This whole single dad thing is still new to Aaron. He's trying to juggle work, the divorce, and raising his teenage kid all on his own. He knows he probably isn't around as much as he should be, and Lord knows he isn't exactly emotionally available right now. But he's trying.

Aaron is grateful for the fact that you're rather independent and able to do things on your own - like pack lunch, catch the bus, and take care of your own basic needs. Ever since Haley walked out, there's been quite a bit of a divide between you and Aaron. Part of him believes he's the reason why. Hell, he's probably the reason for the divorce so why wouldn't he be the reason his own kid hates him? Despite it all, he loves you. He really, really does.

He's welcomed with the sound of music blasting from the tinny speakers of your old CD player, the poor thing abused from many hours of being played at such a high volume. Some days, Aaron wonders how your ear drums are still intact. It's not unusual, regardless of the late hours of the night. You're usually still up when he gets home from work.

Tugging his tie loose after shedding his jacket by the door, Aaron makes his way upstairs. He stops by your bedroom door, just barely cracked open to steal a glance and check on you. You're sat at your vanity, an ice pack to an eyebrow piercing that definitely wasn't there before.

Aaron's jaw clenches. It's not the piercing that bothers him, you have plenty already, as it's a staple of your style. Punk, as you'd said. The piercings, studded bracelets, eyeshadow, and unique clothes aren't new to him, but you'd never gotten a piercing without asking first. It's not like he'd say no to something as tame as a little eyebrow piercing, so why now? Why did you feel the need to go behind his back?

He steps through the doorway and immediately shuts off your CD player, arms crossed. “Honey, is that a new piercing?” Aaron's tone is rather clipped, staring you down. He knows you're going through a lot with the divorce, so he's trying to go easy.