A/N: I don't own anything. This is no epic, just an idea I had…I'm thinking it'll probably end up around five-ish chapters. So, just a little something… Continuation of "The Rainy Day Women."

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Marissa stood outside The Bait Shop, her small umbrella held over her head. Alex has just entered the club, headed off to work, and Marissa was contemplating the newfound responsibilities of garbage day, rent checks, and dirty dishes. She turned around still deep in thought, Alex's words from earlier in the day playing over and over in her head, "I bet you've never done something this crazy before…"

Marissa looked through the haze that was the never-ending rainfall, and saw a figure across the pier. He was drenched, standing next to the rail, staring out at the ocean…he looked miserable. Marissa's stomach tightened as she realized it was Ryan.

She only vaguely knew what was going on with Lindsay. Something about her possibly not being Caleb's daughter after all…she hadn't been home enough to really know what was happening. And despite her being able to handle Lindsay after a few too many vodka tonics, under any other circumstances…she didn't want much to do with her. The possibility of Lindsay moving into the house with her was just, yet another reason, for Marissa to move out. The thought of passing Lindsay in the hallway outside her bedroom, or sitting across from her at the dinner table. Trying to make nice, casual conversation, when all she's really thinking about is how much she despises her for being with Ryan. The possibility of Ryan coming over to the house to see Lindsay…sneaking into her bedroom at night…Marissa shuddered at the thought, as she began to make her way towards the still motionless Ryan.

A look of worry was spread clearly across Marissa's face as she approached him. "Hey." Marissa said somewhat cautiously. Ryan turned his head slowly and looked at Marissa. His hair was wet and matted down to his head; his eyes squinted from the constant rainfall. Marissa looked him up and down and moved a step closer, holding her umbrella over the both of them.

"Are you okay?"

Ryan nodded his head unconvincingly and turned his gaze back towards the ocean. Marissa inched closer to him, and hesitantly placed her hand on his shoulder. A slight burst of confidence ran through her, and she slid her arm across Ryan's back, letting her hand rest on his opposite shoulder and pulling him into her. Ryan looked down at the ground and closed his eyes briefly, remembering what it was like to be in Marissa's embrace.

Somehow they had managed to become friends. And it was an accomplishment. Not that either of them, especially as of late, had gone out of their way to be around the other one. Present situation; excluded. But they had, awkwardly enough, managed to put their relationship behind them…or at least to the back of their minds, and take one for the team, so to speak. Although now, there were no words, Marissa knew Ryan well enough to know that, right now…he didn't want to talk.

The two remained on the pier, standing in the pouring rain for what seemed like forever. Neither of them was paying any attention, neither of them really cared. Marissa was no longer thinking about the dishes, or the owner of the dishes; and Ryan suddenly wasn't feeling as bad as he did half an hour ago. Marissa's arm hadn't moved from around Ryan's shoulders. She leaned her body lightly into his and turned her head toward him. Almost out of instinct, Ryan turned his head as well. They both stared at each other for a second, or maybe a few. It seemed so familiar, so comfortable. It seemed right. As realization set in for the two, denial came as well. Both shoving those thoughts to the back of their brains and turning their sights back towards the ocean. On the outside, both were keeping their cool, but inside, they were screaming. Screaming at life, at the world…at the shitty hand that was dealt to them, they wanted to scream at each other, they wanted to scream out for each other. They each remained silent.

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The front door of The Bait Shop was abruptly propped open and an umbrella extended out and up. Alex took a step out, holding the umbrella over her head and keeping the door propped open with her foot. She pulled a cigarette out and held it between her lips as she dug into her pocket, eventually pulling out a bright yellow lighter. She let out a few silent curses as the wind continually blew the flame on her lighter out. After a few minor battles, she got her smoke lit and took a well-deserved first drag. She let the smoke billow out of her mouth and leaned back against the damp wall. She saw two figures standing by the rail, one male; one female. The girl was obviously taller than him and held an umbrella over both their bodies. Alex squinted through the rain, looking at the girl's outfit and umbrella. It was then that she realized it was Marissa. Marissa and…hmm, that was the question. Wait, let's see…a little to the left, and…yes! That is Ryan. Well, this can't be good… Alex observed their obvious familiarity, their ability to just stand together…exist together. No words, no gestures…just the two of them. The fact that Marissa's arm was firmly wrapped around Ryan's shoulder, and didn't look like it was going anywhere soon, was slightly unnerving for Alex who anxiously smoked her cigarette. She watched them intently, but there wasn't much to see. As far as she could tell, they weren't talking, and they were barely moving. She took the last drag of her cigarette and flicked it to the side, the rain putting the ember out before it even touched the ground. She turned back into the club, and then with one last look over her shoulder, shut the door behind her and got back to work.

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At the railing of the pier, standing under the umbrella, Marissa turned to Ryan once again. "We should get out of here…" Marissa spoke softly and her voice trailed off as Ryan turned his head, looking towards her. "You…I mean, you. You're soaked…you should get changed." Ryan turned his head, looking back towards the ocean once again.

"It doesn't matter." He stated softly.

"Ryan…"

"Look, I just don't want to go home right now."

"You have to get out of this rain though."

Ryan turned towards Marissa once again. He could see the concern etched in her face, and the worry written in her eyes. He managed a faint smile, and gave one affirmative nod of his head.

"Come on…" Marissa said assuredly, her hand instinctively running across Ryan's back and down his arm, wrapping her arm around his. She had done it, and he had let her, before either even realized; and now, it was already too late. It wasn't anything new for the two, but definitely hadn't been happening recently. They had been walking for a few minutes when finally, Ryan turned to Marissa.

"You're not taking me to your house, are you?"

"No. Well, not technically." She said, her voice wavering.

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The two approached Alex's small apartment building and Ryan hesitated, shuffling his feet. Marissa let her arm unwrap from around Ryan's and walked slowly toward the door. She looked over her shoulder at Ryan and spoke assuredly. "It's okay." Ryan nodded, although still unsure of the situation. He followed Marissa up the few steps to Alex's front door. Marissa pulled a set of keys out and fumbled with the old lock. Ryan looked down at his feet, and mumbled to himself. "You've got keys…" Marissa flung the front door open and stepped inside.

"What?" She asked curiously.

"Oh, nothing."

Ryan stepped into the apartment and shut the door behind him. He looked around the small living room, remembering the last time he was there. He didn't know that Marissa still had feelings for him, at least not until that night. He had always assumed that she had moved on, so he did the same…the thought never occurred to him that she hadn't. Ryan was pulled out of his thought process as his glance shifted towards a nervous Marissa lingering by the kitchen.

"So I'm assuming Seth told you…"

Marissa couldn't seem to get the rest of the sentence out of her mouth. Ryan stood back slightly amused.

Ryan took a few steps into the room, observing everything. "Uh…yeah, he did."

"Yeah…" Marissa eyed Ryan as he casually walked through the room. Ryan was aware that Marissa was watching him and eventually turned, looking right at her. He caught her off guard for a second, and she opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. She looked down at the floor embarrassed.

"Honestly…" Marissa looked up at Ryan who continued to speak. "…I wouldn't have predicted it but I don't know…it's not a big deal…" Ryan shrugged his shoulders and walked past the coffee table. A pack of cigarettes sat open on a stack of magazines. "Can I have one of those?" Ryan motioned to the pack and Marissa nodded her head immediately, grateful for a quick subject change.

"Do you want something to drink?"

Ryan smiled and placed a cigarette between his lips. "I'm sure you've got vodka running on tap in this place." He found a pack of matches on the table and swiftly lit one, blowing out a cloud of smoke and looking over at Marissa.

"Beer?" Marissa questioned awkwardly. Ryan took the cigarette from his mouth and nodded his head. Marissa moved quickly into the kitchen and towards the fridge as Ryan took a seat in a chair in the living room. Marissa returned to the living room, a beer in each hand. She passed Ryan's off to him and took a seat on the couch, eyeing Ryan as he took a large gulp of his beer and then a drag of his cigarette.

"So…what's wrong?"

Ryan looked up at Marissa quickly. "What makes you think something's wrong?"

"Well, you're drinking and smoking for starters. Not to mention the amount of time you spent standing out in the rain before I put an umbrella over your head." Marissa smiled across the room towards Ryan. A faint smile appeared on his face but soon faded.

"Lindsay…" Marissa looked up immediately at Ryan's mention of her name. He noticed this but pushed ahead. "…She's moving…to Chicago…with her mom."

Marissa looked at Ryan sympathetically. "I'm sorry."

Ryan nodded his head and took a sip from his bottle of beer. "Thanks…" Marissa awkwardly looked down at her feet, and took a sip of her beer as well. "What about Caleb?" Marissa asked curiously.

"Um…she's his, but…her mom's moving…"

"So she's going with her." Marissa stated, finishing Ryan's sentence. Ryan nodded his head once again, looking at Marissa briefly, and then darting his eyes away from her. "We um…we don't have to talk about it…" Marissa spoke softly, and Ryan's attention was brought back to her again. "I mean…if you want, we can…but…"

"It's okay. I guess it doesn't matter…we were doomed from the start." Marissa looked down at her feet as Ryan spoke. "Although that seems to be a theme with me." Ryan stared intently at Marissa, as her gaze was brought up from the floor and her eyes locked with Ryan's. Marissa stared at him awkwardly, guiltily. Ryan's words were hanging in the air, repeating over and over in both their heads. Ryan pushed forward, covering up the silence. "I mean, she's Kirsten's sister…"

"Technically, so am I." She stated quickly.

"You're different…" Ryan looked down at the floor for a few seconds, and then spoke once again, softly this time. "…Everything was different with you." Ryan shook his head slightly, obviously lost in thought. He brought his beer bottle to his lips and polished off the remaining liquid in the bottle. He looked at the bottle after he finished it, it was cheap beer, but what did he expect. He held the bottle up and looked towards Marissa. "Trash?"

Marissa was deep in thought herself. Had he really just said that? She forced herself out of her daze and looked at the beer bottle in Ryan's hand. "Um…yeah. It's under the sink." Ryan nodded his head and stood up walking through the living room and into the kitchen. Ryan opened the cabinet under the sink and smiled when he saw the trashcan brimming. He worked the beer bottle into it strategically, and closed the cabinet door. Marissa had made her way into the kitchen and was standing a few feet behind Ryan. He turned, coming face to face with her. They stood there awkwardly for a few moments.

Marissa's voice was unnerving and she shifted her weight as she spoke. "Um…I remembered…I should do the dishes."

"Do you want some help?"

"Sure…thanks."

Marissa took a step towards Ryan and then moved past him, standing in front of the sink. She looked down at the sink full of dirty dishes in front of her; she grimaced slightly and turned the tap on letting the water heat. She turned her head and looked at Ryan who had taken a few steps back and was now leaning against the counter. "I'll wash. You dry?" Ryan nodded his head in agreement and picked up a lone dishtowel off the kitchen counter. They stood closely as Marissa washed and rinsed dishes, passing them off to Ryan to dry.

Ryan turned towards Marissa who was intently focused on scrubbing a dirty plate. "Can I ask you something?"

Marissa's head turned towards Ryan quickly. She immediately tried to conceal the look of surprise on her face. "Um…sure. I guess."

"Why did you move in here?" Ryan finished drying a plate and placed it in a cabinet on top of a pile of already clean dishes.

"I don't know…it just seemed to make sense…at the time."

"And now?"

"Well…it shocked my mom, so…"

"Is that why you're doing all this?"

Marissa looked over at Ryan, suddenly defensive. She slipped the plate back into the soapy water and took a few steps away from the sink. "You know, I am capable of being in a relationship without motive to piss my mother off."

"Yeah…I…" Ryan looked down at the floor and shook his head. "I'm sorry…I shouldn't have asked…" Ryan turned, taking Marissa's place in front of the sink. He picked up the plate she had been working on and started scrubbing it. A few seconds later, he was rinsing the plate under cool water. Marissa, who had been lingering in the middle of the kitchen stepped forward and took hold of the dishtowel. She stepped up next to Ryan and he turned to her, smiling slightly as he passed the dripping plate off.

"I'm not sure…maybe I am." Marissa stated softly. "I like her though…at least I think I do…I guess I don't really know…"

Ryan nodded his head slowly and continued washing the dishes. Finally, he got up the courage to speak. "So…then it would be safe to say that the male race hasn't lost you completely…I mean, because…" Ryan shrugged his shoulders, and smiled playfully to Marissa. "…That would be a shame."

Marissa couldn't conceal the smile from appearing on her face, and she nodded her head. "Safe to say…not completely." Ryan smiled once again. "Good."

The two smiled to themselves and continued with the dishes, no longer feeling the need to speak. This went on till they were almost done. Ryan was washing up the silverware, only a few dirty glasses left at the bottom of the sink. The knot in Marissa's stomach from earlier had never gone away and was now growing larger by the second.

"Y'know…that's not the reason I was with you." Marissa spoke quietly, but caught Ryan off guard nonetheless. He turned to look at her as she pressed on. "To piss my mom off, I mean…that wasn't why I was with you…if you thought –"

"I didn't." Ryan stated very matter of fact.

"I just…I didn't know…I mean, you said…you know what, forget about it…" Marissa finished drying the last glass and placed it on the shelf. "I just didn't want you to think…"

"Marissa…"

Marissa turned, finally looking Ryan in the eye. Tears were welling in Marissa's eyes and Ryan instinctively moved towards her. Marissa choked back a sob, and was barely able to speak. "What happened to us?"

Ryan took another step towards her and extended his arm out. His fingers ran across her soft skin, and up her arm. "I don't know…" Ryan choked on his words as Marissa seamlessly fell into his arms. With her forehead resting on Ryan's shoulder, a few tears escaped from Marissa's eyes but were covered up by Ryan's already wet t-shirt.

Time stopped as the two stood still in the kitchen holding each other. Neither was sure exactly how much time had passed, but eventually Marissa regained her composure and pulled away from Ryan slowly. Their eyes met briefly and then darted away from each other, as their well-trained denial began to set in again. "I'm sorry…I shouldn't have…" That was all Marissa was able to get out. She stumbled over her words, and Ryan opened his mouth to speak. "It's okay…don't worry about it."

Marissa smiled nervously, uncomfortably. She unwrapped herself from around Ryan and took a few steps back. She wiped the tears from her eyes and took a deep breath in.

"Maybe I should go…"

"No. No…it's okay. I mean, you don't have a car and I've had too much to drink to drive you."

"I can walk…"

"Ryan…it's fine, really. You should stay."

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