24| Beautiful Inside and Out

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Alice walks downstairs from her bedroom after she is sure everyone has gone to bed. She quietly makes her way down to the basement where FP has taken his room back.

She knocks on his door gently. "FP?" She pokes her head in the small opening only to find that he's not in there.

She steps back out and looks around the house until she finds him sitting outside in the dark.

"Aren't you cold out here all by yourself?"

FP turns his head back to look at her. "I'm fine."

"You're shivering," Alice joins him. As she gets closer she can see the sadness in his eyes. "Everything okay?" She holds onto his arm. He's cold to the touch.

"I've had a lot on my mind," FP tilts his head to rest on her shoulder.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

He interlocks their fingers. "I don't know where to begin. Words aren't my specialty."

"How do you feel about being back? I know the circumstances weren't the greatest, but it's nice having you here."

"I did miss living together. Even when it took time for me to grow on you," FP flashes a small smile.

"Hey, I never hated having you here. I was still processing it."

"I know. I don't blame you. I sort of just sprung up on you all."

"We did miss you while you were gone. You know that, right?"

"It's been made clear."

"Good," Alice says. "We're not letting you go again."

FP sighs and frowns. "I'm afraid to leave this place."

"You don't have to leave if you don't want to. This is your home too."

"That's not what I meant."

"Oh..."

"But I honestly don't know what's scarier, leaving or staying." He shakes his head. "How can you love a man with so much baggage? Anyone else would have considered me a lost cause."

"You're not. You're my rock. FP, you offer so much to the world."

FP scoffs. "Just my liver."

"Will I have to teach you to show yourself some love?"

"I'm sorry."

"You are strong. You are brave. But most importantly, you are loved." She presses her forehead against his. "Got it?"

"Yeah," He says. "Because of you."

He takes the risk and goes in for a kiss. Soft, gentle; the kiss deepens. The taste of her lips strays him away from the black cloud hanging over his head.

They pull apart and give each other a glance.

"I missed that," Alice croaks emotionally. "You."

"You're the only one that makes it feel right." FP cups her cheeks in his hands. "You complete me."

He kisses her again. He can't get enough of her.

It's not until the rain pours above their heads that they must pull away and rush back inside.

FP yanks his shirt off and squeezes the wetness out over the sink. Alice eyes him. She's seen him without a top only once since he's been back. Her eyes shift around to every tattoo on his torso.

FP catches her looking. She's never noticed the scars before. Those weren't because of his father.

Alice clears her throat. "I'll grab us some towels."

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