Hello, lovely O.C. fandom. I hope you are doing alright. I'm really sorry for being gone so long. I hope this little story brightens your day :-)

The Palm trees in front of their window were swaying gently in the evening air. It was unusually cold for this October night, even for Southern California.

Sandy had changed pajamas three times, layering up.

"You look so cute with those wool socks," he said to Kirsten when they went to bed.

"Where are the boys tonight?"

"Seth wants to show Ryan this new shark movie at the cinema."

"These two and their sharks, it's a miracle Ryan still goes surfing with you. I'm amazed he isn't afraid of the water by now."

Sandy laughed, "Ryan isn't afraid of sharks. In fact, he isn't afraid of a lot of things."

"He was of his father, though." The vibe changed from playful to sincere at Kirsten's words, and the sky rumbled as if on cue. The Fall thunderstorm they had announced for the weekend was finally here.

Sandy put a hand on Kirsten's arm. "Yes, he was. I'd be too if I had to go through Ryan's ordeal."

Kirsten smiled sadly, "You know, Dr. Kim called today. Said Ryan flinched in class when Mrs. Hill wanted to hand a paper to the student behind him. She asked if we were "aware" of it and how he was doing at home."

"Aware of it?"

"Of his-" Kirsten stopped herself, searching for the right word, "issues? I guess?"

Sandy scoffed, feeling himself getting angry at Mrs. Hill. "I thought all the teachers were told about Ryan's past when we registered him?"

"I thought so too."

"Why didn't you tell me this earlier?"

"I wanted to, but the day got so busy, and I also didn't know how you'd react. You're very, "and she smiled warmly at her next words, "protective of Ryan, which I love about you."

Sandy's face lit up for a second before he got serious again. "Of course, I'm protective of my son. I don't understand how Mrs. Hill or Dr. Kim can honestly think his trauma will just be over in the span of two years. It might take a lifetime."

"I didn't discuss it with Ryan yet, should I? or should we?"

"And do what? Spook him or have him think his reactions are over the top?" Sandy shook his hand, "No, no. He is allowed to react however he feels safe."

A knock on the door cut off Kirsten's answer.

"Come in!"

Ryan entered the room cautiously but not as timid as the last few times he had been in here.

"Ryan! Hey, what's up? Already back from the movies?"

"I um, I uh." he was pressing a washcloth against his lower side, soaking his sweater. "I fell off my mountain bike."

"What?" Kirsten got off the bed quicker than Sandy and was by his side in a second. "Let me see."

But Ryan backed away, suddenly looking like he regretted asking for help.

"I just need some painkillers for the headache, that's all. Seth couldn't find them in the kitchen drawer."

"They're in our bathroom cabinet. Wait, I'll get them." Sandy quickly went and retrieved the pill bottle.

"I'm gonna take a look at the injury first, is that okay?" he asked when he returned.

Ryan's expression screamed NO, but he nodded defeatedly.

Sandy carefully lifted the sweater, revealing a cut on Ryan's abdomen. "Doesn't look too bad. However, I'll clean and dress this. Better to be safe than sorry."

Kirsten had already gone and gathered the first aid kit.

Sandy tried not to look at the scars lining his adoptive son's back and lower ribcage. He made sure to be extra gentle when applying the pain relief gel. Ryan didn't flinch or make a sound. Proof of how much worse injuries he had had to deal with in his life.

"There you go, all patched up."

Ryan gave him a small smile. "Thank you."

"Take one pill with a tall glass of water," Kirsten instructed, handing him the bottle.

"Actually, um." Ryan looked down at the floor, fumbling with the bottle. "Seth and I rented a movie, and we were wondering if you'd like to join."

His voice was quiet, unsure, and Sandy almost couldn't stop himself from reaching out to hug him. To let him know how loved he was.

"You guys are in the mood for another movie?" Kirsten laughed, "I mean, sure! I'm not tired."

"Neither am I."

They walked down the stairs together and were greeted by Seth who was building a giant blanket fort in the living room.

"Mom! Dad!" he exclaimed, "Why are you joining us?"

Sandy exchanged a look with Kirsten. The fact that Ryan had wanted to spend time with them as a family meant more to him than he was likely ever going to admit. "Oh, we heard you wanted to watch a movie and figured we'd tag along."

"I didn't know you liked shark movies?"

"You're watching another shark movie?"

Seth and Kirsten were arguing playfully as they all settled into the fort in front of the tv. Sandy gently squeezed Ryan's arm and whispered, "I'm proud of you, son."

Judging by Ryan's genuine smile, the boy knew why, and that made Sandy forget about Dr. Kim's call altogether.