#▪╼:( OUT. BENEATH THE THORNS. )

[marchtooctober]

Long time no fic!

This one's long overdue. Sorry 🙏 💦

But as for the fic itself, I'm not sorry and you're welcome.

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For Two

"I did it for my mission. For my country and the peace of people. What you did wasn't so different from what I did." He firmly said and swallowed hard.

"I know. Maybe I did worse." Thorn Princess said in a shaky voice, stifling her sobs.

Instead of bickering, they should be escaping to a safer ground. If only there's a place to run off to. There was nowhere to run and this moment between them is the only chance for demanding answers to the questions that they've been keeping for so long. She continued.

"Did you love me at all?"

Twilight held his aching side that took a gunshot from the enemy. It reached deep and he is losing blood. Though his strength is fading, he held up his hand and reached out for her face. He wanted to do so much more. To hold her tight and say he'll set things right. But he knows that there's no turning back. So Twilight took a deep breath and opened his mouth to speak.

"Do you hate me?"

Thorn Princess was taken aback. Her tears trickled down from her face to Twilight's hand.

Silence ensued between them, both unwilling to answer. Twilight wanted to tell her everything but all he could do was stare right out the window of the dangerous place they're in. An amusement park can be seen. The faint colorful lights are the only thing giving life to his eyes. It was one of the rare moments, him wishing that he was just an ordinary person with the right to live a life. As his mind continued to wander, he thought out loud.

"Perhaps, in another world, we're up high riding the ferris wheel over there." He said.

"What are you saying? You're not making sense." Thorn Princess replied, still sobbing.

Thorn Princess attempted to raise him up. But she was fairly beaten too and only left with enough strength to save herself. Twilight shook his head, stopping her.

"If I was just a plain clumsy guy, would you love me?" He asked.

"I... Why are you asking me that? You should stop talking. You're bleeding too much. We need to get out of here."

"Imagine, we're just normal people. You're still working at the city hall and... and I'm a real doctor. Who knows? We might be lovers or maybe just friends... It's fine either way."

"Please... Loid..."

"You're still calling me that despite everything?"

Twilight could not keep himself from chuckling. He could feel his time running out.

"If we ever meet again, I hope I can finally be someone worthy for you." He said as his own tears flow.

Thorn Princess held his hand close to her.

The both of them are desperately wishing for the time to stop and let them be just a little bit longer. Just when they thought they were granted that very wish, a presence draws closer until it finally comes into vision as an armed enemy. Reflexes took over Thorn Princess and threw the last dagger. Severely exhausted, she wasn't able to hit deep to kill off the enemy with a single move. In frustration, she pulled out one of her earrings. The wounded figure was quick enough to draw out a gun and aim for them.

"Yor!"

With every last of his strength, Twilight shielded Thorn Princess who finally killed the enemy with a hit to the head. Not far off, more footsteps echoed.

"Loid? Loid? No..."

She held Twilight in her arms. Tears streamed down once more. Twilight smiled softly.

"Let's ride the ferris wheel next time, okay? Now go..." He said and weakly took out a grenade from his pocket.

One dies, the other must live on.

With his other hand, he gave his WISE pin to Thorn Princess.

"I love you."

Thorn Princess knew that it's over for the both of them. There was nothing left to do but give a kiss of farewell. She took the pin and jumped over the window. Not long after came the explosion, killing Twilight and his unfulfilled dream.

Just as the sun sets on his life, it rises for another person.

*blaring alarm

Beneath the blankets emerged a man with weary eyes and aching back. He groaned at what reminded him of another tiring day ahead. His hand reached out to turn off the alarm clock by swinging his arm to throw it out. But he realized shortly the silly thing he was about to do and laughed at himself.

"Now, why would I throw this? It's not a grenade..."

But aside from the hazy state of mind, there is a weirdly exceuciating feeling in his chest. He felt like he just woke up from a nightmare he could not remember. But he shook off the absurd thoughts.

A normal guy who lives in a suburban apartment, doing the same routine before heading to his work at the hospital as a doctor. Loid Forger.

If there's anything that lets him get through his mundane life, it's the interactions with his neighbor.

It's been about three years since he moved to the complex which is conveniently near to his work. Three years since he met her.

"Good morning, Loid." Came from outside as soon as the elevator opened.

Right in front of him is Yor Briar, standing against the light, making her glow like a morning angel. The neighbor who always seem to come around whenever Loid is in some kind of pinch. At first he didn't think much of it but by and by, he started to enjoy her company. She'd chance upon him when he's late for work or when something trivial stresses him out. Loid would always ease more whenever Yor helps him.

"Looks like you're running late today."

"Well... yeah. It's the second time this month." Loid replied as he got off the elevator and approached her.

"I guess you overslept this time. Why don't you get a new alarm?" Yor suggested.

"No. Actually, I..."

Loid couldn't tell that the real reason was that he was still trying to remember the dream he just had. He spent too much time thinking that he spent almost thirty minutes eating breakfast. He changed the topic to keep it off his mind.

"Maybe... How about you? You haven't left yet. Having a day off?" He asked.

"No. Today's a half day so I'll be at the city hall in the afternoon. I just came back from the courier and dropped something for Yuri."

"Your brother must miss you very much."

"There's still a month before he takes a leave. He'll stay over for a week so I hope you'd come over and chat with him again." Yor said.

Loid isn't sure if he should accept the offer at all. Is it okay for Yor to invite an outsider like him? Besides, Loid knows that Yuri hates his guts.

"I don't think he'd be fine with that. He wants to spend time with you not me." Loid jokingly said.

"I'm sorry about my brother. He's just shy, not a bad kid at all. I'm sure he'll warm up to you." Yor replied.

"I hope he does."

Loid wondered if they are close enough for such a connection to be established.

"Well then, I'll be going up. Take care! Have a nice day!"

"You too. Bye."

Yor waved at him before lining up for the elevator. Loid smiled contentedly. Yor's words work like spell. In an instant, he felt better despite the fact that he's on the rush and late for a meeting. He thought only of her as he took the cab ride.

It's been three years but still, Loid does not know what is their relationship. Neighbors? That's given. Are they friends? More or less. He doesn't want to ask Yor about it because he thought it's rude. Weirdly enough, they get to know more of each other through odd circumstances. Like when Loid would chance upon Yor's drunk state or when they happen to be going home together. Neighbors or friends, he knows that she is much more than that.

In short, Loid Forger likes Yor Briar a great deal.

"Doctor Forger! Thanks for helping me at the meeting. I knew you're such a competent one. I'll be counting on you again next time." Said the director to him.

"Of course, Sir." Replied Loid, though he wished not to be tapped again for troublesome favors.

For the rest of the day, it was just as usual. Running consultations and diagnosis, occasional chatting with colleagues, and running menial tasks for his superiors. And as hours fly by, he's getting more and more elated and hoped to run into Yor after he's done for the day.

As soon as he stepped out the hospital, he walked hastily by the main road for a better chance on meeting Yor in front of the station. But she was not around when Loid finally passed by. Unsurprised but disappointed, he continued on his way. He was doing so mindlessly that he ended up taking a detour towards direction of town square where sparkling lights are peeking.

"Wha- How did I end up here?"

Noise of excitement and fun invaded his ears. It was unusually more crowded than usual. Taking a proper look around him, there's an ongoing bazaar, the one talked about by the nurses a while ago. Since he was already there, he decided to roam.

He saw unique items and imported products left and right. It took him a few minutes till he had his fill and headed for the exit. But suddenly, right around the corner, a familiar whiff of rosy scent alerted Loid. He hurriedly took the turn and saw Yor walking along the row of pop-up stalls.

"Yor?" He called out.

"Loid? You're shopping too?"

"No, I just stopped by. I heard from my workmates. Today's the last day, right? Then the bazaar will move again somewhere else."

"We ended early so I took my time to shop."

"What did you buy?" Loid asked.

"Oh, I bought... food and some housewares. I also bought a succulent plant. I think it will look good by the window." Yor said contentedly.

"That's nice. Are you still shopping around?" Loid asked.

"No. This is the last one. Just a bunch of kitchen knives."

The stall owner handed out the purchase. Loid carried Yor's shopped items.

"Just a second madame." Said the owner, dug his hands in a drawer and pulled out a ticket.

"Ticket for the ferris wheel."

"What is this for, Sir?" Asked Yor, a bit surprised.

"For buying my craft. Each item's got a freebie. Crocheted towels for cheap items, tickets for pricey ones. I ran out of cafe coupons so I'm giving you that."

"Oh... Thank you, sir."

"But you gotta use it right now because the ticket expires today. Actually, take this too. It's the last ticket. Ride it with your boyfriend if you're both fine with heights."

"No! He's not my..."

Yor and Loid exchanged glances, a bit warm in the cheeks despite the chilly air. They were rather speechless when they walked away. It took a while before silence was finally broken by Yor.

"So... How about we use these? It will be a waste if we don't ride the ferris wheel."

Loid laughed awkwardly and nodded.

"Good point. And besides, it's free." He added.

They walked a little bit further until the line for the ride is within sight.

"Actually, it's fine. You might want to ride with one of your friends instead." Loid suddenly said.

"What? Wait!"

"I won't go with you."

"Come now, Loid. You can't share a ride with me? Don't say you're actually afraid of heights?" Yor asked.

"N-No! It's not that. Fine. I'll ride with you."

They are getting nearer and nearer the front. Loid knows that now is not the time to chicken out. Being alone with Yor while high up above is already beyond his expectations. This is not the same as the usual elevator ride. What more could he ask for?

"Please watch your steps, thank you." Said the employee, letting them in.

The door closed and the two of them sat in silence. Although Loid told himself to calm down, his heart wouldn't. It's beating crazier than ever.

"Look! We're rising! I can almost see the main road."

"Right, just a little longer we might get to see the rest of the town."

Opposite him, Yor leaned and looked outside. But Loid could not care less about the scenic view. He tried to strain his eyes away but all he could see is the one in front of him. And as the gentle rays filled the space, it kindled warm fuzzy feelings in Loid. And in his eyes, Yor glows while everything else blurs. Time halts, that moment becomes theirs alone, as if the cabin itself confines them away from the rest of the world.

Higher they rose, taking Loid's breath away until he could no longer bear the tugging in his chest. Along with the breath of relief comes along a string of words he never knew he'd say.

"I like you."

Time flowed again. Yor slowly turned her head, giving him a confused look. Loid can never take back this sudden confession and so he continued charging head on.

"I like you since long before I can remember. When I first moved in, I thought you were just the usual... nosy neighbor and... I used to be upset when I leave a bad impression on you. But believe me, I enjoy your company. And even though you hit me when you're drunk, it's fun listening to your ramblings. I don't mind if you hit me a hundred times."

"Hey! Why would I?"

Loid took deep breaths. He was fidgety and adjusted his scarf over and over. His eyes were everywhere except on Yor.

"But how do I put it? There's nothing really great about me... That's why I'm holding back. I can't just chase after you and scare you."

Loid then casted his eyes down. He was breathing heavily.

"This is so unlikely of me, don't you think? Telling you my feelings without warning. I- I'm very sorry... This is so embarrassing."

Loid doesn't know how he was able to say those words at all. Was it courage? Confidence? No. A plain and clumsy guy like him never had those. He felt like he's suddenly possessed by something, forcing him to shoulder someone else's hope and live that person's dream.

As if words were not enough, Loid kneeled on one knee and took Yor's hand in his. He swallowed hard and stared right into Yor's eyes that reflects the past and their possible future together.

"But even so, everything I said is true."

"Loid..."

"I've never been this sure. And I know it's a selfish wish but I want to prove myself to you. I'll wait until you accept me, reject me. I want to hear it from you."

Loid looked down once again, overwhelmed by his own emotions. But judgement is yet to pass.

Acceptance or Rejection? His heart is at Yor's mercy.

He dared to look up and saw Yor smiling gently at him.

"You caught me off-guard." She said.

"I'm very sorry! I promise I'll wait! I'm not forcing you." Replied Loid in a panic.

"I like you too."

Loid was stunned.

"What?" Was all he could say.

Yor gave her an answer too strong to be doubted. Yor's hands reached out for Loid's face. She dived down and let her lips land softly on his.

"I like you for many reasons, if you only knew. We're already this far. I don't want to keep you hanging like a dying man."

"I'm not complaining."

Loid is far from dying. He is alive and drunk with blissfulness. So happy that Loid can't help but kiss Yor's hands and lips. Wanting to make sure that it's not a dream.

He felt like it's too good to be true and realized how the free tickets were actually worth so much more. As if someone paid a hefty price for them. But either way, Loid will treasure this life-changing ride for always.

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Lol obviously this is inspired by that ferris wheel scene from the movie. Ughhh i wish it comes to my country real quick huhu

[reylsei]

•Name: Hana.

•Age: 483

•Gender: Cisgender Male.

•Species: Skellietor (Sub: Floral).

•Accent: He's not exactly from anywhere that could be described in a human way, but the best his speech could be described is American with a very subtle Czech accent.

•Soul Type: He has a "ghost soul" - A soul that any creature with bared, visible bones has. It's a clear heart shape with silvery perspiration dripping off it. (There are a few thin vines wrapped around his soul as well.)

•Sexuality: Polyromantic/Polyamory

•Personality: Hana will make his best attempts to be polite, even in stressful or infuriating situations. He serves as a father figure for a handful of others, who will not be named out at this time. Upon the mention of the name "Edwim," or anything that could be mistaken for "Edwim," he will immediately show visible signs of stress and/or fear. He is fairly difficult to anger, and is usually laid back about a lot of things. He hardly ever engages in a fight presented to him, no matter if it is verbal or physical. The only time he really fights is to protect someone or something.

•Appearance: He wears a plain pink jacket with darker pink sleeves, hoodie, and drawstrings. Beneath the jacket, he has a pale peony colored sweater, which tucks neatly into his nearly black, rose colored leggings. Two large vines protrude from his spine, and there are holes in the jacket where the vines come out. A handful of smaller, thinner vines are wrapped around his left arm. These vines will grow flowers when they're happy or excited, and grows thorns when they're angered or agitated. How long the thorns appear relies on how upset they are. His eyelights are pink, short, four-petal flowers by default, but will change based on mood - Blue, long, eight-petal flowers for sadness, a single white petal when holding back emotions, four extra, short petals and no color change to the default flower when happy, and a sharp, three-petal, red colored flower when angered or agitated. He has a flower crown, made of many flowers of different types and colors, that rests on top of his skull.

•Relationship Status: Mothy ;)

•Backstory: To keep it short(ish)... Hana first woke up by an apartment complex, alone, at night. He had no knowledge of who or what he was. He knew basic things, such as "oh, that lamp is what's emitting light from the window," but he did not know where he was or what he was doing there. He walked up into the apartment, exploring, learning that his vines were not entirely in his control, but instead had minds of their own. He eventually found Edwim, a short, skinny, unclothed, shrill-voiced creature that's shape best resembled the figure of a very, very old man. It attacked Hana, and he found himself in a forest, with a little knowledge of himself but still nothing to remember but Edwim. Today, of course, he understands his abilities and what has capable of, but he still remembers nothing before meeting Edwim.

•Abilities:

▪︎Vines (of course) - He has vines on his back and arm that are firm enough to serve as weapons in nearly any situation. Simple ropes can not keep them bound down long, but they are not strong enough to break free from chains. He does not control them, he communicates with them.

▪︎Plant growth - He can call upon plants from any patch of dirt that he is provided with. The efficiency, strength, and size of the plant depends on the type of soil it is being grown from. To add on to this ability, he can also increase the size of an already existing plant, or manipulate the limbs of it. (Say, for example, the branches of a tree.)

▪︎Hydra Vines - The vines on his back act similar to a hydra. You cut one off, it dies and breaks away, and two more grow in its place. At the end of the battle, the extra vines die off, and he is left with two once again.

▪︎Healing - This is pretty self explanatory. He can heal others up to a certain extent. This does not grant him the ability to revive the dead. He can not heal himself.

•Strengths: His magic regenerates rapidly when exposed to direct sunlight similar to an average plant gaining energy. There is no set limit to how much magic he can generate this way. His vines are strong enough to tangle together to create a temporary shield in combat. When laying a successful hit on his opponent, a quarter of the damage dealt shifts to HP to heal himself. This is the only self-healing he is able to do. The vines around his soul serve as a sort of barrier against attacks meant to directly kill him.

•Weaknesses: When in darkness, such as at night or in a room that lacks lighting, his magic is generally buffered. Regular attacks and things that require magic will drain him three times as much as it would in a normal setting. He can not generate any magic at all, his healing ability is cut off, and his vines do not maintain the hydra ability. His vision is also greatly impacted, as his eyes can not adjust to dark environments.

•Extra: He's often seen as an almost fatherly figure, and will be treated as such by most of the others in the gang. He's even started accidentally responding when someone calls him dad.