022. Action

[foolishwren]

<sub>(ooc: Locked to Liquid, although because it's outdoors and in a semi-public area, others may have to endure overhearing some of the CAPSLOCK RAEG if they're nearby, so if you want to officially say that your character overheard Heather screaming "BAG OF DICK" or something, feel free.)]





[After being gone from Violet for about a week, Heather's been making her way around the town. Checking up on things, tying up loose ends, y'know, the usual after you'd been gone for seven days, fighting flying alphabet soup and searching for kidnap victims.]

[Heather's usually a casual stroller, but today, there's an urgency in her walk and the shadows under her eyes say that she's stressed and in no mood to be deterred from whatever it is that she's doing. That something is looking for somebody. Not a kidnapped victim this time, though.]

[It's awhile before she thinks to actually check the Center-- because frankly, she was hoping to find him somewhere not so... public... but oh well. Sure enough, a short distance from the red-rooftopped building, she spots a familiar bare back and head of blond hair. Taking in a deep breath, she hastens her pace and calls out to get his attention.]</sub>

Liquid!

Comments

[boldandresolute.livejournal.com]

[He let go. As angry as he was, he didn't have any desire to hurt her.]

And what have I done to deserve what anyone else deserves?

[foolishwren]

_{[Yanking away as he let go, she folded her arms defensively.]}

Be a person.

That's all it takes.

Everyone deserves a chance. The only thing you can do NOT to deserve one is not to TAKE one.

I've talked and hung out with you for two months now. I'm not sayin' I know you inside and out, but you're a fuckin' person. It's pretty hard to carry on a conversation with someone who can't do anything but kill.

[boldandresolute.livejournal.com]

I don't know how to change.

When I say I've been what I am for all my life, I mean it. I've had blood on my hands for a long time. How am I supposed to wash it off now?

[It was easier said than done to be a person now when he'd been a weapon for so long.]

[foolishwren]

_{[She took a deep breath and covered her eyes with one hand for a moment, putting the other on her hip.]}

I can't tell you how to change.

That's something you'll have to figure out for yourself.

I'm just sayin' it's possible.

... And that it's better than what you're letting yourself have right now.

[boldandresolute.livejournal.com]

[Liquid wasn't letting himself have anything at the moment-- not friends, not happiness, nothing but fighting and revenge.]

I don't know if I could give up my hatred, even if I tried.

[foolishwren]

_{[Yeah. Yeah, that was sort of the problem. When Heather looked at him, it was with anger that was sooort of kind of tentatively draining away. His words just... sounded so hopeless. She was still pissed, but...]}

Only way to know is to try.

... I'm not sure I ever gave up mine.

Not entirely.

But I still made it.

[boldandresolute.livejournal.com]

To what? What did you make it to that's any better than what I have now? At least now I have purpose. I have reason for being.

[foolishwren]

_{[Then Heather did something that Liquid miiight not be expecting. She smiled. It wasn't a very happy smile.]}

A life.

<sub>[She didn't-- ... couldn't say anything else. Because if she actually came out and said that she had some great, shiny life after everything, after she'd defied her origins and her past self... it would be a lie.]

[They'd taken away the thing she'd been living for.]</sub>

A real life.

[boldandresolute.livejournal.com]

...

Is it worth it?

[foolishwren]

_{[There was a long pause. Then Heather nodded. Subtly at first, then more emphatically.]}

Yes.

So much.

[boldandresolute.livejournal.com]

...Hn.

[He looked at her for a few long moments, then turned away.]

[Things to think about, most certainly, but not here. Not where his brother was.]

[foolishwren]

_{[She was quiet for a moment, holding onto one arm and sucking her lips inwards.]}

... I won't stop you from leaving.

Just... remember what I said, okay?

[boldandresolute.livejournal.com]

What reason is there for me to stay? Otacon would be better off traveling with Snake instead of me. Just keep an eye on him.

[He still was intent on leaving behind the only friends he'd ever had.]

[foolishwren]

_{[She shrugged there. As much as she didn't like the idea of him storming off, maybe it... was what he needed. Smothering someone never worked, after all... you had to let them come to YOU sometimes.]}

I can't give you a reason... could be going out on your own a little while to calm down'd be a good thing. Sometimes I need to do stuff like that.

... But I know Otacon'd worry... He really likes you, y'know. You're his friend. Or at least he'd like you to be.

.... And, y'know, you're a pretty cool guy to hang out with. When you're not all... mad and growly. _{[She said that with a weak grin. It was a pretty lackluster attempt at humor, but hey, it was there for what it was worth.]}

[boldandresolute.livejournal.com]

[He looked back at her.]

Is that so? He'd said-- [Liquid caught himself.] It doesn't matter.

[One corner of his mouth quirked in an attempt at a small smile.]

You aren't so bad yourself.

[foolishwren]

Would I lie to you?

_{[She paused, then reconsidered.]}

Would I lie to you about something like that?

<sub>[The answer was no. Heather didn't believe in stupid catty friendship games.]

[She managed a smile as well.]</sub>

Well, I try my best.

[boldandresolute.livejournal.com]

...I suppose not.

[Had he been mistaken? Judged too rashly-- not that this was unusual-- and been wrong?]

[sigh] This is all very troublesome.

[Ever seen Liquid look uncomfortable before? No? Well, now you have.] I suppose I ought to... thank you.

[foolishwren]

_{[She raised a hand.]}

Hey, don't mention it.

... It's what friends are for, anyway.

_{[Oh shi-- ... did that mean she thought of Liquid as a f...?!]}

[boldandresolute.livejournal.com]

Is it?

[He legitimately didn't know.]

I think you're... [it's that uncomfortable look again] ...the only friend I've ever had.

That sounded even more pathetic out loud than it had in my head.

[foolishwren]

<sub>[Her brows went up. Then the corners of her mouth followed suit, slowly but surely.]

[Having friends again was something she was getting a little used to, herself. This place really was a new start, and it was... pretty nice to be able to use that 'f' word once more without it feeling awkward or fake. But she'd gotten used to it--she had friends here. Real ones, and that was nice. But hearing it from Liquid was a particularly pleasant surprise.]</sub>

Heh, just a little, but it's okay. I won't tell. Friends are for that, too.

[boldandresolute.livejournal.com]

[Liquid hadn't even been around anyone his own age until he was eighteen; by that point, he'd convinced himself that he didn't need anyone and didn't try to make friends anyway.]

You'd better not.

[His tone wasn't as prickly as he normally would've been.]

[foolishwren]

_{[Big grin.]}

Do I look like I'd go back on my word?

_{[She held up a hand again.]}

Don't bring up that... whole 'doomsday device' thing to anyone else and we'll call it a deal.

[boldandresolute.livejournal.com]

I'll assume that you won't, even if that grin tells me otherwise.

[Yeah, grinning widely at him really wasn't helping, Heather.]

Not a word about it, on my honor.

[foolishwren]

Well, mischievous expression aside, your secret's safe with me.

... And uh... take care out there. Stay in touch, all right?

[boldandresolute.livejournal.com]

As is yours.

[He gave a brief wave.]

I'll be fine on my own. Take care of yourself.