~Atonement-3~
"You did WHAT with him!?"
"Seth, lower your voice. We went to dinner and then to the beach. No big deal. He was a perfect gentleman." Anna looked around to see if his yelling had attracted an audience. It had, but school was over and everyone kept moving down the hall on their way out. She probably should have waited until they got outside to mention it to Seth.
"No big deal? Did you really just say "No Big Deal?" Seth's face could only be described as a cross between exceedingly bewildered and extraordinarily pissed off.
Anna planted her hands on her hips and was instantly all attitude. "What about it? Do I need to remind you that YOU told me it was ok to go with him?"
"Well no, but for a ride home! This sounds more like a - a date!"
Anna narrowed her eyes and lowered her voice. "What if it was? It's none of your business anyway! You chose Summer, remember?"
Seth dropped his head back, rolling his eyes in frustration. "Yes, I DO remember. WITHOUT you bringing it up. This ISN'T jealousy, Anna."
Summer joined them, curious. "Hey guys. What's going on?"
They turned to her and both began chattering at once, Seth's hands flailing around and Anna alternating between hands on hips and pointing a finger at Seth. Summer's eyes widened and she took a step back, lifting her hands defensively in front of her. "Whoa, whoa, WHOA people!" They both continued arguing their points animatedly. Summer rolled her eyes. "HEY! I'm TALKING here!" That drew their attention and both stopped mid-sentence. "Ok then. That's better. Obviously, there's a problem. You want my help?" They nodded. "Fine. But no whining or interrupting. Anna. You first. Out with it." Seth started to complain and Summer raised a palm to him, instantly silencing him. He crossed his arms and glared at her. "Anna?"
"Luke offered me a ride and Seth TOLD me it was ok to go with him. Now he's mad because we went out for dinner and to the beach before he took me home."
Summer had one eye narrowed and was shaking her head, confused. "Luke, huh? Why would you need Seth's permission anyway?"
"I didn't ask for his permission. I didn't ask anything! I hadn't met Luke before and all I'd ever heard about him from Seth was less than wonderful. But when I came across them last night they were talking like buddies and laughing. I figured they'd made up. I just wanted Seth's opinion, not permission. And he said it was ok to go, if I wanted to."
Summer nodded. "Got it." She turned to Seth, incredulous. "You and Luke made up? That's just -"
Seth cut in. "No. We did not "make up". Incidentally, "make up" is something girls plaster on their faces for no real reason known to guys, NOT something two people do after fighting. That would be "reconcile". And that didn't happen either. He simply relayed a message from Ryan; then we made mostly uncomfortable small talk because he was acting completely non- Luke-ish and I didn't know what else to do. He expressed an interest in Anna when he saw her, so I introduced them. They took it from there."
Anna began to argue and Summer repeated her cop routine. Anna fell silent. Summer turned back to Seth. "So what are you leaving out, Cohen?"
Seth made a sound of disgust and shook his head. "So I was swayed momentarily by his obvious effort to leave his quadruped era behind and become human. Big deal. And ok, I DID say "Anna, you go ahead if you want to", but I was talking about a simple ride home, NOT having dinner and taking a romantic stroll along a moonlit beach with him! While he was decidedly civil, one could even call it "nice" last night, that doesn't mean I think he can be trusted or considered as date material!"
Summer nodded at him and pursed her lips in thought. "Ok." She went back to Anna. "Did Luke do anything that scared you or made you uncomfortable at any time last night?"
Anna shook her head vigorously. "No! He was kind of shy and nervous and really sweet. We just had dinner, then went to the beach and walked. He never touched me, other than to get me into his truck." At their twin looks of confusion, she went on, somewhat embarrassed. "The truck is big. The seat is high. Mini-skirt?" Summer and Seth nodded in unison with an "Of course" and an "Ahhh" said simultaneously as her meaning hit home.
Summer pondered a moment. "Anna got shy, nervous, and sweet, with no touching. Seth got un-Luke-like behavior and conversation with no insults or combat. This is not the Luke I've known all my life. Anna, who asked who to dinner and the beach?"
"I asked him to dinner, he asked me to the beach." She gave Seth a look of exasperation as his eyes bugged out and jaw dropped in disbelief.
"You - you asked him-?"
Summer cut him off with a glance of steel. It was different from her death- glare. She'd perfected it after spending so much time around Ryan. "Shut it, Cohen. This is my show." Seth went back to sulking and Summer leaned against a locker. She thought for a minute, then straightened up. "Ok, here's my verdict for each of you. Anna. You have to admit it's sweet that Seth is so concerned about you and worried about Luke. You do know he has every reason in the world to not trust the guy, since he's made Seth's life hell for like, ever. Seth is just looking out for you because he cares."
Anna dropped her head, then looked up at Seth. "I know. Thanks, Seth."
He nodded and Summer continued. "Seth. We understand your reasons for not wanting Anna with Luke, but so far he's been an entirely different person with her. If she likes him, she should be able to do whatever she wants with him. Your little attempt at parenting her today will remind her to be on guard for the old Luke and to take things slowly."
Seth shook his head and fell back against a locker dramatically, signaling another protest, so Summer moved in quickly for a kiss to shut him up. She hugged him and stepped back, enjoying the suddenly confused look on his face. "Everyone deserves a second chance, even Luke. I've given YOU two now, remember? C'mon baby, I know your heart's big enough to deal with this."
Anna mirrored the beseeching puppy look Summer was working him with. "I'll be careful, I promise. Seth, last night I met a guy that wants to change. I think he can do it if he has a friend or two to help him."
Seth looked from the blonde back to the brunette a few times and sighed in resignation. He already knew the only reply that would maintain order in his harmonious universe. It was also quite clear that he was one whipped boyfriend and friend to these two. Just this time, though. Riiiiight. And maybe Luke really was trying to change. Yeesh. "Ok. I'll stay out of it. But no fair with the double puppy-eyes routine. You both are well aware I'm a marshmallow with that one and yet you used it anyway. You're evil, both of you."
Summer and Anna grinned at each other in victory. Summer took charge again. "Awesome! Let's go home now. Ok, hug and make up! No wait, hug and reconcile!"
Seth and Anna hugged, then Anna and Summer hugged, then Anna waved and took off down the hall. "Thanks, guys."
Seth leaned back against the locker again and crossed his arms in front. He cocked his head to one side and narrowed his eyes. "Come here, evil traitorous girlfriend."
All signs pointed to Angry Seth. Summer looked him over appraisingly. "Oh yeah. Uh huh. That is one smokin' look for you. I like the attitude and uh, those eyes? Whew! Like, smoldering." She fanned herself.
Seth's expression didn't change. "Nice try. Get over here." His voice was flat.
"But you said you wanted my help! That's all I did!" She was beginning to think he was serious. God. Boys.
"You didn't help me. Move. Now." He curtly pointed to her, then to a spot directly in front of him. He returned to the folded arms position.
Summer's bottom lip stuck out as she shuffled toward him. "It wasn't personal, Seth! I thought it was the right thing for the situation!" She stopped in front of him and raised her eyes to his. "Am I in trouble?"
"Oh Summer, you have no idea how much trouble you're in." His face was grave, and his voice was low.
"But -"
Large hands slid around cashmere clad shoulders and he roughly pulled her up against his body, kissing her fiercely while his fingers traveled, tangling in her hair, then slid down her back and further to pull her hips into his. She sucked in a sharp breath and collapsed into him. He slid away from her with a huge grin.
She glared at him and collected herself, finally managing to speak. "Whoa, Cohen, where did THAT come from?"
Seth was almost bouncing with glee. "You bought it! The whole thing! You really thought I was mad at you!"
Summer rolled her eyes at him and feigned boredom. "Whatever. I knew you were playing."
Seth began strutting in a circle around her, adding a dance move here and there. "I've got the power", he sang in falsetto, and she watched with one hand on her hip, eyes in a permanent roll; trying desperately not to giggle at his antics. She finally had to laugh and he stopped, putting his arm around her.
"It was goooood, wasn't it? You thought I was pissed off, didn't you? You did, didn't you? Yeah. I'm good." He nodded repeatedly and she kissed him on the cheek.
"You want to know what was good, Cohen?" She fanned herself. "That kiss. Oh. My God. YOU may be in trouble when we get home. Don't forget how to do that. Write it down or something."
"Really?" It was more of a statement than a question. "Wait wait, I'm kind of hung up on the me being in trouble part. What, exactly, would your definition of trouble be in this case. Hmmmm?" He raised his eyebrows suggestively at her.
She walked away from him, looking back over shoulder. "Why don't you take me home and you might find out."
He followed at a dead run, slowing down to collect her, putting a hand to her back and pushing her along. "C'mon, woman. You're too slow. We've got places to be and uh - things to do. Move it along."
She deliberately slowed down. "Maybe you should carry me. I'm feeling a little weak in the knees right now." She faked a pitiful look and Seth groaned.
"All right all right, already." He crouched down with his back to her and she grinned as she hopped on piggyback. He kept grumbling. "That's twice today I've knowingly fallen for a clichéd female ploy to get their own way." He jogged down the hall toward the doors to the quad.
"That's why you're such a good boyfriend, honey. And I don't ALWAYS get my way."
"True on both counts. I am a FANTASTIC boyfriend that has been known to give you the occasional smackdown." He stopped for a moment to catch his breath just outside the doors, and Summer slapped his butt. "Giddyup, horsie!"
"Oh, THAT is gonna cost you, Miss Roberts." He started jogging toward the parking lot.
She giggled from her perch on his back. "I can't wait!"
****
Anna had met Luke in the parking lot, and they were still talking. Luke looked up over her shoulder and his eyes widened as he broke into a grin. "What the hell is that about?"
Anna turned slightly to see Seth carrying Summer piggyback, both of them giggling like 5 year olds as they made their way toward the parking lot. She smiled thoughtfully. "He really did make the right choice."
"Choice?" Luke had seen the wistful look on her face as she caught their act. "What's that mean?"
"Just look at them. They're so happy together."
He was still not getting it She looked at him questioningly. "You didn't hear about the triangle?"
"There was a triangle?" He had no idea what she was talking about.
"Yeah. I dated Seth for a little while too. It wasn't working, so we forced him to make a choice."
"Seth Cohen?" She nodded. Luke couldn't believe it. "This is a whole new world, isn't it? You and Summer at the same time." She nodded again. He thought back to Anna's expression when she'd first seen them. "But you guys all hang out. Isn't that a little weird? For you especially, I mean?" Maybe this was none of his business, but had to ask.
"It was at first, but it's not now. They were the first, really only friends I made here, and they went out of their way to still include me after that all happened. We're all friends." She smiled at him, as if to prove her point. "Really."
"You are one unusual girl, Stern." Not like the snobby princesses around here. "So did Cohen give you a hard time about last night? How pissed off is he?" Luke was worried that he'd caused problems between them.
She shook her head. "He's not mad. Not anymore. Everything's fine."
"Cool. Now I can ask you if you need a ride home."
She gave him a cocky look. "I was counting on it."
"Well then, get in the truck, girl!" He started around to his side, then stopped when she cleared her throat. "Oh, yeah. What are you wearing?"
"It would be a skirt, Luke." She pointed out dryly. "Maybe you could install a rope ladder for the vertically challenged, like myself."
He came around the front of the truck, pretending to be exasperated. "Well, maybe you could just wear pants."
She locked a hand onto her hip. "Maybe I like this part."
He scooped her up, still not smiling. "Well, maybe I do too."
He deposited her in the seat and they locked eyes, smiling at each other.
Anna sat back, still watching him. "Then it's settled."
Luke took a glance down her legs, then back to her face. "Skirts are good."
She blushed and he shut her door, smiling. Maybe Cohen deserved a six-pack, comic books, AND tickets to "Return of the King". He'd work on that tomorrow.
****
"You did WHAT with him!?"
"Seth, lower your voice. We went to dinner and then to the beach. No big deal. He was a perfect gentleman." Anna looked around to see if his yelling had attracted an audience. It had, but school was over and everyone kept moving down the hall on their way out. She probably should have waited until they got outside to mention it to Seth.
"No big deal? Did you really just say "No Big Deal?" Seth's face could only be described as a cross between exceedingly bewildered and extraordinarily pissed off.
Anna planted her hands on her hips and was instantly all attitude. "What about it? Do I need to remind you that YOU told me it was ok to go with him?"
"Well no, but for a ride home! This sounds more like a - a date!"
Anna narrowed her eyes and lowered her voice. "What if it was? It's none of your business anyway! You chose Summer, remember?"
Seth dropped his head back, rolling his eyes in frustration. "Yes, I DO remember. WITHOUT you bringing it up. This ISN'T jealousy, Anna."
Summer joined them, curious. "Hey guys. What's going on?"
They turned to her and both began chattering at once, Seth's hands flailing around and Anna alternating between hands on hips and pointing a finger at Seth. Summer's eyes widened and she took a step back, lifting her hands defensively in front of her. "Whoa, whoa, WHOA people!" They both continued arguing their points animatedly. Summer rolled her eyes. "HEY! I'm TALKING here!" That drew their attention and both stopped mid-sentence. "Ok then. That's better. Obviously, there's a problem. You want my help?" They nodded. "Fine. But no whining or interrupting. Anna. You first. Out with it." Seth started to complain and Summer raised a palm to him, instantly silencing him. He crossed his arms and glared at her. "Anna?"
"Luke offered me a ride and Seth TOLD me it was ok to go with him. Now he's mad because we went out for dinner and to the beach before he took me home."
Summer had one eye narrowed and was shaking her head, confused. "Luke, huh? Why would you need Seth's permission anyway?"
"I didn't ask for his permission. I didn't ask anything! I hadn't met Luke before and all I'd ever heard about him from Seth was less than wonderful. But when I came across them last night they were talking like buddies and laughing. I figured they'd made up. I just wanted Seth's opinion, not permission. And he said it was ok to go, if I wanted to."
Summer nodded. "Got it." She turned to Seth, incredulous. "You and Luke made up? That's just -"
Seth cut in. "No. We did not "make up". Incidentally, "make up" is something girls plaster on their faces for no real reason known to guys, NOT something two people do after fighting. That would be "reconcile". And that didn't happen either. He simply relayed a message from Ryan; then we made mostly uncomfortable small talk because he was acting completely non- Luke-ish and I didn't know what else to do. He expressed an interest in Anna when he saw her, so I introduced them. They took it from there."
Anna began to argue and Summer repeated her cop routine. Anna fell silent. Summer turned back to Seth. "So what are you leaving out, Cohen?"
Seth made a sound of disgust and shook his head. "So I was swayed momentarily by his obvious effort to leave his quadruped era behind and become human. Big deal. And ok, I DID say "Anna, you go ahead if you want to", but I was talking about a simple ride home, NOT having dinner and taking a romantic stroll along a moonlit beach with him! While he was decidedly civil, one could even call it "nice" last night, that doesn't mean I think he can be trusted or considered as date material!"
Summer nodded at him and pursed her lips in thought. "Ok." She went back to Anna. "Did Luke do anything that scared you or made you uncomfortable at any time last night?"
Anna shook her head vigorously. "No! He was kind of shy and nervous and really sweet. We just had dinner, then went to the beach and walked. He never touched me, other than to get me into his truck." At their twin looks of confusion, she went on, somewhat embarrassed. "The truck is big. The seat is high. Mini-skirt?" Summer and Seth nodded in unison with an "Of course" and an "Ahhh" said simultaneously as her meaning hit home.
Summer pondered a moment. "Anna got shy, nervous, and sweet, with no touching. Seth got un-Luke-like behavior and conversation with no insults or combat. This is not the Luke I've known all my life. Anna, who asked who to dinner and the beach?"
"I asked him to dinner, he asked me to the beach." She gave Seth a look of exasperation as his eyes bugged out and jaw dropped in disbelief.
"You - you asked him-?"
Summer cut him off with a glance of steel. It was different from her death- glare. She'd perfected it after spending so much time around Ryan. "Shut it, Cohen. This is my show." Seth went back to sulking and Summer leaned against a locker. She thought for a minute, then straightened up. "Ok, here's my verdict for each of you. Anna. You have to admit it's sweet that Seth is so concerned about you and worried about Luke. You do know he has every reason in the world to not trust the guy, since he's made Seth's life hell for like, ever. Seth is just looking out for you because he cares."
Anna dropped her head, then looked up at Seth. "I know. Thanks, Seth."
He nodded and Summer continued. "Seth. We understand your reasons for not wanting Anna with Luke, but so far he's been an entirely different person with her. If she likes him, she should be able to do whatever she wants with him. Your little attempt at parenting her today will remind her to be on guard for the old Luke and to take things slowly."
Seth shook his head and fell back against a locker dramatically, signaling another protest, so Summer moved in quickly for a kiss to shut him up. She hugged him and stepped back, enjoying the suddenly confused look on his face. "Everyone deserves a second chance, even Luke. I've given YOU two now, remember? C'mon baby, I know your heart's big enough to deal with this."
Anna mirrored the beseeching puppy look Summer was working him with. "I'll be careful, I promise. Seth, last night I met a guy that wants to change. I think he can do it if he has a friend or two to help him."
Seth looked from the blonde back to the brunette a few times and sighed in resignation. He already knew the only reply that would maintain order in his harmonious universe. It was also quite clear that he was one whipped boyfriend and friend to these two. Just this time, though. Riiiiight. And maybe Luke really was trying to change. Yeesh. "Ok. I'll stay out of it. But no fair with the double puppy-eyes routine. You both are well aware I'm a marshmallow with that one and yet you used it anyway. You're evil, both of you."
Summer and Anna grinned at each other in victory. Summer took charge again. "Awesome! Let's go home now. Ok, hug and make up! No wait, hug and reconcile!"
Seth and Anna hugged, then Anna and Summer hugged, then Anna waved and took off down the hall. "Thanks, guys."
Seth leaned back against the locker again and crossed his arms in front. He cocked his head to one side and narrowed his eyes. "Come here, evil traitorous girlfriend."
All signs pointed to Angry Seth. Summer looked him over appraisingly. "Oh yeah. Uh huh. That is one smokin' look for you. I like the attitude and uh, those eyes? Whew! Like, smoldering." She fanned herself.
Seth's expression didn't change. "Nice try. Get over here." His voice was flat.
"But you said you wanted my help! That's all I did!" She was beginning to think he was serious. God. Boys.
"You didn't help me. Move. Now." He curtly pointed to her, then to a spot directly in front of him. He returned to the folded arms position.
Summer's bottom lip stuck out as she shuffled toward him. "It wasn't personal, Seth! I thought it was the right thing for the situation!" She stopped in front of him and raised her eyes to his. "Am I in trouble?"
"Oh Summer, you have no idea how much trouble you're in." His face was grave, and his voice was low.
"But -"
Large hands slid around cashmere clad shoulders and he roughly pulled her up against his body, kissing her fiercely while his fingers traveled, tangling in her hair, then slid down her back and further to pull her hips into his. She sucked in a sharp breath and collapsed into him. He slid away from her with a huge grin.
She glared at him and collected herself, finally managing to speak. "Whoa, Cohen, where did THAT come from?"
Seth was almost bouncing with glee. "You bought it! The whole thing! You really thought I was mad at you!"
Summer rolled her eyes at him and feigned boredom. "Whatever. I knew you were playing."
Seth began strutting in a circle around her, adding a dance move here and there. "I've got the power", he sang in falsetto, and she watched with one hand on her hip, eyes in a permanent roll; trying desperately not to giggle at his antics. She finally had to laugh and he stopped, putting his arm around her.
"It was goooood, wasn't it? You thought I was pissed off, didn't you? You did, didn't you? Yeah. I'm good." He nodded repeatedly and she kissed him on the cheek.
"You want to know what was good, Cohen?" She fanned herself. "That kiss. Oh. My God. YOU may be in trouble when we get home. Don't forget how to do that. Write it down or something."
"Really?" It was more of a statement than a question. "Wait wait, I'm kind of hung up on the me being in trouble part. What, exactly, would your definition of trouble be in this case. Hmmmm?" He raised his eyebrows suggestively at her.
She walked away from him, looking back over shoulder. "Why don't you take me home and you might find out."
He followed at a dead run, slowing down to collect her, putting a hand to her back and pushing her along. "C'mon, woman. You're too slow. We've got places to be and uh - things to do. Move it along."
She deliberately slowed down. "Maybe you should carry me. I'm feeling a little weak in the knees right now." She faked a pitiful look and Seth groaned.
"All right all right, already." He crouched down with his back to her and she grinned as she hopped on piggyback. He kept grumbling. "That's twice today I've knowingly fallen for a clichéd female ploy to get their own way." He jogged down the hall toward the doors to the quad.
"That's why you're such a good boyfriend, honey. And I don't ALWAYS get my way."
"True on both counts. I am a FANTASTIC boyfriend that has been known to give you the occasional smackdown." He stopped for a moment to catch his breath just outside the doors, and Summer slapped his butt. "Giddyup, horsie!"
"Oh, THAT is gonna cost you, Miss Roberts." He started jogging toward the parking lot.
She giggled from her perch on his back. "I can't wait!"
****
Anna had met Luke in the parking lot, and they were still talking. Luke looked up over her shoulder and his eyes widened as he broke into a grin. "What the hell is that about?"
Anna turned slightly to see Seth carrying Summer piggyback, both of them giggling like 5 year olds as they made their way toward the parking lot. She smiled thoughtfully. "He really did make the right choice."
"Choice?" Luke had seen the wistful look on her face as she caught their act. "What's that mean?"
"Just look at them. They're so happy together."
He was still not getting it She looked at him questioningly. "You didn't hear about the triangle?"
"There was a triangle?" He had no idea what she was talking about.
"Yeah. I dated Seth for a little while too. It wasn't working, so we forced him to make a choice."
"Seth Cohen?" She nodded. Luke couldn't believe it. "This is a whole new world, isn't it? You and Summer at the same time." She nodded again. He thought back to Anna's expression when she'd first seen them. "But you guys all hang out. Isn't that a little weird? For you especially, I mean?" Maybe this was none of his business, but had to ask.
"It was at first, but it's not now. They were the first, really only friends I made here, and they went out of their way to still include me after that all happened. We're all friends." She smiled at him, as if to prove her point. "Really."
"You are one unusual girl, Stern." Not like the snobby princesses around here. "So did Cohen give you a hard time about last night? How pissed off is he?" Luke was worried that he'd caused problems between them.
She shook her head. "He's not mad. Not anymore. Everything's fine."
"Cool. Now I can ask you if you need a ride home."
She gave him a cocky look. "I was counting on it."
"Well then, get in the truck, girl!" He started around to his side, then stopped when she cleared her throat. "Oh, yeah. What are you wearing?"
"It would be a skirt, Luke." She pointed out dryly. "Maybe you could install a rope ladder for the vertically challenged, like myself."
He came around the front of the truck, pretending to be exasperated. "Well, maybe you could just wear pants."
She locked a hand onto her hip. "Maybe I like this part."
He scooped her up, still not smiling. "Well, maybe I do too."
He deposited her in the seat and they locked eyes, smiling at each other.
Anna sat back, still watching him. "Then it's settled."
Luke took a glance down her legs, then back to her face. "Skirts are good."
She blushed and he shut her door, smiling. Maybe Cohen deserved a six-pack, comic books, AND tickets to "Return of the King". He'd work on that tomorrow.
****