Trey is very out of character here, but that is the fun of fanfiction.


Seth, Ryan and Trey were all in the den attacking each other virtually. Kirsten was in the kitchen getting everything ready for dinner, which would be delivered soon. She smiled to herself at the noises coming from the other room. Normally, she would be on the boys to keep the volume at a reasonable level. This time, however, she didn't mind the gleeful shouts of the victor or the indignant cries of the victim. It had only been a few days since Trey's release from prison, and it seemed as though her initial fear of how it would affect Ryan was exaggerated. Ryan seemed truly happy that he had his biological brother nearby and that Trey seemed to be doing relatively well. Seth also seemed to be adjusting well to their new house guest. She happened to glance at the clock and she was brought back to the present.

"Boys! Dinner will be here any minute. Why don't you all go wash up for dinner?" she called from the kitchen.

Seth was the first to respond. "Ok, Mom. Just give me a few seconds to finish kicking Trey's as… um, butt," he quickly corrected.

She shook her head ruefully as she went back to the kitchen to finish getting things ready for dinner. She had to admit to herself that she felt a little nervous with Trey in the house. She and Sandy had talked about how they were going to handle the situation when they found out that Trey was going to be released. They knew Ryan wanted to try and rebuild the somewhat fractured relationship he had with his brother, and they knew the best, safest way to do that was under their watchful eye.

With all of that in mind, they invited Trey into their home. While the past few days had gone without incident, she was still unsure of how to act around him. She truly thought of Ryan as her son, and so there was a little bit of her that was nervous about how Trey would react to all of her mothering. She and Sandy thought that having family dinners, all 5 of them, would help to alleviate some of the weirdness they had picked up from everyone the last few days. Tonight was going to be the first, and so she wanted everything to go well.

A moment or two later, the doorbell rang as Sandy was making his way into the kitchen. He answered the door and picked up the food that was delivered. Bringing it in to the kitchen, he called into the den, "All right, fellas. Dinner's here. Turn that off, and come and get it."

They heard a couple of grumbles, mostly from Seth, come from the den. The TV did get turned off, though, as they all made their way into the kitchen to get their food. Kirsten was at the island helping with the food. Ryan was the first to get to the counter and start to fill his plate. When he got closer to Kirsten, she couldn't help but reach up to push the shaggy bangs out of his eyes.

She told him, "It looks like someone needs a haircut. I'll call and make you guys an appointment with Markos."

Ryan could help but groan and roll his eyes. "Markos?! Do you have to?" He knew he was practically whining, but the few times that Kirsten forced him to go to her hair stylist he found he hated the trips. "I know he's always checking me out. He gives me the willies!"

"Yeah, Mom. After all, Markos isn't exactly qualified to touch a perfect specimen of hair like this," Seth replied, while running his fingers through his dark locks. He really didn't enjoy the trips to his mother's hair dresser, either.

Turning towards Sandy, to try and get his support, Ryan continued, "Can't we just to a regular barber shop?!"

Sandy put his arms up in surrender, then picked up his food, and made his way over to the table as he said, "Hey, guys, don't look at me." Once he was seated, he continued, "Unfortunately, I've been dragged to your mother's hair… person… so many times, I don't think I even know what the inside of a barber shop looks like anymore."

After everyone else had their food and was seated at the table, Kirsten brought a pitcher of iced tea over to the table and started filling the glasses. After filling Ryan's glass, he looked at her and said, "Thanks, Mo..., oh, I mean, Kirsten." Ryan caught himself, but it was already out there. He blushed a deep red, while everyone at the table stopped in their tracks. Ryan refused to look at anyone, staring intently at his plate. He had even thought about retreating to the pool house.

Seth and Sandy kept looking between Kirsten, Ryan, and Trey while holding their breath awaiting the fallout. Kirsten kept watching Trey for his reaction. Trey, however, was looking at Ryan, with an amazing amount of thoughtfulness. After a couple of minutes, Trey put his fork down and leaned back in his chair.

"You know what, Ry, it's ok. I've learned a few things over the last couple of years. And while I've only been around you and Cohen's for a few days, I've discovered something." He waited for Ryan to look at him and when he didn't, Trey tapped his arm to get his attention. "You know what I've discovered? You've got a family, man!"

Sandy carefully studied Trey's face to try and judge his sincerity. He was somewhat startled to realize that Trey was being honest. This didn't seem to be quite the troubled young man he had read about. When he found out Trey was going to be released from prison, and the potential threat to Ryan would skyrocket, he had called in a couple favors and got a copy of Trey's record. It was a rather extensive read, involving multiple run-ins with the law for various reasons and reports of alleged physical abuse that were never investigated. He hadn't said anything about what he had read to Kirsten; he didn't want to needlessly upset her at this point. However, he was more determined to keep a close eye on the young man, especially around Ryan. After the last couple of days, however, he was beginning to think that the system had actually worked for someone.

Sandy glanced at Kirsten and he unconsciously smiled. She hadn't switched into The Kirsten yet, but she was in Full-Mother mode, watching Ryan's reaction and making sure that Trey was on the level. It wasn't anything that the boys could pick up on yet, but he'd known her for long enough to know when she was on full alert. Another reason why he loved her so much!

Ryan screwed his face up in confusion, so Trey continued. "Come on, man. You know Dawn wasn't a mother; and Frank wasn't a father, even when he was around. The only thing that came close to a normal relationship was what you and I had. And I nearly threw it all away."

Ryan tried to reassure his brother. "Trey, you didn't…."

But he didn't get the chance. Trey held up his finger to stop Ryan. "Yes, I did, little brother. And I am so thankful that you still want me around you."

Ryan again tried to protest, "Trey…"

But that was all he was able to get out. Trey again interrupted him, a little bit more forcefully to emphasize his point, "First, I get you arrested. And then with what happened when you visited me a couple of Thanksgivings ago…., I never thought you would see me again." Although he left out any details, Ryan still shot daggers at him. He was afraid that Trey would let slip with some details about that little adventure that he was sure the Cohen's would want to know more about, even after almost 2 years.

However, it did pique Kirsten's curiosity. "Wait. What about Thanksgiving?"

Trey actually smiled at that. "And that right there is another good example. These people care about you; they want to know what is going on in your life. That is what parents are supposed to do." He turned and looked at Sandy and Kirsten with a meaningful look, "And now it looks like you have some pretty good parents." Then turning to Seth, he took a deep breath and said, "And you have a pretty great brother, whose example, I can hopefully follow." He kept eye contact with Seth for a second longer and they nodded to each other, Seth having a new appreciation for Ryan's older brother.

He turned back to Ryan for a couple of seconds with his eyebrows arched to know that Ryan understood what he was saying.

He then turned his attention back to the elder Cohens. "As much to Ryan, I owe you my thanks. Not only for taking care of him so well, but also letting me be around him for the last few days. I've enjoyed being able to start repairing our relationship. I've also realized how much I had taken our relationship for granted before. As you already know, Ryan's a great guy; and I didn't appreciate it, until now. I would like to be back in Ryan's life, but I understand that you guys probably have some reservations about that. Whatever terms you put on the table, I will follow. I know I'll need a job and get a place of my own. But whatever else it takes, just tell me. Even if it's staying away from him until you can trust me."

Ryan was about to speak up to balk about that last bit, but again Trey cut him off. "No, Ry. I have to do this. I want to be a part of your life again, but I have to go through your folks."

That wasn't the first time in the last few minutes that Trey had referred to the Cohens as his parents, and although he obviously was really starting to look at them as his parents, hearing someone else refer to them like that, especially Trey, was kind of weird. But he supposed he had been thinking about it on different levels for long enough, that is was sounding more natural the more it was being said out loud.

Both Sandy and Kirsten looked at each other and sighed heavily. Kirsten was glad that she had married Sandy, especially at times like this. They loved each other so deeply, they often times knew what each other was thinking just by reading each other's faces. It was helpful in a lot of situations, as they didn't have to deliberate as much or talk over things; they were able to know if they were in agreement just by looking at each other. And this was just one of those occasions; she knew that he was in agreement with her, and they could provide a united front. Despite that unity, she was still glad that Sandy decided to start speaking for them; after all, he was the lawyer and knew how to talk.

"Let me start, Trey, by saying that we agree on several things. First of all, Ryan is a part of our family, and very important part of that family. You're right in that he is our son. However, that will never change your relationship with him."

Kirsten added, "We can tell how much you two care for each other. I can tell Ryan has enjoyed the last few days having you around again." She glanced and Ryan and give him a wink. He smiled shyly back and his face tinted a little bit with the knowledge that she was able to read him so well. He must be slipping; he thought he could hide his feelings better. Or maybe he didn't have to anymore….

Sandy sighed again as he continued, "But, you're also right in that you don't have the best track record with making sound decisions. That being said, I do believe you mean what you said; you want to change your life around for the better." He reached over and laced his fingers through Kirsten's. "And we have no problem in helping you do just that, as long as we are sure that you are not putting Ryan in any danger."

Trey nodded fervently, "I understand. I won't put Ryan an any more danger. I don't want to screw up anymore."

Kirsten took a moment to look at her entwined hand with Sandy's and then glanced at him as an idea came to her. She turned back to Trey, "I think a job is an excellent first step. I think that I can come up with something at the Newport Group. It won't be anything glamourous, but we always need filing to be done and errands ran."

Seth was the first to speak up about that, "What about Grandpa? Is he going to be ok with that?"

Ryan was hot on his tails, "Yeah, you know how he feels about me. How's he going to feel about Baby Face Nelson over here?"

Kirsten was overjoyed at the fact that Ryan was starting to feel better about the situation where he could start joking with his brother, especially about the incident that brought everyone to this point now.

Trey was apparently eager to lighten the mood, as well. "Hey, I never shot anyone! And if there's anyone with a baby face…." He took a moment to glance over at Seth and study his face. "Yeah, no offense Seth, but Ry, you've got the baby face around here." And he punctuated his ribbing by reaching over and pinching Ryan's cheek, only to receive an epic glare from Ryan.

With Ryan's glare quieting the room, Kirsten was able to get the boys' attention again. "You guys let me worry about your grandfather. It's about time I starting defending you more to him. Trey, I'll also talk with someone on our residential side and see what apartments are available."

Sandy added, "Until we can find something, you are more than welcome to stay here."

Kirsten then continued, "In face, why don't we move you out of the pool house and up to one of the rooms upstairs, and that will be your room. And Ryan, why don't you move upstairs next to him, and across from Seth. That way, you can all be together"

Ryan was happy about the suggestion, if nothing else, because they wanted him to be "closer" to their family. But, he really liked the pool house. He might have to really think hard about that. But before he could say anything, Trey cut into his thoughts.

"I can't do that. It's too much, you've already done so much. I'd never be able to thank you enough or repay you!"

Sandy told him, "Hey, you're a part of the family now. But if you do want to pay us back, then live up to what you just told us. Turn your life around, and be a person worthy of being Ryan's brother." He emphasized his point by arching his eyebrows.

Trey was virtually speechless. He was clearly touched by what the Cohens were offering him. "I'll try," was all he could say.

Kirsten understood what he was going through and reached over the table and patted his hand. "That's all we ask of Seth and Ryan; to try."

It seemed like Trey and Ryan were all talked out, and the conversation had come to a close. Everyone was kind of looking at each other a little awkwardly.

Sandy finally turned to Ryan, "Now, what was this about something happening at Thanksgiving…."