Demon Tears (BIX)

[Pine]

~Memo to self...Never EVER try to bluff someone smarter than you.~ The sword thought as the other voices laughed.

Pine watched everything take place. The initial intention was to bluff the girl, he wanted to prove himself right. He never expected Bix to let Liberty out. Yet here she was sitting right in front of him with her hands clasped together and eyes right on him. Pine sat there rigid as he tried to figure out how he was going to approach his new found situation. What was known was that something had to be said and soon. The only thing he could do was wing it. Pine was not looking forward to this, he was not equipped to deal with someone like her.

He did not like being called on a bluff but there was nothing he could do. The tables had turned on the young man and he was cast out of the position of power. Bix was right, Pine could not handle Liberty...but he had to try.

"Well...It is only fitting the two real entities get to meet." Pine said and shifted in his seat again. He took another sip of his tea and placed his hands on the table clasping them as she had.

"So how does it feel to be out?" Pine asked and shifted again. He wasn't sure of what he was going to do, or how he would continue the conversation but he would try.

"Oh!...Umm...it's nice to meet you Liberty."

[bix]

Shyness
&& Discomfort

He was stiff. In his seat. And she could. Almost sense. His discomfort. But she. Did not understand it. Liberty's head. Tilted slightly. To the side. Her hand came up. Cupping her. Neck. So that. She could lean. Into it gently. Watching him. He said that. He felt. As though. Both real entities. That embodied the bodies. Should meet. She nodded simply. Watching him. Some of her bangs. Falling Into one of her eyes. But she made. No move to brush them back. At the moment. Letting her one eye. Her left. Watch him curiously. He asked her then. HOw it felt. To be out. Her brow cocked. Just a bit slightly.

"Aware, I am, of all the things that go one. Even when she's in control. It's rare to be out though. Just because.. it's hard to trust someone enough.. to feel confident to come out."

He shifted. Once more. And it seemed. That his nerves. Were getting worse. She wondered. What it was about her. That made him. So nervous. She didn't understand. She was not. Much different than Bix. Same body. Same hair. Perhaps her eyes. Were slightly different. And her speech. But overall. She was the same girl. Perhaps. They were more different. Than she had ever thought. She figured. That they. Were the same. But it seemed. That he. Was having. Different reactions. Depending oin. If it was her. Or bix.

She chuckled softly. It was a delightful. And innocent sound. When he said. it was nice to meet her. "Nice.. it is, to meet you as well PIne." There was. A slight and innocent blush. Across her pale cheeks. At his little outburst. Of an introduction. She couldn't help. But feel. A bit shy of it. She was unused. To full on. Interactions. With me. Especially ones. She felt. Slightly attracted to.

She looked down at her hand. Which lay. Gently and limply. Upon the desk. In front of her. Before she looked. Up at him once more. She figured. That if. She didn't ask. She would never. Actually know.

"Question." she said softly. Looking up. At Pine. "You have.. different reactions. To myself. And the one of Bix. I'm curious. Why?"

[Pine]

~Oh dear, would you look at that the girl seems to trust you. IRONYYYY~ The voice stated as it listened to her explain why she never came out to play with other people.

~How is that Ironic?~ The sword asked in a dangerous manner.

~You have no interest in talking to her. You didn't want to meet her in the first place. You tried to bluff Bix to make a point and failed miserably. Your actions so far are as Ironic as can be. On her end she seems to trust you enough to talk to you when there is no reason for her to do so. You sir are fucked with a capital F U C K E D~ The voice replied again and the shield burst out laughing.

His eyes shot up as she asked a question Pine hoped never left her lips. She wanted to know why he acted so different in front of her than he did Bix. Pine flinched and leaned back in his chair as far as he could. The sword wished the shield would come out and deal with Liberty. He was actually for the first time ever, trying to will it to happen. Usually the sword liked to stay out as long as possible when summoned. This case was different than usual there was no fight to be won, no blood to be spilled. Pine was fully out of his element and it scared him to be this way. This girl was not here to fight, she was no threat to him, and worst of all Bix was right. Pine could not deal with Liberty. He didn't know how to deal with the innocent all he knew was fighting, that was what he did.

~This is your battle not mine~ The shield replied in an almost bored manner.

~This is what you were created for...this is what you do...I fight and you play nice now do your job!~ The sword replied in an almost panicked manner.

~No, you baited Bix and got exactly what you asked for. Suffer the consequences of your actions Pine.~

~I...I can't do this...

~Why not?~

~I don't know how...All I know is combat~

~If that were true then I could never exist in this capacity. Part of you can do this and since you are the original so can you.~

Pine took a deep breath and exhaled before he eased up on the seat and leaned closer again. His hands clenched and unclenched as he thought about what he was going to say. He didn't know what to do or what to say. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. His mouth closed again and his mind went right into full panic mode. His breathing increased and his hands shook on his lap slightly.

~How about you just start with the truth.~ The shield interjected.

~What?~ The sword replied.

~The simple truth as to why you act differently.~ The shield said softly.

"Why I act differently...That is a good question." Pine replied as he moved his hands to the top of the table and clasped them together to prevent shaking.

"I...I am an agent of combat. I have intentionally and unintentionally spent my entire life fighting." Pine moved the hair off his face so she could see the scar. "This scar is a gang mark and a reminder of my failure and a betrayal. I did not betray anyone but was a victim like the rest of my gang members. Led into a trap where the cops lay waiting. I dropped a few S.W.A.T. members before I was taken down and watched two of my friends killed. One loyal and one who set the whole thing up. I don't deal with the innocent, those that are harmless... People like you make me uneasy...Not because you are scary but because...because...you are everything I am not. Bix is like me, detached and she proved an easy target to fight with. I lack the ability to communicate with someone outside of a fight. I don't think I have ever had a conversation that didn't lead to or deal with combat. Yet since Bix let you out I should make the effort to do so." Pine said and at there twiddling his thumbs waiting for her to say something.

[bix]

Innocence
Is Underated

He seemed. To take a while. Before. He decided. To answer her. But Bix and Liberty. Both. Were not. Afraid of waiting. Nor were they. Impatient. So she waited. Until he finally. Began to speak. Saying that. She was an innocent. And he. Was all. For combat. And he was unused to. Talking to people. That were. Not looking. For a fight. But she. Could not. Help but give. Just a slight. Smile. She felt. As though. He was underestimating. Her. And he probably. Was. Afterall. But she listened. AS he told her. That he was not. Accomodated. To dealing. With non combat. Situations. She could. In a way. Understand. What he meant. He mentioned that Bix. Was distant. And that she. Was easy. To fight with. But she. Was uncharted. Territory.

"You.. think I am too innocent?" she asked. Gently.

"You must. Realize this, Pine. Bix and I. Are alike. The very same. Two minds. In the same being. I am not, so innocent. All the time. I am much more so, than Bix. Yes. But that does not. Mean that I. Have no. Redeeming qualities."

Liberty. Lifted her head. From her hand. And shifted. In her seat. Leaning forward. Just slightly. She placed her hands. On the desk. Right in front of her. They were close. to his own. But not touching. She was. Not wanting. To scare him away. Her eyes. Studied him. Quite curiously. Taking in. As much of him. As she possibly could. Sitting there. Taking in. His eyes. The scar. As he. Moved his hair. To the side.

"I can't say why though.." she said as a blush came over her face. And her eyes. Cast down. To look. At her hands. ".. but.. I find myself. curious about you. Wanting to know. Everything I can. As well as. I want. To. Spend. MOre time.. with you.. But I fear... "

Liberty cleared. Her throat. Slightly.

".. fear.. many things. One. I am willing. to admit is. That I do not. Want to seem. Clingy. I just.. really. Don't have. Much of a chance. To really. Talk to. Anyone. As myself. Or try. To find. A connection. Of some sort. "

Liberty. Shrugged. Her slender shoulders. Her vulnerable eyes. Looking up. At him. Waiting. For his judgement.

[Pine]

"I didn't mean it as too innocent....I...I meant it in comparison to myself. Though in all fairness I guess I don't really know much about you." Pine replied as he watched her move.

Pine watched her shift and place her hands on the table. Pine could see her hands were not far from his own. Pine looked at them and pulled his a little farther away. Again, this girl was getting a little too close for his comfort. As she continued to speak things began to fall into place. The problem was Pine did not like where this was going. She wanted to know more about him and make some sort of connection. Pine's head lowered slightly and he closed his eyes. He was stuck before on what to say, now he was really lost for words. How do you tell a person you have no interest in wanting to deal with them.

It wasn't so much her as it was society in general. His best friend betray him and their gang, his parents disowned him. Anyone that was ever close to Pine was either no longer alive or just didn't want him around.

~What's the problem?~ The shield asked.

~She wants something I cannot give her~ The sword replied.

~You mean a friend?~

~I don't want friends...remember what happened the last time we had friends?~

~What about Roxy?~

~She's normal....this one...this one is...~

~Like you?~

The sword was silenced then. There was nothing else to say on the matter the facts were clear. The demon was scared of something that was just like him. So perhaps it would be logical to say that Pine was not scared of others but himself. That couldn't be right, could a person really be scared of themselves? Yet at the same time Liberty/Bix were different than he was. Liberty was shy where Bix was detached. Perhaps he could learn something from her. Perhaps they could help each other out.

Pine raised his head again and moved his left hand over so it was on top of hers. He gave it a little squeeze and made himself accept his actions. No matter how against his nature they were.

"You and I are very different and yet at the same time very much alike. I do not know what you mean by connection but I could always use another friend...I don't really have many."

Pine moved his hand off of hers and removed it from the table and onto his side where it began to shake slightly. His nerves were shot by his actions but it needed to be done.

[bix]

Differences
&& Simularities

He was right. He did not. Know much. About her. And she. Did not. Know much. About him either. She wanted to. he was. The first person. Out here. That had ever. Really tried. to reach out to her. Even if. At first. It was not. Really him. But he had not. Met her first. Either. It seemed. They both had things. That they wished. To hide. And had indeed. Found that. She felt. That she could. Trust him. Just slightly. If nothing else. And she. Had wanted. To meet him. Face to face. To find out. If they. Could be compatible. In any way. Bix was not. Thinking past. This meeting. But Liberty was. She hoped. To see him. At school. To see him. In the city. Even if. AS nothing more. Than a small. Conversation. And a bit. Of fun. Her eyes watched him. As he leaned in. Just slightly.

Liberty. Could not help. But gasp slightly. As his warm hand. Came. And touched. Her own. Giving it. A gentle squeeze. Her hand shifted. So that she. Could clasp. His hand back. Just slightly. A bright blush. Colored. Her pale cheeks. And her eyes. Darted down. To their hands. Which were clasped. His skin. Darker than. Her own. But that. Was not difficult. Her skin. Was abnormally pale. As well as soft. Like velvet. And now. He was not merely. Brushing her fingers. But actually. Holding her. Hand so. He would actually. Feel the soft skin. Of her hands. Which were alone. Probably. The roughest portion. Of her body. Which felt like velvet. He spoke. Saying. He was unsure. Of what connection. She was looking for. But that. He would like. A friend. At first. That he had none. Of those.

"Hard to believe. It is, that you. Friends, have not. Nice, you are. Greatly so." she said warmly.

His hand. Began. To pull away. But she turned. Her own hand. And caught it. Her clasp was gentle. And soft. But she caught his hand. Smoothely. She could be quick. But rarely. Her fingers. Settled back. Around his hand. Clasping it. She .. didn't want. To let go. Just yet.

"However. Friends, I don't have either. So.. if you wish it. I would like to be your friend, and for you, to be my first." she said calmly. "I.. I hope you.. you might call me Liberty."

WHAT THE FUCK?!

..shut up..

Liberty. Looked up. Again. Into his eyes. And she gave him. A reassuring. Half smile. She wanted. Him to know. that she was. Interested. In being around him. Hopefully more. Than just today. She wanted. To know. A great deal. About him. More than. She knew already. Which. Granted wasn't. Very much. But she cared not. She just. Wanted to. Really know. Her first friend. But.. he was sweet. And cute. And perhaps. They needed. MOre of a night. Together. Or tonight. She doubted it though. He probably. Could think of. Better things. To do. Than hang out. With her. Or spend time. with her.

"Ummm.. " Liberty bit. Her lower lip. ~Don't you dare~ Liberty shifted. slightly. She didn't care. What Bix said. She wanted. To do this. She liked him. And .. and if she did not. At least try. She would. Probably. Never get. The courage again. "Do.. do you.. think maybe.. at some point.. we might.. we might could.. go.. go out.. together.. you know.. out..?"

God. She sounded. Foolish. Stupid. Idiotic. Lame. Pathetic. She could. Think of. Many more. Adjectives. to describe herself. At this moment. Her eyes. Looked up at him. Frightened. And vulnerable. Waiting. For his answer.

[Pine]

As Pine's hand clasped Liberty's she began to blush again. Again Pine felt uneasy. He did however let out a small uneasy laugh when she called him nice. Pine was many things but nice was not one of them. Violent, patronizing, hypocritical, the list of things he had been categorized as just kept going for a few pages. Yet here he was for no apparent reason trying to be nice to a girl he didn't know, not for sex, and it was hurting him more than a punch to the face.

He felt even less easy when he pulled his hand away and she grabbed it.

~Why is she holding your hand?~ The little voice asked.

~Why are you asking me? I was just trying to be nice....~ The sword replied.

~Well maybe...I dunno...If you both shut up you might find out why!~ The shield snapped at the other two voices.

Indeed she did tell him. Pine's eyes were on the table when Liberty told him she had no friends. Pine understood how that could be possible but at the same time he still had to disbelieve the fact. Even a monster like himself was able to make friends, it shouldn't have been impossible for the girl sitting in front of him to do so. Pine had no idea how to react and that scared him. Words did not come to his mind and all he could do was nod dumbly yes. The reason behind why was unknown. Before Pine would have just gotten up and walked off after hearing such a comment. A person that cannot make friends is a person not worth having as a friend. Yet Pine now understood something that most others might not. There was always a reason as to why a person couldn't do something. This girl was hiding something, the question was, what created Bix?

Was Bix the creation of something overly traumatic and if so, what? Could it be the death of a sibling? Abuse, sexual or physical? Drugs? Near Death experience/PTSD? So many options and so many questions Pine could not find the words to ask.

Do.. do you.. think maybe.. at some point.. we might.. we might could.. go.. go out.. together.. you know.. out..?"

Then he was forced to bite his bottom lip as she asked him out. Again another question, did she mean as friends or... Pine was not ready to cross that bridge with anyone no matter the circumstances. Yet he was unsure of what she meant by 'you know.. out..?' He allowed a small smile to cross his lips before he spoke.

"Sure, that is what friends do, they hang out right?" Pine began but did not give her a second to respond before he continued. "Consider it a kinda...Get to know one another outside of a work or school setting...Wait...I haven't seen you in school either...you wouldn't happen to go to Moral would you? He said and gently released his hand from hers and took another sip of his tea which was almost gone.

[bix]

Affirmation
&& Interest

Liberty waited. She was shy. and never. Had she asked. Anyone out. Never had she. Wanted to. Get to know. Anyone. Like she wanted. to know Pine. She wanted. To know him. To learn about him. She wanted. to ask questions. To get answers. To answer. His questions. She wanted. To spend time. With him. Find if. They could have. More deeper connection. Maybe. They would have chemistry. Maybe not. Maybe they would. Be friends. For a while. Support each other. And become the friends. That each other needed.

He told her. That they could. Most certainly. go out. Because that. Was what friends did. She chuckled. Though. she had hoped. It would be more. Than just friends. She figured. It was at least. A place to start. Because she wanted. To start somewhere. Even if. They could never. Be more. Than friends. Never be. More than what they were. Right there. Sitting across. From one another. His hand. In hers. But that was alright. She was glad. That they. could go. And have a good time. His hand pulled away. And hers. Immediatly. Felt cold. Her eyes. Drifted to her hand. She turned it. So the palm Faced upwards. She looked at it. As though it was. Missing something. The warmth fading. As he continued to speak. Her attention. On the hand. Suddenly. Her hand clenched close. And she looked up at him again.

"What? Oh.. school? yes. I go to Moral High. There's a room, in hallway three. I .. kinda hide there... sometimes. I have.. interesting hobbies.. and .. and well.. I practice them there." she shrugged. Slightly. Her slender shoulders.

"Room.. 209. If you want. To ever. Look me up. But um.. yeah.." she bit. Her lower lip. "No one.. at school.. knows me.. They know Bix. I guess, I"m just too afraid. When, did you think.. Or want. To get together then?"

[Pine]

~Why are her eyes focused on her hand like that?... Is she even listening?~ The sword wondered.

~No friends generally means little physical contact with strangers which means...God you're dumb.~ The shield responded in a rather matter-of-fact manner.

Pine continued to speak regardless, acting as if he didn't notice. Eventually she closed her fist and looked back up at him. Her words seemed kind of sudden, as if she was caught off guard by his question. Liberty did go to Moral high but spent most of her time hiding in a classroom. He could only guess what she practiced in there. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that a girl working in an occult shop would practice witchcraft in her spare time. Then again, Pine could be wrong. Perhaps she practiced with Tarot Cards or Runes or studied the arts from books in class 209. He would be sure to check it out one day if for nothing else but curiosity.

Still they were friends and that meant they would have to spend some amount of time together at school. He would prefer that it was in the courtyard or library or even the cafeteria rather than in an unused classroom.

~Baby steps dumb ass~ The shield chided.

'Well I would say we should go out after you're done work but the store is closed and I have to take my stuff...home..." It seemed funny for Pine to call such a place home. It wasn't a home and those people were not his family. To Pine it was just a place he lived until he could afford a home.

"So let's say in two hours if that's good. We could get some food or something....No offense, but you look like you could use some good food in your system." Pine said as he looked at the girl. She was skinny it was something he noticed before but he bet she was capable of putting on a few extra pounds. If she did, he might even consider dating her.

~You're a dick....~ The shield said with a sigh. ~...Shouldn't you be looking at the whole package?~

~I am....With a few extra pounds this girl could probably give you a hard-on in no time flat. I bet she could have some decent curves.~ The sword replied in a light hearted manner

[bix]

Excitement
Next Stage

Bix looked at him. As he told her. That he would. go with her now. But. He needed. To take his things. Home. And she nodded. She could. Understand that. She needed. to count the cash box. And close up. Plus. The ability. to shower. and change her clothes. Was always a bonus. She would want. To look nice. For their date. Even if. They were just friends. At the moment. It was her first outting. And she wanted. To make sure. That she could. Look nice. While having a good time. She was unaware. That she was too thin. At least too thin. For Pine. It was her fault. She was thin. She rarely ate. But she really. Didn't have anyone. Taking care of her either. She did not. Go downstairs. Especially. When her father was home. So she. Usually fell asleep. Before she got a chance. To eat. So most of the time. She ate one meal. A day. And maybe. A snack.

"The books, are on the house." she smiled warmly.

He mentioned. That they should. Meet up. Two hours from now. And that way. They could bot go home. And get ready. Before they met later. And perhaps. They could. Get something to eat. Liberty thought. To the money. That she had. She had enough. For a bit of eating. And maybe something else. She usually. Saved up for her. Witchcrafting supplies. But this was. More important. At least right now. And at least while. She was getting to know Pine. Who she wanted. To know more and more. She was glad. That they. Did not have to wait. For a whole different day. She was glad. That he wanted it. To be today. She knew that. If she had been. Forced to wait. Then she probably. Wouldn't have had. The nerve. To show up. and if she did. She probably. Would have turned. Right back. Into Bix. Which was not. Who she wanted to be. While she. Was with him.

"Two hours. We could. Meet here.. or perhaps in front. Of the school?" she asked curiously. "Umm either are fine."

Bix gave a smile. And a shrug. When he answered. She rose gently. And would allow him. To leave. By unlocking. The door. And letting him out. Though her eyes. Begged him to stay. She knew. That she would. Be seeing. HIm later. She knew that. They would have more fun. And could. Get to know. Each other better. Which she was. Looking forward to.

"See you soon, PIne."

When he was gone. She closed. The door softly. And washed the tea cups. Humming softly. She closed the store down. Turning the lights off. Putting money in the till. Gathering her bag. And heading home. So that she. And he. Could rendevous later. Something. That let a smile. Cross her face. When she left. The store. Today had turned out. Much different. Than she had ever expected. She had a friend. In the very least. With a light beat. In her heart. She headed. To home.

[Pine]

~You sure you aren't rushing things?~ The shield asked the sword who was feeling rather proud of himself for taking some sort of initiative.

~No...Wasn't this your idea anyways?~ The sword replied not exactly sure what the shield was getting at.

~Good point it was my idea in a way...Yet this girl is different you don't know what she's expecting here. ~

~I made it clear it wasn't a date.~

~You of all people should know...You know what, screw it just continue~

When he heard the books were on the house a small grin crossed his face. It seemed no good deed went unrewarded with this one. Yet when he looked at the score count they were both even. He kicked the crap out of a bunch of kids that made fun of Liberty and she patched him up afterward. Considering the prices of the books there seemed to be a little bit of an imbalance here. Pine just needed to think of a way to even out the score. He didn't like to feel like he was in anyone's debt regardless of the circumstances. If she covered his books then it was only logical that he cover...

~I'm warning you don't do it~

"Since the books are on you the food will be on me...I insist" Pine replied as he got out of his seat and picked up the books.

~Idiot...~

"Could we meet up at the school I found this place only accidentally." Pine asked and her shrug he took as a yes.

Liberty got up and let him out with a simple 'see you soon.'

"Likewise Liberty." With that Pine walked off to find the group home and get ready.