A/N: Standard disclaimers apply. To make up for such a long time gap between chapters, here is a super long one, just for my lovely readers. I am trying to quicken the pace and not drag everything out, but I'm a recovering detail-aholic and obsessive compulsive, so please bear with me as every possible emotion is expressed in every possible way. Thank you, dearest readers, and please hit the review button when you are done reading.

Chapter 8

The week seemed to go by at warp speed, and before everyone knew it, it was Wednesday, Hospital Day Eve, as Seth referred to it.

The week, quick as it seemed, was rough on all of them. Seth went back and forth from the hospital to home, each test crueler and more unusual than the last. He spent the majority of each day sleeping on the couch. He knew his parents liked being near to him, and they did everything possible to be able to do their work beside the couch. As stifling as they could be at times, Seth had to admit it was great having them around, especially when he hit a major bout of vomiting. As independent as he usually was, it was comforting to have someone rub your back while you yakked up meals you hadn't even eaten.

The rest of the family tried to press on normally, but found it near impossible. Ryan found himself withdrawing even more from family affairs, trying to be neither seen nor heard, figuring the Cohens already had enough crap to deal with. He was trying to be the picture-perfect son, and it was wearing him out when added to his massive load of homework. But he had to help Sandy and Kirsten out in any way possible. And when he wasn't helping out, he was playing video games and joking around with Seth.

Sandy and Kirsten attempted to juggle caring for Seth and their jobs, and they did it well, but cut out all leisure time. They were tired, stressed, and worried. Sandy found himself actually looking forward to his first counseling session on Friday, with a Dr. Newton. He hadn't mustered up the guts to admit to Kirsten that he was actually talking to a hospital psychiatrist, and wasn't sure when he would tell her. Any free time he had was spent with Seth. They mostly just sat around playing video games until Ryan got home from school, at which time Ryan would take Sandy's spot, or Seth would go to sleep and Ryan and Sandy would play the pirate game that Seth loathed. And at the end of the day, Sandy retreated to bed, exhausted, physically, mentally, and emotionally, and slept with his arms wrapped around Kirsten.

Kirsten threw herself into her work, burying her nose into the facts and figures that normally didn't go along with her executive position. She did so while still staying close to home, doing all her accounting on her laptop. She couldn't be even slightly at ease if she didn't have at least one eye on Seth. She began to wonder if maybe she could use that counseling that Dr. Pearson had offered. She couldn't seem to talk to Sandy about her doubts and fears, and she sure as hell couldn't discuss them with Seth. She did find herself confiding bits and pieces of her mind with Ryan on random occasions, but she usually stopped herself before revealing anything big. She didn't want to worry Ryan, but his quiet sensitivity just put her in a place where she felt like he would understand. But she had to stop that. He was just a kid.

Caleb went back to his own home, but visited almost daily with a new gift for Seth. He and Sandy were, for once, civil around each other, which both amused and pleased everyone else, the former one because they could actually see the two straining not to verbally attack one another. Caleb had actually lightened up considerably, at least for Seth's sake, and even challenged Sandy to a rousing race on the Moo Moo Farm track on Mario Kart. Sandy won by inches, and it probably took every ounce of self-restraint not to jump up and do a victory dance.

Summer came by every day, and stayed late into the night. Her father and stepmother didn't care, and she made Seth happy, so Sandy and Kirsten weren't about to force her to go home. Since Seth's bedroom was off-limits, they sat together on the couch, she resting in his arms. And they weren't uncomfortable about being that way when everyone else was in the room. They were just happy to be with each other and cozy, bickering innocently and trading insults. There was an underlying tenderness to their relationship that radiated through the room.

Ryan and Summer mutually decided that they had to make Seth's Hospital Day Eve as much fun as they thought he could handle. They had the whole afternoon with him; he slept in later each morning, and Kirsten and Sandy had made dinner plans at Seth's favorite restaurant, The Happy Clam Palace. While they had invited Ryan, Caleb, and Summer, all three of them thought it was better that they have a private dinner, just Seth and his parents. They knew that that was really how Kirsten and Sandy wanted it anyway. Either way, Seth's whole day was booked up.

After much debate, Ryan and Summer had settled on a day at the beach. They spent most of the day just lying around and talking.

Seth lay on his beach towel, under the umbrella that Summer had set up. He was clad in a baseball cap, sunglasses, sweatpants, and a hooded sweatshirt.

"Honestly, Cohen, you look like you're hiding from the paparazzi," Summer teased gently. She curled up beside him, wearing a skimpy bikini.

Seth kissed the top of her head gently. "I'm a little cold," he admitted. He stroked her hair gently.

Ryan was lying, eyes closed, on the blanket beside them. He rolled over and grabbed a Mountain Dew from the cooler Summer had packed. In fact, Summer had packed a whole picnic basket for them. Ryan had to admit that she had been bending over backwards to show Seth a good time.

"Want anything?" He asked.

"No thanks, dude," Seth answered.

"Nah," Summer answered.

Ryan shut the cooler and popped the top. He took a large sip of Mountain Dew.

Seth sighed. "How am I gonna tell people about this?" He paused. "Not that I can think of many people who'd care." He scratched his head. "But, I mean, I'll get the crap kicked out of me if I just randomly show up at school bald one day."

Summer frowned. "You mean you haven't told anybody yet?"

"Have your parents told anyone else?" Ryan asked, sitting cross-legged.

"I don't think they've even been with anybody else long enough to bring it up," Seth admitted, pulling his baseball cap down lower on his head. "You guys tell anybody else?"

"Nope," Summer replied, kissing his neck tenderly.

"Who would I tell?" Ryan asked, shrugging.

"I tried to call Anna, but she's out of town," Seth said with a small frown.

Summer sighed. "What time do you have to go tomorrow?"

"My dad's taking me at noon," Seth responded. "Mom's working, Ryan's got school."

"I'd ditch, but your dad said no," Ryan explained.

"It's cool," Seth replied.

"Kirsten's taking me after school," Ryan added brightly.

Seth nodded. He was a little nervous about getting checked into the hospital, even though his father had promised he'd spend the first night with him. And the second, if he wanted, though Seth didn't want to put his father out at all. He'd have to get used to being alone in his room anyway.

"Having fun?" Summer asked, leaning over and kissing him on the lips.

"Mmm..yeah." Seth grinned happily at his girlfriend. "You done good, pretty lady."

Summer nuzzled up closer to Seth, while Ryan tried not to stare openly.

"And pretty man," Seth added, leaning over and flicking Ryan's shoulder.

"Ha, ha," Ryan mumbled dryly.

"Seriously, kids, thanks for taking me here." Seth yawned loudly. "I don't know how I would've handled this if it'd happened before I knew you guys." He usually didn't like being so serious, but he really felt like he had to tell Ryan and Summer how much they were helping him.

Ryan nodded, not sure what he could say to that. As scared as he was for his best friend, he was glad that he'd be there to help him through it. He couldn't imagine what it would be like if Seth had been diagnosed before he came to Newport, with no friends to support him, and only his parents to stand by him.

"All right, that's enough of those sappy moments," Summer said brightly. "Let's do something."

"I thought we were doing something," Seth answered, wrinkling his forehead. He leaned back, feeling exhausted. "I'm kinda nauseous," he admitted with a sigh. His reading material said the sun could do that to him

"So what do you wanna do now?" Ryan asked, chugging the last of his Mountain Dew.

"I dunno." Seth sighed, his fingers still gently going through Summer's hair. He bit his lip. "Actually, you know what would be good?"

"What?" Summer asked curiously.

"A movie," Seth replied. "You sit still for two hours and get entertained. It's not physically draining at all." He nodded. "And there's that new Ray Romano flick. And you know my affection for the neurotic Italians."

"Sounds good," Ryan agreed.

"All right, we're off to the movies," Seth announced, standing up with a smile/

Ryan scooped up all their beach gear and the trio marched onward toward Summer's car.

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Sandy sighed. He had a pounding headache, but he had to look over the accounting books before he could go back home to pick up Kirsten and Seth for dinner. Jimmy sat across from him, inhaling some Chinese food. The restaurant was coming along well, but Sandy had to admit he'd been putting a half-assed effort in ever since Seth had been diagnosed.

"You sure you don't want any, Sandy?" Jimmy asked, holding up his carton of moo shoo pork.

"Huh?" Sandy glanced from Jimmy to the take-out carton. "Uh, no thanks Jimmy." He tried to smile, but it wouldn't reach his face.

"Something wrong?" Jimmy asked, placing the food on the table. He reached over and shut the account book Sandy had been working in.

"No, no." Sandy shook his head. He tried to reopen the book, but Jimmy kept his hand pressed firmly over it. Sandy swallowed a lump in his throat. He hadn't told Jimmy yet. In fact, he hadn't told anyone, not even his mother. He wasn't sure how Nana Cohen would react to the news, though he was fairly certain it would involve a lot of drama, and a few hundred tons of meat loaf, or the equivalent "healing food."

"C'mon, Sandy. You've been in a daze this past week. You hardly talk, you don't eat..." Jimmy trailed off. "And no offense, but you look like crap. Don't try and tell me nothing's going on."

Sandy sighed. "It's nothing. Really."

"Sandy, we're friends now. You can tell me what's going on." Jimmy looked truly concerned. "I mean, you've always listened to me when I'm having problems with Marissa."

Sandy exhaled a deep breath, closing his eyes. He rubbed his face with both hands. He played with his pen, twisting it around his fingers. It would feel good to tell someone. Ah, what the hell.

"Seth..uh...Seth has cancer," he said in a half-whisper. God, the words hurt. "Leukemia." That word sent a nail into his side.

"Oh, God, Sandy, I'm sorry." Jimmy paused. "Is there anything I can do for you or Kirsten...or Seth..oh, the poor kid." He shook his head sadly.

"No thanks, Jimmy. But, I appreciate the offer. I really do." Sandy forced a tiny smile.

"That's rough," Jimmy whispered softly. "But look, you need anything, I'm right here." He paused, wringing his hands. "I mean, time off from the restaurant...someone to talk to...moo shoo pork." He held up the food carton, and both men chuckled nervously.

"Thanks, Jimmy," Sandy said with a grateful smile. He ran a hand through his hair, and focused his attention back on work. "I have to get this done. Seth goes to the hospital tomorrow and Kirsten and I are taking him out to dinner tonight."

"Forget about it," Jimmy offered enthusiastically, grabbing the book from Sandy. "It'll be there whenever you're ready." He paused. "That is, assuming you don't trust me with the finances."

"Not at this point, no," Sandy replied quickly. He sighed, giving Jimmy an appraising look. "You sure it's okay I cut out early?"

"Go," Jimmy insisted, grabbing the account book from under Sandy. "You need to be with your family now."

Sandy stood up. He didn't have to be told twice. He grabbed his briefcase and threw everything in hap hazardously.

"Thanks Jimmy," Sandy said, checking his watch. He had time to shower and clean up before dinner, if he hurried. "I'll see ya."

"Take as much time as you need with him. It's no problem." Jimmy smiled reassuringly. "I'm sure he'll be fine. Give me a call, let me know, huh?"

"Thanks. I will." Sandy waved one last time before practically sprinting out of the restaurant and into his car. It had been hard to just work and work and pretend like nothing was wrong. He hopped into the Range Rover and loosened his tie. He wanted to make Seth's Hospital Day Eve as relaxing and enjoyable as he could possibly make it.

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When Seth, Ryan, and Summer returned to the Cohen house from the movie, Kirsten and Sandy were sitting on the living room couch, trying to pretend like they hadn't been anxiously awaiting their arrival.

"Hey, kids. How was your day?" Kirsten asked, closing the magazine she hadn't been reading.

"Pretty good," Seth replied. He had one arm around Summer, and he used his hand to pull off his sunglasses and hat, which he tossed on the couch.

Sandy and Kirsten exchanged worried glances. His eyes were bloodshot and the dark circles were practically swallowing him whole. He looked drastically worse from when he was first diagnosed.

"We hit the beach for awhile." Seth paused. "FYI, Ryan lost his trunks in the undertow. Hilarity ensued." He grinned at Ryan, who's face turned pink. "Then we went to see the new Ray Romano flick."

"How was it?" Sandy asked.

"I'll say this: my love affair with the Italians is still going strong." Seth sighed and held his hand over his heart. He'd enjoyed the day, but that nagging fear did not leave his mind for a moment. It was mostly a fear of the unknown. He was going to the hospital the next day, and he had no idea what to expect.

"You ready for dinner, sweetheart?" Kirsten asked, smiling gently at her son.

Seth yawned. "Just about. I just have to go get changed and I'll be all set."

"You sure you're up for it?" Sandy asked, concerned.

"Yeah, no problem." Seth grinned. "I've been looking forward to it all week."

Sandy and Kirsten smiled warmly at their son. Sandy reached out and clasped Kirsten's hand.

"I better get going," Summer said. "It's my stepmom's birthday." She smiled. "Bye Mr. Cohen. Mrs. Cohen. Chino." She looked up at Seth. "Walk me to my car?"

"Sure."

Summer and Seth walked out to Summer's car, Seth's arm draped around her shoulders. He dropped his arm once they reached the car door, which he chivalrously opened for his girlfriend.

"So...tomorrow?" Summer said, avoiding Seth's eyes. She could feel tears about to spill out from her eyes.

Seth hugged her close, and the couple rocked a little, almost as if they were dancing. He kissed the top of her head lightly.

"It'll be okay," he whispered.

Summer pulled back a little, and kissed Seth passionately on the lips, her hand gently stroking his curls. She was scared by how much she felt for him. She didn't want to let go of her emo nerd. It was confusing. She'd never felt that strongly about a guy. She wasn't sure if any of her past boyfriends would have made her feel this way had they suddenly announced they had cancer. What was it about Seth Cohen?

"Thanks for making my day, Roberts," Seth said, smiling coyly.

"No problem, Cohen." Summer rubbed his face gently, her fingers brushing his dimples. "Though if you pull that Ray Romano impression on me again, you're dead." She bit her lip, realizing what she'd said. "Sorry."

"Nah, it's cool." Seth stroked her hair softly. "I don't want to see the day when Summer Roberts starts watching what she says."

Summer kissed him again, closing her eyes, enjoying the taste of his soft lips. They tasted like chocolate.

"I really do have to go," Summer said sadly, pulling away a little. "My stepmom's a real bitch if I'm late." She frowned.

Seth kissed her forehead tenderly. "It's okay. I have to go too. Tell your dad I said he's a tool."

Summer giggled. She wrapped her arms around Seth's waist and hugged him close to her body, inhaling the scent of Bounce fabric softener and Dove soap. She closed her eyes, and began rubbing circles on Seth's back.

"I have something for you," she whispered into Seth's neck.

"Oh, yeah. So we're doing it in the car these days, huh?" Seth replied. "Pretty kinky for a prude like you, but I'll take it."

Summer smacked his chest lightly. "Ew, no." She reached into her car and pulled out a blue gift bag overflowing with purple tissue paper. She brushed the hair from her face and smiled sweetly. "I wanted you to have a few things."

"You're gorgeous," Seth said, digging into the bag. The first thing he felt was something soft and stuffed.

"It's the Good Luck Bear," Summer explained, as Seth pulled the small green Care Bear with the four leaf clover on his chest out of the bag. "I figured you might need it when..I mean.."

Seth pulled her into a one-armed hug and gently kissed her temple. "It's perfect." He reached into the bag again, and smiled at what he found. "Princess Sparkle. Aw, Summer you didn't have to give her up. Oh, Captain Oats will sho be pleased with me lady's hooves."

"I figured Captain Oats would need some company," Summer said quietly. "Make sure they use protection."

They both laughed.

"Don't be a stranger now," Seth requested quietly. "Come by frequently and tend to my wounds please, dear."

Summer hid her face in Seth's chest so he wouldn't see her teary eyes. Once she felt properly composed, she kissed him one last time, a long, lingering, kiss.

"I'll see ya, Cohen," she whispered softly.

"See ya, Summer."

Their hands lingered on each other's, until they finally parted.

Seth watched her car disappear down the driveway. He sighed, feeling exhausted and sad. He wished Summer were still right by him, holding his hand. She made things so much easier to deal with. He walked quietly into his house.

Sandy and Kirsten were cuddled close together when he reappeared in the living room. Ryan was nowhere to be seen.

"Ew. Make me a little brother or sister some other time," Seth said loudly, his eyes twinkling. Without waiting for a reply, he headed for the stairs. "I have to get changed. Be back in a flash."

"A flash," turned out to be ten minutes. Seth wasn't sure when it started taking him ages to do something as simple as making himself presentable at the Happy Clam Palace, but he found himself almost too tired to lift his arms. When he finally met his parents at the bottom of the stairs, he was about ready to drop.

"You're sure you want to go, Seth?" Kirsten asked.

Seth nodded. "Do not fret, my dear. I am fully primped and ready to roll."

"All right then. Hope we're all prepared for a night of fanciful dining at the Happy Clam Palace," Sandy said, waggling his eyebrows.

"Can I order off the kid's menu?" Seth asked eagerly. "Because I want some freaking macaroni and cheese." He paused. "And a Happy Clam Crown."

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The Happy Clam Palace was practically deserted, and the Cohens all felt more at ease in the absence of others. Seth got his requested macaroni and cheese, Sandy ordered a BLT, and Kirsten a cheeseburger. Seth wore his Happy Clam Crown with pride, and he played with the Happy Clam Toy cheerily.

"Oh man, this mac and cheese is bitchin'!" Seth exclaimed, shoveling a large spoonful into his mouth. He glanced over at Kirsten, who was rolling her eyes. "Sorry, Mom. I should probably come up with some better adjectives."

Kirsten just laughed and rubbed Seth's head affectionately.

"Mind the crown, Mother." Seth reached up to straighten it on his head. "You know I ripped the other one last time when we got in that fist fight in the parking lot."

"Yeah, Kirsten, you've been known to fight dirty," Sandy told her, patting her hand comfortingly. "Going after a guy's crown is just unethical."

"I was merely being resourceful," Kirsten said in a fake pout, smiling to herself. She was proud that she could keep up with Sandy and Seth's wild and crazy banter, at least for once.

The family ate in awkward silence for a few minutes, their eyes constantly meeting one another's, then looking away quickly.

"Seth," Sandy began clearing his throat.

"Yes, dear Father?" Seth asked, swallowing.

"I want you to know that I'll stay with you at the hospital as many nights as you need me to. Same goes for your mother." Sandy looked at Kirsten, who nodded emphatically in confirmation.

"I know," Seth said softly, staring intently at his macaroni and cheese.

"I don't want you to be afraid to ask us to be there with you. Or be afraid to ask for anything." Sandy paused, wishing Seth would look him in the eye. "We're going to fight this with you, Ryan too. You need anything, you call me. Don't hesitate. I'll drop everything, no matter what. Promise me that, Seth."

"Okay." Seth nodded. He looked up into his father's eyes and smiled sadly. "I promise."

"Good." Sandy smiled, as if to say "Now that that's over with..." He reached over and squeezed Seth's hand firmly. "We love you, kiddo."

Seth could feel tears spring up in his eyes. He nodded, choking out, "Love you guys."

Sandy rubbed Seth's hand gently, not saying anything more. He focused his attention back on his sandwich, knowing it'd be best if he just stopped talking.

Seth continued shoveling more macaroni and cheese into his mouth, gradually regaining control of his feelings. He'd almost let the tears take over his body again, and he couldn't break down then. He needed to have a nice dinner with his parents, if not for them, then for himself. He was scared shitless about going to the hospital, and he needed something good to carry with him. Not some moment tainted by him turning into a puddle of sap.

Some singing from the kitchen caught his attention. Seth's ears perked up. He glanced over at Sandy, who was grinning, really grinning, and not just fake grinning like he'd been doing for the past week.

"You didn't," Seth said, feeling a real smile creep up on his face again.

They did.

Happy Clam Palace waiters and waitresses crowded around the Cohen table, all singing "For He's Jolly Good Fellow." The Happy Clam clam mascot placed a large chocolate sundae in front of Seth, before the crew broke into their most well-known number:

"Happy happy birthday, from all of us to you. We wish it was our birthday so we could party too! Hey!"

The Cohens clapped, and Sandy put two fingers in his mouth and whistled.

"Bravo! Bravo!" He cheered. "Encore!"

The Happy Clam gave Sandy a high-five, and then bowed gracefully. The whole crew disappeared quickly into the kitchen.

"Aw, Dad, you told them it was my birthday again. You're such a talented liar." Seth smiled. The last time Sandy had lied to the gullible Happy Clam Palace staff had been freshmen year, Homecoming, when Sandy took Seth out to make sure he didn't spend the whole night moping in his room. It had worked to at least get a laugh out of him then, and it seemed to be working again.

"Want any?" Seth asked, gesturing to his sundae.

"Nah. You enjoy it," Sandy replied, a warm smile spreading across his mouth. He scooted his chair closer to Kirsten and put his arm around her. He kissed the top of her head gently and they watched Seth happily devouring his ice cream.

"I was beginning to think he was becoming more mature," Kirsten said softly, leaning her head on Sandy's shoulder.

"Heard it. Processed it. Couldn't care less," Seth chirped. He glanced up at his parents and smiled. "Thanks, you guys."

Kirsten and Sandy just smiled.

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Ryan sat on the living room couch, trying to read the book he'd been assigned for English, but he kept hopping up and looking out the window, checking to see if the Cohens were back yet. It was only eight, but Ryan still felt a little worried. He hoped they hadn't tired Seth out to much at the beach. Seth seemed to grow weaker as the days wore on. Ryan wished there could just be some miracle pill that could cure cancer. He wanted his crazy, exuberant, best friend back, not the one who slept practically non- stop, and seemed mostly disoriented when awake. It was hard to see him like that.

Ryan got up for the umpteenth time to check the driveway. They'd taken the practically noiseless BMW, which bothered Ryan more than it should have. He just wanted to know the exact moment that they came back, so he could be there to greet them, and say good night to Seth, who would inevitably be on his way to bed.

No car in sight. Ryan flopped back down on the couch, sighing. He was surprised, and even a little scared, at how he'd grown so attached to the Cohen family, especially Seth. His safety, health, and happiness meant more to him than Trey's ever had. Seth was the best brother and the best friend he'd ever had. It was hard to imagine what life in the Cohen household would be like without Seth. More than anything, Ryan was afraid that he'd have to live in the Cohen household without Seth permanently, despite Sandy's insistence that everything would work out fine. Ryan knew adults lied, sometimes with the best intentions, but lies all the same.

What would dinner be like without Seth there to fill the silences with chatter about whatever the hell popped into his head? How was he supposed to sit there and eat without Seth's glorious ramblings? What about breakfast? Who would grouse about jocks that peed in shoes, and used the word "emo" as a slur?

Ryan sat up and pinched the bridge of his nose. He had to chill out. But, shit, he was scared. Seth was his brother. He peered out the window, and cheered silently as he saw the BMW crawl up the driveway. They were home.

Ryan didn't try to hide the fact that he'd been waiting up for them. He was standing right by the door when it swung open.

Kirsten slipped in first, a serene smile on her face, but looking teary- eyed. She caught sight of Ryan, and it was as if her eyes were sucked dry. She put a hand on his shoulder gently and moved next to him so Sandy and Seth could enter.

Seth shuffled in, the Happy Clam Crown still perched atop his head, and an exhausted smile on his face. Sandy was directly behind him, his hand resting on the small of Seth's back. Sandy had the same placid expression on his face, and Ryan smiled. Clearly, the night had gone pretty well.

"Hey, dude," Seth greeted him, with a large yawn. "You didn't have to wait up for me, man. It's almost nine, which is way past your bedtime, little mister."

"I just wanted to say goodnight," he said softly.

"Yeah, 'cause the next time you see me I'm gonna be in the hospital," Seth replied bluntly. He caught the look on Ryan's face and frowned. "Dude, I'm sorry. C'mere."

Seth took two steps forward and gave Ryan a brotherly hug. Ryan returned it, as awkward as physical affection made him feel, and he smiled, hand patting Seth's back gently. He hadn't even been there a year, and he was about to cry over Seth. Shit.

Seth pulled back, and punched Ryan's shoulder with a grin.

"Thanks, brother. You're a good kid." Seth gave him a little half-smile. "Dad'll have to keep you in line in my absence." He glanced up at his father, who smiled. "Somebody has to keep you from burning down another house."

Ryan smiled softly. "You're hilarious, Cohen."

Seth lifted an eyebrow comically. "Who? Me?"

"So, I'll come see you tomorrow after school," Ryan said.

"I'll pencil you into my Harry Potter planner," Seth replied with a lopsided grin.

"What's sad is you probably have one," Ryan shot back, wondering how Seth could still be so quick with the one-liners.

"Nerd power, it's a very powerful weapon. Take note." Seth shook a finger at his friend.

Ryan caught Sandy's eye over Seth's shoulder. His eyes flicked from the stairs and back to Seth.

"Yeah..but uh, I have to go do some homework...so tomorrow?" Ryan cleared his throat. He reached out a hand and patted Seth weakly on the shoulder. "Good luck, man."

"Thanks, Chino," Seth said quietly. He turned to say something to his father.

"See ya, Ryan," Sandy said a look of gratitude on his face.

Ryan nodded slightly. He turned to walk towards the kitchen, but Kirsten's hand on his shoulder stopped him. He looked into her eyes, and saw the unconditional love he never saw in his own mother's eyes. She wrapped him into a large hug.

"Thank you," she whispered into his ear. She kissed his cheek affectionately.

Ryan didn't know what to say, but he knew he was on the verge of tears, so he slowly backed out of the room. Reaching the kitchen, he turned around and walked out, aware that everyone's attention was refocused on Seth. He was glad. Seth needed it more than he did.

Kirsten's face twitched into an uneasy smile. She felt horrible not being able to help Sandy escort Seth to the hospital, but she had to work. There was some legal snafu that Caleb needed her help with, and the future of the company depended on their next move. Seth had insisted it was okay, though. If he'd asked her just once, she would've left Caleb in the dust to be with him.

The goodnight was painful for her. He'd still be asleep when she left the next morning, she knew that much. That meant that the next time she'd be able to talk to him would be at the hospital. The very thought almost paralyzed her with fear. Her baby.

"Seth, I'm sorry I can't be there with you," Kirsten said, grasping Seth's forearm gently.

Seth held up a hand. "I told you, it's fine. Me and Dad'll be okay. We'll study the Koran and trash the Republicans."

"That we will," Sandy piped up.

"I'll be there as soon as I can," Kirsten promised. "You have my cell number, if you need anything your father can't get you." She paused, glancing at her husband. "Like intelligent conversation."

"Mad props, Mom. You just burned Dad." Seth grinned. He smiled faintly at Kirsten and held out his arms. "C'mon, you big lug. I need some good hug action here."

Kirsten enveloped Seth into a long, tender hug. She closed her eyes, thinking how grown up Seth really was. He was being so strong.

"I love you, Seth," Kirsten told him softly.

"I love you, Mom." Seth's smile was large and genuine. "Don't worry about me."

Kirsten pulled back a little and kissed Seth softly on the forehead. She caressed Seth's cheek gently.

"You'd better get to bed," Kirsten advised him. She kissed him once more on the cheek.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Seth answered softly. He smiled, and turned to his father. "Night, Dad."

"Night, son." Sandy squeezed Seth's shoulder lovingly.

Seth climbed the stairs slowly, his legs looking slightly shaky, but he smiled reassuringly down at his parents, so they made no move to help him.

"I need a drink," Kirsten announced to her husband, once Seth was out of sight. She couldn't fight the tears any longer.