A/N: I wasn't sure if anyone would be interested in this sort of fic, so that's why this is so short. It's the prologue.

Ryan was busy glancing at Marissa while trying not to step on the toes of the girl who he'd been assigned to for the Debutante Ball. He was distracted when the girl, Anna Stern, suddenly spoke up.

"Wait. Are you the kid from Chino who steals cars and sets peoples' houses on fire?"

Ryan dropped his arms from around the blonde and glanced away.

"So you're saying I'm making my debut into society with Newport's most wanted." Anna continued.

Ryan looked back down at the small, pixie-like face. "Is that going to be a problem?" He asked with exasperation.

Anna smirked. "I can't wait."

Ryan looked down at the girl with raised eyebrows before almost – almost smiling and then focusing back on his feet as they returned to their dancing.

They were taking a quick break while the director discussed the placement of couples with Marissa.

"Here, think fast." Anna warned before tossing a bottle of cold water at Ryan's chest. He was startled out of staring at the lead debutante and barely managed to avoid dropping the beverage.

Anna stood next to him and calmly took a sip out of her own bottle. She cocked her head to the side and appeared to be studying the source of her date's attention.

"You know, I can understand why you'd be so hung up on Marissa Cooper." Anna declared softly. "I mean she's tall, thin, perfect hair, perfect face, perfect body, and she carries herself like a runway model. What's not to lust after, right?"

Ryan tore his eyes away from the object of Anna's musings and glanced down at his partner. He remained silent, waiting for Anna to get to the point of her comment. When she didn't continue, Ryan sighed.

"And you're point is?" He led.

Anna shrugged. "I used to have a poster a few years ago. It was a full picture of Tom Cruise without a shirt. You know, back in his 'Top Gun' days?"

Ryan stared down at the blonde in confusion of where she was going with this.

"I used to daydream about talking to him and having him smile at me the way he did Nicole Kidman." Anna continued as she took another sip of her water. "Then one day he had this interview where he spoke out about his beliefs and I realized he was just a person – a really messed up person – but just a person. He wasn't this untouchable object to be worshipped and adored. That was when I met my boyfriend at the time and I found out that someone to talk to, that I could be myself around and still not feel like I had to live up to something I'm not was better than any perfect image. Of course then the dick cheated on me, but I learned a lesson I'll never forget. If someone seems too good to be true; they usually are."

Ryan closed his eyes and then glanced back up at Marissa just in time to see her smile at him. He swallowed heavily and couldn't help but think about what Anna had said.

"But then what do I know?" Anna shrugged as she set aside her water and turned to face him so they could practice again. "I'm just from Pittsburg – which apparently is 'eww'."

Ryan looked down into those dark brown eyes and smiled shyly. "So is Chino."

Anna gave him a quirky grin and a wink. "Well! Then I'm in good company!" She declared before placing her hands in the proper places on Ryan. "Ready to get close and personal?"

Ryan found himself lost in those mischievous eyes. "Best offer I've had in a while." He smiled and pulled her into his arms, suddenly more comfortable with his partner than before.

Anna's whimsical laugh twinkled through the ballroom like magic. "Oh you have no idea!"

It was another two hours before the teens were dismissed. Ryan stood in front of Anna and took a deep breath. Anna's chocolate eyes stared up at him curiously. She didn't say anything she just waited for him to get his thoughts together. It made the quiet spoken boy even more interested.

"I was wondering if you had plans after this." He began.

Anna smiled "Why no, actually, I don't."

Ryan glanced down at his shoes and then back up. "Would you like to get something to eat with me? I mean, Seth will be with us too since he'll need a ride, but I would like to spend some more time with you. You know, since we're supposed to be each other's date and everything." He rambled.

Anna looked up at him sternly. "I thought you were into Marissa." She stated.

Ryan shrugged. "I'm trying to make a new life here. I don't want any trouble, and like you said; Marissa's trouble. I'd rather spend time with someone who I'd like to know better. Besides, I don't feel short around you." He grinned teasingly.

Anna's light chuckle sent shivers up Ryan's spine. "I'll tell you what, lose the excuse that it's for the ball and I'll go out with you, even if there's a third wheel involved. Maybe next time it could be a two-wheeler." She replied flirtatiously.

Ryan grinned and nodded. "Deal." He agreed.

Ryan and Anna crossed the room together and met up with Seth, who was standing near the doors alone. Seth exited the room first, and then Ryan held the doors open for Anna. Anna's smile made him hope they had a lot more doors to go through.

"Ryan!" A voice called from behind them.

The three teens turned to see Marissa hurrying to catch up with them. Anna's eyebrows rose when the other girl ignored her and smiled prettily at Ryan. Ryan swallowed and glanced down at his date.

"So I was just going to tell you guys about the cookout at Holly's house." Marissa declared.

Holly came up behind Marissa and gave her a hug. "Yeah! It's at my house tonight. We do it every year."

"You didn't do it last year." Seth pointed out.

"Yeah we did." Holly corrected him.

Anna and Ryan glanced at Seth sympathetically while Seth made a pained expression. "Ouch." He muttered.

"Are you sure that's such a great idea?" Ryan asked, glancing at Luke.

Marissa turned to look behind her and saw her boyfriend staring back at them. "Yeah, I do." She declared, turning back to face Ryan. "I mean, you live here now and there's no reason why we shouldn't all hang out."

The three teens watched as Marissa twirled around and walked bouncily towards her boyfriend. Anna whistled low and breathy.

"Ok, so Tom never actually stalked me." She conceded before sighing heavily and looking up at Ryan. "I'll understand if you want to cancel." Anna said reluctantly.

Ryan shook his head and offered the blonde girl his arm. "Why would I cancel when it took me three hours to work up the courage to ask you out in the first place? Besides, Tom also never got you in a fight." He pointed out.

Anna grinned and winked as she slid her arm into the crook of her elbow. "There is that." She admitted.

Seth glanced back and forth between the new girl and his best friend. A smile spread across his face as he walked out of the building with the new couple. Maybe Ryan could stay out of trouble after all.

TBC??