Author's Notes: Hello there and welcome to my first attempt at an O.C fan fiction. I warn you that it's not written in script form like a lot of them are, and the plot doesn't move as quickly as most that I've come across. That's just my style, I'm sorry if it's a little off of what you're used to.

The 'ships you can expect will be somewhat like the following: Ryan/Lindsay, Marissa/Original Character, Seth/Alex, Summer/Zach, Sandy/Kirsten, Caleb/Julie, Jimmy/Original Character and there will be some Marissa/Ryan & Summer/Seth sprinkled in here and there because I'm a sucker for the inevitable. :D

This story takes place in a slightly alternate universe that occurs after episode 7 of season two. The events following those episodes will not at all be mentioned in the fic, and have not taken place. The disclaimer is the usual: Josh Schwartz created these beings; I'm just having my way with them. Heh.

Enjoy. Reviews are appreciated and constructive criticism is welcome.

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Visions of You

Prologue

The fantasy had transformed itself into reality. That much he knew. It had only been a year and a few months ago that he was still in that other place, the "real" world as it was referred to. The place where mothers abandoned their children, where fathers were felons and brothers bred criminal intentions in the minds of their siblings. Honestly, lying amongst his current luxurious surroundings in the company of an exquisitely beautiful redhead, it felt odd to realize that this world was just as real as the other. Even more so now that he was fully living in it. Mothers did abandon their children, although not physically. Fathers were felons and siblings were trouble; whether they were related by blood or by a ridiculously caring foster family.

These strains of thought weren't the product of an ungrateful sentiment, but rather awe at the luck he had previously taken advantage of. It was merely an observation that should have occurred to him months ago, but had only hit him when he had made that brief return to the place he had once termed the "real" world and home. It was very much like that saying: "You never know what you have until it's gone". Now that brought something else to mind. Sure, he was back where he now belonged and he had acquired the attraction of a dashing young woman who was willing to take in his flaws and accept his past. However, the hauntingly beautiful features which loomed amongst the cogs and bolts of his brain didn't belong to this lovely individual sleeping so peacefully beside him.

Marissa Cooper. The name usually sent him to the bathroom to splash cold water on his face. It existed in his thoughts like the flutter of an eyelash; occasionally you know you're blinking, but the action is involuntary. Alongside the name, her face always showed up on the back of his eyelids oftentimes when he was just about to drift into sleep. It had to stop. He couldn't afford to dwell on the past; it just wasn't healthy, not to mention the slight sting it sent through his heart.

Wrapping his arms ever tighter around Lindsay's slumbering form, Ryan Atwood blinked into the darkness, hoping desperately for the light of morning to bring a solution for his inner plight. Unfortunately, he understood that if it hadn't occurred to him yet, then it probably never would.

If only he didn't feel as if it were his obligation to save them…