Nothing Ever Happens

Disclaimer – I own nothing to do with The O.C, they belong to Josh and the people at Fox!

A/N; Okay people here is chapter four again a mix of angst and love enjoying writing cute stories but have to inject some drama.

By the way all the chapter titles (except the first two) come from an album so they also don't belong to me. Well done to anyone who can name that album you have great taste in music!

According to my hits a lot of you read but don't review please do this time I would love to hear your opinions and constructive criticism.

Enjoy and please review!

It was a bright Saturday afternoon Sandy and Kirsten had taken the whole day off from work to spend some time with the boys. They had been so busy recently with the PD's Office and the gallery that they felt bad for neglecting the boys; they were growing up so fast.

Everyday it seemed like the boys had learned something new Sandy and Kirsten were determined to spend time with them before they started pre-school. It was such a huge step for any child they were just glad that the boys had each other for support Kirsten didn't know how she was going to cope when they left.

They were sure that the boys would love the nursery, they were so inquisitive about the world around them and each had developed their own interests. Seth loved to draw, anything he could wherever he was while Ryan was more into tangible things that he could mould or build. The house was crammed full of things the boys had made; drawings on the fridge, play dough models on the cabinets, finger paintings on the boy's wall once Sandy had opened his briefcase and macaroni had showered his desk.

They had decided that the whole day would be dedicated to the boys, Sandy had forgone surfing instead he had taken the boys for an early morning swim and on return had cooked them a huge breakfast.

Kirsten had entered the kitchen on their return to find water pooled wherever they had been. The boy's feet swung off the end of their chairs as they spooned eggs and bacon down their throats. Smiling she made her way over to her seat, kissing each head on the way.

"Hey guys, ready for your big day?" Kirsten questioned as she spooned herself some breakfast.

"Uh huh." Seth responded through a mouthful of bagel while Ryan nodded his head which was obscured by his glass.

"Why?" Ryan's soft voice met Kirsten's ears turning her attention to him she pulled a puzzled expression.

"Why what sweetie?"

"Why are we going out today?" This puzzled Kirsten even more did they really need a reason to spend the day with their kids – had it been that long?

Seeing Kirsten's hurt expression Sandy interjected, "We just want to spend some time with you boys. We know we've been working lots and we miss you guys. I s that okay?"

Ryan turned his head to look at his brother Seth raised his eyebrows a little and motioned with his fork. Having been urged on by his brother Ryan continued, "So no jabs?"

Now Sandy and Kirsten were more confused than ever, what was he talking about?

Luckily Seth was a little more articulate than Ryan and he was happy to fill them in, "The only time you and mommy stay with us is when we get icky jabs."

Screwing their faces up for dramatic effect, Seth and Ryan finally clued their parents into what they were thinking – sometimes they were too smart for their own good.

"No kiddo no jabs just you two, mommy and me!" Sandy smiled and ruffled Ryan's hair on his way to the sink.

"So how do you guys fancy a morning at the park with a picnic and then we'll go to the wildlife centre?"

"Yeah!" Both boys yelled and attempted to high-five, a move they had done with their father countless times but hadn't quite mastered when the target was smaller.

It had taken quite a struggle on Sandy's part to get everything packed up in the car, the boys had wanted to take an enormous amount of outdoor toys with them and Kirsten had packed a gigantic lunch.

Those things Sandy could understand but what he couldn't fathom was why Kirsten had insisted that they take a backpack full of clean clothes. She had muttered something about the boys getting dirty and thrust the bag back into his hands. Sandy thought that this was a typical example of Kirsten's upbringing – to her it would be mortal sin if her children were seen in dirty clothes even though the were tumbling around in the grass.

You can take the girl out of Newport but you can't take the Newport out of the girl!

Seth and Ryan were securely buckled in their booster seats and item which they hated as they thought it made them look like babies but Sandy and Kirsten were adamant that they had to stay in them.

Seth had chosen to take his swing ball set, which was the major problem for Sandy, while Ryan had simply asked to take his soccer ball. Kirsten and Sandy had started to notice how much Ryan enjoyed sports, although Kirsten was reluctant to let him participate. She was so protective of him when it came to rough and tumble she had the image of him lying in the incubator imprinted on her mind.

Sometimes Ryan found it repressive and would go out of his way to run around as much as he could. Sandy and Kirsten had talked about her defensiveness a couple of times but it always ended with her in tears crying about how much she had let the boys down.

Unfortunately for Kirsten today was one of those days when Ryan preferred to break away from her constraints and let his hair down.

The second he and Seth were out the car they were off chasing his soccer ball across the grass. Kirsten kept her eyes fixed on them while Sandy started to haul everything out of the tiny boot, sighing dramatically trying to get Kirsten's attention.

"Umm babe little help maybe?" He strained as he pulled the hamper out.

Snapping out of her day dream Kirsten looked down at the pile of summer things now piled at her feet. She grinned at Sandy as she watched him struggle with Seth's swing set, bending down she retrieved the backpack and sun umbrella.

"Boys! Boys stay here just now okay, so you know where we're sitting." She smiled at them as they turned and ran back toward her, handing them some smaller things to carry.

They chose a spot between two trees, very easily spotted from a far especially for the boys. Kirsten started setting up the picnic, spreading out the cloth and various types of food she had brought, while Sandy played a game of soccer with the boys.

Once everything was out Kirsten sat back and surveyed her surroundings – there was nowhere like this in Newport. All their parks were scared by benches, flower beds and fountains since she had been living here she couldn't understand why it was needed the children here had just as much fun without all the fuss.

Seth and Ryan were trying very hard to beat their father at soccer, playing as well as their still slightly clumsy toddler feet would allow. Kirsten laughed when Sandy spread his legs wide to allow Ryan to run through them and then pulled a shocked expression as Seth giggled furiously.

Sticking his tongue out as he aimed Ryan swung back his leg and launched the ball between the two makeshift posts squealing delightedly as he scored a goal. Sandy ran up behind him capturing him under the arms and swinging him up in the air causing him to scream even louder.

Sandy ran around the small imaginary pitch holding Ryan aloft, "And Cohen scores the winning goal. Oh yes the crowd go wild what an amazing goal!"

Still laughing Sandy dropped Ryan to his feet popping his hand out for a high-five, then ruffled his hair he returned to Kirsten slightly out of breath.

"Okay guys come and get some sun cream on then you can play some more." Kirsten searched through the bag for the sun block, sniggering all the while at a panting Sandy.

Finding what she was looking for she threw one bottle over for Sandy while pooping the cap on her own. "Come here Ry."

Grudgingly Ryan came over to his mother standing before her with a pout on his face; Kirsten squeezed out a small blob onto her hand and deposited it on the end of Ryan's nose. Leaving the blob where it was she went on with the rest of Ryan's body that was exposed as Sandy did the same to Seth although he did put up more of a fight. Gently Kirsten wiped all of Ryan's face careful of his eyes but aware that his fair skin would burn quickly in this heat. No sooner had the caps been popped shut than Seth and Ryan ran off to continue their game, oblivious to the fact that their father did not follow.

Glad he had escaped another round of pee-wee soccer Sandy wrapped his arm around Kirsten shoulder as they lay under the protective parasol. They stayed like that for another hour merely watching the world around them go by, they kept a close eye on the boys often reminiscing over comical things they had done when the were very little.

Eventually the two boys sauntered back over to their parents complaining of hunger and heat; they were ready for the picnic.

Both boys tucked in to they food, again the differences between them were blatantly obvious to Sandy. Seth sat up on his knees robotically stuffing whatever food his hand came into contact with into his mouth; he didn't care what kind of weird combinations he came up with. Seth had always loved his food ever since he was a baby although he was quite a fussy eater sticking to the few things he liked.

Ryan on the other hand was a small eater often eating very little, Kirsten thought he was caught in a vicious circle – small body small appetite; small appetite small body. That was another cause for concern for Kirsten; she had spent many days and nights trying to feed him as baby he never seemed to take to it. He sat cross legged between his parents taking small bites often waiting minutes between mouthfuls, Sandy was glad that although he had a small appetite Ryan was always willing to try new exotic foods.

Once lunch was over Kirsten and Sandy set about cleaning up while the boys played tag round the trees. They decided to wait a while before driving on to the Wildlife Centre recently Seth had picked up a nasty habit of waiting till they were half way through the journey (normally when they were on a major road with nowhere to stop) before complaining that he felt sick.

They had been packing away their belongings for around ten minutes when they heard Seth shrieking from behind one of the trees. Sandy jumped up from the blanket hurtling off toward the sound of his hysteric son he rounded the tree his eyes searching out Seth. He expected to find him on the ground with a grazed knee or elbow but instead he was met by an even worse sight.

Ryan was leaning heavily against the tree, his face was flushed and his chest rose rapidly up and down. His eyes were wide and he gasped for every breath, Sandy leapt forward capturing Ryan's wrist twisting him so he could get a clear look at him.

"Ryan! Ryan sweetie what is it?" Sandy cupped his chin trying to work out what was wrong with his son. "Ryan calm down honey okay deep breaths from me."

A frantic Kirsten stood behind him; she had pulled Seth toward her holding him tight against her waist trying to shield him while unconsciously soothing herself.

"Seth what happened?" Sandy called still trying to help Ryan.

"I don't know daddy….he was okay…we were only playing…" Seth choked out through his sobs, reaching up to his mother she silently lifted him onto her hip swaying from side to side.

"Shh baby its okay…Ryan's okay." Kirsten kissed his temple there was nothing she could do except stand and watch.

A passer by offered to go to the café and call for an ambulance, none of the Cohen's answered too much in shock. Sandy was now sitting with Ryan in his lap rubbing his back whispering to him, Ryan continued to pant he was unable to catch his breath. He had been getting progressively worse since Sandy found him, his breaths getting quicker and shallower with every passing second. Sandy was petrified he would stop breathing but there was nothing he could do except comfort him he didn't know what was wrong.

Sandy could hear the siren getting closer he thanked Moses that help was on the way, "Helps coming kiddo, you're gonna be alright. Just keep breathing that's a good boy."

Quickly the paramedics were by Sandy's side, they were taking to him asking him questions. Ryan clung to him desperately, trying to fight off the paramedics he had lost all his rational thinking he was just in a blind panic.

"Sir you need to hold this over his mouth and nose." Sandy looked up and was presented with a smoking mask reaching out he took it and held it as near to Ryan as he could get. "Try and breathe deeply Ryan. It'll help you okay you're doing great."

Sandy carried Ryan to the ambulance, stepping in the back before he realised that he could hear Kirsten and Seth sobbing. Setting Ryan down on the gurney he turned to Kirsten, he was about to offer to switch places but she shook her head slightly shifting Seth she nodded down toward Sandy's hand were Ryan was still had a firm grip.

Before the doors slammed shut he mouthed, "I love you."

Ryan had been taken straight through to paediatrics resuscitation, Sandy felt like he had gone back four years to when Ryan and Seth were babies. Nurses and doctors bustled around him asking questions and talking in that strange language again.

"Sir has Ryan been diagnosed with asthma?" Sandy shook his head; Ryan was still holding him in a death grip even though he was exhausted from his laboured breathing.

His little t-shirt had been cut off in the ambulance so his chest was bare for a freezing stethoscope to be push up against his ribs causing Ryan to squeal and cry harder. The doctor listened for a while and then conferred with her colleagues.

"Does he have any food allergies?" Again Sandy shook his head neither boy had ever suffered from any type of reaction. "Has he eaten anything out of the norm today? Or maybe been stung or in contact with a plant?"

Sandy summoned up enough courage to voice a response, "We were in the park...we had a picnic but nothing that he hasn't eaten before."

The doctor nodded and rhymed off a long list of tests she whished to be done, as the nurses dispersed to go about their orders Sandy sat down on the edge of Ryan's bed.

Holding him close Sandy stroked his hair and back continuing to speak softly as the smoke billowed from Ryan's face. He was beginning to get exhausted the amount of effort he had to exert and every breath was taking its toll. Sandy was scared for him no one could tell him what was happening and he dreaded to think what kind of state Kirsten was in right now.

Kirsten had thrown everything in the trunk like a mad woman, speeding off toward the hospital she wanted to be there for Ryan. Seth was still sobbing by the time they got there; Kirsten scooped him up into her arms and ran full tilt into the reception.

She had rhymed off her details as fast as she could, getting rather annoyed when the student nurse couldn't find Ryan's details. A few anxious minutes later Kirsten was directed up to the paediatrics ward rushing a thank you she took off with Seth in her arms.

When the doors opened she dashed out her eyes searched wildly around for Sandy, spotting him down the hall she sprinted through the milling people.

"Where is he? Is he okay? Why are you out here?"

Sandy lifted Seth from her arms, taking her hand to calm her down, "He's okay I promise, he's sleeping now the attack tried him out."

"Attack? What attack…Sandy what's going on?"

"Kirsten sit down sweetie," Sandy guided her toward the colourful seats, spreading Seth across his lap, "Ryan had an asthma attack okay it was pretty serious but he's okay now. Tried from all the effort and a little scared but he'll be fine. They still have him on an oxygen mask and they say that he'll have to carry an inhaler from now on but other than that everythings fine."

Kirsten sat in silence trying to absorb what had happened, she had heard of asthma and always thought it was a relatively small problem she would never have expected this.

"Can I see him?" It was the only thing she wanted to do, go in and apologise to her son for what had happened.

Sandy nodded and gripped her hand tightly pointed her in the direction of Ryan's room. He stayed where he was cuddling Seth looking for some relief; he was searching for a way to explain this to Seth. He knew he was scared he could relate but he knew that once Seth knew what was going on he would be much more content.

"Daddy is Ryan 'kay?" Seth's big brown eyes searched his fathers for an answer.

"Yeah sweetie Ryan's okay, he just…Ryan…" Sandy couldn't think of a way to explain, "Ryan has a sore chest and running around today made it hard for him to breathe."

Seth looked thoughtful for a moment and then ducked his head whispering, "Sorry daddy."

Lifting him up Sandy made sure Seth looked him in the eyes, "Seth none of this was your fault nobody, not even mommy and me, knew Ryan was sick. The doctors are giving him medicine to make him all better and then we can take him home. So what do you say we go see if he's up yet?"

Seth nodded and wrapped his arms around his father's neck, "Love you daddy."

"Love you too Seth."

That was chapter six hope you liked it - giving Ryan asthma was always on the books just another reason for Kirsten to fuss over him.

Please review now!