Disclaimer: I don't own anything regarding "The O.C." nor am I affiliated with any of the cast and characters used in the story. Anyone or anything that you don't recognize is mine, and anyone and anything else that you do recognize is not mine.

Note: I'm really REALLY sorry for the delay. I guess it's still the weekend, but I had this ready yesterday, and then for some reason, Microsoft Word just hated me and wouldn't let me open my file last night, so I had to start from scratch once again. Anyway, I hope you guys like it!

Against All Odds
Chapter 19 – The Big Apple in Orange County

Once the induction phase of her chemotherapy was completed, Summer was finally released from the hospital. While she was excited to be getting out of the place, the heavy doses of chemo that helped her attain remission once again also left Summer sick and weak. She was grateful that Seth did not ask her a lot of questions as he wheeled her out of the building. It was almost as if he sensed that she didn't have much energy to speak. Dr. Abney accompanied them on their way out.

"Here's my number if you ever need anything," Dr. Abney told Seth as he handed him a card. "The other one is Dr. Barry's contact information. As you know, I'll be in New York, so don't hesitate calling Greg. He's a terrific doctor. I'll be over here in a heartbeat though if anything comes up."

"Thanks," Seth said. "We really appreciate everything that you've done. I know flying back and forth from coast to coast is not easy."

"It's the least I can do," he gave Summer a smile. "Take care of her."

"I don't think that would be a problem," Seth replied as he shook David's hand. "Have a safe trip."

Seth lifted Summer up from the wheelchair once they reached the exit. Ryan and Marissa already went ahead with Summer's belongings and were now waiting in the car.

"Thanks again, David," Summer said.

"Anything for my favorite patient," he smiled. "Now go on and leave. I don't want to see your face around here ever again."

"I'll try."

On their way to the car, neither Seth nor Summer said anything to one another. Instead, Seth just planted a kiss on Summer's forehead. It was a simple gesture, but it made her smile nonetheless. Seth settled her on the backseat, where she was immediately greeted by a hug from Marissa.

"Coop, you only saw me a few minutes ago."

"I know, but I'm just glad to see you finally out of there," she said excitedly. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm doing okay," Summer replied briefly. "It's nice to be in normal clothing for a change."

"You ready to leave this place?" Ryan asked from the driver seat as Seth settled himself in the passenger side.

"You bet."

Although the ride to the Cohen house was not a long one, Summer still took the time to soak in her surroundings. As much as she loved New York, there was nothing that could ever compare to early mornings in Newport Beach. Everything of the outside world at the moment seemed beautiful to her, although anything was better than the plain, white hospital walls. She continued to look around until she saw Seth's reflection from the side view mirror. Even though she was lacking energy, her eyes were still sharp, and she definitely witnessed him blush when she caught him staring at her. She gave him a smile, which he eagerly returned.

When they finally reached Seth's house, Summer couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions. Being in the car with her friends as they entered the driveway brought back memories of the past. As she looked towards the door, she was also saddened by the fact that neither Sandy nor Kirsten will be bombarding them with questions. They weren't her parents, but they were her second family. Her thoughts were interrupted when Seth opened the door for her.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"Well, my arms are at your service once again."

"I'm really sorry about this."

"Don't worry about it," Seth said as he lifted her out of the vehicle. "I don't mind the extra workout."

As they reached the front porch, Summer couldn't help but let curiosity get the best of her. Ryan and Marissa were acting strange, as though they were waiting for some sort of signal. Summer saw that Ryan had a key to the house in his hand, and yet they didn't bother to go in.

"What's going on?" she asked.

"You can open the door," Seth told Ryan.

"You guys don't have to be dramatic on my behalf."

"Summer, welcome home," Marissa announced as she and Ryan opened the door.

Summer's jaw dropped as Seth carried her inside the house. It was still the same house, but at the same time, it was New York City. There was a conglomeration of miniature and cardboard replicas of the tall buildings in New York, mimicking the famous New York Skyline. There was a fake full moon situated behind a duplication of the Statue of Liberty. As Seth walked around to show her more of the house, she noticed that there was some fake snow on the floor. The stairwell became its own version of Broadway Street as the various titles of the shows were plastered on the wall. Each corner of the house was also decked with street signs such as Riverside Drive and Fifth Avenue.

"We would have brought Central Park as well, but our sources were kind of limited."

Summers turned to Seth, and then to Ryan and Marissa, and then back to the surroundings.

"I don't believe this," she said as she started to tear up. "You guys…"

"It was all Seth's idea," Ryan said.

"I had two excellent helpers," added Seth.

"This is just… I don't even know… I'm speechless."

"You like it, right?" Marissa asked.

"Of course… Wow… I totally love it."

"We're glad," Marissa said. "It took a while, but it was fun."

"I'm still sorry about delaying your honeymoon."

"It's no big deal," Ryan said. "Actually, we should be heading home now since our flight is later tonight."

"Where are you guys going?"

"Actually, we're going to New York," answered Marissa.

"And knowing my wife, she'd probably take her whole closet."

"I resent that," Marissa said before cracking a smile. "Seriously though, he's probably right, and I haven't even started packing yet."

"Why New York?" asked Summer.

"It was Seth's wedding gift," Ryan said. "He told me that it was very romantic despite all the hoopla here and there. He did warn us about muggers, French cuisine, and ice skating though."

Summer couldn't help but laugh at the memory of Seth and his mishaps in the city. Ryan and Marissa looked at her for some sort of explanation, but she just told them to take his word for it.

"It's really nice to have you back," Marissa said.

"Take care of my brother now, would you?"

"I'll try," Summer smiled. "Have fun in New York."

"Enjoy yourselves, and thank you once again for all your help."

Once Ryan and Marissa left, Summer used whatever strength she had to reach up and give Seth a kiss on the lips.

"What was that for?"

"I've been wanting to do that all morning, and thank you for all of this. You really didn't have to…"

"I wanted to, okay, so there."

Seth brought her to the living room and put her down on the couch.

"Are you hungry? Can I get you anything? I have water, orange juice, apple juice, pudding, bagels, you name it."

"Cohen, I'm fine. Sit down."

"Are you sure? Because it's really not a problem. I'll do whatever you want. I'll get you whatever you need."

"I don't need anything right now."

"Are you really sure?"

"Cohen, if I need anything or want anything, I will tell you. You don't have to worry about me."

"But I do worry about you."

"Well, kick it down a notch or two. I think it's really great, and you look really adorable when you're all anxious and worried, but I'm fine. Now, take a deep breath, calm down, and sit next to me."

Seth followed her orders and sat down next to her on the couch. He took a couple more breaths to calm himself down before turning to Summer.

"I just don't want to mess this up."

"You won't."

"Are you sure there's nothing I can do for you?"

"Cohen, no one has ever done half of the things that you do for me."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," Summer smiled. "So stop worrying."

"I'm sorry," Seth said as he put his arm around her. "I'm making you more tired, am I?"

"No," Summer replied as she leaned on his shoulder.

"So what do you want to do?"

"I just want to stay here."

"And do what?"

"I think Ryan has a point."

"What point?"

"That sometimes you just talk to make noises."

"Funny."

"I just want to stay here, okay?"

"Okay," Seth smiled, stroking her arm gently. "Whatever you want, but can I say one more thing?"

"Fine."

"I love you."

"I know," she smiled. "I love you, too."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Summer woke up with a start and looked around at her surroundings. It took a while for her to realize where she was. She noticed that she had a blanket on top of her, but there was one thing missing: Seth.

"Cohen!" she called out softly. "Cohen!"

Her breathing intensified each time she got no reply. She shook her head, hoping to rid her mind from the awful dream that she had. She tried calling him again, but got no reply. Summer tried to get up, but she discovered that she was still too weak to do anything. She started to cry despite herself, calling out Seth's name even though she was barely audible.

"Summer?"

Seth ran back down the stairs to the living room when he heard her faint cry. His heart broke when he saw her in tears Not wasting any more second, he ran to her side.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Seth whispered to her as he knelt in front of her. "Are you hurting or something?"

Summer didn't say a word but just wrapped her arms around him. Seth was taken aback by her reaction, but just let her cry as he ran his hand in circles on her back, hoping that it would calm her down.

"I… I was so scared."

"About what?"

"I had a dream… And I woke up and you… I couldn't find you… I thought…"

"It's okay," he whispered once again. "I'm right here. It was just a nightmare."

"I was all alone, and it was dark," she continued to ramble as her voice cracked.

"It's going to be fine, okay? I'm here. I'm sorry that I left you. I was just making sure that everything is taken care of upstairs."

Summer pulled away as she wiped off the tears on her face.

"I'm sorry. You must think I'm going crazy."

"Don't ever apologize for being insane."

Summer laughed as Seth put a hand to her face.

"I don't want to see you cry anymore, okay?"

"I'll try."

"Because it really hurts me right here," Seth said, pointing to his heart. "I don't even know why or how I…"

"You don't have to explain, Cohen," Summer said softly. "I know."

"So are you hungry?"

"What time is it?"

"It's almost one o'clock."

"I slept that long?"

"Apparently so," Seth smiled at her. "I'll be right back."

Seth went into the kitchen and carried a tray back to the living room. There was even a vase with a single rose in it.

"What's this?"

"Well, while you were sleeping, I also took it upon myself to cook some food, and knowing that any heavy lifting or strenuous activity is forbidden from you at the moment, I decided to take the food to you."

"You're so good to me."

"Well, when I'm old and gray and wearing trousers way past my waistline, I expect you to do the same for me."

Seth set the tray on the table. He grabbed a spoon and took some food, and then turned towards Summer.

"You're feeding me too now?"

"Just for now," Seth said. "Now eat up."

Summer rolled her eyes and ate the food that he gave her. It was good, although that in itself was not surprising. It was also way better than the food that they fed her at the hospital.

"Can I feed you as well?"

"No heavy lifting, remember?"

"Bu it's only a spoon."

"The more reason to be cautious."

"You can be suck a jerk sometimes."

"But you still love me anyway."

"That can easily change."

"Do you want me to start feeding you Jell-O and mystery meat?"

"Now you're blackmailing me for my affections?"

"Desperate times call for desperate measures."

"You're pathetic."

"But you still love me anyway," Seth exclaimed as he offered her food once again.

Summer took a bite and just smiled at him, amused at his antics.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

After an afternoon filled with movies and senseless conversation, Summer was ready to retire to bed.

"I still can't believe you did all of this," Summer mentioned as he carried her along 'Broadway Street.'

"Me neither."

Seth continued to walk upstairs and down the hallway until they reached his parents' old bedroom. It was actually his bedroom now, although he refused to enter it for months after they died. The room had since then been repainted and redecorated to match his style. It was hard at first, but he knew that if he was going to move on with his life, he would have to deal with the fact that they were no longer coming back. Besides, as Ryan said, it was getting a little creepy when he continued to sleep in his old room.

"I thought I was staying in the guestroom."

"Well, my room is bigger, and you will definitely have a lot of space and a great view," Seth told her as he opened the door. "I'll stay in my old room. It's no big deal."

"Cohen…"

"I insist."

Personally, she had only been in Sandy and Kirsten's room once. It was when Kirsten asked for her advice regarding what to wear. From what she recalled, the place looked entirely different. The walls were different, although it was obvious that an adult man owned it. The room's décor was slightly similar to the ones in Seth's office, although there were still traces of the old Seth Cohen. There were framed posters of his favorite bands, as well as a few comic books in the corner. Even Captain Oats was still around.

"I thought you brought him to New York with you."

"I brought him along with me."

"Well, I have Princess Sparkle in my luggage, so a reunion should be taking place soon."

"I laid out a couple of pajama sets for you to choose from," Seth told her as he put her down on the bed. "I'm going to let you change while I go change myself."

Summer looked around some more before turning her attention to the clothes that Seth laid out for her. She decided to wear the pink silk pajamas over the blue ones. It took her longer than usual, although she was surprised that it took Seth a long time to change. She would have expected him to be knocking on the door at the moment. As if on cue, she heard a knock on the door and told him to come in.

"I knew you were going to pick the pink one."

"A plain old T-shirt and flannel pants," Summer pointed out. "That's very Seth Cohen of you."

"Whatever feels comfortable," Seth said.

"What took you so long?"

"I was just brushing my teeth and such," he replied. "So are you ready to go to bed."

"Pretty much."

"Okay, well, I'm just going to say good night and let you sleep in peace."

"Cohen…"

"Yeah?"

"I have to brush my teeth, so can you help me to the bathroom?"

"Sure."

He helped her up and lifted her before settling her down in front of the bathroom mirror.

"Can you stand up?"

"I think I can manage."

Seth waited until Summer finished brushing her teeth and all that good stuff that women do before going to bed. He laid out her belongings in the bathroom earlier that day, although some of the things were foreign to him.

"Okay, I'm done."

Seth carried her back to her bed and tucked her in for good measure. He noticed that Summer was looking at him, but he did not even attempt to meet her gaze.

"I know it's weird."

"That's not it."

"Okay," he said, although his voice hinted that he didn't believe her.

"Can you stay here with me tonight?"

"What?"

"I really don't want to be alone, and I know that it's going to be weird since we haven't even slept in the same bed in forever."

"Summer…"

"Please?" Summer pleaded. "This room is just so big and new to me, and after that nightmare earlier, I don't know if I can sleep."

"Okay, I'll stay," he smiled.

Seth climbed onto the bed and under the covers as Summer snuggled up to him. If the situation was weird in any way, he didn't feel it. It felt just like old times when the two of them would just lie in bed and talk. Granted, for the most part, they didn't talk, but that was beside the point.

"Summer."

"Yeah?"

"Happy Valentine's Day."

"It's really that day?"

"February 14th."

"Imagine that."

"I suppose the saying 'Time flies when you're having fun' doesn't apply to your situation."

"I guess not."

"Today is gonna be the day that they're gonna throw it back to you," Seth sang slowly. "By now you should've somehow realized what you gotta do. I don't believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now."

"Wonderwall," Summer said with a smile. "You remembered."

"How could I forget?"

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For making me happy," Summer said with her eyes closed. "I don't think I could have gone through this the second time around without you."

"You're going to beat this thing, Summer, and in no time, you'll be back home in New York and doing your thing once again."

"I'm already home," she whispered.

Seth smiled, although Summer was already falling asleep. He continued to hold her until her breathing became even. He really wasn't quite sleepy yet, so just laid there and watched Summer sleep peacefully in his arms. Her last words of the night continued to play in head over and over again, making his heart swell each time.

"For the record, Sum, I think I am too."