John had always believed that he and his child were past the point of secrets.

From the very first time he had seen you, a small newborn cradled in your mother’s arms, he had vowed that he would do anything to make sure of your comfort around him; to ensure that you would feel safe enough to share whatever, whenever.

What he had not accounted for, though, was the typical secrecy of teenagers. Something, when he looked back on, he should’ve expected.

About 3 months spent away from you, this time- the time had grown with your age, increased with his confidence that you were able to take care of yourself properly as well as deal with the consistent absence of your father.

After 13 draining weeks of work, John finally returned home. It was a late night- the dull thud of rain on windows accompanying his entrance, the atmosphere creating an almost gloomy background as he quietly unlocked the house door; not wanting to wake what he assumed was his sleeping teenager.

John’s body was practically on auto-pilot as he let his bag fall to the floor with a dull thud- simultaneously slipping his shoes off and drowsily making his way up the stairs.

The man was just about to swerve off to his room, door on the half-way twisted handle when he heard a small crash from your room.

Panic swarmed his mind almost immediately- it was, what, 4 am? You weren't supposed to be up yet, and even then; it sounded as if theres was some sort of struggle, almost like there was a scuffle happening in your room.

Instinctually making his way to the door of your room, not bothering to knock as he barged in.. only to be met to the sight of his child making out with someone.

John froze.

The last thing he expected was to see that- sure, the man had been away for a while; he wouldn’t deny that, but he thought you would at least tell him if you were seeing someone.

“..kid?” The word left his lips before he could stop it, brows furrowing as he hurriedly slammed the door shut; trying to erase the image. “I’ll.. leave you to it!”