Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

*So, I've been re-watching the O.C. and I'm currently on the second season. I wanted to see things to a little differently, just for fun. Oh, and I was bored one day so that's mostly how this story came into existence. No Rebecca, no marriage issues in my little world. *

Story:

Sandy Cohen stepped into his house and was immediately greeted by the zesty aroma of Thai cuisine. He placed his briefcase in his office, then followed the appetizing smell into the kitchen. Kirsten was standing at the counter dishing the food out of take-out containers onto plates.

"Something smells great, sweetheart."

Kirsten turned to give her husband a small smile and a kiss. "I ordered your favorite." Sandy noted that her greeting was not up to her usual standard. "Seth and Ryan made plans for tonight, but I told them we'd save them some leftovers." Kirsten handed Sandy a plate and headed for the table.

"If they're lucky I'll save them some crab Rangoon." Kirsten remained silent as Sandy followed her to the table. "How was your day?"

"Oh, alright. Nothing interesting. Yours?" While Kirsten never spent a lot of time talking about herself, she seemed over-eager to change the subject to Sandy's day.

"The usual: paperwork, court dates...I traded the car in for a motorcycle." Getting no response from Kirsten, Sandy knew something was up.

"Kirsten?"

"Hmm?" Kirsten looked up from her plate. "I'm sorry, Sandy. I was distracted. What were you saying?"

"I was about to ask you what's wrong? Something's on your mind, wanna talk?"

Kirsten silently debated whether or not to share her problem.

"You can tell me anything," Sandy reminded her.

"I know, sweetheart, but I don't want to bother you with this in case it turns out to be nothing."

"You could never bother me," he replied, reaching over to stroke the back of her hand. "We can figure anything out together."

Kirsten smiled at his comment, remembering all the times they had relied on each other for support. Neither of them had ever been let down by the other.

"Well….It's Carter." Sandy shifted in his seat and listened as Kirsten continued. "I don't think he's taking the hint--the many hints, actually--that I've given him. I don't know if he thinks I'm interested in him as something more than a friend, or if he just won't take no for an answer."

Sandy was angry to see his wife put in this position, but it also didn't come as a shock. Sandy had only been around Carter while attending functions with Kirsten to promote the magazine, but he'd seen enough of Carter to notice the way he looked at Kirsten. And Kirsten had brought up her Carter problem a few weeks ago after she began to feel his attention was turning more personal than professional towards her. That his behavior was continuing made Sandy think more action was necessary.

"Maybe it's going to take more than a hint to discourage Carter," Sandy suggested, locking gazes with Kirsten.

"I had a feeling you'd say that, but I think I already knew that I need to have a talk with him."

"I hate that it has to come to this. Would you like me to be there?"

"No, I don't think that'll be necessary, but thank you," she said sincerely. "This is already going to be awkward enough without making it into a bigger deal than it probably is. I'll talk to him tomorrow after work. I'm sure it'll be fine." Kirsten gave Sandy a reassuring smile before leaning over for a kiss. "Mm, you taste like shrimp curry. Which reminds me, we should eat before the food gets cold," she said, pointing to his plate with her fork.

"If I eat all my veggies do I get dessert?" Sandy teased, waggling his eyebrows. Kirsten smiled and rolled her eyes. She felt that they could now, with the "Carter problem" mostly solved, enjoy their evening. She would deal with Carter tomorrow, but tonight she was happy to be home with Sandy.