Better ~Jean x Reader AU~

Chapter 2: The News

I knocked gently on the wall and cleared my throat, "H-hey, Dad."

YF/N (your father's first name) perked up and turned his head. It took him a few moments, but his eyes widened at seeing me. He rushed to grab the remote and turn down the television. At that, his room filled with silence rather than the murmurs from the TV. To be honest, I almost wished the volume would have raised so I wouldn't have to face the awkwardness of talking to him. However, I wasn't that fortunate.

"Hey, sweetie," he smiled, motioning for me to come closer. "Come in, come in. Ya don't need to hang by the door."

I nodded and did as he said. I moseyed into the room, closing the door behind me and began the walk to where he was. The only sound that lingered between us was the sound of my soles sliding along the linoleum and the monitors beeping. They were annoyingly keen and obnoxious...at least, they were to me. They didn't seem to bother YF/N.

"How are you holdin' up these days?" he asked, still smiling up at me.

I snorted, "Shouldn't I be asking you that?" I lifted a brow, nodding toward him. "I mean, you're the one in a hospital bed, not me."

He shrugged and chuckled, "Eh. A parent's first response is to worry about their kids over themselves."

I rolled my eyes and claimed the seat next to his bed, pressing, "Dad, for real. How are you? How are you handling all this?"

"I'm fine," he answered, that soft smile still lifting the corners of his lips. "I'm handling this just one day at a time."

That irked me. That wasn't an answer. Well, it was, but not what I was searching for. He knew exactly what I meant and he was still going to dance around it as if I wouldn't pry. He must have forgotten who I was. I was his daughter and prying was something I did.

"Dad, for real," I huffed, leaning forward. "What did the doctor say?"

He dropped his stare and sighed, "I want to know how you're doing. We haven't talked in a while and I wanna know if you're okay."

"Dad," I snapped. "Stop. This isn't about me. Now, what did the doctor say?"

He kept his gaze low, but I could still see the conflict in them. He balled his hands into fists and clenched his jaw. Whatever it was he had heard, he did not want to relay it to me...but why? If it was something major, then I needed to know. I needed to know how to fix all of it.

"Have you made any new friends?" he swallowed, still not meeting my eyes.

"Come on, Dad," I begged. "Tell me. It can't be that bad. Just say it."

Finally, he brought those fe/c (your dad's eye color) orbs to me, tears glossing them. That took me aback. From what I recalled from my childhood, my father was not much of a crier. He was a burly man who was seen as intimidating and almost scary. Seeing him tear up...that alarmed me.

"What?" I asked, panic starting to consume me. "What did the doctor say?"

He took in a deep breath through his nose and exhaled, "It's...it's stage four cancer." He tightened his fists even more. "Skin cancer...melanoma to be exact."

**Bello my sweet lovelies. I first wanna say I understand if any readers may find the topic of cancer as sensitive. My own father was diagnosed with cancer a little over a year ago, so I completely understand if it's a touchy subject. That said, it is a real subject. It exists in this world and that's why I'm including it. I apologize if this is upsetting. Remember to always love those closest to you and to live a life you'll be proud of. Thank you so much for everything. You guys are amazing. Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross

P.S. If you're wondering, my Dad is cancer-free these days and still trying to figure out text lingo.

P.S.S. "Father" by Demi Lovato (my other wifey).