A/N: Hey everyone. This is a total AU story that I've been working on forever. I have started about a million times, so hopefully this one turns out to be good. Okay there are a few things that you need to know
First of all Seth and Ryan are real brothers. I kind of needed this to make my story work, which eventually hopefully you'll be able to see. If not, then I did it just because I love the idea of figuring out how he would be if he was raised by the Cohen's.
Summer grew up in New York, so she's never met Seth. She knows Marissa through college and they've been best friends for a long time. They have a fashion design company together.
Marissa and Ryan were Newport's golden couple during high school. They're still together, and he wants to propose to her. Ryan's the new CEO of the Newport Group and together he and Kirsten have expanded it around the world. He operates from New York but he's constantly flying all around the world.
Seth is a mega famous actor. He's the creator, writer and one of the co-stars of a hugely famous TV show called NEWPORT. He lives in L.A. His best friend besides Ryan and Marissa is his co-star and on screen love interest Chloe Martin. The world seems to think that they're dating, but in actuality they're just friends. They go to a lot of premiers, parties and stuff together because Seth doesn't have a girlfriend and Chloe's dating a guy who asked her to not take him to any premiers or into the spotlight until they figured out their relationship. Chloe spends the off season in New York, which is where Seth is visiting her.
Okay I think that's all you need to know. But if there's any confusion at all, just ask me in a review. I'll gladly answer it and clear up any confusion you may have. So hope you enjoy this story. And as always I own nothing at all related to the O.C.
Summer used her elbow to knock on Marissa's door. She was holding Chinese food take-out, and two bags filled with ice-cream and other junk food, things like chips, cookies and crackers.
"Coop!" she wailed "Help," The door swung open to reveal instead of Marissa it was her boyfriend, Ryan. "Hey Ryan, a little help might be nice,"
"Nice to see you too," Ryan said rolling his eyes as he grabbed the Chinese food from her.
"It's wonderful to see you," Summer said just as sarcastically "So what are you doing tonight? Going out or do you feel like hanging out and watching chick flicks with Coop and me? It could do good to get in touch with your feminine side,"
"Oh yes it would," Ryan said walking into the apartment "I could start crying over love stories, watch only romantic movies, and then when my girlfriend leaves me because I'm too feminine, it will be the chance I always wanted to come out of the closet and go live with my lover named Stan," Ryan rolled his eyes "Sounds like fun,"
"Great for you, seriously you're going out right?"
"Yes Summer, we'll leave you alone,"
"We'll?"
"Didn't Marissa tell you? My brother Seth is staying with a friend of his, and the two of us are going out,"
"Ahh, the famous Seth Cohen, sounds like fun,"
"Yeah, he'll be over soon, were just going to go have a low key dinner,"
"Sounds fun," Summer said "Where's Coop?"
"She's in the shower, she said she'll be out in a minute,"
"Great," Summer said plopping the food down on the kitchen table. "So what's up with you?"
"Nothing, just work, I've been swamped were opening up a new development in Canada,"
"Great for you," Summer said fishing through the bag for the bag of chips. She popped them open and grabbed a handful "Want some?"
"No thanks,"
"Suit yourself," Summer said as Marissa walked out of the bedroom her wet hair plastered to her face. "Coop!"
"Hey Sum, I didn't hear you come in, get the food?"
"Yep," Summer indicated the food sitting on the table
"Great, so what movies are we going to watch?" Marissa asked leaning against Ryan as he put his arm around her waist, kissing her on the forehead. Summer had to look away, pretending to be taking out the food from the bag. She hated when Marissa and Ryan got all romantic, it made it hard to be friends with them.
"I have no idea, your choice,"
"Coolness," Marissa said pulling away from Ryan as she too grabbed a handful of chips and headed into the living room. Summer smiled at Ryan quickly before she bounded after Marissa into the living room. Ryan walked over to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water as there was another knock at the door.
"That must be Seth," Ryan mumbled to himself taking a huge sip of the water as he walked towards the front door of their apartment. "I'll get it," he said answering the door. He was surprised to not only see Seth, but Chloe as well. But then again he shouldn't have been that surprised, those two were always together. "So much for a guys night out, huh?"
"Hey Ryan," Seth said enveloping him in a hug
"Seth, great to see you, but what's Chloe doing here?"
"You said that Marissa was going to be home right?"
"Yeah, she's having a girl's night, with her friend Summer,"
"Right, so can Chloe join in, she was bored,"
"Seth, you should have called, but I'm sure it's fine with Rissa,"
"Hey Ryan," Chloe said giving him a huge hug
"Chloe, always nice to see you, Marissa and Summer are inside. I think they were going to pick a movie now, if you want to go in"
"Cool, bye," Chloe said walking into the huge apartment and into the living room where Summer and Marissa were discussing movies.
"I was thinking a good chick flick, you know something like Pretty Woman, or the new Sabrina," Marissa was saying
"Well I want a hot guy, neither one has that. How about something different like Cruel Intentions or Gone with the Wind"
"Mariss?" Chloe asked tentatively and Marissa looked up.
"Chloe! Oh my god! What are you doing here?" she asked leaping up and giving her a hug
"I was bored and Seth said I could come hang out here if I wanted, do you mind?"
"Not at all,"
"Hey I'm Summer," Summer said getting off the couch to introduce herself
"I'm…" Chloe started to say
"Chloe Martin, I know," Summer said holding out her hand for Chloe to shake "It's a pleasure to meet you,"
"Same here, Mariss talks about you a lot,"
"Really? That's cool, she's said some nice things about you too," was all that Summer said before going over to the couch and sitting back down.
"What do you want to watch, Chlo? We've got Chinese food and tons of junk curtsey of Summer and my entire dvd collection,"
"You guys okay?" Ryan asked walking into the living room with Seth right behind him
"Yep, we've got food, we've got movies were fine," Marissa insisted getting up and kissing him quickly
"Okay, by the way Seth this is Summer, Rissa's best friend, and Summer this is my brother Seth,"
"Nice to finally meet you," Summer said getting up and extending her hand
"You too, I've heard lots about you. Good things though,"
"Good. I could say the same for you,"
"Awesome, good to know that my brother doesn't totally talk bad about me behind my back,"
"Nope, not most of the time, anyway," Summer said with a grin
"Okay were going to get going," Ryan said kissing Marissa on the forehead "Love you,"
"Love you too," Marissa said softly as he walked away
"Hey Ryan!" Summer called as Seth and him left the room
"Yeah?"
"Say hi to Stan for me, tell him were working on your feminine side,"
"Whatever you say, Summer," Ryan said laughing as he followed Seth out the door.
"What's so funny?" Seth demanded as they took the elevator down to the garage
"It's kind of hard to explain," Ryan said with a shrug
"Like an inside joke you mean,"
"I guess,"
"I'm sure Marissa loves that you have an inside joke with her best friend,"
"It's not like that Seth, were just friends," Ryan said getting defensive
"Okay, okay," Seth said "Now let me see this new car of yours,"
Inside the apartment they were all eating out of take out containers as they watched Pretty Woman. Summer was sulking slightly because this wasn't the movie that she had wanted to watch.
"I love this movie," Chloe was saying
"Really? I don't get it, being a hooker, it's just not all that glamorous and the guy would never fall for the hooker," Summer pouted still angry
"Sum, don't be like that, we said we'd watch something you want after," Marissa glaring at Summer
"Sorry," Summer said turning her attention back to the screen
"Oh my god! I totally forgot!" Chloe cried jumping up
"What did you forget?" Summer asked intrigued
"Seth and I are going to try and go on vacation before we have to go back to filming in August, so we were wondering if you and Ryan wanted to come. You should totally come too Summer, my little sister Ashley is coming, so you have to. It would be so much fun, please Mariss, Please Summer, please, please, please," Chloe begged. Marissa laughed when Summer shot her a look. A look that clearly said where did you pick up this nutcase.
"I have to talk to Ryan," Marissa said
"He already said okay if you say okay," Chloe said practically jumping up and down
"Ryan agreed to take a vacation?" Summer asked stunned
"Yeah," Chloe cried happily "Seth convinced him,"
"Wow," Even Marissa was stunned
"I know, so please come Mariss?"
"Well if Ryan said yes, how can I say no? Of course I'll come, Summer you too?"
"Well I don't know, it sounds kind of like a family thing,"
"I'm not family," Chloe said confused
"Your close enough," Summer pointed out
"You think Seth and I are dating," Chloe said and cracked up
"What did I say?" Summer asked "It was in People when I was flipping through it yesterday"
"Oh my god, no, no, no, Ew! No! Seth and I are just good friends, nothing more I promise, ew," Chloe shuddered
"But still I don't want to barge in,"
"Your not, I love you, Ryan loves you, Chloe and Seth will learn to love you, and I only met Ashley quickly so I have no idea about her,"
"Um…but there's work and I just, I don't know,"
"Yes you do, there's nothing too it, your coming," Marissa said indicating that the conversation was over "Now watch the movie"
Hours later Seth and Ryan walked into the apartment to find the three girls sleeping. Ryan laughed as he went over and kissed Marissa's forehead softly.
"Hey Rissa, honey, come on, I'll clean up and let you go to bed," he lifted her up "Listen Seth you want to wake up Chloe and the two you head back to her apartment, you can use my car if you want. Also Summer's apartment is on the way, want to drop her off? You can bring the car back to me tomorrow," Ryan asked and Seth nodded, catching the keys that Ryan threw
"Okay, see you tomorrow," Seth said "Chloe," he said whispering in her ear. Her eyes popped open almost immediately
"Hey Seth," Chloe said with a small smile "Ready to go back to my apartment?"
"Yep, Ryan just asked me to drop off Summer first,"
"Okay," Chloe mumbled "I'll wake her up, Summer!" she cried but Summer didn't move. Chloe was about to close her eyes again when Ryan walked back into the living room.
"You guys just want to leave her here?"
"It's cool, we've got her," Seth said going over and gently tapping Summer. "Hey, come on wake up, were going to take you home,"
"Huh?" Summer mumbled opening one eye and staring at Seth.
"Hey. Good morning or night, whatever, um Ryan asked me to give you a ride home. Is that cool?"
"Uh," Summer still looked kind of dazed as she turned towards Ryan who nodded at her. "okay,"
"Great, here," he said offering her a hand. Reluctantly she let him pull her up.
"Bye Ry," Summer said walking over and giving him a hug "Say good-bye to Coop for me,"
"Okay Summer" Ryan said rolling his eyes, as he watched the three of them leave.
Inside Ryan's car, Chloe gladly took the back so that she could stretch out and sleep.
"Okay your going to turn left," Summer said as they pulled out of the garage
"Great I hate driving in the city," Seth said as he narrowly missed a park car
"Wait don't you like live in L.A.?"
"Yes,"
"That's a city,"
"So?"
"What do you do walk all the time?"
"Nope, it's different,"
"I guess, seems the same to me,"
"It's not, have you ever drove in L.A.?"
"No,"
"So how would you know the difference,"
"I wouldn't, I don't even drive here, in fact I'm like the worst driver ever,"
"So how do you get around?" Seth asked surprised
"Uh…taxi's, town cars, friends, walking, they all work,"
"So do you even have a driver's license?"
"Yeah, my dad made me get one and then he bought me a car,"
"You have a car you never drive?" Seth asked raising an eyebrow
"Okay turn right here, were really close, and yes. My dad loves buying things so he buy's me a car every two years, and at the end of the two years I sell the car and donate the money,"
"That's really odd,"
"Hey. I like to think of it as charity, and number 724's my building," Summer said with a grin
"Did I say it was bad? I just said it was odd," Seth said pulling the car up to the building "Okay, do you want me to walk you up to your apartment, just to make sure you get in okay?"
"I have a doorman for that but thanks," Summer said with a grin as she opened the door. "Say good bye to Chloe for me, oh and it was really nice to meet you. Your different then what I expected. I think," was all she said before rushing into the lobby through the door that the doorman held open for her.
"Thanks I think," Seth mumbled as he drove towards Chloe's apartment. That night as he lay in the guest bedroom after practically dragging a very tired Chloe to bed, he thought about Summer. Like she had said he was different from what most people expected, but did she mean it as a compliment or an insult? He wasn't sure why but he sincerely hoped that it was meant as a compliment.
Early the next morning Seth pulled on a baseball cap and a hoddie sweatshirt. Scribbling a quick note for Chloe he starts off towards Central Park. He's definitely not the athletic type of person, but Seth has found that jogging, no matter how bad he is at it, is actually kind of fun and relaxing. He was just starting to get into the mood of running when he felt his cell phone ring deep in his picket. Damn. He had forgotten to turn it off.
"Hello?" he asked in an annoyed tone not even bothering to check the caller ID
"Seth, are you okay?" It was Marissa
"Yeah, I was just about to go on a jog. I mean I was jogging but I had just stared. Sort of I mean, you know what never mind. I'm jogging,"
"Oh," Marissa seemed to think about this for a moment "Where?"
"Central Park,"
"Oh. That's cool, I was calling to see how bored you are. But never mind, I'll see you later,"
"Wait! Mariss! What do you mean? What did you have in mind?"
"I wanted to see if you wanted me to swing by and pick you up, I have to pop into work for a minute and get something, and then we could go get some lunch or breakfast and hang out,"
"Okay, I'll come, how about we meet in like an hour and a half,"
"Seth it doesn't take that long for me to get dressed,"
"But I want to jog and then get dressed,"
"So for once it will actually take longer for you to get ready then it will for me, that's a first,"
"Your hilarious Marissa, just hilarious," Seth said "Bye,"
"Bye Seth," Marissa said with a grin. Walking through the apartment she found Ryan sitting on the couch watching a football game on TV. She snuggled up to him, and he placed a kiss on her forehead.
"Seth okay?"
"Yep. Did you know that he was jogging? I mean seriously he can't do any athletic activity's and he's jogging?"
"I didn't tell you about that?" Ryan asked and Marissa shot him a look. "Okay, I guess not. Chloe started him on jogging but she gave it up in favor of swimming I think, but he's been good and kept it up,"
"Weird," Marissa said leaning up and kissing Ryan. She smiled as they broke away. "I love you, you know that,"
"I do know, which is good because I love you too,'' Ryan said thinking of the gorgeous diamond ring buried in a pair of socks in his closet. That was actually the reason for the whole trip, he had gotten Seth and Chloe to be in on the plan. They were going to all go on a trip so that he could pick the perfect place to propose to Marissa.
"Good to know, thanks for cleaning up last night,"
"Well I didn't do most of it, the cleaning lady came early this morning,"
"Really? I didn't hear her,"
"How much did you have to drink?" Ryan teased. He knew that Marissa barley drank, when they were younger they use to drink all the time, but after she went to rehab at eighteen she was now pretty much sober all the time. In fact it had been years since she had had anything besides a glass of wine or champagne.
"Hey I wasn't drunk, I was just exhausted,"
"Yes. Apparently everyone except for Summer was according to Seth, he had a hard time getting Chloe out of the car and into the apartment, I talked to him this morning when he dropped off my car, but he said that Summer was her usual energized self,"
"Well what did you expect. Oh my god. I can't believe I forgot, did you really agree to go on vacation with Seth and Chloe? Because Chloe invited Summer and now that Summer knows we have to go,"
"Yeah, I figured it might be fun," he said pulling Marissa on top of him and kissing her softly. "Besides we have a good time together, don't we?"
"Everyone and us? Or just you and me?" she asked as Ryan kissed her neck
"Well as much as I like everyone, I love spending time with you the best," Ryan said before kissing her shoulders, pushing the think strap of her tank top down as he did so. Just as his hand slid under her shirt and onto her stomach, Marissa pulled away.
"As much as I want to do this, I have to meet Seth in like an hour and you have a meeting, besides I thought that you need to go get packed for your business trip,"
"Damn!" Ryan said looking at his watch "Your right, of course. But maybe I could fake sick and not go to the meeting,"
"No, not a chance. But it's only a night that you'll be away, so I promise I'll make it up to you when you come home,"
"Really?" Ryan raised an eyebrow "Because I like the sound of that,"
"I figured that you would. Do you need any help packing?"
"No, I barley need anything, but come hang out with me while I pack," Ryan said grabbing her hand and pulling her off the couch.
"Okay, race you," Marissa said and raced towards the open door of their bedroom. Ryan followed her grinning, he had only dated a couple of other girls when they had broken up for almost a year in college, but no one compared to her. He would never love anyone as much as he loved her.
Marissa sat on their bed watching as Ryan packed. He was basically throwing things into a suitcase as he talked quickly about the development he was building in Paris. She was barley listening, instead she was watching the way that he was watching her.
"So you have to come and see it, I know how much you love Paris,"
"Paris?" Marissa asked slightly confused
"Are you listening to me?" Ryan asked throwing the pair of socks that he was holding at her.
"Hey! Of course," Marissa said rolling her eyes and throwing the socks back at him
"No you weren't, but you might want to change or get ready, you have to meet Seth in half an hour,"
"Okay," Marissa said with a sigh jumping off the bed and walking into the bathroom. A few minutes later she came back, left in only her underwear, a toothbrush in her mouth.
"Attractive," Ryan said smiling at her
"Thanks," Marissa said grinning at him, she went over and removing the tooth brush kissed him.
"Yum, minty," Ryan said and licked his lips slightly, as Marissa kissed his neck. "Marissa stop," he said it coming out almost like a moan "Or I won't ever get to my meeting," Marissa leaned over and put the toothbrush on the table next to the bed, then jumping on the bed she pulled Ryan on top of her.
"I though," Marissa said trailing her tongue in a small circle "that you wanted to fake sick, if you fake I'll fake,"
"Rissa," Ryan said pulled her face up and kissing her tongue explore her familiar mouth. They kissed for a while but eventually Ryan pulled away. "I really have to go, Marissa, seriously. I'm going to get in trouble if I skip this meeting,"
"But you're the boss," Marissa pouted pushing her hair behind her ear and she flipped over and placed her feet on the floor.
"I know, and there is nothing I would rather do than spend the day here, but this is really important,"
"Okay. Your loss," Marissa said walking over and throwing open the door to her closet. Throwing on her favorite old pair of jeans and a tee shirt, she smiled at Ryan. "Bye," she said and walked towards the door of the bedroom, slipping on the sandals she had grabbed as she did so.
"Don't be like that Marissa,"
"I'm aloud to be upset, your passing me up for a meeting," Marissa joked, but her grin faded when she saw Ryan's face fall. He worked so hard, and she knew that he was worried that he didn't spend enough time with her. "Kidding, Ry, Kidding. I'm going to go pick up Seth,"
"Are you sure your not mad? Because if it's important I'll try to get out of it,"
"It's not," Marissa said "But I don't know how long I'm going to be, so I'll see you tomorrow,"
"Alright," Ryan's face falls slightly
"I love you, have fun," Marissa said
"I won't, but I'll be thinking of you the whole time,"
"You better be," Marissa said and blew him a kiss before grabbing her purse from the living room and walking out the door. When he heard the door close Ryan picked up the pair of socks that were buried at the bottom of his draw in the closet. He opened and pulled out the ring box. The ring was amazing, it had in fact taken him over a year to find a perfect ring and in the end he had asked his mother for help. The result was that using a famous jeweler he had created the ring that he knew Marissa would love.
Summer grinned as she saw Marissa walk into the office.
"Coop!" she called running and giving her a huge hug. "Oh my god I was so bored that I actually stared to design a pair of pants,"
"Sum, that's not a bad thing, you're a fashion designer," Marissa said and motioned for Seth who had been sitting in the reception area to come towards them, "Sum, you remember Seth right?"
"Duh Coop, I only met him last night," Summer said and grinned at Seth. "I didn't get a chance to thank you for taking me home last night,"
"It was no problem," Seth said "Are you coming to get lunch with us?"
"I don't think so," Summer said glaring at her best friend
"Actually I was going to invite you right now, but Seth beat me to it," Marissa said with a shrug
"Thanks. But seriously I can't, I have to meet my father for lunch in like half an hour," Summer said sulking. "But have fun, maybe we can do something tonight. Ryan left right? Want me to spend the night?"
"I don't know, maybe," Marissa said "I'll talk to you later,"
"Your going to stay at her house?" Seth asked confused
"When Ryan's gone she hates being home alone so usually I spend the night,"
"Wow" was all Seth said a stupid grin on his face
"Ew! Obviously it's not like that, you're a freak Cohen,"
"Hey I resent that. Any guy would do that if he heard a line like that," Seth defended himself
"I guess," Summer said and leaned over and hugged Marissa. "Okay I'm going to go back and work a little bit before I go face my dad,"
"Okay," Marissa said and turned to Seth "I'm going to go get something from my office," The two of them walked off in separate directions, and Seth caught himself staring at Summer. He knew nothing about her but for some reason he was already sort of fascinated by her.
Author's Note: Oh my god! I can't believe I actually finished this. I really, really hope that everyone liked it. I hope that it's going to turn out good. So please, please, please, review. Because I have no idea if this idea is stupid or not.