The Truths that are Hidden Away [ANGST]

Part 4 ~ Slow Steps

TW: Implied hair pulling, implied abuse

Fiore and Alec both woke up late. After the events last night, it's understandable.
"Alec..." Fiore muttered.
"Yes, Fiore?" Alec asked.
"Sorry." She said, quietly. Alec didn't know what she was apologizing for since her already forgave her for what she did to him in season 1. Alec just nodded.
"Fiore, would you like to accompany me to get breakfast?" Alec asked. Fiore nodded. Both Alec and Fiore got ready for the day, then left to get breakfast.

"What should we eat?" Fiore asked, looking Alec in the eyes. Alec felt slightly uncomfortable seeing Fiore's face after what happened the night before.
"I don't care. Pick what you want." Alec replied, after a moment. Fiore picked up some cereal, Alec followed soon after. The two sat down and began eating. Fiore looked around the room, she eventually locked eyes with Ashley. Ashley gave Fiore a dirty look and Fiore quickly moved her gaze back to Alec. Alec tried to enjoy his breakfast, but the thought of Fiore crying kept coming back to him. The two finished their meal and went back to their room. Upon entry, Alec couldn't help himself.
"Fiore...I know you're being distant and I completely understand, but please tell me, are you truly okay?" Alec asked. As soon as Fiore heard those words tears formed in her eyes. Before she knew it, she was curled up on the floor, bawling her eyes out. Alec was shocked. What on earth could have upset Fiore this much? Alec knew now wasn't the time. He just sat on the floor next to her, rubbing her back and muttering comforting words to her. Fiore crawled up into Alec's lap. Alec ran his fingers through her hair as he kept comforting her. While running his fingers through her hair, he seemed to notice that there were small patches on her head where hair was missing. It looked as if it had been pulled out. Fiore just kept sobbing. The more she cried, the more worried Alec got. Eventually Fiore managed to push herself up a bit, tears still streaming down her face. Fiore pushed herself away from Alec, despite how much she seemingly liked his comfort.
"Fiore?..What are you doing?" Alec asked, worried. Fiore didn't look at Alec. It was no use. She was clearly still crying, and he could tell.
"G-Go away!" Fiore yelled.
"Fiore...It's okay. I'm here to help you."
Alec whispered.
"NO! Get away, Alec!" Fiore screamed. Alec tried to reach out towards her and she flinched. Alec was shocked.
"STOP!" She cried. Alec's heart ached. It was difficult seeing her so upset. Fiore was curled up in a corner. Alec slowly got up. He tried to reach his hand out to her, she covered her face immediately.
"F-Fiore..." Alec muttered. He backed away from her and gave her some space. "I'll be back." He said.
"NO! DON'T-DON'T LEAVE ME!" Fiore sobbed. Alec was shocked at her words. He turned around, hesitantly. He opened his arms up for her. She looked up, her eyes drenched with tears. She slowly crawled over into his arms. He picked her up and hugged her, tight but not too tight. Fiore just sobbed into his shoulder. Alec was at a loss for words. He gently rubbed her back, trying his best to comfort her while she cried. As he continued rubbing her back, her cries became less and less intense. Alec eventually realized Fiore had fallen asleep in his arms. He gently lifted her off of him, and tucked her into bed. He looked at her for a moment, only then did he notice just how exhausted she truly looked. Guilt washed over him. But...why? He isn't her father, why does he feel guilty? He walked away and tried not to think about it.

. .     .

It had been a few hours since Fiore had fallen asleep. Alec was reading a book until something caught his eye. Fiore. She had woken up and was looking at Alec. He sat up.
"Fiore? You're awake?" Alec asked. Fiore looked at him, a bit of a surprised look on her face.
"Yeah." She looked away from him and got up to go to the bathroom. Alec still felt guilty. He couldn't shake the feeling. A few minutes later, Fiore walked out, her eyes looking red. Alec reached out his arm, slowly, but immediately stopped when Fiore looked directly at him.
"Don't." She muttered. Alec was a bit surprised from her sudden response, he opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted. "Don't ever mention what happened earlier to anyone." She said, her voice firm. Alec gently nodded, a bit concerned for Fiore. He so desperately wanted to know what made her cry like that, but he knew asking would lead nowhere. Fiore crawled back into bed. Alec sighed and continued reading. He knew if he wanted to figure out what was upsetting Fiore, he had to do a lot more than just ask.