Sake, sake, how I love thee... (Bix)

[Connor Dwyre]

OOC: Takes place immediately after the Honor Guard thread. It is still raining.

Connor's head was spinning. He wasn't walking quickly, as he knew he would end up walking into something if he was. He wasn't focused, but thanks to the rain, he didn't have to be as much. He had all the detail he could want right now, as the small drops of water gave off the vibration and sound to help him pinpoint everything around him.

He started thinking about the training Gabriel had planned. Connor didn't know what it would entail, nor what he would be put through. He wanted to talk to Sara about his unease. Sara was the one who had brought him in, and he could tell by her attitude during the meeting he could trust her with his nervousness about the whole situation. He also wanted to talk to Bix about it.

And that brought him to his current though process. What was her relation in all this? Why had she been there? Most importantly, why was she so distant from him tonight? She was so cold, and it was the most prominent thought on his mind. His closest friend had acted like he was no one to her. That they had no connection. There was no reason, no explanation. A void. Nothing.

He walked on, heading vaguely in the direction of home. As she lived with him, he wasn't sure he was eager to get home right away. He thought maybe he could just loose himself for a bit out here, in the rain. Sure, he might get sick. But, that didn't bother him. He was so caught up, that he almost didn't notice the footfalls behind him. Almost.

He could tell there was someone there, but he didn't turn around. Thanks to that, he didn't know who it was. The rain masked any scent with that of the rain. All he knew was someone was behind him. For now, he paid them no mind.

[bix]

Problems
Arise

The meeting. Had ended. And Connor had gone. And she had thought. He might wait for her. But perhaps. He realized. That it wasn’t. A good idea. For them. To seem too chummy. But it seemed. That he was angry. Or perhaps. He was confused. She was not sure. So after leaving. Only giving a nod. Of respect to Gabriel. She had taken off. After him. Curious just what. Was wrong. Though she made it seem. AS though they were merely. Walking. In t he same direction. She was several feet. Behind him. Watching him. And the way he walked. Seeming as though. His mind were. On other things. Not getting home safely.

The rain poured still. A constant flow. Like a faucet. Had been turned on. Heavy sheets. Of the wet fluid. Soaking everything. In sight. Small rivers. Moved down. In rippling motions. Down the sides. Of the street. Beside the curbs. Heading to whatever drainage. It could find. Only to find. That the drains and sewers. Were filling up fast. With the oncoming downpour. Of the rain above.

When they had rounded. A corner. She finally made her move. Her hand caught. His wrist. Gently. And softly. Knowing that her touch. He would feel it. Before he would realize. That it was her. With voice. He would know. With the touch. Of her soft. Hand. It was shivering. Because she was cold. Bix was a thin girl. And she had little. To no meat. On her bones. Though living. With Suichi. Was certainly. Helping that. She was gaining weight. Finally living. And surviving easily. In a happier environment.

“Angry, you are.”

This. She could tell. From his face. While Bix. Did not understand. Emotions. She could read them. On the faces of others. Though it probably helped. That she had spent. Years with Liberty. Liberty was stronger. Than she knew. And Bix would. Never actually. Tell the girl. Only because. Then perhaps. She would begin. To spred her wings again. Not needing Bix as much. While they were. Technically the same girl. They were not. And Bix feared. AS normal. For her survival.

“The meeting, upset you it has?”

Afterall. That was all that. It could be. The meeting. Surely she. Had done nothing. She was just. Herself. That was the way. That it was for her. She was just a girl. A girl that was strange. One that he was. Way too attached to. But that was. His own fault. She could not change. His opinion. Of her but. Perhaps one day. He would realize. That she was not. A full person. And that he could find. A much better match. Elsewhere. Not in the girl. That spoke strangely. Dressed strangely. And was allergic. To the sun.

[Connor Dwyre]

The footfalls drew closer. And Connor realized that he was lost. He had wandered, even though he could "see" because of the rain, out of where he knew. There was a tinge of panic. He started mentally cursing himself for being so unfocused, though he couldn't help it. His mind needed to be clear. One of his weaknesses. If his thoughts clouded his mind, then it clouded any form of vision he might have. Navigation became difficult, and like a small child who lost their parent, Connor felt that feeling creep up on him. He was lost.

He felt a hand on his wrist, and the soft feeling was familiar. Though she rarely made contact with him at first, it had been more. However, he was a mix of confused, upset, angry, and afraid right now. Even her voice couldn't calm him down. It actually made things worse, as she still sounded so cold like before. But, it could just be his feelings making him think that.

He stopped, his own body shaking. It was cold, and Connor was human. He liked the rain, but that didn't mean he wouldn't get sick. But his body was shaking more from his emotions rather than the temperature. He reached up and removed the sunglasses with one hand, the other pulled out of hers. When he turned to her, his face was more upset than mad. She had hurt him, and didn't do it on purpose. He didn't know that, and she didn't, either. But, confusion and feelings often times cover the truth. That was why so many believed them to be a weakness.

"You can talk to me and be my friend now that no one is around, right? I thought you, when we met and finally started talking... I thought you would understand. That you were different." The rain acted as camouflage for his tears. "You don't pick and choose the times to be someone's friend. You are, or you're not. I was never embarrassed by you. I... like you being around..."

The anger left his voice in the last few words he said. He suddenly felt very drained, and wanted to get home. Too many things were bothering him right now. He didn't like breaking down in front of people. Not even Suichi. His body shook, a combination of trying to repress his crying, and the fact that he was getting very cold.

"If you don't want me around, all you had to do was tell me. I'm used to it."

[bix]

Slap!
Realizations

His body. Was shaking too. Likely from the rain. For she could not. Imagine why. He would be angry with her. She had, afterall. Really not. Done anything. That he should. Be angry for. Afterall. She had just. Gone to a meeting. He had sat beside her. She had gotten her assignment. To take out. The pillars. Or at least. Help distract them. But she knew. That something was wrong. The second that. He took his glasses off. Even if his eyes were unseeing. She could tell. He was upset. It was all over his face. Not to mention. That his eyes. Somehow seemed harder. Than they had. Ever before. Since they had met. She sighed softly. He was mad. And he had never. Pulled away from her. He seemed to seek out. Her hand. Not pull away.

It was like a slap. When he began to speak. Saying. They could be friends now. That no one. Was around. To see them. Confusion. Moved over her face. She listened. He explained. That she was different. And that he thought. She was different from. The others. That they. Were friends. And that they should. Not have to hide. Their friendship. She sighed. You were kinda cold to him in the meeting ~For his own protection! People hate me!~ I don’t think he sees it that way ~Well he should!~

He went on. To tell her. Teaching her. Lecturing her. That it wasn’t like that. You could not pick. When you were. And when you were not. Someone’s friend. That you either were. Or you weren’t. Explaining. That never once. Had he been embarrassed. By her. And yet. There she was. Being cold. In front of others. That he liked. Being with her. ~Liked?~ I think.. he’s breaking up with you ~Is he now. I don’t think so~ Well you better do something about it then huh? ~Why does he have to be so mushy?~ Probably because he got the hots for you ~oh that. Why can’t things be uncomplicated~ Because, it never is. ~Whatever~

“Freeze.”

Her voice. Once more. Had a bit of the. Normal softness in it. She reached up. And gently. With Liberty. Guiding her actions. Wiped the tears. Off his face. The rain. Helped shield them. Til you realized. They started at the eyes. And not from above. She sighed. As she took his hand. That wasn’t it. She sighed again. Trying to think. Of how. To tell him.

“Protection was what I sought for the both of us. The individuals, within that room. Vicious they are. Chosen each, for a certain reason, by a mastermind.”

Bix explained. For even they. Had been chosen. By Gabriel. And thus. They were part. Of his diabolical plan. To take over. 42 without. Too much complication. She cared not. If it made. Their lives. More interesting. It would work. Until she grew bored. Of it again.

“Weakness, people find within friendship they do. Not myself no. But others, use you against me, they might. Gabriel… is not the kind individual, think many. He is cruel. Willing to, use what he can. Against those, to find power over them. Refuse I do, to show him, any of soft spots.”

Bix looked up at him. In the rain. The rain falling. On her soft form. Her hair was soaked. And her clothes. Clung to the body. That had filled out. Into soft curves. Since the food. She was eating. On a regular basis. Was treating her better. Instead of hiding out. IN her room. Choosing starvation. Over beatings.

“Friend you are, and always will be. In public, different I am. Not only to you, but anyone around. Protection, important it is. For myself, and for you. Think not, our friendship has ended. However, instead, protection this is. For the both of us, and the friendship between. However, wish you that this ends, agree I will to move past. Hurt you, I wish not, seems I do nothing but. Forgive me, understanding emotions, hard for me it is.”

Bix looked down. Her face. Overcome. With emotions. That she did not. Understand. You’re sad to think it’s ending ~Am I? Perhaps protecting him was wrong?~ No, I think he just is too sensitive to understand the difference. He’s never met anyone like you.

[Connor Dwyre]

When Bix spoke, he listened. He was unable to move from where he stood. When her touch came again, he didn't pull away. He hated himself sometimes, for being weak. At least, for what others considered weak. Suichi told him his emotions gave him inner strength. That it was those feelings that would guide him down his path, and would help him go through life. That they helped him when his mother passed on, and he had not lost himself as one could.

Whether or not it was true, he knew his emotions brought him pain. How that gave him strength, he didn't quite know. Bix seemed stronger than he, and could deal with things much better than he could. She spoke, and explained. She even wiped the tears from his eyes. Her touch was gentle, and it wasn't Liberty who was there. It was Bix. She said she didn't want to show a soft spot. That she was like this in public. It wasn't an embarrassment of him, but how she sought to protect them both.

He didn't speak for a bit. They stood there, in the rain. Neither one moved. Connor took a deep breath, to calm himself down. She isn't embarrassed by you. She is trying to protect you. She... wait... she has a soft spot for me? It was slowly dawning on him that Bix did like him. Well, he already knew that much. Though her feelings (as she had little to speak of there) didn't move past friend, he was beginning to understand. However, full realization of things would take time.

When he spoke, the soft face he had normally returned. Her words had eased him. She had managed to make him feel better, as the truth can sometimes do. It can also bring pain, but this time brought him comfort. He realized he had jumped to a conclusion. Fair, considering his past, but not fair to assume she was hurting him. He took her hand in his. "Bix... I'm... really sorry. I should have known better." He regretted being mad at her at all.

"I'm so used to having people turn away from me, and how things were in there... I just thought..." he sighed. He was rambling, and he felt foolish. "I was wrong. I hope you can forgive me. I don't want to loose my best friend because I did something stupid." His body was still shaking, though it was more from the cold rain than the upset feeling that had begun to pass.

"We should go home." He tried to find his way, but thanks to his wandering and unfocused mind, he had no idea where they were. Bix would be the only person he could admit being weak in front of. "I... don't know how to get home from here. I got myself lost." He blushed.

[bix]

Appologies
&& Normalcy

He seemed. To understand then. At that point. He was thinking. And then. His face. Turned from anger. And being upset. To that of. Understanding. And the soft contours. Of his face returned. She was glad. She was afraid. That he would. Rebuke her somehow. Tell her to get lost. Or something that. She would not. Be able to do. So easily. However. He seemed to know. That she was telling him. The truth. Which she was. For Bix was not one. To lie. If Connor ever asked her. Straight out. Why she wasn't. Wanting to date him. He would get two answers. But both. Would be. Completely true.

"Lose me so easily you will not."

She assured him. They were both cold. She knew that. She was likely. Colder. Because her body. Was tiny. And she had. Little muscle or fat. To help keep her warm. It was good. He could not see her. For her lips. Were beginning. To turn blue. But they would be home. Soon enough. And she knew. When they got there. She could get warm. Suichi would likely. Not be home. But there was a shower. AS well as blankets. And clothing. Connor mentioned. That he was lost. Bix chuckled. As he took her hand. And she nodded. Gently. She clasped his. And they turned. Down another street.

"Perhaps, walking in anger, is not the best choice."

They began to walk. Silence between them. Their hands holding. As the rain. Continued to fall. Now that. They were walking. She felt like. She would be. A bit warmer. But her body. Only got colder. Not to mention. That she began. To shiver more. Her lips. Shook. Her whole body did . As well. She wished. They could stop. But she knew. That stopping. Would not change. Anything. It would in fact. Make her colder. So it was best. To keep moving. Their street. Wasn't far. They were close. Closer than before. For sure.

Finally. The house. Was in sight. Bix didn't feel. So well. But she hid it. Easily. The only part. Of her body. That was warm. Was his hand. Fumbling. She got her keys out. As they came. Under the over hang. Now no longer. In the rain. She shivered. Fighting her body. For control. Finally. They slid in the door. Unlocking it. The picture of Liberty. And Pine's first date. Swung on. The blue puppy keychain. Inside. It was cool. Because the lights were off. And it was shut up. But she closed the door.

"Get changed, I am, meet you, in your bedroom I will... bring something, warm us up, with you."

She rushed. to her room. Because she was cold. Luckily. He couldn't see. So she was stripping. As she went. The benefit. To living with. A blind boy. She got in her room. And picked some jeans. And a fluffy sweater. That was black in color. Using a towel. From the bathroom. She ran it over her hair. Her body shivering. But she knew. Now that the clothes. Were off. She would likely. Start feeling better. When she felt. At least half human. And not a block of ice. She went. Into his room. And turned on. Her own music. Non of that. Classical stuff today. She didn't turn it up loud. Just enough. To enjoy. And opened the window. To the sound of rain. Setting the incense burner. In the window. She waited for him. To figure out. What they were going to do. To get warm.

[Connor Dwyre]

He felt the warmth of her hand, a nice contrast to the harsh weather. He smiled at the comment as well. That she would not be so easy to get rid of. That was good, as it was the absolute last thing he wanted. Even if Gabriel tried to find a way to use that weakness against him, he would refuse it. He would fight it. She was his best friend, that was that. He was beginning to understand more, at least the more she explained. It confirmed that as long as they had friendship, he would be alright. Yes, he wished it could go further, but so what if it didn't? Was it that bad?

She chuckled at his loss of direction. She knew he could get around unnaturally easy, and for him to loose his way was not normal for him. She mentioned that he shouldn't walk angry, as it was obviously not a good idea. He nodded. "Duly noted."

The more they walked, the colder it got. Connor was holding himself from shivering, and he could feel Bix was feeling worse than he was. At least, from the cold. She held it well enough, but he could tell she was cold. Once they got home, Connor shook violently. Though he was of bigger build than she, he was still human, and he was thoroughly soaked.

She went to her room, and he headed to his. He ditched his clothes on the ground, removing them all. He found a dry set of clothes, sweatpants that were comfortable, and a dry t-shirt. He waited till she was done in the bathroom to hang his own clothes. She asked him to meet her in his room, but to find something to warm them up. Connor had agreed, but now that he was in the kitchen, he was at a loss.

What exactly am I supposed to get? I don't have time to cook a meal. We don't have anything quick in the freezer... wait! I got it! He went to the cabinet. Inside, many bottles lay. There were many different varieties, but Connor knew where and which one he wanted. He counted down, and found the one in the rack. Rice wine. Sake. It was used to warm those who hiked up mount Fuji, and was a common drink in Japan during lunch and dinner. Suichi had allowed Connor to indulge on occasion, like special days. Today, there was a need for it.

He heated it up, as he knew how. Simple to use the stove top to do so. In a pot of water sat the carafe of the drink. He got the two cups, and once the carafe was done, he brought them all into his room, minus the pot of course. He turned the stove off before leaving, least he risk starting a fire.

He returned to his room, and placed the contents of his arms on the nightstand. "It's sake. Traditional drink of Japan." He realized he had just grabbed alcohol and was offering to a girl. A girl he liked. One who knew he liked her. In his bedroom. He blushed hard. "It was... the only thing I could find. I didn't have time to cook, and we didn't have much... we are out of tea... and... oh man." He felt foolish.

From his reaction, it was obvious he had no mal intentions. But, he didn't know she would take him bringing her a drink like this.

[bix]

Alcohol
&& Fun

Bix waited. Sitting on the edge. Of Connor’s bed. The soft scent. Of her incense. Burning softly. Throughout the room. Filling it gently. With the scents. Of Cinnamon. Which was gentle. And yet. Pleasant. She waited. Looking around. His room. She smiled softly. At the pillow. That lay upon his bed. The one. She had gotten for him. From the resale shop. It was the softest of furs. And probably. Had cost a good amount of money. Back when it was new. But even now. A bit loved. And second hand. The soft fur. Wouldn’t be lost on him. She could almost imagine him. Laying on them. Softly sleeping. Or while reading one of is books.

His steps. Brought her out. Of her thoughts. Lest she get caught. With what she was thinking. Not that he could see her. But still. One had to be careful. When emotions were involved. Not to show. Too many. Especially. As Bix. For she was the protection. And must make sure. That she was not. To be injured. And no one. Not even Connor. Could harm. Liberty Fontaine.

A bottle and. Something else. Was in his hand. As she sat there. When he entered. She looked down. Reading the label. Sake? He explained what it was. But she knew. What it was anyway. She wasn’t completely stupid. She just. Was too young to drink. She was only. Sixteen years old. And that wasn’t. Going to change. Until her next. Birthday. Which was not. Soon. Regardless. She was there. Watching him. As he stumbled. Over the reason. Why exactly. He had grabbed the sake. Instead of tea. Or some warm food. Not that she really. Seemed to mind. All that much.

“A day, there will be, when you are confident around me.”

She wanted that. Sometimes. She had to admit. That his insecurity. Ground on the nerves. Bix was strong. Liberty. However. Could be shy. But inwardly. She was a very. Strong woman. Inwardly. And that was something. That even Bix admired.

“Brought, hope I, glasses.”

She was interested. In this sake. And to see. Just what it was. That they might do. It was alcohol. AFterall. And she had never. Drank before. So this could certainly. Be most interesting. She hoped. They might. Learn more. About one another. Perhaps. He might be. The first person. To see the balanced. Liberty. The one. Before the split. But she was not sure. Even alcohol. Could bring that. About.

[Connor Dwyre]

He did cherish that pillow. It was so soft against his skin, and he had been sleeping much better because of it. he had never minded it was second hand. He knew she had washed it and made sure it was clean for him. He had even taken to hugging it when a poor memory made it's way into his mind. He had no idea she pictured him sleeping, nor that he had indeed found a spot inside her heart like that. She did keep her emotions to herself.

Connor felt better when Bix didn't take things the wrong way. In truth, he wanted to be his open, semi-confident self around her. But, his liking for her made him nervous. He just didn't want to screw up was all. He nodded to her, responding to the comment. "Yeah, at some point." He grinned, feeling a bit foolish for thinking she would have assumed he would try to get her drunk. After all, she knew him well by now. She knew his mentality, and his behavior. He was strong, inside anyway. Bix had yet to see it. All she really got to see was kindness, and nervousness.

She asked about glasses and he nodded, placing the cups on the table. Fine porcelain, both the carafe and the cups. There was an intricate design of a cherry blossom tree, one Connor would never see. He poured the wine, his ears twitching as he did so. He could tell when to stop based on the pitch of the liquid inside the cup. When he had poured them both, he set the carafe upright, and clinked his cup to hers. "A bit of a toast. To a strong friendship."

He sipped his, knowing not to gulp it. The warm wine had a distinct flavor, and the heat of the beverage warmed him from the inside out. Sake, above other drinks, had that effect. He sat there for a moment. he wanted to talk about the meeting. That, and he wished to learn more about her. Perhaps one would lead to another. "You were right before. The meeting did bother me a bit."

He was still unnerved by Gabriel's tone. "I don't know why Gabriel chose me. I only met him once before tonight. Why he want's me for a student... it didn't make much sense." He shrugged. "At least you got a partner." Connor had met Sara. She was the one who had wanted him in the group. Though it seems like she had taken to giving him the nickname 'her blind bitch.' He might have been offended, but for some reason, he wasn't.

He had no idea Sara and Bix had met, nor if the relationship there was good or not.

[bix]

Strong
Friendship

This. Was what they would. Toast to. Bix guiding. Her glass to his. And clashing. His glass. Against his own. She liked that. They were alone. For while Suichi was relatively. Laid back. She somehow doubted. That he would be alright. With them both. Drinking a bottle of sake. She took a slow sip. Never having. Had sake before. She was taking. Her time. To take the sip. And watching Connor. For cues. Just incase. She sighd softly. Feeling the warm liquid. Sliding down her throat. Beginning to really. Warm her up like. Nothing else. Besides tea would have. Bix did not. Do coffee. Unless she was. Really tired. Which was rare. Now that she was. Living here. She was able. To sleep. Unafraid. Of being beaten. Of her father coming home. And other things. That really. Made her quite terrified. To put herself. In the vulnerable position. Of sleep.

He mentioned. As he sat down. Bix slid herself. Down to the floor. Leaning against. The side of the bed. As she sipped. Her sake. It was good. Bix was not used. To the alcohol. But it would take. A bit more. Than a couple sips. To go to her head. Still though. She sat there. Listening. As he explained. That he was. Definatly. Worried. About the. Situation with Gabriel. And how he wanted. To take Connor. Under his wing. Yes. That worried her as well. It was not like Gabriel. To latch onto someone. Bix believed. That Gabriel believed. That Connor was weak. And there fore. Impressionable.

"Fear it is, for me as well. Latching on to you, is not, quite something expected. Fear I do, that plans in mind he has. Opinions of you, and your constitution, wrong they may be, yet use them he will try."

He mentioned. That she had a partner. That he was. Acting alone. Bix grimmaced.

"Not quite. Sara and I. Get along we do not. Hates me, she does. Reason, unknown. However, care, I do not. For a friendship is a thing, that both must indeed be interested in. Work hard, I will not, to be a friend, to someone with hate in the very core."

Bix herself. Had a great deal. Of pain in her body. In her soul. But none of it. Had ever really. Been anger. Though she had to admit. At least silently. To herself. That the thoughts. Of killing her parents. Had of course. Crossed her mind. From time to time. But she had never. Actually attacked. Or hurt her parents. She would not. She did not. Have it in her. But she knew. All too well. That every person. Had their breaking point. She sighed softly.

"Careful, you need to be, with Gabriel. Smart he is, finding your weakness, is his goal. Never believe, that his goal otherwise. For it is not, to train you, secondary that goal is, I am sure. Worried for you, I am."

[Connor Dwyre]

Connor drank as he listened to her. Unbeknowns to him, he could hold his alcohol. He was of Irish heritage, after all. But, he was also a boy, and this was not your typical sake. This was Japanese imported. The alcohol content was also a bit higher than if you were to just walk into the liquor store and pick some up. Chances are, Connor and Bix would be feeling the effects sooner than either knew. What they would do to the two teens was still yet to be determined.

Bix spoke more around him than others it seemed. She told Connor she hadn't expected Gabriel to latch onto Connor. She felt he had something in mind and it wouldn't be good. Connor had the same feeling. He also understood that she didn't get along with Sara. Not at all. But, he didn't feel that Sara had hate that far down. Least not that it consumed her. Connor wasn't about to say it to Bix, though.

The last thing caused Connor to smile, though he hid it. Bix was worried about him. Worried. That was not a cold feeling. It was not just a protection thing, either. You only worry about someone when you care about them. He nodded at her words. He would be careful. "Hey, I'll be alright. It would take more than Gabriel to change who I am. I have weaknesses, and I don't hide them as well as other people. But, I know who I am. Gabriel can't change me unless I let him. I don't plan to let that happen."

He sighed. "So, before... at the meeting, you were cold to protect me. To keep Gabriel from using our bond against us. It makes sense now." He faced her, and the boyish charm he seemed to be unaware he had was emitting form him. The gentle, innocent smile that played upon his lips helped amplify this.

Their cups were empty, and Connor took to filling them up. As he did so, he spoke, just as she was sipping her second drink. "I think you have more emotions than you let on. You only worry about someone if you care about them." He blushed a bit. "It's... good to know." The knowledge warmed him up more than the sake did.

Their cups were filled, and the drinking continued. Round two begins.

[bix]

Truth
&& Fuzzies

He knew. His weaknesses. That was good. It was important. To know. Your weaknesses. For they were the things. That would. And could. Be used. Against someone. All they had. To do. Was know. Exactly. What they were. A small inkling. Could certainly. Go a long way. With someone. Like Gabriel. At the head. Her eyes. Watched Connor. With curiosity. As he assured her. That he was not. Going to change. Especially. Because Gabriel. Tried it. He was who. He was. And apparently. He was happy with that. Which she supposed. Was really. The only. Thing that mattered. So long. As he remained strong. At his core. No one. Would really. Be able. To touch him.

He mentioned. Her cold ways. During and before. The meeting. They had experienced. And attended today. It was true. She had done it. To protect him. From the fact. That Gabriel. Would yearn. To find anything. That could be. Considered a weakness. Bix knew his kind. She had enjoyed. The mental. Prowess of. Gabriel Seran. Once before. And he. Her own. Still though. He was not. To be underestimated. For she. Had certainly not. Given her all. That day. And she would. Be foolish. To believe. That he. Had done the same. Only fools. Would give their all. In a first meeting. And a battle. Of wills.

“Indeed, correct you are. Gabriel, a beast he is, very intelligent, though seems not. Most of the time. Still though, careful, you must be. For he will. Seek out, that which, hold dear you do. Extinguish it, he will, before it’s importance, you realize.”

Their cups. Were refilled. And Bix. Who never drank. Was having problems. Really. Already. Her thoughts. Were becoming fuzzy. And her mind. The same. Her eyes were. Moving around the room. Unsure. Of what. And who. She could trust. Her body. Tingling. In a strange almost. Burning way. With only one cup. Of the strong. Alcohol down. Her small. Overly thin. Body. Still. She would not be. Out done. Least not yet. For she knew. There were times. One had to. Throw in the towel. When to know. That enough. Was enough. Taking a sip. Connor spoke again. About her emotions. Her eyes rolled.

He obviously. Could not. Take a hint.

“Emotions, are Liberty's department. Built I was, to protect Liberty. Great pain and suffering, she has indeed endured. Wall I am, built around, Liberty. Protection, from others, from emotions, from the world. Anguish, clouds her being, it does. Heart, body, mind, soul. None of these, untouched are. Sanctuary, needed, she did. Bix, is thus”

Perhaps now. He would understand. And she was just. Tipsy enough. To probably. Explain more. About their lives. Before coming here. If it was. Asked or hinted at. But that. All depended. On the boy. That was in control. Of the booze.

[Connor Dwyre]

Connor was normally responsible. He did all his chores. His homework was always completed on time. He studied. He took care of things. However, he was not able to maintain a responsible attitude under the influence. He could feel the alcohol coursing through him. However, he still continued to drink the second cup down.

Bix explained the lack of emotions. How she was only here to protect Liberty, and nothing more. He nodded, but wasn't buying it. After all, her tone was slightly different with him in a one-on-one situation. That, and she worried about him. She could claim it all she wanted, but there was some emotion there. Even if it was a bit of Liberty leaking through. No one was completely void of emotion. Not even Bix.

But, Connor was in no condition to argue. Besides, he was more curious to learn about the girl who was now his roommate. "I've kind of been wondering about that, but I didn't know if you really wanted to talk about it." He moved closer to her. Not too close, mind you. But, at least not like there was a wall between them. "I guess now is a good a time as any to ask. Would you tell me what happened exactly? How you became the shell? If you don't want to go into it, I understand."

[bix]

Wondering
&& Answer

"I've kind of been wondering about that, but I didn't know if you really wanted to talk about it."

Oh. Was it now. She assumed. He had likely. Been sitting. Upon many. questions. That he had left. Unasked. And she had. Never volunteered. Any information. Either. Afterall. She was not. Really free. With the information. Of her past. She was quiet. About it. Suichi. Had been able. To get a bit. Of information. From her. But only upon. Telling her that. He was looking. To actually. Adopt her. And make her. A daughter. Like Connor himself. Was a son.

"I guess now is a good a time as any to ask. Would you tell me what happened exactly? How you became the shell? If you don't want to go into it, I understand."

He had. Moved closer. And Bix. Got herself. Another glass. Of sake. Especially. If she was. Going to talk about it. Bix tossed. The glass back. Letting the heated. Burning fluid. Slide down. Her throat. And to her stomach. Mixing with. The empty stomach. Filled with only. Alcohol. And nothing more. Which meant. That it hit her. That much faster. Especially. Since her system. Was not used. To the alcohol. And as it entered. Her empty stomach. She could feel. That her body was. Tingling. Her head. Was fuzzy. And her eyes. Were finding themselves. Softer. It seemed. That inevitably. She and Liberty would. Temporarily. Meld together. Bix leaned back. Into the pillows. At the top of his bed. Getting one last cup. Of the sake. Though this one. Was to be sipped. She sighed softly. Thinking about. How exactly. To start this tale.

"My family, poor, we have really always been and therefore we were unable to have many of the things that so many other families had. My father worked, a great deal mind you, to support us. My mother and I. Tight, it was, however, still. My mother didn't work, she was pregnant with my brothers. I have two of them, you see, Jus and G. Their names, much like my own, are patriotic. Justice and Glory are my brothers."

Bix's. New speech style. While still formal. It was not as. Hard to hear. And much more easy. To understand. There was nothing. To decipher. And not only that. But it was. More normal. As though Liberty. And Bix. Had melded Temporarily. Into one another. To creat. What had once. Been the. Whole being.

"When they were born, harder it was for my family and their finances. My mother could not work with three children at home and thus remained a homekeeper. Still though, it was then, that my father grew angry. More and more so by the day. Blaming me, for this, and blaming my brothers for naught. They were only children and therefore innocent. Though I was a child, older I was, and much more was expected of me."

"It started as, verbal abuse. That is what the books call it I have seen. Telling me, and complaining about me, and degrading me constantly. My mother too, joined in. For she was home all day with the three of us. At her whits end when my father returned and only too eager to join in on the fun. Still though, it escalated into beatings, which took place, more from my father, while my mother remained abusive with her pointed tongue."

Bix took a sip. Of her drink.

"Harder, more frequent, more painful, and more viscous they became. Constantly. My father. Got promoted. At some point, and with that travel became a constant. He would be away. From weeks at a time, and yet, when he returned, he would indeed. Take a weeks' of beating out upon myself."

Rising she moved to Connor. Setting her glass. Down on the. Table by the bed. AS she moved she lifted. The shirt. Up on her side. And took his hand. While her hands. He had felt. Which were soft. And gentle. Her side. Was like velvet. She brushed his fingers. Over the scars. Under her ribcage.

"These, a stab wound. My father gave to me, upon a return one night. My mother, complained to him, of my insubordination, of my reading books of witchcraft when she herself read the same. In my room he came, and attacked me. He stabbed me here, for only was it my brothers that enabled me to live for they called the ambulance claiming I had fallen upon a knife while playing with my witchcraftery."

She pushed. Her shirt back down.

"Thus Bix was born. To protect me from the world but mostly the father that hated me so much that he wished to kill me with the blow from a simple knife. Most recently, he caught me practicing withcraft in my room, he attacked me again, pummeling me, and then.. took a crystal, and stabbed me once more.. but here."

This time. She brought his hand. To a new scar. Underneath. Her collar bone. Where she had been. Stabbed by her own. Crystal. The one. Ironically. Meant to protect her.

"Thus. I left. Unable to return. And then. you gave me this home, and Suichi offered me his fatherhood. I have a family now, one I always wanted and yet inside I am not complete. Fear I do, quite often I will never again be a whole person for the fact that my past breeds such fear, anger, and pain. I do not know what I would do... were I to face them again, and yet, I feel, that here, I have found a santuary."

[Connor Dwyre]

Connor listened as Bix's tone softened, and her speech became that of a 'normal' person. No riddle, no backwards speech. Just plain and formal. As he listened, it was almost as if he could see the things happening to her. How cruel her life had been. Though Connor, too, had not the best home life, Bix's/Liberty's was far worse. And, as one would expect of him, he forgot about anything that had happened to him, and focused on her.

She took his hand, and he blushed out of instinct. He was still not used to having contact. But, his face reflected the pain he knew she had dealt with. Tears formed in his eyes, but stayed there, not dropping. She guided his hand, letting him know where her scars were. Connor's hand never recoiled.

She spoke about sanctuary. How she had found a home. "I... had no idea..." he was angry at her family. "How could anyone be that cruel?" His hand and hers were still touching, and he held it. "Bix..." he had no idea what to say. His face conveyed everything, though. He wanted to keep her safe. Wanted her to know she was here, in the home that was now hers as well as his.

"I'm glad... you have a sanctuary here. I promise... here, you're safe. I'm... sorry you had to go through all that." Connor understood more now. Why Bix was here. What her purpose was. Though he still couldn't accept that she had no emotion. At least, he understood why she was cold. Even with this added knowledge, there was no explanation for his crush on her. He had finished his cup of sake, and was unsure whether to take another. He doubted the alcohol would make things any more clear.

"You know... you're my closest friend. I'd never do anything to hurt you. I know you don't trust people. At least, after all that, I could understand why you wouldn't. I wish... I could prove that" the alcohol was making his own head fuzzy. Connor never drank, least not like this. He had partaken for ceremony. "I won't betray your trust. I won't hurt you. I promise."

He couldn't have been more sincere. He hoped she would believe him. After all, he had no reason to harm her. And if any should try to cause her pain, then they would have to deal with him. He would viciously protect her. It was his nature. Though, he doubted she needed him to do that, he would. He couldn't help it.