Disclaimer: Read Chapter 1

A/N: Don't know if anyone read this story but I finally decided to kick my own butt and just finish it up instead of leaving it all unresolved. I am sorry for the wait but at least I finished it…right? Enjoy!

Chapter 8

Seth walked out of the mall feeling like he was a man just freed from prison. He took a deep breath and inhaled the ocean air. The vision of his car in the distance beckoned to him like a mirage in the desert. He ran towards the car, his arms laden down with numerous bags from the evil empire known as Abercrombie & Fitch. As he reached the car he wrenched the trunk open and threw the bags in then sat down on the bumper to relax.

Summer watched this whole drama unfold in amusement. 'Who knew Cohen could be such a drama queen?'

Seth turned to find Summer strutting towards him with an incredulous expression. When she was in earshot he shrugged his shoulders. "Hey I'm a guy. I don't do shopping well."

"Whatever Cohen."

Seth smirked and stood up while clapping his hands together in excitement. "Now that that is over would you like to go grab some ice cream from the boardwalk?"

Summer stopped to consider the request and found herself really wanting to agree. The day had been surprisingly fun and the normally icy brunette found herself not ready to leave the company of the adorable dork. Summer put on an air of indifference and cocked her head to the side. "Sure."

Seth grinned broadly and held out his arm for Summer to take. "Let's go milady."

Summer fought to hide the grin that threatened to surface and instead slapped Seth lightly on the arm. "Stop the cheesiness Cohen or I'll rethink accepting your offer."

Seth blushed and looked at the ground. "Sorry." He mumbled out.

This time Summer couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. She found the boy absolutely endearing and couldn't help but be charmed. 'I did not just have mushy romantic feelings about Cohen.' Summer thought to herself in horror. She quickly disengaged herself from the boy and started walking quickly towards the boardwalk. "Come on Cohen, let's move it!"

Seth looked up in surprise and stood still watching the quickly departing figure. He shook his head in confusion and quickly tried to catch up to the enigmatic brunette.

They had been walking silently along the beach enjoying their ice cream as the sun set behind them. Seth stopped to observe the beautiful sight and sat down in the warm sand. He looked up at Summer and grinned while patting the sand next to him. Summer rolled her eyes but acquiesced and settled down onto the beach.

They both watched as the oranges and reds filled the sky and cast an eerie glow over the ocean. A breeze blew through the beach and Summer shivered. Seth noticed the movement and took off his long sleeve shirt and draped it over Summer's bare shoulders.

Summer jumped at the feeling of hands caressing her shoulders but relaxed when she realized that it had been Seth. She looked in shock at the sleeves now draped across her and looked over at the boy next to her who could only smile softly before turning back to the sunset. No guy had ever done anything like that for her. Granted, it was so cliché but she found herself looking in awe at the boy that she had never paid attention to before.

Summer was broken out of her thoughts when she felt Seth standing up beside her. "Come on Summer, it's getting late. I should be getting you home."

The brunette looked around her in surprise. The sun had set while she had been lost in thought and now the moon shone brightly in the night sky. Summer moved to stand up but halfway through she stumbled and started falling backwards.

Strong arms weaved around her waist and righted her before she fell back onto her butt. Summer gasped at the feeling and looked up to see Seth looking back at her intensely. She watched as his adam's apple bobbed in his throat as he gulped noticeably. Summer found herself getting lost in the boy's eyes and whispered breathlessly, "Seth? Did I ever properly thank you for saving my life?"

Seth's eyebrows knit together in confusion. "What are you talking about Summer? You never had to thank me."

Summer glanced away quickly but then stared back at Seth resolutely. "I do Seth because what you did was the most incredible thing anyone had ever done for me. Spending the day with you today has been so much fun and I have never felt happier or safer in my life. I…I guess what I'm trying to say is this." And with that she closed the small gap between them and softly kissed Seth.

When she pulled back Seth's eyes were closed and his face held an expression of rapture. He gulped again and slowly opened his eyes while a slow smile spread across his face. "I knew you would realize you wanted me."

Summer's eyes narrowed in mock anger and she quickly stepped back from Seth's arms. She huffed and started walking away from him while muttering; "I can't believe I actually like you now."

Two arms caught her by the waist and she was turned around to face Seth. He grinned, "So you like me, huh?"

His eyes twinkled in the night and Summer found herself blushing slightly. "Yes…" she grudgingly admitted.

"Well that's great because I know I love you." Summer couldn't help but smile at the infectious grin on the boy's face. "Now kiss me again woman."

Summer glared but started leaning in. "You're lucky you're cute." She whispered when they were a centimeter apart.

"I know." Seth said cheekily before they met in another kiss, this one more passionate than the first. They stayed like that for hours under the twinkling stars and when Summer finally returned home and prepared for bed she found herself falling asleep thinking about her hero.

The End

A/N: I know it's cheesy but you gotta give me a break. It was the best ending I could think up. Thanks again to all the people who had read this story and I hope I did the show justice.