Hey there! I'm back! Sorry to try and make that sound like an exciting event. Because it definitely isn't. Regardless, I have returned, and with me I have brought two new chapters...two new, weird, highly melodramatic chapters with more inappropriate kissing than is probably acceptable. You guys are great reviewers, also, and I really appreciate it! You're awesome!

Princess Oats 435: You totally kick ass! Thanks for the detailed review! And I totally loved hearing your Guster story! I just watched a video of them covering the Violent Femmes and I absolutely fell in love—they're a very charismatic bunch! Anyways, your reviews are awesome and I thank you for the input! ;)

Also, I hate to disappoint, but all sex enthusiasts are going to have to wait awhile longer to Sandy to "get some". I am warning you ahead of time that said action does not occur in the latest 2 chapters. Please don't throw rocks at me. I'm trying not to rush things. Plus, overly dramatic controversy is exceptionally fun to write. So please review again! Keep up the good work! I hope you guys like this and aren't too turned off by a.) the lack of "getting some" or b.) the totally outlandish plotline.

Yay! You rock!

xoxo

Chapter 5: For No One

She went to check on Ryan; it was late and she decided to make this her new thing: regularly verifying that he hadn't run away. It was uncharacteristic, but, then again, that's what she would have said about Seth. The pool house was clearly Ryan-free and her heartbeat quickened. It was his first night back. He couldn't already be sick of them. She looked on the floor next to her and saw his shoes, his boots that he refused to dispose of. If Ryan went far, those would go with him. Five minutes later, she was standing over him on the beach, her right hand offering him an open Corona. He glanced up, amused.

"Despite Seth's constant jabs at my age, I have a pretty clear recollection of seventeen. It wasn't that long ago...and one beer wasn't that big of a deal." She sat next to him and took a sip of her own beer.

"Thanks," he mumbled, taking an awkward swig.

"That's not to say I want you out bingeing on weekends," she countered.

"I wouldn't. I don't," he said quickly. She smiled.

"I know."

"Sorry I took off without letting you guys know. I just needed some air," he explained, gesturing slightly around him.

"This is good air," she nodded.

"How did you know where I was?"

"You have a lot on your mind, I'm sure." She shrugged. "Thinking works well out here."

"I'll leave a note or something if I go anywhere else. Sorry."

"Sorry I'm neurotic and obsessed with your whereabouts," she smiled slightly.

"Hey, do whatever you need to do."

"Thanks," she smiled. "You too. As long as it doesn't involve...criminal activity or tattooing."

"Scout's honor." Ryan flashed a hand signal and Kirsten laughed.

"You were a boy scout?"

"For a year. I was nine."

"Huh."

"I got kicked out," he admitted after a minute.

"You're kidding!"

"I wish."

"What could a nine-year-old do that would be bad enough to get him kicked out of boy scouts?"

"I accidentally set our troop leader on fire." There was a stunned silence, and then she laughed. Actual, happy laughter. It felt fantastic.

"Oh my god, that's...so not funny. That's horrible! But at the same time..."

"Kind of funny." Ryan smirked.

"Really funny," Kirsten agreed guiltily. "Was he okay?"

"Oh yeah. His vest was a lost cause, but the rest of him was fine."

"You set fire to the vest of a boy scout leader."

"Not on purpose." Kirsten dropped her head, still laughing.

"That's the best story I've heard in...a very long time."

"I'm glad my childhood failure amuses you."

"I stole a boat once," she admitted after a moment.

"You're a boat thief?" he asked, grinning.

"I suppose I am. Albeit, it was my dad's boat, and I brought it back. Jimmy Cooper and I...when we were seventeen, we took it to Catalina and spent three days there. Then my father send the Coast Guard after us." She sighed. "Which is why is worries me so much that Seth is by himself. If Summer was with him...I mean, I know that if she was I would be worried, too, because...Seth is Seth and..." she blushed, trailing off. "But at least I would know that he was just going out to have a little fun with his girlfriend. Not...whatever it is he's doing now."

"Seth's great with his boat," Ryan offered.

"Not that great."

"He's going to come home, Kirsten." She shook her head.

"God, I hope so."

"Look, Kirsten...this is obviously a lot to deal with. And I know that Sandy didn't talk to you about this at all. If you want me to leave, I'll understand." She gently touched his shoulder.

"Ryan, I didn't know it was possible to feel as happy as I felt when I saw that you were home." Ryan felt tears in his eyes and part of him hated Kirsten for having the ability to make him cry. He coughed brusquely.

"Thanks."

Thank you." She was feeling a little uncomfortable, too, and leaned back on her arms, obviously changing the subject. "So, I know that we said we were going to discuss this in the morning, but since we're on the subject of you being home and neither of us appears to be very tired...you want to tell me the 'long story' now?" He shrugged, looking away.

"Sure."

It's been a long and a sad goodbye
For hellos and handshakes, kisses and lies
Ask me that you'd like to know me well
Well you already have
You already do
Nobody does, nobody does
I guess it says something for you

-Ryan Adams, "For No One"