THE FORGOTTEN FACES

I wanna know the truth
Instead of wondering why
I wanna know the answers
No more lies

Runaway
Linkin Park

"Tell me that's temporary," Sandy insisted as Seth flashed him the new body art he had obtained on his left bicep.

"Yes dad," Seth drawled in an uninterested voice. "You don't care that Rach is covered with real ones."

Rachel who stood not too far away from the two men in the kitchen of the penthouse raised an eyebrow at the statement but remained quiet. This had been the first time since they had arrived in Vegas that she had actually seen Sandy interacting with his son. It was kind of sad to know that he had been so busy during their holiday, constantly going to business meetings. Tonight was the only night that they would all have to spend together as a family in Vegas. There would simply be no time for it the next day as they left for Newport in the afternoon.

Subconsciously Rachel crossed her arms as to hide the permanent ink, which she had on both of her inner wrists.

"Rachel is not my son, Seth, you are, and you do as you are told," Sandy stated strongly. "One of those things being, get ready or we will be late."

Seth grumbled loudly and turned, retreating to his room to change. Being the Cohen's Sandy had thought of no better way to spend an evening together as a family than to go to the company Gala which his firm was holding in the hotels private rooms.

At first Kirsten had been optimistic, not wanting her husband to think that she was not mad at him any more because she agreed to go. But after a long chat with Seth, Ryan and Rachel, they had all decided that it would not be such a bad idea to make an appearance, for Sandy's sake.

As Kirsten walked into the room, donning a classic black gown Rachel instantly felt the tension rise in the room. So far she had not had such a successful run when it came to the problems which had begun to arise between the couple, always walking in on their arguments, feeling out of place with them around. Now was no different.

"I'm gonna go see how Ry's doing," Rachel said with a weak smile before slipping out of the room and looking for her brother.

When she found him, he was somewhere between fixing his hair and choosing a shirt to wear. Noticing the amused look that he was receiving, Ryan narrowed his eyes at his sister as he tussled his hair.

"What?" She asked defensively.

"You tell me."

Rachel only shrugged and knowing that Ryan could tell that something was up tried to make herself look busy so she didn't have to start answering questions. Swinging the doors of his walk in closet open she began to search through his many clothes for something appropriate for him to wear the semi-formal event. This alone was a dead give away.

"You alright there?" Ryan asked moving over to her and folding his arms.

Rachel ignored his question and instead pulled out a grey-blue shirt and held it up. Contemplating the possibility she finally screwed up her face and put the garment back, continuing her search.

"Okay, that's enough, you never do this unless something's up," Ryan stated taking a hold of her wrist and pulling her out of the closet.

Closing the doors again he turned back to face her but the only answer he received was a shirt being pressed up against him from his sisters outstretched arms and a soon to be retreating back.

"Hurry up, we're gonna be late."

"This is nice," Sandy stated, trying to make conversation.

He was well aware that Kirsten was still not impressed with him, despite the smile which she had plastered on her face as they sat together with some of Sandy's fellow workmates.

"I'm still mad at you," she said simply before reaching over and taking the basket of bread sticks, which lay in the middle of the table.

"How could I have missed that?" Sandy asked sarcastically.

Kirsten's eyes flashed. "Well if you had been there half the time that you weren't then maybe we wouldn't be having this conversation," she whispered so as no one else could hear.

Sandy took in a deep breath trying his hardest to stay composed and level-headed. "I have work, like you. I don't complain when you are out 'till all hours with Caleb do I?"

"Caleb is my father," Kirsten stated. "He is not a group of strangers who could get into all sorts of strife!"

"Those strangers happen to be associates of mine that are involved in very high profiled cases. Why else would I be doing this?"

Kirsten looked away from him. "The word 'selfish' comes to mind."

Sandy let out a long breath before turning from his wife. "We're not having this conversation," he said simply.

Kirsten rolled her eyes before letting them wonder around the busily occupied lobby, spotting Seth, Ryan and Rachel sitting at one of the far booths which lined the walls, much like in a diner. They seemed to be enjoying themselves enough, laughing and smiling at Seth's obvious humour. It amazed her sometimes at just how well the trio could get along. There was none of the third-wheel business, which she often dreaded for Ryan. When they were together they were all equal. A thought like this made Kirsten grateful that they had managed to find such an open and kind person in Rachel, if not, then she didn't know what they would have done.

Pulling her eyes away from the youngsters her gaze ticked around the remainder of the room before falling an all too familiar face. With long blonde hair, slender figure and killer smile to match her younger sister Hailey laughed audibly at whatever it was that her company had said.

Kirsten couldn't believe that she was there with them. It had been so long since she had layed her eyes upon her sister. Rising from her seat she brushed away Sandy's hand and made her way across the room.

Seth let out a long, dramatic sigh as Ryan rose and walked away to collect drinks for them. He slouched back into his leather chair and began to drum his fingers atop the table in front of him.

"What's up?" Rachel asked.

Seth looked up to see her staring at him, head rested in her hands, elbows on top of the table. Her eyes were filled with a genuine concern, but also a twinkle of playfulness, as she knew that nothing overly serious was bothering him.

"The Vegas just isn't what it's cracked up to be when you're underage," Seth stated causing Rachel to raise her eyebrows questioningly. "Look, there is a bar right over there and we can't even walk up to it."

Rachel frowned a little. "You don't need to drink and gamble to have fun Seth," she began. "If anything they only make things less interesting."

"But," he said, arms waving in front of him in an almost drunken manor. "That's the whole point of being here. Have a few drinks, loose all your money…it's entertaining."

Rachel slid over in her seat so that she was sitting directly beside him. Placing her hand on Seth's chin, she moved his gaze to lock with hers.

"Your entertainment's right here," she said kissing him strongly feeling him slide a hand to her waist and draw her nearer.

Pulling away Seth looked down at her playfully. "And how much do you charge by the hour Miss?"

Rachel glared at him, her eyebrows raised in a semi-insulted manor. "Oh you're going down Cohen," she growled noticing that he was pulling her back to him but just before their lips met Rachel pulled up short.

"What is it?" Seth asked instantly seeing the troubled look in her eyes.

"There's a guy over at the bar," she began pulling Seth's face back to hers as he turned to see what she was referring to. "Don't look," she insisted. An almost questioning look washed over her features as she watched him through her peripheral vision. "He won't stop staring at me."

Seth continued to stare at her for a long moment before lifting her from her seat and placing her on the other side of him so that he could look at the man without seeming suspicious.

"Do you really go for guys like him?" He asked with an almost sad tone in his voice. "Middle aged, office managers with shiny, black briefcases."

Rachel screwed up her face at him, now with her back to the man in question. "That's wrong on so many levels."

"I know," Seth admitted. "It's probably nothing, just some dude looking at what he can't have. I don't blame the guy."

"I dunno…" Rachel spoke still feeling the mans gaze boring into her.

Seth leaned down and kissed her softly so that he could avert his eyes to the bar. "Do you want me to go over there and get inappropriately violent?" He asked bringing his lips down to hers again. "I could knock over his drink." And again. "Maybe steal his peanuts."

Rachel flashed him a dazzling smile. "Could be risky."

They both grinned at each other at the thought.

"You two wind up in jail and I'm not bailing you out." Ryan's voice pulled them away from each other's gazes.

Seth shrugged as Ryan handed over the beverages and sat down. "We were just discussing out plot against Rach's new admirer."

Ryan looked at him with narrowed eyes. "What are you talking about?"

"Well…" Seth began but was cut off by Rachel's hand on his arm.

"Wait, where did he go?" She asked looking around.

Seth smiled proudly. "He jumped ship. Obviously terrified at the thought of the wrath of Seth Cohen."

Ryan raised his eyebrows. "The 'wrath of Seth Cohen'?"

Rachel replied with a simple. "Don't ask."

"Kirsten, it's good to see you!" Hailey chimed as she turned to see her older sister staring at her.

"Hailey," Kirsten said a little shocked. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"Oh," Hailey began looking at her surroundings. "Yeah, I moved here about a month ago, have been working at the hotel ever since."

Kirsten looked at her with a fake enthusiasm. "Really? Doing what?"

Hailey looked at her for a moment before answering. "I'm a barmaid," she said. "I know how to make a nasty cowboy shot."

Kirsten couldn't help but notice the demeanour of her younger relation. She seemed to be trying to hide her uneasiness amongst the crowd of businessmen and associates. There was only one reason Kirsten could think of that would make her act this way.

"You're lying to me, aren't you?"

Hailey stared at her shocked and hurt before her expression changed to one of defeat. "Okay, fine, I don't work here, the only reason why I'm at this stupid party is because I was hoping to get a job with one of these people, maybe make some money to leave this damn town."

"Why didn't you say you were having troubles?" Kirsten insisted. "Lying doesn't get you anywhere Hailey and you know it."

"What was I supposed to say? Oh, I'm sorry Kirsten – rich little girl of the family – but I am flat broke, living in a one bedroom suite behind the hotels back, trying to make ends meet without having to ask my family for help."

Kirsten was simply staring at her now, not wanting to say something that would hurt her feelings but at the same time wanting more than ever to be rid of the woman that stood before her.

"All you have to do is ask Hailey, and I will do whatever I can to help you. But something that you have to learn is that life is not a game, and you can't afford to be living like this," Kirsten insisted.

Hailey was quiet now, not really knowing what to say in reply. "You always had it so easy," she began. "Dad's little bread winner…"

"Hailey stop it."

"No. This is how it is, and this is how I have to live my life because I could never be like you. I would never have the skills to do what you do and make the money that you make."

Kirsten was aware that her sister was trying to get somewhere with her speech but seemed to be having some trouble.

"What is it that you want Hailey?"

"I was…wondering…" she began.

"Yes?"

"If I could go back to Newport with you, just for a few days, until I talk to dad and ask him for some help."

Kirsten sighed. "Hailey, you can't go running back to dad every time things get tough for you."

"I get that, I do, but I'm desperate Kirsten."

As Seth and Rachel walked out the front doors of the hotels lobby and into the brightly lit street for some fresh air they were approached by a tall man, medium build with light brown hair and a frown on his face. Rachel instantly recognised him as the man who had taken an interest in staring at her that night.

"Excuse me," he said politely as he drew nearer prompting Seth to tighten the arm, which he had securely around Rachel's waist. "Do I know you?"

He was looking directly at Rachel as though not even noticing her companion, and if he did, seemed unaffected by his presence.

"I think you know me pretty damn well after staring at me all night," Rachel snapped at him. "Take a picture creep, it lasts longer." She gently removed Seth's arm before turning to walk away.

"I'm sorry," the man said following her and causing Seth to follow suit.

Seth knew that Rachel could have a short temper if she wanted too. Like her brother she was never afraid of confrontation, it had been something that she had to live with her entire life. And like her brother, she was not afraid to solve problems with her fists instead of her mouth.

"You just look rather familiar," the man continued.

Rachel stopped and whirled around. "And so do you, for all the wrong reasons."

"Okay," Seth said moving between the pair. "Me stepping in now, being referee guy." He turned to the mysterious man. "Look, I don't know who you are…"

"Steve," he answered.

"Mr. Steve," Seth continued. "You'd better get going before I show you the power of Seth Cohen and his bitch slaps, okay?"

There was an eerie silence between the three of them and Rachel couldn't help the chill which ran down her spine as the mans – Steve he had called himself – eyes locked with hers. None of them had noticed the security guard that had walked up behind them.

"What's going on here? Is he bothering you two?" The man, easily over six foot tall and built as though he were a wrestler asked Seth and Rachel.

Steve was quick to intervene. "There's no need to make a scene."

"I'll let them decide that," the security guard stated.

Seth moved over beside Rachel who was fixing Steve with a deathly glare. "We're fine," he said sarcastically. "Apart from being followed by Psycho-Wan-Kanobi over here."

Steve went to protest but was cut short by the security guards strong hand on his chest. "How about you leave these two alone, or I'm going to have to apprehend you Sir."

"What's going on?" Ryan asked as walked through the front doors and approached the group seeing the look of pure anger on his sister's face.

After a quick talk with Sandy he had gone to find the pair who had told him to meet them outside, wanting some fresh air. Now that he stood staring at them both he couldn't help the confusion that washed over his face.

"Ryan?"

The voice was familiar. Painfully familiar. Ryan froze not daring to look at the person who had said his name but at the same time not being able to stop himself. The minute that their eyes met Ryan felt like he had been hit square in the chest with a brick. He instantly stepped up beside Rachel who was looking at him.

"You know him?" She asked in shock.

"That might explain why he thinks you look so familiar," Seth suggested.

Rachel turned to him. "I have no idea who the hell this guy is!"

"And it's going to stay that way," Ryan spoke taking a firm hold on her wrist and pulling her back toward the door. "We're leaving."

"What?" Rachel asked shocked, looking back over her shoulder at the man who seemed to be staring straight at her brother. "What's going on?"

Once all three of them were through the doors Ryan spoke. "Nothing you need to know."

He led her and Seth through the mass of people in the lobby and finally to the elevator, sending them shooting up the hotel floors. As he pulled Rachel along she began to fight against him seeing Seth's confused face as she did.

"What gives you the right to decide that?" She insisted. Looking at his face Rachel saw something there that she couldn't quite put her finger on, but whatever it was, it scared her.

"I know you," Ryan said leading her through the corridors of the hotel and finally to another elevator. "And I know what's best for you."

As the doors dinged and slid open Ryan went to lead her in but Rachel stood her ground and pulled out of his grasp. "Ry' stop, just stop! Who was that guy?"

Ryan let out a long sigh before pushing her into the elevator and hitting the up key. "No one you need to worry about."

"You're lying straight to my face, I can tell."

Rachel stared strongly at him in the way he hated. The way her eyes seemed as though they could bore straight into his soul made Ryan more than a little uneasy. He hated to have to lie to her, he hated seeing her face when she knew that he was lying to her. But at times like these he knew that it was the best thing. Ryan had to tread a fine line when it came to his sister. A line which separated being her parent and being her brother. Sometimes matters called for him to be the grown up and though it hurt him more than ever to think that he could not always be there for her the way that she wanted, the way that she deserved, he knew what he was doing was right.

"Why are you making this so hard?" He asked quietly expecting the answer he received.

"Because you're being such a jerk about it!" Rachel screamed causing Ryan to turn and face her head on.

Rachel didn't truly mean the words that she said, but something about the way her brother was acting made her mad enough to hate him. She hated being protected so much by him, sometimes to the point where she didn't know what to do. Though Rachel was grateful beyond words for Ryan looking out for her, there were moments where she wished that he would stop being to up tight and trust her to know the truth.

When the elevator doors finally opened Seth took in an uneasy breath. It was hard for him to have to watch the pair fight. Though it was an unusual occurrence, when it happened, they could be at each others throats for hours.

"I'm just gonna go," Seth said, stepping out of the elevator and making his way toward the private one which lead to the penthouse.

"Look," Ryan said as Rachel went to step out as well. His voice was calm and full of concern as he spoke. Concern which only a brother could have. "I don't want you to get caught up in all this."

Rachel stopped them, standing between the elevator doors, knowing that the sensors would keep them from closing on her. She slowly turned around to face Ryan again, the hurt expression on her face enough to nearly kill him inside.

"It's a bit late for that Ry'." She spoke quietly as her eyes met his and held his gaze. "I know you know who that guy was. And I know that you're lying to me when you say you don't." She was silent for a moment. "We both learned long ago that the only way that we could protect each other was to always be honest, no matter what. No matter how hard we thought the truth might be for the other person to handle."

Ryan took a step forward but Rachel moved out of his reach. "Rach…"

"You can look at me and tell a lie. What do you think that is saying about our relationship?" Rachel left the question hanging in the air as she stepped out of the way of the doors and let them close behind her.

Darkness cloaked the room as Seth turned out the bedside lamp and eased under the covers beside Rachel. The only light which could be seen came from the moon as its rays shined through the small cracks in the curtains.

They both lay awake, not saying anything to each other as their room was filled with the muffled, angered screams of Sandy and Kirsten in their room a few doors down from them.

Seth had not told Rachel that the reason why they were currently fighting was because Kirsten had given Hailey the opportunity of staying with them in Newport. He had not told her of the conversation which he and Ryan had had after she had gone to bed, the one where Ryan revealed to him his true intentions in what he was done previously that night. And he didn't tell her how he felt as though the people around him were falling apart.

Seth couldn't find the heart to reveal his true feelings to Rachel, though he wanted to so badly. Nothing was set in stone just yet. His parents fights were becoming more and more serious prompting him to question whether they would ever truly cease. And whether their marriage would last through this bump in the road.

Now, learning what he had just learned about the man they had been approached by, Seth felt as though he never had before. Guilty. Toward his love, toward the girl who lay beside him this very moment, knowing deep within her that something was wrong.

Even with her back to him as she lay on her side Rachel could practically see Seth's eyes, staring blankly at the ceiling as the voices rose from the other room. She had noticed his sudden change in mood as he entered the bedroom that night after 'freshening up'. Rachel was smarter than that though. She knew that he had been talking to her brother, that he probably knew the secret to Ryan's sudden need to get her back into the hotel and away from Steve that night.

But somehow, even though they were both keeping something from her, she didn't seem to mind because at this moment she knew that Seth was trying his hardest to be strong. His parents arguments were becoming even more serious the longer they stayed in Vegas, constantly fighting over things which neither of them understood. It hurt Seth. It put and extra pressure on him.

Rachel looked over at him, only just being able to make out his figure in the moonlight. She was unsure of what to do. She'd never had to deal with a problem like this. Her father had left before she was born, her mother constantly bringing new men home with her. But they never seemed to fight, not until AJ arrived.

"Seth," Rachel whispered seeing him blink at his name.

She waited a moment, simply staring at him, hoping for a reply but none came. Rachel felt a horrible knot inside her. She wanted to hold Seth, to tell him that everything would work out okay, to find herself lost in his touch. But something stopped her.

She rolled back over tucking her knees up slightly and resting her head on the pillow underneath her. It took a moment for anything to happen as the screams continued, but soon she felt the bed shift and a caring arm wrap securely around her waist.

Smiling to herself she pushed herself further back into Seth's chest as he drew her closing, needing her warm embrace.

Rachel turned her head to see him staring at her, his eyes almost longing for her to make everything stop. She snaked her hand threw his tussled hair and kissed Seth warmly as if to say 'I'm here for you'.

Shifting her body, Rachel turned completely so that she was facing him, noticing how he never let his hold on her loosen. She placed her own arm atop his and began trailing invisible circles upon his flesh. Lying there for a time, they simply looked at each other before Seth moved in and kissed Rachel with all the remaining energy that he had.

"Don't leave," he whispered with an almost pleading voice.

Rachel only smiled at the comment, replying by removing the arm he had around her waist. Never letting her eyes leave his, she entwined their fingers securely and took in a deep breath.

"I'm not going anywhere." She looked at him for a long moment. "Do you wanna get some sleep?"

Even with minimal light, she could tell that Seth looked exhausted. He slowly nodded, disconnecting their fingers and dropping his arm to his side as he rolled onto his back once again.

Rachel moved closer to him, resting her head against his chest and, finally comfortable, took the arm, which lay at his side and wrapped it around her waist again. Despite the noise, which came from the other room, it seemed as though, lying their together, everything just melted away.

Rachel looked up to find Seth staring back down at her and brought her lips up to meet his. As the kiss became deeper and Seth pulled her fully onto his body, the noise seemed to grow quieter. Rachel felt him flinch against her when a door slammed and footsteps were heard leaving the room.

"It's okay," Rachel whispered running her fingers through his hair as he lay beneath her. "It's over now."

Seth pulled her closer against him and kissed her again, but this time it was softer, not as urgent, as if to say 'thank you'.

Once the kiss was broken Rachel scooted off Seth's body and lay beside him, draping an arm over his abdomen. She felt him place a small kiss on her head before they both drifted off into the land of dreams, safe in each others arms.

TO BE CONTINUED………

(Well, there you go, two knew faces in OC life, one which will bring, among other things, a few huge surprises. I hope you liked the chapter. Next will be based in Newport and will bring Caleb back into the picture. I'm going to add in the basis from a scene in the show to introduce Hailey to Ryan and Rachel. Please review. And also, I was unsure of how they spelt Hailey's name in the show, is it how I've done it or Hayley? Your help would be great. Please review)

ben-luver22: Aw, thank you, you are so sweet. I loved writing the Ryan/Dawn/Rachel scene just because I really wanted to show just how they all effected each other. Like there is Dawn, trying to be the mother she should have been all along and completely not realising what she's done. And I think it was about time that Rachel was the strong one out of her and Ryan, he needed someone to be there for him and I think he realised that. But if you liked that scene, you are going to love what I have in store...

vballrockchick: I promise I try and update as often as I can. I generally have a few chapters done each time I update but then it's all a matter of getting the time to actually put them on. Plus I love to keep you guys in suspense. Aren't I evil?

meezardra : Really sorry I didn't update before New Years. I went away for a week on the 26th so I tried to put in a new chapter to keep you interested. So you like the parents fighting, that's interesting. Just be patient. Everything that I write in like that is there for a reason.

SparkiMonkey: Before I start let me say 1 thing; I LOVE YOUR REVIEWS. They kick ass!!! Okay, hmm…for starters I am glad that you are happy that I am involving Summer and Marissa more. I thought that they kinda got a bit lost in the last two stories and they are as interesting as the rest of the characters. The whole jealousy thing I have wanted to do for a long time, especially with Marissa. Actually I wouldn't call it jealousy, it's more like admiration and being envious. And Summer, well I thought I needed to give her a bit more depth with the whole Seth/Rachel thing. Cos she always seems to come across as the bitch, when she really does have feelings of her own. Ryan being sick? Not so far. LOL. I think a little too much excitement in 1 hit for him. Thank you for loving it. Yay.