Anywhere But Here

By StAGeGLiTTeR

Disclaimer: The closest I came to The O.C. was the being on set. I hold no rights.

Okay, I'm trying here guys…gimme some reviews. It's based on a theory I have for the future episodes left in season 2. This is a short chapter, but I have more on the way. I have so much ideas, I don't know where to start! Cheer me on. Thanx.

Chapter 1

"Come on, it'll be fun. I promise." Marissa said to Ryan over the phone, while shuffling through her newest bikini sets, courtesy of Caleb's AMEX.

"I don't know. The beach, not really my thing, ya know? I get into fights on the beach." Replied Ryan. Definetly not in the mood to go.

"Only at the beach?"

"Yeah, you've got a point."

They both paused. Marissa gave a small laugh that make Ryan laugh as well.

"Okay, I'm going to give you five minutes to come up with an answer before I call you back." She threatened. Ryan hung up the phone smiling.

She's been the only one who's managed to make him smile. Especially so often.

It was the Fantastic Four. Version two point oh.

Just like Seth had yearned and whined for with the, the fantastic four were working toward being fantastic again. Even though it seemed like ages since the bonfire where Marissa broke up with Alex, and even longer since Summer ran out on Zach at the airport, things were moving along. The days kept passing by and the more time they spent together, the more it seemed to be that things could really move in the direction of last year.

Summer and Seth remained with their constant quirkiness and bickering while Ryan and Marissa took things slow, attempting and succeeding at steering clear or any semblance of dramas past. After school and on the weekends, between a little PlayStation, a couple of re-run episodes of "The Valley", Social Chair meetings, concerts, family, and very little studying, the fantastic four would hang out either together or in couples.

On this particular weekend, the first extra hot Saturday of the season was upon them and Summer and Marissa were not going to hesitate in breaking in the season's newest bathing suits. As for Ryan and Seth, tagging along was the only way of getting out of the house…and hopefully competing with the sun for some time with the girls.

Ryan heard the phone ringing as he finished throwing on a navy blue button down shirt. He ran down and hopped over the bed to the other side to pick up the phone.

"Hey."

"Ryan?"

"Marissa?"

There was a beat.

"No." the woman whispered over the phone.

Ryan smiled. He wasen't buying it, she thinks she can fake her voice over the phone.

"Oh aren't you funny...Marissa I know it's you." Ryan said, smiling. He expected her laugh to stream over and give her away. She wouldn't be able to hold up for much longer, he knew it.

Until he heard the sound of the hang up and the dial tone that followed.

Now Ryan wasen't so sure anymore.