A/N: Okay guys, this is a sequel to 'The World At Large.' I know that some of you gave me the great idea of having them go back to school and build up to the summer, but instead I went with a different approach and decided to start out with their graduation and then have the summer trip. So, I hope you like this!!!!

Sanddollar527

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Float On

Chapter One: The Graduate

It was a normal day in New Port, in which the sun shone brightly in the sky as its rays danced across the ocean. Four nervous teens prepared for their graduation day that would mark a very important event in their lives. One of those people that was getting ready to receive their diploma was Seth Cohen.

Seth had just finished slipping on his gown and took a quick look in the mirror. He wasn't one who cared that much about his physical appearance, but today he would be seen by many people, so he wanted to look good. Once, he was satisfied with his look, he took one last look at his room and headed out his bedroom door.

He reached the kitchen to find his mother and father sitting at the table talking, "Well, hello mother and father," he said, happily. "As you might remember today is the day I graduate from high school..."

"Hey Seth, and how could we forget this important event!" Sandy replied.

"Seth why don't you go get Ryan, so we can go." Kirsten said.

By this time Seth was already out the door on his way to the pool house. He walked in the door of the pool house to find Ryan sitting on his bed putting on his shoes.

"So, dude you ready to go?" Seth asked as he walked over to where Ryan sat on the bed.

"Yeah, I guess so." Ryan replied, nonchalantly.

"Oh and dude I got you a few comic books you know as a sort of graduation present." Seth said, handing the comics to Ryan.

"Thanks man, but I'm not really into this kinda stuff," Ryan replied, as he took the comic books and looked them over.

"Yeah, well 'the parents' thought it would be nice to get you a little present and I decided to get you something I like, so you know we can share!"

"So, basically you got them as a gift for me, but really want them for yourself?" Ryan asked.

"No, dude we can 'share' them. You know maybe read them together and the have a discussion. It would be a chance for us to bond."

"Uh huh.....Well, how about you take one and I'll keep the other one," Ryan suggested.

"Sounds good, as long as I get to pick which one I want!"

"Fine," Ryan said, as he handed the comic books over to Seth.

It took Seth a couple of minutes before deciding which one would be better , but eventually he chose one and him and Ryan were out the door of the pool house.

They entered the house through the side door, so Seth could go run his book up to his room. Once in the room Ryan sat down on the bed as Seth carefully placed his comic book on his desk. Then, he walked over to where Captain Oats was placed on his book shelf. "Hello, Captain...How are you today," Seth asked the plastic horse, as he picked him up.

"Dude, you are talking to a fake, plastic horse." Ryan said, looking at him strangely.

"Yeah, well this is my very special friend and I think he should come to the graduation with us," Seth said, as he walked over to Ryan, with Captain Oats in his hands.

"No wonder why you didn't have many friends before," Ryan joked.

"Oh, very funny Atwood, but you didn't have much of a home before you got here," Seth replied.

Ryan didn't take this very seriously and said, "Yeah, well I still didn't talk to a plastic horse."

Seth ignored this last comment and the two of them left the bedroom, and walked down to the kitchen.

"Oh, Seth I got you a little something as well." Ryan mumbled, as he gestured over to the refrigerator.

"Oh boy, oh boy, I love surprises!" Seth said, as he walked over to the fridge. He opened the door and found to packs of pudding. "Dude!" Seth exclaimed, "This is like the best present ever!"

"Yeah, well...." Ryan wasn't able to finish his sentence because Seth came over and gave him a quick yet big hug.

They pulled away after a second and both decided not to hug again because it caused an awkward moment. Just then, Sandy and Kirsten walked back into the kitchen dressed and ready to go, "So guys, shall we go?" Sandy asked.

"Yep, ready to graduate, so I can go be on my own," Seth commented.

"Well, we're ready for you to leave anyway, kiddo," Sandy replied, patting Seth on the back.

"Oh thanks daddy dearest!" Seth remarked, hurtfully.

"Oh, I just want the best for my son," Sandy joked.

"Mom..." Seth began, as they walked to the car. "Could you take Captain Oats and maybe put him in that purse thing of yours, so he can come to the graduation?" Seth asked Kirsten, as he handed her the horse.

"Umm...Sure son," Kirsten replied, as she took Captain Oats and placed him in her purse.

Sandy and Ryan began to laugh uncontrollably at Seth's ability to be so weird and childish.

"What?" Seth asked, curiously as if he had no idea what would have caused their sudden outburst of laughter.

"Oh, nothing." Ryan said, as he along with every one else got into the car and headed to the high school.

They reached Harbor High, minutes later and Sandy, Kirsten, Seth and Ryan got out of the car and headed to the auditorium. Outside of the building Seth and Ryan met up with Summer and Marissa, as their parents took their seats inside.

"Hey, guys!" Marissa said, walking over to Seth and Ryan.

"Hey!" they replied.

"So, are you ready to graduate?" Summer asked.

"No, Summer I hate to say it, but I'm not!" Seth, joked.

Summer slapped Seth on the arm and said, "Cohen, shut up,"

"Okay," Seth replied as Marissa and Ryan laughed.

"So, I guess we should probably go in and get in line." Ryan informed them.

"Yeah," Marissa agreed.

Seth and Summer walked in the side door of the auditorium that would lead them to the back of the stage. However, Ryan and Marissa stayed behind a minute. Marissa leaned into Ryan and gave him an affectionate hug which in eventually turned into a quick kiss on the cheek.

As they walked into the side door of the auditorium Marissa joked, "So, Atwood you're graduating."

Ryan replied, playfully, "Yeah, I'm pretty sure...I mean I hope so!"

"Very funny, but not true," Marissa said in response.

Ryan gave her hand a tight squeeze before they had to break away from each other and go to the proper place in line. They were both very happy...happy because they were graduating...and happy that they were graduating with the one person they loved.

After a few minutes, the announcer came out on the stage and began the ceremony. Once she was done with a few encouraging words she began calling names. Since, Ryan's last name began with the letter 'A' he was one of the first people to be called up; he walked over to the lady and took his diploma happily, and did the thing with his cap. Sandy and Kirsten smiled excitedly as they watched one of their son's graduate from high school.

After a little while, they reached the 'C's' and finally announced Seth's name; he walked over to the lady and received his diploma as he to did the thing with his cap. On his way back he tripped on a place in the floor, however he caught himself and tried to make it not so noticeable... He thought to himself, 'Damn shoes!' as he made his way to the other line.

Sandy and Kirsten laughed a little before being overcome with excitement that their 'clumsy' son was graduating.

They then got to Marissa who gracefully took her diploma and once again did the thing with her cap. She looked out in the audience to see Julie and Caleb watching her as well as Haley and Jimmy. She sighed and walked over to where the other's were standing in line.

Towards the end of the ceremony they finally got to the 'R's' and Summer got her diploma as well. Her dad was sitting out in the audience looking up at her, proudly.

Once every one had received their diplomas the lady announced to the audience, "It is my honor to present you with the class of 2005!"

Every one cheered loudly as the graduating class threw their caps up in the air with a mixture of excitement and relief. Once it was a little calmer, Ryan made his way over to Marissa, hugging her tightly. He whispered into her ear, 'Congratulations.' Marissa in return gave him a quick kiss on the lips and told him 'Congratulations' as well.

Well, it seemed at that moment that everything was going to be alright... and everyone would somehow end up together! 'Yep, life was going pretty well and nothing could mess that up!!'
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A/N: Okay, here's the first chapter...I hope you liked it! By the way there will be more drama and romance as the story progresses, so keep reading. Please, post your comments as well. Thanks a lot!!!! P.S. I know some of you have already read this, so I will try to update as soon as possible! :)

Sanddollar527