Magic Box, Wednesday [7/2]

[wannabe-pan.livejournal.com]

Andrew had a lot on his mind. It was good being out of his room, but he wasn't enjoying it nearly as much as he thought he would.

He had the front door of the shop open, and he was standing there, contemplating the crisp edge in the breeze, the sidewalk in front of the store, life, the universe, and one lost didgeridoo.

The Magic Box was open.

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[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

He didn't have a class this week, so Liir took his lunch break this time to make a few trips.

He'd avoided this one last week, just because he knew he might get caught up and run late. Then he'd gone to see Ino and done just that, so he figured it was worth checking up on. He had a bag of lunch with him: a couple of summer rolls (nice and light), some ribs (not too spicy), a chicken cesar wrap (in case he didn't like the other food) and a cup of peach iced tea he'd snagged from the kitchen. The last time he'd seen Andrew, the other boy hadn't looked well at all. He only hoped the basket hadn't been thrown away.

He didn't knock, since it was a shop; he just slipped in and put the bag on the counter.

"I'm not here for long," he said immediately. "I just wanted to see how you were doing and bring you some food. I won't bother you, I promise."

[wannabe-pan.livejournal.com]

Andrew was a touch shocked to see Liir there. And he brought food.

"Ino didn't help you make any of this did she?" he asked quietly, eying the bag. After all, she had poisoned Professor Logan during the class final.

He kept his distance.

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

He blinked, not quite sure where that would have come from or why it was important.

"No, I made it at work. I'm... at the Cafe Fina on Wednesdays, remember? What does..."

He shook his head and closed his eyes.

Screw it.

"Eat it or don't eat it. I just thought you might like it and you looked like you could use some food the last time I saw you."

He didn't sound angry. Just tired.

[wannabe-pan.livejournal.com]

"I remember," he said, looking down. "It's just... Well, I know how close you two are, and it's not like she hasn't threatened me before. And that whole thing with the mouse..."

Andrew looked up, very pointedly at Liir. "Some things are just kinda sick." There was a definite edge to his voice.

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

He looked right back. He wouldn't say a thing about what Andrew had done when it came to him, but any complaints about Ino would be met head on.

"Some things cause you no harm, cause no one harm."

Andrew wasn't the only one who could put an edge on his voice. And as far as he was concerned, Andrew had no room to be throwing stones. Absolutely no room. He wouldn't outright point out Andrew's little adventure as it seemed a low blow to a felled opponent, but it hung in the air, as helpful as if mentioned aloud.

"And I made it quite clear that any harm done to you by her in my name would be taken even more seriously than had she harmed me."

[wannabe-pan.livejournal.com]

Andrew deflated. He knew he had no moral ground to stand on, but it didn't take away the sting. "Some things cut a lot deeper than you seem to understand," he said quietly.

Sometimes the mouse lashes out, and innocent people end up getting hurt.

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

"Choices hurt sometimes. They don't even have to be our own and they can still cut out our hearts. Perhaps you should consider them more carefully before you make them."

And while it could have held an edge, could have been angry... it wasn't. It was soft, gentle; not apologetic, not by any means, but there was certainly concern. He kept his pain to himself, but he figured the rest might do Andrew some good.

"I didn't come here to argue. I just wanted to know you were all right with my own two eyes and bring you a bit of lunch. It seemed... the thing to do."

He took a few steps back.

[wannabe-pan.livejournal.com]

Andrew didn't say anything in response. He just looked away, focusing very hard on not breaking down in front of Liir.

[new-to-liirness.livejournal.com]

"Is this how it's going to end, every single time? With you unable to look at me, unable to talk with me? Are you ever going to tell me what I did to deserve this?"

He breathed out and shook his head.

Fine. Another silent goodbye.

"Enjoy the summer rolls, Andrew. And have a good day."

And with that, he headed for the door.

[wannabe-pan.livejournal.com]

Andrew waited till he was gone and calmly went over and picked up the bag of food. He was starving.

He took it out back next to the dumpster. There were almost always mice back there. He stood there a while, watching as a few of the bravest critters came out and started to feast.

They didn't seem to mind the sobbing.