Soulmates

Chapter 35-Christmas plans and Road Rage

Based on 4x11 "Normal" 

Trigger Warnings: Not explicit mentioned but talk of anxiety attacks. Also some mention of Child and spousal abuse.

Having breakfast with Emily was something that Ryan started to think the kids, not to mention himself, couldn't live without. There hasn't been a morning that has gone by where Emily has not had breakfast with them. It was almost as if they were a family, just living their life. 

Ryan couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at how this had come to pass. He contemplated it as he cooked breakfast. It had been a little over a year since the BAU came and helped him out on that family annihilator case. So much has changed since then. And if you were to ask him, Ryan would say he has not regretted it. 

Emily came in as he was flipping the pancakes. "How's it going?" She asked. Ryan turned to her and smiled, before turning back to the food. "Good, pancakes are almost done." She nodded and stood shoulder to shoulder with Ryan as he went to check on the bacon. 

Their shoulders brushed against each other and they both froze. They looked at each other and laughed, "You know, you don't have to stand right next to me." Ryan said. Emily hummed, "Maybe I like standing next to you." she said in a teasing voice. Ryan cocked an eyebrow, "Is that so?" He played along.

Emily nodded, "Yeah, I mean it's winter time, and we'll need to keep warm even if it means...sharing body heat." she said, rubbing her shoulder against his. Ryan didn't know whether she was serious or just trying to make him blush, Ryan couldn't tell. "Well your body heat is very much appreciated." Ryan said. 

Emily giggled as she put her arm around his shoulder and leaned her head on his shoulder. Ryan hesitated before informing, "So, I've talked to Kelli, and for Christmas were gonna have a party here with her and the rest of the in-laws." Emily nodded, "Sounds nice." She said.

Ryan nodded as he continued, "Anyway, I don't know what your plans are but..." He trailed off. Emily smiled, "Ryan Christensen, are you asking me to spend Christmas with you and your family?" She asked. "Depends." Ryan responded, "Do you have any plans?" He asked. 

 Emily pretended to think, "Why not." She answered. Ryan smiled, "Thanks. Are you sure, you don't have plans with your mom?" He asked. Emily shook her head, " No. I...no. " She said. Ryan nodded, he knew that Emily's relationship with her mom was complicated. He's never had the pleasure of meeting her. He wasn't complaining since what Emily has told him about her, she sounds like a diplomat with the mind of a bureaucrat, and Ryan has never had a real positive perception of bureaucrats, including diplomats. 

 "You know, you always seem to gather with Linda's folks, but never with anyone on your side of the family. Is there anyone besides Josh that you speak too?" Emily asked carefully. Ryan didn't say anything at first as he put the bacon on a plate. " Not really. My mom has some family in Texas, but I was never really close to them. " Ryan explained. 

 "And my dad's side...he came over here with a sister, my aunt. But she died when I was about 12." Ryan paused. " The rest is... complicated. " He added. He then went and took the pancakes out of the griddle. "Were his parents back in Cuba then?" Emily asked. 

Ryan nodded, "Yeah. From what he told me, my grandfather was a very successful businessmen. Also a collaborator with the Batista government. That all changed when Castro came into power. After it became clear what was about to happen, he sent his 16 year old son and 13 year old daughter to America and died under Castro." He explained. 

 Emily nodded, "So he was a part of the Cuban Exodus." She said. Ryan nodded, "Yeah. Not exactly something he would brag about though." He said. "What about your other siblings?" She asked. Ryan froze for a little bit, "Like I said, complicated." He replied.