Bored, bored, bored.

It was Day 4 of the grounding and Seth was twiddling his thumbs. Literally. He was flopped on the bed, lying on his back, hands folded atop his stomach and thumbs twiddling away. Staring up at the ceiling, he realized part of the problem was his boring room, sterilized of all posters and memorabilia. Anything that would make it interesting. And as much as he loved his sole Death Cab CD, he was tired of that too. It looked lonely and ridiculous in his otherwise empty CD tower. But he'd promised his parents that he wouldn't complain and so far, he'd managed to keep his word.

He'd finished his homework already and had a short phone conversation with Summer. She was bogged down with homework and had a test tomorrow so they hadn't talked for long. Things were good with them but between detention, the grounding and only sharing a few classes, they hadn't been able to spend much time together. Perhaps that saying 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' would work in his favour. Provided he didn't run off on any unexpected trips, of course.

Since he had so much free time on his hands, he often thought about what had happened on Monday. It had been an amazing course of events throughout the day, ending with him down on one knee in Summer's bedroom. The act had been nothing but pure impulse. Though his brain had kept warning that revealing everything in his heart might not be the wisest move, he'd done it anyway. Risky, yes. But that seemed to be part of the new and improved Seth.

Something else had happened since that day. He'd regained a big block of memory. Strangely, it hadn't been individual moments, like being knocked off his skateboard and buying his first CD. It had been more like a wave washing over him, filling his memory reservoir up to a new level. The black hole of five years that he'd started out with had now shrunk down to about two years. He could remember how he'd spent the summer when he was fifteen. Mostly bumming around doing nothing productive. A few sailing lessons here and there. Nothing all that memorable, really. But he drew a blank at starting school that sophomore year. Nonetheless, it was progress that gave him and his parents hope that he would fully recover his memory. A couple of weeks ago, he wouldn't have been that optimistic. A lot could change in just a short period of time.

Man, this was pathetic. He never thought he'd miss TV and video games this much. Time for a change of scenery.

Padding downstairs, he'd just reached the bottom step when the doorbell rang. He swung open the front door to face a smiling Marissa.

"Hey," she greeted.

"Hey, come in. You know the way." He held out an arm, gesturing towards the back of the house.

"Actually, I came to see you," she informed him.

"Oh?" he said, with mild surprise.

"Yeah, um, I have some of your stuff."

Since he had no idea what she was talking about, he just looked at her blankly. She continued on. "I know that sounds weird but I can explain. Your mom and dad brought boxes of your stuff to my house a few months ago. They said you'd cleaned out your room and asked Caleb to keep it somewhere. He asked me to take care of it, so I did. And I wasn't supposed to mention it to you. Anyway, your dad called yesterday and kind of hinted that you might want the stuff back. If you don't, I'm supposed to donate it."

Seth didn't know whether to laugh or curse. On the one hand, it irked him that his parents hadn't taken him seriously when he'd told them to get rid of his things. But on the other hand, thank God they hadn't listened to him when he'd clearly been irrational and insane.

"You have it with you? In the car?" he asked.

"Yeah. So, I take it you want it all back?"

"Yes, I most definitely do. This may be proof pudding that my parents are wiser than the average parents should be. Don't ever tell them I said that."

Sandy and Kirsten were both still at work, so Seth didn't have to acknowledge their brilliance to them just yet. He seemed to recall there were quite a few boxes, so he went to the pool house to enlist Ryan's help. Between the three of them, it didn't take too long to transfer the load back into the Cohen household.

Seth stooped down to pick up a familiar CD from one of the boxes. "Ahhh, so I had this after all. Now I've got two of them." He held it out towards Marissa. "Here, you should have this. Discover the joys of Death Cab."

She grinned at him. "Thanks but I already have it."

Seth couldn't help it. His right eyebrow shot up as high as humanly possible. "You like Death Cab?"

"Yup. And Rooney, The Clash, Built to Spill…"

Huh. He never would have figured they liked the same music. The world was full of surprises.

She nodded towards Ryan. "But I'm sure Ryan would love his own copy. Wouldn't you?" she teased.

Ryan gave her his patented Atwood look. "Not really."

"Too bad, my man, because it's yours." Seth handed it over. Well, more like slapped it on Ryan's chest, giving him no choice but to reflexively grab onto it. "Expand your horizons."

"I have to get back," Marissa announced, giving Ryan a quick kiss. "Babysitting Caitlin tonight."

"Thanks for bringing this over," Seth said.

She shrugged, as if emphasizing that it wasn't a big deal. "No problem. But it's your parents you should thank. Not me."

"Yeah, well, if any of my Built to Spill CDs are missing, I'll know who to call."

After Marissa left, Ryan helped Seth lug the boxes up to his room. Seth could barely contain his excitement. "It's like Christmukkah, dude. This is so awesome." He knelt down on the floor and started digging through the first random box. With a sudden thought, he glanced up at Ryan. "Have I explained Christmukkah to you?"

"Yeah, I'm familiar with the term," Ryan assured him. "But this is just your old stuff, right? How is it so awesome?"

"I don't know. It's like discovering it for the first time, I guess," Seth said hesitantly, not sure how to explain it. He grabbed a handful of comics and started stacking them on the floor. "I was just really messed up back then. When I cleaned out my room. I hated everything. But I'm starting to get back in the groove now, you know?"

Ryan nodded. "That's good. I can't say I'm a fan of the music but you kind of got me started on the comic books. I've, uh, missed them."

Seth stared up at him. "Seriously? Which ones?"

"Legion mostly. That's pretty cool."

"Yes it is. Okay, so next Wednesday after school we'll go down to…oh crap." He made a face of disgust. "I forgot I'm grounded. How could I forget the fact that I've been bored out of my friggin skull?"

"Well, now you've got your stuff back," Ryan pointed out.

"True." Seth quickly flipped through the growing stack of comics and pulled out a few, holding them up. "Here, you can take these."

"Thanks. Hey, if you want, I can stop by the store next week and pick something up for you."

Though Seth's first impulse was to jump all over Ryan's offer, he found himself holding back a little. Was his brother just being polite or really meant it? "You don't have to do that. I'm sure you've got better things to do."

"I don't mind. I mean, it would be better with you there. Being the expert and all…" Ryan trailed off awkwardly before he got back on track. "But I don't mind," he repeated.

Though it was sometimes hard to read Ryan, Seth didn't sense anything but sincere vibes from him. He was a good guy. "Thanks. That would be great. I forgot how much it sucks to be grounded."

"I've never been grounded," Ryan commented softly, almost as if talking to himself.

Seth found that hard to believe. "Right. Because you were so angelic?"

Ryan exhaled a breath, shuffling his feet and looking oddly embarrassed. "My mom tried a couple of times but it never worked on me. I just pretty much came and went as I wanted. So she just gave up."

"You rebel, you," was the only comeback Seth could come up with. He belatedly realized this was the first time Ryan had ever mentioned his mother.

"Yeah, well…" Ryan smacked the end of the rolled up comics against the leg of his jeans. "I'll see you at dinner. I've still got some more homework to do."

"Why don't you stick around," Seth suggested impulsively. "Help me sort this stuff out. I was actually on my way down to talk to you anyway before Marissa showed up."

"Why?"

"'Cause I was bored."

"Oh."

After a moment's hesitation, Ryan sank down on the floor and started going through one of the boxes. He unrolled a couple of posters. "Are you gonna put these back up?" he asked.

Seth gave them a quick glance. "Uh, not sure yet. Maybe."

They worked in relative silence for the next while. The calm was occasionally interrupted by outbursts of delight as Seth discovered something interesting or Ryan asked him which pile a particular item should be placed in.

"So, have you remembered anything more?" Ryan asked.

Seth shook his head. "No. Maybe tenth grade was so traumatic, I just totally blocked it out." He gave Ryan a sidelong glance. Being grounded, he'd had a lot of time to think. Here was another prime example. Ryan was concerned about his well-being and thus inquired about his mental state. When was the last time Seth had asked how Ryan was doing? That would be…never. Not since he'd become amnesiac Seth, anyway. Sure, he'd resented the guy's presence initially. He'd been ensnared in the only-child syndrome of not having to share anything in his home, including his parents' attention. But Ryan had slowly won him over and now he couldn't imagine life any other way. So maybe it was about time he returned the brotherly favour and stopped being so selfish. A novel concept to be sure but he'd give it a go. "How have you been doing?" he asked.

Ryan didn't look up from the comic he was perusing. "Fine."

Seth folded his long legs into a more comfortable position and turned his attention away from the boxes. "No, I mean, really, how have you been doing?"

Ryan stared at him from beneath his bangs. "I'm fine." He sounded emphatic. A little brusque, even.

"Are you sure? Because we don't really talk. I mean, we talk, but we don't talk. And I think that's probably my fault because I tend to be all about me most of the time. Well, maybe all of the time. But I should make some time for you because you've had my back these past few months and I owe you."

"You don't owe me," Ryan muttered.

"But I do. You gave me space when I needed it. Taught me how to throw and duck a punch. Covered my ass with the folks. You've totally been there for me, man. And all without asking for anything in return. I think 'owe' is the wrong word, actually. I mean, I do owe you but it's more than that. I feel like I don't really know you. Sure, my parents gave me the rundown on how you came to live with us and how we were best buddies and I have gotten to know you better. But…I don't know. I guess I want to hear it from you. What was Chino like? What was, what's her name, Theresa like? Are you glad you came back to Newport? Do you miss your mom?"

At Ryan's narrowed gaze, Seth paused to take a breath. Perhaps he was coming on a little strong. The last thing he wanted to do was scare the poor guy away. He already looked like he was ready to bolt.

"I'm not much of a talker," Ryan said, stating the obvious.

"I've noticed. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. I talk way too much but you know, I think we've got a good balance going. Yin and yang. Batman and Robin. Burger and fries." He interlaced his fingers, just to emphasize his point. "We mesh, you and I. Don't you think?"

Ryan snorted with derision but a smile played around his lips. "You're saying we're like a burger and fries? That's kind of gross, Seth."

Seth waved a hand dismissively. "Not my finest example but you get my drift. So let's start with being back in Newport. Are you happy you came back?"

"Yeah, I am but look, you don't have to do this. I appreciate it. Really. But let's just leave it at being happy that I'm back."

Not a satisfactory conversation in Seth's book and he found it difficult to disguise his frustration. "That's it? That's all I get?"

"I've left Chino behind, including Theresa and my mom. I just don't see the point in dragging it all up again. It's ancient history. I'm trying to move on."

"Yeah, but…" Biting the inside of his lip, Seth didn't finish the thought. At least, not out loud. It might be ancient history but it was one he didn't really understand. But once again, he suddenly realized he was being selfish. Ryan obviously didn't want to talk about it and pushing the issue would only be for Seth's benefit.

"But what?"

"Nothing."

"You're upset now."

"No, Ryan, it's okay. I'm not upset. You don't want to talk and I shouldn't push you. I understand." Seth leaned over and lifted more items from the box beside him. It took him a few long seconds to notice that Ryan had moved to sit on the floor with his back against the bed, legs sprawled in front of him. "Taking a break?" he inquired.

"This is me, trying to be relaxed."

Seth lifted an eyebrow, not sure if this was Ryan's attempt at a joke. He said nothing and continued sorting into piles. After about half a minute, Ryan spoke again. "You're right. We should talk. I'm not being fair to you."

"Don't say that," Seth burst out, feeling a spark of annoyance that he knew was absolutely unfair. "For once, I'm trying to make this not about me and you're turning it back around so it is about me. You're ruining the moment, dude."

Ryan held up his hands in a clueless gesture. "What? You've lost me. You don't want to talk now?"

"I do. I always want to talk. But I only want you to talk if it's what you want. Not because you think it's what I want. I've lost you again, haven't I."

"No, actually, I know what you mean. And that kind of scares me."

Seth grinned. "Yin and yang, bro."

"So I want to talk. What is it you want to know first? What Chino is really like?"

Seth set aside his stuff, yet again. Ryan really was one of the most selfless guys he knew. It was obvious he was still doing this for Seth, not because he actually wanted to talk about life in Chino. "You know what? Instead of the past, let's talk about the future. What does Ryan Atwood want to do with his life?"

Looking bewildered with the sudden shift in topic, Ryan asked, "What about Chino?"

"Some other time. Tell you what. We'll start with me first. What does Seth Cohen want to do with his life? How about, he has absolutely no idea."

"Really? No idea?"

"Sad but true. Dad would love for me to be a lawyer. Mom would love for me to go into business. But me? I can't see myself being either."

"Well, what do you like?"

"Not a whole lot. Academically, I mean. I like History but what would I do with that?"

"You could be a teacher," Ryan supplied helpfully.

"And teach a bunch of know-it-all brats like me? I don't know. I like writing."

"Journalism major?"

"Or I could write the next great American novel. Whatever that means." Seth considered Ryan's idea. "Journalism," he repeated thoughtfully. "Guess I'd have to start reading the paper then, huh. But what am I saying? I hate the news. Too depressing."

Silence ticked by for several seconds. "You're a good artist," Ryan said at last.

"Have you ever heard the term 'starving artist'?" As the words left his mouth, Seth was treated to the Atwood look.

"I somehow doubt you would ever starve, Seth."

"Point taken."

"What about comic books?"

"What about them?"

"You like writing and drawing, right? You could develop your own comic."

Seth blinked as he mulled over that suggestion. He'd never thought of that before. Ryan made it sound so logical and easy. Nothing was ever that simple. But yeah, it was an interesting idea. "Not bad, man. You may have something there. So what about you?"

"I, uh, always wanted to be an architect," Ryan admitted.

"Yeah? That's cool. My mom would love that. Maybe you could work for the Newport Group."

"Maybe. I don't know." Ryan picked at his fingernails, looking anything but confident. "It's not something I thought…could really come true. Not back in Chino. But now I'm going to Harbor and so far this year, things are pretty good. Almost too good, you know? Like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop."

As Seth regarded Ryan, he recognized that what he was witnessing was pretty rare; the figure sitting across from him was actually revealing some insecurities. "Well, stop waiting because that other shoe isn't going to drop. It's staying where it should. On your foot. By the way, when did you get new shoes?" Seth found himself getting distracted by his own tangent and he had to find his train of thought again. "Anyway, give yourself a break. You deserve all the good stuff coming your way. Hell, you've earned it. You're busting your butt in school and frankly, you're making me look bad. But it'll pay off for you in the end."

"Hope you're right. Because Calculus is killing me right now. And that reminds me, I better get back to it."

Before Ryan could get up, Seth held out a hand, motioning for him to halt. "Hang on. What do you say to a quick game on the Playstation?"

"But it's off limits."

"We'll take some comics with us and keep the sound low. When we hear mom and dad come in, we'll just shut everything off and pretend to read. What do you think?"

"I don't know…"

But despite the hesitation, Seth could see that Ryan was tempted. "I know you want to," Seth said coaxingly. "You miss the Playstation. I know you haven't played since I got grounded which, by the way, is exceedingly considerate of you. So this is our chance, dude. A little Ninja action. Yin and yang. Bonnie and Clyde."

Ryan rolled his eyes as he stood up. "Which one of us is Bonnie? Because it isn't me."

Seth got to his feet too, shaking out his legs to get the blood flowing again. "Okay, we'll stick with Batman and Robin."

"I guess that's better than Abercrombie and Fitch."

Seth laughed, remembering to swipe a few comics from the pile on the floor. "Hey, that was actually funny. Nice one."

"Ben and Jerry."

"Okay, you can stop now."

"Bacon and eggs."

Seth headed out the door. Ran, actually. But Ryan was merciless, throwing out random pairings even as they flew down the stairs. "Fish and chips."

"You are so not funny now. I'm not listening," Seth exclaimed, even though he was struggling to keep his composure and not burst into a hysterical fit of laughter. Ryan was not supposed to be funny, just as the Kirsten could not be funny. Those were the rules.

"Mushroom leek crescent and crab and brie phyllo."

Seth couldn't help it. He laughed.

A/N: So, this chapter is dedicated to all who wanted more Seth/Ryan interaction. Hope you liked it.

To jadedstyle: You were seriously up until 4 a.m.? I worry for your health and sanity. But I think that may be a compliment, so thanks :-)

I am both pleased and sad to say this fic is rapidly coming to a close. It took a different turn than I'd first intended, thus it won't be as long as I'd first thought. One more chapter will probably do it, I think. As always, thanks for the reviews and sticking with me this far.