A/N - Thanks for the reviews! I realize that I am struggling with capturing Ryan's true esscence, but it's very difficult, because he's such an enigma.he never really shows what he's feeling, but I don't perceive him to be as bad as he and everyone else wants to think he is, so I am writing him that way. If anyone has any suggestions on how to improve my portrayal of him, please feel free to let me know. Also, I am most comfortable writing dialogue, so most of the rest of the story isn't too great, but I don't like to write script-style fanfiction, it feels too empty to me. This is another short chapter, but it's pretty crucial..if you want me to continue, please read and review! Thanks! =)

Now, more than ever, Ryan was desperate to know what was going on with Marissa and Seth...aside from what he did know, that was. Obviously, from what he had observed, something was wrong, and Ryan had a feeling it had something to do with a certain peroxide pretty boy on a steroid trip. If it was about Luke, if he'd found out something, Ryan would have to protect Seth and Marissa, he was sure they couldn't do it themselves.

Ryan peeked up over the sill to make sure that Seth and Marissa no longer could see him, and stood up. He gave the room a quick once-over to be sure he hadn't disturbed anything. Then he hurried back downstairs in case Seth had headed back.

Dropping onto the couch and grabbing a game controller, Ryan began to idly press buttons in a random pattern. He heard the door open and slam close. Seth walked in, his manner completely altered from when he'd left no more than 30 minutes ago. He seemed to be in a sort of trancelike daze, his eyes glassy, and he appeared completely oblivious to Ryan's presence.

"Hey," Ryan called casually.
Seth jumped, startled. He stared blankly at Ryan for a moment, blinked rapidly, and snapped out of it.

"Oh, hey, man," he said, raising his eyebrows and shoving his hands deep into his pockets, in a forced effort to seem comfortable.

"Where's the food?" Ryan asked, innocently. Note to self, he thought - audition for Spielberg picture in the not-so-distant future.

Seth looked at him, temporarily frozen. Ryan felt mildly guilty. Why was he trying to trap the kid, anyway? He'd evidently just been through a crisis of unknown magnitude, and here Ryan was playing Encyclodpedia Brown.

"Oh, shoot, dude. I, uh, I.." Seth stammered, waving his hands around, as if he could grasp an excuse out of thin air.

"Hey, whatever, Seth," Ryan cut him off, unable to bear this pitiful attempt to lie. He was going to have to teach this boy a thing or two.

Seth sighed heavily, and seated himself on the bottom stair, putting his face in his hands. Ryan, in spite of himself, felt his heart pang. This guy was a sad sight. Like the Hunchback of Notre Dame or something. Ryan wanted to help him, really, he did, but he didn't have much experience in the consoling department. What the hell, he thought. I'll give it a shot. After all, he owed him his new life.

"Seth, are you all right, bro?" Ryan asked, tossing in the family adage in an attempt to make Seth feel more comfortable opening up to him.

No response.

Ryan swallowed hard and slowly approached the step. He tentatively seated himself beside Seth, who didn't react. Ryan cleared his throat uncomfortably, and in a last ditch effort, gingerly placed a hand on Seth's shoulder. Then Seth hit his feet and backed away from Ryan in a hurry. Ryan now sat on the step and Seth had backed against the wall across from the stairs, so the two faced each other. It was now that Ryan realized that Seth was crying.
"Seth," Ryan said seriously, stunned at the tears in his friend's eyes.

"Just.just leave me alone, Ryan," Seth said, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. He stalked forward and started up the stairs, but Ryan stood and caught his wrist.

"Is this about Marissa?" Ryan asked, squinting up at Seth.
Seth leaned against the wall in the stairway,tipping his head back and closing his eyes tightly, fighting with himself on whether he wanted to answer Ryan or not. He sniffled, and felt another shameful tear slide down his cheek. He nodded.

"Did you guys.have a fight?" Ryan ventured vigilantly.
"No," Seth said in a quavering voice.
"Does this involve Luke?" Ryan continued.
Seth opened his wet eyes and held them to Ryan's.
"This has nothing to do with Luke," he said somberly.

Ryan looked at Seth, urging his friend to confide in him. Seth caught the trust in his eyes and buckled under the stress of his predicament.
"Marissa's pregnant."

*Gasp! * ;) .. Congratulations, Susanna! You guessed it!