Spring Showers (Connor)

[bix]

Solitude
Heartache

There was nothing. Worse. Than the feeling. That despite. A world of people. You were alone. That despite. How people said. That all men. Were created equal. It was a bold lie. It was amazing. How alone. Someone could be. When surrounded. By so many others. And yet somehow. Remain invisible. Different. Was over looked. Novelty wore off quickly. And all. That would remain. After that. Was a lonely person. With a heart. Torn assunder. By those that. Seemed to find. People. Were unworthy. Of their attention. Unworthy. Of their love. Their affection. Of anything that might. Show the person. That they were worthwhile. In some form or fashion.

She stood there. Looking out. At the pond. That was there. Dark clouds. Hung heavy. In the air. Above the park. Casting dark. And beautiful bruised shadows. Over the land. The wind picked up. It would be raining. At some point. In the near future. And yet. There Bix stood. With no real. Intent to move. any time soon. She was not. spellcasting today. She just. Was in a mood. She belonged no where. Not home. not school. Not here. Nor there. She felt as though. She was living. A lie. Or perhaps. That she would never. Actually find herself. a place to belong. She was dressed. A bit more normally. Than usual. And yet still. Had her own style.

Bix wore a pair. Of very low rise. Black jeans. That hugged. Her overly slender form. Tightly before. They ended. In a simple tennis shoe. And not boots. A flowing. Blue shirt. Moved from. The high neck. To her hips. Loose fitted. And yet. Somehow. Accenting. A black onyx. Pendant hung. Against her chest. Her hair. Was down. And she looked out. Over the water. Her eyes pensive. And curious. And yet. She felt so.. lost. Silver bangels on her wrist. Jingled as. She shifted. Her hands. to slide. Into her pockets.

Footsteps. Headed towards her. And the girl. Who smelled very much. Like ginger. Stood there. The wind. Blowing her scent. The way of the boy. That headed. Her way. She sighed. Looking up. At the sky. Before back. At the water. Feeling that right now. Was the best place. For her. and with this mood. It was just. Where she belonged.

The only place.

[Connor Dwyre]

Rain. The scent of rain was heavy in the air. Connor loved the rain. Cool drops of water falling in no real pattern on the ground and every object. The sound of the fall, the feel and smell... he loved it all. There was more to it than that. When it rained, it was almost as if he could see. Though there was no color, there was detail. Vivid detail that he normally didn't have. The fall of the drops sent out sound and vibration, as different and varied as the objects the fell upon. It was at these times Connor could almost always be found outside.

He was in a fine mood today. So far, life had been kind to him. He didn't hold his breath, nor expect it to last. But, he lived in the moment, and the moment found him on one of his wanderings. He was going sans cane again, as he wanted to get used to being without it. As it was mostly empty now, he didn't need it's aid. It was the school that demanded it's use. He much enjoyed feeling that he didn't need it, though the halls of PS 42 were a cold reminder that such was not the case.

The dark clouds held promise for him. For the storm held hope. The clouds brought the rain, the rain brought life. The wind... well the wind brought to Connor a very nice scent of ginger. He followed the scent, for he had an idea of what it belonged to. Or, more appropriately, who. As he approached, he could make out the form, one that at least seemed familiar to him. Very familiar. He had held that form close to him a few nights ago. It was his new teacher, his new friend.

He didn't run, but he did get excited. After all, when you only have one friend in the world, and you get to meet up with them, it was an exciting moment. At least, for him it was. He just hoped the feeling was mutual. With Bix, sometimes it was hard to tell. But, that just made Connor want to try harder.

He made his way close to her, and stood there, quiet next to her. Again, he got to enjoy a quiet moment near her, which was something they knew they could share without discomfort. The silence was broken, but not shattered. His gentle tone flowed over to her.

The common phrase might be 'long time, no see,' though it would make little sense coming from Connor. He smiled. "I'll admit, I like finding you using ginger over blood."

[bix]

Familiarity
Reunited

The steps. Grew closer. Heading. In her direction. Perhaps instead. Just someone. That would be there. To enjoy. The rain. As well as. The beautiful way. That the sky. Played on. The water. And the way. That the sky itself. Grew ever darker. She was ready. For it to rain. For her body. To feel the carress. Of the rain upon her skin. In her hair. Soaking her down. Reminding her. that she was still. Alive. And that she could. Still feel. That she was not. Dead inside. As she felt. As though. She was coming. Closer and closer. To that every day. As the footsteps stopped. The person was beside her. And she knew. In an instant. It was not Pine. For he was short. Tall as she was. It was not. Jeremiah. For he was a great. Brutish man. That towered over her. It must then. Be only one other.

Connor.

When sh elooked over. She found. That she was right. There stood. The red headed man. That she had met. some time ago. And that ha dtaken her. Into his home. And had showed her. What it might feel like. To be accepted. As bix. Not having to worry. About changing. All the time. She could just. Be herself. She saw him there. Standing there. Looking out. Unseeingly at the scene. That she found. So very beautiful. He spoke then. speaking of. Locating her by. The scent of ginger. Instead of the scent. Of blood. Which was how. She and he. Had first met. She smiled. And gave. Just a light chuckle.

"Perhaps then, I shall remember that."

Bix looked over. At the young man. That stood there. By the pond with her. It was nice. Just to be there. In silence. Standing there. Enjoying the quiet. Enjoying being able. To just stand there. With someone. That understood her. And that seemed. To want to be. Around her. Even as Bix. He seemed. Happy right now. Opposite her own mood. And she wondered. If he could undertand. the place. That she was. In her life. Right now. Standing here. Waiting for rain. Because it seemed. That this. Was the only place. That she would ever. Fit in. And the only place. That she would ever. Belong.

"Walk, then with me, if you will."

Bix turned, and waited. Knowing that. He would be. Following her. And they walked. side by side. her arm. Hooked into his. Since it was best. To help lead him. And not only that. But it was best. To have contact. So that he did not. Lose her. Because she sometimes. Would walk off. In a different direction. Her eyes catching. something that. She found most interesting.

"Tell me, then, what you have been up to." she inquired. "The weather, rain it will, at peace here I will be. Judgement follows not, the rain. But instead, those where seeds grow in hearts gone cold."

[Connor Dwyre]

He heard a chuckle, which he didn't expect. Not from her. But, it was nice to know she could. After all, he wanted her to be relaxed around him, even if he did get shy around her ever now and again. She wanted to walk with him, and she linked her arm in his. Again, that familiar blush crossed his face, but he was happy. He liked the feel of her arm in his.

He was dressed as per normal. Even donning his shades and gloves. But, as he knew she was the only one, once they linked arms, he removed them. She was the only one who didn't judge him, the only one who wasn't uncomfortable about his eyes, or his scars. There was still one she hadn't seen, but that would require him to be shirtless. He didn't see that happening anytime soon.

She asked him what he had been up to. "Honestly, nothing too exciting. Reading, mostly." It was mostly the truth. The other part, the one he was to shy to tell her, was he also had been listening more to the song they danced to, and replaying it out in his head. Suichi had caught him, something Connor was not aware of. It made the old man smile to see Connor like that.

She mentioned the rain as well. That much he knew. He nodded at her words. "I can smell it. And feel it. The change in pressure, the moisture in the air. Everything changes shortly before rainfall. The rain and storm bring hope. They bring me something else, too. Something I don't have normally." He smiled.

"Did you know that every drop of rain makes a sound and vibration when it falls on an object?" He grinned. "That's how I get around. It's how I "see" without eyesight. I can feel the vibration, through the ground, and from sound bouncing back. Kind of like a bat." The comparison always amused him. Some kids had picked on him when he was very little. Called him bat boy.

"When it rains, thousands of tiny sounds give me detail. There isn't any color, but instead of just shapes and outlines, it's... well it's almost like I can see." He knew how it sounded. "I know it all sounds crazy, but it's true." He didn't know if she believed him. Who would? But, he was a terrible liar, and even if he could, he wouldn't lie to her.

He blushed then, as the first raindrop fell on his nose. It wasn't going to pour right away, but it would soon. "Um, Bix?" He looked like he had trouble finding the words. "Would it be... um... alright... if I could... see you?"

He had stiffened up a bit, worried at what her response might be. Please, please, PLEASE don't let her think I've lost my mind. Please... don't let her turn away form me.

[bix]

Vision
&& Droplets

Bix walked. And as she did. He was with her. arm in her own. Hooked gently. It was nice. to have someone. That didn't think. Her too strange. Or that. The way that she. moved. Walked. Spoke. And many toher things. Would come off. As strange. So she was glad. When he seemed. To feel as though. He could accept her. For what she was. And perhaps. That was why. He had yet. To meet. Liberty. He would. At some point. She was sure. But for now. This was Bix's friend. Bix's person. And the only one. That ever. Seemed to give a damn. About the girl. That had been created.

He told her. That he had. Been reading. And listening. To some music. She had even. Put an order. In for. The witchcraft books. That were vital. To learning. In braile. It was not easy. To find something. That was filled. With diagrams. But she figured. That those. Would be a surprise. For later. One had. Already come in. And she had. It in. Her bag now. Wrapped. In brown paper. Just so. That it would not. Get damaged. In anyway. Until he could have it. perhaps later. Today before. They parted. Or if they spent. A great deal of time. Together then.

A bit of water. Splashed. Upon her fair skin. And she looked down. At the way. The water droplet. Accented. Her skin. Shimmering. In the dark sky. He began to tell her. That when it rained. He could see. Because of different vibrations. And because of that. He would be able. To see. Because of the way. That it would sound. On the things. Around them. Creating echoes. Much like a bat. Making her smile. Just for a moment. She thought about it. She had seen. That movie. Daredevil. And perhaps. That was kind of. What he was. Talking about. Except that. It was only. With rain. And instead of sound. She was interested. In seeing. If that worked. And as thunder. Crashed overhead. She felt. The drops. Falling. Slightly more.

"It seems, the test to come it is. Rain then, will come down. Soon enough. Crazy, I do not believe you are. Fear not."

Bix sighed. As they walked. And it seemed. That suddenly. The clouds. Opened up. On them. And the rain began. At first it was just a few splatters. But then. It began to rain. In earnest. And she lifted. Her face. So that it fell. On her face. Feeling quite. Refreshed. About it. Overall. Bix stepped away from Connor. Taking a couple steps. Getting soaked. And yet. She loved it. None the less. It felt. So good. To be in the park. To feel the cold rain. And she couldn't help. But wonder. If he could actually. See her.

[Connor Dwyre]

He had no idea about her gift to him. That would be a surprise. He didn't know she had or would go to such lengths for him. Getting books in braille was not easy, but especially having one on such a subject... they had to be found or special ordered, and they tended to cost more. But, again, it would be a very nice surprise indeed.

As he spoke, she never differed her mood or her closeness to him. He didn't feel judging eyes on him. No, instead, he felt acceptance and understanding. Two things she seemed to provide in bulk. That meant so much to him. To have a friend who he could be himself fully. No show of bravado, no confidence like when he fought. Just to be himself, the kind person Suichi had brought out. The quirky shy boy who was overly worried about small things. She didn't know it yet, but her opinion of him was important. He held a caring about her, even if he didn't know why.

She told him she didn't think he was crazy, and even told him that the test was to come. The thunder sounded and proved her right, as the smell of the rain grew strong. The sky opened, and Connor, too, tilted his face to the onslaught of water. He smiled, enjoying the cool water on his sensitive skin. It always felt refreshing.

Not only that, but the world took vivid shape and definition. The ground, trees, benches, pond... everything. He felt Bix move away from him just before the water poured down upon them. If anyone could see them, they would think the teens were indeed crazy.

Connor turned to face Bix, who finally took form before him. Connor took a tentative step toward her, and with one outstretched hand, gently touched her cheek. His touch on her was soft. Her face, her body, all was visible. He smiled, and blushed a bit as he pulled his hand away (that is, unless she held it to her cheek).

"Wow... you're beautiful on the outside, too."

[bix]

Humanity
Visits

Bix turned. To face him. As the water. Fell. And soaked. Them through. He was much better. Looking when. His glasses were not. On his face. Hiding his eyes. Even if. They never actually. Could focus. Or see anything. She knew. That they. Were far more beautiful. Than he gave. Them credit for. Bix was glad. That he seemed. Comfortable enough. to take his glasses off. When they were. Together. Because to be honest. She felt. That they bothered her. For she suposed. She was just used. To seeing people's eyes. He seemed though. To be actually. Looking at her. This time. When her eyes. Met his face.

And she froze. Why? Because he was actually. Coming over. To her. She was not used. To being approached. In such a way. He stood. Right in front of her. And her eyes. Widened a bit. Especially. When his hand. Came up. As if to touch her. And it did. It came. right to her cheek. The wet droplets. Forming her cheek. For his vision. And he touched. The soft. Velvet skin there. And he would feel. The heat. Go through her cheeks. And severely. For Bix was blushing. AS he was touching. The flesh of her face. And went as far. To tell her. That she was beautiful. As beautiful. On the outside. As the in. Her blush. Could only. go further. And she watched. As his hand. Moved back. And she made. No move. To keep it there.

"Unused to seeing, your eyes are. Beauty, I am not. For no one in this world would believe you are correct. Believe I do, that perhaps you are... merely ... unused to sight."

Perhaps. She was right. But Bix. herself. Had never. Been called beautiful. She was too pale. Her hair too blue. Her clothes too weird. Her speech too strange. So much. Made people think. Of everything. Except for beauty. When it came. To someone like Bix. But never. Was beauty. Even an option. She stood there. Looking at him. And she sighed. Looking down. Bix was confident. In everything. Except her looks. And the desire for her. From others. It was not just her. It was something. That carried over. From Liberty. Neither of them. Were ever. All that confident. When it came to looks. And people. Wanting. to be around them.

"Beauty, is the rain, and the scenery, believe I."

[Connor Dwyre]

She didn't find herself beautiful. Her self esteem was... well there wasn't much. Apparently, she pinned it on his lack of ever seeing much, and that her, being the only girl he had ever seen was the reason for his saying she was attractive. She claimed no one in this world thought she was, and she, too had fallen victim to listening to the words of others on such matters, just as he had been with his eyes.

She spoke about how the rain and scenery were beautiful, that she believed it was the only beauty here. Connor smiled, still feeling a bit shy, but still wanting to be near her. "Bix... your words are true about the rain being beautiful. There's no denying that." He was still close, as neither one had moved away from the other. "But, I think you should consider something else, too."

He smiled. "I don't use my eyes to tell me about things. The rain brings me a rare treat. And I enjoy the gift for the time it lasts, which is always too short. Now, I know that I'm going to miss that gift even more." Again, he raised his hand to cup her cheek. "Because I got the chance to see you." He gently stroked her cheek with his thumb, and took her other hand in his.

"You say others would disagree. Honestly, I don't care what anyone thinks. Not about you. My lack of sight doesn't deceive me into thinking you are beautiful. It's because of it that I know it's the truth." He took a step closer, and even put his arms around her, much like he had held her when they danced.

"You may not believe it. And that's fine. As for me, I like what I see. And I;'m glad I got this chance to see you. I only hope I can again." He hugged her, gently, but enough that she could feel the difference. He pulled back a bit. He felt something. A wanting to kiss her. Not a deep kiss of a lover, but a small one. On the cheek maybe. But, he didn't know if it was too soon for something. If she would pull away, turn from him.

He wasn't bold, or forward. Holding her took a lot of courage, and he was blushing. He had felt the heat of her cheek before, and knew he had at least gotten to her. His words might be getting through the shield that was Bix. But, that wasn't his aim. He didn't know Liberty. He felt Bix was a big part of her, and Bix was all he knew. That, he was fine with . Bix was his friend, and...

"I... really like you. I hope, this isn't... that this is ok..." He pulled back a bit. Not letting go just yet. Just enough so he could see her face again. "You asked what I had been up to, and I didn't tell you everything. Yes I read and listened to music, but I kept replaying that dance in my head. I don't know why, but I did. I've been thinking about it since you left."

He was blushing hard. He had never been this close to a girl before, and he didn't know how to be smooth or swave. He was... well... geeky. But, he had sealed himself and decided to try and take a risk. "Um... I... Bix... I hope you don't mind..." he leaned in, as if to hug her again, and kissed her gently and softly on her cheek.

He pulled back, and let his hands meet hers. "I'm sorry... if that... was too much. I... I'm not good at this sort of thing." His face was red, and he didn't know what to do if she turned from him. He was praying internally she wouldn't.

"I hope... you don't go away now. If I upset you, I am really sorry."

[bix]

Completion
&& Justification

Bix was not. Sure what. She was to do. To think. That he believed. She was beautiful. Was something. That her mind. As advanced. As it was. Could not. Get around. She was sure. That he. Was severely. Mistaken. Afterall. Not even her family. Thought. That she had. Anything to offer. She was merely. A thing. an object. Someone. That took up. Perfectly good space. that could be used. For something. Far more important. Bix barely. Could remember. A time when. She had been. Part of the family. Perhaps. When she was younger. Than six years. Of age. When Christmas. Meant something. When her brothers. Were so young. That they fell when walking. And when. She could just. Live her life. Without the fear. Of being judged. Of finding out. That she was. Less human. Because of the path. That she chose to walk.

He went on. To say. That he knew beauty. Even if. His sight. Was more gone than there. Even if. He could see. Once in a blue moon. She knew. That he could see. things differently. Because of his blindness. Stigma. Of what was beautiful. Was not branded. Upon his mind. But it was. Upon her own. And those. That knew sight. Those that saw her. Knew her. And ignored her. Bix was. Even in a crowd. A very lonely p erson. But it would not change. She could not see. How it would. It would. Forever be. This way. It was meant. To be this way. Even Pine. Could not commit. One day. he was holding. Liberty's hand. Kissing her. spending time. With her. And the next. After so much hope. Had been given. To a heart.

He went on. But this time. He pulled her close. Pressing her. Against his chest. Hugging her. Much like. He had held her. When they danced. Bix's face. Flushed deeply. As she stood there. In his arms. Stiff. But not as much. As she had been. Last time. He had held her. Bix found. That she could. trust him. That she could indeed. Be more herself. When she was with him. And around him. He did not. Seem to shun. Her way of speaking. Nor the way. That she was. When she just. Was being herself. he did not. Wish for her to change. Or speak normally. Nor did he seem. To care. That she was. a witch. In fact. He wished to learn. From her. Which was indeed. A very first. As he held her. He told her. that he really. Liked her.

Liked her. But what. Exactly. Did that mean. Was it as Liberty. Liked Pine. Or was it like Liberty liked Jeremiah. Those were two. Different. Kinds of feelings. But Bix was most afraid. To ask which. It might be. When he admitted. That 'this' . Whatever 'this' was. Might be wrong. She tensed. Not sure. What he was doing. But he moved in. As if to hug her. Once more. But this time. His lips came down. And kissed her. On the cheek. It was soft. And Bix stood there. Eyes wide. As the rain. Pelted her from above. Her body stiff. As the tingle. On her cheek. Flared. To unimaginable. Proportions. She was shocked. And she was scared. She was unsure. Of just. What to think. He .. liked her. And kissed her. on the cheek. Was that. Normal. No one. Had ever. Shown affection. To Bix herself. Everyone shunned. And Hated the witch. And yet here. Was a shy. Blind boy. And it seemed. He was. Hoping to get closer. There was only one possiblity.

He was desperate.

The knowledge. That he had. Listened. to their song. The one. They had danced to. That night. Over and over again. That he. Replayed that moment. Again and again. She felt. Utterly blown back. Shaken to the core. Shocked that he. Would care. so much. She was unsure. Of what to do. She felt.. for the first time. Vulnerable. More so than. Ever before.

"But... why?"

The first. Normal phrase. That had ever. Been uttered by Bix. she did not. Understand this one. Nor his feelings. Or his attatchment. To a song. They had danced to. One night. In candlelight. Bix .. was.. . At a loss.

[Connor Dwyre]

He expected her to run. To turn away from him. That he might have gone to far, even though his intentions were innocent. He expected her to pull away, and that he might have just lost the only friend he had. Suichi had told him that great risks could yield great rewards, but could also yield great loss. Hence why it was a risk. Connor held hope for the former, but was more inclined to believe the latter.

The moments passed quick, but seemed to run in slow motion. Bix tensed, and Connor expected the next action to be to run. Leaving him to be alone in the rain. If that happened, the rain would feel so much colder, but at least hide his tears. That was the only plus.

However, something that shocked him even more happened. She spoke, but not in her normal, poetic riddle. No, instead it was the first "normal" thing he had heard her say. Her tone was confused, nervous, and she seemed to be at a total loss. He didn't know about how Liberty was accepted, but Bix didn't receive affection of any sort. Connor was the first.

She didn't run, she didn't turn away. Maybe... there is hope? No... don't hold your breath. You're not special. Yeah, his great self esteem kicked in.

"Do I need a reason?" He tried to smile, but by his own tone, it was obvious he, too, felt nervous and vulnerable. "I just... like I said, I find you to be one of the most interesting people I've ever met. I like being around you. You're the only one I felt that really understands me at all. And... I just... I just like the way things feel when you're around."

He was holding her hands in his, one in each. He wouldn't keep her here against her will. If she pulled from him to leave, he would let her. He wasn't exactly a forceful individual. "I told you... I don't care what anyone thinks or says. I know how I feel, and what I think. That's all the reason I need."

He lowered his head, his eyes pointed at the ground. "I hope... if you don't want... I'll understand."

[bix]

Changing
Subjects

Bix stood there. As he tried to show. That he was not. Nuts. That he actually. Did like her. And he did. Not mind. that she was strange. And that he wanted. To remain around her. And that he hoped. He had not scared her off. Bix looked up at him. In almost disbelief. It was as though. She no longer. Even felt the rain. It was as if. It no longer. Even existed. It was nice. to just be. With someone. That wasn't judging her. The second. That she arrived. The second. That she began. To open up. to someone. And he did not mind. Who she was. that she was strange. And actually. Wanted to spend. More time together with her. Than anyone. Ever had before. She smiled for a split second. And then. She pulled her hands. Out of his.

His hands. Were holding onto her own. and gently. She slid them out. Only because. She was blushing. and could not stop. Bix was always. Constantly in control. And being here. It was kind of strange. That she felt. so very not. In control at the moment. She felt as though. She was losing. Everything. That she had ever. Worked for. And worked hard. To find. That inner peace. that inner strength. That she had. And that she carried. No matter. Where she went. Exactly.

Bix sighed.

"Accept you, I do. Friendship, we have. Leave not, I will. Confused merely, I am, as to what reason, there might be. To wish for me to be around. Perhaps, wrong I am, and perhaps it is true. When said, beauty, is in the eye of the beholder, true it may be. Beauty in many eyes, is not what I possess. My own eyes, see not the beauty."

Bix looked over at him. And then away. She took. A couple steps. From him. Her back to him. Not as a slight. Just to collect. Her thoughts. And to find. Her strength once more. Looking at the rain. And feeling it. collecting. On her skin. In her hair. And in her clothing. She was glad. That it was raining. It always refreshed her. And Bix preferred it. when she could. Be without the umbrella. Because it made it. So that she could walk. Normally without. The umbrella she used. to hide herself. From the sun.

"Walk, we should continue it." she mentioned.

"Lead then please." she said extending. Her arm for him. to take.

[Connor Dwyre]

Thanks to his worried state of mind, he wasn't as observant or in tune with his surroundings. The rain was all he heard, her expression lost to him. It felt like time was just standing still, as awkward moments always do. He didn't have any words to say, though inside he was pleading for her to stay with him. His self doubt was in control, and he had little belief that she would.

Then her hands slipped out of his.

His own dropped to the sides, as he figured now she would be leaving. That he was crazy, and that he had just lost the only person he could call friend. Great risks, great loss. The bit of phrase repeated in Connor's head, seeming to drown everything out, including the rain.

Bix's voice broke through. Her poetic riddle way of speaking cut through his mind, and he was now the one in disbelief. She wasn't going to leave, and she would stay his friend! She may not understand, but it seemed like she would see where this path would take them. Connor couldn't help but smile, relief and joy filling him and showing on the outside.

She had taken a few steps away, the returned, and offered him her arm. She wanted to continue the walk, and so he would. She wanted him to lead, and he nodded. "Bix... thank you." He walked a step or two, then finished the thought. "For staying. It means a lot to me." He hoped, in time, she would understand he didn't have a reason. He just followed his heart, his instincts. He was with her just because. To him, she was fine the way she was. Yes, she was different, but that was why he liked her so much.

They walked in silence, something they were able to share, and went in no particular direction. They just walked, and Connor felt peace around them. His nervousness lifted a bit, and he once again was able to function, the rain giving him the gift of sight.

The rain, however, wouldn't last forever. Few things rarely did. He was glad that the storm had come, and that he got to share this moment. Suichi was right. Great risk, great reward. His reward was friendship.

They walked on aimlessly, just enjoying the rain. The calm, the wet, the cool, all of them mixing to bring out natures wonder. But, sadly, the rain lifted after a bit, and Connor found himself again with no detail to go on. What was more, was now he could no longer "see" Bix. He had, however, burned her image into his mind. It was not something he would forget.

"Well, not all good things last forever." He turned his head facing her. He smiled. "Not all of them. Just the important ones do." He was, of course, referring to his friendship with her. "Bix, I know you may not understand. I hope someday you will. But, as long as you accept that I want you around, that's at least a good start." He gave her hand a squeeze, as his had found hers, her arm still linked in his.

He hadn't known he had made her blush, that it was the reason she took her hands from him before. He never would have thought he could have that kind of effect on someone. Right now, inside, he was singing. His heart was happy, and he hoped it could continue. Bix, as long as you wish it, I'll stand by you. I will protect you. I promise.

Someday, he'd say it out loud. For now, he just wanted to enjoy her company. "So... is there anywhere you wanted to go? If you're hungry, we can go out, or stop by my place. Or, um... whatever you'd like to do is fine with me."

Plea to be with her longer than just the length of the rain? Well duh!

[bix]

Moving On
&& Past

He thanked her. Though what for. She was not sure. He told her. that he was glad. She had not. Gone away. And that she was still. Here and. Willing to give them. A chance. Sure. She figured. That she really. Had nothing else to lose. NOthing else. To fight for. Nothing else that she. Would be bereft without. Connor and Pine. Though the constant. Pulling and pushing. Of her with Pine. Was harder and harder. Liberty needed an answer. She needed to know. That she means. Something to someone. and yet. no one it seemed. Would be the one. That was able. To give her. That information. That kind of. Completion. That she needed. More than anything else. In her world. But it seemed. She was doomed. To be hated. Pushed away. And doomed to live. Another day. Another hour. Alone.

The walk. Would be silent. And yet. It was at least. Pleasureable. Enough. That she felt. No awkwardness. Because it was nice. To just. Enjoy. Being with someone. Someone that thus far. Has not as of yet. Pushed her away. The rain, as they walked. Began to life. All Bix had left. Right now. In her life. Was in her bag. Some of her clothes. The others. Were held. In a locker she rented. At the train station. So that she could. Trade out. When she needed to. Or felt. Like wearing. Something else. She felt. That she could. Never return home. After the attack. On her father. The fact. That he had. Tried to kill her. To harm her. If it were not. For Jeremiah. Bix was currently. Living out of the station. The park. And washing. When she could. Still though. It was not the same. As having a home. Yet she had. Her important things. With her. Her favorite books. That had been hidden. Under the floor boards. And the fact. That she had gone to the house. When her family. Stood beside. Her father's hospital bed. And packed up. What she wanted most. Leaving for good.

He admitted. That not all good things. Would last forever. And thus, that was true. However, there was nothing. That would. Last forever. Except for. Perhaps a handful. Of things. Bix could. Merely nod. Though he could not. Actually see her. Her hand. Clasping his arm. In confirmation. He went on. To say. That if she could. Just know. That he accepted her. It would be a good start. A start to what. Bix was beyond. Understanding. Her heart. And her soul. were filled. With heavy cement. A plague. Of depression. That weighed. On the young witch. Who's mind. Was torn. Between life and death.

He asked her then. If there was some place. She would like. To go. Dinner. Or his place. Or something. She knew. By the tone of his voice. He did not. Want to resume. His lonliness again. He wanted instead. To be around her. And she figured. That it was not as if. She had any other place. To go. She slept. Whereever she could find. A place. And she probably could. Use a shower. And her moisturizers. It was hard. When you had. Her skin problems. And trying to live. Without an actual home. She hoped. To find something. Soon. Even if it was. Cheap. And crappy.

"Wet we are, places refuse us they will. Dry clothing first, then perhaps, if you wish it, dinner we can attend. However, cheap it must be. I myself, have little money, to spend."

Of course. She had about. Five bucks. In her bag. And that right now. Was it. The rest. Was in her locker. At the train station. So that if. She got robbed. She wouldn't be out. All her money.

[Connor Dwyre]

He felt the confirmation, and was happy that she made the effort to let him know, through little gestures. She didn't make fun of his blindness, didn't make assumptions, and just understood. That understanding was something that was helping the attraction along. It was more than that, just the way she was. He couldn't explain it, but just enjoyed it. He hoped he would be brave enough to ask her out formally.

The rain lifted completely, but the two were soaked. She was right about not being let in anywhere. But, what was this nonsense about money? Connor didn't say anything about her paying her way. Connor rubbed her hand. "Well, we can dry off at my place. If you have spare clothes, then you can change. Otherwise, we have a dryer. I doubt my clothes would fit, though your welcome to try." He smiled.

"And as far as money goes... don't worry about it. I was planning on paying. I was kind of hoping to... take... y-you... out." He was getting that nervous stutter again. He was internally pleading for her to accept. "That i-is... if you w-want to. You know... go out... with me." He was blushing again, and the cool rain wasn't there to hide it.

If she ever told him she had no home, no place, he would probably gain his courage back, if only to make sure she was ok. Bix had a place she could go, if only she knew the offer was good for as long as she needed it. But, that would be for her to tell him.

[bix]

Questions
&& Denial

They could go. Back to his place. Where he had. She ws not shocked. By the offer. She had. In a way. Expected it. And not only that. But she felt. That he would. Have not really. Gone out. With them both. Being soaked to the bone. She nodded. As he mentined too. That he had. Clothing for her. That she could borrow. If she did not. Have anything to wear. But she did. She had a change. Of clothing. In the bag. She carried with her. She thought. That they would. Be just fine. She looked over. Up at him. As the slight. Sunlight. Peeking through. The rain. Lit up. His red hair.

"clothing, I have brought. Change and towel, I would require if offer you are."

He went on. To tell her. That he was hoping. To actually pay. For dinner. She paused. Stopping her walking. Looking up at him. As she watched him. As he told her. That he was hoping. That he could. Take her out. Like on a date. Bix froze. Liberty was in her mind. Screaming. That they were with Pine. But were they? More or less. They were. And yet Pine did not. Like Bix. Bix was her own person. And Pine was into Liberty. Not Bix. So would it be. Cheating if. Bix went? She was not sure. It was one. Of those borderline things. That it was either right. Or wrong. And it felt. Wrong.

"time it is not, for such things. Reject you, I do not, however, in the place to make, such decisions, I am not. Changes, happened they have, multiple complications, in an existence of a witch. Arisen they have. Prepared, I am not, and appologize I do, for knowing the feeling of rejection all too fresh it is for one such as myself. Forgive me."

Bix began. To walk again. She was not sure. If this would end up. With him leaving her. And deciding that. Dinner was not. Really going to happen. But if it would and did. She would walk. With him. Until they reached. His place. Inside. She waited. For him to show her. The bathroom again. And disappearing. Behind the door. She sighed as. She began to change. When she was done. She was warmer. Dressed in black tights. A blue dress. That hugged her form. Her boots. Her hair up. And a thick. Black belt. She came out. And took a seat. Within the living room. Her bag. Clenched tightly. To her chest. It was basically. All she had. In the world. Vinchento was in there. Her favorite witchcraftery books. And she hugged it. To her chest. As though.. to any one. That could see. It was all that mattered. And it was. It was all. She had left.