Disclaimer : It would be awesome to own The O.C. I can only imagine. So, ask Josh Schwartz – he's the creator of The O.C.

Chapter 9 – Denial Is Hard

The four of them returned to the house.

"Back to the pool-house?" asked Ryan and Marissa nodded as they went out. Summer and Seth looked at each other.

"I guess I was right when I said you'll be alone with me." Seth grinned.

"Gee... don't be so devastated." Summer replied heading to the stairs.

"Summer, you wanna go upstairs so soon? No cuddling on the couch, no massaging..."

"Been there, done that. It wasn't something you should be proud about."

"If you're talking about that little massage fiasco in the beginning of our hot relationship, well, there truly is nothing to talk about." He nodded.

"Glad you agree." She said turning and going upstairs.

"So, my room?"

She glared at him.

"No, my room, Princess Sparkle and me. No Cohen in the picture."

"Ok." He shrugged and looked at her leaving.

Summer entered the guest room – her and Marissa's room for this weekend. She knew that Marissa won't spend much time in it. The pool-house will be her territory instead. Summer didn't mind. Well, not really. Although she didn't like to sleep alone. Especially in the Cohen Mansion. Seth was always beside her in this house. And it felt really good. Summer sighed and took Princess Sparkle.

"What am I going to do Princess? I admit. I'm still in love with him. And it's so good to be back here and to be able to say it. I love him. I managed to say that out loud. Wait, why am I so happy? It's not a good thing. And don't look at me like that, I won't say it is, I won't admit it. To you or to anyone else. And especially not to myself. I can't. He hurt me too much. And I know that he wants me back, but he has to see how much he hurt me, he has to know that he can't have me whenever he wants to and then dump me whenever it gets hard." She sighed slightly and paused. "He is adorable, though. And I don't know how I'll manage to go through this weekend with him by my side. I just hope that I'll not give in." she stared at Princess Sparkle, but her thoughts flew away. She didn't notice Seth entering the room and jumped when he started to talk.

"Talking to yourself Summer? I didn't know I influenced so bad." He raised his eyebrows. She pointed at Princess Sparkle. "Aww... Princess Sparkle... haven't seen you there. It's been a long time." Then looked at Summer again "Still, my bad influence..."

Summer laughed, came closer to him and hugged him. Seth was startled. When she stepped back he asked:

"What was that?"

"You're an idiot, Cohen." She laughed again.

"I know that. Just don't start crying, ok?"

"I won't. I promise." She looked at him smiling and leaving Princess Sparkle down she added "Let's go downstairs, I'm a little bit hungry." And they left the room.

Marissa and Ryan were in the kitchen when Summer and Seth came in.

"Hey." Marissa said.

"Hey love birds." Summer answered. She went to open the fridge and took Mountain Dew for her and Seth. He rolled his eyes at Ryan.

"I think you're not so far from us." Ryan said.

"That's not true." Summer complained.

"We're just friends." Seth added.

"Besides, even when we dated we weren't like you." Summer finished.

"Who are you kidding?" Marissa laughed and Seth and Summer blushed.

"So, friends?" Ryan glanced at them with a small smile.

"Exactly my dear Ryan." Seth nodded "And we're very happy with that. Aren't we Summer?"

"Absolutely." Summer confirmed and came closer to Seth who put his arm around her.

That feels fine Cohen.

"Awww..." said Marissa and exchanged looks with Ryan.

"Ok, enough, I'm gonna order some food." Seth said and taking the phone and releasing Summer.

"And I'm gonna set the table." She said heading to the dining-room.

"I'll help you." Marissa said following her, leaving Ryan with Seth.

"I see you managed to be friends." Ryan teased.

"It's not so hard afterall. If you forget the fact that every time I'm around her I want to grab her and kiss her." Seth sighed.

"Dude, I know it's hard." Ryan smiled.

"Yeah, but I have to do it. For her. She can't forgive me and she can't trust me. Yet. I have to take it slow."

"I know."

"Friends ha?" Marissa smiled.

"Yep." Summer answered not looking at her friend.

"Aha?"

"Aha."

"Well, it's good. I guess."

"Yeah, it's great. If you don't pay attention to the fact that I barely control myself every time I'm with him."

"Sum, I really don't understand why are you torturing yourself. He loves you, everyone can see it."

"I just don't want him. Yet. He can't treat me like he used to Coop. Not anymore. And he has to know it. Maybe some day..."

"Yeah? Well, I'm looking forward to it."

"Me too." Summer sighed and continued setting the table.

After they ate Marissa and Ryan went to – guess where – the pool-house. Summer and Seth were sitting on the couch in the living room.

"Let's watch some movie!" Summer suggested giving Seth the puppy-look.

"Hey, that look belongs to me."

"It's not like you bought it or anything."

"Yeah, but it's part of my charm."

"You mean like your jew-fro or your... what was it... oh, yeah - irresistible sexy body?" Summer laughed raising her eyebrow.

"Finally, you admit it." Seth grinned.

"Never."

"Oh, yes you do."

"Whatev Cohen. You wish."

"You know me too well."

"Of course. Now, I pick the movie, right?"

"You tell me."

"I do, I do. You can't say no to me."

"Am I that obvious?"

"Yep." She nodded and he pretended to frown. "Awww... Cohen, you loooooove that. Just admit it."

He hesitated.

"N-n-no?... Ok, ok, yes I do. God, it's really hard to deny that." He moved his hand over his forehead pretending to brush his sweat.

"You're still sweating around me Cohen?"

"And I always will. Sadly, right?"

"No, it's sweet." She softened.

"It is?" his eyes widened "It is. Ok, so, what are we watching again?"

"Dunno. Maybe you should pick."

"What was that? Did I hear you well? Summer Roberts has just told me, Seth Cohen, to pick the movie? Good Lord, what have I done to deserve this?" He stood up quickly "I'll be right back. I have to tell this to Ryan and Marissa."

"Stop fooling around Cohen or I'll change my mind." Summer laughed pulling him back on the couch.

"Your wish is my command." Seth stood up again to pick the movie. "I guess you'll be ok with 'Lord of The Rings'?" he glanced at her over his shoulder with a DVD in his hand.

"Yeah, sure." She answered trying to stay calm. I love it!

"That's all you say? Sure? If you haven't noticed, there are some hot guys in it Sum." He teased.

"Really? Like who?"

"Like Orlando Bloom and Viggo Mortensen. I heard that all the girls are crazy about them."

"I thought you knew that I'm not like the other girls. I'm more into hobbits." Ooops...

"And here I thought that you don't care about 'Lord of The Rings' and actors who played in it." He raised his eyebrow smiling.

"Yeah, ok, let's just watch it."

"Patience my dear." He smiled "Here we go." And he sat next to her. He looked at her still smiling. "So, you like those curly cute little hobbits."

"Shut it."

"Oh, it's starting. Ok, I'll shut up. But we're gonna talk about it later, right?"

"Mmmmhmm." She managed to answer staring at the screen.

"Right." Seth made himself comfortable putting his arm around Summer once again. He couldn't suppress his smile when she leaned against him.

A/N – Hey all! Thanx for the reviews. I hope you liked it. Don't worry I won't let Summeth suffer for a long time... I didn't want to admit it, but I did... There – I'm not like Sum… lol… You know what I'm gonna say - keep reading and keep reviewing!