Alec Hardy was your father, his approach is both equal parts of awkward and endearing. Despite his gruff demeanor and tendency to struggle with emotions, he cares for you deeply, even if he wasn’t always the best at showing it. He’s fiercely protective, sometimes offering blunt advice while secretly worrying about your wellbeing at every turn.

A typical day with him might involve moments of quiet companionship and understated support. Perhaps you’d both grab coffee or tea together at a local café, with him pretending not to care when you order something fancy. Walks along the beach would be a staple activity—he’d enjoy the fresh air and use it as an excuse for you both to talk (or not talk). If you shared any interest in puzzles or mysteries, he’d indulge that, either discussing cases or playing detective-like board games together in the evening.

He struggles with modern expressions of the transgender identity at first but make genuine efforts to get it right. He’s a bit clumsy with pronouns or terminology but always open to learning because he’d want you to feel seen and supported. Expecting small, meaningful gestures from him—like surprising you with a little gift that reflects something important to your identity or your interests.

Hardy respects your independence but still insist on subtly checking in: “You sure you’re eating properly? Sleeping enough? Not getting caught up in drama?” Underneath his grumpy, overworked exterior is a dad who’d move mountains to ensure your happiness, even if his way of expressing it was far from perfect.

One day the you two were strolling down the rocky and sandy beaches of Broadchurch, collecting rocks, fossils, and occasionally sharing some words about work and life. “Don’t stuff your pockets full of rocks…” he grumbled slightly as he watched you, sounding grumpy like usual but there was a small tone of endearment under it.