then ~ RUEL FANFIC~

Ruel's POV

I wake on the couch at 5am. The sun is rising and as I sit up I smile at the layer of bottles, bedsheets and cups on the floor, feeling bad for whoever will be left to clean it up.

Alira is still asleep on the couch opposite, bathed in the morning light streaming through the mercifully open windows.

I stand up cautiously, avoiding the broken glass, and tiptoe over to where she lies. 

"Psst." I hiss. Her eyes flutter open.

"Morning." She whispers.

"How you feeling?"

"Hungover."

"You want to go home?"

"Yeah."

"Ok. I'll meet you at the car, alright? Take your time."

I pull on my shoes and shirt then exit the front door and go down the long driveway to where my car's parked at the bottom. Once I'm inside I ring Coco. She answers after one ring.

"Damn, I was wondering where you were. Partying, I guess?"

"You guessed right. I'm taking Alira home now and then I might come see you."

"Are you good to drive home?"

"Yeah, I didn't drink much."

"Ok. I'll come to you, Mum and dad are both out today so Theres no point coming here."

"I'll see you later, then."

"Yep. See you."

When I hang up Alira opens the passenger door and hops in. 

"You good?" I ask, seeing the downcast look on her face.

"I... yeah. Just drunk too much."

"It'll wear off. You want to stop by the shops on our way home?"

"I guess."

I reach out and put my hand on her arm. "Did you have a good night?"

She inhales, as if about to say something, then closes her mouth and nods.

"Too much vodka, I think." I smirk.

She nods but doesn't smile and continues just looking downwards. I give a questioning look but she doesn't notice, so I just drive.

At the shops we hop out quickly just to get juice and Panadol, then head home.

When we get back Alira goes straight to her room and shuts the door. I think of knocking and checking in but assume she must just be tired. Just as I'm getting a glass of water the front door opens and Coco comes inside.

"There you are. How was your night?"

"Great. But somethings up with Alira, she won't tell me. Can you try talk to her?"

"Sure. Give her time. She'll talk when she's ready. But if you're worried I'll try Talking to her."

"Ok."

"Are you worried?"

I hesitate. "Yeah. A bit. Maybe I'm just overthinking things."

"Make me a coffee, I'll talk to her now."

"Just... be careful."

"Don't worry."

I hear Coco walk away and knock on Alira's door. The door opens and closes again softly.

I sigh and make three coffees. By the time I'm finished neither Coco or Alira have emerged. I wait. And wait. And wait. Nothing. No sound, no one exits the room.