Pride and Regret (Onceler x Reader)

Chapter 3

It was time to start anew.

Onceler had his factory demolished and completely wiped from the face of the Earth. He insisted on this, and went on to say that he didn't want any memories of his past doings.

Gradually, he became to speak to you more and more. Maybe a bit too much. It was a good thing, though. He had been hiding in his guilt tainted shell ever since he ran out of business.

You suggested that you two could start a new life a little ways from where his factory was. Build a house, outside of Thneedville. Onceler refused to live in the town.

You and Onceler packed your things before the demolition occurred. You both left the area, and settled on a patch of land far away from old terrible memories. Onceler kept his green attire, though, as you thought it looked good on him despite its origin.

Very quickly, you both worked together to build a small house on a sunny hill. In only two months it was finished, and you two moved in.

Starting out was a doozy. It was certainly a rush to unpack your things. But eventually you and Onceler were settled. 

One day while you were on the couch reading, Onceler came up to you in his green suit. "What's the occasion?" You ask as you close your book and put it down. Onceler hesitated for a moment, and then held out his hand, where a truffula seed was laid on his palm.

You look up at him, both in awe in his looks and overall wonder. 

"I want to plant forest." he replied, handing the seed to you.

It was a hot day outside. Nonetheless, you went out anyways. Onceler lugged a wheelbarrow and shovel behind him as you searched for good soil to plant a tree in.

"This is quite the decision, Oncie."

"I know. I just... feel so bad, yknow? Besides, our humble abode would look a lot less bare if we have trees."

You nod and plant your foot in a soft patch of ground. "This would be a good spot don't ya think?"

He smiles, a true and real smile. You haven't seen this for a long time. "Yes!" Onceler jabs the shovel in the ground and lifts up a layer of dirt. "Is this enough?"

"I think so." 

You and Onceler work together to plant the seed and surround it in a ring of stones. Mulch was layered on top, and already it sprouted through.

"It's growing? That quickly? The Lorax said that truffula trees take several years to grow." You eye the plant quizzically, before turning to Onceler.

He was grinning at his accomplishment, as if all the regret vanished. My, you were very happy to see him so cheerful. You gave him a quick hug and reached for the watering can to your left. "And we haven't even watered it yet." You stand up and tip the can over, letting water pour out on to the soil. 

"There we go." You watch the ground soak up the liquid in satisfaction.

You drop the can beside Onceler and kneel down beside him. 

"This is a new beginning."