A/N: So this idea was basically inspired by something that pretty much happens yearly for me around Holiday time. I thought it would be interesting to have the Cohens, particularly Ryan, face the scenario with an added guest or two. Not quite sure how long this will be, but it will be multichapter. I don't own the O.C. Belongs to Fox and Josh Schwartz. I own no one except Sam Linwood who is an original character of mine.


Chapter One: The Invitation and the First Bug

Sam's POV

"Are you ready to go?" Mr. Atwood looks at me, the picture of perfect seriousness, and I can't help but be a little skeptical as I kick the soccer ball that appeared at my feet back to him. We're in the gym at the Berkeley Youth Shelter, and until now, our meetings never went beyond an afternoon at the rec center of this shelter he dropped me off at three months ago, without asking any questions. Something I knew was too good to last.

"Go...where exactly?"

Instead of answering my question, he grows silent before asking another. Too good to last was right. "Do you have anywhere to go for the holidays Sam?"

I catch the ball underfoot dribbling a bit as I bite back my response. There were several questions that went through my head at once, and none of them seemed like a good response. From what I knew about Mr. Atwood, he works as an architect in some fancy firm. His parents lived in some fancy house in Orange County before they moved to a slightly less fancy house here in Berkeley almost ten years ago. I didn't know why he was asking about me when he probably had a list of perfectly scheduled plans of his own to worry about. I already knew how people got about Christmas and all that crap. "I'm here aren't I? You do the math."

"Right." He sighs. "I'm just asking because well, no one should have to spend Christmas alone."

"That doesn't really matter to me man," I shrug as I discard the soccer ball and go to sit on the bleachers. My hands begin shaking and I clasp them together in an effort to stop it. It's just another day, no different from the 364 others I spend alone.

I don't look up even as I sense Mr. Atwood sitting next to me. "The invitation is open."

I know why he's doing this. It shouldn't phase me. People always get soft during this time of year, think doing charity work makes them decent, but Mr. Atwood's been here pretty much every day since he brought me here. It's...weird. "Are you?" I look at him.

Surprisingly he shakes his head. "Far from it actually."

"So...what, having crashers is...normal or something? Your folks aren't gonna call the cops?"

He laughs, full out, and I nearly jump out of my seat.

"Making your parents call the cops is funny?"

He shakes his head still laughing, but it's dying down slightly. "No, I just...what you said about crashers, it's not entirely off."

Okay...Mr. Atwood's lost it. That's gotta be a story. I sigh. "Fine, I'll come with you."

I hope I don't regret this.


Sophie's POV

"Mom, Mom!" I'm running as fast as my legs will carry me down the aisles of the mall holding what I think is the perfect pre-Chrismukkah gift for my dad and brothers. "Look what I found for our Chrismukkah card, look!"

Mom looks down at the set of novelty ties and laughs. One has a picture of Rudolph, one is decorated like an elf, one like Santa, and one like the Grinch. I don't know who's gonna get the extra tie yet, but we'll figure it out.

"And I thought us and Summer could wear these." I hold up the sparkly silver and gold antlers.

Mom takes one of the antlers and tries it on. "Is it too much sparkle?"

"I think it's…" I feel a tickle in my nose and scrunch my face. "It's awes...AAACHOO!"

"Bless you." Mom says. She then does exactly what I'm afraid of gripping the side of my face. "Are you feeling okay sweetie? You look a little pale."

"M'okay." I wince as my voice now sounds froggy, but I clear my throat. "I'm okay Mom." Whew.

I think Mom's shrugged it off as we go to the checkout line, but then she grabs cold medicine, and I know...I'm probably not in the clear.

I wonder if Hank Whittaker had something to do with this. I've been feeling foggy for a week, but I think I did pretty good hiding it, until the sneeze heard round the shopping center. The last week before school got out for Holiday break, Hank was sniffing and rubbing his boogers everywhere. I don't think the boy knows what kleenex is. Sometimes I really hate the fourth grade and fourth grade boys. But Mom won't let me skip to fifth. I wonder if she'll let me skip to the eating ice cream portion of being sick. I just hope it won't get worse. It's almost Chrismukkah. I can't be sick for Chrismukkah.


A/N: Well, I've been planning Sam Linwood as a character out for a while now, but I wasn't sure when or how to introduce him, and I figured a Chrismukkah fic would be a good introduction for him as any, and a sick fic as well, so you get double the fun or well...angsty fun with a bit of humor and holiday thrown in. In case you're curious, he's portrayed by Tommy Knight. Sophie Rose at age 10 is portrayed by Ava Kolker.