Ryan was awoken from his thoughts by his phone ringing.

"hey Marissa," Ryan answered.

"Hey Ryan," she said in a shaky high voice.

"What's the matter Riss? Ryan said immediately alarmed.

"Nothing really it's just... no don't worry," she said.

"Riss of course I'm worried you're my best friend," he said obviously concerned. He could still here her shaky sobs on the phone.

"Riss stay right there I'll be right over."

"o... o...ok thanks Ryan" Ryan ran out into the dark night and headed straight for his bike. He cycled furiously towards the Nichol-Cooper mansion, sweating manically. He suddenly realised that he was only wearing a wife-beater and boxers. Oh well he thought I'm half way there now it's too late to turn back. He put his bike round the back and went through the back gate which he knew would be open. He hoped that he wouldn't run into the dragon lady, he didn't think she would be too impressed to see him in his underwear.

He jogged up the stairs and knocked on Marissa's door. "Marissa can I come in?" he asked quietly opening her door. "Riss what's the matter?"

"I don't really wanna talk about if that's ok." she said in a small voice. "Lets just say the gruesome twosome strike again."

"of course I understand if you don't wanna talk about it," he said, "you can tell me whenever your ready."

"Thanks Ryan." They sat on Marissa's bed in silence listening to the soft music. Marissa had her arms wrapped firmly round his neck with her head buried in his shoulder. He had his arms wrapped round her waist holding her tightly against him. Marissa was so happy that Ryan was there, it felt so good just to know that he was there for her, that she would always be able to rely on him.

The CD finished they slowly parted, neither really wanted to let go. Marissa yawned loudly. "Come on Riss, its time you get some sleep"

"OK" she said, she wasn't going to argue with him and he was right she was tired. She slowly got up and walked over to her dresser. She pulled a pink nightdress out a drawer. Ryan smiled and turned to face the wall. "No peaking!" she joked.

Marissa changed quickly and climbed back onto her bed, it was way too hot to put the quilt on.

"umm... I can... um sleep on the floor if you want?" he asked, suddenly unsure of himself.

"no," she replied perhaps a little too quickly, "its ok you can sleep next to me. After all I've got a double bed." She answered with a small smile.

He laid himself down next to her breathing deeply. The pillows smelt like Marissa and it was definitely his favourite smell. He smiled to himself as he slowly watched her fall asleep. He couldn't think of anywhere in the world more perfect than here in Marissa's room with her breathing softly next to him. He wrapped his strong arms around her and pulled her closer to him. He drifted off to sleep with possibly the biggest smile to ever appear on Ryan Atwood plastered across his face.

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