Love of the Loveless
Romance/General-K
Summary: A set of drabbles about four O.C. couples on Valentine's Day.
A/N: I wrote this at the beginning of the season, before Neil became a dick and I fell in love with Ryan/Taylor so just go with it.
1.
Neil gives Julie a ring.
It's beautiful and amethyst with diamonds that reflect the room's light back at her in an infinite variety of rainbow patterns.
She's confused at first. Her engagement ring is still shining from its place on her left hand and wedding discussion has faded for the time being.
She looks up at him, her expression questioning and wanting an explanation. He tells her it's nothing more than his sign of commitment, a symbolic reminder that he will always be there for her.
Julie's heart warms at his gesture and Neil gently slips the ring onto her finger. Her lips twist into a faint grin, the closest thing she's had to a smile in months. She murmurs a genuine thank you and melts into his arms, grateful for his presence.
This time it's for real.
2.
Sandy gives Kirsten chocolates.
They're decedent and gooey and melt in her mouth as she takes the first bite.
She's touched by his thoughtfulness and leans over to embrace him. Instead he swoops her in the air, laughing playfully, causing her to squeal in a mix of surprise and happiness.
And suddenly it's like she's young again and can still feel the Northern California breeze on her skin as she walks through campus, shyly glancing back at the dark-haired boy who has been watching her for weeks, his presence unnerving and comforting at the same time.
She kisses her husband, caramels and creams mixing in their mouths in flavorful delight.
It's like their first kiss all over again.
3.
Seth gives Summer a teddy bear.
It's baby pink and dotted with hearts and such an incredibly juvenile gift that it really pisses Summer off.
She opens her mouth and prepares to once again scold her boyfriend for his twisted idea of romance but instead she presses the bear's hand and Seth's recorded message fills the air.
"It's always been you, Summer."
Her anger dissolves and she's surprised to feel tears in her eyes. His words from so long ago touch her heart just as much as they did the first time she heard them.
Seth smiles, a trademark Cohen-y boyish grin that gives her no choice but to smile back.
She pushes him back onto the lavender bedspread, finding a more fitting way of saying "thank you."
Their chemistry is undeniable.
4.
Ryan gives Marissa flowers.
Roses to be exact. They're deep red with long stems and the thorns prick his skin as he holds them in a vice-grip.
He thinks roses are a good choice. She had brought him one the first and only Valentine's Day she attempted to spend together. And even though that gesture didn't end very nicely, it's only fair to keep up with tradition.
He walks slowly on his way to meet her. There is no need to hurry with the gift. He knows she's not going anywhere.
When he finally reaches her, Ryan sinks to his knees, the grass wet and soft underneath him.
He neatly sets the flowers next to the tombstone, swallowing the lump in his throat, whispering a few words to the girl he had loved.
And is met with silence.
Fin.
A/N: Please review :-)