A/N: New AU. New story. New chapter. Full A/N at the end of the chapter. Enjoy!


Sandy Cohen walked into the visiting area of the jail, waiting for his current client to emerge. He hated this part of his job. He hated that everyone in the public defenders office always looked to him to take these cases. Not that he minded representing minors involved in felony cases. In fact, he actually relished helping these kids when no one else would. It was just that it made him so depressed when he saw what the justice system wanted to do to some of these kids.

Sandy picked up the case file for today and did another brief run through. The kid was from Corona, picked up for possession with intent to distribute. They wanted to charge him with felony possession, saying that he had over an ounce but the evidence was supposedly "missing" and there were no witness reports as to the amount. He was about to go through the kid's report further when the buzzer sounded, indicating his client was coming in.

"Sandy Cohen, I'll be your…" Sandy was struck dumb. Looking at his client was like looking into a mirror, albeit a mirror that could see into the past. This kid was like a teenage version of himself. He recovered and continued on. "You must be Seth?"

"Yeah, Seth Siefman. So you're my public defender? Nice eyebrows by the way. So what's up? You gonna take care of these charges?"

"Well since it looks like this is your first charge, I'm sure we can plead this down to a misdemeanor. You're looking at a petty fine and probation but that's going to be it."

"Great man, thanks," Seth said.

"So what's with the weed, kid? It says here in your file that you scored off the charts on your P-SAT's and you're grades are exceptional. Problems with tardiness and an apparent disregard for authority figures are a little worrisome, but you could easily turn these grades and test scores into a scholarship to college. You just have to keep your nose clean."

"Yeah because my mom is so supportive of me attending school. Do you know how many schools I've attended over the years?" At a shake of Sandy's head, he continues. "Eight. In nine years. I've been going to Buena Vista for a record eight months, although it looks like my time there is up."

"What are you talking about? You're mom can't pull you out of school for getting arrested."

"Never mind," Seth says with a shake of his head. "I've already told you too much about my family. So can you get me out of here or not?"

"Yeah, I've already posted bail. You'll be out as soon as they've processed your paperwork."

Outside

"I thought you said my mom was supposed to come pick me up? We've been waiting here for an hour."

"The police department notified her last night that you had been arrested and my office confirmed this morning that she would be here when you were released from custody. Let me try her again."

"What a great way to start the weekend," Seth says, sitting down on the curb.

Sandy tries Seth's mother again at their home of record. All he gets is a busy tone.

"Come on kid. I'll drop you off."


"So I know I was kind of a smart-ass earlier, but I just wanted to say thanks. For everything."

"I'm gonna make sure everything works out Seth. I'll call to remind you of your hearing date."

"Oh I won't forget." Seth steps out of the BMW and grabs his skateboard and backpack from Sandy. "It's ok, I can take it from here." Seth walks to his door and, using the key his mother so conveniently left under the doormat, lets himself in. He is immediately greeted with the sight of an empty house. "What the hell? Where's all of our stuff? Mom? Mom!" Seth moves from room to room, but every one presents the same scene. No furniture, no possessions, and no mother. He sees a single sheet of paper lying on the counter. He wanders over, picks it up, and begins to read.

Sweetie-

I'm sorry, I really am. You had to go and get busted, even though you knew what our situation was and that we couldn't afford any undue attention. I got a call from the cops telling me you were being arrested and that they wanted to send someone over to get some information from me. Information! I couldn't wait. Your things are still in your room in case you want to keep any of it. I'm sorry I had to leave you this time sweetheart, but at least you won't have to move anymore.

Mom

"She's gone. My mom left me," Seth wails, falling down on the carpet with his head in his hands.

Sandy walks over and places his hand on Seth's shoulder. "Come on. Let's go."


Sandy pulls into the driveway of his home in Newport Beach. He places his vehicle in park and turns to Seth. "Maybe you might want to wait here. I haven't really told the missus yet."

"I'll be fine, go ahead."

Sandy leaves the car on so that Seth can listen to the radio and heads inside to try and convince his beloved wife to let this kid stay with them for the weekend.

"Kirsten," he yells as he enters the house. "I need to talk to you. Where are you?"

"In the kitchen Sandy," she replies.

He walks into the kitchen to see her rummaging through the drawer containing all of the take-out menus. "Oh, thank God. I thought you might have been attempting to cook."

"Very funny. I was actually looking through the menus. What do you think about Thai for dinner?"

"That sounds good," Sandy says, trying to figure out a good way to bring this up. Fortunately, his wife provides an opening.

"So how was your day in Riverside? Are you going to keep that kid out of jail?"

"Actually, honey, I'm glad that you asked. You see…"

Outside

Seth gets tired of waiting for Sandy to come back and heads down to the end of the driveway. It's a good thing his mom never knew where he kept his stash or she'd have taken it with her and he'd be SOL. He opens the Altoids tin that he keeps his pre-rolled joints in and brings out a small joint that he immediately lights.

"Are you smoking weed," asks a feminine voice from close by.

Seth looks up and sees what can only be described as an angel looking at him. The raven haired beauty has her hand on her hip, her purse slung over her shoulder, and is currently sporting an expression on her face that can probably be translated as 'I asked you a question, jackass!'

"Actually, this is just oregano," Seth says with a slight smile.

"Whatever. Who are you anyway, and what are you doing in front of the Cohen's driveway?"

"I'm Sandy Cohen's illegitimate love child, Seth. He found me and decided to bring me home to his wife."

Summer smiles at him. "Yeah right. Mr. C would never cheat on his wife. They're, like, in love. But that was kind of funny." Summer watches him take a hit from the joint. "So are you going to offer me any?"

Seth looks down at the joint and begins to hand it to Summer. Before the transaction can be completed, Seth hears Sandy calling for him up on the driveway. "Shit," Seth curses and puts out the remainder of the joint on the street, just as Sandy comes up to them.

"Hey Summer! You here to visit Marissa?"

"Sure am, Mr. C. We're having a sleep over here and I'm sure that I'm the last one here because Taylor is early everywhere she goes."

"Well I'm sure the boys are jealous," Sandy says with a sly grin. "So will we be seeing you at Marissa's fashion show tomorrow?"

"You better believe it." Summer looks over at Seth. "Maybe I'll see you there, too."

"Maybe you will. See you later."

Summer walks down the Cooper driveway and Seth and Sandy turn to go back toward the Cohen residence.

"Oh, and Seth? There's no smoking in this house. Of any kind."

Sandy walks Seth up through the house, bringing him to the pool house, where Kirsten is putting sheets on the bed.

"So this is where you'll be staying and this is the queen of the manor herself, my wife Kirsten."

Kirsten smiles at Seth. "Welcome to our home. There are fresh sheets on the bed. We'll let you get some rest and we'll see you in the morning." Sandy and Kirsten file out of the pool house, leaving Seth alone in a very unfamiliar environment.

"I could get used to this."


Seth wakes up the next morning, confused at first about where he is. He gradually remembers the events of the previous day; being in jail, meeting Mr. Cohen, his mother leaving him, and being taken in for the weekend by the Cohens. He wanders out of the pool house and into the main house, looking for breakfast.

"Hey."

He's greeted by a young blonde boy, approximately the same age as himself, standing at the breakfast counter, eating dry cereal from the box.

"Hey," Seth replies.

"Coffee's brewing right now," the blonde boy offers.

"Read my mind. I'm Seth by the way. Your dad is letting me crash here for a couple days. Family stuff. You know the drill."

"Ryan," the other teen simply answers.

"Right. So do you guys have any-"

"Bagels are in the pantry, slicer is on the counter, cream cheese is in the fridge."

"Okaaaay. Strange, yet convenient. How did you know that was what I wanted?"

"You just seem like a bagel person. Like Dad," Ryan answers.

Sandy enters the kitchen.

"Hey guys. Seth, I see you've met my son Ryan."

"Yeah, we bonded over waiting for coffee and him reading my mind."

Sandy looks over at Ryan, who just shrugs. "Well…great. Hey Ryan, why don't you take Seth out to the beach or something? Get out of the house, it's a beautiful day."

Ryan turns to Seth. "What do you want to do?"

"Well, what is there to do around here?"


"It's alright man. Not everybody has the coordination to surf," Ryan says, trying to console Seth on his inability to surf. "At least you provided some entertainment out there."

"Thanks for the comforting words. I think I'm bruising," Seth mumbles as he tries to rub out a muscle that is cramping. "Such are the perils of being born inland, I guess. Never really got into the whole surfing fad. I'm not completely helpless in the water though. My mom paid for sailing lessons one summer and I still try to get out there every now and then."

"Sailing, huh? My grandpa likes to sail too. Dad, however, really isn't that big of a fan of boats."

"Yeah, I think that, sometime in the past, my Jewish ancestors bred with pirates. It would explain my ability to captain a vessel and pull off the eye patch look. Speaking of pirates, did you hear about the new pirate movie at the IMAX? It's rated 'Arrrrgh'. Seriously though, we should go see it."

Ryan looks at him strangely. "Dude, you talk way too much."

"I get that a lot. So what's next on the agenda?"

Ryan peeks at his watch. "We've got to get back to the house to get ready for the fashion show." He gives Seth a curious look. "I don't suppose you brought a suit?"

"A jumpsuit, maybe," Seth says, laughing. "Seriously? No. I'm suitless."

"You and Dad are probably close in size. I'm sure he can loan you one of his."


Sandy has set Seth up with a suit and, as Ryan suspected, it fits him perfectly. Placing the straight black piece of cloth around the collar, he quickly ties a perfect half-Windsor knot. Sandy walks in and, noticing the tie, pats him on the back.

"I couldn't tie a tie until I was 25. I'm impressed!" Sandy turns him around and buttons the top button on his shirt. He pulls the tie up towards the top of his collar and Seth makes an exaggerated choking noise, which forces Sandy to chuckle.

"So I know this isn't the greatest time for this kiddo, but what do you know about your dad?"

Seth straightens his tie up a bit. "Almost nothing. Mom never really talks about him. She won't even tell me his name. All I know is that he left Mom before I was born."

"Maybe I can check out the birth certificate for you. That would be a good place to start."

"Already tried that avenue. I checked it out a few years ago. Mom left his name off of the birth certificate."

"Well what about you're last name? Siefman can't be that popular of a last name."

"Actually-"

Ryan walks in and interrupts Seth, telling Sandy and Seth that Kirsten is ready to leave.

Sandy turns back to Seth. "You ready to meet the Newpsies?"

"Newpsies?"


The three Cohens, along with Seth, arrive at the pre-fashion show party. Ryan grabs Seth arm, telling his parents that they're going to go find Luke. It doesn't take them too long to track down the boy.

"Cohen! What up man," Luke yells, walking up to his friend. They shake and share a one-armed hug.

"Nothing. Hey I want you to meet a friend of mine. This is Seth," Ryan says, pointing towards the skinnier, brown-haired boy. "He's from Corona, but he's going to be staying with us for the weekend."

Luke shakes Seth's hand and brings him in for a one-armed hug as well. "Nice to meet you, bro. Any friend of Cohen's is a friend of mine."

"Alright, cool. Nice to meet you too."

"So where are the girls at," Ryan asks Luke.

"They ran off a few minutes ago to get ready for the show. You just missed 'em."

"Damn. I was kind of looking forward to a little private time with Taylor," Ryan says as he stuffs his hands into his pockets.

"Yeah, me too." At Ryan's glare, he clarifies. "You know I meant with Marissa dude. Besides, that girl only has eyes for you anyway."

"Who is Taylor?"

"Oh, that's Cohen here's elementary school sweetheart," Luke answers.

Ryan glares at him again.

"Alright, I'll stop," Luke laughs. "Between you and your mom, you two have that glare down to a science. You don't even have to say anything. Come on, let's go find a table."

They head in the direction of the tables, only to be stopped when a voice yells their names.

"Cohen! Ward!"

Ryan and Luke both turn around. There stands Zach Stevens, captain of the water polo team and all around jerk, along with two of his hangers-on, Chip Saunders and Doug Nordlund.

"What's up Zach," Ryan asks.

Seth, thinking this is another cool friend of Ryan's, holds out his hand with a smile. "Hey, what's up man? I'm Seth."

Zach smiles back at him. "Hey! Suck it, queer." Seth shrinks back behind Luke and Zach resumes talking to Ryan. "So, I hope you two douche bags are ready for Water Polo Camp week after next. Just because you guys were on the team last year doesn't mean you're guaranteed a spot on the squad this year. I mean, I know I'm the captain and we're friends, but I've got to be impartial."

Luke speaks up. "Come on man! Cohen and I got plans to head with the fam up to Big Sur that week. We know you got connections with Coach. Can't you get us out of it?"

"Sorry guys," Zach says with a smile on his face. "Rules are rules. Also, I'm really going to insist on you quitting soccer. We can't have you guys getting injured or have your performance in the pool suffer from being worn out on the field. Now that we're done with all of that unpleasantness, let's go watch out girls strut their stuff." He heads off toward the tables, followed closely by Chip and Doug.

"Sometimes, I really hate that guy."

Ryan shakes his head. "I know. I have no idea what Summer sees in that idiot."

"Wait," Seth starts, "do you mean a short girl, brown hair, exotic eyes, friends with your neighbor?"

Luke and Ryan share a confused look. "How do you know Summer," Ryan asks.

"I met her last night. She was going into your neighbor's house when your dad brought me over. I can't believe she's dating that…Neanderthal."

"Yeah, well don't let Zach hear that you talked to Summer," Luke says.

"Or that you called him a Neanderthal," Ryan finishes. "Even though he is. He's a real dick and extremely jealous."

"Sounds like he's compensating for something," Seth says, smiling.

Ryan laughs. He looks over at Luke, who just looks confused. "I'll explain later. Let's go."

The three boys find an empty table, right next to catwalk. They sit down just in time for Marissa to come out and introduce the show.

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you all so much for coming. Every year, we put on a fashion show to raise money for the battered women shelter. It's such a good cause, you guys, and we couldn't do any of it without your support and the support of Fashion Island and all their great stores. All right, enjoy the show," she says, to enormous applause, most of it coming from Luke.

"That would be Luke's girlfriend, Marissa," Ryan offers.

"I figured as much, with the whistling and catcalling."

Marissa walks back towards the changing room and greets the first girl, an auburn haired girl. Ryan begins whistling and catcalling, mirroring Luke's reaction.

"I'm thinking that's Taylor," Seth guesses.

"Yep." Luke imitates a bad Australian accent. "Notice Cohen's enchanted state, his focus entirely on his prey. He barely notices our presence. Oof," he finishes as Ryan punches him in the solar plexus.

"I can hear you, even if I am focused on Taylor."

Next out is Summer, who stops at the end of the runway and poses. She sees Seth sitting with Ryan and Luke and smiles at him, an action that doesn't go unnoticed by Zach.

Zach turns to Chip and Doug. "Find out who the faggot sitting with Cohen and Ward is. I want to know who the hell he thinks he is, macking on my girl."


Taylor runs up and jumps into Ryan's arms, giving him a kiss. She's closely followed by Marissa, who settles for hugging Luke and kissing him on the cheek.

"Who is that," asks Taylor, looking at Seth.

"That's Cohen's friend. Yo Corona," Luke yells, getting Seth's attention.

Seth walks over and shakes Taylor and Marissa's hands. "My name is actually Seth, but apparently, Luke here insists on calling people by either their last name or where they're from. With me, it's the latter."

"Well, you are welcome to join us over at our friend Holly's beach house for a little after party. Her parents are letting us borrow the place as thanks for all our hard work for charity," Marissa says as she laughs.

"That reminds me. Can we get a ride over there," Ryan asks Luke. "My folks drove us out here."

"No prob. I've got more than enough room for you and Seth and the girls. Let's roll."

Seth looks back and sees Summer getting into Zach's SUV. "'Let's roll' indeed."


Luke, Marissa, Ryan, Taylor, and Seth are standing around the kitchen island, drinking. Seth is relating his harrowing tale of escape from the evil rent-a-cops at the mall, including his eventual capture by, according to his count, 15 mall cops.

"So you mean to tell me," Luke asks, "that you got busted for possession because the rent-a-cops busted you skateboarding around the mall? That's just tough luck man."

"The worst part was that they confiscated my stash. It was probably about 150 bucks worth of pot," Seth says.

Zach looks over and sees Seth joking around with everyone. He starts to get pissed off and turns to Chip and Doug.

"What did you idiots find out about him?"

"Not much," Doug says. "Just that he's staying with the Cohens and he's got some legal thing going on."

"Anything good," Zach asks.

"Possession. He was in juvie for a day or so earlier this week but Mr. Cohen got him out."

Zach looks back over and sees Summer staring at Seth across the party. "Fuck this shit." He walks over to Summer, grabs her by the arm, and drags her outside, much to the dismay of everyone.

"What a douche bag," Luke says. "You think he was serious when he said we might have to quit soccer? I'm the captain and there's no way I'm quitting."

"I doubt it. He was probably just trying to be a dick," Ryan suggests.

Taylor and Marissa both voice their displeasure at the idea of their boyfriends quitting the soccer team.

"I love you in a Speedo, dear, but I'd rather see you sweating on the field. It's so much hotter," Taylor says as she fans herself.

"I can't even tell what's going on in the pool," complains Marissa. "It's easier to follow the action in soccer."

Seth raises his hand. "Uhm, idea here? Why don't you just quit if you hate Zach so much and you like soccer better?"

"That's social suicide, Corona. No offense."

An awkward silence fills the area as everyone realizes that Seth will only be in town for a few days and doesn't have a social life in Newport.

"So, change of subject," Marissa asks the group. Everyone nods. "What do you think of Newport, Seth?"

"Demon water polo players in Speedos, botoxed Newpsies with their unholy gossip? I think I could get in less trouble where I'm from." Seth looks over and sees Summer, who smiles at him again. Luke and Ryan notice this time.

"Hey, Luke, let's take Seth and go get some air."

"Good idea, Cohen. Come on, Corona." Luke turns to the two girls. "Why don't you guys go see what Holly and Jess are up to? Ryan and I need a word with Seth here."

"Uh, I hate those spoiled little bitches," Taylor complains as she and Marissa walk away.

Luke and Ryan take Seth outside. Unbeknownst to any of the three, they were being followed by Zach and his boys.

"Look, man," Ryan begins, "you gotta take it easy with checking out Summer. Zach has already noticed at least once and I'm sure he's not too happy."

"You got that right," comes from a voice behind them, along with a push to Seth's back. "Take off you two," he says pointing to Ryan and Luke. "Doug, Chip, and I have some words for this Corona cunt."

"Come on Stevens," pleads Luke. "He didn't know any better. He's new and he didn't know that Summer was your girl."

"I said get the hell out of here, you morons. Unless you want a piece of this?"

"I can't let you do that, Zach. I'm responsible for him since he's staying with my folks. Plus," Ryan looks over at Seth, "he's a cool guy. And he's got good taste in women."

Zach lets out an angry roar and tackles Ryan to the ground. Chip goes after Seth, who seems to be getting the upper hand until Chip kicks him in the crotch. Doug and Zach are both losing to Luke and Ryan, but Chip helps Doug knock out Luke, and together they help Zach take out Ryan. Zach picks up a moaning Seth and motions Chip and Doug to hold him up. "Stay the fuck away from my girl," he warns Seth as he drops him again with a shot to the gut. "Welcome to the OC, bitch!" Zach turns back to Ryan and Luke, still lying on the sand. "Oh, and Cohen? Ward? You two can go on your faggoty little vacation. You're off the team." He high-five's Nordlund and Saunders and heads back into the beach house, dragging a watching Summer with him.

Marissa and Taylor run up and help their boyfriends up, asking what happened.

"It looks like we'll be getting sweaty on the soccer field this year," Ryan says with a grimace. "Let's get out of here. We'll fill you in on the way home."


"Dude, you totally had my back out there," Seth says as he places a package of frozen vegetables on his groin. "Thanks for that. Nobody has ever really stood up for me like that before. I owe you and Luke big time. I'm never going to forget this Ryan."

"It's cool man. Between the way he was treating Summer and trying to make us quit soccer, it was going to happen anyway." Ryan clasps Seth's hand. He fixes up some pillows in the form of a bed to crash out on.

"You're not going up to your room," Seth asks.

"No way, man. If Mom finds me with my ass kicked, smelling like beer, she'll be pissed."

It makes sense in Seth's alcohol-influenced mind, so he lets it go as they pass out.


"Morning boys," Kirsten says as she walks into the pool house. She sees the beginnings of red mark near Ryan's eye. "Oh my God! What happened to you?"

Ryan looks up at his mom who is currently glaring at him. "We got in a fight with Zach, Chip, and Doug. They were picking on Seth."

"What?!"

"Please stop yelling." Ryan stuffs a pillow over his ears. "I'm a little hung-over and I've got a bad headache."

"Hung-over?!"

"Ryan, can you shut off the alarm clock? It's a little loud," Seth asks sleepily.

"Ryan. Inside. Now," Kirsten says and points towards the door.

Ryan throws Seth a wave and follows his mom into the house. Kirsten goes out front to talk to Sandy, who just got back from surfing.

Seth senses more than sees them leave and gets up to get his caffeine hit. He puts a pot of coffee on and toasts up some bagels. He knows what's going on outside. Kirsten is telling Sandy that she wants him out of the house. Sandy will give in, because what does some strange kid matter when your family is on the line. At that moment, Kirsten comes back in.

"Look, Seth, I don't mean to play bad cop. It's nothing personal…"

She notices the cream cheese and bagels sitting on the counter.

"I can't really cook much, but I can brew coffee and slice, toast and schmear a bagel with the best of them."

"You seem like a good kid and Ryan said it wasn't your fault so Sandy and I decided that you could stay here until tomorrow morning, when the Social Services office opens."

"Thank you. For everything." Seth wanders back into the pool house, where he is soon joined by Ryan. "You got let out of your room fast." Noticing the two mugs of coffee and two bagels covered in cream cheese, "And you brought sustenance? Good man."

"I just wanted to apologize again for you getting your ass kicked last night."

"It was actually the best ass kicking I've ever received."

Ryan grins and hands Seth one of the mugs of coffee.

"So," Seth begins, "you're mom is being pretty cool about the whole fight thing. She's letting me crash here tonight before your dad takes me in to Child Services."

"That's cool I guess." Ryan takes a bite of bagel and follows it with a hit of caffeine. "It's too bad you can't stay."

"Yeah well, it's better than nothing."


Seth does one last check, making sure he has everything before he takes off from the Cohen's place for good. He grabs his skateboard, closes the door, and almost bowls over Ryan as he turns to leave.

"Hey what's up man," Seth asks, speaking quickly. "Just going for a late night skateboarding session. Nothing to worry about."

"I actually just came to see if you wanted to go hang out at Luke's with the girls but," Ryan looks around and lowers his voice, "are you running away?"

"Dude, I cannot go into foster care at this stage of my life. I probably wouldn't even make it into a family. Nobody wants a pre-fabricated teen. I'd probably just end up in a group home until I'm 18. No thanks." Seth goes to leave but Ryan stops him.

"What about my folks? Are you just going to bail on my dad? Where are you going? What are you going to do?"

"Just tell your folks I'm sorry. I'm sure they'll understand. As far as where I'm going and what I'm doing, I have no idea. The whole hobo thing sounds interesting. Or I may just start my pancake tour of North America early. Who knows?"

"Sounds like a great plan."

"Do you have a better idea?"

Ryan looks thoughtful for a second. All of a sudden, inspiration strikes. "Actually, yes."


A/N: So I hope you liked it. I've actually got the first five or six episodes of season one either written out or I have a story planned so I'd like to know what you guys think. My AU here resembles canon up until around The Debut, or right around there. After that, it's really different. I'm sorry if I don't mention the adults a whole lot but the first few story arcs involving them were a little boring, so I'm leaving them out for the most part. Also, you can consider anything that happened in canon true in my AU as long as it isn't explicitly contradicted in my stories. Please please please read and review!