Ryan opened his eyes to the Newport sun. It was early, around seven o'clock, and he instantly remember his dream from the night before. It was one of the few times that he remembered a dream so vividly, but every detail stuck in his mind. He was at the Bait Shop, with Seth, Summer and Marissa. Lindsay wasn't there, but he didn't remember noticing. It wasn't important. He wasn't familiar w/ the band that was playing that night, nor was he listening to the music. They were just a blur in the background; he was so caught up in Marissa's beauty. It had been the first time since he'd come back to Newport that he really appreciated her magnificence. Everything about her made Ryan feel totally engaged in her presence. He remembered Seth and Summer walking off, Summer grabbing Seth's arm, both laughing and smiling at each other. Ryan then turned back to Marissa, her smile radiating more than ever. He slipped her delicate hand in his, no other thoughts in his mind except being there with her. They walked out of the club, heat radiating towards one another, a strong power binding them together…

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That was as far as Ryan had dreamt, and at that point he had woken up. He smiled at the dream, remembering how sweet it felt, even subconsciously. Then he caught himself. What was he doing? He remembered Lindsay, and how content he was with her. Wasn't he? Yes, of course he was, he told himself. She was smart, and pretty, and so safe. Still, Ryan thought, even Marissa in his dreams was more powerful than anyone else he'd dated in real life. Ryan shook off the thought, as if afraid of a truth he couldn't face.

Drawing the blankets off of his body, Ryan paused to yawn and soak in the light. Unfortunately, his peaceful silence was interrupted when he heard the door creak open. "Good morning, Seth," Ryan said through a yawn, not even stopping to look and see who it was. Seth was the only Cohen who didn't bother knocking, and came in every morning around this time. It was like an unnoticed ritual between the two of them. Seth threw himself into one of the cozy plush armchairs, and watched Ryan pull pants over his boxers. "What are you doing?" Ryan asked, awkwardly noticing Seth's fascination with his legs.

"I was admiring your calves Ryan."

Ryan again looked at him oddly, to which Seth responded, "Dude, what do you think I'm doing? What else would I be doing at 7: 15 in the morning? I'm brooding!"

"Oh right, you're doing the whole brooding thing now. And I suppose this is about Summer?"

"Why would you just assume that I was thinking about her? Maybe, maybe…I was thinking about some global crisis, some kind of epidemic I want to help solve."

Ryan wasn't buying this, and Seth admitted, "Okay, right, I was thinking about Summer. But tomorrow morning's all about the homeless people in Newport Beach."

"What homeless people?"

"I don't know man. I'm just taking it one county at a time. Like Chrismukkah-sweeping the nation slowly but surely."

By this time, Ryan was dressed, picked up his backpack, and walked out of the pool house, shaking his head at Seth. Talking to himself, Seth muttered, "I guess that was my cue," and walked out into the day.

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The bell rang at Harbor High, but no one seemed to be in a rush to get to classes. Ryan and Seth were walking down the hallway, Seth still complaining about Summer. "Sometimes I wonder what goes on in your brain," Ryan commented in response to Seth's tangent.

"Nothing goes on in there. Everything that goes on in there I tell you."

"No kidding," Ryan remarked, his eyes flashing Seth a sardonic look. "Now there's that signature Ryan Atwood face I've missed so much." Ryan intensified his glare on Seth. "Right. Shutting up now."

Looking in front of him, Seth noticed Summer and Marissa standing only two feet away. Summer, who had heard Seth's last comment, took the chance to insult his endless rants. "Cohen, we've been telling you to shut your mouth for a year now." Seth smiled and replied, "Summer, how nice to see you too. Didn't have enough coffee this morning?"

"I don't drink coffee in the morning, it makes me sick. Actually, I prefer tea lately. Zach introduced me to this amazing herbal relief brand, it really awakens my senses."

"Zach drinks tea? What kind of guy is he?"

"A much better one than you."

"Oh, thank you Summer. Your dry wit is greatly appreciated."

"I do what I can."

Summer walked off, Seth following, bickering on about mindless insults down the hallway. Ryan and Marissa were left alone, and began to walk together. Marissa, afraid it might be awkward, started the conversation.

"Hey, how are you?"

"Good, good..." Ryan's voice trailed off. He couldn't speak. It wasn't because he had nothing to say. It was because- like in his dream the night before- he was mesmerized by her beauty. He didn't understand what was going on. She was captivating him, making his heart pound. He was in a trance. "Are you okay?" Marissa, asked, looking at him with confused eyes. Ryan forced himself to snap out of it. "Yeah, yeah I'm fine," he said, smiling at her. She smiled back, and again, he felt uncontrollable over his emotions. As they stared at each other, the chemistry began to grow. They could feel each other's gaze, as if uncovering their feelings, undressing every part of them. It was scary and they both felt vulnerable, but allowed their stares to search through them. Ryan felt a rush go through his spine.

At that moment, Lindsay walked up behind Ryan, putting her arms on his shoulders and bringing her head forwards for him to see. He felt the unpleasant shock of reality come over the intense passion he felt only moments ago. He was so intrigued with Marissa and could stand with her forever, just looking at her. He suppressed these feelings, denying a force that kept threatening to break out from inside of him. Turning to Lindsay, he said "hey" as she leaned in to kiss him. He awkwardly fumbled through the short gesture, then looked at Marissa out of the corner of his eye. She looked uncomfortable, and Ryan felt guilty for some reason. Lindsay, who didn't sense the tension, turned to Marissa. "Hey!" She said, while leaning heavily on Ryan's shoulder. "Hey, Lindsay." Marissa returned the gesture politely. Ryan turned towards Marissa quickly, but diverted his eyes. He couldn't stand to see her look so uncomfortable, and he secretly wished Lindsay had never come. Marissa broke the awkwardness.

"I should get to class," she said, trying to excuse herself from the situation.

"Bye, Marissa!" Lindsay squealed excitedly. Ryan looked at Marissa and they silently parted, each saddened to have to leave each other. Marissa turned around, folded her arms and walked alone to her class, while Ryan's gaze lingered on her.

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