Hello dear readers. Do I really have to say that I do not own the characters, nor the show? I mean we all know that, right?

So well whatever this story takes places a few years after the second season, but in my version, Alex and Marissa never broke up and their relationship has only grown stronger since then. So yea, read and judge.

About the reviews

- No, Cindy is not the girl that was at Jody's apartment, that was Mandy. But I know, in chapter 3 I mixed them up a bit in a scene.

- Besides that, I'm really glad to hear that you're enjoying it. P I still don't know where I'm going with Dean.. haha.

- P.s. I'm sorry I'm not quite sure how much time it takes by car to get from Newport Beach to L.A so I pretended it takes 4 hours around. Does anyone know how much time it really takes?

- Oh, one last thing... what does PMS mean? lool sorry...

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Chapter 4 - I missed you

Alex got in her car around ten o clock, her mind still occupied by Dean's actions. Still, she thought, what a gentlemen. Her phone rang. It was Jody.

- Hello?

- Hey Al, were are you?

- I'm quitting L.A at this moment, Alex answered.

- What, you're still there? Don't tell me you were with that Cindy chick. Alex laughed.

- Can't you leave me alone with that? And no, I wasn't. Besides, I told her I had a girlfriend and she took it pretty well.

- Huh, Jody said, thinking. Well, she finally admitted, maybe I was wrong about her. So, who where you with?

- Dean Ashmore, Alex proudly said.

- Ashmore? What? Why? Jody asked, not understanding.

- He invited me to grab a cup of coffee, says he always does that with new students.

- ...

- What? Alex said, feeling the silence of Jody.

- He said he always does that, and you believed him? Jody asked.

- Well.. why not?

- Al, this guy has a whole school, hundreds of students, you really think he drinks coffee with all of them? Jody asked, resisting to the temptation of screaming.

- What is your point, Alex said.

- Arght, nothing. Nothing at all. You'll be lucky if Marissa doesn't get jealous, she simply said.

- Marissa doesn't have to know, Alex replied. It's not like if something had happened.

- I think it's more like you don't want to tell her, knowing she will get jealous, Jody replied back. Alex got mad. Jody knew her too much.

- I got to focus on the road, Alex lied, stop calling me. Alex hung up.

- You're the one who called! Jody replied, but the line was already cut. "

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Marissa got home at nine o'clock and threw her shopping bags on the floor. If Alex was there, she would have complained on how she spend her money on useless stuff, but, Marissa thought, Alex wasn't there. She put everything in their room and sat on the couch, trying to find anything interesting to watch on tv, but her eyes were way too tired and she fell asleep, the t.v still open. This as been a long week-end for Marissa.

Alex parked her car and got in the apartment around 1 am. Slowly, she closed the door behind her and realised the tv was still on. She turned it off and smiled at the sight of Marissa peacefully sleeping on the couch. She carefully carried her girlfriend to their room and put her in bed. She then unpacked her bag and got in bed herself.

Marissa woke up the first the next morning, and rolled over what she expected Alex's empty spot, but she hit someone. Opening her eyes, she realised Alex was back and cuddled to her. The blonde opened her eyes and smiled.

" - I missed you, she said, holding Marissa in her arms.

- Me too, Marissa said. And your staff missed you too, she added. I don't think they liked me really much. Alex laughed.

- I'm sure they did, she answered before falling back asleep. "

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When Alex got out bed, she realised Marissa was already up. Walking to the kitchen, she saw some pancakes on the table.

- Smells good, she said, kissing Marissa on the neck.

- Oh, you're up, Marissa said, looking behind her. I was about to wake you up. Alex smiled and took the maple syrup from the fridge.

- So what's your schedule today? Alex asked, sitting at the table.

- I'm working in two hours, Marissa said while bringing the coffee and sitting as well. How was your week end? She asked.

- Oh. it was fine, Alex said. You know, as fun as a school could be.

- Interesting, Marissa said while eating. So no friends?

- Well as you know Jody lives there, so I went to visit her.

- You saw Jody? Marissa suddenly repeated

- What was that? Alex asked, abandoning her food. Marissa you know there's nothing between me and her.

- Yes, but she would like it to be something. Marissa said in a snobbish way. Alex rolled her eyes.

- Jody doesn't see me like that. We are friends, that's all. Marissa sighted.

- I'm sorry, she said, I completely trust you. I just don't trust her, she added in a whisper that Alex pretended she didn't hear.

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Alex didn't expect such a warm welcome when she entered Exotica, and a part of her wondered if Marissa hadn't been a bit too much... Marissa, around them. Among all of them, Mike seemed to be the happiest to notice she was back. Escaping the staff, Alex got to her office and after booking the bands for the whole week, she called Jody.

- Hey there, she said.

- Al! How's everything? Did you tell Marissa about your overwhelming popularity?

- Your kidding? Alex said, man, I just told her I saw you and she got all jealous.

- She got jealous of me? Jody asked, interested.

- Yea

- Well what did you tell her?

- That you were not interested in me. Alex could hear Jody laugh.

- What's so funny, the blonde asked.

- Well Al, that's a lie.

- Uh, what?

- You know I'll always be interested in you, Jody said, and Marissa is a smart girls, she knows it too. However, she should be smart enough to trust you.

- She said she does, Alex replied. Wait, you're still into me?

- Get back to work girl, Jody said.

- Hah! You're still into me! Alex joked. Man I'm so popular right now.

- Too bad you're too loyal to Marissa, me and you could definitely have had a thing...

- In your dreams honey.

- You're hurting my feelings, Jody joked. "

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Marissa finished work early that day and decided to visit Alex at work. However, the minute she stepped inside Exotica, Mike came to her.

- Alex is back, he said as a statement.

- Yes, Marissa answered, I think I know that.

- So you don't have to be here today, Mike said again.

- Excuse me, did you just ask me to leave?

- No, just saying you don't have to...

- Shut up, Marissa cut him off. I'm not here as as manager I'm just visiting, if that makes you feel any better.

- Oh, Mike said, relieved, it's not that... simply..

- Whatever..."

Marissa left Mike standing there and climbed the stairs, heading to Alex's office. She couldn't believe that yesterday, she had the whole club's administration's charge on her shoulders and that today, everything was all taken care of already. She finally got to Alex's room and knocked on the door, even though she had the keys.

- Get in, Alex said. Marissa entered the room and closed the door behind her.

- Oh, hey, Alex greeted as Marissa sat on the chair next to Alex.

- You're doing a pretty good job, she said. Jeez I never thought managing a club could be so hard...

- Yea, Alex said, putting her pen down, I could really use a break... She took Marissa's wrist and pulled her in her lap.

- So what have you been up to today? She asked as Marissa started to play with her hair.

- Designed some clothes with Summer and oh, next week, we will help someone redecorate her house!

- Don't you only design clothes? The blonde asked, her hands around Marissa's waist to make sure she won't fall.

- Hey, I can do everything! I can even manage a club! She proudly said.

- Yea, speaking of, I think there's some things you'll have to learn before I leave you in charge again... Alex started.

- Don't you dare criticize my work!

- Well I guess that's what you get from someone who does the job for free, Alex sighted.

- Hey, not completely for free, Marissa said with a wink, bending in to kiss Alex.

- Oops I'm sorry, I should have knocked. Marissa swore in silent, recognizing the voice. Mike left the room and closed the door behind him. A few seconds later, they could hear knockings on the door.

- Damn I hate that guy, Marissa whispered as she got up. Alex tried not to laugh.

- Come on in, she said.

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A few days have passed and tonight was the night Marissa and Alex were going to the movies along with Summer Seth and Ryan. Marissa was pretty exited about it, because she would only see Summer during work and Alex... well her too! As for the guys, she had barely seen them since Alex's surprise party, so it was a good opportunity for all of them to catch up. Opening her closet, she started looking for the perfect outfit to wear for the even. She felt a presence behind her.

- Don't give it too much thought, Alex said, hugging Marissa from behind, I'll find you hot whatever you wear tonight.

- What makes you think you're the one I want to impress tonight? The brunette asked, teasing Alex.

- Oh, Alex replied, if it's like that.. she let go of her hold on Marissa.

- You come back here! Marissa screamed as Alex was leaving the room.

- Too late.

- Please?! She added in a ordering tone.

- Wow that was the most honest pleas I've ever heard, Alex sarcastically screamed from the living room.

- Screw you! Marissa finally said, giving up.

- Well I know you won't, Alex replied with a grin."

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Summer was driving the car, Seth sitting next to her and Ryan on the backseat.

" - Why am I the one who's got to sit between the lesbian couple? Ryan asked again.

- Oh please don't act like you're against it, Seth joked.

- Oh guyz, quiet! Summer ordered as she stopped in front of Alex's and Marissa's apartment. She started honking.

- Summer! Seth warned, nervously looking around him. Stop it, you're going to wake up the whole neighbourhood!

- Who sleeps at this time! Summer answered.

- Well, it's 10 pm, Ryan said, so I'll say, a lot.

- Hey don't give me that smartass attitude, Summer told him as she honked again.

- Summer in not much time an angry beer-belly guy will come out, Seth warned.

- So? Summer said, not caring, you guyz will defend me.

- Don't count on me, Ryan immediately said.

- Well honey don't expect me to beat up that beer-belly guy without Ryan's help... and for god's sake STOP HONKING!

- Argh finally! Summer said as she saw the couple get out of the apartment.

- Hi guyz, Alex said, getting in the car first. Marissa followed her and closed the door.

- What movie are we watching? Marissa asked.

- That's actually a good question, Ryan said. "

With Summer's fabulous driving skills, they arrived at the theatres in less then ten minutes, however, they were all still shook from all the accidents they had avoided at the last second because they would tell Summer to watch out for things she haven't noticed. They all got out of the car, nobody speaking but all thinking the same thing, until Summer got fed up.

- OKAY FINE! She finally screamed. Seth, why don't you drive on our way home, we'll see if you're better.

- I'm in favour, Ryan immediately encouraged. Summer gave him an evil glare and got in the theatres. The others followed her. "

After a few moments of arguments, ( Summer and Marissa wanted romance and the others wanted action), they finally all agreed for an horror movie and got it. Well, almost all.

- That's unfair, Marissa said as they were sitting down. A romance movie won't kill you, but a horror one will leave me sleepless for days! Alex rolled her eyes.

- Aw, come on, I'll protect you from the evil serial killer, she joked.

- I bet that's why you chose horror, Marissa accused her.

- Maybe? Alex winked.

During the whole movie, Marissa had her head stuffed in Alex's shoulder while Summer had given her whole attention to the movie, sometimes asking questions to understand it better, embarrassing Seth because she would choose delicate moments to ask her questions in very loud voice. Ryan, on Seth's right, would pretend he didn't know them, which frustrated Seth because he was the one who had to give all the explanations to a very stubborn Summer. When the movie ended, they all got out of the theatre, Summer still asking questions.

- Is anyone else hungry? Ryan asked.

- Oh, me, Alex said, raising her hand.

- How can you guys be hungry after watching this! Marissa screamed.

- Watching what? Alex asked. You hid your face during the whole play, what exactly have you seen? Marissa blushed.

- Not true, she muttered.

- Let's grab some burgers, Seth said as he started the car. Alex held Marissa hand and squeezed it.

- Hey, she whispered, I still love you, even though you're a pussy. Marissa pushed Alex who hit the car's door.

- Aie, Alex said in pain, holding her waist. Marissa started rubbing it.

- Oh I'm sorry baby, she apologised. Seth suddenly braked, causing Marissa to fall since she was on top of Alex.

- Damn it Seth, Marissa said, getting up with the help of Alex who was biting her lips for not laughing.

- Here we are, he announced. Everybody, out! They all got out of the car.

- We're going to a fast-food at midnight, how healthy, Marissa noticed with sarcasm.

- Yah your dating a pig, deal with it, Alex answered as they got in the restaurant. Ryan took everyone's order and went to get the food along with Seth. The girls waited at the table. Summer still had questions about the movie and Alex patiently answered to them while playing with Marissa's hand who was, by the way, totally bored since she had no idea what they were talking about. She was really glad to see the guys come back with the food. They spent the rest of the night eating and then Seth brought them back home. Tired, both girls directly went to bed.

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Once again Marissa woke up the first on saturday morning. She stayed half an hour watching Alex sleep then she slowly got out of bed, trying not to wake her girlfriend up.

"- Where do you think you're going? Alex asked. Marissa stopped moving and turned around to face the blonde. "Mission failed" she thought.

- To make break fast, Marissa answered as Alex pulled her closer.

- No, you stay here, she said.

- Okay, Marissa happily agreed, letting Alex drag her in her arms.

- But who's going to make break fast? She asked. Alex laughed.

- Who cares about breakfast... "

An hour later, Alex finally got up to prepare the breakfast. Meanwhile, Marissa took a shower. When she got out, she noticed one missed call and played it.

"- Hello Alex. It's Dean. I know you're only coming in a week, however, I was wondering if we could see each other tomorrow for some business talking, I received an offer you could be interested in. So anyway, you call me when you get this message."

Marissa stayed a few moments looking at the phone, wondering who was that guy, her first guest being he's a teacher from her L.A school. Finally, she decided that the best way of knowing who it was was by asking Alex. She walked to the kitchen.

- Good morning, she said. Alex handed her a plate full of toasts.

- Good morning, Alex said back.

- You got a message waiting for you, Marissa told her.

- Oh, really?

- Yea, from a guy named Dean, Marissa added, watching Alex's reaction.

- Dean? Alex said, why would he call me... did he say what he wants? Marissa gladly judged that Alex wasn't faking the confusion.

- Says he got some business stuff that you might be interested in. Why, who is he?

- Owner of the manager's school, Alex explained as she sat down with the eggs. He said he had some stuff I might be interested in?

- Why would the school's owner call you in personal? Marissa wondered.

- I don't know, Alex replied, but I should call him back to see what exactly he's got. Marissa nodded as Alex left the table.

Alex walked away from Marissa, still in confusion. Why the hell would Dean call her, and, more important, how did he get her home phone number? She knew she should simply ignore the phone call and pretend she never received the message, but a little part of her was way too curious and wanted to know what he got for her. Besides, he really was a help for her business, she shouldn't get him mad. He was, after all, paying all the expenses for her.

- Oh Alex, hi, Dean said, picking up.

- Hi Dean, you called me? Alex politely asked.

- Yes, I have something you will be really interested in, when can you pass by?

- How interesting? Because this might kill my whole day...

- Why, you had something else planned? Dean asked. Yea, Alex thought, spending some time with my girlfriend. But something told her not to mention her girlfriend in front of him.

- I guess I can book this in my day. Where do you want us to meet and when?

- Why don't you just pass by my house? He proposed. I'll be waiting here, you just come as soon as you can. Alex didn't like where this was going.

- All right then, she heard herself answer.

Dean gave her his address and she noted it. She then hung up the phone and hit herself for accepting the meeting. Come on Alex, you can get there in a few hours, you speak to him for an hour max, and you come back here around six in the afternoon, that leaves you enough time to be with Marissa... She told herself. She got back in the kitchen. Taking a deep breath, she told Marissa about her day, fearing the girl's reaction.

- Does that mean I'll have to be in charge of Exotica again? Marissa asked with a hope that Alex didn't get at first.

- Just a few hours, she promised, I'll be back really soon.

- Ok, Marissa smiled. It's for your business, I can understand that. Can I fire people?

- What? Marissa, no! She said. I need my staff.

- Oh, only Mike, Marissa pleaded. Please.

- I said no. You have to learn to work with others, Alex warned her. Living in O.C made you a little spoiled brat, I'll have to talk to your mother about this...

- Oh shut up, Marissa hushed her.

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Isn't it sweet how they trust each other, Waiting for your opinions.

- Ethereal123