Spring Showers (Connor)

[bix]

Worldly
Hassle

By the time. That Connor rose. To help her. With the dishes. She had already. Finished. And drying them. Which she needed. No assistance. In doing. Afterall. She was very good. At cleaning up. After herself. She was not. Used. To leaving things. Undone. When everything. Was neatly put away. Surely a surprise. For Suichi. When he arrived home. Bix looked. To Connor. AS he told her. That he would. Be willing to. Help her. With her bag. Afterall. Carrying your possessions. Around could not. Be easy, nor light. Her lips. Quirked to the side. Either he knew. Or he was just really. Close to the mark. Without ever thinking. About it. Being true.

"Indeed, heavy they are. Your assistance, I would require. For less than, multiple trips. Like I would, that I could bring, everything in one trip. Your strength, I need, if offer still you do."

He asked then. If she wanted. To go now. Or if instead. If they could. Start his teachings. She suposed there was. Nothing wrong. With starting them. It was not. A dire thing. To get her objects. Because once she did. She would want. To stop on the way. And gather a few things. For her room. From the resale shop. She frequented a lot. Because they. Had good prices. And usually. Saved things for her. Because she was in there. So very much. She would need. Bedding. And certain sheets. They always saved anything blue. Or black. For her. And she would go. Through them all. And pick what she wanted. Only then. Was everything. Given to the store. And the general public. This would be. A busy day.

"tonight, begin we will, under the cloak of darkness, when candles do their job they may. Sacrifices must be made, under the glow of a moon. Not before. Nor after. Best time it is, to meet the Goddess is when all sun is gone."

Her body turned. Looking at the man. That was standing beside her. Her hand. Reached out. Seemingly of. It's own accord. And touched his own. Skin to skin. Her fingers. Were like velvet. As they brushed. Over his palm. She hoped. He would not mind. The pain of sacrifice. But somehow. She doubted that he would. Her soft fingers. Raked over the. Sensitive flesh. Of his wound. She had no. Idea of course. What it was. Her fingers. Were doing to him. As a person. Nor knowing. That he was likely. Freaking out. In his mind. As she stood there. Tracing the scar. On his left hand. With her own. Soft fingers. With a small squeeze. To his hand. She let it go.

"Hope I do, you will, come with. Shopping I need to do, at a small store, on the way. Then my things. We will retrieve. Home we will come, you can.. be with me, if you wish. In my room, while unpack my things, I do. Unless, something you have to do, more important there is."

Bix looked up at him. With her soft. Blue eyes. Knowing that. he could not see. A difference. Because of who he was. He could not. See a change. In her eyes. And that. Allowed her. To be herself. Without showing. Any of the pain. That she carried upon. Her slender shoulders. And within. Her heart. She let go. Of his hand. And moved past him. To her things. Gathering up. Her now. Much lighter bag. She waited. To find out. If he wished. To come with her. Or if he. Wished to stay behind.

[Connor Dwyre]

"Of course I'll go with you. Making multiple trips is unnecessary." She told him it was best to do the lesson at night, and he was fine with that. She was, after all, his teacher in this endeavor. He smiled at her, and then he felt her take his hand. She had moved so slow and smooth, he didn't feel her do so. Not until she took his hand in hers, and began tracing his scar with the tips of her fingers.

Though he didn't freak out, he couldn't move or speak. Her touch to his sensitive skin was immense, sending pleasant tingling up and down his spine and throughout his body. It actually felt good to have her touch there. She spoke of sacrifice, and the proper time. He wondered if he would be ready. He sealed himself for what might ad would come. He was not one to back out, and would follow through. He had agreed to listen to her, and do as she asked of him.

When she finally released, after a gentle squeeze, he regained the ability to move and speak, which had left him a moment ago. She told him she hoped he would go, and that his offer still stood. He was about to tell her he had promised to always be there for her, and even protect her. Then he remembered, he spoke those words during her slumber. She would eventually know that all she had to do was ask, and he would be there.

He only smiled and nodded instead. "Sure. Shopping sounds like fun." True, he couldn't see the look in her eyes, or the change that was taking place. Connor only hoped that she would find her own peace here. That she might get used to kindness and warmth. That maybe, he could help her to forget her pain, or get past in anyway. He would try at least.

"I don't have anything else to do today, so I would probably be pretty bored if I stayed." Without Suichi here, he would almost be at a loss with training. He would have to get back to the basics. And, as much as he enjoyed practicing martial arts, he was telling her the truth about being bored. Even though there was no need for talking, the room just seemed less empty, even if she did nothing but sit with him.

"Whenever you're ready, we can go."

[bix]

Shopping
Adventures

He was in. And they were off. Her hand. Took his arm. As it always did. When they. Were walking. It seemed. So normal. So right in a way. To just walk. Arm in arm. Much like. An old fashioned pair. And in a way. She felt. That they were. Just that. Old fashioned. In a way. They stepped. From the house. Locking the door. As responsible children. And headed out. To the streets. Taking a leisurely pace. There was no. Reason to hurry. The store. Was not too far. But not too close. And the train station was. Just a bit further. From that. Silence prevailed as they walked. He needed not. His glasses and cane. She led him. And helped him. When help was needed. She needed not. To be his cane. Merely a friend. And companion.

**Half an hour later*

The store. Was not busy. And yet. The people. Inside. Knew her by name. Bix of course. For no one. Really knew. Her real name. Except Pine. And Connor knew. But had yet. To meet Liberty. Or understand. The difference. Between the two. Inside. They were led. To a room in the back. Where things. Were stored. For the girl. There had been a lot. Held for her. She came in. Once a week. To check. And see. If there was anything she might. Need for her room. Or for something. She walked. Around the room. The girl had. Gotten a bag. And waited. For Bix. to find what. She wanted. There was a large. Goose filled comforter. That went into the bag. Along with it. Several other things of choice. That she felt. Would work. In her room. Her eyes. Taking in everything. But seeing. A very soft pillow. That normally. Wasn't her thing. She took it as well. They gave her. A good price. And after she paid. She held the large trash bag. In her hand. Over her shoulder.

"to the train station."

She explained. To Connor. AS they walked. With their loot. Later she would. Wash and unpack. Everything she had bought. But for now. She was walking. To get the rest. Of her supplies. From the train station. As they walked. Her hand. Found his. And moved up. To his arm. It would. Just be easier. To lead him. That way. When they needed. To turn around. Or something. So it ws just. Going to have to work. For now. The train station. Was rather busy. But Bix knew. Where she had to go. She led Connor. To the lockers. And got her key out. Opening her locker. She pulled. The bag from it's confines. The heavy thing. Hit the floor. And Bix oompfed at the weight. Now.. the delima. Was how to carry both.

"Wonder, I do, if you might could, carry one for me?" she asked. Of Connor gently.

[Connor Dwyre]

There was no need for words between them. There never was. The door was locked, her arm in his to lead him (though he liked it there anyway). The first stop was to the store. This wasn't to be a horribly long trip, but it wasn't exactly a short one, either. It was a good thing Connor liked walking, and did so to get everywhere preferring it over other modes of transport. He was in good shape, and was happy to walk beside her.

It took about a half an hour, which if done in silence would drive most people nuts. With these two, it was normal. They (or at least Connor) enjoyed the delicate sounds of the birds, the gentle footfalls of the two of them. The scents of things in the air (some much more pleasant than others) were able to be focused on as well, including the distinct scent of ginger that Connor was accepting as something he would get to breathe often. Good thing he didn't mind.

They arrived at the shop, the women there knowing Bix. He could hear their shocked tone that someone was with her. It was then he realized that his hands and eyes were exposed, and he got very nervous. After all, it was only Bix who he was comfortable around enough to leave out his gloves and glasses. His one hand found his pocket. The other was at her mercy.

His eyes... well... there wasn't much hiding them unless he closed them. Though he would be able to navigate, he thought it might be weirder that way. He let himself be led, and the women there seemed to just accept the two for who and what they were. When you are yourself strange, it is common to be in the company of other strange people.

Once she had gotten what she wanted, her hand slid up his arm, more than just linking, and then took his as before, her bag in hand. They made their way to the station, and found her locker. After a moment or so, her bag from the store down, she retrieved the one from the locker. He could hear her brief struggle, and could tell by the way it hit the ground and her reaction that it was the heavier of the two.

He had already begun to move as she spoke. He picked up the one from the locker. It was a bit heavy, but he was able to lift it with little trouble. He found where it would be comfortable, and smiled at her. "Of course. We're going to do this in one trip, right?" He grinned again. The way she asked, it was almost like a girl who asked her sweetheart to carry her books to class for her. Like an old fashioned couple they were, arm and arm. Her bag held by him.

"I'll make sure nothing happens to this." He indicated the bag. It was all her possessions, after all. Her life. He wouldn't let it fall. "The burden is always lighter when someone is willing to share it with you." It was another bit of Suichi wisdom. Again, it applied here. Both in a physical sense and something much deeper. Connor had no idea just how right he was. After all, Bix had only shared so much. There was still so much left to learn.

"Lead the way."

[bix]

Home
Finally

He seemed. NOt to even need. Her to ask. Him for his assistance. He picked up. The heavy luggage. Without any problems. he told her. That it must be heavy. And a burden. To have to carry. So much with you. She sighed. Looking away. Not that he. Could really see it. She did not. Understand. What he meant. She was sure. That Suichi. Must have said. Something to him. Becaues why else. Would he constantly. Remind her. That her situation. Was less than grand. About carrying. All her things. On her person. Afterall. He had obviously. Seen in her bag. Which was why. He gave her the room. She looked. At Connor. And she was unsure. Of what to say. Overall. To him. She was not. Sure if. He understood. What was going on.

"These are all I could bring. That which is most precious to me."

They were. They were all. That was most precious. And some clothing. Since it was essential. Not to mention. All her bathroom things. Especially. Her moisturizers. For her skin. Since she had. Major problems. But it wasn't. AS though. She really minded. Living out. Of the station. Home was.. home. There was no reason. There had. To be a familiy. She felt. As though she had. Been alone. So much now. That it made. Little to. No difference. Overall. Whether. There was others. In the house. For she had lived. At home. For a while. And even still. Felt as though. She had been alone. For a very. Long time. Which was why. She was glad. That she had. Someone that cared. Even if. He cared. In the wrong way. Not that. Love. Or attraction. Was wrong persay. Merely that. Bix did not. Deserve this. Only Liberty. Was worthy. Of anything. In regards. To emotions.

As they walked back. Their hands. Clasped this time. Afterall. It was easier. With the burdens. They carried together. At home. The door was unlocked. And they stepped in. She knew not. If suichi. Had returned yet. Or if. They were alone still. But either way. It mattered not. Returning to. Her room. She led him. To the chair. And she moved. to the bed. Hoisting up. Her bag. She began to open the bag. Of her belongings. The ones that. She had for a while. In the station. Tons of books. Was what made it. So heavy. Her clothing was. At the bottom. She unpacked. Placing her books. In a specific order. On the book shelf. That Suichi. Had provided for her.

Seven bottles. Placed on her nightstand. They would later. Go to the bathroom. All of them moisturizers. For her skin. And her body. Depending on the time. Of day. She looked over. At Connor sitting there. AS she opened. Her closet. And began. To hang up. Her clothing.

"Tell me, what music, your favorite is? Book then too? Have you one?"

[Connor Dwyre]

He wanted to ask her to explain more, about what was going on. He knew only basic details. She wasn't happy at home, that her father was abusive like his stepfather was. But, that was it. he could tell that the words he spoke struck a chord with her, though it wasn't on purpose. He wanted to know more, for her to open up to him. But, he was afraid to ask, and didn't know how to approach her about it. Honestly, how do you just ask someone to just pour their heart to you when it was hard enough just to get them to show any emotion?

Part of him wanted to apologies for the comment, too. But, he thought better of it. Instead, he just walked, her hand in his, back home. He gave it a squeeze, rather than speak. So much more could be conveyed without words at times, and he hoped she understood that he didn't mean to upset her. They got home, and they took the things to her room. The house was still empty, which would give them time to settle her in.

As she unpacked (he would help her, save that he had no idea what her things were, let alone where she wished them to be) she asked him about his favorites. Music, book. They were easy. "Well, music would be anything that is soft and calming. Like the music before. Classical, some rock is alright. Anything but rap music. To violent, and too noisy." He made a face. He had heard a number of rap songs, and not by his choice. He wasn't what you would call a fan.

"As for books, I have two. There is a complete stories and poems by Edgar Allen Poe. A bit dark, but the man wrote beautifully. The other is a book of poetry. Different authors, but all are wonderful." He smiled. "I haven't gotten to read through the one you gave me yesterday. But, I am hoping to make that number three." He was still thrilled with the gift. Gifts, when given in kindness, were very special.

"What about you? I am sure there are things you hold dear. I'd like to know your interests in music and books as well. But, what else? It's not like I can make out details of your room to get an idea." She had a wide assortment of things, and Connor was curious if she would share her thoughts and interests with him. Maybe, after they got to open up a little, he would be able to talk to her about her past more.

He was timid about that. It was thin ice when the past was full of pain. He didn't know how much she would want to go into it, if at all. To expose a weakness, even to a friend, could prove dangerous. He hoped she would trust him enough to share with him. But, he'd have to take a risk and ask her first.

[bix]

Common
Ground

As Bix unpacked. He spoke. Telling her. Of Edgar Allen Poe. And collected works. By several different. Poets. She placed her things. While he spoke. On her shelves. On her night stand. On her dresser. She would need. More shelves. At some point. But for now. This would work. A picture. Of two boys. Twins. Went on her night stand. The only proof. That at some point. She had family. Bix was hanging her clothing. When he finished speaking. Asking her. Just what it was. That she was into. He wanted to know. More than just music. And books. But other things. That she was into. She was afraid. That he would learn. Witchcraftery. Reading. And some music. Was about it. For the time being.

"Let no bell toll, then,- lest her soul, amid its hallowed mirth,
Should catch the note as it doth float up from the damned Earth!
And I!- to-night my heart is light!- no dirge will I upraise,
But waft the angel on her flight with a Paean of old days!"

Bix quoted. From one. Of her own. Favorite Poe poem. Lenore. She knew not. Why she loved it. But she did. There was something. In the words. That really. Made her smile. Often. She went to sleep. Reading the works. Of Poe. The one. About the pendulum. Was her absolute. Favorite. But this one. Was just as good. She enjoyed. Being able. To share her love. Of Poe. With someone. For she enjoyed. The darkness. Of them. So many times. That she felt. As though. She could relate. To such mention. Of disasters. And wishes. upon others. She watched him. As she quoted this. To see if perhaps. He was surprised. She could quote them. Easily by memory.

"Music, of the instrumental type, my favorite, it is. However, more alternative, music I do enjoy."

She moved. Out of the closet. And back. Into the room. With a handful. Of coat hangers. On which. She began. To place. More of her clothing. Laying them. To the side. Each carefully. Blue in one pile. Black in another. And silver. Which was a rarity. With the blacks.

"Hobbies, I supose, mainly are witchcraft, studying, reading, and music. Fear I do, that many I have not. My days are filled, with study, discipline, and structure, for the Goddess. Chose I, the path, to follow in, footsteps of her own."

Bix moved. Back to the closet. And hung her clothing. Upon the racks. Blacks to the back. Blue in the front. Silver in the center. Her ties. That she wore. From time to time. Were tied. To a hanger. And placed there. In the center. So that she could. Find them. When she needed them.

"Train, you do, with Suichi. What then, do you practice?" Bix inquired.

[Connor Dwyre]

His jaw dropped. She could quote the books. By heart no less! That was something he smiled about, once he got use of his mouth again. "That's amazing! I've read that poem so many times, and I don't have it memorized like that!" It also showed him that they had another thing in common. Edgar was dark, and Connor liked it a bit. His favorite was the Raven, poem wise. As far as stories went, he enjoyed the Pit and the Pendulum. Mainly because he could relate to stumbling in the dark. He remembered how hard it was for him at first to get around, at least before he learned how to use his other senses.

Music was similar. Connor was tolerant of just about anything, and Bix seemed to have tastes that he would be fine with. As long as she didn't play it too loud, that is. As far as other hobbies went, it was a small list. Connor didn't exactly have many hobbies himself, so that was fine. It wasn't like he had many to list. They matched hers, mostly. Reading and listening to music were two. Though he wondered if they shared other books to discuss. Not that it mattered. Edgar held enough history to talk about for some time.

She asked about training, and he smiled. Those memories were fond. "Well, Suichi has trained me in sort of a custom style. He was the one who helped me develop the way I get around. How I see in a way without eyesight. He is a master of a style that translates to Four Element Kung Fu. He used that as a base, and developed with me a style called Blind Eye." He thought for a moment. She didn't think it was crazy how he was able to use the rain to see, how he got around. She just accepted it as normal.

"Like how I use the rain. Sound and vibration give me a picture. The more consistent the vibration, the better the image. Too much noise, or too much vibration distorts things. The picture get's fuzzy. That, and if I'm distracted by something else, I can still stumble. I'm not a super hero." He was aware, if only by other's conversation of the hero Daredevil. His abilities were similar, though much more developed over Connor's. Connor wasn't perfect, and you wouldn't catch him jumping off of buildings anytime... well ever.

"But, it's not to use just for the sake of fighting. He taught me about self discipline, and self control. He taught me about nature, and respect of the earth. I used to be a very angry boy. When I met him, I hated everything, and everyone. Because of what was going on at home, I started just being angry. I hated being blind. I blamed god for it. I hate being picked on because I was different. People avoided me. I hated them all."

Connor was not happy to admit this. But, he felt like she would understand him. And would accept him. "Suichi started training me, and helped me not to change anything, but just accept who I was. After time, I did. It didn't matter if I wasn't liked. I didn't care about it. The older I got, I still couldn't help being embarrassed by it. I didn't want others uncomfortable around me. Don't ask me why, I still don't know. I guess it's silly."

He smiled. "But, I liked being alone. It was quiet. I was able to think clearer. When I moved here, it wasn't like I lost a ton of friends. I knew people, but nothing concrete. Just people I met." He scratched the back of his head. "You're the first real friend I've had. And the first person I don't feel like I've had to hide from." He was now still without his glasses and gloves. He considered just doing away with them entirely. But, he wasn't ready for that big of a step yet.

He let it go at that. He went back to the hobbies discussion. "Aside from training, your list and mine aren't that different. Listen to music, reading, and learning. I am hoping that as I learn what you teach me, that I can add that to the list as well." He could hear her putting her things away. She was making this a more permanent place. That was a good sign. He didn't know how accepting of it she'd be. After all, it happened quick. But, he knew she needed a better place to go. He wanted her to know she was safe here. But, he didn't sat it.

He was curious about what the truth was. About how deep her situation ran. He felt like there was more to it than just her dad. But, he still didn't ask. It didn't seem like the right time. Not in the middle of a conversation about much more pleasant things. Right now though, he was having difficulty lacking in things to say. What were the 'normal' questions to ask? Favorite color? That would make little sense to ask. He lived in a world without such a thing.

Ah! Favorite food would give him an incite. After all, Suichi would buy her what she liked. That, and Connor would be happy to cook it for her. That was something he could do thanks to his other senses. If he knew his way around the kitchen, he could cook. By now, he even knew how to set the stove top. The oven... well, he needed Suichi's eyes for that.

"So, aside from little noodle places, what types of food do you like?"

[bix]

Learning
&& Friendship

Bix was surprised. To say the least. When she found. That he had been. An angry boy. In the beginning. When Suichi. Had first met. The boy. As nice as he was now. She was shocked. To think. That he had once. Been angry. Bix turned. Looking at him. As she leaned. Against the wall. Leisurely. Enjoying. His company and yet. Learning something. About him at. The very same time. He explained. That he hated. Being blind. And that he hated too. Being picked on. Because he was. So different. Now this. Was something. That Bix could defiantly. Understand. Being hated. Was something. That she was used to. Not something. That she was all. To worried over. But she remembered. How hard it was. In the beginning. To know that you. Were hated and unable. To do anything about it. But hate. Had then on. Become a constant. In the young. Girls life. And so. She had come. To expect it. And nothing else. From the world around you. Funny how. When you began. To expect something. It never had. Such an effect on you. As in the beginning.

He explained. That the training. Had begun. To allow the boy. To accept. Who and what he was. Nothing could change. That he was blind. That he was going to be. For the rest. Of his life. Nothing could change. That he was different. Afterall. Why would he wish. To be as the rest. Bix enjoyed now. That she stood apart. From everyone else. Why should she wish. To be like those. That picked on others. And hurt them. Just because. They themselves saw something. In that person. That made them see. Something within. Themselves. He enjoyed being alone. Bix was… iffy. On that. It depended. Most of the time. It was more. That she was used. To being alone. Than she would rather. Be alone. She wished. At times. That she had someone. Around that. She could confide in. And tell things to. But it was hard. For her to find. That trust. In the people. Around her. When they were all. So terribly cruel.

Connor mentioned. That she was. His first friend here. That did not. Surprise her really. Though she had. In a way. Expected that. A nice one like him. Would have had friends. Already. Calling him. From where he had lived. And talking to him. Over the phone. Or perhaps. Instead of that. It was something. Like on television. Or in movies. Because friends. Would be somewhere she knew for sure. Though she supposed. If he liked to. Be alone then. He may not go. Looking for friends. Instead. Just assuming that. He would rather be alone. Perhaps she was. Proving that wrong. Somehow.

“No need, there is, for you to hide. Foolish it is, for you to believe, you need not any friends. For believe, I do, that you flourish, when surrounded by others. Imagine, I do, that lonely you are. Craving indeed, for a friend.”

It seemed. That it was true. Afterall. He had seemed. To click to her. So easily. Wanting. So desperately. To be with her. Not only as. A friend. But also. As a girlfriend. Bix was not. Very good. With the whole. Emotions thing. And so. She was not sure. What to do with him. As a whole. Merely to say. That she was not ready. For such a commitment. Bix was not sure. She herself. Would ever be ready. She was certainly. No Liberty.

His next question. Was about. What she liked to eat. Besides noodles. That place. They had gone to. Just yesterday. Was delicious. He was right. That noodles were one. Of her favorites. She loved many things. But only recently. Had she been. Enjoying full meals. Once again. So she stood there. Looking at him. Crossing her room. And opening the bag. From the resale shop. Getting out. The large soft comforter. And beginning. To spread it. Over her bed gently.

“Preferrence, I suppose, I do not have. Only recently, eating normally, I have.” Though she. Gave no reason why. “Therefore, most anything, tastes fine. However, were I to be forced, to pick a favorite, I would suppose, Chinese.”

“I do know, sushi, I do not like. Not something I enjoy eating, fish.”

[Connor Dwyre]

She was right. He was lonely. But, he didn't actively seek friends. It just wasn't in him to do. Especially with moving out here, it had just felt difficult. Though he was open and friendly now, it was still difficult just to go up to someone and start a conversation. Even finding Bix had been accidental. But, even he knew he had kind of latched on to her, and his biggest fear now was pushing her away.

He was also aware that she, for her own reasons, didn't have developing feelings for him as he had for her. He was fine with that, but did wish she would tell him what her reasons were. It was more the not knowing why than the rejection that bother him. By now, it was closer to the back of his mind. He was more enjoying having her as his friend.

She mentioned him thinking he didn't need friends, and that he didn't need to hide. He smiled. "I'm working on it. It's not that I don't want friends. Just didn't have many. A friend is someone that you spend time with, and someone you can trust. Someone who doesn't judge you. I think it is better to have a few close friends than many who barely know you."

He sighed. "You're right, though. I am lonely. A little. But, it's gotten a lot better." He meant the comment for her, and he had a feeling she knew that without him having to explain it. The topic changed to that of food, and he found they finally had something that was a difference. Where Connor loved Chinese and Japanese cuisine, Bix disliked fish and suishi.

Connor giggled a bit. "Well, I guess we found something we don't agree on. Suishi is something I like. But, I'm not that picky. I can eat just about anything. It's certain vegetables I don't like. Raw, they're fine. But cooked, not so much. Peas above all." He made a face like a small child who just took a bite of something they really didn't like at all.

She continued to unpack. Connor was happy to be learning more about her. It would make living with each other a bit easier. Though, Connor wasn't much trouble to begin with. And neither was Bix. They were similar in many areas, and given that truth, things would hopefully go well here. At least she was making her stay more permanent. There was still going to be a transition, and only time would tell how smooth it was to go. But, at least for the time being, things were looking up.