package deal. They said.

Bix nodded. Nervously. She tucked her hair. Behind her ears. "Um.. what.. to wear?"

AAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

"That's GOLDEN!" G laughed. "OUR big sister asking US how to dress for HER date. OH my god.. oh my god... it's too much!"

Bix bit. Into her lower lip. Sighing. She turned back. To her closet. Surveying. The choices. She had. A great deal. Of clothing. Most of it. Was blue. and black. with an occassional. Difference. In color. But it was rare. Even if. She possibly. Owned a different color. She mainly. Only wore two.

"Oh bite it G." Just said. Getting up. He went. Over to her closet. And began. To help. Neither were gay. It was just. They had. Far more experience. With socializing. Than Bix. And so. She had hoped. They would help. Her find what. She needed.

The hours. Passed. As Justice. Helped his sister. Get ready. For her first. Date. Of sorts. And Glory. Sat there. Interjecting. Sarcastic comments. About everything. They were doing. Even calling. His brother Gay. Many times. For saying. Certain colors. Didn't go with others. Still though. She cared not. It was.. almost nice. To talk to her brothers. Usually. She didn't. They tended. To avoid her. Like the pariah. She was. Her father's target. And that meant. That if they. Got to close. They too. Would be in danger. She sighed. As she looked. At the finishing touch. In the mirror. Justice. Had worked hard. To accent. Her assets. And yet. Give her. As much cover. As possible. Just like she liked.

She wore. A pair of jeans. That fit. Her body well. A deep blue. Simple jeans. No chains. Holes. Or anything. But Glory said. That guys. Would like them. For how they. Hugged her rear. Over those. A skin tight. 3/4length. Sleeved shirt. Of a medium blue. Clung. To her frame. Over that. A black denim vest. With bright. Silver zippers on it. Showing various. Pockets. Moved over. Her slender frame. It was zipped. Up the front. But just below. Her bust. Which would. so she was told. Accent those. And.. it did. Oddly enough. Her hair. Was up. In a bun. Held there. By two silver. Chopsticks. And she had. Four bracelets. On her left wrist. 'Normal' shoes. As Glory called them. Just a pair. Of heeled boots. Hidden. Under her jeans. She was ready. The boys had left. Back to their. Room. And Bix. Picked up. Her cash. Shoving it deep. In her pocket. She headed. Down the stairs.

"Where do you think YOU'RE going?" asked her father. Harsh was his voice. As he stepped. Up to her.

"Friends." she stated. Simply.

His hand. Shot out. Grabbing. Her forearm. Just inside. Where her shirt. Covered her skin. She could feel. The bruise. Rising immediatly. His other hand. Grabbed. The back of her neck. And she cried out. As she was slammed. Against. The wall.

"Home by ten. And don't be late. We both know. You wouldn't want to anger me Libby." he hissed. In her ear.

"Correct." she whispered.

Harshly. He shoved her. Towards. The door. And she left. Quickly. Before. He could. Change his mind. On letting. Her go at all. Outside. With a sigh. She knew. She was going. To have to take. Her hair down. Taking the. Pins out. She left them. On the door step. Shaking. Her silken. Locks down. And combed. Her fingers through it. Walking. Towards the school. Twenty minutes later. She moved. Up the sidewalk. And leaned. Against the pillar. That held the gate. Upright. She leaned there. Nervously. Her hands. Clasped behind her. Her body. Cast. In the light. Of the spotlight. Above her head. As she waited. For her date. To show up. So that she could. Have the good time. She knew. She was going to.

[Pine]

Pine didn't have time to run around the city searching for his way home. He knew it was his own damn fault for wandering into a part of town he did not know. In his own defense, Pine did not expect to run into someone that might be worth hanging out with. In truth, that remained to be seen with Liberty, but you never knew. People were always good for a surprise or two. After about ten minutes of walking around Pine felt lost so he nervously asked a person for directions. The person replied and with that Pine made it home in 20 minutes.

"Where have you been?" Jennifer asked as he walked in the door. Her left hand on her hip and a small grin on her face. Jennifer was one of the other kids that lived in the house and at 17 she was quite the eye catcher. Long black hair, olive skin, dark eyes, hour glass curves, awesome smile...There was no need to go on. The only problem was that she seemed to like to stick her nose in Pine's business. Often she called herself his older sister. She was also the only person the sword never hesitated to talk to.

"Shopping for stuff where have you been?" Pine countered.

"Here as always, so what did you get?" Jen inquired

"Some shirts and a couple books I needed to replace." Pine responded in a monotone manner.

"So what are we doing tonight?" Jen responded and looked over into where the living room was. There was a large T.V. in there and tonight was CSI night. Pine loved CSI and it was probably the only time the two didn't prod each other.

"We?" Pine asked quizzically. "I'm going out to meet a friend."

"Oh really...what's her name?" Jen prodded, a small grin crossing her lips.

"Says who it's a she?" Pine countered cooly.

"The fact you're avoiding the question. So what are you gonna wear, please tell me it isn't going to be that pin striped hoodie again. Pine's eyes widened as she spoke. Was he that transparent to this girl? He at that second knew how Bix must have felt.

"What's wrong with the hoodie?" Pine said defensively.

"Wear the greenish zippered one with the different sized black lines that looks kinda checkered. It fits you better and does a good job of showing off those arms of yours. Wear a black T-shirt under it and a pair of dark denim jeans." She replied and crossed her arms over her chest but below her bust so they stuck out more. Not that her 32C didn't stand out enough already.

"As you wish sis...You know if you weren't my sis I'd spend all my free time with you in a heartbeat. Hell I might even compliment you and stare at your bum among thinking of doing other things you might like. Too bad isn't it?" Pine's tone was full of mischief and sarcasm. He wasn't going to leave quietly after being put on the spot and he knew exactly how to get at her.

"Begone you troublesome little demon." She snapped but the little bit of rose coloration in her cheeks said it all. The score now stood at 1-1 for the night which was good enough for Pine.

With that, Pine ran upstairs and dressed exactly as she told him too. Not because he wanted to, but because she was right. He did wear the same thing every time he went out. The green sweater did hug his arms far better than the larger black one as well. After dressing he placed his new books on the bookshelf and touched the spines affectionately. He was happy to have them once again on his self where he could look at them for hours on end as he used to. Though Pine did not enjoy dwelling on the past there were a few things that always brought him comfort. The books were a couple of those things.

Pine left the home and made his way to the school arriving his usual 10 minutes early. Pine had a feeling Bix was a punctual being and would show up early in turn. The only question was how early. As Pine would feel bad for making the girl wait and didn't mid waiting himself he always arrived 10 minutes before the meeting. Since she was not there, it figured there was time to kill so Pine entered the school grounds and took a seat under a tree. It was about five minutes before Pine saw a figure move to stand under a spotlight. The long blue hair was a dead giveaway as to who it was.

Pine got up and began to move toward the girl who seemed to dress in an attempt to impress. As stated before, she was a little on the skinny side for Pine's taste but the way she dressed did help. In fact, as he stopped beside her giving her a full look over he would say slightly impressed was a good way to explain it.

"I'm not gonna lie, you look good Liberty." Pine said before he could stop himself.

"A-anyways...any particular place you would like to eat or... to try?" He asked in a slightly nervous and embarrassed manner.

[bix]

Blushing
Beauty

Bix heard. The crunch. Of shoes. And her blue eyes. Shifted. To see. Him coming. From the grounds. She pushed herself. Slightly. Off the wall. Looking over at him. A blush. Took over. Her neck. As well as. Her face. When he seemed. To let his eyes. Drag over. Her body. She had thought about. Filling out. Just for him. She could eat more. If she set. Her mind to it. And she thought. That if it. Would make her. More attractive. To him. She could begin. To stuff herself. At any time. Because. While she did not. Know him. All that well. Just yet. She was interested. In him. And wanted. Him to find her. Attractive. And she would do. What she could. To make that. Happen. When his eyes. Were done. Taking her in. She had to admit. That she was glad. She had asked. For her brothers' help. She was glad. That she could. Make him. Look over her. A bit more. Than usual.

He said. That she looked nice. That he had. To say that. Her own eyes. Blue. And gentle as they were. Looked over him. The sweater he wore. Was tight. On his arms. And his body. She liked the way. It showed him off. And the way. That she enjoyed. Biting. Her lower lip. She let her eyes. Look. At his torso. And then his eyes.

"You as well."

He asked her. Where she might. Want to go eat. And she stepped up. to him. He had told her. That he would pay. For their dinner. Which her brothers. Said. Meant this. Was a date. And so. She was glad. For that. Her hand. Rose up. And placed. Itself on the inside. Of his bicep. A blush. Coloring her cheeks. Once more. She was glad. To be with him though. Afterall. He was good looking. And they. Had a great deal. In common.

"Ummm.. how about some place fun. Like burgers or pizza. It's.. not too expensive, and it's not too fancy. Not really dressed for fancy." she smiled softly.

She was quiet. At first. when they. Began walking. She wasn't sure. What conversation. They should talk about. But it was Liberty still. She refused. to let Bix. Ruin her date. Even if. It would make Pine. More comfortable. Later. Maybe. If there was. No other choice. But for now. She wanted. To do this. Herself. She wanted. To prove to herself. That she. Liberty. Had something. To offer someone. And not just. Bix.

"What.. do you like to eat Pine? We don't have to go with my idea. It is your date as well , you know." she chuckled softly. "Do.. do you think.. that maybe.. after we eat. We could go somewhere else? I mean.. I.. am in no rush. To get home."

Despite. What her father. had said. She would risk it. Not knowing. If tonight. Would be. the only night. They were able. To get together. So she wanted. It to last. As long. As possible.

"Unless. You... have somewhere else to be."

[Pine]

~Why is she looking you me up and down? Why is she continually blushing? WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!!~ The sword began to rant as he began to feel uneasy once again. It was turning out to be a nasty habit around this girl.

~Is your date making you nervous?~ The shield asked with a snicker.

~Not a date!~ The sword retorted angrily.

Liberty moved over to him and placed her arm within his own much like Roxy had done when they went out. As to follow suit Pine went rigid and looked down at the skinny arm locked on his bicep and then to a face that was yet again blushing. This girl blushed so much it was scary. Not to mention with her pale skin it was even that much more obvious. It was like a ghost turning into a tomato to give an example of the contrast.

To break the seemingly awkward silence Liberty answered his question about what they could eat.

"Ummm.. how about some place fun. Like burgers or pizza. It's.. not too expensive, and it's not too fancy. Not really dressed for fancy."

"I ummm...I don't do fancy. If you had come expecting fancy I would have felt kinda bad considering how I'm dressed. I guess... That worked out well for the both of us" Pine's words were nervous and hesitant. For whatever reason he felt far more uncomfortable with her than he did anyone else. It really didn't make much sense considering both had much in common when it came to dealing with themselves.

~I KNOW!!!! CHUCKY CHEESE!!!~ The little voice yelled with glee before bursting out laughing.

~HA...NO! Yet you do give me an interesting idea...~ The sword said and began to lead the way.

After a few seconds Liberty asked Pine what he liked to eat. Also mentioning that they did not have to go with her idea if he didn't want to. She also used the word date and it caused him to flinch slightly. The sword blatantly refused to consider this a date not matter the circumstances. The voice and the shield greatly enjoyed watching him squirm, the toughest of the tough scared shitless by a harmless little girl.

"No...Your suggestion gave a good idea that will allow us to stay in one place and have as much fun as possible. In fact we could probably spend the whole night there and not get bored." He began in an attempt to hype his little idea. "Ever been to Dave and Busters?"

After she answered he would answer her question about food. "I eat just about anything but I try not to eat too much fried food or fast food." He replied and kept walking. He assumed his comment about staying at Dave and Busters was a good indication that he had nothing better to do and could stay out as long as he wanted.

"Was there somewhere else you would prefer to go? After I mean?"

[bix]

Dave and What?
Excitement Builds

He stated. That he. Was not into. Fancy. Which was good. Because Bix. Was not interested. Either. Afterall. She really. Was not. Into dressing. That way. And besides. She never. Seemed to fit in. Because of many. Different reasons. Firstly. She did not. Really find. That spending. That much money. On food. As a good idea. She could eat. For a lot cheaper. And besides. her job. Did not really. Pay that much. So she tried. To save her money. Because. You never knew. When you might. Need it. And with. Her father. The way he was. She could not. Know when she might. Need to leave. And stay somewhere. For a few days. Furthermore. Her manner of dress. Was not. What most. Would accept. In a place. That considered themselves. Fancy. Not to mention. Her speech. Alone. Set her apart. And furthermore. Made her. Somewhat. Antisocial.

He mentioned. Dave and Busters. Something. Yes. She had heard of. Vaguely. But she had. never been. And she didn't. Figure that it was. Her scene. Now it was. Said to be fun. Whether. You just wanted. To eat something. Or perhaps. Instead. to play games. But most. She felt. Would do both. Which was. What they too. Would be doing. And she could imagine. That it would. Be fun. When she got. A bit loosened up. Not to mention. It would be. Interesting. To have such. A great time. And she figured. That it would. Be fun. Especially. With Pine. ~You should put your head on his shoulder~ The voice. From inside. Came through. And Bix's eyes. Narrowed. Just slightly. But widened again. So that. It was. Not obvious. I"m not so sure that's a good idea. Did you see him flinch when I mentioned the word date? A dark chuckle from within. ~ All the more reason to do it!~

"No.. I haven't been. But I've heard of it here and there." she mentioned. "Sounds interesting."

Liberty. Turned her neck. To look at Pine. And a stab. Of pain. Entered. Her nervous system. She bit. Her lower lip. As her free hand. Floated up. To her neck. Feeling the bruise. Rising there. And the heat. Under the skin there. Before. It seemed strange. She let her hand. Gently fall. Back to. Her side. ~We should kill him!~ What?! Who!? Pine!!! NO! A dark chuckle once more. Punctuated. Her mind. ~The parental unit~ Oh. Well yes. That is the plan. Isn't it. A silent grin was her answer. Her thoughts. Were interupted again. As she looked. At Pine again. When he asked. If she wanted. To go somewhere else.

"No.. no. It's fine. Really. I'm interested. To see this place. And.. it'll be fun. We can like you said, hang out there. .. all night. And then.. if we wanted.. we could.. go somewhere else. Or home." she chuckled nervously.

A quietness. Took over Liberty. She felt. So awkward. She doubted. That he realized. The amount. Of effort. It was taking. To seem. So very normal. When she was. Anything but. Of course. She wasn't even. Close to seeming. Normal. At all. But. She did try. Not wanting. To always be so strange. Wanting. To give him something. That was nice. Something. That he could. Hold on to.

"Um.. so.. do you live.. close to school?" she asked. Her blue eyes. Looking. Over at him. Curiously.

[Pine]

How could it have been possible Liberty had never been to Dave and Busters? That's like saying you had never been to Chucky Cheese when you were younger. EVERYONE has been to Chucky Cheese that was a fact. At least in Pine's mind it was. Still, considering Bix it was not completely unbelievable. She didn't seem like someone you would invite to a birthday party or party in general unless you were going to make her the butt of your jokes. With that in mind he didn't know how long Bix had been around, so Liberty might have also never been to Chucky Cheese. Pine was not going to ask her because if he did he knew a pitying look would appear on his face. Pine was not one to receive pity and therefore he would show none to others.

When Liberty turned, bit her lip and put her hand on the back of her neck Pine noticed. He looked her over curiously before speaking again. Her speech became distant and she seemed to be only half paying attention to what he said. The nervous chuckle was a dead give away. Her mind seemed to be on her neck and Pine stopped walking. They were standing right under a street light and he slipped his hand out of her hold and up to her neck. He moved the hair out of the way and was met by the sight of a large bruise beginning to develop.

~What the hell?~

"The hell?" Pine said and thought at the same time. The problem with having three different voices in your head was that you never knew when something would just slip out. There have been several occasions where Pine has been found having a conversation with all three of his voices out loud. He even tried to play it off as something for a drama skit. Luckily the student that saw him didn't take drama and left.

His mind began to race a little at the sight of her neck. Not because she was hurt but because whatever happened could have been a direct result of his earlier actions today. For all he knew those kids came back after Pine left and tossed her around a little. Perhaps she just fell and hurt herself. Slipped on some spilled water and hit her head on a chair or something. If not that left two options Pine never liked to think about, self infliction or done by a family member. Pine was never beaten as a child, which was why he was such a shit disturber, but he had seen the results. It generally never ended well for the child.

"What happened....d-did those kids come...back after I left?" Pine asked as his speech reverted to that of the shield who had taken over control while the sword pulled itself together.

[bix]

Caught
Red Necked

They walked. And she was about. To speak more. Until he stopped them. Standing underneath. A street light. Her eyes. Shifted. And looked up at him. Not really understanding. Why it was. They had come to a stop here. But then he pulled. His arm. From her grasp. And then moved. So that his hand. touched her hair. And he moved it. To the side. NO! Liberty cringed. Physically. Not out of pain. But out of. Him seeing what. Was going on. Him seeing. Why she was. the way she was. Finding out her secret. so easily. Finding out. What it was that had. At one time created Bix. She bit her lower lip. As he saw the darkened skin. Which seemed so dark. And red. Turning black. Against her soft pale skin. The kind. That was not marked. In any other way. Just this bruise.

He exlcaimed. And Bix cringed. She was fighting Liberty. For control. Of the body. But she would not. Let Bix. Ruin the date. If that was. Still going to happen. Even tonight. After this. If he still. Wanted to be around her. Now that he understood. She was not just weird. She had issues. And she had a family. That hated her. She was not loved. She was hated. And she was never wanted. That she could. Have left the house. And she doubted. That she. could have left. And no one. Would have really cared. But maybe her brothers. Or at least. Justice. Pine. Seemed to think. That the kids. That had made fun of her. Had come back to her. And she bit. Her lower lip. She shook her head.

"No.."

Her voice. Was a soft whisper. As she reached up. Brushing her hair. Back down. Around her shoulders. Her hand. Reached out. And took his own. She had no. Idea why. But she just. Felt like. It might. Make her feel better. Her fingers wrapped. Around his hand gently.

"It .. it wasn't them. Do you.. really want to know Pine?" she looked up. At him gently. With her soft. Blue eyes. The stuttering boy. Was back. And her eyes glistened. Softly. "I.. I am sure. You already know. Inside."

Liberty swallowed. Harshly. As she looked up. At him. She was not. Near tears. She was well passed crying. She had been. At once in her life. But when. Your father had stabbed you. Intending. to take your life. You found. That tears did nothing. So she allowed. Them to build up. Within her. Over and over. More and more. Never releasing them. And thus.. Bix.

"Weak.. I .. am weak."

[Pine]

Pine allowed his hand to fall from the back of her neck to his side again. Her one word answer made it pretty clear that this had nothing to do with the boys earlier. There was no reason to disbelieve Liberty who had no reason to lie. At least that is what Pine was telling himself to believe.

His eyes widened when her fingers intertwined with his own. He looked down to see her small hand holding his own. He didn't stop her, didn't even bother to attempt to pull away. A part of him knew better than to look at her neck but he did anyway and now he had to accept the consequences of his actions. Standing there like a statue as she continued to talk. Liberty was over estimating him, she believed he knew exactly what had happened. In truth, he could only guess at what might of happened. He didn't know which parent she lived with, if her family was both parents, if she had siblings and if any of them were capable of doing that to her. There were too many variables for him to make anything more than a simple guess.

"You give me too much credit. I don't know what happened to you...I can only guess." He replied before she spoke again.

Pine frowned at the defeatist attitude she was showing. People that believed they were weak became weak. To Pine weak was just a state of mind. You might not be as strong or as smart or as skilled as an opponent but that does not make you weak, it only means you have things you must work on.

"Victory is never infinite, defeat is never final...Weak is only a state of mind..." He said and pulled Liberty close to him so her head was over his shoulder. He wrapped one arm around her upper torso so his hand was resting on the back of her head.

~Fuck are you doing?~ The voice asked.

~I dunno...I'm not in control...~ The sword answered.

~Yes you are...I'm not doing this~ The shield said defensively.

~Oh....um.....~ The shield tried to answer.

~Wait you don't know?~ The shield asked.

~Playing with her?~ The sword replied almost as if asking for approval.

~Whatever...~ The shield said in an uninterested manner.

"Even the strong cry. So let it out so we can get to having fun already." Pine said and pulled her closer with his one hand. He hoped the sad moment would be over soon so they could get to having some fun. It would be hard to do if she was going to be mopey and defeatist all evening. Pine came for the promise of fun and he intended to have some.

[bix]

Stress
And Comfort

She looked up at him. When he told her. That he did not. Know what she meant. He could not. Read her mind. He could only then. Guess what. Had happened to her. She nodded. She wasn't sure. That she could. Bring herself. To say it. On their first date. Afterall. It wasn't something. One said. And it wasn't. Knowledge that. Seemed to happen freely. She looked up. As he told her. That you were only weak. If you. Believed you were. Making her nod. Once more. She couldn't help it. She did like him. Pine was. A very sweet guy. And she liked. The way that. He smiled at her. When he let himself. Just be himself. And wasn't worried. About being so strong.

What surprised her though. Was when. He pulled her in. With the hand. That held his. Pulling her close. And to his chest. So that her head. Lay softly. On his sweatered. Shoulder. Her eyes closed. And it was taking. A great deal. Of her will. To keep herself. From crying. She was not. The kind of girl. To cry. But there was just something. About being here. With Pine. And knowing. That he probably. Actually cared. Somewhat about her. Not just as Bix. But as Liberty. Which made her feel. As though. If she happened. To cry. That it might. Not be so bad. Still though. This was a date. And there was nothing. That ruined a date more. In her unexpreienced mind. Than crying on it.

Still though. Her head fell. And snuggled. Into his shoulder. His arm. Was aorund her waist. And his hand. Pressed. Into her back. HOlding her closer. Her arm lifted. and circled. His neck. Just softly. Letting herself. Take comfort. in the physicality. Of the situation. For the firest time. Normally she was. Not into contact. Especially. With people. That she didn't really know. But Pine. Was a special case. In many regards. He told her. That she could cry. If she wished. And then. After the stresses. Were gone. They could go on. and have some fun.

Bix shivered. In his arms. Shuddering slightly. Before tears. Wet her dark lashes. And she finally cried. It was a long time. In the making. But never. Did it even. Breach the surface. Of the actual pain. She felt. However. She let go. Of the tension of the night. And the pain. That the back of her neck. Reminded her of. It was soft. Silent crying. There were no sobs. And minimal shaking. His sweater. Didn't get too wet. Just a little bit. and she did her best. Not to sniffle. Too much. Because she. Really did not. Want him to think. Her stranger. Than he probably. Already did. It was only about. Three or so minutes. Before she stopped crying.

"Thank you." she whispered. Softly to him. As she pulled her head. Softly off. Of his shoulder. Looking up. Into his eyes. Her own. Still glistening. A bit with the tears. She had recently shed. As well as. A newfound. Respect for her Pine. As well as. Enjoying getting. To know him. Even more.

"Lets go. I want to see this place of yours. And.. to have fun. To forget home.. for a while." she smiled with a gentle turn. Of her lips. Her hand. However. Didn't let go. Of his. She kept. Holding it gently. And would. Wait for him. To begin walking. Once more. So that she. Could walk with him. As well.

[Pine]

By over in a minute Pine was hoping Liberty would say she was okay and push away. There was no actual expectation that she would oblige his request which really wasn't a request. He felt her begin to shake, he could feel a little wetness on his shoulder, and he could hear the sniffling. Pine stood there rigid, he offered no words of comfort, he didn't rub her back or pull her closer, he just stood there and let it happen.

~I didn't know you had the capability of being sensitive sword.~ The shield ventured in an impressed manner.

~Fuck you...~ Was the reply which followed.

They could not have been standing under the light long when Liberty finished crying. To Pine it seemed like an eternity and a half. She pulled away and thanked him with a small smile.

~What no blow job?~ The little voice said as if offended.

~Grow up and watch your mouth.~ The shield countered in a threatening manner.

~Well we just stood there and let her cry for God knows how long...I DEMAND COMPENSATION!!!~

~Whose we? You hold no form in this body voice so shut up and don't make demands for things you do not deserve. Besides...I have no interest in letting a person that close.~ The sword said in a calm manner.

Liberty spoke again and Pine looked down to see their hands were still intertwined. They continued walking with Pine slightly in the lead. It was a nice twenty minute walk even if it was in silence. It wasn't that Pine didn't want to talk to her it was just he wasn't sure of what to say until they reached one of the many Dave and Busters in the city.

"Here we are!!! The adult version of an arcade, billiards, bar, and restaurant all in one!" Pine exclaimed and pulled Liberty quickly along and into the building. The place was full and had signs directing people to whichever area they wanted to go to first. Pine turned to Liberty and gave her a small smile.

"What shall we do first, game or eat, ladies choice." He gave her a small wink and waited for her reply.

[bix]

Consoling
Silence

They walked along. In silence. And yet, to her. It was not. An uncomfortable one. The clip clap. Of her boots hitting. The concrete. Was almost comforting. She heard too. That shuffle shuffle. Of his pants dragging the ground. His boots hidden. Beneath them. She did not mind. The quiet. It gave her time. To cool herself down. And it gave her time. To be able. To get Bix. To shut up. And move again. to the background. Not to mention. That she wanted. Just a little time. To think. And she never minded. Silence. The busy streets. Were never really quiet. And it was just. A small area. Of quietness. Shared mutually. By two beings. Holding hands. On a chilly street.

It wasn't long. Nor uncomfortable. Until they reached. The building. The bright neon signs. Made it all too obvious. They had reached their destination. The brick. Was slightly delapidated. But it was only. Well loved. And in a part Of the city. That might be. Considered historic. So it gave it. A bit of character. And Character, endeared it to Bix. He seemed. so happy. To have gotten here. It made her smile. She couldn't help it. It was an honest. And open smile. Something that was almost. Wholey unguarded. Seeing as she hadn't. Expected him. To be so excited. He tugged on her arm. And she felt the jolt. But she cared not. she was ready to go. Inside as well.

But.... with the moments before. and the fact. That his warm hand. Held her own. It was endearing. It was sweet. And she loved the way. It felt in her own. They moved up. Into the building. And stopped. Neon signs pointing. In a myriad. Of direction. Telling them. And directing them. To the different areas. Of the larger building. They were in. he turned to her. Excitement seeming. to bounce from his very body. She chuckled. A bit carefree. In nature. But she was just. Having fun. For the first time. In so many years. Liberty ws enjoying herself.

"Eating. I am.. hungry actually. And.. you said, I needed to gain weight. So.. lets start with that."

Liberty beamed. It was just. So easy. To be happy tonight. Even after her father. Even though. She knew she was. going to be late tonight. She purposefully. Asked Pine to make her late. She didn't care. Because these moments. Of happiness. However short lived. Even if. They never happened again. She knew. That she could. Always look back on them. And remember. That happiness. Could still be had. That she could. Find it. Somewhere. She just. needed someone. Someone to believe in her. Someone perhaps. Named Pine. If he gave the care. To do so.

They moved. Down the hall. Hand in hand still. She was happy. Her eyes. Were almost normal. Still guarded. somewhat. Becaus she was still. Very much afraid. Of letting someone. hurt her emotionally. Still though. It was better Than the girl. In the shop. They were shown. To a nice table. That was not too private. But not really. Next to the loud party tables. And she sat down. Finally, reluctantly. Letting go of his hand. The coldness. Almost made her shiver. The void where. The warmth. Had once been. Sitting down. Close by. She took her menu. And began. To read over it. Trying to decide. What she would. Feast on tonight.

[Pine]

~HAHAHA WORDS THROWN BACK IN YO FACE FOO!!!~ The little voice laughed as Pine flinched.

The flinch was an involuntary reaction to her comment. The comment was based on something he said earlier that day. He remembered making the comment about her needing to eat something but didn't expect her to take it to heart. Assuming she did take it to heart. He didn't mean it in a bad way she wasn't a complete twig but...

"I didn't mean that...I didn't...mean to offend you...." Pine said nervously before he let out a small laugh. "If you remembered that then it's safe to assume you remembered I offered to pay for the food as well."

They walked through the small crowds of people to the restaurant and were given a booth to sit in. The atmosphere was pretty nice and they were surrounded by actual couples and families. Just looking at all their happy faces and the bonding going on made Pine feel uneasy. He didn't have a family anymore, no one to lean on. His eyes were distant as he looked around and took in his surroundings. A feeling of loneliness began to grow in the pit of his stomach and suddenly coming here seemed like a bad idea.

Pine absently picked up the menu and began to look through it. After passing the junk food he came to the good stuff. His mouth watered at the word steak. Pine wanted steak, it had been ages since he had a steak. Pine closed the menu and put it down and looked back at Liberty.

"You can grab whatever you want, money isn't really a problem. I would suggest the chicken Parmesan. It's actually pretty good."

[bix]

Happy
For the First Time

Bix looked up. He seemed. To flinch. As though. he had not. Meant for her. To bring that up. But she was not. Embarassed. That he thought her. Too thin. yes she was thin. But it was because. If someone thought about it. She could be. Classified as Anorexic. it wasn't that. She didn't eat. She just rarely did. Only once. maybe twice a day. But she just did not. Have time. nor did she want. To eat with her family. She refused. To deal with them. And being around her father. Was something. That she was not. Interested in. Especially since. She always ended up. with a new bruise. Everytime that she did. So she did her best. To stay in her room. And ate when she had to. Or when she grew dizzy.

"Never fear!" she explained. Quickly. "Offended, I wasn't, merely, .. that.. wish to change, I do.. for.. to.. look better"

The blush on her cheeks. Was all too obvious. But even still. He remembered. That he had told her. He was paying for dinner. Which was why. This was not just an outting. It was a date. Bix's first date. And she was excited. To see what would happen. And how much fun. They could have. When they were able. To just let loose. And have a good time. They went through to the resturant. And were shown. A nice table. Fit for the two. Of them. Sitting down. Across from him. She could tell. That he was nervous. Their menus. Were set down. And she opened hers. But did not. Yet look down.

"Nervous? Why?"

She asked gently. But he changed. The subject, suddenly. Mentioning. That the bill was on him. And she. Could get anything. That she wanted. But he recommended. The Chicken Parmasean. She smiled.

"I think then, I will have that. It sounds good. I like pasta. My mother, she used to cook it. For me on my birthday and often... but.. I don't really get to eat it anymore."

She put her hands. On top of the menu. Not even looking at it. Taking his reccomendation. She might as well. It was good. And again. She loved pasta.

"What will you get?"

[Pine]

"If you love pasta then I suggest you have one of those instead." Pine said casually as she put down her menu.

He ignored the question about being nervous. Pine wasn't nervous merely uneasy in the current environment. Spending a year in an out of a courtroom and confinement generally did that to a person. Especially a person who had nothing waiting for them at the end of the road. No family or friends for comfort, no one to tell him it was going to be alright. No one to hold his hand or console him, to give him courage to see it through. Now he was surrounded by people that all had people to care for them, people they willingly let in to share with.

Pine could not do such a thing. He loved his family and when he needed them the most they turned their back on him. Why should he allow someone to have that much power again? Allow someone in that would just betray and leave him to rot. No, Pine didn't need people in any way besides keeping him sane. If he had no one to talk to, he probably would be worse off than he already was.

He did begin to think though, why this girl kept blushing around him? Why she felt the need to change? What purpose did it serve her to do so?

~To impress you maybe?~ The shield ventured a guess.

~If she is...She won't get what she's looking for.~ The sword replied plainly.

~I guess it really depends how much she is willing to try.~

"I'm feeling a medium rare steak for dinner to be honest. I haven't had a good steak in ages." Pine replied and looked for their server. "So Liberty what do you do in your spare time besides working?"

[bix]

Information
On The Interest

"This one has pasta."

She explained to him. but that was alright. She was not worried. She wsn't trying. To critisize him. She actually. Enjoyed being around him. Else she wouldn't. Be here at all. And yes. she was trying to change. Just a little. She wanted to. Fill out a little for him mostly. So that. He would be. More attracted to her. And not just that. But she also. Wanted to. Give herself. A bit more of a chance. To be around him. And to be able. To enjoy getting. To know him. More and more. She wanted him. to want to spend time. With her. She wanted to date him. to know him. To be his girl. Even though. He was still. Mainly a mystery. She wanted to solve it.

He mentioned. That he was going. to get a steak. And she gave a smile. Aftewards. He asked her. What she was interested in. Especially, when. She was not. At work, or school. She gave a slight smile. She felt. Like she wanted. To hold his hand. Once more. But she really. Didn't want to be. Pushy. Nor clingy. She was trying. To take some time. And trying. To make herself. Wanted. Admirable.

"I study, frequently. I am.. much a hermit, in my own home. Hiding I supose, in a way. My room, I stay there, most. Witchcraft. Potions, spells, glyphs, pentograms. Chalk drawings. Tarot. The like." she explained. "I am sure. You could have guessed with my occupation as a student. It.. pays okay, and I get a discount.. as well as, it's somewhat free access to referrence materials."

She gave him a smile.

"What about you, Pine. I'm sure you have.. several, interesting things that you do." Bix smiled warmly.