Thorns & Roses

by Milo_55569

Summary:

After the whole fiasco in the spindle room Briar can't get her mind off of a weird dream. Turns out Faybelle can't either.

Chapter 1

1 month after epic winter:

__________
F

Ever since Faybelle had had that dream in the spindle room with Briar she knew she couldn’t curse her. To be honest Faybelle hadn’t even known if she’d ever be able to curse her. Maybe if it was anyone else other than Briar she could do it, maybe if she hadn't gotten to know Briar she would be able to do it, maybe if she never met Briar she’d be able to do it. But when she saw how lifeless Briar looked when she mindlessly walked towards the needle, Faybelle knew. When she saw that blank expression in Briar's eyes she wanted to scream. There was no fear like the
one she’d expressed many times before, no sadness, not even anger, just blank.Faybelle couldn’t do that to Briar, she couldn’t let her fall into 100 year sleep only to be woken up by some douchebag prince that hasn’t even been born yet.

But that’s all Faybelle ever wanted. That's all she’s ever been told she can want. Ever since Faybelle was a little kid her mother had been shoving her destiny down her thoughts. She was made to curse Birar and then be shunned by the rest of society for the rest of her life, she was there for nothing more. So why even try? Why try to be anything other than an evil villain when that's what everyone expected. She’s already gone far enough to curse Apple for the evil queen, hell she even helped the evil queen like a henchmen would. But now she wanted none of it. Her heart had gone soft, she knew her mother would be disappointed.

__________
B

Briar had been trying to get a hold of Faybelle for weeks now. She needed to talk to her, she knew Faybelle knew something about the dream she had. She remembered how scared Faybelle looked when she was woken from the trance the spindle put her under. Something between them changed on that trip. For a second Briar thought they could be friends or at least civilly talk about their destiny together. It wasn’t like they weren’t completely estranged, they were what blondie called “frenemies” but it was still different from Apple and Raven. Raven hadn't wanted to curse Apple at all. But Faybelle had made it very clear that was what she was going to do, until it almost actually happened.

Briar was headed toward Faybelle and Bunny’s dorm. It was the only place she could be. When Briar got there she saw Duchess outside banging on the door. “Come on Faybelle, you need to at least come out to eat. You can’t just lock yourself in there forever. I’m worried-” Duchesses cut herself off when she saw Briar. “What are you doing here?” Her nasally voice quickly turned from concerned to annoyed.

“I-I need to talk to Faybelle.” Briar tried to sound normal but her voice just cracked. She was a complete mess.

“Good luck with that. She won’t even respond to my texts. Don’t even think about trying to get a key from Bunny, she’s too much of a coward to even look me in the eye’s.” Duchess walked away clearly still concerned. Briar walked over to the door and knocked lightly on it.

“Hey Fay, I need to talk to you.” She waited in silence for what felt like eternity before hearing the click of the lock. The door slowly creaked open revealing a disheveled Faybelle. The fairy in front of her looked nothing like a villain that was supposed to curse her for a hundred years. Her platinum white hair was unbrushed and clearly tangled, eyeliner ran down her face where tears had taken their toll, and she’d been in pamas that looked as if she hadn’t changed clothes or even gotten up out of bed for a week straight.

“What do you want?” Faybelle’s voice came out raspy and exhausted.

__________
F

Faybelle stared at the girl in front of her. She waited for a hot minute to see what Briar had to say before going to close the door, that was when Briars had reached out to grab her wrist to stop her from touching the handle. Faybelle winced as a sharp pain rushed through her arm. Healing magic could make her scars disappear but it still took a long time for them to stop hurting. Briar noticed Faybelle’s flinching, she loosened her grip before letting go of Faybelle entirely. Faybelle just looked at her with pleading eyes begging her silently to not bring it up. “What do you want?” Faybelle weekly repeated herself.

“I-I had a dream.” She froze. Faybelle had a feeling she knew what the dream was. Briar pushed her way into Faybelle’s messy dorm. It was more so just her side of the room that had been a mess, Bunny’s was perfectly clean. “It was in the spindle room, when everyone had fallen asleep.” Please stop talking. Faybelle thought. “I was going to touch the spindle when you stopped me.” The way Briar described her dream Faybelle knew they had the same one. She’d stopped Briar in that dream even if it meant she’d die. But Faybelle didn’t die, she didn’t disappear, it didn't
make sense.

The two girls stood in silence just staring at each other. “I know.” Was all Faybelle said. It felt like an eternity before either of them spoke again.

“I don’t want to follow our destiny.” More silence filled the room after Briar choked out the words. She didn't even try to look Faybelle in the eyes. At some point they'd both ended up sitting on Faybelles bed.

“I-I don’t think I want to e-either.” The words could barely get out of Faybelles mouth without a sob. No matter how hard she tried Faybelle couldn’t hold back the hot tears that welled in her eyes. “Oh god, what are we going to do?”

“I don’t know.” Briar's voice was shaky but calm as she took Faybelle into her arms. They sat there together in silence for the rest of the night before Briar left back to her dorm.

Chapter 2: A week later

Summary:

After being spammed by Ashlyn to come over and see what's wrong with Briar, Faybelle decides to fly over to the princes dorm. She's met with a drunk and crying Briar.

__________
B

Briar knew it wasn’t a good idea to be at this party. She knew she’d end up blacked
out drunk, she knew she’d end up doing something stupid, something she’d regret.
But Briar didn’t care. Why should she? After all she didn't have anything to look forward to. The only thing that was different now was that she didn't have to sleep for 100 years.

She was pouring another drink when Hopper came up next to her. “Hey Briar.” Not
him, Briar thought.

Briar tried to ignore him but he just stood there. “Ow many times do I have to tell
you to fuck off?” She didn’t care if she was being rude, she just couldn’t do this right
now.

“O-oh I got you a drink.” Briar took the cup from his hands and chugged it.

“There, happy?” Briar crushed the red solo cup under her foot and walked away,
flipping him off.

__________
F

Faybelles phone went from having no notifications ever to now being spammed with
rings. Begrudgingly, she decided to pick up the phone after the fifth call from an unknown number. "Hello-"

She was quickly cut off with a very worried Ashlyn on the other line. “Finally,
listen, Faybelle Briar just came back from some party and she's a complete mess."

“What does this have to do with me?” Faybelle snapped back. Why should she care
if Briar was back from some party she’d never be able to go to? Why should she
care about Biar at all, they decided it’d be best to not go through with their stories.
So why still be in contact.

“Because she’s refusing to talk to me, and she keeps muttering your name. Faybelle I’m really worried, she’s been like
this ever since she came back from your dorm. I don’t know what happened
between you two but all I know is it’s something. If you care about her at all you’d
at least try and talk to her.” Faybelle didn’t care, but she was still concerned.

“I’ll be there in five.” Faybelle hung up. Quickly she made herself look decent. She
opened the window and flew out. Flying would get her there quicker than sneaking
through the halls after curfew. She had no clue why Briar was upset, shouldn't she be happy now? She got what she wanted.

A few minutes passed before she found Briars dorm, she flew towards the glass knocking a couple of times.

“Jeez, couldn’t you have just come here like a normal person?” Ashlyn sounded
annoyed but she still opened the window fully for Faybelle. She led the fairy over
to Briar and then left. Briar was crying so much she hadn’t even noticed Faybelle.
When she sat down next to Briar she was instantly hit with the smelled of cheap liquor and beer.

“Come on hot stuff, sit up.” Briars' crying ceased as the blacket shiffted.

“Faybelle?” Her voice was gravelly as she bit out the fairies name. “What are you
doing here?” she paused, “How are you even here? I never saw you come through
the door. It’s past curfew!”

“I flew in through the window. Ashlyn somehow got my number, she said you were
waisted and hysteric” Faybelle joked again. When she took a closer look at Briar she
noticed she had a huge foul smelling spill across her top. “Let's get you cleaned up.”
Briar didn’t protest. Faybelle stood walking over to Briar’s dresser, she opened one
of the dewars picking out some plaid shorts and a tank top. She threw the balled up
clothes at Briar before speaking again, “ Start with getting into some pajamas. I
doubt alcohol drenched party clothes are that comfortable.” When she turned back around Briar was going to take off the pink and black shirt she'd had on, “Jesus! Briar, at least give me a warning” Faybelle’s face grew red hot as she turned around.

“Sorry. I still think I’m a little buzzed.” Briars words were slurring together.

“Uh, ya.” When Faybelle saw Briar she blushed a little more, somehow she looked
even cuter when she wasn’t all dressed up. Walking over to her bed Faybelle sat
down again.

“So, uh, what happened?” Faybelle tried her best to sound comforting but it really
wasn’t her strong suit. She really only had two friends, Duchess, and well, Briar.

“Apple somehow found out about our talk. I thought she’d finally understand, I
mean she’s already destroyed the story book of legends. But I was wrong. She
started going on and on about how selfish I was to take your destiny away from
you, how it just wasn’t right with how important my destiny is. I tried to explain to
her how bad it really is for the both of us but she wouldn’t listen, I tried, I really did
try.” Briar voice strained as each sob came out louder than the last. Faybelle tried to
place her hand on the other girl's back to sooth her but hesitated before placing her
hand back to her side. “She’s my best friend Faybelle. I just don’t understand her at
all, she knows her destiny isn’t perfect! She’s accepted Raven and all her other
friends, why should it be any different for me?”

“I mean I get why you're upset and all, but what did you expect? It’s Apple White.
Listen in like a week from now she’ll forget all about it, she won’t even care. Just
give her some time.” Her words weren't the most comforting but Birar could see
through Faybelle’s act. She always could even when they were kids, not that they’d
interacted a bunch but their mom’s were somehow talked into letting them meet a
few times.

It was an awkward experience but when Faybelle and Briar were finally able to
sneak off after some passive aggressive words were shared between the two queens.
Briar and Faybelle had somehow ended up in the castle's rose garden. Surrounded
by thorns and roses Faybelle conjured up the most beautiful rose that Briar had
ever seen. It had pale baby blue petals that were made out of some type of crystal,
the stem was a dark blue wood. But when Briar had gone to hold it one of the
thorns pricked her finger. She began to fall asleep before she even hit the ground,
but she didn’t hit the ground. Faybelle had rushed over just in time to catch Briar.

Faybelle was surprised at the memorie surfacing. They had to have been 13 at the
time. She almost completely forgot about the interaction entirely. Shaking her
head she began to speak again as she got up off of the bed. “Well I think I should
head out now. I’ve got an exam in professor stiltskin's class I need to study.” but
before she could begin walking away she felt a hand grab her wrist.

“Wait! Please don’t leave.” Faybelle turned over looking back at Briar. It was clear
she was in no state to be left alone, so Faybelle caved in.

Notes:

I'm not sure if this chapter was that good sorry

Chapter 3: The Next Day

Summary:

I'm to tired to make a summary sorry

__________
B

 

Briar fluttered her eyes open and slowly turned away from the sun directly hitting
her face. However when she turned around she was met face to face with a sleeping
Faybelle. She was so utterly shocked that she barely even realized the icy cold hand
that rested on her waist. Briars face grew unbelievably hot. “Holly shit.”
Faybelle woke from Briar's exclamation. She looked confused before she looked
down at her hand, quickly she darted it back to her side. Now they were both
blushing. Briar went to speak again, “Oh my god, I’m so sorry. Shit, shit, shit, I uh-”

“Don’t worry princess, nothing happened between us. Jeez, how drunk were you
last night.” The red on Faybelles cheeks only intensified from Briar's suggestion but
her tone stayed calm. Briar felt even more embarrassed now. “How are you, uh,
feeling?”

“Hung over.” Briar quickly got up and rushed to the bathroom to throw her guts up.
Faybelle followed suit as she went over to where Briar was bent over and held up
her hair.

“Do you remember anything from last night?” Faybelles voice scolded her from
behind when she was done heaving. The slight foggy memory of her crying and
Faybelle coming randomly to her side appeared in her mind.

“Only a little bit. Listen, I'm sorry you had to see me like that.”

“You don’t need to be sorry for anything. We all have our moments.” To anyone
else Faybelle might have looked like she had brain damage, but Briar was used to
her being nice. Faybelle was rude, sure, and maybe she’s tried to be evil in the past,
but she wasn’t a bad person. Faybelle actually cared about Briar, and she had a feeling Faybelle cared about other people too, even if she didn’t show it. “Briar, are
you ok? You were pretty messed up last night.” Briar froze as a memory from the
night before resurfaced.

Apple had pulled her aside after their last class together. “Briar, what's gotten into
you! You're out almost every night coming back drunk from some party or having
a near death experience from a stupid stunt! I mean it’s not that different from
before but now you just don’t care about anything. You’ve been off ever since the
spindle room. We’re all really worried.” She hadn’t wanted to admit it at the time
but Apple was right.

“Why should you be worried? I’ve always been like this.”

“Because you're overdoing it! It’s obvious you're running from something. Is it
Faybelle? You know it’s up to her to curse you.” Those words infuriate Briar, Apple
was talking about her situation as if she understood it. She wasn’t even poisoned for
a week!

“Don’t you think I already know that Apple? My life depends on what she chooses.
Who knows what would even happen to her if she didn’t follow our destiny. I
actually care about her Apple. I’m not like you or Raven.”

“How can you possibly still like her? She literally helped the EVIL Queen, not to
mention the fact that she almost made you touch the spindle. Hell, she almost
sabotaged that entire mission for her own good. We easily could’ve been trapped in
a never-ending winter.” Briar wanted to scream. She really thought that Apple was
better than this, why was it different for her but not Ravn or literally any of her
other friends.

“Because I love her Apple!” She finally snapped. In truth, she always had feelings
for Faybelle. That day they met for the first time it was like she understood. She
knew her whole life depended on Faybelle, what decision she made.

“Why her? Of all people, why her?” Apple's voice was soft now in comparison to
her yelling earlier. If anything, it was now almost a whisper.

“How could it not be her?” It was all Briar could say, it was all she could think. Their
destiny had been shoved down each girl's throat ever since they could walk. But it
was obvious neither wanted it even though Faybelle made it seem like her lifelong
dream. But it was clear to Briar that she just wanted to be remembered by
something. Faybelle was also kind to her, she wasn’t cruel like everyone else had thought. It was true that she had made her fair share of mistakes, some bigger than
others, but they were still just teenagers after all. But Faybelle was also gorgeous
with the way her platinum white hair shined in the moonlight. Or how her crystal
clear wings would reflect the light during the summer, or her always perfect
eyeliner.

“Briar?” Faybelles voice snapped her out of the memorie. “You good?” Briar turned
around to face her.

“Yeah, yeah I’m fine.” It was obviously a lie, but Faybelle didn’t push.

“I should get going, I need to study for
Professor Rumpelstiltskin's class.”

“Right, well thanks for coming over last night.” It was the only thing he could think
of to fill the awkward silence.

“No problem, just, uh text me if you need me.” Faybelle stiffly left the room still
wearing one of Briars old One Reflection shirts and a pair of shorts. The realization
made Briar blush a little.

***

Later that day Briar decided to meet Raven for coffee at Hocus Latte. When she
walked into the little coffee shop she had to look around for a little bit before
finding the dark haired rebel. “Briar over here.” Raven waved her over to their spot
after they made eye contact. Weaving through the crowd Briar found her way to a
small two person table in the back corner of the shop. “So what’s up?” Raven asked
as she took a seat.

A lot, Briar thought, “Nothing much.” Was what she said instead.

“Order for Raven Queen! Order for Raven Queen!” Raven stood up before
speaking.

“I just got us both mochas if you're fine with that.” Raven smiled.

“Oh yeah that’s totally ok.” Briar offered a weak smile back. Raven had to have
some advice for her, after all she was the model rebel with all her talk about
following our own destiny and stuff. Briar didn’t know what she was going to do if
Raven had no advice, she needed something from her even if it’s the most basic and obvious answer there is. She had to understand Briar right? She supported
Ashlyn and Hunter, so she’d support her right?

“Briar, Briar!” She hadn’t even realised Raven had returned, “You ok? You’ve been
doing that a lot lately.”

“Right I’m fine, just have a lot on my mind.” The two sat there in awkward silence.

“Well you needed me for something.” Raven gave another small smile.

Briar thought for a split second about just ignoring everything that happened the other night and bottling up her feelings before she spoke, “If you hypothetically had a friend that maybe caught feelings for the villain of
their story, what advice would you give them?” It was a weak lie that Briar was
certain that Raven could see right through.

Raven paused for a moment looking as if she was deep in thought, “If one of my
friends ,hypothetically, had feelings for their villain I would probably tell that friend
to go for it.”

Briar was shocked with how simple the answer was, “Really? How would I- my
friend go about it? I mean what about what other people would think?”

“Listen, Briar, I can’t tell you what to do. All I know is that you need to talk to
Faybelle and find out what the two of you will do from there. It doesn't matter what
anyone else thinks about you or her, all that matters is that the two of you are
happy.” It shouldn't have surprised Briar as much as it did.

“I- how’d you know?” The question was useless to ask.

“Oh come on, I’ve seen the way you act around each other.” Raven teased, “Doesn't
help that Apple’s been going on about it since she talked to you. She still isn't that
thrilled with Faybelle, she did poison her after all."

“I don’t understand her at all, shouldn’t she be used to this stuff by now? I mean
she’s fine with you and she doesn't care about Ashlyn and Hunter, so why is it any
different for me?”

"I don’t think she’s actually mad at you. Like I said, it's probably some residual
feelings from dragon games.” Raven tried to be reassuring but she obviously didn’t
believe her own words. Briar just wanted to hope she was right, she wanted to hope
Apple had changed. She needed Apple to change.

__________
F

Faybelle hadn’t even bothered to take off the shirt she borrowed from Briar, after all she wasn't going anywhere.It would be another boring Sunday just pretending
to study while she stared at a blank page. She could’ve stayed at Briars, maybe even
hung out like they used to. But, it hasn’t been the same since dragon games. It took
a whole month for Briar to even talk to Faybelle again, then another two weeks
before she even considered staying friends with Faybelle. It was reasonable sure,
but that didn’t mean it wasn’t still slightly awkward between them, especially with
what happened in the spindle room.

The click of the door opening made Faybelle look up from the textbook she was at
least attempting to read. But instead of Bunny being there it was Duchess, “Come
on get up.”

“What?” Duchess actually tried in school, unlike Faybelle, “Shouldn’t you be
studying?”

“I’m not letting you lock yourself in your room all weekend long again. Wait, is that
Briars shirt? Kitty said she saw you walking out of her room but I had no idea you
had the guts to actually-” Faybelle cut her off with a zap of magic.

“Oh come on won’t you give me a break?” Faybelle just wanted to forget anything
that happened between her and Briar the night before. Briar definitely forgot.
“Wait, don't you have dance practice today?” Duchess' face paled.

“Oh my grim, I totally forgot!” Panic filled the black haired girl, “Do you have any
teleportation spells or anything?” Faybelle groaned at her friend's forgetfulness.

“Ugh fine.” Faybelle threw on an old pair of sweatpants and a hoodie. She was way
too tired to get ready for the day but she might as well make herself look decent.
“Alright bitch get ready.” In a second the room around them changed from
Faybelles stuffie dorm to Duchess’ dance studio.

Faybelle was heading out the door when Duchess spoke, “You might not want to go
out right now if you’re planning on flying.”

Faybelle turned around confused “Why?”

“Did you not see the rain? It’s been pouring since 2:00 PM.” Faybelle hadn’t even
noticed how late it was let alone the storm that was going on outside her room.

"What time is it?” It felt like such a stupid question.

“It’s 6:30 PM, are you ok?” Faybelle could feel Duchess’ judgment.

“Yeah I’m fine. Sorry, I guess I just never really got up.”

“Clearly. You could go take a seat over there.” Duchess pointed to a small line of
chairs before darting away to the other girls in her group. Sitting in the very far
chair was a very focused Romona. Faybelle took the seat next to her, but the future
bad wolf didn’t notice. Instead her eyes were on Justine Dancer.

“And they were roommates.” Faybelle wasn't necessarily friends with Romona
anymore, but they’ve both been dragged to the dance studio enough times to be
friendly acquaintances.

Romona glared at Faybelle before attempting to change the subject, “You look like
shit.” Romona replied when she snapped out of the trance she was in.

“I wasn’t really planning on staying.” She nodded towards the window, where fast
splats of water pitted against the glass.

Romona looked at the shirt that was peaking out of the thin zip up Faybelle was
wearing, “I didn’t take you as a One Reflection fan.” She knew something was up,
they'd both known each other's situation well enough. Faybelle’s face burned at the
accusation and Romona just laughed, “Chill out man, we both know you don’t have
the guts.” The blow at Faybelle’s dignity hurt more than her sore wings, “What even
happened though? Did you guys like make out or something?”

“No! No.” She was quick to deny it. It’s not like she was ashamed or anything, it was
just slightly embarrassing to have her first two human interactions of the day to be
about her love life. “Nothing happened between us. It was pretty weird actually.”

“Weird how?” Romona asked, seeming sort of concerned.

“Well, Ashlyn was the one who actually called me to go to her room. Briar was
fucked up.” Romona didn’t push any further.

“Probably some party.” It sounded like she was saying it more for herself then for
Faybelle. Romona, Faybelle, and Briar had been pretty close friends in middle
school before she went to a different school for the majority of highschool before
transferring to Ever After.

“I just don’t know what I’m going to do.” Faybelle leaned back in her chair and
looked up sighing.

Notes:

I'm not exactly sure what to add after this point so if anyone has any suggestions please tell me in the comments

Chapter 4: Monday

________

F

Faybelle rushed to the door when the ring of the bell hit her ears, but before she could head out, Mr. Badwolfs voice called her over to his desk. Faybelle couldn't stand to be in General Villainy anymore. It went from being her favorite class to the one she dreaded most. It used to be the only class she was actually good at, but now it was just another class she was failing.

“Faybelle, is there something bothering you?” The question was odd, considering how Mr. Badwolf never checked up on his students.

“What?” Faybelle just stared at the teacher. She hated knowing he was disappointed in her. Faybelle felt like it was going to be a long talk, seeing as it was Mr. Badwolfs' last class of the day, so she took a seat across from his desk.

“I can’t force you to like this class or even to pass it. But I have noticed how distant you’ve been. You used to be my best student. What happened?” Faybelle could feel her throat tighten.

“I-I don’t know.” She choked out, trying to keep her composure.

“Faybelle, I just don’t understand. You loved your destiny. Why have you changed your mind now?” She couldn’t respond to him, she had no reason other than the fact that she was too much of a coward to follow through with her destiny.

Faybelle looked down, the tears in her eyes finally escaping. “I-I can’t do it.” It was the first time she’d actually said it out loud to anyone but Briar. "I can't curse her."

Mr. Badwolf stayed quiet for a while, studying Faybelle, before he grabbed some papers from his desk. “You don’t have to follow your destiny, Faybelle.” He paused again after he took out a pen; he seemed to be grading. “ I know what it’s like to not be able to follow through with it. It’s hard not to fall for someone your life surrounds. But I need you to at least try and pass your classes, you still need to graduate.” Faybelle wiped her tears away with her sleeve, now more focused on the teacher in front of her rather than her own problems.

“Wait so you and-” He just nodded with an understanding look.

He cleared his throat. “You best be getting to your last class.” His voice was calm but tired. 

As faybelle was about to leave he said one more thing, "I'll give you an extra day on your assignment but I expect it to be turned in on Wednesday." Faybelle laughed before replying.

"No promises!" Faybelle felt lighter knowing she wasn't the only one like her. 

 

***

Faybelle’s Mirrorphone buzzed. She opened the notification to see a text from

Briar.

5:00 Pm

Today

need ur wings ( Current Location)

 

________

B

 

“What the hell are you doing!?” Faybelle yelled over the hollering wind.

Briar clung to the cliff, zipline in hand. “Do you think you could attach this rope to that tree down there?” Briar needed to feel something, just anything, other than the suffocating reality around her.

Faybelle paused, looking at Briar as if she went mad, “Don't you think this is a bit much?” She gestured below, where huge, sharp spikes stared back.

“Oh, come on, it's not that different from all the other stunts.” Briar pleated until Faybelle folded. It took a few minutes for her to fly down to the tree and back. “Thanks.” Was all Briar said before launching herself off of the side of the cliff. There was barely any platform in the first place. Instantly, the wind slapped her in the face, the feeling was freeing. All of Briar's fears and doubts disappeared as she flew through the air and then-

Snap. Quickly, she reached up to the rope, her hands screamed in pain when the rope slipped out of her grip. It was too late Briar was now hurtling towards her death. She closed her eyes, waiting for the embrace of sharp spikes. Instead, she felt a heavy jolt as something hit her mid-air.

She flew open her eyes at the sudden shock; when she looked up, a panicked Faybelle met her gaze. Her white hair was a mess blowing in the wind, her angelic crystal clear wings flapped and fluttered as hard as they could. Briar could see the way her arms struggled to hold her along with her strong back muscles working to keep the two of them from plummeting to there demise. She was beautiful.

“Are you insane!?” Briar’s face flushed a deep red as Faybelle held her tighter. “What were you thinking? You could’ve died!” She was fuming. “ God, Briar, what are you doing?” She was at a loss for words. Briar had never seen Faybelle as mad as she was now. But there was something else there, worry, fear? Maybe it was both.

Briar stayed quiet the rest of the way down, letting an uncomfortable silence fill the air around the two girls. She hadn't even realized that they landed.

When Faybelle set Briar down, she collapsed to the ground, her legs shaking. The adrenaline of the fall had finally worn off, she was just now realizing how close she was to death. Hot tears pricked in her eyes as she gasped for air. Panic was setting in as she clung to herself for any sense of comfort. “Oh my fairy god mother.” Briar looked at her bloodied hands in horror. She’d been close to death before, each time making her feel more alive. But this was different, there was nothing that could have saved her if she had fallen. There was no backup, there wasn’t even anyone there to hear her scream. If Faybelle hadn't reached her in time, she’d be impaled on a spike. At that moment it felt like reality was slapping her across her face. 

Faybelle knelt down to Briar. Gently, she grabbed one of Briar's hands, a flash of blue light emitted from Faybelles' free hand hovering over Briar's wound. In seconds, the blood evaporated, and the once-raw skin that had been torn off was returned to its original state. Briar's breath slowed as she calmed herself down. “Briar-” She cut Faybelle off when she hugged her. Briar was holding onto anything that let her know she was still alive, that Faybelle was real, and this wasn’t just her conscious playing one last cruel joke on her before her death. Faybelle stiffened before she returned the hug. She could feel Faybelle open her mouth only to close it again and cling tighter onto Briar.

“Ow!” Briar exclaimed when she felt her hand brush against Faybelles' back.

“Right, it’s still going to hurt for the same amount of time it would take to heal on its own,” Faybelle explained, pulling back.

“I thought healing spells were supposed to work all the way.” Briar laughed.

“They do, it just doesn't mean the pain will go away.” Briar gave her a suspicious look that made Faybelles skin crawl. “Briar, you need to stop doing this.” Briar looked at her dumbfounded, “You could’ve died today. I-I don’t know what would’ve happened if you did.” She could sense there was something more there, something unsaid 

“Ok.” Briar was surprised at the words that came out of her mouth. Faybelle was, too. But Faybelle was right, she could’ve died. She would just need to learn what it was like to not be mourning her future everyday. It will take time, but maybe, she has a chance at something more, something new.

Faybelle stared at her, almost as if she was waiting for more of a response, like she was waiting for Briar to back track.“Ok.” She replied firmly. “Come on, let’s get you back to your dorm.”

Notes:

Sorry for such a short chapter, I was originally planning on making it longer but I felt like I've already taken to long to upload. I've been having massive writers block so it might take me a while to get chapters out.

Chapter 5: Rose Bushes

Summary:

Briar has a strange dream

Notes:

I've spent countless nights staying up till 2 am to write this, I was surviving off of Ame's bribelle playlist on Spotify

________
F

Faybelle let out the biggest sigh of relief when she finally made it back to Briar's  dorm. An awkward silence had seemed to fall over the two of them on the walk (or  fly back in Faybelles case) that had made Fybelles skin crawl with embarrassment.  It almost felt like she was suffocating.

Briar had walked over to her bed in the short time they had been back. However  just as Faybelle had turned to leave she heard the familiar voice of the girl she had  saved stop her in her tracks.

“Hunters having a party this weekend.” What? “The invite said we could bring a  plus one if we wanted…” Briars voice trailing off at the end leaving Faybelle to interpret what she was insinuating. Was Briar asking her out!? Like on a date!?

“Why don’t you go with one of your other friends?” The sentence came out a lot  harsher than Faybelle wanted it to, a small part of her recoiled as she watched Briar  flinch at the remark.

“Well, Ashlyns obviously going with Hunter so she’d probably want some time  alone with him. Ravens going with Dexter, Rosabella will be with Daring, Blondies  too busy with some kind of report, and Cupid said she has some other weird thing  to do.” Faybelle knew Briar knew more people, honestly a lot more people than she  could even count. There was no way all her friends were busy with something or  already going out.

“What about Apple?” Faybelle immediately regretted asking. Briar’s entire  demeanor had shifted just at mentioning future Snow White. “Besides I  don’t really get invited to parties, I don’t even have anything to wear.”

“Oh come on Fay,” Faybelle hoped Briar didn’t notice the blush that formed on her  face when she dragged out the nickname, “ it’ll be fun.” When did she get on the  bed? Faybelle didn’t even realize she had been walking over there. How did they  even get this close? Faybelle could almost feel the taller girl's breath on her cheek,  Faybelle looked up only to lock eyes with Briar. She could’ve sworn she saw Briars  gaze shift to her lips or a split second Faybelle soon copying.

Suddenly the two girls jumped apart as they heard the door slowly creep open.  “YeahfineI’llgowe’refriendsafterallit'snotlikewe'refollowingourdestiniesoranythingokbyenow-"  Faybelle yelled out way too fast as she quickly  flew out of the room. She could’ve died from embarrassment as she passed a very  confused Ashlyn with her face as red as a tomato

What. The. Fuck.

 

_______

B

 

“Care to explain, whatever that was?” Ashlyn was probably the only other person to know about Briar's crush on Faybelle besides Apple.

“I'm doomed, aren't I?” Briar mumbled into a pillow just loud enough for Ashlyn to barely make out the words.

Ashlyn walked over to Briar removing the pillow over her head before sitting down next to her on the bed. “Honey, you're going to have to speak clearly so I can hear you.”

Briar had no idea where to even begin. “I think we- we almost kissed!”

“WHAT!” Ashlyn never thought either of them would make a move. Briar had been obsessing over the girl since the day they met. “How? What happened?”

“I don’t even know! She was walking me back to my room so I just invited her in?” Briar paused, looking out the window waiting for Ashlyn to say something, but to her dismay she just waited for Briar to continue. “Ugh, I don’t know! I was saying something about Hunter’s party, then somehow we were leaning into each other…” She noticed Ashlyn’s confused look. Now that she repeated the situation out loud Briar felt extremely embarrassed. “Don’t look at me like that! It just kind of happened ok!”

“You're hopeless.” Ashlyn sighed, “I mean at least she agreed to go with you?” Ashlyn always had a positive view when it came to things like these. Briar was thankful to have a friend like her. It was easy to talk to Ashlyn, especially about Faybelle.

“I guess. Now it's just going to be awkward.”

“Hey you guys are friends right? You’ve sorta hung out plenty of times before, I doubt it would be any different.” Ashlyn placed a reassuring hand on Briars shoulder, “listen, you’ll be fine. Ok?”

Briar pulled Ashlyn into a tight hug. “Oh Ash, what would I do without you?”

 

________

F

 

“YOU WHAT!?” Duchess screamed at Faybelle. “You’ve been waiting for how long to have a moment like that?”

“Hey, it's not my entire fault! Ashlyn just walked in.” Faybelle protested.

“That’s not any better!” Faybelle was getting tired of Duchess’ scolding. It’s not like she was any better with Poppy.

“Now I have to go to a party with her! I don’t party! What would I even say to her?” Faybelle felt like she was going insane. There was no way she’d survive an entire party with Briar, especially after what happened. 

“Dude just do what you always do.” She said it so easily like it wasn’t the hardest thing to do in the world. “You two are already friends. Hell maybe you could even try making a move, it’s about damn time” Faybelles face grew hot to her proposition.

“But I don’t even know if she likes me.” Faybelle sighed into her hands sinking further into Duchesses bed.

“If she leaned in that probably means she has some kind of feelings.” Lizzy stated from across the room. She usually kept quiet during the twos conversations but sometimes she’d come in with good advice. Lizzy had to have been on Faybelles list of the few people she tolerated, they weren’t necessarily friends but they were friendly.

“Yeah right, if she liked me she would’ve told me by now.” The initial comet was rude, harsh, and cold. It was true that Faybelle hadn’t been herself lately, she was being slightly nicer to people and cut down on all the rude comments, however that doesn't mean parts of her “real” self wouldn’t show.

Lizzy looked up from the book she had been reading, “If you keep talking like that nothing will happen between you two. It’ll be off with your chance of any kind of relationship!” And with that Lizzy went back to her book and to ignoring the helpless girl in front of her.

 

________

B

 

Briar was stuck staring at her Mirror phone. She had to call her. She had to tell her she wasn’t following her destiny at some point. Briars mom was like any other parent at ever after high. But she wasn’t ecstatic over her daughter following her path. At times it felt like she was apathetic towards the situation. She had Briar take all the needed classes, pick through all the courses on how to be a princess, and enrolled her in all the schools. But she wasn’t like Apple's mom. She was distant, and just went with what she was told.

It drove Briar insane sometimes. Her father had died at a young age before she was born, so she grew up with the parenting of nannies and maids with brief interactions with her mother. She always seemed sort of cold and distant in a way. Always confused with any modern day things, so she kept to herself. Briar didn’t want to end up like her.

fuck it.

Briar breathed in when the familiar ring of her mirror phone filled the empty room. “Hey mom.” Even through a call it was awkward talking to her mother.

“Hi sweetie. What's on your mind?” It was the same fake nice voice she used when talking to Briar. When she was growing up she never thought much of it, but now it made her heart ache in a way nothing else could achieve.

“I-I need to talk to you about something.” She was hesitant with her words.

There was a pause before mom responded, almost as if she was calculating the emotion to show next. “You can tell me anything.” This time it was some kind of off-tone reassurance mixed with what was supposed to be concern.

“I’m not following my destiny.” There was another long pause.

“Ok.” Briar should have been relieved. But instead she was fuming.

“Just ok? Not an I’m happy for you, or disapproval? Just ok?” Briar was now raising her voice, she could feel the tears forming in her eyes as she was met with silence. “Why can’t you just talk to me like a mom!” She knew it wasn’t her fault. She knew sleeping for a hundred years does something to people, but she couldn’t help herself. She just wanted a mom who cared, one who talked like a person!

“Briar, I’m not sure what else you want me to say. I was never going to force you through something like this, you know that. It was always your choice, for the most part.” Briar couldn’t keep back the tears that were now staining her face.

“You know I love you-”

“Then why can’t you show it! You’ve never been there for me, you couldn’t even raise me yourself.” What was wrong with her? It’s not like it was her moms choice.

Everything was quiet before she could hear her mothers familiar voice on the other end, but this time it was different. “I never wanted you to feel this way, Briar. I know I haven’t been the best mother to you. But I do love you, I always have.” This time she sounded genuine.

“I-I’m sorry mom. I shouldn’t have s-said that.” Briar was struggling to get past the sentence.

“Why don’t you come over some weekend soon, I’m sure we can get you a Monday or Friday off.” Briar had felt terrible for the things she said earlier. Her mom was trying her best all.

“Y- Yeah that would be nice. See you soon mom.”

“See you soon sweetie.”

“I love you mom.” She waited for a second before a response came through.

“I love you too Briar.” Briar smiled before hanging up.

 

***

 

Briar was hexhausted, she’d ended up studying for hours. She didn’t feel like going out any more than she already had that day and the call she had with her mother certainly didn’t help. It was honestly a miracle that she was able to keep all her grades up throughout the years.

She only decided to stop because it was beginning to become physically harder to keep her eye’s open. Thankfully it was only 10:30 PM, she’d be glad tomorrow that she hadn’t accidentally stayed up all night again.

The instant she got into pajamas she collapsed onto her bed. She was asleep before her head could even hit the pillow.

 

________

F

 

It was 10:35 PM when Faybelle decided to get ready for bed. She didn’t feel like staying awake any longer. Her day was chaotic enough as it was, she didn’t need sleep deprivation on top of it.

It wasn’t long before Faybelle could feel herself slowly drift off to sleep.

 

________

B

 

The air was filled with the smell of fresh roses. Briar recognized the familiar scene that revealed itself, she was surrounded by the school's hidden rose garden. She used to frequent it often , but it had been ages since she stood there in the dead of night. It was truly a beautiful site.

Suddenly the shadow of a shape Briar had burned into her memory appeared in front of her. She turned around slowly with the warm haze of the air around her keeping her calm. Faybelle. She looked enchanting with the way the soft moonlight hit her skin, it almost looked like she was glowing. As Briar took a step forward the fairy lowered herself from the air she’d been hovering in. There was a comfortable silence between the two. Briar put her hands on the shorter girl's waist, in response Faybelle rested her arms around Briar's neck. It felt so natural, like they’d rehearsed it a million times.

“Why do you keep running?” The question felt heavy when Briar whispered it, a sad tone falling over the two. Everything felt so real, yet so far away.

Faybelle placed a hand on her cheek, smiling softly, that intoxicating smile she left only for Briar to see.The one that made her heart flutter every time she passed the fairy in the hallways of ever after. The one that made her blush when no one was looking. The one that showed her Faybelle was hers, and only hers.

Faybelle leaned into her ear, whispering ever so carefully. “Why do you keep chasing?” When she leaned back, staring at Briar with her beautiful grey eyes, it was like this was their own corner of the world. Shielded from any judgmental eyes. Their own kind of love. Before she could notice what she was doing she was leaning down, closing the gap between them. She could feel Faybelle lean into it, digging her hands into her hair pulling them deeper into the kiss. She guided her hands around Faybelles waist slowly crawling up her back reaching her wings. She gently touched the fragile material with one of her fingers, earning a surprising gasp from Faybelle in return.

However suddenly everything was fading, fast. Briars eye’s flinging open. The last thing she heard was the small breath Faybelle let out.

 

________

F

 

Faybelle woke in a hot sweat, her face was completely flushed and her breathing was heavy. She could’ve sworn her heart was about to explode.

Why do you keep chasing?

 

The words replayed in her head. Why would she say something like that!? She had to remind herself it was a dream before died of embarrassment. She was the dark fairy! She didn’t say stupid things like that. Faybelle could feel her face heating up even more, this dream would be the death of her. The air around her still felt heavy with the embarrassment of her unconsciousness, she needed to get fresh air. The balcony was just the place for her right now.

It felt like it was impossible to not think about the dream, with the way Briar looked at her, to how she held her gently, to- No, it was only a dream. She shouldn’t think too much about it. But it felt so real, almost like Briar could hear and feel the same things as her. No. There's no way Briar could know anything about this dream. She was just being delusional, the only reason they even shared that dream back at the castle was because of the weird dream powder used on them. That was it, there was nothing more to it. She shouldn't waste her time thinking about it, her and Briar were a lost cause anyways. There was no way she could ever return her feelings.

But no matter how much denial was going through her head, she couldn’t help but feel like something was off. There was something too real about that dream. Something magical.

 

________

B

 

There was no way Briar was going back to sleep after that, no matter how much her eyes protested. She wouldn’t dare risk having that dream again. Honestly she wasn’t even sure her heart could take going through that again, it felt too real. If Faybelle ever found out she’d surely die from embarrassment.

She definitely wasn’t waking Ashlyn up. So somehow Briar found herself walking the very location she had the dream. It was probably a mistake, but she couldn’t help herself. The garden was just too comforting to ignore when her mind was racing. She hadn’t visited the place since the very last day of school from the year before, if Briar were to guess the reason it would have to be because of how busy she had been this year. From saving Crystal's parents, to planning parties, to planning her new future, keeping up with grades, and overall just not giving herself time to be alone with her thoughts. The realization felt crushing in a way, had she really let it get this bad?

When the smell hit her Briar knew she was getting closer, she had the root to this place memorised like it was the back of her hand. When she reached the rose hedge maze she found the middle in a matter of minutes. However instead of the usual silence, minus the crickets and other night dwelling creatures, she was met with heavy breathing and mettle clattering.

She wasn't alone.

Quietly peeking from the edge of the leafy wall the sight she saw was mesmerising. Darling was swinging her swor almost as if it was an extension on her body, truly impressive. Briar thought about leaving the girl to her training, but fate seemed like it had different intentions.

Darling had dropped her sword when Briar had turned her back to leave, leaning on one side she looked at the other girl before calling out. “Night troubles sleeping beauty?”

“Couldn’t sleep, charming.” Briar playfully spat back while walking towards her usual bench where Darling had set up, signaling for Darling to do the same.

“So what's keeping you up?” Darling was so easy to talk to, even if the two didn’t know each other that well. She just had that kind of vibe to her.

Briar waited to tell her, could she really trust Darling? That had to have been the stupidest question Briar has ever asked anyone, “The world's worst person to have a crush on.” Darling understood almost immediately.

“Honestly, same here.” There was a small silent silence that filled the space between the girls causing them to both laugh. “So is it Faybelle?”

The question caught Briar off guard, but thankfully she recovered quickly, humming before she spoke. “Depends, have you told Apple you like her yet?”

Darling's face flushed, “I wish!” Darling sighed, “besides, she doesn't like girls. It was hard enough telling her I was the one who woke her up.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that.” Briar hummed looking up at the night sky.

“What?” Darling responded in her usual soft voice, filled with hope.

Briar turned her head looking at her dumbfounded. “Oh come on! That girl is the definition of comphet. Just ask her out already.”

“Yeah, yeah I get it. Why don’t you take your own advice.” The last part was an embarrassed mumble.

“You know it’s different.” Briar sighed, that familiar gut wrenching feeling forming in her chest.

“It’s probably just because we’re in the same story!” Briar protested, “ a-and we’re still friends!”

“Oh don’t even try to deny it!” Darling laughed causing Biar to join in.

The two sayed like that for the rest of the night, catching up, telling jokes, making fun of each other, ect. It was nice. It was really nice talking to someone about this, mabey Briar should talk to Apple and sort things out. But for now, she’d have to settle for late night Talks with Darling instead.

Notes:

I'm so sorry for taking so long to post but it felt like a gay on gay crime if I didn't get this out by pride month

Notes:

Sorry if the grammer isn't that good. Also this is my first real fic so bare with me if it's bad. I don't have a posting schedule right now but the next chapter should be out soon :)