~ Lies 18 ~
"Hey, these are quite the fashion statement." Standing by the bed he looked down at his pajamas. He got in and slid under the covers. "Ahhhhhhh. This feels awesome. Wait. Do you want more fire? I can build it up again if you do."
"Don't even move. I think you've done enough for me for one day - for a lifetime, probably. I'm sorry I'm such a mess. The last few days couldn't have been fun for you at all. Especially today." She looked away from him.
"I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to be. And stop apologizing. None of this is your fault."
"You do know how much. This uh - means to me, right? You helping me? And all this tonight?" She started out haltingly, but got stronger toward the end.
"I know."
"Speaking of friends..." She held up her left hand and admired the ring Seth gave her. "I don't feel right about this at all."
He turned on his side toward her. "Why? If you really don't like it, it's fine. Or - hell, are you scared that I think it's an engagement ring? I thought I -"
"No, no, no Seth. I absolutely love it! You get an A+ in 'Jewelry for Summer' - you could not have picked a better ring for me. And you told me it was a friendship ring."
"Then what's the problem? I don't get it."
"It's just way too much. This is a big diamond and you must have like, spent a fortune and you SO didn't need to do this."
"Whoa. Whoa. Hold up. First of all, I WANTED to buy you that ring. I wanted you to have something.... touchable, something you can SEE that will remind you how I feel and remind you that I can be trusted. So whether I needed to is irrelevant. Next. I have a job. I work for money that I don't need, because in case you haven't heard, my family is ridiculously, obnoxiously wealthy. So shut it about the big diamond and how much it cost. Geez."
Summer sat up and looked down at him. "Did you just tell me to 'shut it'?"
He cringed inwardly and wondered how badly she could hurt him in her condition. Probably a whole lot. "Yes?" He gave her a strained, yet hopeful smile.
"Huh." She looked puzzled.
"Is this going to be a lot painful, or just a little?"
"You know, I think I liked it. Because I feel a lot like kissing you now."
"Ok, did you take too much pain medication? Did you break into the bar while I was in the shower? This is not normal, Summer."
"Shut up." She bent down and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for the ring. It's beautiful and I adore it, but I love the thought behind it even more."
Seth blushed. "I'm glad." She settled back into bed and he grabbed her hand, teasing. "You're sure it's not too much, now? Cuz I can take it back and get a smaller one." He started to pull on the ring. "It's no problem at all."
She snatched her hand away from him. "It's mine, mine, mine. You may touch it only if you are worshipping it as I do."
"Oh hey. I'm sorry, I sort of took over the conversation earlier and then we got off track. About your dad. So far we've determined that you did nothing wrong, you have nothing to be ashamed of, and you're insane for thinking I would look at you differently if I knew. I'm pretty sure there was more."
She reached for his hand. "This is so weird. Talking to you about it."
"Why?"
"Because you're not someone I'm paying to help me think straight again. You're a friend, my age. I never thought this was something I'd talk about. Ever. It's like it's been stuck in my chest always."
"So let it out."
She was quiet a minute. "Since I don't remember my mom, and I really don't remember the beginning of - it, I'm assuming it started after she left. Like I said, as I got bigger, it got worse. Not more often, because it didn't happen very often. Enough time would go by that I was sure it was over, and then - it wasn't."
He squeezed her hand.
"Nanny saw us, that's when it stopped. I was so confused; she was yelling about calling the police, and I was sure I would go to jail because it was all my fault. I never saw her again after that day. She suddenly "inherited" a villa in Italy, a mansion in France, and enough money to retire at the age of 30. Sweet deal, huh?"
"Yeah, real nice. So not only your mom and dad, but your nanny betrayed you too?"
"Yep. I didn't get it for a long time, but yeah."
"So it stopped then?"
"Yeah. I got a new nanny, and that's when he started spending all his time overseas."
"But how can you live here? He does come home sometimes, doesn't he?"
"Ask me something else. You wouldn't understand."
He heard a hitch in her voice, and realized he'd made her cry. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. But remember the card I gave you? Even if you think I won't understand? Give me a chance to."
She moved closer to him. "This sounds so wrong, to me even. One part of me hates him, but one part of me still wants a Daddy that loves me. Not like before, but like a real dad. Plus - where would I go? He's my only family." She was still crying softly.
He gathered her up and held her. "Summer, I don't know all the answers. But you're entitled to feel however you feel, and it seems to me it would be wrong if you didn't want him to love you the way a dad should. Like my dad said recently, that's a parent's first and foremost job - love their kid. We expect it from them. If you didn't want love from someone, you'd be bitter and cold, and wouldn't have that big heart and sweet nature that I've seen."
She didn't answer, just hugged him.
"Is it hard for you to live here?"
She let out a long sigh. "Just because we've never talked about it. He stayed away a long time, then he showed up one day, acting like it never happened. I was still little and I didn't understand why he wouldn't have anything to do with me. Maybe it's guilt, but he barely speaks and he never looks AT me, he looks through me. It's like I'm not here. When I went to the shrink, and things started making sense, I wanted him to at least try to talk about it, apologize, ANYTHING that would acknowledge that it happened and he felt even a little bit bad about fucking up my entire life."
"Ah. That's why you said you feel like a ghost. I imagine looking at you reminds him that he's a fu -. I'm sorry. Biting my tongue now. I'm really sorry, but it makes me crazy."
She looked up at him, suddenly insecure again.
"No. You talking about it doesn't make me crazy. I want you to talk to me as long and as much as you want to. Ok? Summer, I want to HURT him. I want to punish him in the worst way possible, something slow and excruciating - for what he's done to you." He tried to keep his voice even, not wanting to distress her any more.
"Oh." She raised her head to kiss him on the cheek. "There's not much left to say. I mean there a million ways it's affected me, but I'm doing pretty well, other than the relationship stuff you've had to deal with." Her voice lowered. "You know, Seth. I've dated other guys, but it was never like - this. With you."
He thought he'd heard her wrong for a second, then got that he'd heard right, breaking into a pleased smile. "What? - Really? That's - that's awesome."
She raised her eyes to his. "I heard that adorable grin thing you do when you said that!"
"Summer, you can't hear a smile. Wait, did you say 'adorable'?"
She rolled her eyes. "Way the ruin the moment, Cohen."
"Yes, it's what's I do. Extremely well, like a gift even, unfortunately." He sighed.
"It's all right. Are you tired, sweetie?"
"Yes, but I'm game for more talk if you want to."
"No, I'm tired too. I took a pain pill while you were in the shower and I'm starting to feel it."
"Sleep, then." He hugged her and kissed her forehead, hoping she wouldn't roll away.
"Seth?"
"Hmmm?"
"Would you do that thing like in the hospital?"
He grinned, then gently rolled her onto her back and wrapped himself around her from the side. "That thing like this?"
"Mmm-hmm."
"Your wish is my command." He settled against her, sighing contentedly.
"We're going to see Ryan tomorrow, right?"
"If you feel up to it, we're going. If not, I'm going but then I'll come back here to you."
She turned to look at him. "You know you're going to have to stop spoiling me. I'm liking it way too much."
"You are? Ok, next month I stop spoiling you."
"Uh huh. Night, baby."
"Night, Summer."
****
**She knows only warm hands, gliding over sensitive skin with gentle fingers. Lips teasing, a firm touch guiding her down. Eyes locked as solid wiry weight settles on her, claiming her, heightening sweet anticipation coiling inside. Dizzyingly unfamiliar sensation of hot bare skin tingling against her everywhere, feeling naked and vulnerable. Startling, intoxicating. Under a hazel spell, brown eyes yield possession, softening with need. Lashes framing eyes cast downward, dark curls moving below her vision, gathering drifting sparks with his travel. Fingers tangle curly hair; all sight lost as the current flows down with him, crying out and arching beneath as his tongue finds her and lightning strikes.**
Summer woke with a start, immediately checking to see if she was still wearing pajamas. That was one intense dream. One of those that felt so real you weren't sure if you actually were asleep. She blew out a breath. And one of those dreams that got you all riled up. She looked over at Seth, sleeping deeply. The poor guy had been up for around four days, making sure she had everything she needed, worrying over her, and basically saving her life. What if he hadn't been there when the accident happened? What if he'd hadn't stayed with her in the hospital? She would have woke up alone, not knowing what was happening, terrified. He'd handled all the paperwork, got her clothes, kept her company, bought her gifts, held her when she cried, combed out her hair, made her laugh; the list was endless. Today - made sure she took her medication on schedule, made a fire, brought her dinner, offered help in a way no one ever had, and listened to her talk about the most horrible part of her life without judging her - even giving her some fresh insight into it. He'd bought her a magnificent ring engraved with words that meant everything to her. "Trust". "Honesty". She had never known anyone so compassionate in her life. If she couldn't trust Seth Cohen now, there was no one on Earth she could ever trust and it would be a long, lonely life. He had proven his point over and over again.
As she pulled away from him he rolled onto his back. She turned onto her side next to him and kissed him lightly, letting her fingers explore his neck and chest. "I think I'm in love with you. How's that for honesty?" she said quietly.
His hand covered hers on his chest. "Summer, that's twice you've said that now. One of these days you're going to tell me when YOU'RE not unconscious, and you don't think I'M asleep. Just to clarify; when we're both awake and both know it."
"You're awake?!" She smacked him.
"Ow! What happened to PRETENDING to hit me?"
"I'd rather talk about why you were PRETENDING to be asleep! You were so tired, I thought you'd be out till morning." She rubbed his arm where she'd hit him.
"Pretending is such a harsh word. It's like this. I'm still in full-alert babysitter mode and you were moaning, and I thought you were hurt, then I figured out that it was moaning of the thoroughly NOT hurting type; the fabulously opposite of hurt, if you know what I mean and I think you DO; so then you woke up and I thought we'd go back to sleep, but you started with the touchy-feely, and I was just curious to see where THAT might end up. Now you know you can't blame a guy, really, when he's sleeping in the same bed with a beautiful intelligent woman and she makes those" he swallowed hard "uh - noises? Like that? And then starts to touch him, because after all I'm just a seventeen year old walking hormone that's wanted you since I was ten, and now that I know that you - uh - like me, I was just really hoping that you might decide you wanted me too, as in, like a boyfriend. Like your ex-idiot-boyfriend that you might give another chance to. But no pressure, cause it's totally cool if you don't, I'm happy as hell being your friend. Really. I swear on that ring."
"Seth?"
"Yes?"
"Shut up."
"Right. Got it. Not talking."
"I'm sorry I woke you up. I know how tired you are."
"Yeah. About that. See Summer? I'm not um - at all tired anymore. In fact, I am really very awake. Parcheesi? Uno? Jenga?"
"Oh wait, let me think about it - NO. I'd rather talk about honesty. And my dream. It was definitely a GOOD dream. An AMAZING dream."
He was quiet for a moment. His tone was cautious. "Aaaand you want to...tell me all about it?"
"Maybe."
"Ok. Summer. I don't know how to play this game. You're going to have to draw me a picture here."
"I can do that. Do you know who was in the dream with me?"
"Brad Pitt?"
"Married."
He thought for a minute. "Oh! I know! Orlando Bloom."
"Such a pretty, pretty man. But no."
"Ok. You said...Matt's hot, but - Ben! Ben Affleck cuz he has dark hair! Oh. No, J Lo.'s touched him. Ewww."
"OhmyGod. I said that? Yikes. I'll give you a hint - this guy has dark hair."
"I give up. I think I forgot why we were having this conversation to begin with."
She laughed at him. "I'll give you one last hint. Look at me."
"I'm looking; I see you." He made a face at her.
She giggled. "Ok. Here's your hint, genius. Listen closely. The guy in the dream with me? I think I'm in love with him."
"Well, that obviously would be -" A slow smile spread across his face. "Me?"
She smiled back.
"I'm just going to uh - kiss you now. Yes. That's what I'm going to do." He rolled toward her and kissed her, then went back for more. "Mmmmm. Nice. So hey! Was I - was I any good? Per se? In the dream, I mean?"
"Did you not hear me moaning?"
He rolled onto his back again, nodding confidently. "I was DAMNED good."
Moving quickly, he rolled back to her and began tickling her while kissing her neck. Summer squealed and shrieking laughter, tried to push him away. "Seth! Stop it!" She suddenly went silent and held her side.
He pulled back instantly, feeling terrible. "Oh my God! Did I hurt you? I thought you were feeling better tonight. I'm sorry!"
Summer looked up at him accusingly, then broke into a grin and started tickling him back.
"Ooh, you vixen!"
They tormented each other for a minute, being careful of her injuries, laughing. Seth pretended to let her get an advantage and she rolled on top, pinning him. "You give?" she panted, breathless and still giggling.
He looked up, laughing, through her hair, tangled and hanging down into her flushed face. She seemed so happy and alive and God - too beautiful for words. He hoped he would always be the one that got to experience THAT smile and THAT blinding light in her gorgeous brown eyes. It ached, he wanted that so badly. His laughter died away and he knew right then that he was in love with her - utterly, terrifyingly, overwhelmingly, struck stupid, crazy in love with her. The realization snapped easily into place around his heart with a completely satisfying "click", just like it was something that had always been missing from that spot. Warmth began radiating through him, triggering his stomach to flip and his hands to shake. He gazed up with emotion-filled eyes and very softly answered her. "I give. You win."
She caught his serious mood, recognizing the intensity of the moment and her laughter stopped. He watched as the smile in her eyes faded, morphing into something profound and electrifying and then she was kissing him.
He would have been content to kiss her like that all night, but after a while she pulled away from him.
"I need to - I'm starting to hurt like this." She carefully slid off of him and turned over on her back. "That's better. I'm sorry."
He turned on his side and propped his head up on his hand. "Yeah. Way to ruin the moment, Roberts."
"I learned from the master. Next lesson, Yoda."
"Ha. Seriously, how do you feel? Do you need a painkiller? It's probably about time for one anyway, right?"
"How do I feel? I feel happy. I feel grateful to be alive. I feel like I should buy you a Porsche for taking such good care -"
"I'm in love with you." He said it quietly, looking down at her seriously and watching her reaction.
Her eyes filled and she lifted her good hand to his cheek. She took a deep breath and gave him that soft smile he loved so much. "I'm in love with you, too, Seth."
He returned the soft smile and lowered his head to kiss the palm of her hand. His eyes flicked up to the clock. "Hold that thought. I'll be right back. Don't move." He got up and got her a glass of water after shaking out her medication, then took it back to bed. "Here, take these. You never told me - are you in pain?"
"Well, my head doesn't hurt at all anymore, my side is just a little achy, my shoulder feels a lot better, my arm hurts, and I'm in love with you." She giggled. "That's so fun to say." She took the pills.
He grinned, happy and little shy. "I - I find it quite fun to hear, also. This isn't a dream, is it, because THAT? Would be a tragedy." He stood by the bed and took her glass when she finished, setting it on the table.
She reached up for him. "It's not a dream. Come back here. Hurry."
He jumped up on the bed and walked across to her, dropping to his knees. "What?"
****
"Hey, these are quite the fashion statement." Standing by the bed he looked down at his pajamas. He got in and slid under the covers. "Ahhhhhhh. This feels awesome. Wait. Do you want more fire? I can build it up again if you do."
"Don't even move. I think you've done enough for me for one day - for a lifetime, probably. I'm sorry I'm such a mess. The last few days couldn't have been fun for you at all. Especially today." She looked away from him.
"I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to be. And stop apologizing. None of this is your fault."
"You do know how much. This uh - means to me, right? You helping me? And all this tonight?" She started out haltingly, but got stronger toward the end.
"I know."
"Speaking of friends..." She held up her left hand and admired the ring Seth gave her. "I don't feel right about this at all."
He turned on his side toward her. "Why? If you really don't like it, it's fine. Or - hell, are you scared that I think it's an engagement ring? I thought I -"
"No, no, no Seth. I absolutely love it! You get an A+ in 'Jewelry for Summer' - you could not have picked a better ring for me. And you told me it was a friendship ring."
"Then what's the problem? I don't get it."
"It's just way too much. This is a big diamond and you must have like, spent a fortune and you SO didn't need to do this."
"Whoa. Whoa. Hold up. First of all, I WANTED to buy you that ring. I wanted you to have something.... touchable, something you can SEE that will remind you how I feel and remind you that I can be trusted. So whether I needed to is irrelevant. Next. I have a job. I work for money that I don't need, because in case you haven't heard, my family is ridiculously, obnoxiously wealthy. So shut it about the big diamond and how much it cost. Geez."
Summer sat up and looked down at him. "Did you just tell me to 'shut it'?"
He cringed inwardly and wondered how badly she could hurt him in her condition. Probably a whole lot. "Yes?" He gave her a strained, yet hopeful smile.
"Huh." She looked puzzled.
"Is this going to be a lot painful, or just a little?"
"You know, I think I liked it. Because I feel a lot like kissing you now."
"Ok, did you take too much pain medication? Did you break into the bar while I was in the shower? This is not normal, Summer."
"Shut up." She bent down and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for the ring. It's beautiful and I adore it, but I love the thought behind it even more."
Seth blushed. "I'm glad." She settled back into bed and he grabbed her hand, teasing. "You're sure it's not too much, now? Cuz I can take it back and get a smaller one." He started to pull on the ring. "It's no problem at all."
She snatched her hand away from him. "It's mine, mine, mine. You may touch it only if you are worshipping it as I do."
"Oh hey. I'm sorry, I sort of took over the conversation earlier and then we got off track. About your dad. So far we've determined that you did nothing wrong, you have nothing to be ashamed of, and you're insane for thinking I would look at you differently if I knew. I'm pretty sure there was more."
She reached for his hand. "This is so weird. Talking to you about it."
"Why?"
"Because you're not someone I'm paying to help me think straight again. You're a friend, my age. I never thought this was something I'd talk about. Ever. It's like it's been stuck in my chest always."
"So let it out."
She was quiet a minute. "Since I don't remember my mom, and I really don't remember the beginning of - it, I'm assuming it started after she left. Like I said, as I got bigger, it got worse. Not more often, because it didn't happen very often. Enough time would go by that I was sure it was over, and then - it wasn't."
He squeezed her hand.
"Nanny saw us, that's when it stopped. I was so confused; she was yelling about calling the police, and I was sure I would go to jail because it was all my fault. I never saw her again after that day. She suddenly "inherited" a villa in Italy, a mansion in France, and enough money to retire at the age of 30. Sweet deal, huh?"
"Yeah, real nice. So not only your mom and dad, but your nanny betrayed you too?"
"Yep. I didn't get it for a long time, but yeah."
"So it stopped then?"
"Yeah. I got a new nanny, and that's when he started spending all his time overseas."
"But how can you live here? He does come home sometimes, doesn't he?"
"Ask me something else. You wouldn't understand."
He heard a hitch in her voice, and realized he'd made her cry. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. But remember the card I gave you? Even if you think I won't understand? Give me a chance to."
She moved closer to him. "This sounds so wrong, to me even. One part of me hates him, but one part of me still wants a Daddy that loves me. Not like before, but like a real dad. Plus - where would I go? He's my only family." She was still crying softly.
He gathered her up and held her. "Summer, I don't know all the answers. But you're entitled to feel however you feel, and it seems to me it would be wrong if you didn't want him to love you the way a dad should. Like my dad said recently, that's a parent's first and foremost job - love their kid. We expect it from them. If you didn't want love from someone, you'd be bitter and cold, and wouldn't have that big heart and sweet nature that I've seen."
She didn't answer, just hugged him.
"Is it hard for you to live here?"
She let out a long sigh. "Just because we've never talked about it. He stayed away a long time, then he showed up one day, acting like it never happened. I was still little and I didn't understand why he wouldn't have anything to do with me. Maybe it's guilt, but he barely speaks and he never looks AT me, he looks through me. It's like I'm not here. When I went to the shrink, and things started making sense, I wanted him to at least try to talk about it, apologize, ANYTHING that would acknowledge that it happened and he felt even a little bit bad about fucking up my entire life."
"Ah. That's why you said you feel like a ghost. I imagine looking at you reminds him that he's a fu -. I'm sorry. Biting my tongue now. I'm really sorry, but it makes me crazy."
She looked up at him, suddenly insecure again.
"No. You talking about it doesn't make me crazy. I want you to talk to me as long and as much as you want to. Ok? Summer, I want to HURT him. I want to punish him in the worst way possible, something slow and excruciating - for what he's done to you." He tried to keep his voice even, not wanting to distress her any more.
"Oh." She raised her head to kiss him on the cheek. "There's not much left to say. I mean there a million ways it's affected me, but I'm doing pretty well, other than the relationship stuff you've had to deal with." Her voice lowered. "You know, Seth. I've dated other guys, but it was never like - this. With you."
He thought he'd heard her wrong for a second, then got that he'd heard right, breaking into a pleased smile. "What? - Really? That's - that's awesome."
She raised her eyes to his. "I heard that adorable grin thing you do when you said that!"
"Summer, you can't hear a smile. Wait, did you say 'adorable'?"
She rolled her eyes. "Way the ruin the moment, Cohen."
"Yes, it's what's I do. Extremely well, like a gift even, unfortunately." He sighed.
"It's all right. Are you tired, sweetie?"
"Yes, but I'm game for more talk if you want to."
"No, I'm tired too. I took a pain pill while you were in the shower and I'm starting to feel it."
"Sleep, then." He hugged her and kissed her forehead, hoping she wouldn't roll away.
"Seth?"
"Hmmm?"
"Would you do that thing like in the hospital?"
He grinned, then gently rolled her onto her back and wrapped himself around her from the side. "That thing like this?"
"Mmm-hmm."
"Your wish is my command." He settled against her, sighing contentedly.
"We're going to see Ryan tomorrow, right?"
"If you feel up to it, we're going. If not, I'm going but then I'll come back here to you."
She turned to look at him. "You know you're going to have to stop spoiling me. I'm liking it way too much."
"You are? Ok, next month I stop spoiling you."
"Uh huh. Night, baby."
"Night, Summer."
****
**She knows only warm hands, gliding over sensitive skin with gentle fingers. Lips teasing, a firm touch guiding her down. Eyes locked as solid wiry weight settles on her, claiming her, heightening sweet anticipation coiling inside. Dizzyingly unfamiliar sensation of hot bare skin tingling against her everywhere, feeling naked and vulnerable. Startling, intoxicating. Under a hazel spell, brown eyes yield possession, softening with need. Lashes framing eyes cast downward, dark curls moving below her vision, gathering drifting sparks with his travel. Fingers tangle curly hair; all sight lost as the current flows down with him, crying out and arching beneath as his tongue finds her and lightning strikes.**
Summer woke with a start, immediately checking to see if she was still wearing pajamas. That was one intense dream. One of those that felt so real you weren't sure if you actually were asleep. She blew out a breath. And one of those dreams that got you all riled up. She looked over at Seth, sleeping deeply. The poor guy had been up for around four days, making sure she had everything she needed, worrying over her, and basically saving her life. What if he hadn't been there when the accident happened? What if he'd hadn't stayed with her in the hospital? She would have woke up alone, not knowing what was happening, terrified. He'd handled all the paperwork, got her clothes, kept her company, bought her gifts, held her when she cried, combed out her hair, made her laugh; the list was endless. Today - made sure she took her medication on schedule, made a fire, brought her dinner, offered help in a way no one ever had, and listened to her talk about the most horrible part of her life without judging her - even giving her some fresh insight into it. He'd bought her a magnificent ring engraved with words that meant everything to her. "Trust". "Honesty". She had never known anyone so compassionate in her life. If she couldn't trust Seth Cohen now, there was no one on Earth she could ever trust and it would be a long, lonely life. He had proven his point over and over again.
As she pulled away from him he rolled onto his back. She turned onto her side next to him and kissed him lightly, letting her fingers explore his neck and chest. "I think I'm in love with you. How's that for honesty?" she said quietly.
His hand covered hers on his chest. "Summer, that's twice you've said that now. One of these days you're going to tell me when YOU'RE not unconscious, and you don't think I'M asleep. Just to clarify; when we're both awake and both know it."
"You're awake?!" She smacked him.
"Ow! What happened to PRETENDING to hit me?"
"I'd rather talk about why you were PRETENDING to be asleep! You were so tired, I thought you'd be out till morning." She rubbed his arm where she'd hit him.
"Pretending is such a harsh word. It's like this. I'm still in full-alert babysitter mode and you were moaning, and I thought you were hurt, then I figured out that it was moaning of the thoroughly NOT hurting type; the fabulously opposite of hurt, if you know what I mean and I think you DO; so then you woke up and I thought we'd go back to sleep, but you started with the touchy-feely, and I was just curious to see where THAT might end up. Now you know you can't blame a guy, really, when he's sleeping in the same bed with a beautiful intelligent woman and she makes those" he swallowed hard "uh - noises? Like that? And then starts to touch him, because after all I'm just a seventeen year old walking hormone that's wanted you since I was ten, and now that I know that you - uh - like me, I was just really hoping that you might decide you wanted me too, as in, like a boyfriend. Like your ex-idiot-boyfriend that you might give another chance to. But no pressure, cause it's totally cool if you don't, I'm happy as hell being your friend. Really. I swear on that ring."
"Seth?"
"Yes?"
"Shut up."
"Right. Got it. Not talking."
"I'm sorry I woke you up. I know how tired you are."
"Yeah. About that. See Summer? I'm not um - at all tired anymore. In fact, I am really very awake. Parcheesi? Uno? Jenga?"
"Oh wait, let me think about it - NO. I'd rather talk about honesty. And my dream. It was definitely a GOOD dream. An AMAZING dream."
He was quiet for a moment. His tone was cautious. "Aaaand you want to...tell me all about it?"
"Maybe."
"Ok. Summer. I don't know how to play this game. You're going to have to draw me a picture here."
"I can do that. Do you know who was in the dream with me?"
"Brad Pitt?"
"Married."
He thought for a minute. "Oh! I know! Orlando Bloom."
"Such a pretty, pretty man. But no."
"Ok. You said...Matt's hot, but - Ben! Ben Affleck cuz he has dark hair! Oh. No, J Lo.'s touched him. Ewww."
"OhmyGod. I said that? Yikes. I'll give you a hint - this guy has dark hair."
"I give up. I think I forgot why we were having this conversation to begin with."
She laughed at him. "I'll give you one last hint. Look at me."
"I'm looking; I see you." He made a face at her.
She giggled. "Ok. Here's your hint, genius. Listen closely. The guy in the dream with me? I think I'm in love with him."
"Well, that obviously would be -" A slow smile spread across his face. "Me?"
She smiled back.
"I'm just going to uh - kiss you now. Yes. That's what I'm going to do." He rolled toward her and kissed her, then went back for more. "Mmmmm. Nice. So hey! Was I - was I any good? Per se? In the dream, I mean?"
"Did you not hear me moaning?"
He rolled onto his back again, nodding confidently. "I was DAMNED good."
Moving quickly, he rolled back to her and began tickling her while kissing her neck. Summer squealed and shrieking laughter, tried to push him away. "Seth! Stop it!" She suddenly went silent and held her side.
He pulled back instantly, feeling terrible. "Oh my God! Did I hurt you? I thought you were feeling better tonight. I'm sorry!"
Summer looked up at him accusingly, then broke into a grin and started tickling him back.
"Ooh, you vixen!"
They tormented each other for a minute, being careful of her injuries, laughing. Seth pretended to let her get an advantage and she rolled on top, pinning him. "You give?" she panted, breathless and still giggling.
He looked up, laughing, through her hair, tangled and hanging down into her flushed face. She seemed so happy and alive and God - too beautiful for words. He hoped he would always be the one that got to experience THAT smile and THAT blinding light in her gorgeous brown eyes. It ached, he wanted that so badly. His laughter died away and he knew right then that he was in love with her - utterly, terrifyingly, overwhelmingly, struck stupid, crazy in love with her. The realization snapped easily into place around his heart with a completely satisfying "click", just like it was something that had always been missing from that spot. Warmth began radiating through him, triggering his stomach to flip and his hands to shake. He gazed up with emotion-filled eyes and very softly answered her. "I give. You win."
She caught his serious mood, recognizing the intensity of the moment and her laughter stopped. He watched as the smile in her eyes faded, morphing into something profound and electrifying and then she was kissing him.
He would have been content to kiss her like that all night, but after a while she pulled away from him.
"I need to - I'm starting to hurt like this." She carefully slid off of him and turned over on her back. "That's better. I'm sorry."
He turned on his side and propped his head up on his hand. "Yeah. Way to ruin the moment, Roberts."
"I learned from the master. Next lesson, Yoda."
"Ha. Seriously, how do you feel? Do you need a painkiller? It's probably about time for one anyway, right?"
"How do I feel? I feel happy. I feel grateful to be alive. I feel like I should buy you a Porsche for taking such good care -"
"I'm in love with you." He said it quietly, looking down at her seriously and watching her reaction.
Her eyes filled and she lifted her good hand to his cheek. She took a deep breath and gave him that soft smile he loved so much. "I'm in love with you, too, Seth."
He returned the soft smile and lowered his head to kiss the palm of her hand. His eyes flicked up to the clock. "Hold that thought. I'll be right back. Don't move." He got up and got her a glass of water after shaking out her medication, then took it back to bed. "Here, take these. You never told me - are you in pain?"
"Well, my head doesn't hurt at all anymore, my side is just a little achy, my shoulder feels a lot better, my arm hurts, and I'm in love with you." She giggled. "That's so fun to say." She took the pills.
He grinned, happy and little shy. "I - I find it quite fun to hear, also. This isn't a dream, is it, because THAT? Would be a tragedy." He stood by the bed and took her glass when she finished, setting it on the table.
She reached up for him. "It's not a dream. Come back here. Hurry."
He jumped up on the bed and walked across to her, dropping to his knees. "What?"
****