~ Lies-25 ~
Down the road of my desires
To the oceans of my peace
Through the fueling of my fires
Until my yearnings cease
I hear your voice
I know you
In your arms I sleep
My love, wherever I go
I take you with me
Even though I've fed my hunger
Even though I've named my fear
I'll never understand it
How the journey led me here
But I have made a promise
That I intend to keep
My love, wherever you go
I take you with me
~Melissa Etheridge~
Seth was reclining in the driver's seat, softly snoring when Summer opened the passenger door. "Cohen! What are you doing? I wasn't gone THAT long."
He was jolted awake, then got his bearings and sighed, turning his head toward her. "First. To answer the question – obviously I was fulfilling my obligation to the time honored male tradition of falling deeply, gloriously asleep after sex, which sadly enough, I must do in a Range Rover because my girlfriend considered it necessary to feed the shopaholic monkey on her back immediately after said sex, thus earning me the distinction of being 'the co-dependant boyfriend'. Or is it 'co-dependant monkey-feeder'? And second. In reply to your statement – Yes. You were."
She put her hand on her hip. "Well. Someone's crabby, aren't they? Consider yourself lucky that I'm in such a good mood, or you would have just earned the distinction of being my 'On the couch-sleeping, not-gettin'-any-for-a- looong-time boyfriend'."
He sat up, allowing the seat to rise with him. "So ok. I'll admit maybe I over-exaggerated the shopaholic thing, but Summer, I've been sitting here forever! I was worried about you! Or I would have been if uh – I'd been awake."
She rolled her eyes. "Now that? Is truly touching." She glanced at the clock on the dashboard, her expression instantly changing to shock. "OhmyGod! I didn't realize I was gone that long. I'm sorry. Really."
He got out and walked around to her side, helping her up into the truck and putting her packages in the back seat. He returned to his side and started the engine, silently heading for home.
She looked over at him and bit her lip, unsure if he was just tired or still mad. After watching him drive a moment, she slid over next to him. "Hey. Do you want to listen to that one CD? Death Cutie or whatever it is that you like so much?"
He glanced at her briefly before returning his eyes to the road. "You hate that CD. Put on your seatbelt."
"Yeah, ok. But I think 'hate' is too strong of a word. Maybe I just need to hear it again, you know, like - give it another chance." She found it and slid it in the player, adjusting the volume. "How are you feeling? I mean, besides tired? You broke your arm today, and you've barely mentioned it."
"I'm ok. You and Ryan are hurt worse, so I don't think I have too much to complain about."
"Well, you can if you want. You know, you hit the floor really hard, so you'll probably be achy all over pretty soon." She leaned her head against his shoulder and patted him on the leg.
"Outstanding. Something else to look forward to," he muttered.
She sighed and straightened up in the seat again, staring dejectedly at the road ahead. "Please don't be mad at me anymore, Seth. I'm really sorry; I didn't think I was gone that long. I know you're tired and didn't want to take me to begin with, and I feel horrible that you had to wait for such a long time."
His mouth dropped open, then she felt him lean to nudge her with his shoulder. "Who are you, and what have you done with Summer? Summer would have gone straight for my throat, much like "Cujo", and told me to get over it, because shopping is much more important than my comfort or rest."
She appeared confused, then shook it off. "I don't know who Cujo is, but I'm guessing I wouldn't like it if I did. So. Lets' just say that Summer has developed a soft spot for any and all tall, dark-haired guys named Seth Cohen. Everyone else? Yeah, they still get bitch-mode." She nudged him back. "So I'm forgiven?"
He put his arm around her. "You were forgiven before you got in the truck. I just wanted to see how bad you really felt." He looked over at her. "Pretty funny, huh?"
Her mouth dropped open and she smacked him, hard. After unfastening her seat belt, she moved back over by the passenger window. "You're such a jerk!"
"Ow! Hey! Driving here! Broken arm! You said you had a soft spot! Where did the soft spot go?!"
"Out the window along with my offer of a back rub when we get home."
He groaned. "There was a back rub involved and I negated it?! I sabotaged my own backrub joy? Another tragedy to add to this week."
"Oh no, Cohen, the tragedy is that I'LL have to go without sex while I'm withholding it from you. Assface."
**** Summer collapsed into a chair, exhausted. She hadn't said another word the rest of the way home, despite Seth's incessant attempts at conversation and humor. "Seth?"
He stopped talking, as she'd interrupted him mid-sentence, and dropped her shopping bags by her chair. "Ah. She speaks. Yes, my love?"
"Why was I mad at you again?"
He eyed her warily. "Is that a question that would, if I answered, begin a huge argument centered around teaching me a lesson OR do you really not remember why you're mad?"
"The second. I can barely remember my own name after the constant onslaught of, of - vocabulary you've been throwing at me." She leaned her head into her hand.
"You – and your name is Summer, by the way – are mad because I am the despicable jerk that pretended like I was pissed off at you because you were gone shopping for an hour and a half in order to selfishly see how sorry you were about it, when actually I was sleeping peacefully the entire time, blissfully unaware. Because I'm an insecure ass that feels very insignificant in the shadow of your overwhelming beauty, sparkling wit, and sarcastic comebacks. And I apologize."
"Oh yeah. That was it." She cocked her head to one side and stared thoughtfully at him. "Nice suck up, Cohen! OK. You're forgiven, but only because you're cute and incredibly good in bed for a beginner."
He let out a sigh of relief. "And those? Are reasons that I deem worthy of being forgiven for. Do you think, though, that perhaps I could get that in writing? Because "Cute" and "Incredibly good in bed" would look quite excellent framed on the wall above my bed. Right next to my Rooney poster."
She just raised an eyebrow and stared at him.
"I'm pushing it, the whole forgiveness thing, aren't I? All right then. It really doesn't have to be in writing anyway. Would you like something to eat?"
"No. I want to show you everything I bought at the mall." She smiled sweetly at him.
He faked enthusiasm for her plan while settling into the couch and putting his feet up on the coffee table. "Yeah! Shoes and clothes and handbags! I'm so there!"
"I might have gotten you something, too. I'm having trouble remembering." She glanced away innocently.
He sat up straight, dropping his feet to the floor. "Really? Something for me? Do I still get it even though I'm a despicable assface?? Huh? You forgave me, right? What is it? Shirts? I know you don't appreciate my outrageously cool, laid-back sense of style, so I'm guessing you're planning on updating my wardrobe to suit your tastes. Or maybe it's comic books. Is it? New CD? Huh?"
"Cohen! God, are you, like, 10?"
"When it comes to presents and surprises? You'd better believe it. You'll see this year at Chrismukkah. I can't wait. It's insane, especially with Ryan here now, and - "
She stared at him with a look just below "glare" level.
He mimed zipping his lips closed.
She began digging in bags, holding up new outfits she'd bought herself for his approval, new heels, and accessories to match. He enthusiastically applauded, gave thumbs up, or in one case, shook his head sadly, surprised to find himself actually enjoying this relationship ritual. She paused over the last bag, smiling at him.
"I'm shocked. You're pretending like you're having fun. "
"Actually, Summer, I am. While not nearly as fun as imagining you naked? Imagining you in different clothing is an astonishingly happy thing for me."
"Then you should really like this last bag. These are the results of the "I love Seth Cohen" themed part of my shopping spree today."
"You have shopping - your all-important favorite pastime? - themed after me? That is – just – so cool!" His pleased expression made her laugh.
"I do. But shopping is no longer my favorite pastime, sweetie, it's second on the list now." She winked coyly at him.
"Oh now stop it. You're going to make me blush." He pretended to be embarrassed while obviously loving all the attention. "What's in the Seth Cohen bag? The suspense is killing me."
"Well, I got these..." She held up several un-Summer-like outfits of jeans with just logo'd tee shirts, and new pairs of Converse shoes in pink, orange, and red to wear with them. "You said you liked these on me, right?"
His eyes were wide with disbelief. "What? The shoes? Yes, si and oui ! Those little tee shirts are great! This – this is awesome, Summer! But I thought you hated the way I dressed."
She looked down at the clothes she'd been wearing all day, which were the ones he'd chosen out of her closet for her. "I've been so comfortable in these. And they are pretty cute on me, so I wanted some more. It never hurts to change up your style once in a while, you know."
"Not really, but since you're the world renowned fashionista here, I'll take your word for it."
She smiled happily. "Good. And I got you these..." She pulled out several tee shirts with funny or ironic sayings and logo's, and 2 vintage rock band tees. "They seemed very "you". I hope you like them."
He looked from them back up to her. "They're, um, incredible. I can't believe you did this."
His lack of enthusiasm worried her. "You don't like them? We can exchange them -"
"No, we're not; they're awesome. I just don't get why you'd buy them." He looked at her, confused.
"Because I'm trying to tell you I love you just the way you are, dummy."
"Oh...." He shook his head. "Are you coming over here or am I joining you in the chair? I feel an urge to kiss you that's undeniable."
"I am pretty lonely over here." She moved to the side so he could sit down, then slid onto his lap, putting both arms around him as he kissed her. When it ended she laid her head on his shoulder. "So I did ok shopping?"
"You did very well. I have to say, you buying for me was unexpected." He kissed the top of her head.
"I know! That's why it was so fun! I had such a good time shopping for someone besides me. Who would have guessed it?"
"Frankly, no one."
She smacked him. "Ha. Funny." She reached over the side of the chair and grabbed the bag. "I got you something else."
"Good Lord, woman, does your father have any money left? I'm happy with my new shirts." He shook his head. "First thing in the morning we're looking into 12 step programs for your shopping habit. Spend, spend, spend. I can't..." He trailed off as she pulled a small box out of the bag and opened it, displaying a man's ring. It was similar to the one he'd bought her, with a bezel set diamond in the center, but this one had a row of smaller stones set into the band on each edge. "What the -? Summer, what did you do?" He looked up at her in confusion.
"I bought you a ring. It's only fair, right? Do you like it?" She watched him anxiously as he dropped his gaze back to the box in her hand.
"Well, yeah, of – of course I like it, but what -?"
"What's it for? I'm glad you asked, Cohen." She kissed him on the cheek. "You know how you said mine was a friendship ring, and I could keep it even if we never got together as a couple?"
He nodded.
"This ring isn't like that. I got it for you because I care, which is the same, I know, but I want it to mean more than friendship." She got nervous, but kept going. "Of course you can keep it whether you like my idea or not." She stopped and studied his face, trying to gauge his reaction. His eyes widened, but he kept quiet. "Look, I know we're too young and blah, blah, blah, but I'm not just your buddy, Seth. I'm in love with you, and I want everyone to know. You're like, amazing, and the only person I've ever trusted, and I adore you and don't want anyone but you."
He chose his words carefully. "Summer, are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?"
"Just listen. I don't want to run off and get married. I don't think we're ready to be engaged, either." She removed the ring from the box. "I stole your idea. Look at what I had engraved in it."
He took it from her and read the words inside. "Love" and "Commitment". His eyes found hers again. "So you're saying you don't want to be engaged, but you want a commitment. Does that mean you'd like to upgrade the ring I got you to a commitment type ring, also?"
"Exactly. There's something called a "promise" ring. Like, a pre-engagement ring. At least, that's what I was thinking about. I know I might be, like, going too fast, and I don't want to scare you, I just know I'm way past the "going out" or "going steady" thing with you." She studied the carpeting. "How do you feel about it?"
"Are you serious?" He watched her face, hoping she'd look back at him.
She finally did, taking a breath and staring straight into his eyes. "Totally."
Seth opened his mouth to speak, shut it, took a deep breath and tried again. "Let me get this straight. You're asking me if I want to be in a committed relationship with you, like almost engaged? Is that a relatively accurate assessment of the situation?"
"Uh huh."
"Are you aware that you've just completely stolen my thunder, since I've been wracking my brain to think of a way to express the fact that I'm way past the dating thing with you and you've figured it out before I could? Where do I wear this thing?"
She broke into a wide smile. "Really? Yay!" She hugged him. "It doesn't matter where. See which finger it fits. Wait. Try your right hand. Your parents will completely lose it if you come home looking like you got married."
He slid the ring onto his right hand. "And I would suddenly care what my parents thought because... why?"
"Because they're good people and you're lucky to have them." Thinking of how no one would even notice her ring suddenly made her sad.
"You have them too. You're an honorary Cohen, remember?" He knew exactly what she was thinking about. He kissed her soundly. "And you have a committed Seth Cohen, with engraved 'bling' as evidence." He held up his hand and admired the ring. "No one's ever gonna believe this. Hey. You must be exhausted. You want to get in bed and watch TV?"
"I am and that sounds perfect."
They helped each other get undressed, laughing at the fact that they only had two good arms between them, then crawled into bed. After turning on the TV with the remote, Seth curled around the back of her, holding her little body close. His brain was having a problem keeping up with all the developments in his previously non-existent love life. A week ago he was sure he'd never get Summer back, now they were in love and sleeping together, and tonight they were wearing rings from each other. "Unbelievable."
"What, sweetie?"
"Um, we forgot to take our drugs." He started to get up, but she stopped him quickly, sitting up and putting a hand on his arm.
"Stay here, I'll go." Throwing back the covers, she rolled out of bed and padded quietly to the kitchen. In a few minutes she was back with a tray holding cheese and crackers, two glasses of water and their respective bottles of medication. "It's not much, but you have to eat or your painkillers will make you sick. Right? That's what you told me." She set the tray on the bedside table and shook out his pills for him. "Here, baby."
He stared at her with raised eyebrows. "Who are you, again?"
"Shut up, Cohen. I'm trying to take care of you. You got a problem with that?"
He immediately began shaking his head, looking up at her familiar hand-on- hip stance. "No, no and hell no. I'm just – that's really cool. Thanks." He took the pills, then watched as she took hers. "You're still walking fairly well. Maybe I won't have to carry you around slung over my shoulder tomorrow."
After getting under the covers, she handed him a plate with cheese and crackers. "I TOLD you I was fine. Maybe next time you'll listen. "
"There better not BE a next time." He dug into the snacks with gusto.
"How about you? Does your arm hurt?"
"Well, to tell you the truth, yes. I don't like to complain, but my back hurts and my neck is stiff and my lower back is just throbbing with pain, too. My legs even hurt." He gave her his best wounded puppy face and inwardly cheered as her expression changed to concern and pity. "While you're taking care of me, do you think you could help? I really feel awful."
"Oh, my poor baby. Turn over and I'll rub your back for you, ok?" She smiled and rolled her eyes as he dropped his plate and happily flopped onto his stomach. "All you had to do was ask, Cohen. The puppy eyes weren't necessary."
"Really? Whoa. I like the new you. Not that I didn't like the old you, actually I loved the old you, still do, but the new you? Is delightfully loveable also. I love all of you, in other words, new and old. Not that you're old, because obviously you're not, I just –"
"Seth?"
"Uh huh?"
"If you want a back rub, you need to shut it."
"Absolutely. Consider it shut."
She rubbed his back and shoulders until her arm began to hurt, then lay down beside him, pulling the covers up over them. "Seth?" Getting no response, she sat up and peeked over at his face, smiling a little when she discovered he was asleep. After flipping off the TV and quietly putting their plates on the nightstand, she turned out the light and got under the covers again. Summer curled around his side, kissed his shoulder and slid her arm over his back. She fell asleep quickly, still smiling.
****
Down the road of my desires
To the oceans of my peace
Through the fueling of my fires
Until my yearnings cease
I hear your voice
I know you
In your arms I sleep
My love, wherever I go
I take you with me
Even though I've fed my hunger
Even though I've named my fear
I'll never understand it
How the journey led me here
But I have made a promise
That I intend to keep
My love, wherever you go
I take you with me
~Melissa Etheridge~
Seth was reclining in the driver's seat, softly snoring when Summer opened the passenger door. "Cohen! What are you doing? I wasn't gone THAT long."
He was jolted awake, then got his bearings and sighed, turning his head toward her. "First. To answer the question – obviously I was fulfilling my obligation to the time honored male tradition of falling deeply, gloriously asleep after sex, which sadly enough, I must do in a Range Rover because my girlfriend considered it necessary to feed the shopaholic monkey on her back immediately after said sex, thus earning me the distinction of being 'the co-dependant boyfriend'. Or is it 'co-dependant monkey-feeder'? And second. In reply to your statement – Yes. You were."
She put her hand on her hip. "Well. Someone's crabby, aren't they? Consider yourself lucky that I'm in such a good mood, or you would have just earned the distinction of being my 'On the couch-sleeping, not-gettin'-any-for-a- looong-time boyfriend'."
He sat up, allowing the seat to rise with him. "So ok. I'll admit maybe I over-exaggerated the shopaholic thing, but Summer, I've been sitting here forever! I was worried about you! Or I would have been if uh – I'd been awake."
She rolled her eyes. "Now that? Is truly touching." She glanced at the clock on the dashboard, her expression instantly changing to shock. "OhmyGod! I didn't realize I was gone that long. I'm sorry. Really."
He got out and walked around to her side, helping her up into the truck and putting her packages in the back seat. He returned to his side and started the engine, silently heading for home.
She looked over at him and bit her lip, unsure if he was just tired or still mad. After watching him drive a moment, she slid over next to him. "Hey. Do you want to listen to that one CD? Death Cutie or whatever it is that you like so much?"
He glanced at her briefly before returning his eyes to the road. "You hate that CD. Put on your seatbelt."
"Yeah, ok. But I think 'hate' is too strong of a word. Maybe I just need to hear it again, you know, like - give it another chance." She found it and slid it in the player, adjusting the volume. "How are you feeling? I mean, besides tired? You broke your arm today, and you've barely mentioned it."
"I'm ok. You and Ryan are hurt worse, so I don't think I have too much to complain about."
"Well, you can if you want. You know, you hit the floor really hard, so you'll probably be achy all over pretty soon." She leaned her head against his shoulder and patted him on the leg.
"Outstanding. Something else to look forward to," he muttered.
She sighed and straightened up in the seat again, staring dejectedly at the road ahead. "Please don't be mad at me anymore, Seth. I'm really sorry; I didn't think I was gone that long. I know you're tired and didn't want to take me to begin with, and I feel horrible that you had to wait for such a long time."
His mouth dropped open, then she felt him lean to nudge her with his shoulder. "Who are you, and what have you done with Summer? Summer would have gone straight for my throat, much like "Cujo", and told me to get over it, because shopping is much more important than my comfort or rest."
She appeared confused, then shook it off. "I don't know who Cujo is, but I'm guessing I wouldn't like it if I did. So. Lets' just say that Summer has developed a soft spot for any and all tall, dark-haired guys named Seth Cohen. Everyone else? Yeah, they still get bitch-mode." She nudged him back. "So I'm forgiven?"
He put his arm around her. "You were forgiven before you got in the truck. I just wanted to see how bad you really felt." He looked over at her. "Pretty funny, huh?"
Her mouth dropped open and she smacked him, hard. After unfastening her seat belt, she moved back over by the passenger window. "You're such a jerk!"
"Ow! Hey! Driving here! Broken arm! You said you had a soft spot! Where did the soft spot go?!"
"Out the window along with my offer of a back rub when we get home."
He groaned. "There was a back rub involved and I negated it?! I sabotaged my own backrub joy? Another tragedy to add to this week."
"Oh no, Cohen, the tragedy is that I'LL have to go without sex while I'm withholding it from you. Assface."
**** Summer collapsed into a chair, exhausted. She hadn't said another word the rest of the way home, despite Seth's incessant attempts at conversation and humor. "Seth?"
He stopped talking, as she'd interrupted him mid-sentence, and dropped her shopping bags by her chair. "Ah. She speaks. Yes, my love?"
"Why was I mad at you again?"
He eyed her warily. "Is that a question that would, if I answered, begin a huge argument centered around teaching me a lesson OR do you really not remember why you're mad?"
"The second. I can barely remember my own name after the constant onslaught of, of - vocabulary you've been throwing at me." She leaned her head into her hand.
"You – and your name is Summer, by the way – are mad because I am the despicable jerk that pretended like I was pissed off at you because you were gone shopping for an hour and a half in order to selfishly see how sorry you were about it, when actually I was sleeping peacefully the entire time, blissfully unaware. Because I'm an insecure ass that feels very insignificant in the shadow of your overwhelming beauty, sparkling wit, and sarcastic comebacks. And I apologize."
"Oh yeah. That was it." She cocked her head to one side and stared thoughtfully at him. "Nice suck up, Cohen! OK. You're forgiven, but only because you're cute and incredibly good in bed for a beginner."
He let out a sigh of relief. "And those? Are reasons that I deem worthy of being forgiven for. Do you think, though, that perhaps I could get that in writing? Because "Cute" and "Incredibly good in bed" would look quite excellent framed on the wall above my bed. Right next to my Rooney poster."
She just raised an eyebrow and stared at him.
"I'm pushing it, the whole forgiveness thing, aren't I? All right then. It really doesn't have to be in writing anyway. Would you like something to eat?"
"No. I want to show you everything I bought at the mall." She smiled sweetly at him.
He faked enthusiasm for her plan while settling into the couch and putting his feet up on the coffee table. "Yeah! Shoes and clothes and handbags! I'm so there!"
"I might have gotten you something, too. I'm having trouble remembering." She glanced away innocently.
He sat up straight, dropping his feet to the floor. "Really? Something for me? Do I still get it even though I'm a despicable assface?? Huh? You forgave me, right? What is it? Shirts? I know you don't appreciate my outrageously cool, laid-back sense of style, so I'm guessing you're planning on updating my wardrobe to suit your tastes. Or maybe it's comic books. Is it? New CD? Huh?"
"Cohen! God, are you, like, 10?"
"When it comes to presents and surprises? You'd better believe it. You'll see this year at Chrismukkah. I can't wait. It's insane, especially with Ryan here now, and - "
She stared at him with a look just below "glare" level.
He mimed zipping his lips closed.
She began digging in bags, holding up new outfits she'd bought herself for his approval, new heels, and accessories to match. He enthusiastically applauded, gave thumbs up, or in one case, shook his head sadly, surprised to find himself actually enjoying this relationship ritual. She paused over the last bag, smiling at him.
"I'm shocked. You're pretending like you're having fun. "
"Actually, Summer, I am. While not nearly as fun as imagining you naked? Imagining you in different clothing is an astonishingly happy thing for me."
"Then you should really like this last bag. These are the results of the "I love Seth Cohen" themed part of my shopping spree today."
"You have shopping - your all-important favorite pastime? - themed after me? That is – just – so cool!" His pleased expression made her laugh.
"I do. But shopping is no longer my favorite pastime, sweetie, it's second on the list now." She winked coyly at him.
"Oh now stop it. You're going to make me blush." He pretended to be embarrassed while obviously loving all the attention. "What's in the Seth Cohen bag? The suspense is killing me."
"Well, I got these..." She held up several un-Summer-like outfits of jeans with just logo'd tee shirts, and new pairs of Converse shoes in pink, orange, and red to wear with them. "You said you liked these on me, right?"
His eyes were wide with disbelief. "What? The shoes? Yes, si and oui ! Those little tee shirts are great! This – this is awesome, Summer! But I thought you hated the way I dressed."
She looked down at the clothes she'd been wearing all day, which were the ones he'd chosen out of her closet for her. "I've been so comfortable in these. And they are pretty cute on me, so I wanted some more. It never hurts to change up your style once in a while, you know."
"Not really, but since you're the world renowned fashionista here, I'll take your word for it."
She smiled happily. "Good. And I got you these..." She pulled out several tee shirts with funny or ironic sayings and logo's, and 2 vintage rock band tees. "They seemed very "you". I hope you like them."
He looked from them back up to her. "They're, um, incredible. I can't believe you did this."
His lack of enthusiasm worried her. "You don't like them? We can exchange them -"
"No, we're not; they're awesome. I just don't get why you'd buy them." He looked at her, confused.
"Because I'm trying to tell you I love you just the way you are, dummy."
"Oh...." He shook his head. "Are you coming over here or am I joining you in the chair? I feel an urge to kiss you that's undeniable."
"I am pretty lonely over here." She moved to the side so he could sit down, then slid onto his lap, putting both arms around him as he kissed her. When it ended she laid her head on his shoulder. "So I did ok shopping?"
"You did very well. I have to say, you buying for me was unexpected." He kissed the top of her head.
"I know! That's why it was so fun! I had such a good time shopping for someone besides me. Who would have guessed it?"
"Frankly, no one."
She smacked him. "Ha. Funny." She reached over the side of the chair and grabbed the bag. "I got you something else."
"Good Lord, woman, does your father have any money left? I'm happy with my new shirts." He shook his head. "First thing in the morning we're looking into 12 step programs for your shopping habit. Spend, spend, spend. I can't..." He trailed off as she pulled a small box out of the bag and opened it, displaying a man's ring. It was similar to the one he'd bought her, with a bezel set diamond in the center, but this one had a row of smaller stones set into the band on each edge. "What the -? Summer, what did you do?" He looked up at her in confusion.
"I bought you a ring. It's only fair, right? Do you like it?" She watched him anxiously as he dropped his gaze back to the box in her hand.
"Well, yeah, of – of course I like it, but what -?"
"What's it for? I'm glad you asked, Cohen." She kissed him on the cheek. "You know how you said mine was a friendship ring, and I could keep it even if we never got together as a couple?"
He nodded.
"This ring isn't like that. I got it for you because I care, which is the same, I know, but I want it to mean more than friendship." She got nervous, but kept going. "Of course you can keep it whether you like my idea or not." She stopped and studied his face, trying to gauge his reaction. His eyes widened, but he kept quiet. "Look, I know we're too young and blah, blah, blah, but I'm not just your buddy, Seth. I'm in love with you, and I want everyone to know. You're like, amazing, and the only person I've ever trusted, and I adore you and don't want anyone but you."
He chose his words carefully. "Summer, are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?"
"Just listen. I don't want to run off and get married. I don't think we're ready to be engaged, either." She removed the ring from the box. "I stole your idea. Look at what I had engraved in it."
He took it from her and read the words inside. "Love" and "Commitment". His eyes found hers again. "So you're saying you don't want to be engaged, but you want a commitment. Does that mean you'd like to upgrade the ring I got you to a commitment type ring, also?"
"Exactly. There's something called a "promise" ring. Like, a pre-engagement ring. At least, that's what I was thinking about. I know I might be, like, going too fast, and I don't want to scare you, I just know I'm way past the "going out" or "going steady" thing with you." She studied the carpeting. "How do you feel about it?"
"Are you serious?" He watched her face, hoping she'd look back at him.
She finally did, taking a breath and staring straight into his eyes. "Totally."
Seth opened his mouth to speak, shut it, took a deep breath and tried again. "Let me get this straight. You're asking me if I want to be in a committed relationship with you, like almost engaged? Is that a relatively accurate assessment of the situation?"
"Uh huh."
"Are you aware that you've just completely stolen my thunder, since I've been wracking my brain to think of a way to express the fact that I'm way past the dating thing with you and you've figured it out before I could? Where do I wear this thing?"
She broke into a wide smile. "Really? Yay!" She hugged him. "It doesn't matter where. See which finger it fits. Wait. Try your right hand. Your parents will completely lose it if you come home looking like you got married."
He slid the ring onto his right hand. "And I would suddenly care what my parents thought because... why?"
"Because they're good people and you're lucky to have them." Thinking of how no one would even notice her ring suddenly made her sad.
"You have them too. You're an honorary Cohen, remember?" He knew exactly what she was thinking about. He kissed her soundly. "And you have a committed Seth Cohen, with engraved 'bling' as evidence." He held up his hand and admired the ring. "No one's ever gonna believe this. Hey. You must be exhausted. You want to get in bed and watch TV?"
"I am and that sounds perfect."
They helped each other get undressed, laughing at the fact that they only had two good arms between them, then crawled into bed. After turning on the TV with the remote, Seth curled around the back of her, holding her little body close. His brain was having a problem keeping up with all the developments in his previously non-existent love life. A week ago he was sure he'd never get Summer back, now they were in love and sleeping together, and tonight they were wearing rings from each other. "Unbelievable."
"What, sweetie?"
"Um, we forgot to take our drugs." He started to get up, but she stopped him quickly, sitting up and putting a hand on his arm.
"Stay here, I'll go." Throwing back the covers, she rolled out of bed and padded quietly to the kitchen. In a few minutes she was back with a tray holding cheese and crackers, two glasses of water and their respective bottles of medication. "It's not much, but you have to eat or your painkillers will make you sick. Right? That's what you told me." She set the tray on the bedside table and shook out his pills for him. "Here, baby."
He stared at her with raised eyebrows. "Who are you, again?"
"Shut up, Cohen. I'm trying to take care of you. You got a problem with that?"
He immediately began shaking his head, looking up at her familiar hand-on- hip stance. "No, no and hell no. I'm just – that's really cool. Thanks." He took the pills, then watched as she took hers. "You're still walking fairly well. Maybe I won't have to carry you around slung over my shoulder tomorrow."
After getting under the covers, she handed him a plate with cheese and crackers. "I TOLD you I was fine. Maybe next time you'll listen. "
"There better not BE a next time." He dug into the snacks with gusto.
"How about you? Does your arm hurt?"
"Well, to tell you the truth, yes. I don't like to complain, but my back hurts and my neck is stiff and my lower back is just throbbing with pain, too. My legs even hurt." He gave her his best wounded puppy face and inwardly cheered as her expression changed to concern and pity. "While you're taking care of me, do you think you could help? I really feel awful."
"Oh, my poor baby. Turn over and I'll rub your back for you, ok?" She smiled and rolled her eyes as he dropped his plate and happily flopped onto his stomach. "All you had to do was ask, Cohen. The puppy eyes weren't necessary."
"Really? Whoa. I like the new you. Not that I didn't like the old you, actually I loved the old you, still do, but the new you? Is delightfully loveable also. I love all of you, in other words, new and old. Not that you're old, because obviously you're not, I just –"
"Seth?"
"Uh huh?"
"If you want a back rub, you need to shut it."
"Absolutely. Consider it shut."
She rubbed his back and shoulders until her arm began to hurt, then lay down beside him, pulling the covers up over them. "Seth?" Getting no response, she sat up and peeked over at his face, smiling a little when she discovered he was asleep. After flipping off the TV and quietly putting their plates on the nightstand, she turned out the light and got under the covers again. Summer curled around his side, kissed his shoulder and slid her arm over his back. She fell asleep quickly, still smiling.
****