Work Text:
Johnny was waiting for what felt like ages outside of a small coffee shop in Redshore City, hoping that his dad didn't forget about their meet-up.
He wouldn't forget about something like this, right? It's been so long...
Johnny let out a soft sigh and leaned his body against an electricity pole, looking up at the sky and clouds. He wondered in anticipation how he would greet his dad, considering he hadn’t spoken to him since the impromptu concert he and the others managed to pull off.
Hi, Dad! How are you doing? I’ve missed you so much, and I’m really glad that—no, he thought, scolding himself. That just sounds awkward.
Closing his eyes, Johnny went through various fake dialogues in his head, swearing that he could hear a voice calling his name. A voice that was getting ever closer.
That voice…
It sounds oddly familiar, he thought.
…
“Johnny,” the voice asked him, “are you there?”
“Oi, Johnny! Snap out of it, will ya?” the voice said with a slight chuckle.
Johnny opened his eyes abruptly, staring at his dad for a moment before realizing that he was here and talking to him. He could feel his face starting to flush in embarrassment, yet all he could feel in the moment was a sudden bout of joy.
Closing the gap between them, Johnny embraced his dad wholeheartedly. “Dad! You made it! I thought that maybe you forgot or that something bad happened and—”
“Woah,” Marcus said in amusement, “slow down, son! Did you really think that I would forget? I was only a couple minutes late. There’s a fuck ton of traffic this time of day.”
“Sorry, dad. I was just worried… Let’s head inside, yeah? I’m starting to get a bit cold out here. A cup of coffee would certainly help warm me up.” Johnny said with a slight shiver.
“Sure.” Marcus responded, following Johnny into the café.
As they ordered their drinks, Johnny felt the awkwardness of the situation looming over him. It was easy for them to talk outside with the city noise surrounding them, but now that there was nothing to distract them, it almost felt as if he was meeting his dad for the first time. Luckily, his dad was first to initiate the conversation, and Johnny felt a bit better from this.
“So,” Marcus started, “how have you been, Johnny? I can only imagine how hard it’s been for you to have to deal with everything going on recently. New shows, me in prison...”
Fuck. Why is it so hard for me to speak to him!? He’s my dad for crying out loud! Johnny thought.
Just say something… Anything.
Taking a shaky breath, Johnny finally got the courage to start talking. “Uh, well, it’s been alright.” That’s a lie. “I’ve just been doing the usual. Work, singing, and hanging out with my friends. I’m fine, really.” Johnny stated.
Marcus took a sip from his cup of coffee, slowly put it down, and gave Johnny what he could only describe as a soul-piercing gaze. “… Johnny, I know when you’re lying. I know I haven’t been a good father to you in the past, but I’m trying my best to be one now. I hope you know that I love you and support you, and I will always be here for you.” He said in a calm tone.
Marcus looked at the table for a second, frowning slightly, and then back at Johnny.
“When I said those awful things to you the first time you came to visit me in prison, I regretted them immediately. I was so blinded by selfish rage that I forgot myself, and more importantly, I forgot that you are my son. I know I’m probably not explaining it perfectly, but I—”
A slight sob came from Johnny, and Marcus felt his heart break when he realized that Johnny was crying silently. Marcus stood up and went across the table to console his son, who was feeling the past months of bottled-up pain and sadness crashing down on him like waves against a rocky shore. Johnny could only hug his dad tighter and nuzzle his face into his dad’s neck, seeking the comfort that he so desperately wanted. He could hear his dad starting to sniffle and breathe heavily, sharing his grief.
A few minutes passed, and Marcus spoke up. “Do you feel any better, Johnny?” He asked.
Johnny nodded. “Yeah,” he said with a hint of a smile. “I’m glad you came, dad. It means a lot.”
“Anytime, son.” Marcus responded. "Now, how about we go and do something together? I’d like to spend a bit more time with you before the day ends. I know there’s a nice park nearby.”
“That sounds good.” Johnny responded, chuckling slightly.
Johnny paid for both of their drinks and left with his dad to spend the rest of the day with him. Reflecting back on the talk they had, he felt as if a barrier was broken between him and his dad. He didn’t feel the awkwardness he felt when they first met outside. Instead, all he felt was happiness.