Chapter Six: Slaying Dragons

Summary: He told himself it was the polite thing to do. That's all it was, right? Seth/Marissa

Disclaimer: You know the drill, folksies. It all belongs to Big Brother. I mean Fox and Josh Schwartz! Yeah, those people.

Author's Note-

I am feeling royally whupped today, so I hope everybody appreciates how dedicated I am to this little project. Not to heap on the guilt or anything like that. Who is at the door? I had a hard time deciding. Logic and creative license duked it out for a while, and believe me it was one helluva fight. Think "Rumble in the Jungle" updated and on steroids. With artillery. In the end, logic finally gained the upper hand, so nobody should be surprised when they discover who is about to cause some trouble in paradise. Also, I had some interesting comments about Ryan and Summer finding out. I wholeheartedly agree that they should know what's what, but my problemo is that those are the two characters I'm worst at writing for. So don't have a fit if they seem a tad out of character when we reach that part. And now, let us enter the Twilight Zone . . . (I don't own that either! Leave me alone!)

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Marissa had officially decided that Summer was an idiot. Also, in a related train of thought, that Seth was perfect. In fact this whole moment was perfect. The balcony, the kiss, the knocking . . .

Knocking?

Coming to her senses she realized that somebody was indeed knocking, or pounding, to be more accurate, upon her bedroom door. Had they locked the door behind them? She couldn't remember. All at once she threw herself into action as her mother's voice drifted through from the hallway.

"Marissa? Are you in there? I wanted to talk to you before it got too late. You're not asleep already, are you?"

Looking desperately around her room for a place to stash Seth until the danger had passed she choked out a quick reply.

"No Mom, not yet. Hold on I'll be right there . . ."

The doorknob was turning. In a panic Marissa shoved Seth hard in the chest.

"Quick! Get under the bed!"

He dropped to the floor and wriggled under her bed like a bad demonstration of the stop, drop, and roll technique. As soon as he was hidden from sight she rushed over to let her mother in. She had barely touched the knob when Julie burst in dramatically.

"Honey, we need to talk." She began to steer her daughter in the direction of the massive bed. "Just sit right there and listen to me for a moment, please."

Plopping down on the mattress Marissa drew in a calming breath and prayed to the gods that this wouldn't take long. Her second prayer concerned preventing Julie from making any unexpected dust bunny inspections.

I hope he doesn't suffocate down there. She tried to recall the last time she had allowed a vacuum in her room and resolved to actually participate in spring cleaning this year.

For next time. The thought of a "next time" sent tingling sensations running through her as she tried to concentrate on Julie's words.

She therefore was not the least bit prepared when a rough finger suddenly stroked the sole of her right foot in a light caress. Stifling a shocked squeal Marissa twisted her foot around from side to side, trying in vain to escape from Seth's wandering hands.

"Are you even listening to me?"

Her mother's annoyed exclamation tore her focus away from the fingers now massaging each of her toes.

Dear God, do not look down.

"Can we continue this tomorrow, Mom? I'm really tired right now."

Rolling her eyes and heaving a sigh her mother flounced from the room. As soon as the door clicked shut Seth pulled himself halfway out from under the bed frame and started laughing.

"That was not funny." She tried to sound angrier than she was.

Still chuckling with good humor he brushed off her accusations and folded his arms underneath his head.

"You didn't seem to mind all that much." He countered. "Besides, I would have thought you'd be more offended by my ability to look up your dress right now."

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He earned a stern kick in the ribs for that one as she modestly rearranged her skirt. Seth managed to pull himself clear of the bed and stood hurriedly, knowing that it was time for him to leave.

Taking Marissa's hand once more he brought her to stand in front of him while bestowing a few good night kisses upon her lips. It was late, and his parents would notice his absence if he didn't return home soon, so he regrettably backed away from her welcoming arms and headed for the window.

Getting out isn't going to be as easy as coming in was. He determined that the drop to the ground was far and dangerous looking, but he'd have to risk it. No matter how wonderful it felt to have her arms wrapped around him from behind.

"Seth?" She murmured in his ear.

"Hmmm?"

"What about Summer?" A question that had been nagging her for a while.

He pivoted in the circle of her arms to stand facing her. Returning the embrace he responded with his own query.

"What about Ryan?"

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Touché. He'd hit pretty close to home with that one. Both had memories of their past relationships lurking in the backs of their minds, and both were well aware that announcing such a sudden change in status could stir up some trouble.

Uncertainty crept stealthily into her little paradise.

Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. There's so much history among the four of us.

Seth opened his mouth to speak.

"Whatever they say, it can't change how I feel about this . . . about you. I just need to know if it's the same for you"

She felt his love acutely then, as real and tangible as his arms encircling her waist.

"We don't have to say anything just yet, do we?"

Yeah, this was crappy. I'm hoping to find my usual rhythm again so you poor people can have some quality fiction. Next post- revelations.