Quarantine has me dreaming of California so I went to O.C in my mind. I hope this story brings you all a little peace and joy in these turbulent times. As a child, ordinary family moments were rare, so I learned to appreciate them even more and I feel like Ryan cherishes the Cohen family routine a whole lot as well.

Thank you for all your sweet support. I truly can't thank you enough 3

I hope you enjoy this little fic.

The sun hit the windshield at just the right angle so that Ryan didn't have to squint his eyes but could enjoy the golden rays dancing over the glove compartment.

There wasn't much traffic since he had successfully dodged the after-work traffic jam. He had stayed late after school, working on a project with a few classmates.

Ryan looked to his left, where the waves were lazily lapping against the shore, surfers wading in to wait for the tide.

Before coming to Newport, he had never given surfing a second thought. Chino was far from the beach.

Sandy, however, loved surfing. He usually came to breakfast last, his hair still wet from the ocean. Ryan liked that it was always like this. That he could rely on the routine. Sandy coming in through the door, either Kirsten, Seth, or himself asking him how surfing was.

It gave Ryan a sense of familiarity and a routine that he never had growing up.

Maybe this weekend he would accompany Sandy to the beach, learn to balance himself on the board. Their last attempt was a while ago.

He made a left turn into the driveway of the Cohen house.

Just as he had parked the car, the door opened and Sandy stepped out. He waved at him with a smile. Ryan waved back.

"Where are you going?"

"I got off work early which usually never happens, so I thought I'd go surfing, catch some waves before dinner." Sandy was longing for waves and physical activity after all the hours spent in the office.

Ryan bit his lips, looked at the house, and then the garage where the surfboards were stored.

"Can I-" he hesitated. Not sure if Sandy wanted to have his alone time. "No, nevermind."

"You can tell me. What's going on?"

Ryan grimaced and crossed his arms. "I was wondering if I could join you. Learn more about surfing."

Before Sandy had a chance to reply he added, "But you're probably tired from work and want your alone time. I'll see if Seth wants to use the pool or-"

"Hey, Ryan." Sandy's voice was soft when he interrupted him, "Of course you can come with. I thought you'd never ask again."

Finally, Ryan looked him in the eyes. He couldn't stop the smile spreading over his face. "Okay, awesome. Let me get my trunks."

"I'll get the wetsuits and surfboards." Sandy nodded excitedly, "Meet me here in five."

Five minutes later, Ryan was sitting in the passenger seat of Sandy's car, the surfboards loaded in the back.

Sunset was not too far away and the light was just the right color of gold and pink.

"It's a beautiful evening," Sandy said. "Great for surfing. I really thought I had scared you away after our first try."

Ryan chuckled but didn't know how to reply, so he looked out the window. The mansions passing by until they turned onto the road leading to the beach.

"When was the last time the two of us did something like this, can you remember?"

Ryan nodded. "We went to the supermarket together on Sunday to get all the groceries Kirsten needed for dinner."

Sandy laughed, he hadn't expected that answer. "That's not an exciting activity, though, is it?"

Ryan immediately looked away again, fumbling with the zipper of his hoodie.

For a minute Sandy wasn't sure what had caused Ryan to retreat into his shell. "Do you like grocery shopping?" he asked eventually.

Ryan huffed, still not being able to turn around. He wet his lips, wishing he could just say what was on his mind.

"It's not that-" he slowly shook his head and grimaced again. He didn't continue until they pulled into the beach parking lot.

"Every activity we do is special for me." he finally said, eyes fixed on a spot outside the car.

"What do you mean?"

Ryan shifted in his seat, his eyes flickering over to Sandy and back outside. People were walking on the promenade, in groups, or doing exercise. The beaches of Orange County usually filled up in the afternoon, leading into the evening. People were eager to relax by the water after having worked all day. Ryan watched a family pass by. The father was holding his daughter's hand, both were smiling.

He drew in a deep breath.

"I never had a dad."

His words were quiet, barely audible. But their impact was the same.

Sandy looked down. He kicked himself mentally for not thinking about that before.

"My father wasn't a real dad and my mom's boyfriends weren't ideal dads either." he wanted to fake a smile again but couldn't. His shoulders dropped and suddenly he looked way younger than he was.

Sandy slowly reached out and carefully put a hand on Ryan's shoulder. He didn't pull away.

"Family activities are still a highlight for me. They make me happy." he pressed his lips together, "That sounds cringy. I shouldn't say that."

"It's not cringy at all. I understand it very well."

Ryan let out a deep exhale. "I ruined the mood, huh?"

Sandy smiled, "No, don't worry about that. I'll gladly go grocery shopping with you every weekend. Or maybe the whole family will go. We'll make it our Sunday trip."

That elicited a genuine laugh from Ryan. "Sounds good."

"Now, let's go catch some waves."

Later, when they pulled into the driveway, Ryan felt warmth spreading through his chest. Coming home to the Cohen house felt right and comforting every day, even after all this time.

"You guys were out long. How was it?" Kirsten greeted them. "Did Sandy force you to these ridiculous dry exercises on the sand?"

"Yeah, he did."

"Ryan is a natural, honey. He'll be a good surfer in no time."

"You said that about me too, dad," Seth said who had just entered the kitchen, "And look at me now. I haven't surfed in years."

"That's because you never go when I ask."

"We'll order Chinese food. What does everybody want?" Kirsten asked, the phone already in her hand. Ryan couldn't help but smile. Another routine. Something that felt familiar, comfortable.

"The usual," he said, following Seth into the living room to play the latest videogame.