A/N- New Seth/Summer fic from me, eventually Ryan/Marissa as well.
Today, Tomorrow, and Always
~*~
Chapter One
~*~
"Coop? Can we talk?" Summer's voice spoke into the darkness.
Marissa rolled over sleepily.
"What's up?"
"I'm nervous." Summer said, her voice shaking slightly.
Marissa blinked in surprise. Nothing scared Summer.
"Seriously? You're scared?"
"Yeah. It's just…I'm getting MARRIED, you know? That's pretty huge."
Marissa grinned.
"Yeah, but it's only Seth Cohen. I mean, come on."
"Shut up, Coop. I got enough crap during high school for even dating him, I don't need it from my best friend."
Marissa came over and sat on the edge of Summer's bed, looking up at her wedding dress hanging on the door.
"I love your dress." She breathed dreamily.
"Really? I hate it." Summer said sarcastically.
"Seth's going to freak out when he sees you. He's probably freaking out right now."
"I'm sure he's just hanging out with Ryan," Summer rolled her eyes, "What a crazy bachelor."
Marissa stiffened slightly at the mention of Ryan. Summer noticed, of course.
"Coop, you're going to have to see him tomorrow. You already saw him at rehearsal, don't stress about it."
"I was kind of hoping he'd gotten old and fat." Marissa sighed.
"Uh…yeah, because that usually happens when you turn 24." Summer giggled.
"You know what I mean. That was awful…seeing him again. I mean, I wanted to, but it was awful."
"I know, babe. But he's my future husband's brother, and you're my best friend. You're going to run into each other occasionally. Who knows? Maybe tomorrow, you can finally talk about what happened, you know, get it all sorted out."
Marissa snorted derisively.
"Doubtful. I distinctly remember him shouting 'I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!' That doesn't give me much hope."
"Coop! He was barely twenty then! I'm sure he's grown up a little. As have you."
"Yeah. I guess." Marissa sighed heavily, but then smiled again. "But enough about me-my little Summer's getting married tomorrow!"
They squealed for the umpteenth time that day, hugging each other tightly.
"I can't believe you're going to be a wife. I just can't see it." Marissa smiled.
"I know. One man for the rest of my life. And not just that, Cohen for the rest of my life." Summer wrinkled her nose slightly.
"Uh, Sum? You're marrying him tomorrow. You can stop pretending you're not madly in love with him." Marissa pointed out.
"That's true. But just because I love him doesn't mean I think he's kind of a loser." Summer said thoughtfully.
"Yeah, a loser you've been dating for five years." Marissa grinned.
"What WAS I thinking?" Summer smiled back, flopping back on the bed next to Marissa.
"Ugh, Coop, I can't sleep."
"Well, you better get your rest. Your wedding night's tomorrow, bay-buh!" Marissa smiled, hitting her with her pillow.
"I'm so excited- the Bahamas. I've actually never been." Summer said, grinning with anticipation.
"Where are you two staying again?"
"Caleb's got some awesome beachfront property up there he gave us for our honeymoon. It's going to ROCK."
"You have to call me. I'm going to miss you. I hang out with you and Seth so much, I'm not going to know what to do with myself."
"You could hang out with Ryan." Summer shrugged.
"Yeah, and end up killing each other. You'd both come home with murdered best friends. I don't think that's a very good wedding gift."
Summer was deep in thought, not really listening, just staring at her sizeable rock of an engagement ring.
"Hello, Sum? Talking here?" Marissa raised her eyebrows.
"Sorry. It's just…" Summer rolled over to her stomach, sighing melodramatically.
"What? Last-minute jitters? Remembering some old boyfriend you're still in love with?" Marissa asked.
"Ew! No way, Seth's strangely and unexplainably the only man for me. It's just…I miss him. I've barely seen him all week, with all the showers and parties and planning."
"Oh good grief, Sum, you're going to get plenty of the Seth-loving this week. Besides, you're not supposed to see him until the wedding. It's bad luck."
"Whatever, I want to call him. Should I call him?"
"Summer, it's two in the morning. Just go to sleep!"
"Aargh! Fine! Goodnight, Coop, don't let me oversleep tomorrow. Our hair and nail appointment is at eleven."
"Night, Summer. And don't you dare call him-you've got to wait until tomorrow."
"Fine! Just wait until you're madly, desperately in love, Coop. You'll understand." Summer said dramatically, pulling her covers over her head with glee.
Marissa got back in bed, thinking of how Ryan had looked at the rehearsal dinner. "Who says I'm not?" She said under her breath, sadly getting under the covers.
"What, Coop?" Summer said sleepily.
"Nothing. Go to sleep!"
Marissa turned out the lamp, and fell into an uneasy sleep. Summer drifted off, worrying incessantly if the blue roses would look right and if her dress would still fit after their shrimp and lobster feast at her bachelorette party.
~*~
"Seth, do you realize how lame it is that we're 24 years old and still playing video games?"
"Don't try to distract me, Atwood. You're just mad because you're losing."
"Shouldn't we be with some strippers or something? This is so lame that this your last night as a bachelor and you're spending it with your brother."
"And best man. Who needs strippers? I'm marrying Summer." Seth said dreamily. That was definitely something he never got tired of saying.
"I still think you tricked her into this." Ryan grinned.
"Yeah, say what you will, my man. She loves me, get over it."
"I'm sure the 4 carat ring didn't hurt."
"I'm sure it didn't." Seth smiled back.
They played in silence for a moment. Finally, Seth spoke again.
"So, Marissa looked really nice at the rehearsal dinner."
Ryan glared, sitting down his controls.
"We are not talking about this." He shook his head.
"Dude! I'm just saying- she looked great."
"She always looks great." Ryan said softly, leaning back against the couch in their apartment dejectedly.
"Hmm…that's an interesting comment from someone who told me quite vehemently that they were SO OVER Marissa Cooper." Seth raised his eyebrows.
"I am over her."
"All right, all right. Time will tell, my friend. I'm going to be gone for a week honeymooning with the Mrs. and I'm sure you'll get pretty bored. The lovely Marissa will just be sitting sadly at home, thinking about how great YOU looked at the wedding with the snappy tuxes we picked out, and well, you see where I'm going with this…" Seth said suggestively.
"Drop it, man. Marissa and I…it would have never worked."
"You dated for three years." Seth pointed out.
"And then had the messiest break-up in the history of mankind." Ryan counter-pointed out.
"Oh now. The messiest break up ever was Summer and I, junior year of college." Seth said, shuddering in remembrance.
"Yeah, and you got back together the next month. That was rough." Ryan said sarcastically.
"And you don't know that you and Marissa won't either! She came without a date, you're single now, love will be in the air anyways..."
"Seth, I get it. But nothing's going to happen with me and Marissa. I'm not going through that again."
"We'll see about that." Seth rubbed his hands together as if he was planning something maniacal.
"Oh, Seth, no matchmaking please. Just because you're in love doesn't mean the world has to be."
"Why not? It's awesome."
Ryan smiled despite himself, looking at his brother.
"You nervous, man?"
"Eh…kind of. I mean, even after five years together, I still get a little freaked out by how much I love her sometimes. But, no, I'm not really nervous. Just really, really excited."
"That's good. I'm happy for you, little brother."
"Uh? Excuse me, little brother? We're both 24."
"I'm three months older. Ha." Ryan grinned.
"Yeah, well, I'm getting married tomorrow. Ha." Seth shot back.
"Yeah, but to Summer." Ryan grinned. Ryan and Summer were notorious for not liking each other very much.
"Hey, I'm not asking you to marry her, man. In fact, I'm forbidding it." Seth said, smiling.
"No, she's okay. I'm just kidding."
"Summer Roberts is not just okay, my friend. But I guess you wouldn't really know. You probably don't even remember what the touch of a woman feels like." Seth teased, getting up and stretching.
"Shut up." Ryan shook his head, laughing.
"I'm going to bed-got to get my rest, you know. I'm the only one of us who's getting some loving tomorrow night." Seth grinned, practically skipping he was so excited.
Ryan was left alone in the living room, remembering the hesitant smile Marissa had given him at the rehearsal dinner and the strange feeling that had twisted inside of him. Whatever. He and Marissa were in the past. He had to move past her someday. It had been five years after all. And she was still just as beautiful as he remembered. Ryan let out a frustrated sigh, flopping back on the couch and falling instantly asleep.
~*~
"Do you like my hair up, Coop?" Summer looked at her reflection critically.
Her dark hair was in a perfect French twist with a few pieces framing her face, her long white veil cascading down her back. It was gorgeous antique lace, and she looked perfect.
"Oh, Summer, it's perfect!" Marissa putting the magazine she was reading to go hug her friend.
"Whoa, watch the hair." Summer put her hands up jokingly.
"Shut up and give me a hug!" Marissa laughed, hugging her tightly but carefully.
"I'm getting MARRIED TODAY!" Summer giggled, hugging her back just as hard.
"Who's the lucky guy?" The hairdresser asked, hairspraying a few stray pieces flat.
"His name is Seth."
"How did you two meet?"
"Feeding squirrels in third grade."
"Aww, you two have known each other that long?" The hairdresser smiled.
"Yeah, but I basically ignored him until we were seventeen. Then I finally figured out he wasn't just this dorky loser who followed me around…well, scratch that, he IS a dorky loser who follows me around, but I love him."
"What a…sweet story." The hairdresser said hesitantly.
"They have a complicated relationship." Marissa grinned.
"Yeah." Summer nodded, smiling. Damn it, now she missed him even more.
~*~
"Ryan, I don't know about these ties." Seth said, looking at his reflection critically.
"They pull the outfit together." Ryan said absently, spraying on his cologne and pulling on his suit jacket.
"That scares me a little that you just said that." Seth observed, tying his silver tie.
"Well, your wedding colors are blue and silver. Summer just wanted everything to match." Ryan shrugged.
"Dude, since when did you go all GQ?"
"I'm not! I'm just saying. She'd probably divorce you if you didn't wear the right color tie." Ryan smiled.
"Yes, Summer has a tight psychological grip on me. And my wardrobe." Seth said thoughtfully.
Ryan imitated a whip cracking, leaving to go eat breakfast.
~*~
"I can't believe you let him invite Anna." Marissa grimaced, as she got her hair put into loose curls by the hairdresser while Summer got her nails done.
"Yeah, well, whatever. She's actually the one to thank for me realizing how I really felt about him, and come on, I'm not exactly worried about him cheating."
"But won't that be weird?"
"Oh, who cares? I know they've kind of stayed friends. I'm so over the whole Anna crisis." Summer rolled her eyes.
"Because you won." Marissa pointed out.
Summer opened her mouth to protest, then smiled.
"Yeah, I did, huh?"
"Old girlfriend?" The hairdresser asked, hair spraying Marissa within an inch of her life.
"Yeah. I wanted to invite that weird Robert guy I dated for like a millisecond just to piss him off." Summer smiled.
"Oh, yes, after the great break up of junior year. I seriously thought you guys were done for." Marissa shook her head, remembering the many drunken, tearful nights Summer had spent at her place during that awful month.
"So did we. I couldn't even look at him. That was terrible."
"Yeah, I remember counseling both of you guys. You two were a mess. You dating that stupid frat guy Robert, him calling Anna again-"
"Whoa, what was that, Coop?" Summer looked up in alarm.
"Uh…he never told you about that?"
"He called Anna again? ANNA? Like high-school Anna? Like the Anna he constantly told me he never thinks about?"
"Not like to profess his love or anything. He was just lonely." Marissa said, desperately trying to recover.
"I can't believe he lied to me." Summer looked shocked.
"He didn't lie!"
"I asked him if he'd done anything with anyone during that month, and he said no!" Summer said, looking furious.
"He and Anna didn't DO anything, Summer! She lives like a billion miles away! He just called her to talk! Stop freaking out! Besides, you DATED someone else, you can't exactly blame him!"
Summer knew Marissa was right.
"Sorry, I'm just really on edge right now. And he should have told me."
"Why, so you'd flip out like now?"
"Whatever. I don't want to talk about this anymore." Summer shook her head, slightly loosening her veil.
"NO!" The hairdresser shrieked, grabbing a tin of bobby pins and attacking.
"Sorry." Summer looked at Marissa, and they both started laughing, the talk moments before mostly forgotten. I'm the one marrying him, Summer thought to herself.
~*~
"Can you zip me up, Coop?" Summer asked, struggling with her strapless dress' stubborn zipper.
"Sure." Marissa put in her other silver drop earring, coming out of the bathroom and zipping Summer into her gorgeous dress.
Summer spun around when she was finished.
"Questions? Comments?" Summer asked.
"Summer, you look perfect. I'm so glad you went for the Vera Wang. It's so beautiful." Marissa looked at her friend, a small pang of jealousy pulling at her heart.
"Thanks. And you really like the bridesmaid's dress?"
"Totally!" Marissa assured her, zipping herself up as well.
The bridesmaids all wore blue strapless dresses that were about kneelength and had a silver ribbon that tied at the lower waist. They also had silver lace underneath that peeked out from the bottom. They were actually very cool, unlike most bridesmaid's dresses.
"Then I guess we're ready to go." Summer said, feeling a little shaky again as she realized she was in a wedding dress. And she was going to get married in a few hours. This was insane.
"It's going to be awesome, Sum. And hey-you remember what we talked about. If you decide you've made a mistake with this whole Seth Cohen thing, just pass out cold during the ceremony. I'll get you out of there. No worries."
"Not going to happen, but thanks, Coop. I love you. Thanks for being my best friend." Summer said, doing something she rarely did and tearing up slightly.
"Right back at you." Marissa got a little teary herself as they hugged Summer tightly.
"I'm going to be late for my own wedding and our makeup will be destroyed if we keep this up. Come on, Coop, vamanos!"
"Coming!" Marissa checked her reflection one last time, and then followed her friend out to the limo waiting for them.
~*~
Summer stood with her arm through her father's waiting outside the doors, her knees practically knocking together. This was ridiculous. Like Coop had said, it was only Cohen. She looked over at her dad.
"Dad?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you for coming to this. I know we didn't always get along that well, but…you've really been here for me through all this wedding stuff…and just, thank you." Summer said somewhat awkwardly. She and her father had been trying to forge a new relationship after some rocky years when she was in high school. It was more or less working.
"I love you, princess. I should have told you that every day, and I'm sorry for that."
"Well, you're here now." Summer smiled at him.
"Yes, I am."
Suddenly, the Bridal March music began. Summer thought she was going to puke with the sudden surge of nerves that overtook her. The doors to the church opened, and she saw so many familiar faces standing up and looking at her expectantly. She saw her stepmom, sober for once, and with a proud smile on her face. Summer slowly began to walk forward.
She saw Ryan and Marissa standing on either side of the altar, smiling at her, Marissa with tears in her eyes, Ryan showing much more emotion than usual by giving her a small half smile.
And then she saw Seth.
He was wearing an all black tux and shirt with a silver tie, and he was looking at her as if she was the most beautiful sight he'd ever seen. She almost really started crying then. She still couldn't believe how much she loved him. It seemed ridiculous, that rambling, fumbling Seth Cohen could be the love of her life. But as their eyes locked across the chapel, she knew without any question that this with the only person she could ever spend the rest of her life with. I'm turning into such a sap, she thought to herself as she stopped with her father right before the steps up to the altar.
"Who gives this woman?" The priest asked.
"I do." Her father said, squeezing her hand and kissing her cheek. She stepped up to the altar, coming face-to-face with Seth the first time in a week. Screw the ceremony, couldn't they just be married already? She was barely focusing on the priest's words as he spoke.
"…as long as you both shall live?" The priest finished, looking at Summer.
"I do." She said, looking up at Seth who looked pretty close to tears himself.
What a sentimental idiot, she thought with a smile.
"And do you, Seth Cohen, take Summer Roberts as your lawfully wedded wife, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
After the exchange of the rings, beautiful platinum bands with "S&S Forever and Always" engraved on the inside, they got to the vows they had written themselves. Seth went first. His expression was uncharacteristically serious.
"Summer Roberts, you are the only person I've ever truly been in love with, and you will be for the rest of my life. You're my unfailing strength, my best friend, and the greatest thing that ever happened to me was the day you said you loved me. I've known since I was nine years old that we were soul mates, and when we finally found each other, I found the only person that could ever complete me. When God made us, He made us to be together. You're my rock, my passion, and I will love you now and for forever. No matter what comes, I'll be right there with you. I will spend the rest of my life as your devoted husband, and do whatever it takes to fight for you, stand with you, and make the rest of your life as happy as you've made mine.
Summer blinked back her tears. Cohen always did have a way with words. She shakingly got out the piece of paper she'd written her vows on.
"Cohen, I know it's been a long road getting here. I was so blind for so long and never saw that the love of my life was right in front of me. But I figured it out, and thank God I did, because through everything, you've been my one constant and my one truth. I thought I could never find someone as amazingly wrong for me as you, but love doesn't always listen to the stupid rules we make for ourselves. I fell in love with you then, and the love I felt has only gotten stronger. Despite your stupid comic books and your constant refusal to stop listening to those weird bands," the audience laughed at this, "I love you more than I ever thought possible. I can't even imagine a future without you by my side. I promise to love you today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life." Summer finished, wondering tearfully if that was too sappy. Judging by the look on Cohen's face, she decided it wasn't.
"Then with the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Seth looked at her for a long moment, stunned by how beautiful she was and that she was actually marrying him.
"Oh, just kiss me, you idiot." Summer smiled, pulling him to her and kissing him for the first time as his wife.
Seth kissed her back, and before they got carried away, they pulled away, smiling at each other as the crowd clapped and cheered.
"We did it. We're actually married." Summer whispered.
"I love you." Seth couldn't seem to stop saying it.
They held hands tightly as they ran out of the church and into the limousine amid a shower of blue rose petals to head to the reception.
~*~
"Here, for the first time, I introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Seth Cohen!"
Summer and Seth walked into the dance hall as everyone cheered again.
"Your lipstick's messed up." Seth whispered into her ear.
"Thanks to you." Summer rolled her eyes.
"Ah, thirty minutes of marriage and the thrill is gone." Seth shook his head.
"Shut up. You think the thrill is gone? Wait until tonight." Summer whispered back.
"Oh my." Seth looked down at her, raising his eyebrows.
They danced their first dance as a married couple, as everyone else looked on.
"They're so perfect together." Marissa said to no one, drinking champagne.
"Yeah. Who would have thought?" Ryan said, suddenly standing next to her and drinking champagne as well.
"Hey…Ryan." Marissa said awkwardly, looking for an excuse to go somewhere else.
"Listen, Marissa, let's be mature about this. They're married now, we obviously can't avoid each other forever." Ryan pointed out.
"That's true. It has been four years…maybe we could be friends again?" Marissa suggested tentatively.
"That would be nice." Ryan gave her the little half-grin that still made her melt.
"Well, good. It's settled then. We don't have to avoid each other anymore. Lots of people have to deal with still seeing each other after…you know."
"Yes. We'll just be friends." Ryan nodded, taking another sip from his champagne as the first song ended.
"I'm glad we had this little talk." Marissa smiled hesitantly.
"Me too. So…in the interest of friendship, you want to dance? You know, for old time's sake?" Ryan suggested with a slight nervous air.
"You hate dancing." Marissa remembered.
"Well, that's how much I want to make things okay with us. Let's just forget about all the things we said…and start again?" Ryan offered.
"Okay. We can move on from what happened. We've both spent enough time getting past it. Think of tonight as a new beginning…as friends. Let's dance." Marissa took his hand, and led him out to the dance floor.
~*~
A/N- You guys want more? I've got a lot of things planned…Anna shows up at the reception, Seth and Summer honeymoon catastrophically of course, and Ryan and Marissa are left alone for a week. Please leave me a long review!
Today, Tomorrow, and Always
~*~
Chapter One
~*~
"Coop? Can we talk?" Summer's voice spoke into the darkness.
Marissa rolled over sleepily.
"What's up?"
"I'm nervous." Summer said, her voice shaking slightly.
Marissa blinked in surprise. Nothing scared Summer.
"Seriously? You're scared?"
"Yeah. It's just…I'm getting MARRIED, you know? That's pretty huge."
Marissa grinned.
"Yeah, but it's only Seth Cohen. I mean, come on."
"Shut up, Coop. I got enough crap during high school for even dating him, I don't need it from my best friend."
Marissa came over and sat on the edge of Summer's bed, looking up at her wedding dress hanging on the door.
"I love your dress." She breathed dreamily.
"Really? I hate it." Summer said sarcastically.
"Seth's going to freak out when he sees you. He's probably freaking out right now."
"I'm sure he's just hanging out with Ryan," Summer rolled her eyes, "What a crazy bachelor."
Marissa stiffened slightly at the mention of Ryan. Summer noticed, of course.
"Coop, you're going to have to see him tomorrow. You already saw him at rehearsal, don't stress about it."
"I was kind of hoping he'd gotten old and fat." Marissa sighed.
"Uh…yeah, because that usually happens when you turn 24." Summer giggled.
"You know what I mean. That was awful…seeing him again. I mean, I wanted to, but it was awful."
"I know, babe. But he's my future husband's brother, and you're my best friend. You're going to run into each other occasionally. Who knows? Maybe tomorrow, you can finally talk about what happened, you know, get it all sorted out."
Marissa snorted derisively.
"Doubtful. I distinctly remember him shouting 'I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!' That doesn't give me much hope."
"Coop! He was barely twenty then! I'm sure he's grown up a little. As have you."
"Yeah. I guess." Marissa sighed heavily, but then smiled again. "But enough about me-my little Summer's getting married tomorrow!"
They squealed for the umpteenth time that day, hugging each other tightly.
"I can't believe you're going to be a wife. I just can't see it." Marissa smiled.
"I know. One man for the rest of my life. And not just that, Cohen for the rest of my life." Summer wrinkled her nose slightly.
"Uh, Sum? You're marrying him tomorrow. You can stop pretending you're not madly in love with him." Marissa pointed out.
"That's true. But just because I love him doesn't mean I think he's kind of a loser." Summer said thoughtfully.
"Yeah, a loser you've been dating for five years." Marissa grinned.
"What WAS I thinking?" Summer smiled back, flopping back on the bed next to Marissa.
"Ugh, Coop, I can't sleep."
"Well, you better get your rest. Your wedding night's tomorrow, bay-buh!" Marissa smiled, hitting her with her pillow.
"I'm so excited- the Bahamas. I've actually never been." Summer said, grinning with anticipation.
"Where are you two staying again?"
"Caleb's got some awesome beachfront property up there he gave us for our honeymoon. It's going to ROCK."
"You have to call me. I'm going to miss you. I hang out with you and Seth so much, I'm not going to know what to do with myself."
"You could hang out with Ryan." Summer shrugged.
"Yeah, and end up killing each other. You'd both come home with murdered best friends. I don't think that's a very good wedding gift."
Summer was deep in thought, not really listening, just staring at her sizeable rock of an engagement ring.
"Hello, Sum? Talking here?" Marissa raised her eyebrows.
"Sorry. It's just…" Summer rolled over to her stomach, sighing melodramatically.
"What? Last-minute jitters? Remembering some old boyfriend you're still in love with?" Marissa asked.
"Ew! No way, Seth's strangely and unexplainably the only man for me. It's just…I miss him. I've barely seen him all week, with all the showers and parties and planning."
"Oh good grief, Sum, you're going to get plenty of the Seth-loving this week. Besides, you're not supposed to see him until the wedding. It's bad luck."
"Whatever, I want to call him. Should I call him?"
"Summer, it's two in the morning. Just go to sleep!"
"Aargh! Fine! Goodnight, Coop, don't let me oversleep tomorrow. Our hair and nail appointment is at eleven."
"Night, Summer. And don't you dare call him-you've got to wait until tomorrow."
"Fine! Just wait until you're madly, desperately in love, Coop. You'll understand." Summer said dramatically, pulling her covers over her head with glee.
Marissa got back in bed, thinking of how Ryan had looked at the rehearsal dinner. "Who says I'm not?" She said under her breath, sadly getting under the covers.
"What, Coop?" Summer said sleepily.
"Nothing. Go to sleep!"
Marissa turned out the lamp, and fell into an uneasy sleep. Summer drifted off, worrying incessantly if the blue roses would look right and if her dress would still fit after their shrimp and lobster feast at her bachelorette party.
~*~
"Seth, do you realize how lame it is that we're 24 years old and still playing video games?"
"Don't try to distract me, Atwood. You're just mad because you're losing."
"Shouldn't we be with some strippers or something? This is so lame that this your last night as a bachelor and you're spending it with your brother."
"And best man. Who needs strippers? I'm marrying Summer." Seth said dreamily. That was definitely something he never got tired of saying.
"I still think you tricked her into this." Ryan grinned.
"Yeah, say what you will, my man. She loves me, get over it."
"I'm sure the 4 carat ring didn't hurt."
"I'm sure it didn't." Seth smiled back.
They played in silence for a moment. Finally, Seth spoke again.
"So, Marissa looked really nice at the rehearsal dinner."
Ryan glared, sitting down his controls.
"We are not talking about this." He shook his head.
"Dude! I'm just saying- she looked great."
"She always looks great." Ryan said softly, leaning back against the couch in their apartment dejectedly.
"Hmm…that's an interesting comment from someone who told me quite vehemently that they were SO OVER Marissa Cooper." Seth raised his eyebrows.
"I am over her."
"All right, all right. Time will tell, my friend. I'm going to be gone for a week honeymooning with the Mrs. and I'm sure you'll get pretty bored. The lovely Marissa will just be sitting sadly at home, thinking about how great YOU looked at the wedding with the snappy tuxes we picked out, and well, you see where I'm going with this…" Seth said suggestively.
"Drop it, man. Marissa and I…it would have never worked."
"You dated for three years." Seth pointed out.
"And then had the messiest break-up in the history of mankind." Ryan counter-pointed out.
"Oh now. The messiest break up ever was Summer and I, junior year of college." Seth said, shuddering in remembrance.
"Yeah, and you got back together the next month. That was rough." Ryan said sarcastically.
"And you don't know that you and Marissa won't either! She came without a date, you're single now, love will be in the air anyways..."
"Seth, I get it. But nothing's going to happen with me and Marissa. I'm not going through that again."
"We'll see about that." Seth rubbed his hands together as if he was planning something maniacal.
"Oh, Seth, no matchmaking please. Just because you're in love doesn't mean the world has to be."
"Why not? It's awesome."
Ryan smiled despite himself, looking at his brother.
"You nervous, man?"
"Eh…kind of. I mean, even after five years together, I still get a little freaked out by how much I love her sometimes. But, no, I'm not really nervous. Just really, really excited."
"That's good. I'm happy for you, little brother."
"Uh? Excuse me, little brother? We're both 24."
"I'm three months older. Ha." Ryan grinned.
"Yeah, well, I'm getting married tomorrow. Ha." Seth shot back.
"Yeah, but to Summer." Ryan grinned. Ryan and Summer were notorious for not liking each other very much.
"Hey, I'm not asking you to marry her, man. In fact, I'm forbidding it." Seth said, smiling.
"No, she's okay. I'm just kidding."
"Summer Roberts is not just okay, my friend. But I guess you wouldn't really know. You probably don't even remember what the touch of a woman feels like." Seth teased, getting up and stretching.
"Shut up." Ryan shook his head, laughing.
"I'm going to bed-got to get my rest, you know. I'm the only one of us who's getting some loving tomorrow night." Seth grinned, practically skipping he was so excited.
Ryan was left alone in the living room, remembering the hesitant smile Marissa had given him at the rehearsal dinner and the strange feeling that had twisted inside of him. Whatever. He and Marissa were in the past. He had to move past her someday. It had been five years after all. And she was still just as beautiful as he remembered. Ryan let out a frustrated sigh, flopping back on the couch and falling instantly asleep.
~*~
"Do you like my hair up, Coop?" Summer looked at her reflection critically.
Her dark hair was in a perfect French twist with a few pieces framing her face, her long white veil cascading down her back. It was gorgeous antique lace, and she looked perfect.
"Oh, Summer, it's perfect!" Marissa putting the magazine she was reading to go hug her friend.
"Whoa, watch the hair." Summer put her hands up jokingly.
"Shut up and give me a hug!" Marissa laughed, hugging her tightly but carefully.
"I'm getting MARRIED TODAY!" Summer giggled, hugging her back just as hard.
"Who's the lucky guy?" The hairdresser asked, hairspraying a few stray pieces flat.
"His name is Seth."
"How did you two meet?"
"Feeding squirrels in third grade."
"Aww, you two have known each other that long?" The hairdresser smiled.
"Yeah, but I basically ignored him until we were seventeen. Then I finally figured out he wasn't just this dorky loser who followed me around…well, scratch that, he IS a dorky loser who follows me around, but I love him."
"What a…sweet story." The hairdresser said hesitantly.
"They have a complicated relationship." Marissa grinned.
"Yeah." Summer nodded, smiling. Damn it, now she missed him even more.
~*~
"Ryan, I don't know about these ties." Seth said, looking at his reflection critically.
"They pull the outfit together." Ryan said absently, spraying on his cologne and pulling on his suit jacket.
"That scares me a little that you just said that." Seth observed, tying his silver tie.
"Well, your wedding colors are blue and silver. Summer just wanted everything to match." Ryan shrugged.
"Dude, since when did you go all GQ?"
"I'm not! I'm just saying. She'd probably divorce you if you didn't wear the right color tie." Ryan smiled.
"Yes, Summer has a tight psychological grip on me. And my wardrobe." Seth said thoughtfully.
Ryan imitated a whip cracking, leaving to go eat breakfast.
~*~
"I can't believe you let him invite Anna." Marissa grimaced, as she got her hair put into loose curls by the hairdresser while Summer got her nails done.
"Yeah, well, whatever. She's actually the one to thank for me realizing how I really felt about him, and come on, I'm not exactly worried about him cheating."
"But won't that be weird?"
"Oh, who cares? I know they've kind of stayed friends. I'm so over the whole Anna crisis." Summer rolled her eyes.
"Because you won." Marissa pointed out.
Summer opened her mouth to protest, then smiled.
"Yeah, I did, huh?"
"Old girlfriend?" The hairdresser asked, hair spraying Marissa within an inch of her life.
"Yeah. I wanted to invite that weird Robert guy I dated for like a millisecond just to piss him off." Summer smiled.
"Oh, yes, after the great break up of junior year. I seriously thought you guys were done for." Marissa shook her head, remembering the many drunken, tearful nights Summer had spent at her place during that awful month.
"So did we. I couldn't even look at him. That was terrible."
"Yeah, I remember counseling both of you guys. You two were a mess. You dating that stupid frat guy Robert, him calling Anna again-"
"Whoa, what was that, Coop?" Summer looked up in alarm.
"Uh…he never told you about that?"
"He called Anna again? ANNA? Like high-school Anna? Like the Anna he constantly told me he never thinks about?"
"Not like to profess his love or anything. He was just lonely." Marissa said, desperately trying to recover.
"I can't believe he lied to me." Summer looked shocked.
"He didn't lie!"
"I asked him if he'd done anything with anyone during that month, and he said no!" Summer said, looking furious.
"He and Anna didn't DO anything, Summer! She lives like a billion miles away! He just called her to talk! Stop freaking out! Besides, you DATED someone else, you can't exactly blame him!"
Summer knew Marissa was right.
"Sorry, I'm just really on edge right now. And he should have told me."
"Why, so you'd flip out like now?"
"Whatever. I don't want to talk about this anymore." Summer shook her head, slightly loosening her veil.
"NO!" The hairdresser shrieked, grabbing a tin of bobby pins and attacking.
"Sorry." Summer looked at Marissa, and they both started laughing, the talk moments before mostly forgotten. I'm the one marrying him, Summer thought to herself.
~*~
"Can you zip me up, Coop?" Summer asked, struggling with her strapless dress' stubborn zipper.
"Sure." Marissa put in her other silver drop earring, coming out of the bathroom and zipping Summer into her gorgeous dress.
Summer spun around when she was finished.
"Questions? Comments?" Summer asked.
"Summer, you look perfect. I'm so glad you went for the Vera Wang. It's so beautiful." Marissa looked at her friend, a small pang of jealousy pulling at her heart.
"Thanks. And you really like the bridesmaid's dress?"
"Totally!" Marissa assured her, zipping herself up as well.
The bridesmaids all wore blue strapless dresses that were about kneelength and had a silver ribbon that tied at the lower waist. They also had silver lace underneath that peeked out from the bottom. They were actually very cool, unlike most bridesmaid's dresses.
"Then I guess we're ready to go." Summer said, feeling a little shaky again as she realized she was in a wedding dress. And she was going to get married in a few hours. This was insane.
"It's going to be awesome, Sum. And hey-you remember what we talked about. If you decide you've made a mistake with this whole Seth Cohen thing, just pass out cold during the ceremony. I'll get you out of there. No worries."
"Not going to happen, but thanks, Coop. I love you. Thanks for being my best friend." Summer said, doing something she rarely did and tearing up slightly.
"Right back at you." Marissa got a little teary herself as they hugged Summer tightly.
"I'm going to be late for my own wedding and our makeup will be destroyed if we keep this up. Come on, Coop, vamanos!"
"Coming!" Marissa checked her reflection one last time, and then followed her friend out to the limo waiting for them.
~*~
Summer stood with her arm through her father's waiting outside the doors, her knees practically knocking together. This was ridiculous. Like Coop had said, it was only Cohen. She looked over at her dad.
"Dad?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you for coming to this. I know we didn't always get along that well, but…you've really been here for me through all this wedding stuff…and just, thank you." Summer said somewhat awkwardly. She and her father had been trying to forge a new relationship after some rocky years when she was in high school. It was more or less working.
"I love you, princess. I should have told you that every day, and I'm sorry for that."
"Well, you're here now." Summer smiled at him.
"Yes, I am."
Suddenly, the Bridal March music began. Summer thought she was going to puke with the sudden surge of nerves that overtook her. The doors to the church opened, and she saw so many familiar faces standing up and looking at her expectantly. She saw her stepmom, sober for once, and with a proud smile on her face. Summer slowly began to walk forward.
She saw Ryan and Marissa standing on either side of the altar, smiling at her, Marissa with tears in her eyes, Ryan showing much more emotion than usual by giving her a small half smile.
And then she saw Seth.
He was wearing an all black tux and shirt with a silver tie, and he was looking at her as if she was the most beautiful sight he'd ever seen. She almost really started crying then. She still couldn't believe how much she loved him. It seemed ridiculous, that rambling, fumbling Seth Cohen could be the love of her life. But as their eyes locked across the chapel, she knew without any question that this with the only person she could ever spend the rest of her life with. I'm turning into such a sap, she thought to herself as she stopped with her father right before the steps up to the altar.
"Who gives this woman?" The priest asked.
"I do." Her father said, squeezing her hand and kissing her cheek. She stepped up to the altar, coming face-to-face with Seth the first time in a week. Screw the ceremony, couldn't they just be married already? She was barely focusing on the priest's words as he spoke.
"…as long as you both shall live?" The priest finished, looking at Summer.
"I do." She said, looking up at Seth who looked pretty close to tears himself.
What a sentimental idiot, she thought with a smile.
"And do you, Seth Cohen, take Summer Roberts as your lawfully wedded wife, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
After the exchange of the rings, beautiful platinum bands with "S&S Forever and Always" engraved on the inside, they got to the vows they had written themselves. Seth went first. His expression was uncharacteristically serious.
"Summer Roberts, you are the only person I've ever truly been in love with, and you will be for the rest of my life. You're my unfailing strength, my best friend, and the greatest thing that ever happened to me was the day you said you loved me. I've known since I was nine years old that we were soul mates, and when we finally found each other, I found the only person that could ever complete me. When God made us, He made us to be together. You're my rock, my passion, and I will love you now and for forever. No matter what comes, I'll be right there with you. I will spend the rest of my life as your devoted husband, and do whatever it takes to fight for you, stand with you, and make the rest of your life as happy as you've made mine.
Summer blinked back her tears. Cohen always did have a way with words. She shakingly got out the piece of paper she'd written her vows on.
"Cohen, I know it's been a long road getting here. I was so blind for so long and never saw that the love of my life was right in front of me. But I figured it out, and thank God I did, because through everything, you've been my one constant and my one truth. I thought I could never find someone as amazingly wrong for me as you, but love doesn't always listen to the stupid rules we make for ourselves. I fell in love with you then, and the love I felt has only gotten stronger. Despite your stupid comic books and your constant refusal to stop listening to those weird bands," the audience laughed at this, "I love you more than I ever thought possible. I can't even imagine a future without you by my side. I promise to love you today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life." Summer finished, wondering tearfully if that was too sappy. Judging by the look on Cohen's face, she decided it wasn't.
"Then with the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Seth looked at her for a long moment, stunned by how beautiful she was and that she was actually marrying him.
"Oh, just kiss me, you idiot." Summer smiled, pulling him to her and kissing him for the first time as his wife.
Seth kissed her back, and before they got carried away, they pulled away, smiling at each other as the crowd clapped and cheered.
"We did it. We're actually married." Summer whispered.
"I love you." Seth couldn't seem to stop saying it.
They held hands tightly as they ran out of the church and into the limousine amid a shower of blue rose petals to head to the reception.
~*~
"Here, for the first time, I introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Seth Cohen!"
Summer and Seth walked into the dance hall as everyone cheered again.
"Your lipstick's messed up." Seth whispered into her ear.
"Thanks to you." Summer rolled her eyes.
"Ah, thirty minutes of marriage and the thrill is gone." Seth shook his head.
"Shut up. You think the thrill is gone? Wait until tonight." Summer whispered back.
"Oh my." Seth looked down at her, raising his eyebrows.
They danced their first dance as a married couple, as everyone else looked on.
"They're so perfect together." Marissa said to no one, drinking champagne.
"Yeah. Who would have thought?" Ryan said, suddenly standing next to her and drinking champagne as well.
"Hey…Ryan." Marissa said awkwardly, looking for an excuse to go somewhere else.
"Listen, Marissa, let's be mature about this. They're married now, we obviously can't avoid each other forever." Ryan pointed out.
"That's true. It has been four years…maybe we could be friends again?" Marissa suggested tentatively.
"That would be nice." Ryan gave her the little half-grin that still made her melt.
"Well, good. It's settled then. We don't have to avoid each other anymore. Lots of people have to deal with still seeing each other after…you know."
"Yes. We'll just be friends." Ryan nodded, taking another sip from his champagne as the first song ended.
"I'm glad we had this little talk." Marissa smiled hesitantly.
"Me too. So…in the interest of friendship, you want to dance? You know, for old time's sake?" Ryan suggested with a slight nervous air.
"You hate dancing." Marissa remembered.
"Well, that's how much I want to make things okay with us. Let's just forget about all the things we said…and start again?" Ryan offered.
"Okay. We can move on from what happened. We've both spent enough time getting past it. Think of tonight as a new beginning…as friends. Let's dance." Marissa took his hand, and led him out to the dance floor.
~*~
A/N- You guys want more? I've got a lot of things planned…Anna shows up at the reception, Seth and Summer honeymoon catastrophically of course, and Ryan and Marissa are left alone for a week. Please leave me a long review!