The day had progressed slowly for Seth, who now lay face down on the bed in his guest room. It was verging on four o'clock in the morning and Seth had spent the majority of the day alone in his room. He had tried to speak to Summer once, after their confusing kitchen encounter, but it was to no avail. Her and Zach had left around noon to hit the beach, and after Seth's actions on the previous day, he decided to stay out of it. A small attempt to speak with Summer when she got home was rebuffed as soon as the two walked through the door. And with that, Seth returned to his room, once again.

Seth rolled onto his back and let out a loud sigh. Sleep was not an option. He turned his head and stared blankly out the window. The stars were shining brightly in the sky and a cool breeze was wafting through the open window. In an instant, he sat up and shifted himself off the bed walking towards the door. He passed through the threshold, closing the door behind him and crossed the hall, entering the bathroom. Seth ran his hands under the cool tap water, and splashed some onto his face. He opened his eyes wide and grabbed a towel off the counter, patting his face dry. Seth remained in the bathroom for a few more seconds, eyeing himself in the large mirror. Eventually he turned towards the door, and pulled it open while flicking the light off at the same time. He took a step into the dark hallway and saw a figure standing wearily outside his door.

Seth: (Whispering) Summer?

Summer jumped and turned quickly on her heels to face Seth.

Seth: What are you doing?

Summer: (Quickly) Nothing.

Seth nodded his head, but wasn't convinced.

Seth: Well, then what brings you to my wing of the castle?

Summer: I um…I…it's just this morning…

Seth: Summer, trust me; it doesn't matter.

Seth took a step towards Summer, but then stepped around her extending his arm out and letting the door to his room slide open. Summer looked up at Seth as he passed her, and took in a sharp breath.

Summer: (Quietly) It does matter.

Seth turned towards Summer immediately, and this was one of those rare times when he was rendered speechless. Seth shook his head a little trying to process what Summer had just said.

Seth: What?

Summer: You heard me.

Seth: What about….

Summer: I don't know.

Seth: So then, you're saying…

Seth's hands made circles in the air as he tried to get the words to come out of Summer's mouth.

Summer: I don't know…

Summer's voice trailed off, and Seth's hands fell to his sides. He stared at Summer who was seemingly fixated on the floor carpeting. A small smile crept onto Seth's face and he took a step towards Summer.

Seth: Well….I have this feeling that I might know…

He inched even closer and let his hand rest on her arm.

Seth: …and if I could only get you to just say the words, then…

Summer: Shut up, Cohen.

Surprisingly enough, Seth immediately obeyed. They both stood staring at each other for a few seconds and then large smiles appeared on both their faces. Seth heard the word "confidence" ringing in his ears, and leaned in towards Summer, slowly at first, but as the familiarity set in, so did his confidence.

The following morning, or rather, later that morning, and back in Newport, Ryan's eyes fluttered open to a trail of small kisses running down his neck. A small moan escaped his lips, but was short lived as Marissa's lips met with his.

Marissa: Mmm…I've missed our mornings…

Ryan: Me too.

Marissa sat up straight on Ryan, looking down at him, smiling.

Marissa: It's been a while.

Ryan nodded his head and smiled up at Marissa.

Ryan: Too long.

He slowly brought his upper body up, moving towards Marissa. His hands found their way to Marissa's hips, as he continued to move towards her. Suddenly Ryan moved through a ray of sunlight shining brightly through the pool house doors. His body immediately lurched back, his eyes squinting closed, and his face cringing. One of Ryan's legs flew up, tossing Marissa to the side momentarily, as Ryan brought his now free hands up to his head and let out a groan.

Ryan: And you even made me forget about my hang over…

Ryan slumped back into the bed with a light thud. Marissa smiled and followed Ryan's lead, letting her head rest on Ryan's chest.

Marissa: Do you want me to get you some Tylenol?

Ryan shook his head and brought one of his hands to Marissa's head, letting his fingers run through her hair.

Ryan: Just need some coffee…once I'm capable of standing.

Marissa laughed and slid her body up Ryan's, settling herself into him once again. The two lay in silence for about ten minutes. Ryan's hands were aimlessly running up and down Marissa's body, as she lay contently in his arms. Eventually, Marissa broke the silence, turning her head up and looking at Ryan.

Marissa: I'm going to go over to my dad's today…have lunch, catch up.

Ryan: That's good.

Marissa: You can come if you want.

Ryan: You two should spend some time together.

Marissa smiled and leaned up, planting a kiss on Ryan's lips.

Marissa: You just don't want to get out of bed…

Ryan: Can't…

Marissa let out a small laugh, and gave Ryan another kiss.

Marissa: I'm going to take a quick shower…

Marissa popped up quickly, and moved off the bed. Ryan suddenly seemed motivated to get up, and tried to move as well, in an attempt to follow Marissa.

Ryan: Hmm…can I come?

Marissa stopped, and turned back towards Ryan, who seemed to be trying his hardest to get himself onto his feet. Marissa couldn't help but smile.

Marissa: If you can get to the bathroom…

Marissa let out another small giggle and proceeded towards the bathroom. Ryan eyed her out of the corners of his eyes and slumped back onto the bed with a sigh. Marissa entered the bathroom, pushing the door closed behind her, but not latching it. Ryan heard the water turn on in the shower, and pulled the large comforter up over his head.

A few minutes later, Ryan felt as though he'd gathered his strength. With one quick move, he pushed the comforter off of his body and swung his feet over the side of the bed. He closed his eyes and pushed himself up, leaning a bit to his right, and then stabilizing himself. His eyes crept open, and he found an amused Marissa standing a few feet in front of him. A grin was spread across her face, and she was running a towel through her hair. A look a disappointment settled onto Ryan's face.

Ryan: I was just going to the bathroom…

Marissa giggled and moved towards Ryan.

Marissa: My showers seem to go much quicker when you're not with me.

Ryan smiled and took a step towards Marissa as well.

Ryan: Yeah, but they're not nearly as fun.

The two closed the space between them, and met in a kiss. Marissa pulled away first, allowing her forehead to rest on Ryan's.

Marissa: Come on; let's get you some coffee.

Ryan smiled, nodded, and took Marissa's hand in his and they made their way to the kitchen. They entered the kitchen, and found Sandy standing dumbly, and leaning against the counter. He seemed fixated on the cabinetry, and Ryan and Marissa were brought to a stand still at the sight of him.

Ryan: Morning…

Sandy snapped out of it, and turned his head towards the two.

Sandy: Hey…morning…

Ryan and Marissa both smiled, and moved towards the coffee pot. Ryan pulled three mugs out of the cupboard, and Marissa filled each of them to the brim. Ryan picked his up taking a large, mouth-scalding gulp, and then passed off the other one to Sandy.

Sandy: Thanks.

Sandy nodded and Ryan smiled, as they both took sips of their black coffee.

Sandy: So, how's your head, kid?

Ryan laughed slightly and dropped his head to the floor. Sandy smiled and rubbed some sleep out of his eyes before taking another sip of coffee.

Marissa: Where's Kirsten?

Sandy: Oh, she's off at work. She took Sam with her today.

Ryan: Should I go pick her up?

Sandy looked over at Ryan, and observed him from head to toe.

Sandy: Not anytime soon.

Both Sandy and Marissa laughed, while Ryan smiled, amusing them.

Sandy: She'll be fine, Ryan. Kirsten said she wasn't too busy today.

Ryan nodded his head again, and polished off his first mug of coffee. He made his way to the coffee pot pouring himself another, and then walked over next to Marissa, standing next to her.

Sandy: So what are you two up to today?

Marissa: I'm meeting my dad.

Ryan: I'm recovering.

Sandy smiled and looked over at Ryan.

Sandy: I'm with you…

His gaze turned towards Marissa.

Sandy: …when did he get back in town?

Marissa: End of last week…he kinda showed up out of nowhere. But, it's good to have him back.

Sandy: I'm sure it is. You should invite him over for dinner tomorrow night. We can all catch up.

Marissa: Okay, I'll do that.

Sandy nodded his head and smiled.

Marissa: I should get going though…

Marissa looked over at the clock on the microwave.

Marissa: …I'm already late.

Ryan smiled and Marissa leaned over placing a kiss on his cheek.

Marissa: I'll see you later.

Ryan: Yeah.

Marissa put her mug in the sink, offered a small wave and smile to Sandy and exited the kitchen. Sandy and Ryan heard the front door latch shut, and Sandy looked over at Ryan, a sudden look of confusion running over his face.

Sandy: Did I decide to start my own practice last night?

Ryan looked over at Sandy, reflecting on the previous night's events.

Ryan: Y'know…I think you did…

Sandy: Hmm…

Sandy nodded his head, a small smile appearing on his face.

Sandy: What about you? Did we figure out a direction for your life?

Ryan laughed slightly, and shook his head.

Ryan: Don't think so.

Sandy: Did we make progress?

Ryan looked down at the floor, and then up at Sandy again.

Ryan: Yeah, we made progress…

Sandy: Glad to hear it.

Ryan smiled and nodded his head once again.

Sandy: How about a few hours of mindless television?

Ryan: Sounds good.