DISCLAIMER:Much to my distress, I don't own The O.C.

A/N: I know, I know, I'm terribly cruel to poor Seth. Let me reassure you from the get go, Seth will wake up and joy and happiness and sweet sappyness will abound. I promise. Oh, this is set post-"The Goodbye Girl" and pre-"The Ties That Bind".

Chapter 1: Anna/Introduction

"Ugh," Anna answered her ringing phone at 1 am. "I mean, uh, hello?"
"Anna? It's Ryan. Ryan Atwood. I'm Seth Cohen's-"
"Ryan," Anna cut him off tiredly. "I know who you are."
"Er, right. Of course you do. I mean, we're friends. We danced at Cotillion-"
"Ryan?" Anna interrupted again. "What's going on? Why are you calling me at... 1:27 am?"
"1:27? It's only...Oh. Right. Time difference."
"Yeah," Anna sat up. "So what's up? What's happening out there?" She could hear Ryan's sigh, and imagine his shoulders slumping in defeat.
"Anna, something happened to Seth. He's in a coma."
"What?" Anna was momentarily stunned.
"It's a mess. Sandy and Kirsten are just... and Summer. She isn't dealing at all... Anyway, I just thought you might want to know about Seth."
"Yeah." Anna flipped on her bedside light and climbed out of bed. "I'm glad you called. Can you tell me what happened?" Anna asked, pulling luggage out of her closet.
"Seth's a dumb ass," Ryan's tone rang harshly in her ear.
"I know," Anna replied lightly, stuffing clothes and CD's into her bags, "but why is he in a coma?"
"He fell in the shower. Knocked himself out."
"You're kidding me. Seriously?" Anna zipped a bag shut and rushed into the bathroom for toiletries.
"Told you he's a dumb ass."
"Yes you did. Listen Ryan, I'm coming out there," Anna informed her friend as she selected essential cosmetics.
"Anna it's not necessary. It's-"
"Final, Ryan. You said it yourself, the Cohen's are freaked out, Summer is having issues, not to mention you. My parents are always bugging me to visit, it'll be fine," Anna assured.
"What do you mean "not to mention you"? I'm fine. Don't I sound fine?" To Anna he sounded more manic than moderate.
"You're babbling Ryan. I still know you well enough to know that you aren't a babbler," Anna sighed. "Besides, you've probably been to busy taking care of everyone else to take care of yourself . Out of curiosity, when was the last time you ate?"
"You're coming?" Anna could have sworn Ryan sounded relieved. "Thank god you're coming."