Disclaimer: this story is NOT part of the official SOS storyline. It's just fan fiction! Enjoy 😊

Author: Aarushi Aarushicullengranger

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A/N: Hey guys, welcome! I have a little game for you, there are about seven song references scattered across the chapter. The people in the Thirsty Hoes Discord server have a little advantage since I listen to the songs mentioned here multiple times a day so let's see how observant you are ;)

Kayden

Her clever and gleaming pair of coppery hazel eyes showed yearning and a hint of irritation at my constant negative responses. Her hands twitched whether or not to strangle me or pull that disgustingly short skirt down, I wasn't sure. Her jet-black hair shone with just a hint of rich brown and looked just as disheveled as mine. My daughter looked exactly like me with her tan skin and especially when she wore her sleek doc martens, black jeans, and black t-shirt even though her personality was just like Layla's. She brimmed with energy and spirit but at the same time was fiercely disciplined.

"Papa, please? I like Aqib. I want to give this a shot," my beautiful, innocent and naive daughter pleaded.

Aqib was anything but. He was a respectful young chap and Sana may have raised him well but he was Jack's son too after all and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

"Bean, this topic is not up for a debate. You and your mother can pout and whine but you can't change my mind. This conversation is over." I said as I shifted from one foot to another and crossed my arms, the sternness stunning her and shutting her up for good.

Her eyes still challenged me though. Her eyes fiery Layla like self burned me with her stare as her pouty lips furled into a frown while her eyebrows remained knitted together.

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"Oh, Kayden, stop being a party-pooper!" Layla chastised me as I sat on the couch staring off into space and ignored her. She had the audacity to invite that kid over for lunch without having a discussion with me! How could she?

"Our daughter is barely sixteen, Layla. She shouldn't be talking to boys, especially ones older than her. When I was seventeen I... Let's not talk about it but I did some seriously shitty stuff back in the day and boys these days are probably worse. I don't want to think about that little punk touching my daughter, forget kissing," my worried self spoke out.

"I know she knows how to stand up for herself but her selfless self often doesn't speak up because she tries to protect others around her. A mighty noble quality at that but it has its cons. I know she is soon going to start dating and will make some stupid decisions and I will support her for whatever she chooses but while I trust my daughter to come to me if things go south, being a father, I wish to protect her and hide her as much as I can," I choked out, getting a little emotional.

My eyes glistened with unshed tears as Layla held my hands in her soft ones and looked at me with such emotion and love and respect. She still looked as exquisite and beautiful as she did all those years ago. My heart still jumps out of my chest as she walks by, such a sight for sore eyes, she's still got me mesmerized. She still lights me up inside.

"Oh, Kayden, baby, you can't always protect her. You know it's time. She's going to be eighteen in a couple of years and we will have to let her go then. Stopping her today might cause a rift in your relationship. You know she rarely ever asks for something and begrudgingly so but she accepts a ''no" whenever you say so. She knows you have her best interest at heart. I stood by your decision when she was fourteen since I didn't condemn her dating just because everyone was doing so but now, I see it Kayd, she looks at him like you once looked at me, it's certainly not love but she's getting there," her soft brown eyes mirrored mine.

I think it was time for a heart to heart.

I stood up making my way across the hall to go upstairs when I saw bean sitting on the steps weeping and I knew then and there that she had heard our conversation. Her eyes rimmed a blush red and her hand scratching her wrist, a habit she had from when she was a toddler.

I swept her up in my arms and sat on the stairs as she hugged me and cried. She had always been very emotionally connected with me. Trust was a huge part of our relationship and blind trust is what we maintained. I believe my daughter's word over everyone else.

I offered her the comfort level and space to speak her mind and so she told me about anything and everything, whether it be boy trouble, her periods, something stupid her friends said, sex, you name it.

I was her best friend when required and parent when needed. We were each other's anchors. With the type of relationship I had with my parents, I was worried I wouldn't be a good father but we came through. I got one thing right.

She was the apple of my eye, my little girl who always looked up to me, and the fact that she wanted a boyfriend bothered me.

"You trying to replace me with that punk, huh deli?" I chuckled watery as she held me tighter and buried her face in my shirt, her hoops digging in my skin but I paid no heed.

"Now, now, don't go wiping your snot all over my shirt. You know this is mom's favourite one. Show me that smile and stop crying. That kid is coming in an hour and I am sure you have to go get ready and put on that black gooey stuff on your eyes," I grinned down at her as she pushed her face further into my chest as I sifted through her black tresses and rubbed her back.

"You will always be the first man who loved me, daddy. Don't ever question that."

And my heart knew then that we would be alright.

A/N: This chapter was born from a comment thread in the previous fanfic piece and while it was supposed to be a funny one of Kayden being a class-A bitch to the date, it turned emotional as I started to write and I realized we have always craved the emotional side of Kayden so why don't I give it to you? This was also inspired from a conversation I had with my father!

So, I hope y'all liked it! Constructive criticism is highly appreciated. Thanks for reading! Remember, always be kind to each other and spread happiness wherever you go!

T/N: I may or may not be part of the reason we get a second part to this story. You're welcome 😉. Hope your exams go smoothly, Aarushi! ❤️