Another Experiment in Another Fandom

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So here I am with a second chapter to the fan fiction story I've started for The O.C.  Have no fear, I'm still plugging away on ATLB.  I'm rather pleased I'm multitasking (although we'll see how it lasts).  I didn't think I was capable of doing multiple stories at once, but so far I'm doing okay.  Any mistakes are my own, as I'm not having this beta'd.  I'm just posting and moving on.  Comments are always welcome!

Skeletons in the Closet - Chapter 2

The day after the charges were dropped against Marissa, the Coopers skipped town.  Sandy had discretely watched as Ryan quietly stood vigil in the shadows, his eyes never leaving the front entrance as movers carted off furniture from the house next door. 
 
As Julie and Marissa packed their overnight bags in Julie’s car, even Summer and Seth got to say one final good-bye.  Sandy could see Marissa’s eyes drift up to where Ryan stood.  She’d instinctively known he was there.  However, Julie had insured that Marissa was never left alone, and had made it abundantly clear that Ryan was not allowed anywhere near her daughter.  In the end, all the two teenagers could do was wave to each other one last time as Julie’s car sped away. 
 
Sandy still felt sick at heart for having to witness yet one more person Ryan cared for disappearing from his life, but he also couldn’t help but feel a little relieved as well.  During the investigation, Julie had said a lot of harsh things about Ryan, things Sandy wasn’t ready to forgive. 
 
He’d also never tell Kirsten, but he was ridiculously pleased when he learned that Jimmy had left town to prepare the Cooper’s new home, wherever it might be.  While Jimmy was a decent guy in many ways, his capacity to make the wrong decision every time was rather unnerving to witness…  And painful.  As was the torch he so obviously still carried for Kirsten.  Sandy wondered if Hawaii would be too far for them to move away to?  A man can dream.
 
Sandy had understood and respected Julie’s instinct to protect her daughter at all costs, but even once it was clear that Marissa had the DA’s sympathy, Julie had still persisted in trying to find ways to get Ryan into trouble.  Sadly, although Marissa was a sweet girl, she didn't need any help with that.  The girl found trouble just fine on her own.  In fact, with all that had happened over the last year between the Cohens and Coopers, Sandy had had to stifle the considerable urge to offer his help with carrying boxes. 
 
“Did you give it to her?” Ryan had asked softly as Seth joined him on the driveway, still looking in the direction the Cooper’s car had disappeared.  Sandy had been debating about whether to say something when Seth joined his foster brother.
 
“Great minds think alike,” Seth had replied with a sympathetic grimace, and pulled out an envelope from his pant pocket.  So Ryan had asked Seth to give Marissa a letter?  Smart.  “She said she was sorry.” 
 
“Yeah,” Ryan had said, eyes distant.  “Me, too.” He’d reached out and squeezed Seth’s shoulder in thanks, then retreated back to the pool house. 
 
It took Sandy a while to reassure himself that they weren’t back to square one with Ryan.  Maybe it would be better if we brought him inside, he’d thought, and not for the first time, but ultimately decided that anything like that would have to wait until Kirsten came home.  He hated how easy it was for Ryan to stay completely off everyone’s radars out in the pool house. 

So he’d allowed Ryan’s need for solitude…  He’d given him time and space…  But there was absolutely no way Ryan would be allowed to hide out today.  Today was Friday.  Kirsten came home today. 
 
The morning sun cast the kitchen in a golden hue.  He’d gone surfing much earlier than usual; too excited to sleep.  The fog had burned off early, but there was still a nip in the air.  He’d been invigorated but still slightly chilled as he nursed his coffee, staring absently at the pool house’s closed blinds and wondering if Ryan was asleep.
 
“So are we talking about big bands, banners, and fireworks?” Seth asked, startling Sandy out his thoughts as his son thudded into the kitchen, trying and failing to slide across the floor in his socks.  Thankfully he didn’t fall.
 
Sandy would never tell Seth, but he was just like the Nana in the way he started conversations.  Instead of opening pleasantries, Seth went right for the meat, as if the first sentence he uttered this morning was just a carry-over from what they’d been talking about the night before, and hellos, good mornings and other inane pleasantries were not meant for them. 
 
“I don’t think this is a good floor to slide on,” Sandy observed with a frown.  He couldn’t help but get a little anxious when Seth got overly physical.  His son may have joked a lot with Ryan about his lack of coordination, but there was a lot of truth in jest, and they had the doctor’s bills to prove it.   
 
“Pah.  You’re a pessimist,” Seth replied, grabbing a bagel and taking a large bite of it. 
 
“What?  No time for cream cheese?  You dishonor the bagel,” Sandy said, amused as half of it was still sticking out of Seth’s mouth while he poured himself a cup of coffee. 
 
“This bagel is being eaten by the son of a New York Jew.  What more could it ask for?” Seth replied between bites.  Sandy pushed the Arts and Leisure section of the newspaper across the countertop and nodded towards the pool house. 
 
“He hasn’t forgotten what today is, has he?” Sandy asked.  Seth blinked slowly several times before rolling his eyes. 
 
“Riiight.  Because that would be so easy for him to do, what with me in there every ten minutes asking what he thinks mom’ll be like and you dropping hints every time you see him,” Seth said. 
 
“No need to be sarcastic,” Sandy scolded.  He was allowed to be a bit compulsive about this. 
 
“You know I’m your son, right?” Seth asked as he sat both the coffee and bagel on the countertop next to the newspaper.  “It’s not my fault I’m sarcastic.  It’s in the genes.  I come by it honestly.  In fact, meet Exhibit A,” he said and gave Sandy a one-armed hug, which Sandy was happy to return. 
 
“Relax, dad.  He’s already up; he’s just taking a shower.  I checked.”  Sandy smiled gratefully.
 
“Thanks.” 
 
“No problemo.  It’s part of the brother/foster brother contract,” Seth said, then scrunched up his face in consternation. 
 
“What?” Sandy asked, instantly on the alert. 
 
“I don’t think he’s sleeping much,” Seth admitted reluctantly. 
 
“Yeah, I’ve noticed the circles under his eyes, too,” Sandy said.  “Do you think it’s time for me to step in?” he asked candidly.  In most things Ryan-related, Sandy was willing to follow Seth’s instincts.  Seth bit his lower lip for a moment, then shook his head. 
 
“Let’s wait and see how he is with mom.” 
 
“Fair enough,” Sandy replied. 
 
“So really, what did you have in mind for today?”
 
“Big bands, balloon animals, jugglers, and an ice sculpture,” Sandy replied.  Seth groaned dramatically. 
 
“Alright, alright,” Sandy said, smiling.  “How about a movie night with popcorn, take-out, and some board games?” 
 
“Nice,” Ryan commented, startling both of them. 
 
“Good morning, Sunshine!” Seth said brightly.  Ryan darted a glare his way, but there was no heat in it. 
 
“What time does she get here?” Ryan asked Sandy, deciding to ignore Seth. 
 
“Around one,” Sandy replied. 
 
“And she really doesn’t want us to make a big deal out of it?” Seth asked.  Sandy couldn’t tell if Seth was disappointed or not. 
 
“Nope.  She just wants to spend some time with us.”  Seth nodded and pursed his lips thoughtfully.  Ryan kept his head low enough that most of his face was shielded from view by his hair.  Sandy sighed, and was about to say something when he heard the front door open.  Seth and Ryan both looked up with wide eyes. 
 
“That wouldn’t happen to be Rosa, would it?” Seth asked.  Sandy shook his head as he stood up and headed for the front door. 
 
“I don’t think so,” he said as his heart began to pound in his chest, and sure enough, there stood Kirsten looking tan and healthy.  Her smile was a little hesitant, though, as she watched the boys approach. 
 
“Surprise,” she said softly and met Sandy’s eyes.  He knew he was grinning like a fool but couldn’t help himself.  God she was beautiful. 
 
“Mom!” Seth said with a big smile, immediately pulling her into a bear hug. 
 
“Mmmmmm…  I missed this.  I missed you,” Kirsten said, her voice muffled by Seth’s shirt. 
 
“I missed you too,” Seth said, and Sandy felt his heart break a little at the emotion in his son’s voice. 
 
“Hey, Ryan,” Kirsten said, and reached out a shaking hand towards him.  He hesitated just the briefest moment, then was at her side in three steps, returning her hug with tentative pats of his own.  Sandy pulled both of his sons into his arms as he leaned forward and reached across to give Kirsten a kiss.  Seth melted happily into his parent’s arms but Ryan felt stiff, as if he felt he wasn’t supposed to be there.
 
“You’re early,” Sandy said, his voice tinged with guilt.  He’d still planned to do a little something, even though she’d explicitly said no. 
 
There were times, such as when the money had been tight in college, that they’d do things like agree not to get each other gifts for Christmas.  He’d still given her gifts anyway, and while she’d been distressed, she’d also been secretly pleased.  He’d been counting on today as one of those times. Ah well.  At least I already ordered roses.  A *lot* of roses.  He’d have to tell the boys to be sure to let Kirsten answer the door for the next couple of hours.
 
“I knew if I gave you too much time to think about it, you’d figure out something extra to do, which I don’t want.  Really,” she said with raised eyebrows and a smile.  “So I thought I’d just circumvent all that second guessing and catch you in your pajamas.” She was looking mightily pleased with herself as she gently tugged at his pajama shirt.  He squinted his eyes at her in protest.  She winked.
 
“What?  You don’t want an ice sculpture?” he asked. 
 
“I’d rather have a Hostess cupcake,” Kirsten replied.  Both Seth and Ryan pulled back in surprise. 
 
“Really?” Seth asked. 
 
“I didn’t know you ate those,” Ryan echoed. 
 
“Suriak was actually a little too gourmet,” she confessed, and Sandy nearly teased her when he realized she was blushing a little. 
 
“Everything’s organic, unprocessed, and completely wholesome.  The food was terrific, don’t get me wrong, and the desserts were divine, but I actually kind of missed processed foods.  You know: the ones with a longer shelf-life than human beings?  Weird, huh?” she asked, and as if they’d never spent any time apart, the unspoken communication he used to share with her came back effortlessly. 
 
She managed to look nonchalant while scrutinizing both Seth and Ryan as they pulled back from the hug, but Sandy didn’t miss the faint frown between her brows and the flash of concern in her eyes as she locked eyes with him.  Are they really doing okay? She silently asked.  Because I’m not so sure they are. 
 
Sandy shrugged and raised his eyebrows with a grimace in reply, then smiled warmly.  I did the best I could.  I know it probably wasn’t enough.  But you’re home now, and I missed you. 
 
Kirsten nodded and leaned forward to kiss Sandy more deeply, and the feel of her lips against his skin was almost enough to dissolve the last few months away. 
 
“God I missed you,” he whispered against her, and felt her smile. 
 
“I missed you too.  So did I really surprise you?” she asked quietly, pulling back to look into his face. 
 
Sandy wasn’t surprised to see that the boys had discretely left the room while he held her in his arms, grabbing Kirsten’s suitcases and quickly walking by with averted eyes.  In Ryan’s case, he could even see a slight tinge of red on the tips of his ears as he slipped out of the room.  It pained him that Seth wasn’t confident enough to tease them for the open displays of affection.
 
“You really did,” Sandy answered as he breathed in the scent of her skin and shampoo deeply.  Her thin yet strong arms held him firmly.  There was no hesitancy in her grip, like there had been.  No reluctance. 
 
“We scared them off,” she whispered and rested her head against his chest. 
 
“They’ll get to monopolize you soon enough,” he replied, kissing her hair absently. 
 
“I’m sorry, Sandy,” she whispered, and her voice cracked. 
 
“Hey, it’s alright.  I’m sorry, too.  Neither of us have covered ourselves in glory lately,” Sandy said urgently.  He wanted to be sure she was clear about this. 
 
“It’s just…  I’m so embarrassed about how I behaved,” she said, her forehead now pressed against his robe, hiding her face. 
 
“Honey, do you even remember how pathetic I was in college?  I have no idea why you even stuck with me.”  Kirsten laughed. 
 
“You’ve got a point.” 
 
“We’re fine.  We’re back together, and that’s all that matters.  Everything that happens from here we face together.  Deal?” he asked softly. 
 
“Deal,” she replied, squeezing his ribs and taking a steadying breath. 
 
“Now let’s get you unpacked, because I can hear Seth lurking around the corner, and I don’t think he’ll be able to refrain for much longer.”
 
“It took you long enough!” Seth yelled from the doorway, making them both laugh. 
 
After so many weeks of agonizing about how the reunion would go, Sandy was amazed at how easily things began to click again, at least between the three of them.  It would undoubtedly take a little longer with Ryan.  A lot had happened, between Trey and the intervention, but he’d still been willing to hug Kirsten, and that said a lot. 
 
**********************************************
 
It only took her a couple of days before she started asking the same questions he’s privately been wondering for over a month now.  Namely, just how deep did Trey’s betrayal run?  Because there was a lot that didn’t seem to fit. 
 
Neither of them had to work for the moment – he’d taken time off and she wasn’t sure if she even wanted to continue with Newport Group – which left them plenty of time to bond with the boys - time he suspected Ryan would have preferred they just spend with Seth.
 
Seth was eating all the attention up, but with a more thoughtful air.  His normally exuberant son now seemed to watch what went on around him more carefully, as if to make up for missing the signs the first time.  Sandy realized that Seth was looking for things to reassure himself with.  Where normally he’d tease them for their public displays of affection, lately Sandy would catch Seth watching with relief evident in his eyes when they hugged or kissed. 
 
He’d also taken to keeping Kirsten in sight at all times, something that didn’t bother her in the least.  In fact, Kirsten had changed, too.  She was much more physically affectionate lately.  At every available opportunity, she’d brush the hair out of Ryan’s face, which never ceased to startle him, or to tousle Seth’s ‘do’, which invariably led to loud squawks of not-so-sincere protest and pleased little grins.
 
Thankfully Ryan didn’t withdraw to the pool house once Kirsten came home, which Sandy had feared would become an issue, but whereas he’d always been quiet, now he was practically mute.  He didn’t seem to mind spending time with them, but only if he didn’t have to participate.  The moment Seth would try to include him in the banter, Ryan would quickly stand up and offer to get fruit drinks, make snacks, or something equally inane, then hastily escape.
 
“What would you do if your brother tried to rape me?” she asked as they got ready for bed.  It was her third night home, and she’d already put on his favorite nightgown.  He truthfully wasn’t sure why she bothered with makeup, as she looked just as great without it…  At least he thinks she went without it? 
 
Whatever it was, no matter what time of the day or night, she looked equally put together.  He wished he could say the same.  He’d had his own share of sleepless nights lately, and knew he was looking a little rough around the edges. 
 
“I’d kill him,” Sandy honestly.  Kirsten frowned. 
 
“Honestly?  You’d end his life?  Just like that?  You wouldn’t try to find out what happened first?  Find out why?” she asked.  Sandy thinned his lips and nodded. 
 
“You’re asking about how things happened?” he prompted.  She’d read a copy of the police report the night she came home, so he knew she didn’t mean specifics per se.  She nodded and dropped her hairbrush on the dresser to join him sitting on the edge of the bed. 
 
“I can understand Ryan rushing down to confront him, but was Trey that out of control?  I’m still having a hard time wrapping my mind around everything,” she said thoughtfully.  “Even with the drugs,” she amended.  Sandy stood up and snuck a peek out the bedroom window.  The pool house was still lit up. 
 
“Is he still awake?” she asked quietly.   
 
“I think so.” 
 
“Something doesn’t feel right, Sandy.  Have you noticed?” she asked, still with a hushed voice, as if somehow Ryan could overhear.  Her fingers were absently picking at the duvet even while her eyes never left Sandy.
 
“What if I told you I’ve suspected it for a while?” Sandy said, and knew he’d dropped a bombshell. 
 
“Then I’d ask why you haven’t talked to me about it yet?” she asked, eyes flinty. 
 
“Because I wasn’t sure, and there isn’t anything in his records since he’s been in Chino, and he moved there when he was, what, ten and a half?” 
 
“How does a woman like Dawn manage to keep secrets like this?” Kirsten asked, shaking her head.  “Frankly, it only took me a couple of meetings to see what she was about.  How could Child Services not see that?” 
 
“Because Ryan didn’t want them to know,” Sandy stated flatly.  Kirsten put a hand to her face, clearly trying not to get upset, pressing against her eyebrows as if to stave off a headache. 
 
“Oh.”
 
“It’s easy to forget how smart he is, isn’t it?  I’ve caught myself doing that a lot lately,” Sandy confessed.  “The thing I keep wondering about is how he learned to work the system?  Because by the look of things, he’s been doing it a long time.” 
 
“Why wouldn’t he want to get away from that?  I mean, how could he want to stay?” Kirsten asked earnestly. 
 
“I wish I could answer that, but I can’t, and the only one who can, isn’t talking,” Sandy said. 
 
“I think he needs to start,” Kirsten said firmly, and he immediately knew what that meant.  As Seth would say, The Kirsten was on the case.  Sandy smiled. 
 
“He’s going to love that,” he joked, and she lightly smacked him on the arm as she stood up and parted the curtains. 
 
“The lights are off,” she stated and crossed the room to turn off their lights as well.  Sandy stood up and pulled the comforter back, tossing his robe on the nearby chair. 
 
“Have we helped?” Sandy asked in the darkness as Kirsten settled next to him. 
 
“Of course we have!  He’s away from his mother and her boyfriends, and he lives with people who love him.  We may not always be able to relate, but at least we care.” 
 
“It just seems like he’s stuck, you know?  Like he only knows how to react a certain way,” Sandy tried to explain.  
 
“I think he is, but you know what?  I was, too.  People can get unstuck, Sandy.  We’ve done as much as we can, but now I think it’s time to bring in professionals,” she said and slid her hand in his. 
 
“Oh boy,” he breathed. 
 
“That’s right, buddy.  I’m fresh from rehab and full of psychobabble,” she joked and gave his hand a squeeze.  “He can be so much more, Sandy.  You knew right away, and you were right.”
 
“I’m recording this conversation, you know,” Sandy teased. 
 
“Even stopped watches are right twice a day,” she said evenly. 
 
“What a burn!” he murmured as he reached out, pulling her close.  She settled against his chest, facing out, sighing peacefully as she clasped both of his hands in hers. 
 
“They say reformed addicts are always searching for that next high,” she purred as she wiggled against him, making him laugh huskily. 
 
“I’ve got just the endorphin high for you, Mrs. Cohen,” he said as he began planting kisses against the side of her neck. 
 
“Hmmmmm,” she said, turning her head to capture his lips with hers.  “Come here, you.”  Who was he to refuse?

Comments

[helen-c.livejournal.com]

Hee, I love how you quickly and efficiently got rid of Marissa (although Ryan waving at the car was heartbreaking... Yet another woman leaving him, poor little thing).

Sandy would never tell Seth, but he was just like the Nana in the way he started conversations. Instead of opening pleasantries, Seth went right for the meat, as if the first sentence he uttered this morning was just a carry-over from what they’d been talking about the night before, and hellos, good mornings and other inane pleasantries were not meant for them.

Great description of Seth! :)

I'm really liking this fic--the Cohens' concern, Kandy's suspicions, Ryan's feeling of betrayal and the way he shuts down... Can't wait for more! (I'm greedy that way).

[quillscribe.livejournal.com]

:-D Oh yeah, I've got no use for Marissa. Noodle women annoy me. *g*

I'm glad you liked the wave - I was afraid it was a little too cliche, but couldn't imagine a scenario where Julie allowed them a moment's peace.

I adore Seth, and have noticed he does that, so thought I'd mention it. He is just too fun to write.

I was afraid it got a little sappy. It's not all joy and lightness in the Cohen family, but realistically, a line of communication *should* have been put back in place while she was in rehab, so I'm basing things upon that.

Besides, I like the foundation of Sandy and Kirsten's relationship. It's when they stop relying on each other that things fall apart.

Glad you liked it and thanks for commenting! It's got me writing again, which makes me a happy camper. Now if only the series were doing the characters justice. *sighs* ;-)

[fredsmith518.livejournal.com]

It was anice surprise to see this up this morning, couldn't comment then sorry. Like Helen, I thought very neat getting rid of Marissa, but you made it poignant and showed them caring and Sandy's care too through him being there. In fact, with all that had happened over the last year between the Cohens and Coopers, Sandy had had to stifle the considerable urge to offer his help with carrying boxes. always like the humour in the midst of the angst.

Good description of all the hugging and flagging up the boys' differing responses. Love the description of more affectionate Kirsten as she was after the boys returned in season 2.

“It just seems like he’s stuck, you know? Like he only knows how to react a certain way,” Sandy tried to explain.

“I think he is, but you know what? I was, too. People can get unstuck, Sandy. We’ve done as much as we can, but now I think it’s time to bring in professionals,” she said and slid her hand in his.

Interesting, Ryan stuck in a groove he can't break out of, and Kirsten calling the professionals, definitely makes sense after her experience.

[quillscribe.livejournal.com]

*g* Oh yeah, I've got no use for Marissa, so I sent her on down the road quickly. ;-) I'm glad it worked. I was afraid the wave thing was too over the top.

Poor Sandy. Having Jimmy constantly pining for Kirsten would just annoy the heck out of me, and even if Sandy didn't know the full extent of just how much Marissa put him through, he knows enough.

I envision Kirsten feeling anxious to reassure both herself and the boys that things will be okay. Being in rehab, I've no doubt she also got the opportunity to see fellow alcoholics who've lost their families, and I imagine she'd be more appreciative of what she has when she returns.

I definitely see Kirsten realizing that they aren't equipped to help Ryan, and acting accordingly. Let's face it, she may have faced some emotional abuse in terms of rejection, but none of the Cohens can hold a candle to the abuse and neglect Ryan has endured.

I'm glad you enjoyed it. It got fluffier than I anticipated. *g* I love when you refer to specific passages to explain what you liked. Thank you so much for letting me know!