Disclaimer: I don't own any O.C.-related - only the characters I may invent during the writing of the story - they're all FOX's property.. thanxx 2U, guys

Autor's note: Concerning the content > This is my VERY FIRST fanfic to be posted, so please be gentle. Concerning the mistakes > English is not my mother language, so please forgive me for all the mistakes I'm sure going to make, both in vocabulary and grammar PLUS so far, I don't have a beta (anyone interested? Anyone?)

Summary: Meanwhile, the former outsider has established himself - yet he'll always remain a stranger. Just when he learns that losing people doesn't depend on where you're from, he realizes that opening up to people you might then lose does somehow depend on it. Sometimes it takes a blast from the past to let someone come close.. or someone who drags you in.. -Set after "The Rainy Day Women" but before "The Blaze of Glory"- (OK, I suck at summaries but I'm willing to learn) ""Hope you enjoy"" ;o)

With still damp hair Ryan was sitting at the kitchen counter, a large cup of black coffee in front of him, staring into it as if he were some kind of a seer who could find all of the answers in it. Being a natural early riser it wasn't too unusual for him to get up quite early, even on a Saturday, but lately he'd been hardly able to catch a few hours of sleep in a row. He'd hoped to compensate this with a cold shower and even some time of swimming in the pool – now, he put all his hopes in caffeine. He wondered how long this would still go on before he'd simply fall asleep while standing somewhere. During the week, when he was occupied otherwise, it was easier, but on the weekends he had more or less the feeling to spend them sleepwalking.

He sighed and took a sip of the strong, hot liquid, pondering if he should try to eat something but decided against it.

When he was just taking another sip, careful not to burn his mouth, a loud "Gooood morning, bro'!" made him almost jump in his stool. Coughing and cursing he tried to calm himself. Incredulously he watched Seth hopping around the kitchen, taking a cup out of the cupboard, filling it with coffee, fishing a sesame bagel out of the basket and flipping it through the guillotine, at the same time dropping two cubes of sugar in his coffee, all the while whistling a fantasy tune.

Slowly, Ryan lowered his gaze to his wristwatch: Near 8:30. Way too early for Seth, especially on a Saturday – and above all too early to see him actually in good mood. For a second he considered asking for the reason for this untypical behavior but then realized that rather sooner than later, his foster-brother would probably spill out to him anyway.

He didn't have to wait long. Right after having schmeered his bagel professionally in the Cohen-style, Seth put his breakfast in front of him, scrutinized it, nodded approvingly to himself and took a deep breath – which would usually be followed by a long, near unstoppable speech. This time, though, he grabbed a piece of paper out of his pocket, carefully unfolded it and set it upside-down in front of his friend.

Ryan put his coffee down, looked at the paper, then back to Seth who was raising his eyebrows, a wide grin sprawled over his face. Ryan sighed and braced himself for what was awaiting him. "Mind to fill me in?" Seth shook his head in disapproval. "Dude! Too early for you to read! Nevermind. This", he held the paper up as if it was a really historical document, "my friend, is a certificate which makes me, Seth Ezekiel Cohen, the proud owner of one out of only 999 copies of the "Legion Special Fan Edition" – worldwide! Coming out: Today! The comic store called me yesterday to confirm that my copy has arrived and to make sure I come by to get it. And you", he pointed out his finger, "have the privilege and honor to keep me company!" Knitting his eyebrows, Ryan nodded slowly, then shook his head. "Thanks. But no." "Ryan, this wasn't a question. This was an invitation. Besides, you can't turn down a privilege. C'mon! It's just over at the pier. Don't make me beg."

"You're taking Ryan to the pier? Good idea." Kirsten entered the kitchen, served herself some coffee and took one half of Seth's bagel. "Thank you, honey", she stated at his protesting glare. "It will be good for you to get out of the house for a walk", she mentioned toward Ryan who'd used to bury himself under his books since Lindsay had left. She sure wondered what had gotten her son out of bed this early but she just welcomed the fact without questioning him further. He'd come up with the reason anyway.

"See? It's not only a privilege. It's good for you!" "I still got some calcs to prepare. And an interpretation for English literature, .." "No. No!" Seth interrupted him. "It's just not possible that you've so much to study!" Kirsten nodded. "I don't like to agree with Seth, usually, and I sure don't want to stop you from learning, but this time he's right. You ought to get a break. And if I understood you two correctly, there will be these projects from next week on, so there should be enough time to prepare for school afterwards. You do really look like you could use some fresh air", she said encouragingly. Ryan's shoulders dropped. "Okay.." "That a yes?" Seth yelled and clapped his hands when Ryan nodded. "Yes! Awesome!"

"What's all that rack about?" Sandy appeared in the doorframe, still unshaven and in his robe. He'd had to skip his morning surf due to a long night of work on a new case he'd been offered after Caleb's and Renée Wheeler's case had been officially closed.

"Father! See: The wonders of "Legion" are working their magic!" Sandy looked at his son who seemed to completely have lost his mind, then to Ryan who sat at the counter, just about to empty his coffee – and who appeared to need some more hours or even days of sleep considering the dark rings under his eyes and his pale complexion – and then finally gave his wife a quizzical look. "Seth is taking Ryan to the comic shop at the pier because of a new comic book release", she explained to him

Ryan put his cup in the sink after having rinsed it with water how Kirsten noticed amused. He was always so careful with everything concerning the household. During the first months he'd often forgotten they had a dishwasher and had done the dishes by himself – not so unlike her how Sandy had reminded her one or two times. She watched him stretching his arms over his head, just avoiding to yawn. "I'll go get changed." "On you go, dude, hurry up", Seth teased, though his friend was already halfway out of the door.

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Papermonster: Every story needs a beginning, doesn't it? Hopefully I'll be able to catch Seth's attitude a little (or a whole lot better) later. Next chap already written, will be posted a soon as I get "One little review, tryin' to make his way in the world.." So pleeeez, help me out, love criticizm, everything's accepted, especially a beta. Spoiler: Next chapter brings a new character.. H+K