A/N: Thanks for all your reviews and hope you all had a fantastic Christmas! I've given the Sequel idea some thought but eventually decided against it simply because I wasn't planning to move S/S on into the future yet so it seemed a little odd to start a new story.It doesmean thisfic will get kindof long but never mind - Hope you're all ok with that!

Here's a new Chapter...

The following weeks passed largely without incident in terms of Seth and Summer's relationship. They finally felt like they had found a balance, a way to make it work for both of them. Sure, they bickered a bit…ok a lot, but that was what kept it interesting and, as Marissa liked to point out, the more they argued the more opportunities they had for making up. At times, they even came dangerously close to resembling a normal, non-dysfunctional couple.

In short, they were happy…truly happy.

Things at school had not been so easy for Summer however as she had finally made the transition between social groups and left behind the self-proclaimed 'popular people' for good. She never once regretted her decision, or the direction her life was taking, but it wasn't as easy as she'd hoped.

Thanks mostly to her outburst at Jen's party, there were a group of people who were unwilling to let Summer slip gracefully into the shadows at Harbor. So instead they subjected her to frequent taunting. It was nothing major; no confrontations or physical violence… just the occasional bitchy comment, a stage whispered slur or an outbreak of snickering whenever she walked in the room. It wasn't anything Summer couldn't handle…but she'd be lying if she said she didn't find it wearing at times.

She knew their game; in fact she was ashamed to admit she'd been a part of these things in the past. The aim was always to make the person paranoid, to play on their insecurities and leave them feeling rejected and, in extreme cases, worthless. But this never happened to Summer, because somebody was always there. Seth had become more protective over his girlfriend than ever before and Summer drew strength from the knowledge that his love was always there to protect and sustain her. Marissa too played her part, stepping in to comfort or defend her best friend whenever things got too much. Even Ryan was there, whenever she needed someone, just to remind her that whatever she had given up paled in comparison to what she'd gained.

Summer also began to appreciate that having 3 loyal, dependable and loving friends was worth far more than a room full of her old acquaintances. And because of this, they made it through the rough days together…and they came out stronger.

One Saturday morning, a month or so later, Seth lay flat out on Summer's bed with his girlfriend curled up by the side of him; her head laying on his chest and their fingers entwined. With his free hand, Seth played absent-mindedly with Summer's glossy hair and occasionally lent down to place a single, sweet kiss on the top of her head.

Conversation was minimal, but seemingly unnecessary. Summer was content to lie listening to the beat of his heart and feeling the security that always enveloped her when she was in such intimate proximity to Seth.

They often took half an hour out of each day to sit like this, to appreciate the feeling of just being there for each other and the comfort they felt in one another's presence. On many days, this time would pass quietly without incident…but today was different.

"Summer…" Seth began quietly, pausing for a moment in the twirling of her hair.

She glanced up to show that she was listening, and indicated for him to continue.

"You know that thing…that thing that went so hideously wrong last time…?" He questioned a little hesitantly.

Summer's brow furrowed in confusion before a look of comprehension dawned and she nodded uncertainly.

"Well I think we should give it another try." Seth concluded.

Summer's eyes widened in surprise "Oh Sweetie no, it's fine, it's not your fault..."she turned her body round to face him, patting his arm sympathetically as she did so"…you just can't bend that way."

"What?"

They stared at each other in total confusion for several moments. "Ok, I'm pretty sure we're not talking about the same thing here Sum…"

"But I thought you said you wanted to try that thing again…you know…" Summer blushed a little "Where we…" She broke off, embarrassed, and indicated to the bed

"Ohhh…" Seth finally understood and shook his head vigorously "Dear Lord No. I still have the bruises from last time…"

They both winced at the memory "That is the last time we try anything from one of your magazines Sum…" Seth instructed "They've clearly been road tested by a better man than me."

Summer reached up to kiss Seth gently on the lips "Aww baby…you're all the man I need" she giggled.

"So what the hell were you talking about then?" Summer asked looking puzzled as they finally broke their lip lock.

Seth suddenly looked unsure of himself again "Urm…you know…your dad."

Summer simply raised an eyebrow in response

"Me and your dad…" Seth clarified "Us meeting I mean…not…well not anything weird or…"

"Cohen…" Summer silenced him with a soft whack to the arm "I get it."

There was a brief, but undeniably awkward silence.

"So…What do you think?" Seth prompted carefully, trying to glean some kind of reaction from Summer's tentative eyes.

"I…er…I don't know" she finished lamely.

Seth frowned a little but cupped Summer's face in his hands and addressed her earnestly "It'll be different this time Sum, I promise…we're different this time."

Summer stared hard into his deep brown eyes, before a tender smile crept over her lips "Ok then…" she whispered "I think you're right…I think we're ready for this."

A/N: The return of the Neil! Ha ha, well it had to be done really didn't it, but don't worry it's not going to be a repeat of Summer's S1 issues. Anyways hope you enjoyed this chapter, please review!

Oh and Happy New Year to you all!