I'm going nowhere with finishing my other story but I wanted to write some Christmas fanfic so here is my latest attempt.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything in relation to the OC.
The Best Chrismukkah Ever
For Ryan's first Chrismukkah with the Cohens, Kirsten didn't know how he was going to take the holiday. After his disclosure that his Christmases usually consisted of drunken beatings and cops, Kirsten wouldn't have found it unusual if Ryan had spent the holiday brooding in his room. However she was pleasantly surprised when she and Sandy came back from renting videos to see Ryan carefully putting up his stocking along with the rest of the family on top of the fireplace. The shy smile and shrug that he gave her when he saw her look of surprise warmed Kirsten's heart. That night the family suffered through Sandy's Sylvester Stallone marathon together but Ryan at least appeared to be enjoying himself, the same cannot be said for Seth or Kirsten. Later when Seth and Sandy had gone to bed, Ryan was still helping Kirsten clear up the mess from earlier despite her protests. Once they were done, Kirsten wished Ryan a good night.
Ryan didn't say anything for a moment and Kirsten was ready to leave when Ryan spoke up quietly, "Thanks for today. It was… fun. "
Kirsten smiled at his nervousness, knowing how hard it was for him to express his true feelings. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself." She gently laid a hand on his shoulder, trying hard not to wince when she felt Ryan stiffen at her touch. "We can't take away your past but you're here with us now. The holidays don't always have to be bad." Ryan nodded slowly before meeting his eyes with Kirsten. She gave him a gentle smile and he slowly reciprocated one.
"Thanks," Ryan repeated. He shuffled towards the door leading to the pool house. Kirsten was about to turn around to go to her bedroom when she saw Ryan pause in his steps before turning back around. She looked at him expectedly.
"Merry Chrismukkah Kirsten," Ryan said quickly before disappearing through the doors. Kirsten smiled. Ryan embracing Chrismukkah. If Seth was here, he would have declared it a Chrismukkah miracle.