Chapter Twenty Nine

Marissa and Summer laid across the golden sand, watching the sun disappear into the hollow horizon. They were watching Ryan and Seth splash and play-fight in the water, their amused laugh dancing with the wind. Summer lay her head down against Seth's deposited shirt, as she let the sun's rays rest on her already bronzed skin. The clouds remained unmoved, and stationary against the smooth and cool breeze.

"You know what, Coop? I think that Brooke might just listen to me this time, and leave me alone. I hope so, anyway," Summer said, unable to withstand her chattery mood.

"I think you handled it pretty well, from what I hear," Marissa muttered, with an indifferent expression. A permanent smile was almost moulded on her lips: nothing could break her happiness now, not even for a moment.

Summer pouted, heaving a gentle sigh as she turned to Marissa, "But it just hasn't stopped him before, Marissa," she bit her lip, "What if he goes, and attacks Seth or something?"

"Why would anyone want to attack me?" Seth asked inquisitively, as a drooping Seth and Ryan approached them lazily. Marissa and Summer squealed as the guys attacked them with wet hugs, and even wetter kisses. When Seth finally pulled away from his damsel, he pressed on the topic, "So, why would anyone want to attack me, Sum?" he asked gently, trying hard not to ruin the fun, carefree mood that was entwined around them.

"Seth, let's not talk about this now. Right now, I just want to relax and have some fun," she replied, laying back down on his shirt, that was placed neatly under her head. Seth looked down at her, with a mischievious smirk.

"You better tell me, Summer. Or I'll attack you," he joked, which apparently, got Summer's attention.

"Oh, no no no," Summer sat up quickly, placing her hands in front of herself as to keep Seth away from her for the time being, "You know I hate being tickled, Seth!" she said, her voice only slightly whiny, as she begged him gently.

"Hm, really? So tell me? What's the deal-eo?" he smiled down at her, and Summer groaned, as she pouted. Seth folded his arms across his chest, raising an eyebrow, "I'll give you ten seconds. Ten, nine, two-"

"Fine!" Summer shrieked softly, "But if I ruin the mood, by telling you, it is so not my fault," she said, biting her lip, "Seth, I'm worried for you. I don't think Brooke's going to give up. I think his next move will slick, and definitely not something I could predict. I'm scared he's going to try to get revenge for that punch of yours," she spilled out finally, not feeling an inch of relief within her. Instead, she felt a wave of guilt slamming against her chest like the waves crashing against the shores. But as quick as they came, they left with Seth's smile working like the passing tide.

"Summer," he said, honestly fond of her worrying for him, "I'll be okay,"

"Yeah, he's fine. Supposedly, he's got the punch of a gladiator," Marissa giggled softly, intervening, "Now Sum, if you thought this was going to ruin the mood, then you're so wrong," Marissa started to get up, "Race you to the water!" she called out, laughing.

Everyone simply exchanged glances, as they saw Marissa take the sudden lead. Everyone scrambled to their feet, trying to reach Marissa's outstanding lead. Ryan approached her the quickest, and he entangled his arms around her waist, slowing her down as he ran with her. Marissa was giggling playfully, as she tried to slide out of his grip, so close to reaching the water's edge.

Seth and Summer locked hands, as they both charged toward the water with grins on their lips, and laughs escaping their throats like little school-children. When they all finally reached the water, there was barely a moment when the splashing and laughing ceased.

Finally, when they were all breathless and finished with the savage acts, they lay back against the water, cuddling with their honeys. Seth had his arms wrapped around Summer's belly, as they all gathered together peacefully.

"Marissa, I hate you for this!" Summer giggled lightly, "What am I going to do with my designer top? It's totally wet!" she laughed, as she looked down at her blouse that was sticking intently to her skin. Marissa laughed harmoniously with her, as Ryan pulled her closer.

"Well, hey. How long can you just lay on the beach, after seeing how immature our boyfriends are?" she smiled, giving Ryan a peck on the cheek, "But don't worry Ryan, I still love you- no matter how immature you are," she giggled gently, as Ryan picked her up in his arms.

"I'm that immature, huh?" he laughed, threatening to drop her into the deepest corner of the water. Marissa tried to suppress her squeals, but she couldn't, "I bet the fishies wouldn't think so," he grinned at her,

"Ryan!" Marissa chuckled uncontrollably as she pressed her forehead against his, "Wouldn't you miss me, if I was gone?" she smiled gently, biting her lip. Ryan couldn't resist, therefore he had to meet his lips with hers. As tempting, and sumptuous as they were, the kiss was much sweeter than anything he could have imagined. He pulled away with a smile.

"Maybe I'd miss you a little bit," he whispered softly, staring straight into her deep, lavish eyes.

"Then I suggest putting me down, and I'll think about not ditching you for my fish-friends," she grinned gently, expecting to be put down lightly, but to her shock she was flung through the air, water splashing all around, "Ryan!" she howled the moment she resurfaced. She swam over to him quickly, but before she reached him he already lept off, "I can't believe you'd do that to me!" she said, continuously swimming after his quick-witted self.

"Just proves how many fish friends you really have Marissa!" he joked, from a few meters away from her, "Now I'll stop if you tell me what exactly you're planning to do to me," Ryan called out calmly, knowing there was no chance Marissa would catch up with him.

Marissa stopped, and turned around toward Summer helplessly, "Sum! Come and help me!" but she realized she and Seth were too busy laughing at the whole situation.

"Sorry Coop, I'm kind of busy here," she giggled gently, giving Seth a long kiss. Once she saw that Marissa turned around, and went back to her rampaging chase, Summer pulled away and couldn't help but laugh with Seth at how absurd they really looked. Summer heard Marissa's playful curses under her nose, which simply made her laugh more as she sat cuddled into Seth's warm and comfortable arms.

With such a giddy atmosphere, gliding away along with the sun, soon the Fantastic Four were swept toward the ocean's coast, as dusk started to peel away at the sky. The only visible rays of sun, were those that were already hushed behind the magnificent sunset, making way for a starry evening. The sky was already blossoming into a royal-blue, which blanketed the sky, and powdered it with gentle, flickering lights that glowed against the solemn night. As they sat on the cooled sand, around a blazing bonfire they all mingled tales of their past moments of happiness, sadness, and even more moments of downright hilarity.