Holidays (Pine)

[Bix]

Forced
Acknowledgment

It was not. A sweatshirt. Merely a long sleeve. Shirt. It showed off. A bit of her body. And how it had grown. Filled out. Slightly under Pine's. Love and care. She smiled. Softly. That smile only P ine saw. When he met her at the door. As she came out. Looping his arm. Around her slender waist. She was still thin. Just not a. Two by four. As she had almost been. When they first met. Bix kissed him back. Gently. Before he passed her. Leaving her there. Standing as though. An idiot. She had been. Abandoned. Not in a bad way. Just that. She didn't know. This person. That she was to be. Spending time with. In the living room. Though she was curious. To meet a friend of P ine's. Afterall. She hadn't met one yet. It wasn't as though. She went out of her way. To do so. Merely that. She tried not to be. Invasive.

The door shut. And Bix turned slightly. Her eyes resting. Upon the one. She did not know. Bix was good. At not showing. Her nerves. Her face remained blank. But her eyes. Which had been filled. With light when. Pine was in her presence. And she felt. As though they were alone. Was gone. Still though. She knew that. If Pine trusted him. Then he was good. She knew that. He would not. Just trust anyone. And she also knew. That she had been. A closely guarded secret. For a while. It seemed an eternity. Until he spoke to her. Closing the distance. That was between them. Her blue eyes. Following him. As he moved over to her. His accent. Was strange. Curious. it seemed a mix. Between two accents. One easily. Identified as Italian. The other. Seemed almost Russian. But she was unsure.

She nodded. In affirmation. Of what he had said. To her. That Pine had certainly. Left without. Introducing them. Her head tilted to the side. Just slightly. Her bangs, framing. Her face as she moved. He extended a hand to her. And her sapphire eyes focused on it. Just for a moment. As he spoke. Giving his name as Malakai. And that. He had known. Pine for about. Six years. Bix gently. Reached out. And took his hand. Giving it one shake. Before she bowed to him. He was Pine's friend. So he recieved. Respect from Bix. He inquired. Of her name though. And for a moment she was unsure. Of what to say.

"Pleasure it is, indeed, to meet a friend of Pine." Bix said, in her voice. "My name is..." bix.. Bix.. BIX... "..Liberty."

Even she. Blinked for a moment. As her actual name. Escaped her lips. But she knew that. Pine was not fond. Of Bix. And that. He would be. Calling her Liberty. So it seemed. There would be. Less questions. Even if Malakai. Already knew her. As Bix at school. Bix was unsure. If he attended. Their school or not. So she figured. In some way. It would be easier.

"Happy Holidays, to you, this day." Bix said. In her cool voice. As she pulled her hand back.

[pinefresh]

"Liberty" Malikai shook her hand. As previously stated he had expected Liberty's speech but he wasn't really prepared for it. A small smile crossed his lips as he fought hard not to laugh. "Oh yes and a happy holiday to you as well."

Malikai had many questions he wished to ask her. He wanted to pick her brain a little about Pine but knew he did not have to time to do so. Like most others, Malikai knew Pine but really knew nothing about him. It was strange when he thought about it. How do you know a person but not really know them? It was a great deal of an oxymoron. To him Pine was a bit of a mystery but perhaps this girl understood something he did not. He would be sure to pick her brain at some point. Being Pine's friend would grant him that access. At the same time Malikai was curious as to why the young girl was not with her family today. Pine had no family that would have him and Malikai had no family he wished to be with. That is why he was here. What could make a better pair than an orphan and an outcast? Though he had to say something to keep the awkward silence at bay.

"If you don't mind me asking, how long have you too been together. I haven't talked to him in about two or three months now so I really have no idea. Though we are friends...he and I do not need to spend frequent time together or talk often to maintain our friendship." Malikai would await the reply before continuing to talk

Come to think of it I remember when I first started to interact with him. He was this fat kid with huge curly hair and was an average height for his age. Come to think of it I wonder why he stopped growing? He's been 5'6 for the past three years now. The only thing that has really changed since then are his scars..."

He was cut off when he saw Pine standing quietly leaning against the hallway opening. In fact Pine had heard the last little bit Malikai had said and his face was one of lack of amusement. Pine pushed himself off the wall and made his way over to the two of them. He was wearing a pair of jeans, a white t-shirt and a a black pin-stripe hooded sweatshirt with the front zipper.

"You'll be happy to know I'm actually 5'7 now and for the record I thought the hair was cool jackass. I'll show you my old high school student ID later Liberty." Pine was now trying to think of something he could pull out on Malikai to make up for the embarrassing facts he just told the girlfriend. Though he walked into the kitchen and checked on the meal again before returning to the living room where both Malikai and Liberty were hanging out.

"I'd give it about 10 minutes...I guess that means it's time to make the salad. I'll do that while Malikai sets the table. Right Malikai?" Pine said with a smile.

"Your making the guest set the table brother?" Malikai said pouting to get the point across.

"Brother equals family and family helps out. So yes I'm making you set the table. "

"Jackass." Malikai replied and got up to do as asked.

[Bix]

Dinner
For Three

The holidays. She knew that. It was time. To be with a family. And that, she was. With the one person. She wanted to be with. While Pine. Still seemed to have hope. That she could. Recosile. With her own family. She felt. As though. It was a lost cause. She knew. That her mother loved her. But living. Within the hostile. Environment. Was making Bix. Stay Bix. And keeping her. From wanting. To move back to Liberty. The person that she felt. She was when she was with. Pine. She wanted to be that. For Pine. But at home. She could not. And being home. Half the time. Meant that she. Could never fully. Try to be herself again. She knew that Pine. And her mother both. Wanted the return. Of Liberty. The young girl. Who had died. When she had been stabbed. By her father. In his fit of rage. Further supressed. By years of pain.

The boy. Asked her. How long she and Pine. Had been with. One another. And she smiled. A bit of that. Inner light. At the mere mention. Of his name. Afterall. Pine trusted him. And so too. Could she. Her eyes looked up. At the newcomer. That she had just met. She nodded. Before she answered.

"Three cycles now. A few days, here and there, added."

She shrugged. Simply so. It was true. Three months had passed. Since meeting her beloved. And she. Did not want. Anyone but him. She loved him. And she was happy. When she was around him. Bix had found. Her happiness. It was with him. Bix was surprised. to learn. That Pine had once. Had curly hair. And was rather robust. She chuckled softly. And smiled. She wondered. What that would have looked like. She probably. Would have liked him regardless. She nodded.

"Enjoy his scars, I do. Beautiful, I think."

Pine was standing there. Behind them. And Bix turned. Looking over at her boyfriend. A brighter smile. On her face. As he stepped in the room. He was right. He had grown. Since they had been dating. She had noticed. When she did not. Have to look down so much. To see his eyes. She nodded as he spoke to her. Saying he would. Show her a picture. Later of what. He had looked like. Before they met. She was glad. Anything she could learn. About her boyfriend. Was better. Than knowing nothing. Pine checked on the dinner. What had once been for two. Was now for three. Though there was. Certainly enough. She was not worried. Bix didn't eat. That much anyway. She followed Pine. And Malakai. As they headed to the kitchen. Pine said. There were ten more minutes. Malakai would. Set the table. And he would work the salad. While Bix, though not given an order. Moved to the fridge. She grabbed. The bottle of wine. And pulled it out. Getting out three glasses. Beautiful glasses. She moved and began. To pour the glasses. She filled them half way. Putting the bottle. Back in the fridge. She put the glasses. On the table. While malakai set it.

"How did you meet, Pine?" she asked.

[pinefresh]

Malikai had to think of what she could mean by three cycles. Come to think of it he had no idea what else it could mean than months. A woman's cycle was once a month, a moon cycle was one a month so she had to mean months. Unless there was some weird cycle he did not understand. There was no way she could mean cycle in the sense of pregnancy. She was far to skinny to be pregnant. At her size there was no way he'd miss the bump indicating a baby.

"Wow three months...I'm surprised he can hold to a commitment for so long." Malikai said jokingly in response. He knew Pine and his last girlfriend made it around this far before Varron was shutdown. It did however amaze him that Pine even bothered with a girlfriend. He was well built and besides the scars wasn't bad looking. In fact when they met after Pine moved to SanFran he must have had a girl on each arm. The kid was a player in his own right when he wanted to. He assumed Pine would have continued as such. Yet for whatever reason he chose to find someone that could perhaps ground him. It was no secret that Pine was a loose cannon 90% of the time. If he wasn't his face would have never gotten so scarred.

Then again, Liberty found his scars beautiful. A chick that dug scars was something Pine needed. Looking at Liberty Malikai would have bet on her having a few as well.

"Pine and I never met until recently. We started off as... What is English term...." "PEN-PALS!" Pine called from the kitchen as he watched Malikai move to set the table.

Pine moved toward the dining area and took over the story. "Our schools wanted to do something fun so they assigned us a Pen-Pal of the same age and grade. The catch was the other school was in Italy. For the first few letters I spent more time trying to translate what he wrote then it was worth. Then I find out this asshole was fluent in three languages one of them being English. We kinda just kept at it up until I moved here four months ago. Hence why we don't need to get together often to maintain our friendship. It was never face to face to begin with."

Pine pulled the food out of the oven and put it on the table. Before he could sit down there came a knock at the door. Pine recognized the knock and his eyes went wide and he turned to Malikai. Malikai shrugged and Pine moved to the door. He opened it and was immediately jumped by his little 5'4 princess Yuffie. Yuffie was 5'4, 110lbs, long dark brown hair, dark brown eyes and olive skin.

"PINEY!!!!" She yelled as she jumped on him. Her arms wrapped around his neck and her legs wrapped around his waist. If Pine were a smaller man he would have been knocked to the ground by the sheer force she got him with. "Merry Christmas brother!" She said cheerfully and unlatched herself from him. The next person to enter the door was Barrett.

Barrett was 6'0, 225lbs, short light brown hair, hazel eyes, and tanned skin. Pine smiled at Barrett who smiled back. "Got kicked out of the house again?" Pine asked. "Well merry Christmas to you too asshole. This little banshee wouldn't shut up until we came. Oh and the others might stop by later so I hope you made enough food."

Pine looked over as the two moved in, at the two already getting ready for dinner. Malikai looked lost and Liberty...Pine wasn't sure. She had been bothering Pine for the last little bit to meet his friends. Now that he thought about it he had been a pretty bad host. He just left Malikai and Liberty alone to talk fully knowing Liberty was not exactly equipped for dealing with people. Now two more had entered the equation and there was no telling what she would do.

"Alright guys...the little one here is Yuffie, she's like the 10 year old sister I don't have." Pine said and put his hand on her head ruffling her hair affectionately as she took of her boots. Yuffie punched him in the ribs for it and fixed her hair. "The giant here is Barrett...He...He's just Barrett. Alright you two this is Malikai an old friend of mine. The Blue haired beauty over there is my girlfriend Liberty."

"That's her!" Yuffie squealed and ran over to Liberty jumping on her and enveloping her in a big hug. You could hear the smack as both Pine and Barrett slapping their foreheads in sheer frustration at her actions.

Meanwhile Yuffie giggled in delight as her hand felt the softness of Liberty's hair and skin. "heehee she's so soft it's like hugging a teddy bear 'cept she's not fat and stuff. You have to tell me how you keep your hair and skin like that. I could hold you forever!"

Barrett burst out laughing and Pine put his face in his hands in an effort to keep from laughing and to figure out what he could do to save Liberty.

Malikai had drained his glass of wine and made his way back to the kitchen to grab the bottle. He was sure it was going to be an extremely fun night.

[Bix]

Doubts and Visitors
Information Unfolds

Bix was interested. In the fact. That Malakai. Was surprised. That Pine was with her. Still. As though. Staying in a relationship. Was not normal. Did that make her. Special. Or perhaps. That meant. That her relationship. With Pine. Was at its end soon. Bix bit her lower lip. Wondering if that were so. She had not sensed him. Pulling away. And he had. Said he loved her. This morning. And oh how. She loved him right back. She wanted. To curl up. In his arms tonight. And remember. How wonderfulu it was. To wake up with him. In the morning. She wanted. To roll over. And see that groggy smile. There was just. Something about waking up. Beside him. Often that made. Her so happy. Perhaps. The old relationships. Were just not. What they had together.

Malakai was right. But only Bix and Pine. Knew about her scars. For many were. Inward. The others were outter. But they were not. Easy to see. And she did not. Go about showing them off. Only Pine. Had seen them. Outside her family. It was not so much. That she was ashamed of them. But overall. If no one had noticed. Bix was naturally. Quite modest in dress. Though she managed. To be sexy. For Pine at the same time. Malakai with Pine's help explained. That they had started out. As Penpals. And Bix could understand that. As Pine explained the rest of the story. She was glad. That Pine had. A friend. A brother of sorts.

The dinner. Smelled delicious. And she hoped. That her help. Had been right and that. The food. Would taste. As amazing. As she knew Pine's cooking. Could be. But as the dish. Was placed on the table. The door was knocked on. Once more. Bix looked. Over at her boyfriend. Who looked at Malakai. And she too. Shifted her attention. To the Italian. But he only shrugged. And then. Pine went to the door. Only to be squeeled at. Liberty froze. And looked up. With wide eyes. So far. She was unsure. If Pine even undersood. The depth of. Her anti socialism. Yes. She had wanted. To meet his friends. But all at once. Was a bit much. She watched. As the girl attacked him. And then a large man. Stepped through the door. Barrett. And Yuffie. Apparently. Bix stood there. Wondering. If they had enough. For all these people. Pine. Introduced the two. And then mentioned Malakai. And finally. Bix. Only to have the Whisp. As Bix decided to call her. Rush across the room. And litterally tackle. The blue haired maiden. To the ground. Bix's head cracked. Into the tile of the room. She winced. That would leave a bump.

The wiggling Whisp. On top of the blue girl. Squealed. About how soft she was. Yes. Bix was soft. Hair and skin both. Soft as could be. Caparing her to a teddy. Making Bix cock her brow. She watched. Malakai. Down his glass of wine. And go for more. Oh god. For the first time in ever. She wanted to be. Right with Malakai. She too. Would need some alcohol. To get through. The night.

"More place settings. I must make. Hope, I do, enough food there is."

Bix mentioned. Soft her voice was. As always. Her body. Stiff. While Yuffie was touching her. Tugging on her hair. Brushing her fingers. Against Bix's skin. Bix was like a statue. Laid out. The chopsticks. Had rolled across the floor. And her hair. Had fallen free. Bix was stiff. Uncomfortable. And closed off. She wasn't sure. How to deal. With a situation. Like this. She knew. That it was likely. His friends. Would not like her. She was strange. And most. Didn't. Even her family. Though she was weird. She figured his friends. Would likely. NOt understand. Why she was. The way she was. And why Pine. Liked it. When the girl. Finally got off. Bix got herself up. With a hand from Malakai. She gave him. A simple nod. In thanks to him. As she began to get more settings out. Seemed dinner. Had become a bigger affair.

She set the table. Putting out more wine glasses. Getting out. The second bottle. Filling all the glasses again. And then her blue eyes. Looked up. To their guests. The two newest ones. She bowed. Her messy. Wavy. Tangled hair. moved too. As she gave them a bow.

"Greetings. To you both."

[pinefresh]

Malikai came back and helped Liberty up after she mentioned needing to get stuff ready for the new guests. He then went right back to sitting at the table with his glass of wine, patiently waiting for the food.

It was about this time that Yuffie noticed Malikai's hair. "What pretty hair you have...." Yuffie said and slowly began to make her way over to him. Malikai had a look of horror on his face as she approached. The man looked like he was about to be killed. Pine grabbed Yuffie by the shoulder and spun her around so she was facing the bathroom. "Go wash your hands it's time for dinner." Pine gave her a kick to the butt to get her on her way. Malikai had a look of relief on his face which turned to a frown.

"Why are you still standing here? Go to the kitchen and help girlfriend out." Pine didn't take orders from anyone in his own house but he knew Malikai was right. He turned around and walked into the kitchen where Liberty was pulling out some plates. He wrapped his arms around her from behind and lay his head on her right shoulder. "I'm sorry, I didn't expect that to happen. I had a feeling that Malikai and Barrett might show up but the big dinner was supposed to be tomorrow. I hope your head is okay...Yuffie is...like a little impulsive child. She means well and I'll try to keep her under control for the duration of her stay. Though it seems her attention has turned to Malikai. So you should be safe." Pine kissed the side of her neck and then her cheek before taking some of the stuff into the dining room.

Malikai and Barrett were having a talk about ancient history while Yuffie just stared at Malikai. Pine set down some of the settings while Liberty poured more wine. At the end of it she said hi in her own way. Yuffie giggled cheerfully and Barrett gave her a rather casual wave and a smile before going back to the conversation. Pine pulled out the chair for Liberty to sit in and pushed her in after she sat down before taking his seat. His left hand slid onto her thigh and gave a reassuring squeeze before giving a little speech.

"Well ladies and gents, thank you all for coming to make this Christmas like a real Christmas..." Pine raised his glass above his head before continuing. "So here's to all of you. Merry Christmas."

[Bix]

Recognition
Party Begins

Yuffie seemed. To move on. To Malakai. And Bix worked in the kitchen. Getting things together. Getting the salad. And putting it. Into the large bowl. cutting up. The vegetables. For it. And getting out. The dressing. She was in the middle. Of tossing the salad. With two spoons. Mixing the leaves. And vegetables. In with the dressing. When arms came. Around her slender waist. He explained to her. That it was supposed to. Have happened tomorrow. This large dinner. something. She didn't recall. Him mentioning earlier. She had in a way. Hoped that. Tonight would have been. Just them. Their first Christmas together. And it was good. She was not used. To eating much. Because the dinner. That had once been. For two people. Was now stretching. Between five.

He told her. He had expected Malakai. And Barrett. But again. Had failed to mention. She remembered. Him saying. That some friends. Might stop by. But for some reason. she had figured. It would be. After dinner. But that was fine. Perhaps she was merely jealous. That she had a family. And hated them. They didn't even. Seem to want her. But here. He had friends. That really were a family. Still though. He said he was sorry. About Yuffie. That she was just. A strange girl. Bix shrugged softly. Before she could speak. To him. He took the salad from her. And went into the other room. Bix sighed. Closing her eyes. Breathed in. And out for a long moment. Grounding herself. She felt panicked. She felt as though. She was utterly out of her element. She just had to. Remember to try. To stay calm. She knew. They would not like her. She was strange. So there was no reason. To try to impress.

When they sat down. To the table. Bix sat. To Pine's left. And felt his hand. On her thigh. Her eyes shifted. To him for a moment. BEfore her hand. Came down. And lay. On top of his. Her other hand. Took the glass in front of her. And rose it. As Pine began to. give them a toast. To a real Christmas. Bix lifted. And cheered. With the others. Before taking. A single sip. Of her wine glass. She served herself. And Pine. Some salad. And then took vegetables for. Herself leaving the chicken. Since there wasn't much. For the others. And began to eat. Slowly. Taking small bites. Afterall. She was not quite comfortable. And she was not. Religious. So prayer wasn't something. She was going to wait for.

"Delicious." she mentioned softly. To her boyfriend. Afterall. It was he. That had cooked it.

[pinefresh]

Pine wasn't expecting company until later on in the night. Usually, Barrett was not kicked out of his house before 8pm. Which is why Pine had only cooked four of the chicken breasts. That way there would be one for both him and Liberty and left over just in case Malikai and Barrett showed up. Of course the fact both showed up for dinner and brought Yuffie along constituted a problem. With five people and four breasts someone would be at a loss. Luckily Pine had cut up and cooked all the veggies and with the salad there was more than enough food.

Liberty had put food on his plate before serving herself. Pine looked at the food going around and the fact that there would not be enough meat. Liberty had also neglected to give herself some chicken. Pine winked at her when she said it was good. "It should be considering you helped me." He said and began took the chicken off the bone of his breast. He then cut it in half and put it on Liberty's plate. He knew she would object so before she could he whispered into her ear. "We can share. Besides, it wouldn't be right if you didn't get to try any."

"Hey no secrets at the table." Yuffie said and pouted.

"Awww you poor muffin you. Did Piney make you upset by whispering in his girlfriends ear?" Barrett joked before being silenced by an icy glare from Yuffie. Malikai could not help but laugh as he passed the bread over to Pine. Pine laughed as well. "Be careful Malikai she might be small but she has quite the bite."

[Bix]

Aftermath
Loosening Up

Pine. Her sweet Pine. Had given her. Part of his chicken. And when she looked up. Surprised at him. For giving her part. Of his dinner. He leaned in. And whispered to her ear. That she too. Should try that. She smiled softly. At him. That smile that only. He had seen. But she didn't mind. That the others. Got to see it too. Today. But it was for PIne. A special thing that only he. Got to see. Dinner went by. And it was delicious. Wine went around. More than one bottle for sure. Bix had more than. She had ever meant to. But it was good. And she was nervous. Being around so many people. People that she did not. Know just yet. But she was trying. And PIne was helping. With his hand on her thigh. Stroking. Every so often. Reminding her. In a silent way. That she was loved. And that. He was there. To help her.

Dinner ended. The dishes were piled. Into the kitchen. The sink filled and the plates stacked. Inside it. And beside it. They had all then. Retired to the other room. Yuffie. Bored out of her mind. Had started. Exclaiming that they. Needed to play a game. The wine had been brought. As Pine searched. To find a game. And came up. With monopoly. Yuffie had exclaimed excitedly. Bix had gotten. Another bottle of wine. And put it on the table. She filled the glasses again. While Yuffie forced Barrett to sit beside her to play. Bix had patted her own spot. So that Pine would sit beside her. She seemed more. Relaxed than normal. As they all. Sat down. Malakai sat too. Seeming not. To want to be left out. Pine was the Banker. Bix Real estate. Bix had also. Picked herself. The shoe as her token. And they began to play.

"Ooooo park place!" Squealed Yuffie.

"I own that one." Bix said with a grin. "You owe me 3540 bucks."

"Whaaaat?!"

Bix laughed. Yes she laughed. She had started. To warm up. After her last glass of wine. Bix pointed to all the little hotels she had errected on the place.

"Rent, plus hotels, means you owe me maaajor mulla and I'm collectin' so just cuz you're cute don't mean you don't gotta pay." Bix chuckled

"MAN!!!!" Yuffie said in exasperation as she began to count out her money.

Bix turned to Pine. Her blue eyes lit up. She was having fun. And she was even sitting in his lap. She could not quite. Remember when that had. Happened exactly. But she loved. The feel of his arm. Around her waist. As they played. Bix rolled. And got a seven. Moving her little shoe. Over the certain spaces.

"Taxes? Crap!" Bix tallied up. What she owed. And tossed the money. In the middle of the board.

"Oooooo karma!" Yuffie exclaimed.

Bix growled. "Shut up Barbie, it'll bite you in the ass."

Yuffie giggled, and Bix laughed too. She was actually. Dare she say. Having fun. Her headache tomorrow. Would not be as fun. But right now. It was fun. And she was living. In the now. Currently.

[pinefresh]

Dinner had ended and once again Yuffie was bored. Pine had cleared the table and tossed everything in the sink to soak for tomorrow. He also tossed the two empty wine bottles in the recycling bin as Liberty grabbed a third. The two heaviest drinkers had to have been Malikai and Liberty tonight. Yuffie drank only two glasses, Pine and Barrett only had one each. Barrett drank little because he was driving and Pine drank little because he was the host. It only took a few minutes before the call for a game came from Yuffie. Pine rolled his eyes and went looking for a game.

He moved into his room and into his closet and started looking high and low for his board games. The first game he found was risk. Pine LOVED risk. He enjoyed the idea of world domination and crushing ones armies under his boot. His already built up tactical skills and leadership abilities allowed him to control his little plastic men with deadly efficiency. He wasn't known as the 'war mind of Genaht' for nothing. Pine put the game aside and kept looking. After another minute he found clue. Pine looked in the game to see half the pieces were missing and put it way. Next came the game of life, Pine didn't even give the game a second look as he kept looking. Then he found Monopoly and took it into the living room. Yuffie squealed in delight as Liberty took the game from him and began to set up.

As she set up the game Pine and Malikai had almost doubled over from laughing so hard at Yuffie and Barrett. Barrett made it quite clear that he was not going to play but that did not stop Yuffie. After a couple minutes of annoying banter, ear pulling, and threats Barrett gave in and sat down to play. Malikai not wanting to be left out or the next victim of Yuffie sat down to play as well. Liberty who had loosened up to the point both her and Yuffie were getting along well. It was a side of Liberty Pine had not seen. She was talking like a normal person, laughing out loud, joking and generally enjoying herself. It seemed Liberty + Alcohol= awesomeness. Pine would be sure to keep her drunk more often. Or perhaps now she would loosen up completely to everyone.

Just in case Pine had pulled out his phone and started taping the events of the game. Not just to tape the game but for the memory. Anytime he felt alone or sad he could access the tape and remember that for the first time in years he had a family. As the game went on Liberty and Yuffie got richer and richer as Pine and the boys became poorer and poorer. Between the two girls they controlled over half the board and most of the money. Pine was greatly surprised at how badly he was getting beaten. Liberty however was getting really excited and jumped into Pine's lap after taking over some of Malikai's property. Now she sat there happily with Pine's arm around her waist holding her close.

It was Pine's turn to roll now and he took the die, gave then a shake and tossed them on the board. He moved his thimble six spaces and swore. "Shit! Jail! NOOOOOO!!!!!" He buried his face into Liberty's shoulder as the others laughed.

Barrett rolled next and landed on one of Yuffie's properties. He grudgingly paid out his $600.00 and passed the dice to Malikai. Malikai rolled and landed on one of Pine's properties. The property that was the most expensive one he owned and Malikai couldn't help but smile. "Pine in jail means I don't have to pay."

Pine put his head back into Liberty's shoulder and gave her a squeeze. Malikai was right, he didn't have to pay Pine. Today was not his day for playing games of chance.

[Bix]

Fun
Actual Fun

The game. Was going well. And Bix could not. Complain. She was actually. Enjoying playing. She was laughing. Talking. And having fun. Just like any normal. Girl of her age. She had to admit. That she never had more fun. She never had been able to just. Let loose. And just have a good time. Loving the day for the first time. In so very long. Usually she hated. Christmas. But today would stand out. As one of the best. Forever. Bix and Yuffie had most. Of the money. Hotels and the like. Errected on many of. The places. Bix was having fun. And she was glad. That she was here. That they had shown up. She was not hungry. She never really ate all that much. Anyway. The alcohol too. Was filling her stomach. And she found. That she felt. As though there was. No weight on her shoulders. No fear of her family. No need to stand apart. From all the rest.

Pine rolled. And he landed in the jail slot. Making Bix chuckle. He burried his face. In her shoulder. And her hand reached up. Stroking the side of his face. She loved his scars. Really she did. There was nothing wrong with them. She found them beautiful. And could not see. Herself changing her mind. Not to mention the fact. That she loved him. Completely head over heels. She had never. Thought about love. Back before Pine. Never had really. Wanted a boyfriend. Til he had come along. And begun to talk to her. And that was it. She had been infactuated. With the boy. And now they were together. Malakai landed on Pine's property. And Pine burried his face. In her shoulder again. Realizing that. He wasn't going to get paid. Bix turned and smiled at him.

"Don't worry honey. I love you." she smiled warmly. Her eyes bright. And warm. She beamed. Looking into his eyes. Leaning in for a soft. Kiss.

When it broke. It was her turn. And she grabbed up. The dice and rolled. She landed on. The same spot as Pine. And had sent her little. Token straight to jail. With a grimmace on her face. She put her token in the slot. And twisted in Pine's lap. A grin on her face.

"Looks like we're both locked up dearest." she giggled. "Time to get more acquainted with one another."

With that Bix pressed her lips to his. She loved him. And who could blame her. For wanting to kiss her boyfriend. She put her hand up. On his cheek. Her thumb. Stroking across. The flesh there. As her body was twisted. In his lap. To kiss her boyfriend. Afterall. They had three turns. To kiss before. It was one of their turns again. She leaned into him. And accidentally. made Pine lose his balance. As he fell over. The kiss broke. And they both. Tumbled to the ground. Bix was to Pine's left. When they landed. And Bix couldn't help but laugh. As she looked over at Pine. Her skirt. Ruffled up a bit. But she didn't care. She was having a great time. Bix rolled over. To face her boyfriend. With a bright smile. ON her face.

When he sat back up. She got up too. Climbing up. Back into his lap. She didn't not. Want to be there. She wanted to remain. In his arms. And could not wait. To fall asleep in. His arms tonight. In their bed. Because it was their apartment now. She was moving in. And she could not wait. For that either. She was happy. While the others played their turns. Bix whispered. So only he could hear. Something in his ear.

"You.. make me happy. I am happy with you Pine."

[pinefresh]

~Holy shit son....~ Was all that the little voice in Pine's head could come up with to say as Liberty told him she loved him. Pine put his hand on her head and spoke to the extremely drunk girl that now sat facing him on his lap.

"I love you too you little and very drunk girl you." Pine was slightly mocking her and the others knew it. She moved in and kissed him. Yuffie giggled and Malikai went for another drink but realizing the bottle was empty, just sighed. Barrett, never missing an opportunity to make fun of Pine, decided to open his mouth.

"Awwwww... Wook at the wittle wuv birds isn't that just ouch that hurt you bit- OUCH!!!" His tone was jokingly sarcastic and babyish until Yuffie shut him up by tweeking his ear twice.

Liberty turned around and rolled the die. Her face grimaced as she landed in jail. Then came the comment about them getting better acquainted there. Again she turned around and kissed him. Now Pine was starting to feel a little bad for his friends having to watch this. He 'accidentally' leaned back to far causing him to lose his balance. The kiss broke at this point and Pine breathed a mental sigh of relief. Luckily he was not going to get off that easy. Liberty rolled over to look at him and laughed. Pine smiled and sat back up and Liberty crawled right back into his lap. She spoke again and Pine let out a small laugh.

"I know. I'm not gonna lie, I kind of enjoy you drunk." Pine said and rubbed her head affectionately.

"Why don't you two get a room?" Barrett said with a smirk, his tone one of a joking manner.

"Plan too as soon as you leave." Pine shot back matching the smirk.

"EWWWWWW!!!!" Yuffie yelled, her face a grimace.

"DESERT!!!!" Malikai yelled and jumped to his feet almost falling over in the process. "I brought pastries and small cakes and... stuff?" He said with a heavy Russian accent and began to stumble toward the kitchen.

Pine lifted Liberty off his lap and set her on the floor beside him. He gave her bum a little pinch as he did so and got up. "I gotta go make sure he doesn't break anything or drop anything." Pine ran into the kitchen and within three minutes they had put out the cakes, pastries, milk, eggnog, and juice since they were out of wine.

[Bix]

Christmas
Never to forget

Pine didn't seem. To understand. Bix's phrase. And her face. Turned slightly back. To the girl that. She normally was. Though she doubted. Anyone actually. Noticed the change. Her mind was back. Even though drunk. She was thinking. About that. She wondered. Sometimes if. She made him as happy as. He made her. Though he loved her. And had cried. When she had shown up that day. She supposed that somehow. She had done. Something right for him. He seemed to. Not want to do anymore. She couldn't help. But want to kiss him. She was happy with him. And she loved him. There could be no question. About it. Still though, as the others. Began to comment. Bix giggled. When Yuffie grabbed Barrett's ear. Malakai suddenly. Said something about desert.

Bix was picked up and set down. Not in Pine's lap. But to his side. As he got up. To help Malakai. While they were gone. The others had to wait. And Yuffie and Bix. Raided the stereo equipment. They found a CD. A band that wasn't. Too bad. Certainly not what Yuffie normally. Listened to. But Bix didn't listen. To pop crap. So they had compromised. On a CD. Yuffie, turned on the equipment. And Bix cranked up the volume. Enough that it was not loud enough. For the neighbors to be pissed. But loud enough. That it could be heard. Throughout the apartment. And in the kitchen.

"Dance Dance!" Yuffie squealed.

Bix nodded and the two of them. Began to dance. Bix moving her curvy body. Thanks to the care of Pine. His cooking. And being able to. Utelize his gym equipement. She definatly could dance. Bix wasn't big on being in public. And dancing. But here. Among 'friends'. and with the alcohol. In her system. She didn't care. Her hair moved. Around her body. And she danced happily. She loved dancing. And the smile on her face. Would not leave. She loved the music. And the way it was. So very easy to. Move to the rythum. It was this. Yuffie and Bix. Were doing when. The boys came back. Barrett was watching them. But neither cared. They were having fun. When Pine returned. Bix beamed.

"PINE!"

With a bright smile on her face. She skipped. Across the room. And moved to him. Throwing her arms. Around his neck. Kissing his cheek. Only once. And grinning. She sat down. At the table. And picked up. One of the pastries. Biting into it. she knew that. They were now out of wine. Which sucked royally. She would begin to sober up soon. Which wouldn't be. As fun. She would return. To herself again. biting into the pastry. She grinned at the tastiness.

"Yuffie! Sugar! It's tasty!" Bix giggled.

"Yay sugar!" Yuffie exclaimed bounding over to the table and seizing one of the pastries for herself.

[pinefresh]

While Pine and Malikai were getting out desert they were stopped dead by the sound of loud music. They both looked at each other and Barrett came into the kitchen.

"Yeah...So...They're dancing out there." He said and looked at Pine. Pine cocked an eyebrow not quite computing what Barrett just said.

"Dancing?" He replied as if asking for clarification. "I didn't know Liberty danced." He said as both guys looked at him. Pine shrugged and peaked around to see Liberty in action. He had to admit, he was impressed. Though it brought up a question in Pine's mind. How much different was Liberty from Bix. On top of that how much did he really know about the girl that was dancing with Yuffie. Suddenly he wasn't Pine had lost confidence in his knowledge of her. He slid back into the kitchen and with the help of Malikai get everything out and on the table.

Pine continued to watch Liberty dance to the music until she noticed him. She yelled his name and skipped over to him a bright smile on his face. Pine's guard broke and he wrapped his arms around her as she kissed his cheek. He smiled back at her as she took a bite of the pastry and called Yuffie over to grab one. Pine did not let Liberty go, instead he took a bite of her pastry. "Mmmm tasty." He said with a half full mouth of pastry. "Sorry..." He said kissing her before taking another bite. After swallowing the second bite Pine walked Liberty back into the living room where she was dancing before.

"Dance with me." He whispered in her ear and gave her a little squeeze pulling her closer.

[Bix]

Dancing
And Desire

He held her. His arm around her waist. Making her smile. Contentedly. As she stood there. Before him. He leaned down. And bit into her pastry. She gasped. But it wasn't. As though she really cared. they shared far more. Than pastries before. And she was not. Worried about his 'germs'. Or what not. In fact. She did not mind. At all. Bix was not. Oddly enough. A germ-a-phob. Even if her. Personality. Could easily suport. A habit. Or issue. Still though. She did not harbor. That issue. It was her skin. And her hair. That she was obsessed with. Something that did not. Seem to bother Pine at all. In fact. He seemed to enjoy. The way that she cared. For her skin and hair. Making them so soft. So that she was almost silken. Often. He could not. Keep his hands off her. Because of that reason. And of course. The love that had grown. Between them over time.

"Not mind, I do not." she whispered to him.

He kissed her. And she. Was all too eager. To kiss him back. She knew that. He probably wouldn't. Want another deep kiss. But she had to admit. Right now. She could not get enough. And she knew. That once she fell asleep tonight. She would be asleep. Deeply. But curled in his arms. She wouldn't care. HOnestly. She never felt safer. Than in his arms. She felt comfortable. Protected. And loved. now she even knew. That the love was true. And honest. He took another bite. After appologizing. Making the blue headed girl. In his arms giggle. Once more for him. She took the last bite. Of the pastry with a triumphant grin on her face. Her eyes gleaming. With happiness. He looked at her. And asked her. To dance with him. Making her smile widen. As she leaned in. And pecked his lips. Feeling his arm. Softly squeezing her body.

Pine was. Amazing. For the lack of a better word. She could not really. Describe how much. This boy meant to her. He was the one. That with a simple phone call. Made her day. She had so much. Less weight on. Her shoulders. When he was in her life. When he smiled at her. From across the hallway. Or if he hugged her. In between classes. Eating lunch together. At the table with his friends. The other members of his gang. The ones that he was over. She enjoyed speaking to him. At night before bed. It was his voice. That was the last thing. She heard before bed. Locked up tight. In her pitch black bedroom. At night. Laying lonely. Under the sheets. Vinchento curled up. Against her arm securely.

Nodding softly. Bix moved back. To the area where. They would be able to dance. making sure. That Pine had followed. Bix began to dance again. Making it slightly more. Alluring this time. Because she was. Afterall. Dancing for her boyfriend. She might as well. She was currently drunk. And she was growing sober. By the moment. So she might as well. Live it up. While she didn't have to worry. While she didn't care. What happened. While she wanted Pine to see the side. Of her that could be carefree. If she wanted to be. If she could be. Right now. She was still much too tight. Much too stuck up in her own. Business. She didn't want to be open. For fear. That she would get hurt. As she had. So many times before. It was what she was afraid of. More pain. She felt as though. She could not. Trust anyone completely. No one but Pine. But even in trusting him. As fully as she did. She knew it was taking. Longer than she would. Have liked. To really open up to him. But everyday. Was a small step. Closer to the Liberty. That she used to be. She had never been normal. But she had never been. As extreme as Bix. As harsh as Bix. She was not Bix. Around Pine. She was much closer to Liberty. Than anywhere else. With anyone else.

Bix danced close. To her sweet Pine. And she put her arms. Around his neck. Looking into his eyes. Right into them. A grin on her face. Her body against his. It was as if. To her. There was no one else. In the world. Just her. And PIne. On Christmas night. Their friends. Were there. Of course. But in her eyes. And in her mind. It was just then. How she loved him. He made everything amazing. Made everything so smoothe. And made her life. Worth trying for again. Made her find new meaning. In life. New fun. In every day. New goals. That she wished to reach. He had taken. A dying soul. And breathed life. right back into it. It was the most. Amazing gift. And the most amazing thing. Anyone could have. Ever done for her. She could never repay him.

"Merry Christmas." she whispered to him.

[pinefresh]

Liberty had switched back to her regular Yoda mode of speech. It seemed she was starting to sober up. That meant he had to take advantage of every last second of her carefree state. He was not exactly looking forward to her hung over tomorrow. She was already going to be sick for other reasons and now it was about to get compounded. Good thing he knew good cures for a hangover. Greasy food generally worked well and so did exercise and lots of water.

Pine of course stopped this as soon as Liberty started dancing. He could feel her body moving against his and he liked the way she was doing it. He continued to hold her around the waist as he matched her movements. The song was not overly long maybe four minutes or so. In Pine's opinion it wasn't long enough. The others were sitting at the table laughing and joking. Pine slid his hands up Liberty's waist to the bottom of her rib cage.

"Merry Christmas my love" He whispered in her ear.

He then took her hands and led her over to the table where the others were sitting. He pulled out a chair and sat down pulling Liberty onto his lap.

After another couple of hours of just sitting around Pine let out a yawn. He was getting really tired. After all the fun of earlier in the day and everything that happened in the past few hours he just wanted to curl up with Liberty and go to bed.

"I'm getting tired and it's getting late." He said yawning for a second time.

"Awwww big brother needs to sleep." Yuffie said got up and moved over to Pine. She gave him a quick hug and made her way over to the door. "Come Barrett I need to get home anyways." She said without even bothering to turn around. Though Yuffie wouldn't admit it, Liberty had worn her out a little.

"Who are you kidding he isn't going to sleep tonight." Barrett shot back. "I...Agree with bartlet." Malikai said with a drunken smile on his face.

"It's Barrett." Barrett corrected almost instantly.

Yuffie turned around and walked back into the dining room. She kicked Barrett and put her arms around Malikai. "Come cutie we'll get you home." She said with a smile and pulled him off the the chair. A few minutes later the three had their shoes and coats on. Pine saw them off with Liberty and closed the door behind them. He then turned to Liberty and kissed her.

[Bix]

An Ending
Bittersweet

The dance. Had been great. Bix wanted. To dance more with him. Perhaps another time. When they were alone. Perhaps she. Could take him out. Dancing with her. Or perhaps they could. Dance right here. In their apartment. It would be nice. No matter where. Still though. It was nice. Something she hoped. They could do again. They only danced. For one song. But that made sense. They had company. And you didn't want. To make them feel. Left out. Though she wished. Right now. They were alone. so they could dance. And kiss. And finally. At some point. Retire to their room. And fall asleep. In each other's arms. Usually it was with his head. On her chest. Her fingers. In his hair. Or curled up. On her side. Cradling, him close. But it was not. To happen just yet.

He took her hands. And led her back. Towards the group. Who were all done. Playing. No one cared. Who had won or lost. It had just. In a way died out. And now they were all. Just chatting. Pine pulled Bix. Down into his lap. And she snuggled in. Happily. Glad that she could be here. Glad that his Christmas had been. memorable. And glad that she too. Could remember this christmas. With a smile on her face. Her fingers reached up. And played with her. New necklace. Through the fabric. Of her shirt. Brushing over the ridges. Of the gem. That lay at its center.

Hours passed. Conversations and laughter. Joking and fun. Bix took. Many bathroom breaks. What most would assume. She just had to disperse. With the alcohol. That would now be. Hitting her bladder. It was that. But it was also. The herbs she had made earlier. Kicking in. She had made the mixture. While he had prepared the chicken. So she was beginning. To really feel. Its effects now. And was constantly. In the bathroom for that. But she hid it well. Washing her face. Rinsing out her mouth. And making sure. She did not look sick. As she felt. Finally it seemed. PIne was ready. To end their yuletide party. And explained to everyone. That he was tired. And ready to retire. For the evening. Barrett and malakai. made their comments. Yuffie flirted again. With Malakai. And said she and Barrett. Would get him home safe. Bix and Pine. Walking the threesome. to the door, to say goodbye. Bix was tired. And feeling ill. But it was all to come. With the prevention. Of this mornings' accident.

When the door closed. Pine turned to her. And pulled her in. Kissing her softly. Bix kissed him back. Gentle. And sweet like. When it broke she smiled. Softly and a little weakly. At her love. She was tired. And only sleep. Would make. Some of the symptoms go away. She hoped. He didn't intend for more action. She was done for the day. She had no more desire in her. Not today. Tomorrow would be a new day.

"Tired, we are. Bed we should go." Bix whispered.

Bix softly. Touched his cheek. With her fingers. Before she turned. And headed. To the bedroom. Where she would change. From her party clothing. Into her sleeping clothes. Which consisted of. A tshirt. And boxers. Nothing fancy. She just wanted sleep. Nothing more. Bix brushed. Her teeth. Maticulously. Before she looked ove.r At her boyfriend. With another weak smile. She kissed his cheek. And climbed up into. Their bed. To wait for him. When he climbed up. In the bed. She curled him up. Against her chest. Her head. Lay on the pillow. But also against his own. Closing her eyes. It would only take moments. For her to fall asleep. But before she did. She told him one thing.

"Fun, it was, to meet your friends."

[pinefresh]

Her kiss and smile seemed weak. Pine assumed it was just the alcohol leaving her system. Liberty had left his lap for the washroom several times during the time they sat at the table talking. It made sense that she would be drained by now and he was happy that he kicked his friends out when he did. He smiled back and followed her into the bedroom. His thoughts of course were on a little good night nookie but to be honest he was too tired and he doubted she would be up to it either. He would of course, depending on her condition, might try for some in the morning.

While Liberty was changing he brushed his teeth and washed his face. As soon as she was done changing they switched positions. He took off his pants, socks and shirt leaving him in his red candy cane Christmas boxers. No one could say Pine lacked a sense of humor he just didn't show it off too much. Liberty was wearing the pink and purple heart boxers Yuffie picked out for him. At the time Pine thought it was a joke until she forced him to buy them. The male cashier thought it was hilarious when Pine asked about the return policy and Yuffie ripped up the receipt.

When Liberty was done getting ready she came back into the bedroom and mentioned how she enjoyed meeting his friends. Pine gave her a playful wink and jumped into the bed. His body bounced once before he settled on top of the covers. He looked over at Liberty and gave her an actual response to her comment. "By the looks of it you were a big hit yourself. I have to admit you actually impressed me a great deal. But that's why I love you, always surprising me." Pine waited for her to get into bed beside him. Pine wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close so their foreheads were touching. "G'night." He whispered and reached back to turn off the light.