Chapter Five: The Fitting of the Shoe
Summary: He told himself it was the polite thing to do. That's all it was, right? Seth/Marissa
Disclaimer: Double whammy here . . . not only am I borrowing "The O.C." from some lucky ducky, but I have also pulled a few lines from the brilliant Cyrano de Bergerac (written by the versatile Edmond Rostand) for use in this chappie. So let's not sic any media bigwigs or angry frenchmen on me, 'kay?
Author's Note-
Miss me? Unfortunately it has taken me all week to update, and the best explanation I can give is to say that my bosses, professors, and family are to blame. Those philistines- don't they understand that I have a muse to obey? Anyhoo, after spending the past week with said muse whapping me upside the head for not working my story, I now sit before you ready to churn out the moosh. This is the big one- a nice, juicy confrontation 'tween our favorite forbidden couple. Smoochies, anyone? Could be. Press onwards, brave soul, and watch the sparks fly in this latest installment of insanity!
But first, to my loverlies:
TutorGurlTigger- for being ridonkulously enthusiastic about every post. I look for your reviews first, friend!
PrincessSparkle09- for trying something new (and being darn nice about it, too!)
ML26- because I have no idea what your name might mean, but I love getting insight from you
Ansy Pansy aka Panz- thanks for weighing in!
dealmein- 'kay I really like your name- and your reviews!
LizzyB22- every little bit helps
BlondesDoItBetter- Hell yeah they do! (re: your name)
unfolddream- I do so love getting mail
newportbabe- lovin' the critique of my writing. Really helps me decide where the fic is going! Don't be a stranger!
Megan's passion- from one roadie to another! (say, are you gonna finish your own fic?)
Mid-SweetTalk- I'm trying to help fill the void. In the meantime I love hearing from you!
petlamb86- thank you for reviewing! Come back soon, now, y'hear?
carpanthers21- where are we going? Cripes, I wish I knew!
danhyde girl- eep! I would never want to be responsible for making you change your ways!
Agel15- a kiss? Most certainly!
And now, on with the show!
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The sudden clatter of gravel against her window caught Marissa unawares, jarring her out of her reverie and back into the present day. Not to mention almost resulting in her second heart attack of the night. She set her hairbrush down and concentrated on listening for any other suspicious noises.
It came again, the soft fall of dirt and stones thrown deliberately at the glass for some unknown purpose.
It couldn't be Ryan. It had better not be DJ. She knew already who it must be, but indulged in the thrill of suspense produced by the thought of this little mystery.
Pushing the window open she felt the bubble of anticipation inside of her begin to swell with excitement and impatience as she caught sight of him hidden among tall plants in the shadows.
"Seth!" She called out in hushed tones. "What are you doing back here?"
He stood in silence for a moment longer before stepping out into the light.
"Not here". He replied, and waved his hand in the directionof the nearest balcony. Pulling back into the shadows he vanished from sight.
Half running to reach the balcony she realized that the one he'd gestured to was connected to her private bathroom. Not long ago she had laughed at what she'd considered a prime example of her mother's poor taste in architecture. Having a balcony for her bathroom was the most pointless thing she could imagine; it wasn't like she was going to air dry herself out there after showering. Tonight, however, she was ready to sing Julie's praises for insisting on having the damn thing built.
Creeping out to the edge of the railing Marissa scanned the dark lawn below for signs of life. All at once he was there again, looking dark and secretive in the weak light.
"What did you come back here for?" She asked once more of him.
His words caught her off-guard.
"I come here to pluck down out of the sky the evening star- then smile, and stoop to gather little flowers!"
The hell? Where have I heard that before?
"What are you talking about?"
He went on as he had before.
"Love hates that game of words! It is a crime to fence with life- I tell you, there comes one moment, once- and God help those who pass that moment by!- when Beauty stands looking into the soul with grave, sweet eyes that sicken at pretty words!" He was breathing heavier after this speech, whether it was from effort or something else she didn't know.
Cyrano? They had just been talking about it. Apparently Seth had a freakishly good memory when it came to literature.
"Who said anything about love?" She whispered hastily down to him, still afraid of waking Caleb or her mother.
What had begun as a small, friendly smile on his face had grown into a broad grin that she could see clearly even from where she stood.
"Love?" He said. "Love, I love beyond breath, beyond reason, beyond love's own power of loving!" His voice was getting louder and louder with every line.
"Seth- shhh!" She glanced nervously over her shoulder, but quickly brought her attention back to the man before her.
"Your name is like a golden bell hung in my heart;" he continued. "And when I think of you, I tremble, and the bell swings and rings- Marissa! . . . Marissa! . . . along my veins, Marissa!" He fairly shouted her name.
"Wait, Seth, not so loud!" She was giggling helplessly in delight as she watched him throw open his arms in a dramatic gesture.
He moved in closer and dropped his voice.
"Do you remember what those words won from the fair lady?" He asked her.
She smiled then, warm and free.
"So come."
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Seth had no memories of ever being in such a hurry to claim a prize. A kiss from Marissa Cooper, of course, was something that didn't just get handed to you on a silver platter.
I won this. This is mine. Thank God for world lit. classes.
He gripped the ivy covered lattice work and began to climb feverishly upwards. Finding hand and toeholds where he could he nimbly worked his way to the top. Pulling himself up so that he stood astride the railing Seth watched her beckon him nearer. Dropping down to stand beside her he realized how idyllic a spot this was for expressing one's love. In her presence, every twist of ivy became foliage in his own personal Eden. The ornate doorways of the house welcomed him into a land of ageless bliss and contentment.
He held her delicate shoulders with one had while the other cupped he face. His thumb smoothed across her cheek as he bent and lightly pressed his lips to hers.
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Heavenly. Not a word she was given many chances to use, but no other term did justice to his kiss. Seth's embrace was strong yet gentle, the scratchysoft feel of his stubble scraping against her chin.
They broke apart for a quick breath, but soon were picking up where they had left off. His fingers skimmed the length of her neck then continued over her shoulder, down her arm, and finally came to rest on the small of her back. There was no space left between them now, and so they moved as one into the brightly lit bathroom of the house.
If she'd known earlier what kissing him would be like they'd probably be expecting children by now.
Somehow they found their way into her bedroom and closed the door behind them.
Very fast. She managed this thought and was proud of herself for keeping some of her wits intact. We are moving very quickly towards something I don't know about. Should we be?
Somehow she voiced her thoughts and was relieved, if incredibly disappointed, when he pulled back. He understood, though, and kissed her forehead like he had done on the beach instead of assaulting her lips again.
She wasn't ready to let him leave again so soon. Ask him, or tell him, or demand that he stay. Do whatever it takes.
"I'm afraid of the dark." She blurted out. "Absolutely can't be alone after sunset."
He looked confused for less than half a second before getting the message. Leaning in to nuzzle at her neck had muffled his reply at first, but she soon realized what it was he had said and collapsed into his arms with grateful joy.
So it was really his fault that neither one heard the footsteps approaching the room.