Chapter Text
Peter groaned when he felt the sudden impact on his GT500. He was on his annual leave and on his way to the supermarket before picking up his daughter from school. He hated that he was barely around, calling himself an irresponsible father, but his absence had caused Malia to be more independent. Either way, he never ceased to be protective of her and always took note to give her a call daily.
With an exasperated sigh, he unbuckled his seatbelt before swinging open the car door to examine the damage from the crash. As he wasn’t a fan of the sunlight, he immediately wanted to get back inside to the air conditioning. At least his sunglasses were shielding his eyes.
The harm to his vehicle wasn’t too bad and a repair could wait until later. However, the black Toyota Rav4 hadn’t taken it very well. A man about his age, with a light tan, disheveled brown bristly hair as if he had just run his hand through it, came around. He wore a black V neck underneath a grey jacket along with black trousers and combat boots. There was an expression of worry written on his face as he inspected his own vehicle. Peter didn’t blame him.
“Hey, man.” he took off his sunglasses and called out.
He was greeted by an attractive face with sharp features, striking blue eyes and light stubble covering the bottom half of his face. Peter was sure he hadn’t ever seen the man before and he knew this because Beacon Hills was a small county. He had lived there all his life and knew everyone very well.
“Um hey- I uh I’m really sorry, I didn’t look dammit. I didn’t see you and yeah-” he babbled.
“Bud, you have to be looking at the road. What were you doing?” Peter interrupted.
“I know, I know. I’m sorry. I- it’s a long story.” he continued rambling.
“Hey hey calm down. It’s fine, I’m fine. You seem to have taken most of the hit. I’ll call a tow truck and write you a cheque for that.” he said, gesturing at the damage.
“What? For real? A cheque? No, no it’s not your fault. I can’t let you do that.”
“It’s alright, I insist. I can afford it.”
He nodded, “Okay then thanks.”
Peter nodded back at him before fishing his phone out and making the necessary calls. He watched as the stranger leaned against his own car while he was busy.
He eyed the guy, checking him out since he couldn’t think of a single reason an outsider would come to the county. It didn’t have a great reputation. Beacon Hills was home to one of the worst mafia families known as the Argents, who left dead bodies in almost every back alley. The crime situation was horrendous and it was agents like Peter who tried their best to take them down, yet failing at every turn.
The man seemed to be a few inches taller than him, but with a frame similar to his, athletic and toned. His arms bulged through his jacket as his clothes hugged his built but lean body. He looked good and Peter’s thoughts were going elsewhere, to a place that included less clothing but he soon dismissed the thoughts out of his head.
After he was done arranging everything, Peter made his way towards the stranger once again.
“They’ll be here in a few minutes.” he informed the man, handing him the cheque that he had just written.
“Thanks, again. You really didn’t have to.”
“No worries man. Besides, you’re not from around here are you?”
Peter raised an eyebrow as the man gulped, something like fear washing down his face.
“Not exactly. Uh... what gave it away?” he cleared his throat.
“Nothing really. I grew up in Beacon Hills. We don’t have a large population, so new faces aren’t hard to spot. Your name? I’m Peter Hale.” he answered with a smile, squinting at the sun.
“Chris. Chris uh- Sølv.” he answered and he continued, most probably because Peter was unable to hide his confusion, “I’m part Danish.”
Before Peter could reply, the tow truck arrived. Even if it didn’t, he wasn’t sure if he would have replied. He couldn’t say something like ‘Cool! I’ve never met a Dane before! What are you like?’ Well he could in a different way, but it was not like he had time to chit chat and learn about Danish culture.
“Well I’ve got to go now Mr. Sølv.” he said.
“Chris, please. Yeah sure, I’m sorry for keeping you waiting and thanks again, Mr. Hale.” Chris smiled at him.
“No worries then… Chris. And just Peter’s fine. I guess I'll see you around then." Peter nodded at him once more and made his way to the car.
He glanced at his watch and realized that he still had enough time to do the groceries. Yet, he still thought of informing his daughter that there was a possibility of him being delayed.
Malia would have been done with school by this time, so he could call her. She usually hung out with her group of friends after school before going home. Peter had met them on several occasions and he wouldn't say they were a normal bunch. He didn't mind them though. They were good friends to Malia and accepted her, even offering to keep her company when he was away. He had specified that no boys were allowed in the house and she wasn't allowed to sleep over unless there were any girls. Malia had tried to protest, but Peter knew she wouldn't go against his wishes.
"Hey baby I'm on my way to pick you. I'll probably be a bit late, though." he spoke when the call was put through.
"Okay Dad, that's alright, but I need a little favor from you." Malia answered.
"What's up?" he asked her as he overtook another vehicle.
"I made a new friend today. Her dad's going to get late to pick her up. Would you mind giving her a lift?" she explained.
"Oh yeah sure. Of course, I can do that hun. I'll see you in a little. Love you, Mal."
"Love you, Dad."
Peter pulled over when he arrived at the supermarket parking lot. He dashed in, grabbing items that he thought were necessary without wasting his time to check his list. He could always get whatever he missed later.
It didn’t take him long to get back on the road and he reached the school as soon as possible, trying his best not to go over the speed limit.
He came to a halt right in front of the school and Malia got in with her newfound friend almost immediately.
Peter turned around to greet the other girl, “Hello darling, I’m Peter, Mal’s dad.”
“She knows, Daaad.” Malia groaned, rolling her eyes.
“Geez, I’m just trying to be nice. So what’s your name?” he asked as he faced in front and changed gears.
“It’s Allison, sir.” a sweet soft voice answered him.
“Lose the ‘sir’ darling. I’m just her dad. Are you new here?” he inquired.
“Okay then,” she giggled, “Yeah I moved here with my father a few days ago.”
“Ah, I see. Well, I can show you around and help y’all out,” he offered, “Can you show me the directions to your place?”
“Thank you that’d be nice, but I’m sure we can handle and, yes of course.”
They dropped her off at an attractive two-story red brick house. She thanked them, bade them goodbye and ran inside. Once they made it back home, Peter decided to watch a basketball game while Malia went to finish off her homework.
When nighttime arrived, Peter couldn’t be bothered enough to make dinner so ordered pizza for them instead. The two of them sat at the table like they had almost every day for the past 17 years.
“So, Allison. Nice girl.” he started the conversation.
“Yep, she grew up in New York. Her mother died during childbirth, so it’s just been Allison and her dad too.” she replied, as she took a bite out of her slice.
“Ah.” Peter said, unsure of what exactly to say.
He felt bad that Allison had lost her mother at a very young age as well. He wondered whether he could relate to what Allison’s dad was going through. Maybe they could grab a beer sometime and hangout. Peter could definitely use a friend, especially one who knows of and also experiences his situation.
“She thinks you’re hot.” Malia mentioned suddenly, causing him to choke on his food.
“I’m your dad!” he exclaimed.
“Let me finish, Dad! She thinks you’re hot for her father. Which is why we arranged a blind date.” she continued and Peter ended up choking again.
“Mal! Baby!” he wailed, “I don’t even know this guy!”
“That’s like the point. It’s called a blind date for a reason, Dad.” she spoke like it was the most normal thing ever.
The fact that the girls had set him up with a man didn’t bother him. Peter was attracted to both genders and he had been clear about it with his daughter. Yet he hadn’t ever dated or been interested in dating anyone after Corinne’s death, even with Malia’s incessant nagging. She had never gone to this extent before, and Peter wasn’t sure if he still knew how to date.
“Oh God fine, I guess I’ll give it a go. When is this going to be?” he said, accepting his fate.
“Tomorrow night, you know, because it’s not a school night which means you two can do whatever you want.” she replied without missing a beat.
“Honey, I’m not going to have sex with a guy I just met.” Peter uttered, covering his face with his palm.
“Yeah well let’s see what happens.” she grinned at him innocently and stood up, taking both their plates to the kitchen.