Title: I've Loved You Forever

Rating: R

Disclaimer: I don't own the O.C. sniffle

Chapter Seven: Can't Get You Out of My Head

"So… as you know, it's only a few days before that wonderful time of year we all know as… Chrismukkah. And, ruining my festive celebration, one of happiness and joy and-"

"Seth, get to the point."

"Fine. Ruining my festive celebration is a Christmas party here. Tonight. Which is a load of crap, if I do say so myself," Seth stopped his speech by shoving a forkful of waffles into his mouth.

"Why is it a load of crap? I think it would be kind of fun, actually. We haven't had a party in months," Marissa said. Then her stomach sank as she remembered the last time they had had a party. Ryan looked at her and grasped her hand tighter underneath the table. Seth smirked at her.

"You see, Marissa, that is the main difference between me and you. Me: not so social. You: queen of social." Marissa smirked back at him and gently kicked his leg under the table.

"Ow!" he yelped.

"Oh, my God I didn't even kick you."

"I think you left a bruise."

Summer looked at Seth and sighed.

"What, she did." Seth said, his voice rising in pitch. She then turned her attention to Marissa, a panicked expression filling her tanned face.

"Coop, do you have a dress? It's a formal, right Cohen?" Seth nodded grimly, still rubbing his leg. Marissa's eyes widened.

"Oh, my God I don't. Don't tell me you don't either!" Marissa started shrieking. Summer and Marissa then simultaneously flew from their seats and ran out the door, leaving Ryan and Seth looking at each other in surprise.

"Oookay," said Seth. Ryan laughed lightly. Seth then looked at him from across the table.

"Sooo, what exactly happened between you and Marissa last night?" he asked, poking Ryan's left bicep. Ryan gave him one of his signature I'm-conveying-my-every-emotion-with-a-look looks.

"Oh, no, Mr. Atwood, don't think you're getting away with just a look this time. I want details."

Ryan looked at him and tried to change the subject.

"What's going on with Summer? I expected her to hate you."

"Yeah, me too, but I'll tell you about that later after you give poor Seth information."

Ryan rolled his eyes. Seth stuck out his bottom lip and opened his big brown eyes wider. Ryan sighed.

"Fine. Stop with the puppy eyes and shit." Seth smiled happily.

"It wasn't all that great…" Ryan started. Seth's eyes widened.

"What the hell do you mean 'it wasn't all that great'?"

Ryan rolled his eyes for the second time that morning. "I would think you would recognize sarcasm. Of course it was great. It was fucking amazing." Seth sighed with relief.

"I was about to say, I mean its Marissa Cooper we're talking about." Ryan leaned back and folded his arms across his chest.

"That's all you're gonna tell me? That it was fucking amazing?" Seth asked.

Ryan shrugged. "What else do you want me to say? I mean, you really don't wanna know all the inner workings of Marissa Cooper do you?"

Seth made a face and shook his head. "I'll leave that to Summer."