How do you tell someone... (Bix)

[Connor Dwyre]

"Again!"

"HAI!"

"Again!"

"HAI!"

"Again!"

"HAI!"

Connor struck again, and again, but not feeling like he was getting anywhere. Honestly, he was distracted at the moment. His head was filled with many thoughts, more than he was used to swimming around his conscious. His mind was not on his training, and no matter how hard he tried, he was not focused. Suichi picked up on this, but didn't let on right away.

"Connor-san, it is time to spar. Show me what I have taught you these past years. Show me the blind eye fighting style!" He took his stance as Suichi took his. The master of Four Element Kung Fu. Connor could feel that Suichi was not playing here. He was intending to test his student. "Begin!"

Suichi rushed in, Connor dodging easily enough. His reaction was slow, and he missed the counter attack. Suichi struck with his knee, Connor blocking only barely. "Sloppy!" The master struck hard with a downward blow, and another knee to Connor's ribs. This winded the boy. Suichi moved to the side, then launched a kick outward that caused Connor to roll over several times before coming to a halt several feet away.

He was on his back, and breathing hard. Suichi shook his head, and chuckled. He knew what was going on, and he wasn't about to let Connor get off that lightly. But, it seemed talking was more in order than sparring at the moment. He could tell Connor wasn't fully here. "That was not Blind Eye. That was just blind." He reached out and helped the boy up.

"Sorry, sensei. I'm just..."

"How do you expect to protect her if you can't even defend yourself against an old man like me?" Granted, Suichi wasn't that old. Mid sixties to give a closer idea. But, his words struck Connor.

"Sensei, that's not why I'm..."

"You think you are the only one who can tell things about people? " He took the boy and guided him to the chairs that were outside. "Connor, since she has moved in, you have been happier than I have ever seen you. I see you without your glasses and gloves more and more. Even if it is only around Bix, it is still something." he chuckled. "Your face lights up whenever she is mentioned, and you tend to get a red hue to your cheeks."

Connor had no idea it was that easy to see his reaction. Suichi continued. "Connor, I know what it is you want from her. It is obvious you have developed feelings for her, even in such a short time." Connor was about to deny it, like a little boy, but Suichi stopped him. "Connor, you have been a student of mine for several years. You are a son to me. I can recognize a crush when I see one. And you, Connor, have a crush on your roommate."

Connor swallowed hard. "M-maybe..." He shuffled his feet, and Suichi chuckled. Connor suddenly burst out. "Sensei, how do I tell her how I feel? I tried, once, and it... it didn't go so well." Suichi had a feeling something to this effect occurred. The day it rained. He also knew what the answer was here.

"Connor, there is an old saying. Too much of anything can be bad for you. I will touch upon that in a moment. But, when you told her that you had feelings..."

"I just said I liked her."

"Yes, but I am guessing a bit too soon. Connor, the girl is broken."

Connor didn't like the sound of that. He began to get defensive. "She is not! She's... she's fine the way she is! There's nothing wrong with her!"

Suichi could hear the tone in Connor's voice. The boy didn't understand. Connor, you are misunderstanding what I am saying. Listen.

Connor was silent again, Suichi's tone telling him now was not the time to argue. "There are things in the way she walks, how her body gives off signs. I know nothing of her past, but I know it was hard. Harder than I think even you realize. She is not one to be responsive to kindness. She has received it from you, and seems to accept it. When I spoke to her, sending you out of the room, I watched her as we spoke. She was apprehensive a bit. Not fearful, but not expecting anything good. It was my folly to ask you to leave the room, though it was necessary."

He had felt bad for putting her in that position. But, he also felt he had to. "The gift of a place to stay meant very much to her. In time, I feel she will grow to accept things. That she is safe here, and that she is welcome, has people to care about and for her. But, this transition take time. Right now, affection can be shown, but more toned down. Help can be given, but if requested. If you push too hard, too fast, too soon, you will push her away."

Connor thought long on these words. he had remained quiet until now. "So... too much kindness might have the opposite effect than I am hoping it will."

"Exactly."

"So what am I supposed to do? Be like everyone else? I don't view her like everyone else!"

"NO, no no, that is not what I am saying. That would be horrible. What I am saying is, tread softly. Be yourself, but don't rush things. If it is meant to be, it will be. Be kind, but don't force it upon her. Do you understand?"

Connor nodded. "I think so. I'm not sure"

Suichi smiled. "You will. It will make more sense to you the more you think about it. " Connor nodded. "Take a few moments, and have some water. I think you should meditate for a bit on what I have told you." Connor got up, and headed to the kitchen. He watched the boy as he walked into the house.

"i do hope it works out for you, my son. But, only time and fate will tell."

[bix]

Knowledge
&& Shock

Bix stepped. silently. Into the home. And walked. Down the hall. Her shoes. Were off. She had taken them off. Outside. Dropping them off. In her room. Her stockinged feet. Made no noise. Moving the door. Open in the. Hall. She stepped gently. Into Suichi's room. There on the nightstand. She placed. Another envelope. Labeled. Much like. The first. Assistance. That was what. She was doing. Helping. Here. She did dishes. She cleaned. All without speaking. Without needing to be asked. Without any protest. And she left money. Enough to cover. Some of the groceries. Or things that she must. Ask for. While Connor and Suichi. Spoke often. She usually. Remained silent. Unless spoken too. Unwilling to really. Take a chance. And afraid to make herself. Vulnerable again. To the pain. That had taken Liberty. And torn her assunder.

am guessing a bit too soon. Connor, the girl is broken.

Passing the training room. Silently. She heard this line. As she moved. And froze. For a moment. Broken. She suposed. That was the only word. For it. She was broken. Torn in two. Torn to the point. Where she had. No real emotions. And could not seem. To really let anyone in. She had thought. For a while. That Pine. Would allowe her. To finally. Open to someone. That would. Become something. Special to her. And yet. He kept. Pulling away. And kept pulling her close. It was a rollercoaster. And she was growing tired. Wishing he would. Make up his mind. Days sometimes. He would kiss her. Hold her hand. Put his arm around her. But others. He rebuked her. And she found. That this was what. Continued. To keep her form. Finding contact with others.

Bix continued to move. Not wanting. To hear. Any more. Of the conversation. Afterall. There was no reason. He was right. She was broken. And neither. Knew why. But then. She probably. Didn't seem. As though it was. Right to talk to her. Especially. About her things. About her life. When it seemed. That there was nothing. She would talk about it. She had never. Even mentioned it to them. Her life. Before she. Came to live here. And why. She was on her own. She moved then. Down the hall. Taking a book. From her room. She silently. Went to the living room. The sky. Was overcast today. So she need not worry. About the sunk. In the sky. So she climbed up. In the window. She was small enough. To fit in the sil. One leg. Up in the sil. The other. Dangling down. To the floor. In her hands. Was a novel. Her blue hair. Down today. Pale skin. Mostly uncovered. Wearing only jeans. And a tshirt today. Only having. Come come from work. A few moments ago.

Her eyes read. The book in her hands. Letting them. Do or speak as they wished. It was not rare. That she was spoken about. Not that she enjoyed it. But she was. Used to it. There was nothing. That she could do. About it. She lived here. And if they. Wished so. They could speak of her. As much as they wished. It was their home. She was merely. An intruder.

[Connor Dwyre]

Connor walked into the house from the backyard, and shut the slider behind him. He went to the fridge, grabbed a bottle of water, and took a big drink. It was a good thing he told Suichi he wasn't sure about what the man said. Because he really wasn't. It was also a good thing he was in the house alone, because he often spoke out loud when he was thinking. Without anyone around, it would seem less odd.

At least, he thought he was alone. Connor had no idea Bix was here. "I don't care what he says. He's wrong!" Connor wasn't exactly being quiet, either. Though Suichi had explained, the word broken wasn't one he liked when describing his friend. He was very, very defensive of her.

Also, he was confused what he should do, or how he was supposed to act based on what his sensei had said. With all these thought pouring in his brain, he wasn't focused. No amount of vibration in the world would give him vision now. And so, without thinking, Connor got up close and personal with the wall. He walked into it hard, smashing his face.

"OW!"

His hand went to his nose, the other groping in front of him along the wall. There was Bix's room, the door space, then the wall between them, then his room. "Shtupm wah!" Only a semi coherent 'stupid wall' remark came, as his hand muffled his speech a bit. He made sure he wasn't bleeding. It was painful, but he was alright. He began pacing his room, the water on a desk.

"I don't care... he has to be wrong. He is wrong! She's not broken! She's fine! Everyone else is broken!" He was frustrated, and pissed off. Connor was very emotional, though few ever saw him upset. They saw a happy boy, not an angry one. But, everyone had a trigger. Insulting Bix was one of them. "There's nothing wrong with her! I like her. But can I tell her? No! It was too soon! I am supposed to be me, but not be too kind. Too kind is too much."

He was frantic a bit. It was too much for him to process. That, and he was already upset by his 'broken' remark. His hands were in his hair. He stopped pacing, and settled on his bed. His sneakers were kicked off, and he rested his back against the headboard. He had no stuffed animal to hug to make him feel better, though there were times he wish he had something other than his pillow. But, as that was all he had, that was what he used.

All the frustration got to him, and a few tears strolled down his face. "I don't care! I don't care if she likes me. I can't just not be me. I don't know how." The thought of pushing her away wasn't exactly what he wanted, either. His voice softened a bit. "I... don't care if she doesn't like me." He remembered what Suichi said about protecting her. "I am weak. But that doesn't change my promise. I will always be there for her if she needs me. I will protect her as best as I can. It doesn't matter... at least she's my friend."

He wished now he could speak to the goddess. He needed guidance. He faced up, and his eyes were closed. "Please... don't let me push her away." With that, his face went to the pillow. He sobbed quietly. He never cried in front of anyone. Even Suichi had only seen him break down about the passing of his mother. Connor hid things from everyone, so he could be alone when he let things out. He didn't want to trouble anyone.

"What am I supposed to do?"

He had no idea Bix was in the room next to him. That she could hear every word. If he had, he might have kept quiet. He had no idea how defending her, or his feelings would effect her. The only hope he had was that she wouldn't turn from him. Even if she never liked him 'in that way,' he still wanted to be around her, and hoped she wanted to be in his company as well.

[bix]

Enter
Liberty

Her book. Was good. And her mind. Was lost. Within. The characters. And the world. In which. They were living in. As she had told. Connor. She loved to read. And that. Was what. She did now. Yet another envelope. Of money. On Suichi's beside table. So that she. Could continue. To help out. As much as possible. While she stayed here. The door opened. And closed. Pulling Bix. From her world. In the book. And back. Into the one. In which. She lived. Connor it seemed. Was finished. And she grinned. As he stepped. Into the room. But he seemed. Distressed. For otherwise. He would have. Noticed her scent. Or at least. The sound of her breathing.

In the kitchen. He began. To talk to himself again. Out loud though. And where she. could easily hear. Complaining. That Suichi was wrong. Connor seemed upset. Something that. Was not really. Normal. Afterall. He was generally. A happy person. As he came out. Her blue eyes. Followed his movements. He moved. Until he found. The wall. Bix had to. Bit her lip. To keep herself. From laughing. Just because it was. Rather funny. Normally. He moved around. So easily. But today. He seemed to. Be having some. Serious issues. Especially if. When he normally. Could move around. The house. So easily. And yet somehow. Today he could not. Manage to walk. Without missing the wall.

When he was. Not paying attention. She rose. Her silent steps. following him. She was curious. Just what this. Was all about. Afterall. He had never. Really seemed so. Pissed before. She followed him. While he was. Stumbling. To find his room. She watched. From the hall. As he entered his room. And began to pace. His nose. Seemed to have faded. In pain. And she watched. Her eyes. Darting from one side. To the other. As she followed. His movements. Back and forth. Across the room. He told himself. That she was not broken. Wrong. That she was perfect. Wrong. That she was alright. Wrong. That she was normal. Wrong. That he didn't care. What others' thought. Probably. Apparently. He was supposed. To be kind. But not too kind. Her brows furrowed. What the hell. Did that mean?

He finally landed. On his bed. And her eyes. Watched. As Bix leaned. On the wall. Across the hall from. His doorway. He settled. On his bed. And he grabbed. The pillow. Holding it tightly. To his chest. As he continued. To speak to himself. Apparently. Not knowing. That she was close by. That was alright. It was interesting. To watch. As well as. To listen to him. He mentioned. Her not liking him. AS tears. Began to roll. Down his cheeks. And onto the pillow. She sighed softly. Alarms went off. In Bix's head. As she listened. ~Deal with this, I cannot.~ I will then, let me, for once. The eyes. That were normally. So blank. and felt. No real emotion. Suddenly, seemed to flood. With life. If Suichi. Had ben there. He might realize. A bit more. Of what was. Going on. With the girl. But she had not. Heard him come in. Or anything. He was crying now. Sobbing if. Nothing else.

Bix stepped. Into the room. ONly it was not Bix. But Liberty. She moved. Swiftly across the room. And sat down. On the side. Of his bed. Gently. She pulled him in. And she hugged him. The way that. A friend would. Probably the way. That he had needed. To be held. For a long time.

"It's alright."

Liberty whispered. In his ear. Her head. Lay on his shoulder. And her arms. Held him. Rocking them both. Back and forth. slightly and softlyly. Gently so that they. Could get him. To calm down. She knew that. He was upset. Though Liberty understood why. Bix did not. And this would be. The first time. For him to meet. Liberty.

[Connor Dwyre]

Connor only noticed movement on the bed when a body came to it and sat next to him. He was about to tell Suichi to go away. His for the first time, his sensei was not the one that he felt he could talk to. Not about this. He was too angry. But, before he could move... before he could yell at the man who had caused him to become upset, gentle arms came around him. They were female arms. The scent of ginger was strong.

Connor tensed up. He had not meant for anyone to hear him. Especially not her. He never showed himself being upset to anyone. Now, he was looking weak in front of the one person he wanted to be strong for. But, the shock at her being there caused him to freeze. "B-bix! I didn't know you were..."

"It's alright."

It was her voice, but at the same time, it wasn't. No riddle, no odd tone. And this one held emotion. Like she understood why he felt this way. She rocked him back and forth, and the motion helped to calm him down. He didn't speak. His eyes were closed. It felt good just to be held. It was something he missed, the only one to have ever held him was his mother. Growing up without her, he had done without it for so long.

His tears stopped, though his eyes were still moist. He had settled into her as she held him. Even if it wasn't the affection he had sought, this was still something. When his breathing returned to normal, he finally "looked" up. He had always wondered when he would meet her, and now it seemed was the time.

"You're not Bix, are you?" He smiled weakly. The question was not one that needed an answer. They both knew the truth of the situation. They both knew of the other. Liberty had the advantage as she knew more of Connor than he did of her. After all, she could watch through Bix's eyes.

"Pleased to finally meet you. I just wish it wasn't like this." He didn't know if the girl really knew why he was upset. Bix certainly wouldn't have. But, as usual, Connor was more concerned with her than he was with his own feelings. "If this comes out the wrong way, then I am really sorry. But... um... what brings you here?" He got red in the face. "No, that's not right. Sorry... I'm not really good at this."

[bix]

Liberty
Existance

He stuttered. At first. Surprised. That she had caught him. In such a state. Yet, she minded not. Bix was complaining. Of course she was. Having to deal with emotions. Letting Liberty. Finally meet Connor. Was not at. The top of her list. Still though. It was nice. To just be around. Someone else. It was hard. For Liberty. To see Connor. And how sweet he was. Even to Bix. And not wish. To meet the man. Afterall. He was very sweet. And treated Bix. Like a princess. AS though she. Was someone special. And perhaps. She was to him. But still. It was hard. For Liberty. Not to come out. And meet the man. She lived with. Still though. It seemed. They met now.

He cried. And let her. Hold him. As she knew. Bix would never. At least. Not yet. For Bix. Did not. Understand emotions. She was without them. It was this. Why she protected Liberty. Why she was. The front. Of her. Connor seemed. To relax. In her arms. And her fingers. Softly ran. Through is hair. In a gentle manner. So that he would. Begin to calm down. She sighed softly. Waiting for him. To calm himself. And he did. Fall silent. But for a while. He did not let her go. ~Remember this one is mine~ Bix growled. In the back. Of Liberty’s mind. I have not forgotten, you can deal with him if you wish. ~Just fix him,~ That’s what I’m doing

When Connor pulled back. He looked up. In a way. Towards her face. As though. Realizing it. Was not Bix. She smiled. Though he couldn’t see it. He was lovely. More so without. Seeing him through Bix. And seeing him. Instead. Herself. He seemed. Surprised. To meet her. Saying that. She wasn’t Bix. Causing Liberty to chuckle. She was a bit more. Carefree than Bix. Well. Much more. He said. He was pleased to meet her. Though he wished. It was under. Different circumstances. Liberty rose her fingers. Soft as they were. To touch his face. And to take away. The tears. That were still. On his cheeks.

“It doesn’t really matter when we met, just that we met at all. She’s very protective of you, you know.” Liberty chuckled softly. Once more.

She chuckled again. Much more. Light than Bix. Who’s darkness. Was all others knew. They were night and day. Bix had been created. From Liberty’s dark side. She looked at him. AS he asked her. Just what. Had brought her here. Before criticizing himself. She placed her finger. On his lip. So that he would stop. His rambling. Before he could really. Get started.

“I am here, because you hurt. Because I am to calm you down, and soothe your fears and pain.” Liberty told him in a soft voice. Her hand reached up. And touched his hair. For a moment. Brushing it. From his face. And then. Her hand fell away. She was just. Sitting there. Beside him.

“We. Are broken. Your master is not wrong, it is true. For Bix would not exist if I was not a broken person. I separated, for reasons of my own, that no one really knows but myself. However, I think that it’s best if Bix tells you and not me.”

~What?!~
He is yours, you said.
~Yes! But I can’t tell him that, I told you to deal with it!~
No, you said fix him, I’m going to do that, but you need to come clean and stop being such a bitch
~I am NEVER letting you out again~
Yes you will, because you can’t deal with things like this
~I’ll just walk away~
Right, because you can do that. Lose the ONLY friend you have not to mention hurt his feelings, annnd just walk away
~Damnit! Just fix him I’ll do my own stuff!~
That’s what I thought, softie
~Watch it Libs~

“Now tell me, please, what is wrong. I know you hate thinking of Bix as broken. We’ve established that I am, however, I wish to know your feelings.”

[Connor Dwyre]

She stopped his rambling with a single finger to his lips. Liberty was much more emotional and lighthearted than Bix was. But, Connor knew Bix was the hard shell that protected the soft Liberty. The contrast was known, but to actually bear witness to it was still a bit surprising. The difference was huge. Connor quieted, and Liberty spoke.

"She's... protective of me?" It took him a second time to hear the words to get their meaning. Bix liked him then. But, the lack of emotion kept her form showing it, though there were flashes here and there. Connor suspected he might be the only one that had happened with, but he held his doubts.

Liberty explained why she was here, even saying Connor's master wasn't wrong with his observation. Connor took a breath, and let it out before speaking. She wanted to know what was worng, why he was upset, and what he was feeling. He suspected Bix could hear him, just as Liberty could hear through Bix, so he knew it might get through. Though, there was still the fear that Bix would turn away from him. Protective of him or not, he still feared that above everything else.

"Well, um... where to start..." He explained briefly how they met, and how Bix had let him in rather than run away for him being different. He told of how it was important to him, given his past. He moved to how they spent the other day together, and shared the dance, and had even fallen asleep together. Things Connor had never done with anyone but her. He told her of the feelings growing for the girl, and then he got to today's training.

He spoke of how she was his new drive, to be strong enough to protect her. That he didn't trust Gabriel, and he wanted to make sure that he could keep her safe. He recapped his conversation with Suichi, and how he knew what his sensei was saying, but how he didn't agree with it. And that brought him to now, and his frustration.

"I'm just confused. I... don't want to push her away. I... I do like her more than a friend. Suichi called it a crush." He blushed. "I just... I want her to stay my friend. Even if she never likes me more than that, I would be fine. I can't change how I feel, though. She's my first real friend. The only one I can trust, and the first person I didn't feel like I had to hide anything from . Not my scars, not my eyes."

He sighed. "I don't expect anything from her. I just don't want to do something stupid that makes her want to leave. She has her reasons why she... turned me down. I guess... I just wish I knew what they were. I think I'd be ok, as long as I knew she wanted to stay my friend." He sighed. "She doesn't know this, and neither does Suichi, but... I defended her."

He faced Liberty. "It was right before I met Gabriel. I got picked on by this guy who made fun of me for being blind, and for hanging around 'the witch.' I tried to just walk away, but the guy didn't let me go." He described the fight he had gotten into, which was basically just embarrassing the kid and dropping him. No real pain, but causing him to never bother Connor again. At least for a while.

"I'm protective of her, too." He smiled weakly again. At least now, he was more calm than he had been a few moments before. Talking with Liberty was helping. At least for now, it didn't seem strange, either. Maybe it was because he was blind. He could hear the difference. Bix and Liberty were two separate parts of one person, but what makes a person, anyway? If it was personality, than Bix was her own person.

"So, I think that sums it up. Now you know why I'm upset and confused. I just don't know what I am supposed to do."

[bix]

Confessions
&& Truth

Liberty knew. Already. Most of what. Was happening. Most of what. Had already transpired. Between Bix and Connor. She knew. That bix. Often called him. Conrad in her mind. Only because. It was a name. She enjoyed. And it was close. Enough to his actual. Name. Perhaps one day. He would hear her. Actually refer. To him as that. But for now. Bix kept her affections. For the redheaded boy. To herself. Even Connor. Did not. Know that. Even Connor did not. Feign to understand. Just how much. Bix enjoyed. His company. Nor how important of a figure. That he was. To the girl. He had. Low selfesteem. And she figured. That was why. he would not. Know just how much. He meant to the girl. Because he underestimated. His importance.

She listened though. As the boy got out. All that was. Bothering him. About Bix. Not being. Attracted to him. In the way that. He was to her. And about Bix not accepting. His affections. That were deeper. Than friendship. And that he wished. To develop. He seemed. To not really. Understand. That Bix. Was the emotionless core. That surrounded Liberty. So that the pain. On her already. Broken and seared soul. Would not. Be nearly as bad. As it was when. She was the one. In control. Liberty was damaged enough. That the smallest thing. Could hurt her severely. And so Bix. Had begun. To be the front woman. To protect Liberty. From the pain and take it on. Herself.

~He defended me?~ Apparently. ~I do not need defending~ I think it's sweet ~Yeah well you're a mush ball and I don't get why that's sweet he's saying I'm weak!~ No he isn't, you just think so, because you don't understand

Liberty took a moment to interupt. But as her lips opened it was Bix that spoke.

"Careful you must be, for Gabriel is not as he seems. Intelligent he is, cunning he is greater. Careful who you befriend, Connor."

Libery smiled.

"See told ya. Bix isn't so keen on Gabriel, she respects him for his intelligence but she knows that this thing with the Honor Guard is a front for something larger. Watch your back, if you are to really work with him."

When he finished. Telling her everything. Libery looked up. For a moment. At the ceiling. And then back. At the confused boy. That sat in front of her. The poor thing. She knew that this. Probably made him. All the more confused. Bix had never. Intended for Liberty. To meet Connor. Connor was hers. She had even. Been playing nice. And letting Liberty. Talk all she wanted. To Pine so that. When Bix was. With Connor, Liberty. Would be quiet.

"Bix does not really understand emotions. She was created to protect me and has a shell that is harder to crack than I know. She is very protective of me and then you as well. But the thing is, she does not understand how emotions work and that is why she cannot really tell you that she likes you. Or that she thinks of you fondly.. or that she feels fondly at all. She doesn't understand it herself. That is why I'm here. To be honest. Bix is part of me you see. We aren't exactly two seperate entities except in personality. The doctors say it split.. when certain.. things happened in my past. However, when we see them. No one sees me., they see Bix, they believe she is just a sociopathic psycotic girl. So they do not really believe we've split. It's confusing I know... but know that in a way we're the same person. I am just.. what's left."

Liberty chuckled.

"I'll let you talk to Bix now. She's going to have to learn how to deal with you anyway."

Liberty gave him a hug. Nice and warm. And it seemed. In a second. Her body went. Rigid. And Bix was back. Pulling away. With her stiff nature. Her hands. Sat in her lap. As she looked. At the boy. Beside her.

"You need not defend me. Judge, people will, and ridicule, they enjoy. Painful, I refuse to let it be. Strong I am, need not, protection. Friendship is fine, but weak I am not."

[Connor Dwyre]

He had no idea Bix thought fondly of him. Not to the degree Liberty made it sound, anyway. It made him feel much better then Liberty would know. The hug was appreciated, and it felt nice to have a comfort. If he knew that Bix was a bit possessive of him, it would have made him smile, to know she had growled at Liberty, that he was 'hers.' When the body temperature changed, and she got rigid, the hug ended very abruptly.

Bix was back.

Immediately, she had said she wasn't weak, nor that she needed defending. Liberty was right. She didn't understand. Connor shifted so his back was resting against his headboard again. "I didn't say you were weak. I didn't defend you because you needed it. That's not why I train. I don't do it because I have to, or because you need some macho body guard. I defend you because you are my friend."

"I know people are cruel. And maybe you are stronger than I am for not letting it get to you. I admire you for that. As for me, I don't care what someone says about me. It is what they say about the company I keep that bothers me. Regardless whether you understand or not, it doesn't change anything. I can't stand for letting someone belittle my closest friend." Well, his only friend, at this point anyway.

He wanted to ask if what Liberty said was true. If she really did think fondly of him. But, based on her tone when she returned, it sounded a bit colder than usual. Just like how she was at the meeting. he didn't think it was the right time to bring it up. Not just yet.

"Liberty told me, though I am sure you heard, that you don't understand emotions. That you don't understand why I am the way I am, or why I feel the way I do." He tilted his head back. "I hope one day, you do. Maybe let me show you at some point. I accepted you for who you are, the person I met on the first night we spoke. Even if you never understand it, know that it won't change anything. I just worried you'd turn away from me. If that won't happen, then I'll be fine."

It was true. Mostly. He'd be fine to a degree. He wouldn't be perfect. Rejection is never easy. maybe he was able to get through to her. if she already thought of him and was protective of him, maybe he had a chance. he just didn't know how to approach her about it.

[bix]

Defense
&& Understanding

He stated. That he did not. Protect her. Because she was weak. But instead. Because she was. His friend. This of course. Was something that Bix. Did not understand. She was created. To protect Liberty. Because Liberty was weak. And could not. Protect herself. This new thinking. Was foreign. To the strange girl. As she sat there. Looking at Connor. As he pulled away. Immediately. Her fear was. That he preferred Liberty. To her. Afterall. Liberty was certainly. Much more normal. Everyone liked Liberty. That had met her. Especially Pine. And Liberty. Had fallen head over heels. For Pine. Bix did not understand. Why was it that she. Was so hated. So feared. So strange. Was she not. A being in her own right. She knew. That her job. Was to shield. Liberty. From everything else. But her own feelings. Were oft over looked. Bix merely. Did not understand. Emotions. The way most normal people. Did.

He explained. That she was much. Stronger than him. And he admired. Her for the way. That she was. And for how. She could be. So very cold. Distant. From the world around her. And how she could. Not let things bother her. But he explained. It was not himself. That he was upset with. It was when someone. Insulted his best. And closest friend. Bix’s eyes widened. She had not expected him. To say that. She, Bix, was his closest friend. The one that he wished. To protect.

“Why wish you, to protect me? Understand I do not, important I am to no one, except you. Confused I find myself.”

He asked her. Not to turn. Away from him. Her eyes looked. Into his unseeing. Green ones. She was shocked. That he wanted her. So close. And so near. She was shocked. Because no one else. Had ever. Wanted her close. Especially. To protect. And care for.

“If need show me, you do, then show me. For understand, I do not. Curious, I am. Tell me then, show me then, what it is you wish to explain.”

[Connor Dwyre]

She asked him to explain why he wished to protect her. He smiled. "I wish to protect you, because it is protecting someone I hold dear. Your friendship means more to me than I think you know. I don't do things because I have to. I choose to do things. I told you that I like you. I meant it." He started to blush again. Only slightly. Liberty was nice, though Connor didn't understand the word 'normal.' What exactly was normal anyway? A definition others pinned on people. To Connor, Bix was normal. She was Bix, that was that. She didn't have to be anyone else around him. He liked her, even if she was only created.

He feared that at some point Liberty might not need her, and Bix would go away. it wasn't something he thought about until just now. He had just met Liberty, and he thought she was alright. He could see them becoming friends. But, it was Bix he had affection for.

"Even if you are only important to me, is that so bad? If someone cares about you or for you, then you don't really need anyone else. At least, that's how I look at it. I know you were created to protect Liberty. My fear is that, if it comes a time that Liberty doesn't need your protection, you won't be around. That... scares me. Because then I loose my best friend."

She asked him to explain. To show her if he couldn't find the words. Connor's mind raced. He doubted anything good would come of what he had the impulse to do. After all, she didn't grasp emotion. Even if Liberty said Bix was fond of him, he didn't fully believe it. After all, how does one devoid of emotion care or be concerned for anyone? "Um... I don't really have more words to explain it better. I could show you, but I just hope... you don't dislike me for it."

He was so afraid she would stop being his friend. Would hate or dislike him if he acted on his instincts. But, it seemed like she needed something more to help her understand. Connor wanted to show her, but was very scared of the possible outcome. He didn't want to screw up. Suichi's words echoed in his head again. The risks advice. Connor was beginning to tire of it.

He sat closer to her, and he faced her. "I know you don't understand, and I only hope this helps." Please don't hate me, please don't hate me... Connor had never, ever done this before. Not once. He had romantic ideas before hand, about what this moment might be like. This may not have fit one of his scenarios, but it would be something that stuck with him for some time to come.

He leaned in, and placed his lips to hers. Soft, gentle, and filled with caring. More can be conveyed in a kiss than in words, and right now his affection for her, as well as his value upon there friendship came through. When the kiss did break, he was blushing, and nervous. Mostly because he expected her to either swing at him, or run away. Neither of which he would know how to react to.

Heck, even if she stayed there, he wouldn't know what to do. But, he knew it was the only way he could show her what he couldn't find the words for. Liberty knew, even more than Connor knew himself. He hoped, if anything, Liberty would help Bix understand. Otherwise, he might have just risked his closest friendship.

[bix]

Changes
&& Feelings

Bix. Still did not. Understand. Even as he sat there. And explained. Everything to her. She didn't. Understand. She could not fathom. Why he. Would want to. Protect her. Liberty yes. Liberty could connect with the people. That were around her. But she didn't. For the fear. Of what had happened. In her past. With people. That she had tried. so desperatly to connect with. She had been rejected. So many times. And been made fun of. Cast out. Among other things. So Liberty was now protected. So that she could. No longer be hurt. So easily. Bix was a protector. Something that. It seemed. He was finally realizing. When he realized. that at some point. Liberty might not need. Bix anymore. She wasn't sure. If Bix would go away. Or if she was permanent. Only time. Would give the answer. To that.

It seemed that. Since she still. Did not seem. To really understand. He decided. That showing her. Was the next. Best thing. Perhaps then. She could really. Understand. What was going on. Her eyes watched. As he shifted. On the bed. Her eyes watched him. So that she could. See what he was going to do. Afterall. He was to show. Her how he felt. Why he wanted. To protect her. He leaned in. His hand rose. Taking her arm. In it softly. He leaned in. And Bix's eyes. Grew wide. Liberty cried out. As his lips. Found her own. Only instinct. Made her react. Her lips. Softly moved. Just like his own. Mimicing him. Rather easily. Afterall, she had seen. It before. And read it before. A kiss was a kiss. At least to Bix it was.

When it broke. He looked at her. With his unseeing eyes. She was shocked. Sitting there. Silently. Staring right at him. ~What was THAT!?~ a kiss? ~Alright bitch, that isn't funny, I'm serious!~ He likes you like I like Pine ~Oh. But why?~ I don't know, he says he wants to protect you because your'e his only friend, but I think it's because he's crushing on you ~ He wants to crush me? That little...~ No! He .. is falling in love with you. ~With me?!~

Liberty waited. And bix's eyes. Filled with. A bit of. Realization. That was this was. This was Pine and Liberty. Connor. Wanted to be Pine. And wanted her. To be his Liberty. To have feelings. Smile. Laugh. And love. She was not sure. That she was capable. Of something like that. Even if. He tried for years. She wasn't sure. That she had. Something like that. In her. Gently. She touched his hand.

"Thought, this will need."

Her voice. Was a whisper. And the girl rose. Taking her leave. Of his room. And returning to her own. Long enough. To take. Her umbrella. She stepped. Into the back. And moved. To her favorite tree. Sitting down. Underneath it's shade. Bix sat there. Her mind blank. Unsure. Of what to do. Her body. And mind. Shutting down. Unable to process. What had happened.