This story takes place in a somewhat AU world, somewhere between the third and fourth season. Marissa's still alive, Taylor might also be present… no Marissa getting kicked out of Harbor, no Johnny etcetera. Just the good 'ole Fabulous Four and a few other characters…
Hope you enjoy!
"…So, Luke is moving back to Newport?" Marissa asked surprised, as she settled down on opposite of Ryan on one the barista sets, on the school's terrace.
Ryan nodded, "Yeah, he called yesterday. He- uhm… is having a hard time adjusting, after his sailing accident a few months back. Said he needed to come back home, plus he can get better medical care here, with his mom than back in Portland."
"So, he's still not back on his feet?" Marissa asked concerned.
"Getting there." Ryan answered briefly.
"At least he'll be graduating with us, that'll be fun." Marissa replied.
*ding–dong*
"I'll get it!" Kirsten yelled as she was already on her feet. She walked towards the front door and opened, surprised when Luke Ward was standing in front of her.
"Luke, hey! Come in." Kirsten said as she opened the door further to welcome Luke inside. Hesitantly Luke shuffled inside, Kirsten noticed that his left leg seemed to be stiff. "How are you doing?" she asked, remembering that Ryan had told her about his accident.
"Ok, could've been better, but getting there. Is-uh, Is Ryan home?" Luke asked.
"Yeah, he's in the pool house. Go ahead." Kirsten said and followed Luke's gate with her eyes, sympathically as the once tough guy water polo player was now limping slightly.
*knock-knock*
"Come in." Ryan muttered as he turned another page of 'The Great Gatsby', that he had to read for a book report.
"What's going on Chino?"
Ryan glanced up at the familiar voice, and phrase, there stood Luke, the big golden retriever, smiling brightly in al his Californian glory.
"Hey man." Ryan said as he stood up and shook Luke's hand. "How was your flight?"
"Oh you know, uneventful and painful." Luke said with a grimace as he carefully sank down on the wicker chair, with his left leg stretched out.
"Tell me you weren't cramped up in some commercial flight seat." Ryan replied, concerned.
"No, dude. First class, bed-seat and everything… still turbulence is a bitch." Luke said, making Ryan laugh.
"Only a rich boy would still complain whilst flying first class. What're you doing here man, shouldn't you be resting?"
"Yeah, but I wanted to come by and ask you something."
"What's up?" Ryan asked curious.
"I called with the physical therapist I had here, when I sprained my ankle at soccer? She looked over my file and said that I can start training again, whilst under her treatment, rules and regulations of course." Luke replied.
"That's great, man."
"I was wondering though, would you- uh… would you want to come with…" Groaning at his on stupidity of not being able to out his question, Luke got frustrated.
"Would I what?" Ryan asked.
"Join me, at training? I just… it's not easy, right now… and I could really use a friend that's you know, normal and athletic and one that knows how to get through… stuff." Luke replied.
Raising his eyebrows, Ryan smirked. "I'm normal?"
Luke rolled his eyes, "Well, you're not a Newpsie and you're the only Friend I've got, besides Cohen… but him on an treadmill? I don't think so."
Ryan sat there thinking, when suddenly Luke started talking again. "You don't have to, of course. It's ok, if you don't want to. But, hey! Soccer season's is starting, right? You could use some extra-" he kept rattling.
"Luke!" Ryan growled, stopping Luke's rant immediately. "It's fine. I won't mind some exercise. I have to ask the Cohen's though, cause I'm sure I can't afford a membership card to whatever gym that's located here."
"Fine by me, thanks man." Luke said, gratefully.
"No problem, but I have to asked the Cohen's first."
"Sure, just let me know tomorrow at school."
Let me know what you guys think!