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thorns’ demeanor seems cold and he speaks in a blunt manner.
yet not many knew of his true nature that is rather straightforward, free-spirited and suave, though not overblown.
that is exactly what drew you to him.
the two of you had joined rhodes island around the same time, but knew each other since before then.
after some time had gone by, you found yourself thinking about him quite a lot.
was it because the two of you were, and still are, often in battle together?
or was it because of the shyness you felt around him? the tightness in your chest at the thought of him?
you didn’t realize that you weren’t exactly… quiet about it either. which is how a certain liberi friend of his took notice.
”heh. i’ve seen how you act around the guy... its clear that you like him.”
from then on, you found yourself to be an unfortunate victim of his teasing.
you looked over at thorns who stood not too far away, letting himself bask in the sun as his soft locks blew in the gentle breeze.
you couldn’t take your eyes off of him.
oh, how you wanted to be with him right now, to be holding his hand, or running your fingers through his hair…
elysium noticed your staring and spoke.
”now’s your chance,” he whispered. “don’t be shy.”
you shook your head, turning to face him.
”its not like he feels the same…” you mumbled.
you couldn’t imagine him in a relationship with anyone… so why would he feel the same way you do?
”come on, don’t say that…” his confident smile faded slightly at your words, but it quickly returned.
“you know, based on my observations, he seems fond of you…”
elysium knew thorns longer than you did, so of course he knew more about him than you.
you remained silent but gave him an unamused look.
you couldn’t tell was if he was just messing with you. he was known to speak with a glib tone, after all.
”ehh? you don’t you believe me?”
as time went on, you grew used to it.
you didn’t give elysium much thought when he’d tell you about signs and hints thorns was giving you, no matter how genuine he seemed.
looking back…
elysium was right.
and you wish you believed him sooner.
you always found yourself worried each time thorns’ experiments went wrong or if he got injured in battle.
you’d rush over to kal’tsit’s office every time, asking if he’s alright.
but… you never noticed till recently that he’s been a bit more careful.
with his experiments and battle.
he crossed his arms as he spoke in his usual cool tone, seemingly not phased by your worry.
”relax, i’m fine. this isn’t the first time any of my experiments have gone wrong.”
kal’tsit said that the injuries weren’t too serious, but it didn’t stop you from feeling worried.
you let out a sigh before you look away.
”i-i know, but…”
you stopped yourself. you didn’t want to come off as annoying.
little did you know, thorns finds your concern endearing.
…come to think of it, after all this time, the only thing he ever said anything close to “love you” was when the two of you confessed to each other.
you know he was always an actions over words kind of guy, but you did wish he’d say those words… one time at least.
——————————
another long day has come to an end.
the two of you laid next to each other while you reminisced about the past.
you look at the ring on your finger. how long has it been?
time sure flies.
you buried your face into his warm chest as he gently stroked your head.
his warmth, the rhythm of his heartbeat…
how relaxing… you felt your eyes grow heavy. you could fall asleep any moment…
but but before you did, you heard his voice. sounding calm and gentle.
“…love you.”
wait, what? were you so tired that you began to hear things?
you quickly looked up at him, his gaze meeting yours.
“hm?”
his expression was not as emotionless as usual. there was a faint smile on his face.
“…could you say that again, please?” you asked.
“i… want to make sure i heard correctly.”
“love you.”
he repeated himself without hesitation.
aha! so you heard right.
those words were enough to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. not to mention that small but sweet smile of his.
you giggled as your buried your face back into his chest.
“love you too, thorns.”
and now… your restless heart can be at peace.