You always come

Progress

2006-11-30T18:27:12Z

Alright, I know I've been slow, but RL stuff has been crazy lately. New job, new house. It's nuts.

I managed to get another page of WTUD done (bringing the total to 4) and good/bad it's not nearly done. This will be another long chapter. I hope to have it done next week since I only have evenings to work on it.

I am getting my house ready to sell, so that is currently my focus. Writing has to wait.

But, I'm not dead and I'm past my block, so that's good news! :)

I'm Not Dead

2006-11-06T15:36:15Z

I'm sure some of you thought I had died in some fiery wreck or something since I hadn't been around - but alas, I live.

I'm trying to work on WTUD, but things are slow going. I got a new job, am selling my house and buying a new one and going nuts in the process. I'll try to get on it as soon as I can. I saw there was a request for the previous chapters, you should be able to use the tags on the entires to find the previous chapters. Unfortunately, at the moment I can't provide it. I just wanted to post something quickly and let you know I haven't forgotten.

No, I'm not dead

2006-09-26T13:26:52Z

Ha, I got a nudge the other day to go update my journal. Apparently I haven't been in for six weeks or more... dang!

I'm working on WTUD and Shocker. Hopefully they'll be done soon. Work and real life have been hectic, so I haven't had time. Sorry.

Talk to ya'll later.

ATRR - Chapter 6b

2006-08-11T01:05:24Z

Logan’s hand ran up and down the length of Veronica’s arm as the two of them watched the movie. She sighed and snuggled deeper into her position on his chest.

This was it. Do or die time.

“Veronica?”

“Hmm?” she acknowledged drowsily.

Logan drew a deep breath before continuing. “There’s something I’ve wanted to talk to you about. Something important.”

He could see her mouth pull down into a frown. “What is it?”

He licked his lips nervously, stalling for a moment. “You know back when I – we broke up? The last time. Over the summer?”

She tensed slightly, but her voice remained even. “Yeah.”

He swallowed back the knot forming in his throat. “What were you – what were you going to say before I – you left?”

Veronica extricated herself from his arms and sat up, shifting to the opposite end of the sofa. Logan could see her retreating mentally, as well as physically. She folded her arms across her chest in a protective gesture. “It’s really not important anymore, Logan,” she informed him, not meeting his eyes.

Logan sat up, watching her intensely. “It’s important to me.”

Veronica’s gaze shifted to his face, her eyes shining brightly. “Why? Why is it suddenly so important?”

“Because I didn’t give you a chance to explain yourself,” he responded honestly. “Because I shouldn’t have been an ass to you.” He reached out, his hand circling her wrist. “Because it wasn’t fair to you and it’s not right.”

“Look, Logan, it’s in the past and I don’t want to talk about it,” she responded flatly, pulling her hand from his grasp and standing.

He stood as well, but kept his distance from her as she turned away from him. “Why don’t you want to talk about it? It’s a part of our past and I don’t want it hanging between us.”

Her hands ran up in down her arms, self-soothingly. “It’s not hanging between us. We’re fine. We’re okay. Let’s just go back to watching the movie.” She turned back around, her eyes silently pleading with him to drop the subject.

His face softened, but he remained steadfast. “Yes, it is between us, Veronica. And we’re not fine – not when I’m still kicking myself in the ass for a mistake I made seven years ago. I have questions and I want answers. I think I’m owed at least that much from your last disappearing act.”

“So, is that what’s been on your mind all this time? Is this why you haven’t been sleeping and why you’re so distracted?” she accused.

No one ever said Veronica Mars was stupid. She knew. She most likely knew from the beginning, but she had chosen to ignore the issue, rather than confront it. Some things had changed over the years, but that particular personality flaw still remained. Veronica still couldn’t deal with his emotions.

He straightened to his full height. “Yes, that’s exactly why. There are so many things between us that have been left unanswered. I think we need to clear the air and then move on.” His eyes continued to watch her, gauging her reactions carefully.

Her shoulders slumped. “Since when did you become Dr. Phil?” she asked quietly, her head dropping fractionally as she peered down at her feet.

“Since I recognized the fact that there is a history between us – and history always repeats itself. One of us always runs. I’d rather see it coming than be blindsided because of something that happened a long time ago.” After a moment, he added lightheartedly, “You can hold a mean grudge.”

Veronica stood there, shell-shocked by his admission. He hesitated only briefly before steeping closer to her, his hands resting reassuringly on her arms.

“I’m trying to do that mature thing. It’s a little new, so bear with me.” She offered him a breathy giggle and he smiled down at her. “I want you to stick around for a while, so I’d like to clear out the skeletons in our closets.” She still appeared hesitant, however, so he offered a compromise. “I’ll start, if you want.”

She took a deep breath and released it slowly, then nodded her agreement. He ushered her back toward the couch and pulled her into his lap, taking one of her hands in his.

He lifted his gaze to her and found her watching him intently; shyly he lowered his eyes again. “So much has happened in my lifetime. Horrible things have happened to me.”

“It’s clichéd, but we are older and wiser now. And one thing I know is no other woman could compare to you. I tried to move past it, but I couldn’t. When I ended things, it was because I was hurt and stubborn. I didn’t want to hear what you had to say and it was wrong of me. But it’s something I learned over the years.” His deep brown eyes bore into her, conveying every emotion he was feeling. The love, the hurt, the pain, the lust – everything. “You can tell me what an ass I was, give me a punch in the gut, whatever - as long as you’re with me when it’s all over.”

She let out a small laugh and shook her head. “I don’t want to hit you and I don’t want to yell at you.” She gripped his hand tighter, as if drawing from his confidence. “It hurt so much when you disregarded me – us - and it took me a long time to get over it, and even then – I wasn’t the same.”

She lifted her head and met his gaze, her eyes blue and glistening. “Logan, when you gave me the ring, I freaked. I know it was wrong, but I didn’t know what to think of it. You and I – we never talked. We were living in the moment and I thought when you left, I’d never see you again.”

Logan began to interrupt, but she held up a hand to stop him. “I know now that wasn’t the case, but I found out a little too late. That wasn’t the part that hurt the most, though. The part that hurt was all the stuff I had been planning was a waste.” Logan looked at her in confusion and she flushed hotly. “I was going to transfer to Georgetown in the spring semester. I had already talked to my dad and the admissions department about it. Everything was set. I was going to tell you -that night in fact. But then, everything happened so fast. I didn’t withdraw my petition for transfer for a month. I kept hoping you would change your mind – come to your senses - something. When I didn’t hear from you after you left, I knew that it was over.”

She dropped her head again, taking a breath, and then looked back at him. “And then Duncan and I visited you, and you had your new life that I clearly wasn’t a part of. So I left, went to New York and tried to forget you. No matter what I did, though, or how much time had passed, you were always there in the back of my mind. Do you know how many guys I dated and never worked out because I was always comparing them to you?” She laughed, self-depreciatingly.

Logan let out a soft chuckle. “I think I do.” He cupped her cheek gently. “I did the same thing.”

She finally let out a genuine laugh. Logan could feel the tension leave his muscles and he leaned forward, touching their foreheads together. “We’re pretty stupid sometimes, aren’t we?”

“Just a little,” she muttered sarcastically, giggling. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a tight hug.

He placed a gentle kiss to her neck as he embraced her. But he couldn’t only give her one. He hadn’t had Veronica in his arms – like this – in so long. His whole body ached for her, responding to her closeness. He kissed her throat again, softly and slowly. He heard her let out a moan as she tilted her head back and her arms slacked around him. He continued suckling her neck, inching his way down until he heard her breath hitch when he hit the spot that made her whole body vibrate in arousal.

God, I’ve missed this.

Her fingers lazily trailed up and down his back as she reveled in his assaulting mouth. His lips met hers hungrily and she shifted, straddling his lap. Her fingers pushed their way under his shirt as his tongue swept into her mouth, caressing her tongue. His hands pressed against her back, pushing her against him and she ground her hips in response. He tore his mouth away from hers, gasping harshly from lack of oxygen and the heady sensations coursing through his body.

She reached for his belt, but he grabbed her wrists, halting her movements. “I want to take this slowly,” he whispered, staring deeply into her eyes. “I haven’t had this opportunity for seven years and I want to savor every minute of it.”

She flushed under his appraisal and smiled shyly, peeking up at him through her lashes. He bent his head down and pressed his lips to hers, lightly. She responded, opening her mouth to him and her tongue darted out, sweeping against his. He continued the slow seduction of her mouth as his fingers grazed over her skin – down her arms, brushing over her ribs, coming to rest on her hips. His arms wrapped around her and secured her body tightly against his as he stood.

She let out a small yelp of surprise and he chuckled against her mouth before kissing her deeply. She was still small and light to carry, exactly how he remembered when he had done the same thing years ago. He stumbled across the room and down the hall to his bedroom as she clung to him as if he were her lifeline.

He fell back on the mattress and seized the opportunity to run his hands through her loose golden hair. He tucked it back from her face as he devoured her mouth and flipped them deftly so that he was now hovering above her.

His knee slid between her legs and she instantly ground against it, seeking friction. He nipped at her lower lip due to her motions and he grabbed the hem of her shirt, pulling it up and off. His mouth trailed down her neck, his tongue dragged along her collarbone as he made the trek across her body. His hands remained in constant motion, running up her sides, brushing her breasts, sweeping through her hair. He couldn’t stop touching her, feeling her realness, the tangible truth that she was his again.

Her fingers tangled in his hair when he ran the flat of his tongue across her lace-covered nipple. He unclasped the bra quickly and tossed it away carelessly. As soon as her breasts were exposed to him, he covered them with his hot mouth, licking and biting gently at the soft peaks.

He took his time with each, paying careful attention to the mewling noises coming from the back of her throat, until each nipple was hard and aching. She let out a small whimper when he shifted away, but sighed pleasantly when his mouth moved down the center of her body, past her bellybutton.

He undid her pants with practiced ease, slipping them from her slender hips, and tossed them to the side. She sat up, surprising him momentarily, until she gave him a slow, sultry smile and pulled his shirt above his head. Her small hands pushed him, until he stood at the foot of the bed. He watched her through heavy-lidded eyes as she painstakingly slowly slipped the leather of his belt out of the catch and unbuttoned the fly of his jeans.

She gently pushed his pants past his hips and allowed them to fall to the ground, presenting her with a front row view of his painfully hard erection tenting his boxers. She slid back on the bed, biting her lip in that sex-kitten-y way that always had made him want to pounce on her and fuck her senseless. However, this moment was not about fucking or possession or even lust, but moving forward in their lives – hopefully together.

He licked his lips, his nerves wreaking havoc on his confidence. It had been a long time since he had her in his bed, he hoped that she wouldn’t be disappointed. Longevity wasn’t the issue – he had taken care of that earlier in the day. No, he was worried that he wouldn’t be able to convey everything he felt for her with his actions – the words that always got the two of them together. Because, yes, he still did love her. Ever since he was an awkward twelve-year-old, fumbling with words and actions and lengthy limbs he hadn’t grown into yet.

However, now was neither the time nor the place to continue to worry. Now was the moment for action. And Veronica was in his bed, nearly naked, with a come-hither smile, waiting for him. He climbed onto the bed and his nerves began to ease as she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him deeply.

“’Bout time,” she mumbled against his mouth. “I was beginning to wonder if you were having second-thoughts.”

He pulled back, looking deeply into her eyes. “Never.”

She flushed under his adamant statement. He thought it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He covered her mouth with his, kissing her thoroughly. She moaned into his mouth as his erection pressed into the apex of her thighs.

They were wearing too many clothes still and were not nearly close enough. His hands tugged at the last scrap of fabric she was wearing and removed it quickly as she pushed at his boxes, moving them down his thighs, leaving him to kick them off haphazardly.

His hand skimmed up her legs before slipping between them, teasing her sensitive flesh. She gasped when he moved his mouth away from hers to kiss along her neck and shoulder. His fingers slipped between her slick folds and he pushed tentatively into her.

“Oh, God,” she moaned. Her hips bucked against his hand and he couldn’t help the smirk, the spark of confidence coursing through him.

He withdrew his fingers slowly, reveling in the whimper he elicited from her, and then pushed them back inside. She raked her nails down his back, undoubtedly leaving thin, red lines in their wake, but he couldn’t give a shit at the moment.

He continued to leisurely tease her with his talented fingers until she begged. Veronica Mars never begged, not even during sex, but sometimes things change – and he was all for change if it meant things like her begging for more.

“I need more,” she pleaded breathlessly. “Now!”

Even when she was begging, she was still demanding. God, he loved her.

He blindly searched through his bedside table for the foil pack he knew was there – just in case. Ever since she had shown up he had gotten a box of condoms. Things between them had always been fast and furious and he wasn’t about to be caught with his pants down and nowhere to go. He flicked aside the smaller box that was stored in the same drawer and his fingers wrapped around the gold square victoriously.

He tore the packaging open quickly and slid the condom on without even looking. He held himself above her for only a moment, basking in her adoring smile, before he pushed into her with one, long stroke. Her nails dug into his tensed shoulder blades as his head feel into the crook of her shoulder.

“Jesus,” he panted when he settled within her fully. So, maybe taking care of his problem earlier that morning really didn’t offer any type of assistance. He felt like he would last maybe five minutes. In the back of his mind he wondered how the hell they managed those marathons they had during their fucktastic summer together. Then again, he also wondered why the hell he gave this up. He mentally shook off his train of thought, gratefully remembering she was now wrapped around him in the most intimate of ways and he shouldn’t be squandering the moment away by thinking.

So he moved, kissing her shoulder and drawing out slowly, a low groan ripped from his throat. He paced himself; long, smooth strokes that had her whimpering in desperation. He felt her tense around him and his mind collapsed under the strain. He clenched his teeth, hanging onto any and all resolve he could maintain. He continued to push her up, only to send her crashing back down, each causing him to lose a little bit more of his control. Soon, his thrusts were becoming more erratic and less calculated. She gripped his shoulders tightly, her back bowing as she arched into him. He came undone, unable to keep any semblance of stamina, driving into her with one final stroke.

His breath came out in short bursts, fluttering her hair and tickling his face. Once everything came back into focus, he rolled off the bed and disappeared into the bathroom, disposing of the condom. He came back into the room to find Veronica curled under the covers, waiting for him expectantly. He slipped under the sheet and pulled her into his side.

“What’s that?” she asked sleepily, her fingers tracing the ink on his arm.

He held out his arm for her to see. “It’s a phoenix,” he said simply, his fingers idly moved along the outline of the bird. “I got it as a reminder – that whatever was thrown at me, I managed to come out okay.” He paused briefly, reminiscing on the past events of his life. “This was to remind me when I fall, I can still get up.”

“Mmm, that you can,” she mumbled as she nuzzled into his chest. “I like it.”

He smiled down at the drowsy woman in his arms and kissed the top of her head before allowing himself to fall into sated sleep.

~*~

3 months later

Logan stepped out of the shower and toweled himself off quickly before wrapping the towel around his waist and entering the bedroom. Veronica sat on his bed, staring at her hand with intense interest.

“Whatcha got there?” he asked as he crossed the room to his closet to get his clothes ready for their evening out.

“Hm, something I found,” she said, tilting her head to the side, continuing to appraise her hand.

“Oh, really? Where’d you find it?”

“Your bedside drawer.”

He was thankful he was facing away from her so that she couldn’t see the mortification spread across his face. “Oh?”

“Yeah. I was looking for the condoms – to surprise you in the shower – and I found this interesting looking box. Well, you know me - I can’t turn down a good mystery. I just had to see what was in the pretty blue velvet box.” She paused and he schooled his features into a mask of indifference before turning around to face her. “Why’d you keep it?” There was no bitterness, no anger, only genuine curiosity.

He shrugged, playing the whole thing off, but refused to answer as he flitted around the room, gathering what he needed to dress.

“Hey!” she called, before he had a chance to disappear back into the bathroom. “C’mere,” she said softly.

He acquiesced, sliding between her and the headboard. She leaned back, resting between his legs, as she continued to gaze at the ring on her finger.

“It fits,” she said, a slight awe tingeing the edge of her words.

“I know,” he said simply. He knew she’d pick up on the hidden meaning – the fact that he’d put actual thought into her long-ago gift and had the ring sized just for her.

“You still didn’t answer me,” she prodded playfully. “Why’d you keep it after all this time?”

He shrugged again and swallowed back the thickness in his throat. Tonight was not the night to put him on edge, yet she was doing it anyway. His options were limited – skirt the subject and have a pissed off Veronica at his side for the big evening or come clean and move on. He chose the latter.

“It was yours. I couldn’t very well take it back.” He kissed the side of her head and examined the ring as well. He hadn’t looked at it in years, but the memory of it was still ingrained in his head. However, this was a slightly different sight. He’d never actually seen it on her hand. “It looks good on you,” he murmured absently. His fingers came up to twine with hers so that he could move her hand as he gazed at the platinum and diamond.

He could see her bite her lip in thought. He held his breath momentarily, waiting for the inevitable of her getting freaked and running.

“How about you hang onto it for now and find a nice, special occasion to give it to me. I’ll act all surprised and you appear the ever-thoughtful, loving boyfriend.” She tilted her head to peer up at him, a winning smile gracing her features.

He chuckled and planted a kiss on her lips. “All right. But right now? Time to get ready.” He pushed himself off the bed and held out his hand for her to take.

She slipped the ring off and placed it back in its box, then took his hand as he helped her up and ushered her into the bathroom with a playful smack on her ass.

~*~

Logan skirted the edge of the dance floor as he made his way to the clients. He kept his urge to laugh in check, but nothing was funnier than middle-aged suite-clad men bouncing their heads to the latest dance music. He shook hands with them and exchanged pleasantries. Thankfully, due to the music level, conversation was down to a minimum.

After a few minutes of surveying the crowd, one of the men tapped Logan on the shoulder. “Isn’t that the girl you came in with?” he asked over the music, pointing into the crowd.

Logan’s gaze followed where he was indicating and a wide smile spread across his face. Veronica was in the middle of the dance floor with Jeanine, the two of them dancing playfully with each other. He nodded at the man. “Yeah, that’s her,” he said simply.

The man smacked his back. “You’re one lucky man. Better get out there before someone gets up the nerve to talk to her.”

Logan laughed and nodded his agreement before passing his drink off to a passing waiter. He waded through the crowd to the girls. Veronica spotted him immediately and threw her arms around his neck, giving him a searing kiss.

“There you are,” she proclaimed. “I was wondering where you’d wandered off to.”

He wrapped his arms around her waist, hugging her tightly against his body. “This is work for me, you know. I am required to do stuff.”

She laughed loudly and his grin broadened, seeing her so carefree. Her hands slipped from his neck, down his chest, to play with his belt loops. “I never thought there would be a day that I would see Logan Echolls take something seriously. It’s actually kinda… sexy. You being all business and kicking ass and taking names.” She leaned up on her toes and kissed the corner of his mouth before moving her lips to his ear. “Wanna ditch?”

He kissed her pulse point and felt her shiver against him. “Can’t right now. Half and hour and we’re outta here.”

She sighed playfully, as if put-upon. “All right. I suppose.”

He smiled as he shook his head at her. “Love you.”

“Love you, too.” She murmured as she pressed her lips to his again. “I’m going to the bar. You want anything?”

“I’m good.”

“Money, please,” she grinned.

“I knew you only wanted me for my money,” he huffed before winking at her. “Right, front pocket.”

She licked her lips and smirked as her hand dipped into his pants pocket. Her fingers teased his thigh and he pursed his lips to keep from laughing as she tickled him. Suddenly, her questing fingers stopped as they curled around something in his pocket. Her eyes widened and her mouth curved into an ‘O’. He mimicked her, but on a more comical level, before she pulled her hand from his pocket, taking with it the ring he had put in there earlier.

“How’s that for ever-thoughtful and loving?” he asked as he pushed the ring onto her finger.

A bubble of laughter exploded out of her mouth before she wrapped her arms around his neck again, nearly taking the wind out of him.

“It’s perfect,” she whispered.

And that's it - end... finito.

All The Right Reasons - Ch. 6a/6

2006-08-11T01:04:04Z

Finally got the final chapter done. Thanks to fickledame and taken_with_you for the betas.

Rating: NC-17
Summary: Seven years after graduation
Spoilers: Up to 222, but in an AU-verse

Well I wanted you
I wanted no one else
I thought it through
I got you to myself
You got off
Every time you got on to me
I got caught up
In favorable slavery

Was it wrong? Was it wrong?

I guess it wasn’t really right
I guess it wasn’t meant to be
It didn’t matter what they said
‘Cause we were good in bed
I guess I stuck around so I could watch us fight
for all the wrong reasons
No, it didn’t matter what I tried
It’s just a little hard to leave
When you’re going down on me
I guess I stuck around so I could watch us fight
for all the wrong reasons

Well you know my friends
Well they know your enemies
I’d pretend
Not to hear what they said to me
‘Cause I got off
Every time you got on to me
Was it wrong
To go along with insanity?

Was it wrong? Was it wrong?

I guess it wasn’t really right
I guess it wasn’t meant to be
It didn’t matter what they said
‘Cause we were good in bed
I guess I stuck around so I could watch us fight
for all the wrong reasons
No, it didn’t matter what I tried
It’s just a little hard to leave
When you’re going down on me
I guess I stuck around so I could watch us fight
for all the wrong reasons

“Not here,” she hissed. “Let’s go back to your place.”

“No,” he told her adamantly. “You need to tell me what the hell is going on.”

She grabbed his hand and tugged lightly, her eyes pleading with him. “Please.”

Logan woke with a start, a cold sweat trickling between his shoulder blades. He exhaled in relief and pulled the comforter tighter around himself as he shifted to his side. His eyes fell on the sleeping blonde next to him and he immediately relaxed at the sight.

His dreams had taken an unexpected turn recently. He had been reliving the fateful night over and over, only to wake up in a cold sweat. This night was no exception, even though he had gone to bed knowing Veronica was next to him.

He glanced at the clock on the bedside, noticing it was nearly eight. He stole one last glance at Veronica and eased out from under the covers. He silently padded out to the kitchen, careful not to wake Wallace in the guest room. He quickly made coffee and settled himself into some work he needed to finish.

An hour later, he heard movement coming from down the hall and glanced up in time to see Wallace enter the kitchen, looking very unkempt.

“Morning,” Logan supplied happily, stifling a laugh.

Wallace grunted in response, rubbing at his eyes. He poured himself a cup of coffee and dropped heavily into the seat across from Logan.

“You want some aspirin?” Logan asked, not taking his eyes off his work.

“Shhh!” Wallace hissed. “Don’t talk so loud.”

Logan chuckled quietly and exited the kitchen. He came back a moment later, aspirin in hand, and set it in front of Wallace.

“A little hint: You may not want to drink so much next time,” Logan supplied.

Wallace twisted off the cap and popped two pills into his mouth, washing it down with his coffee. “Hey, don’t be a hater ‘cause you couldn’t keep up.”

Logan shook his head and sat back down. “No, I just know when to quit.”

“How’s Veronica?”

Logan shrugged. “Seems to be doing okay. She’s still asleep.”

A small smile tugged on the corners of Logan’s mouth. The previous night was quiet interesting, ending with drinking games and Veronica passing out on the couch. When Logan woke her to go to bed, she had grabbed his hand and asked him to stay with her. As soon as he got under the covers, she curled up next to him and mumbled, “I missed you,” before dozing off again.

As if on cue, Veronica walked into the kitchen.

“And here’s Sleeping Beauty now,” Wallace piped in.

Veronica smiled tiredly and then planted a welcomed kiss on Logan’s mouth.

“Mm, minty fresh.” Logan smacked his lips in approval.

Veronica yawned widely. “I figured it would be better than whatever I tasted when I woke up. Something between sand and vodka.” She cringed as she got coffee and settled into the chair between the two men. “So, what’s on the agenda for this fine Thanksgiving Day?”

“Jeanine said to be downstairs no later than three for dinner. Other than that, the day is pretty open,” Logan supplied. “I have work to do, so I will not be participating in whatever crazy shenanigans you two will be up to. But I will stop by a little before three to get you.” Logan gathered his papers and glanced around for his keys. He patted his pockets absently. “What time is Jared going to be here?”

“I think he said he’d be by at two,” Veronica said as she cooled her coffee.

“All right, Encyclopedia Brown, let’s try another. Have you seen my keys?” Logan continued to pat his pockets, looking for the elusive metal.

Veronica and Wallace shook their heads and glanced around the kitchen. Logan went into the living room and checked the cushions of the couch and the floor. No keys. He frowned and went into the bedroom.

He was pulling back the covers on the bed when he felt arms wrap around his waist from behind. He smiled thoughtfully and patted the arms clinging to him.

“You don’t have to work, do you?” He could hear the pout in her voice.

“Unfortunately, I do,” he said sternly. He turned in her arms and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. “But I will be over as soon as I’m done,” he promised.

“Okay,” Veronica muttered. Logan chuckled at her childish grousing and she poked him in the side. “What’s so funny?”

Logan shook his head. “You.” He leaned down and gave her a quick peck.

Or at least he meant it to be a quick peck.

Veronica quickly wrapped her arms around his neck, holding his mouth to hers. How could he resist? He automatically dropped his hands to her waist and pulled her body against his. Her head tilted to the side, deepening the kiss and his tongue pushed into her open mouth. She pushed him back onto the bed, straddling his body. He groaned into her mouth as her hips accidentally, or maybe not accidentally, ground against his.

It took every ounce of restraint Logan had to remind himself Wallace was right down the hall, and pull back from the kiss. Veronica leaned in again, but he turned a cheek to her. Her brow furrowed in confusion.

“What’s wrong?” she asked curiously.

“Nothing,” he muttered and gave her a small smile as he swept a piece of hair out of her eyes. “I don’t think Wallace would appreciate us doing… anything while he was in the apartment.” She let out a little giggle, but then Logan turned serious. “Besides, I want to take things slow and if we keep going like this, things won’t be slow. I don’t want you to do this because you think it’s what I want. I’m fine with how everything has been.” He offered her a shy smile watching the genuine appreciation shine in her eyes. “And thirdly…” Logan’s face screwed up in pain as he reached behind his back. “There is something digging in my back.” His hand came from behind his back, producing the offending object. “Hey! My keys!”

~*~

Logan surveyed his surroundings with an amused smile. Wallace was beating Mikey’s ass on a video game, Jared was talking over their shouts, giving pointers to whoever needed them more. Jeanine and Veronica were in the kitchen preparing dinner, refusing to allow any of the men to help.

“Do something manly, like watch football,” Veronica shouted through the kitchen door when Wallace asked if they needed help.

Logan couldn’t help the warmth spreading through him. However, a little voice inside his head wouldn’t stop nagging him.

The other shoe will drop. Just you wait.

Logan shook off the foreboding feeling. It wouldn’t do anything for him now. He decided it best to enjoy dinner and deal with any issues tomorrow.

~*~

Logan opened the door and let Veronica in first. She brushed passed him without a word and sat on the couch, staring down at her hands. Logan tensed and closed the door. He took a seat in the armchair adjacent to Veronica.

It was obvious after a few minutes she wouldn’t be the first to speak, so he decided to step up.

“So, are you going to tell me what your freak out was about back there, or are we going to ignore it like usual?” he asked bitterly. He knew he should control his temper, but her attitude was biting at him.

Veronica lifted her head, her eyes leveling him with a hard glare. “Why did you give me this?” she asked, her voice hard and cold.

Logan huffed. “I already explained. I saw it and thought of you. But since you don’t like it, I’ll take it back,” he shot back at her, his voice indifferent.

“What about this made you think of me?” she asked incredulously.

Logan reached out and snatched the box from her grasp. “God, forget it.”

Veronica stood and towered over him, as high as her small frame would allow, her fists clenched at her sides. “No. I want to know why you thought I would want an engagement ring.”

Logan’s jaw tightened and his hands fisted the box. He stood swiftly, nearly knocking Veronica to the ground. “It’s not an engagement ring,” he gritted between his clenched teeth.

Veronica took a step back, exorcising Logan from her personal space. “Then what the hell would a diamond ring mean to you?”

Logan rolled his eyes. “Do I look like I want to get married? Do you even know me?”

“Then what is it, Logan? If I wore that, everyone would assume we were engaged.”

“And since when did you care what everyone thought?” Logan turned away from her and around the chair, leaning over it, almost exhausted simply from arguing with her.

“What is this all about, Logan? Why are you giving this to me?”

“Because!” he shouted, startling Veronica. He lowered his voice. “Because, I leave for Georgetown in three weeks and I don’t want this to end.” He looked away from Veronica’s piercing gaze. “Because it’s not an engagement ring, but maybe one day it will be.”

Logan could practically hear the gears turning in Veronica’s head as she tried to comprehend what he was saying, the weight of his words settling down on her. She stumbled back to the couch and sat down heavily.

“Logan,” she started, her voice distant. “How are we supposed to keep a long-distance relationship going?”

Reality hit him like a ton of bricks. The air was sucked out of his lungs. “I see,” he breathed. He finally looked at her, his voice biting and slicing through her. “This was merely a summer fling. Drop it as soon as we go our separate ways. Maybe pick it back up when you come home on break.”

Veronica’s eyes went wide. “Logan, no. That’s not what I mean. We haven’t talked about any of this. I didn’t know what you wanted to do. I thought you were the one who wanted to drop us when you left.”

Logan shook his head, a brittle smirk in place. “Yeah, well, you learn something new every day.”

“Logan, we should talk about this.”

Logan turned away from her and strode to the door. “No, I don’t think we should.” He opened the door and motioned beyond the threshold. “Summer’s over, Veronica. And so are we.”

Veronica opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Logan opened the door wider, waiting for her to pass through, impatience written across his face. Veronica dropped her head and stood. She reached the door and put her hand on Logan’s.

“Logan, don’t do this. You’re making a mistake.”

Logan finally looked at her. “What’s new?”

~*~

Logan woke with a start. He quickly took in his surroundings and groaned, flopping back onto the bed.

Not again.

The dreams had become longer and more vivid. He threw back the covers and silently crossed to the bathroom. He turned on the shower and set the water as hot as he could stand it. He peeled off his clothes and stepped under the stream, the water beating along his stiff muscles. He raised an arm against the tile and allowed his head to rest against it.

Things were getting muffled, confusing. The more he was around Veronica, the more the dreams appeared. He had to talk to her, get closure for those years long ago.

His eyes drifted to his forearm, the deep black ink contrasting against his paler skin. He lifted his head and traced the pattern with his finger.

Tonight.

He had already made plans for Veronica to come over after she dropped Wallace off at the airport.

He had to hang on a few more hours.

WTUD Chapter 8 Part E

2006-07-21T02:09:43Z

He heard the door click shut and bolted out of his seat. “Where have you been?”

“Nowhere,” she said icily as she brushed past him, up the stairs to her room.

However, he wouldn’t be blown off. He followed her, slamming the door as he entered her room uninvited.

“What the hell, Logan?” she asked as she threw her sweater onto her bed. “Get out!”

“No,” stated flatly. “Not until you tell me what you were doing at that prison and why you were crying.”

She stiffened. “It’s none of your business.” Her voice was calm and even, but her eyes bore into him coldly.

He spoke without thinking, as he always did. “You know, you’ve turned into a huge bitch every since Shelley’s party last year.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wished he could take them back. He saw her eyes go wide, her fists clenched at her sides.

“Get out.”

“No,” he said defiantly. “What’s going on with you?”

She began shoving Logan toward her door, trying to get him out of her room as quickly as possible. “I said ‘get out’.”

He spun out of her grasp and fixed her with a deadly serious gaze. “I know.”

She folded her arms across her chest, the picture of nonchalance. “Know what? That you don’t know the meaning of privacy? I could have told you that.”

His voice softened. “I know what happened at Shelley’s party.”

“A lot of things happened at Shelley’s party. You were there. Wild night, huh?” Her frosty glare never wavered.

“I know what happened to you at Shelley’s party.” He took a step toward her, his eyes appraising her carefully.

She took a step back, keeping the distance between them. “Oh? And what is it that you know happened to me?” she asked flippantly.

He stepped closer to her, faster, so that she couldn’t dodge him. “Veronica, I know you were raped. Who was it?” he asked incessantly.

She sucked in a breath and swallowed thickly. “Get. Out.”

“Just tell me. We’ll go to the police,” he pleaded.

She pulled herself from his grasp and pointed at the door. “Get out now, Logan.”

“No. Tell me what the in hell happened!”

“I minded my own business. You should take a cue and mind your own.” She shook her head disgustedly at him and grabbed her bag from her bed and stormed out of the room.

He heard her car door slam, drawing his attention to the window. He gingerly walked across the room and pulled back the curtains. Veronica sat slumped in her car, her face stoic, most likely working to control the tears that threatened to spill over her cheeks.

Involuntarily his hand went to his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. He dialed the number quickly and it rang. Once. Twice.

Click.

He chose to forgo any salutation, heading straight to the heart of the matter. “When I was ten, my dad broke my nose for spilling a milkshake in the car.” He held his breath as he waited for her to respond, but there was only silence on the other end. He continued to watch her, sitting in the driveway.

After what seemed like eternity, he saw her door open and she climbed out of the car, the phone pressed to her ear. She glanced up and saw Logan watching her from the window. He heard her end the call and his eyes followed her as she walked back into the house.

He exhaled.

WTUD Chapter 8 Part D

2006-07-21T02:09:01Z

“It was Pam. Pam posted the test for you. She hates you because Duncan is still hung up on you.”

Logan felt his stomach twist as he watched Kimmy’s confession. His mind raced, trying to think of anything Duncan might have said that would imply he still had feelings for Veronica. However, as far as he could recall, Duncan had never mentioned Veronica – ever.

He knew Veronica and Duncan had first period together. It would certainly make for an awkward situation after this little revelation. He decided he needed to watch his friend closely from now on.

What was the most troubling part of the breaking news was Duncan’s well hidden feelings. If he was still in love with Veronica, why would he ignore her? Why would he have even dumped her last year? Why would he allow everyone to treat her so horribly if she had actually done nothing wrong? Logan had been under the impression for the past year that the tiny blonde had done something to his friend, therefore he took the firm ‘bros before hos’ stance and shunned Veronica, as Duncan had done. Perhaps he was mistaken?

Yes, he definitely needed to watch his best friend more closely.

The bell rang soon after the news report wrapped up. Logan practically ran out toward Duncan’s class, hoping to catch him before he left.

When he reached the room, the last of the students were exiting. Duncan was not among them, however, a petite blonde was.

Veronica appeared tired, rubbing at her temples, distracted. She noticed Logan standing outside the door and dropped her hands.

“Go ahead, I know you want to,” she sighed defeated.

“Want to what?” Logan asked, genuinely curious as to what she was talking about.

Veronica rolled her eyes. “Rub it in, mock me. Something. What have you got up your sleeve?”

Logan shook his head, a shy smile spreading across his mouth. “No. Nothing like that.”

She didn’t look convinced. “Then why are you here?”

He opened his mouth to answer, but realized that he most likely shouldn’t confess his real reasons for showing up outside the class. He absently scratched behind his ear as he thought quickly for a cover. “Duncan and I were supposed to have a game night tonight. I just wanted to make sure he was still coming over. That’s all,” he stated hesitantly, finishing with a small shrug.

“Well, thanks for the warning. I’ll make sure I’m scarce,” she informed with a shaky sigh.

Logan’s mouth tugged into a frown with the thought. “No, you don’t have to do that. I can cancel.”

She raised an eyebrow that the concession. Hell, even he was surprised that he offered to accommodate her. He attempted to shrug it off as they started walking down the hall. “Well, I’m sure it’s uncomfortable to be around him. Especially after that.”

Okay, so he was trying to be subtle and failing, but he couldn't help but wonder if Veronica actually still had feelings for Duncan. He wasn’t sure why, though part of his brain reasoned it was natural curiosity that propelled him to prod the girl for hints as to her emotions toward his best friend.

Veronica let out a hollow laugh. “It’s always uncomfortable around him. I think we’ve said all of five words to one another since he dumped me without bothering to tell me.”

He nodded mutely, trying to decipher if her statement had any hidden meaning. This was something that bothered him. The old Veronica was so easy to read. She smiled when she was happy, cried when she was upset, blushed when she was embarrassed. The new Veronica could mask her emotions even better than him. She said one thing and meant something else entirely.

“But, I mean, if he’s still in love with you and you’re still in love with him, then you guys could get back together and have your happy little puppies and hearts romance.” Okay, that came out a little more bitter and blunt than he’d planned, but he was running out of veiled comments and she wasn’t offering any information.

A wry smile twitched in the corner of Veronica’s mouth as she turned her withering glare on him. “Oh, I see what this is. You’re trying to figure out if I still want to get back with Duncan.”

Yes, she was definitely smarter than him.

A slow rage was building in her and he could see it bubbling near the surface. He braced himself for a verbal assault.

“God, I was hoping that you weren’t as huge of an ass as I thought, but no, you really are evil incarnate. I’m not stupid, Logan. I don’t sit at home and pine away for Duncan. So, whatever mockery you were planning of making at my expense, save it. I’m not secretly still in love with Duncan and I don’t believe for one second that he’s still in love with me.” She let out a noise that was most likely close to a frustrated screech, but Veronica Mars didn’t screech. She continued to glare at him a moment longer before spinning around and heading to her class.

So, that answered that. He stared after her in awe, rooted to the ground. The bell ringing broke him from his gaping speechlessness. He shook his head and grumbled that he was late for Physics.

~*~

He knew this would be the hardest part of his secret inquisition, but if he wanted answers, he needed to make sacrifices.

He walked down the hall cautiously and approached the bottle-blonde. When she turned and faced him, it looked as if she nearly jumped out of her skin in surprise.

“Logan. Hi,” she said smoothly, recovering.

Logan swallowed back the nausea warring within him and plastered on his patented smirk. He needed to know what Madison knew. “Hi, Madison.”

She leaned against the locker, cocking her head to the side as she appraised him with hungry eyes. He resisted the urge to turn around and walk away.

“So,” she drawled, “what can I do for you?” She bit her lip seductively, implying there was plenty she wanted to do for him.

His back teeth ground, but he kept his smile in place. “You remember Shelley’s party last year?”

“Totally,” she said perkily and then pouted. “You skipped out on us early. We missed you.”

“I’m sure you did,” he agreed easily. “So, I keep hearing I missed a lot. Why don’t you fill me in?”

Her brow rose in surprise, but she began to bore him with the unimportant details of the evening - from Shelley’s horrible choice in wardrobe to the tacky decorations.

Finally, he put a hand up to stop her. “Why don’t you start from when Dick got you a drink? I hear that’s when things got interesting. I heard you trashed Veronica’s car.” He strained to keep his voice light and even, as if he found it amusing. Though, he probably would have a few months back. Not so much anymore.

Madison shrugged indifferently. “Yeah, she was whoring it up. She kissed Dick, too. Right in front of me. What a skank? Ya know?”

Logan merely nodded, not trusting his voice.

“But the car? Total icing. I gave her a trip to the dentist earlier when she walked in,” she informed excitedly.

“A what?”

“A trip to the dentist. You know, where you spit in their drink.”

Logan’s jaw twitched. “Why would you even give her a drink to begin with?”

Madison rolled her eyes. “Dick was totally stupid and gave me a drink that wasn’t even diet. I saw her walking by, spit in the cup and then stuck it out there knowing she’d take it. And she did. I mean, I’m on Atkins, there’s no way in hell I’m putting that liquid fat in me.” She batted her lashes at him. “I mean, I take care of myself. I always look good.” She leaned in toward him, but he quickly moved back.

“Right, thanks, Madison.” He brushed past her and down the hall before she could blink.

A chill went down his spine and he shivered due to the previous interaction. Madison always gave him the creeps.

Her words ran through his head as he tried to piece together everything she had told him and everything Dick had remembered of that evening.

“I slipped it into her drink.”

“…stuck it out there knowing she’d take it.”

Oh, shit. Veronica was drugged with GHB. His GHB. That was why she didn’t realize what was going on when he did the salt lick.

The salt lick.

The same GHB he slipped into Duncan’s drink after Duncan rescued Veronica so heroically from the evil clutches of Logan Echolls.

A horrible feeling was settling in Logan’s stomach and he was pretty sure it was called ‘guilt’.

~*~

Veronica threw the car into park in the driveway, but made no move to get out of the car.

“Uh, Veronica, we’re here. You drove, remember?”

Veronica nodded and forced a smile. She did that a lot, he noticed. “Yeah, I just have to run some errands. I should be back in a few hours. You’ll be okay by yourself, right?” She tilted her head to the side, a playful tone in her voice.

Logan couldn’t help feeling that she was hiding something, but he nodded anyway and exited the car. He watched her back out of the drive and head down the street. As soon as she was around the corner he hopped into his own car and started following her.

It was a little wrong, but he felt himself getting sucked into the weird world of Veronica Mars. She had secrets and for some reason he wanted to know them. He smiled, thinking that this was exactly how she felt when she dug up dirt on other people.

He tailed her for almost an hour, making sure to stay out of sight. He knew his car was an eye-sore but he hoped she would be too wrapped up in where she was going to notice him.

When she pulled into the Balboa County Prison parking lot he was at a loss as to why she would be there. Her father certainly wouldn’t allow her to talk to inmates as part of a case and as far as Logan knew, Veronica didn’t know anyone who was incarcerated.

So, he parked and waited. And waited. Half an hour later, he saw her emerge from the foreboding gates. Her arms were wrapped protectively around herself. She looked even smaller than usual and he could tell she was shaking.

Logan continued to watch as Veronica slipped into her car. He started his car in anticipation to follow her, but the LeBaron remained parked. In fact, she hadn’t even started it. After a few minutes, and still no movement, he hesitantly got out of his car.

He walked behind the car, hoping he wasn’t giving himself away, in case she was merely making notes or talking on the phone. However, he quickly realized she was doing nothing of the sort. He could see her bent over the steering wheel, her body shaking from sobs.

He moved fast. He pulled open her door and wrapped his arms around her. He wasn’t sure why, but it felt like the proper thing to do at the time. His fingers ran through her hair as he whispered soothing noises in her ear.

“Logan?” she sputtered.

He leaned back far enough to look at her and absently wiped the tears from her cheeks. “What are you doing here, Veronica?”

Her face suddenly shifted from relief to shock to anger. “You shouldn’t be here, Logan.” She wiped frantically at her face, removing the evidence of her breakdown. She tugged her seatbelt on and then turned back to Logan. “Go home.”

He stood and backed away. As soon as he was out of the way, she pulled her door shut and got out of the parking lot as fast as she could, her car shrinking into the horizon.

~*~

Logan did as she said and went home, fully expecting her to already be there. However, she wasn’t.

He tried to call her, but her phone was off. He paced the living room, anxiously waiting for her to return home so that he could grill her about her trip to the prison and what the hell was going on. Veronica Mars didn’t cry anymore. He knew because that had been his goal for a long time – make Veronica Mars cry - until she no longer cried in front of him, or anyone else.

He threw his phone onto the table and stared at it, willing it to ring.

And then it did.

“Hello?”

“Hey, what’s up?”

“Oh, Duncan. Hey.” Logan couldn’t keep the disappointment from his voice.

“Expecting someone else?” Duncan questioned, playful prodding coloring his tone.

“No, just,” he began, and then realized this was the last person he wanted to discuss his worry over Veronica with. However, there were certain things about Veronica Logan did want to discuss with his best friend. “Nah, nothing important. So, what’s up with you, man?”

Logan could practically hear his friend’s indifference over the phone. Duncan sighed into the phone as he spoke. “Nothing, I was just calling to see what you’re up to.”

Logan paused, choosing his next words carefully. “Nothing going on here. I have the house to myself. Veronica’s out doing who-knows-what. You know how she is.”

Logan waited for Duncan to speak, respond, but nothing came and Logan surged on. “Yeah, I think she’s really embarrassed over the whole thing this morning.” Still no reaction. “I mean, the whole thing is ridiculous, right? Crazy girls and their soap opera drama.” Logan laughed lightly into the phone, trying to make a joke of the situation, silently begging his friend to respond.

Finally, Duncan joined in on the laughter. “Yeah, the girls around here are psycho sometimes.” Duncan’s voice was still tense over the line, but at least now he was saying something. Logan was thankful for that much, though he was still being evasive. Duncan was smarter than a lot of people gave him credit for. He knew when to answer and when not to. Jake and Celeste certainly did have accurate aspirations for Duncan entering politics.

“I mean, Veronica’s living in dreamland if she thinks she stood a chance with you, dude.”

Duncan merely grunted on the other line. Logan wasn’t stupid. Duncan never joined in on the Veronica-bashing and was always evasive whenever conversation of their sophomore romance was ever discussed. This phone conversation was only highlighting the fact that Duncan did, in fact, still have residual feelings for his outcast ex.

For some reason, it bothered Logan. He shifted uncomfortably on the couch. One down, one to go. Logan needed more information about Shelley’s party.

The next part was going to be painful. “Totally, dude. I mean, have you heard about what happened at Shelley’s party last year?”

Duncan’s silence remained, but Logan could hear his tense breathing through the phone line, so he surged forward. “I mean, I don’t know what all happened, but Dick said she got tore up at the party and something must’ve happened to her because she didn’t leave until the morning after.” He made a calculated pause, as if thinking before continuing. “Hey, didn’t you see her at the party? Yeah, after the whole salt-lick thing – you should have totally joined in – you took her off somewhere. What happened? Someone take the mouthy blonde off your hands?”

“Logan, leave it alone.” Duncan’s voice was tight and short. Logan knew his best friend was on the verge, but of what, he was unsure, so of course, Logan did what he did best - he pushed.

“Nah, c’mon, man. I want to know who got a ride on her. That way, whatever girls dated those guys, I can stay far away from. Who knows what they caught.” Logan felt physically ill saying the words. However, he couldn’t make sense of it. He had said the same things many times before. Why was this time any different?

“Don’t. Just don’t, Logan.” Duncan’s voice was deadly low through the speaker. Logan could sense an extremely deep anger brewing within his friend. He knew he should back off, but when did Logan ever back down from a fight?

“I just wanna know,” he said lightly. “I wonder if she’s actually any good? I mean, she’s been around the block. Has she learned any cool tricks?”

“God, Logan! Can’t you just shut up? Leave it alone!” The line went dead before Logan could even fathom a response.

He gaped at his phone, desperately trying to reason why his friend suddenly became so defensive and secretive. Something happened at Shelley’s. And he was determined to find out what.

WTUD Chapter 8 Part C

2006-07-21T02:07:53Z

He caught Beaver at the end of the school day. His head was barely out of his locker when Logan pushed it closed, a malicious grin in place.

“What’s up, Beav?” Logan leaned casually against the bank of lockers, his arms folded, as he appraised the slighter boy.

“Oh, hey, man. What’s up?” Beaver’s voice was shaky, but then again, it always was shaky.

“Nothing.” Logan continued to stare at Beaver, unsettling the young man. Finally, he put him out of his misery. “So, funny thing, I was over at the party Saturday and Dick and Sean mentioned you hooked up with Veronica. You help her get that fourteen?” Logan smiled wider, his teeth showing.

Beaver’s eyes went wide and then he ducked his head. His hand came up and scratched at his forehead before he raised his head again, his eyes still not meeting Logan’s. “Look, I don’t know what Dick and Sean told you, but they were pushing me.”

Logan merely nodded, waiting for Beaver to elaborate.

Beaver took a breath and licked his lips before continuing. “Dick, he was – he was pushing up her dress and she was passed out. She was so out of it, I don’t think she even knew what was going on.”

Logan could feel his jaw twitch, but remained silent, wanting to know everything before he punched the little prick.

Beaver, oblivious to Logan’s plight, took a breath. “Dick was being a… dick and Sean wasn’t helping. They’d been drinking. I just told them I’d be fine and then they left. I asked Veronica if she was okay, but she never answered. And then – and then I got sick all over Carrie Bishop’s shoes.” He looked away ashamed.

Logan slapped his back, nodding. “Well, thanks for the recap, man. Too bad you struck out.”

Logan began to walk away when Beaver called out to him. “Could you – could you keep this between us?”

Logan’s fist tightened at his side, but his smile remained fixed. “Totally, dude. Don’t want your bro finding out you didn’t tap it, right?”

Beaver shook his head and frowned. “No, I don’t want him to know I puked all over Carrie Bishop. I’ll never live it down.”

Logan felt the breath he was holding escape from his body. He nodded, “Sure. Not a problem.” He turned back around and headed out for the parking lot. He was exhausted. He just wanted to get home.

~*~

The ride home had been silent. Logan was unsure how to act around Veronica with all his newfound information. He was thankful when she pulled the car into the driveway and nearly ran into the house, the awkwardness stifling.

He dumped his books in his room and quickly changed for the pool. He needed relaxation; he needed to clear his head. He stepped out onto the patio and found that Veronica had stolen his idea. She was lounging in one of the chairs, already dressed in her bathing suit, and Logan wondered how she’d beat him out there.

However, his mind quickly ground to a halt as his eyes moved over her body. He took in every dip and curve. She shifted and he worked to tear his gaze away from her. He was not going to be having those kinds of thoughts about Veronica. Ever. Well, maybe once in a while. When he was alone in his room. With the music blasting.

He’d admit that he had a schoolyard crush on the girl when they were twelve, and then he met Lilly, in all her glory, and Veronica faded into the background. Because that’s what Lilly did - she stole the spotlight from everyone. She stole it from him, from Duncan, and especially from Veronica. He was sure Lilly knew of his crush and that’s why she never left the two of them alone together. If Lilly had, Logan was sure he would have known exactly how wonderful Veronica was – without Lilly.

But that was history, and now the two of them were different. They barely knew each other. More than acquaintances, but less than friends.

He shook his head - trying to clear the thoughts from his mind - and tossed his towel in the chair next to her. Her head turned toward him and he could see her questioning gaze even through her sunglasses.

“You sure that’s a good idea?” she asked as she tilted her head to the side, frowning slightly.

“Why not?”

“Your back,” she muttered, biting her bottom lip.

Logan forced a smirk. “I’m sure it’s all better now, princess. No need to fret.”

He could see her swallow as she nodded. She didn’t say anything more as she leaned her head back, apparently going back to her sunbathing. Logan couldn’t help admiring the column of her throat.

I wonder what her neck would taste like?

Whoa. That came out of nowhere. He quickly spun around and made a mad dash for the cold water. He needed to cool off.

~*~

The sun had set hours ago and Logan was enjoying a rousing game of PlayStation. There was nothing like killing something to take his mind off the rash of impure thoughts that had been running rampant through his head.

He heard Veronica’s music turn on and shook his head. The girl needed to learn the value of headphones. He was growing tired of punk rocker chick music. He continued punching in random codes as he tried to better his score in the game.

It was maybe five minutes later when the house alarm went off. He threw the controller aside and sprinted to Veronica’s room, knowing her music was drowning out the screeching. He threw open the door only to find her room empty.

“Shit,” he breathed.

He bolted downstairs and nearly plowed into something in the darkness.

“Ow!”

He flicked on the lights and found Veronica frantically trying to punch in the code to disarm the alarm. He rolled his eyes and nudged her aside. He tapped in the numbers and the annoying beeping stopped.

Then, he turned his attention to the frustrated blonde. “If you’re gonna sneak out, at least remember the code to the alarm so everyone in the neighborhood doesn’t know you’re doing it.”

She huffed and folded her arms across her chest. “Thanks for the news flash.” She turned and headed for the door, but Logan called out to her.

“Where are you going?”

“Nowhere,” she threw back and pulled open the door, but he caught it, keeping her from passing through.

“Obviously you’re going somewhere. And you didn’t want me to know, which just makes it all the more interesting. So, where ya’ going?” He smiled widely, never taking his eyes off her. He knew she’d make a break for it the moment he did.

“I need to do some work. Nothing exciting,” she muttered begrudgingly.

“Well, then you won’t mind if I tag along.” He opened the door wider, motioning for her to pass. She scowled, but moved through the threshold, Logan on her heels.

~*~

He had to laugh. It was just too funny not to. “Who does the IT guy? Honestly?”

“Apparently Kimmy does,” Veronica stated flatly.

“Aw, c’mon, it’s funny. Admit it,” he chided good-naturedly.

He saw a smile crack across her face. “It is kinda funny.”

He smiled and leaned back in his seat. “So, Kimmy and the IT guy are behind this whole purity test thing?”

Her gaze flickered to him. “How’d you know about that?”

“You think I don’t know what’s going on, but I do. I know all, I see all, Veronica Mars.” She let out a light bubble of laughter. He decided to try and push his luck. “So, Kimmy was the one who put in the fourteen score for you?”

Veronica was quiet for a moment before shrugging. “I don’t know. I’ll find out tomorrow when I confront her.”

“Oh.” He chewed on his lip for a moment before adding, “I found out who was spray painting all the lockers.” He barely noticed the flicker of her gaze. “Dick won’t be bugging you again.”

A small smile flitted across her mouth momentarily before she controlled herself and focused her attention back on the road.

The two sat in silence for several stretched minutes. He could see her fidgeting, aching to say something. He figured he would put her out of her misery.

“Something’s on your mind, Veronica. What is it? Want to know if my score is real? Well, if you must know – yes, I really did score a 32. I’m a slut. A huge man-slut.” He turned to look at her, smiling.

But she wasn’t. His brow knitted as he waited for her to say something. She took a breath and gripped the steering wheel tighter. No, definitely not curious about his purity test score.

“Did your dad do that to your back, Logan?”

She barely had the words out before his demeanor changed. “Drop it, Veronica.”

“But, Logan –“

“I said drop it!” His voice came out louder than he had intended, but it silenced her.

The rest of the ride went with no further words exchanged.

WTUD Chapter 8 Part B

2006-07-21T02:07:04Z

Logan woke with a start. Someone was pounding on the bedroom door. He shifted and winced, his muscles reminding him of the night before.

“Logan, get your ass up!” Veronica’s voice called through the door.

He trudged over and cracked the door. He stared at her through sleep-heavy eyes. “What?” he whined. He didn’t get much sleep, tossing and turning as images played through his head, like some sick horror movie.

Veronica’s mouth drew into a thin line. “Dick and Sean are here,” she said emotionlessly.

Logan nodded and then slipped on a shirt and pair of pants. He moved heavily down the stairs and found the pair in the living room. They caught sight of Logan and offered loud and boisterous welcomes.

“Dude! You missed a hell of a rager last night!” Dick informed him, happily.

“Yeah, what the fuck? You just bolted. We didn’t know where you went,” Sean chimed in, curious.

Logan shrugged painfully. “I had some things to do.”

“Whatever, dude. I just hope she was good. We’re going surfing. Grab your board and let’s go,” Dick demanded, standing and motioning for Sean to do the same.

Shit.

Logan began to panic. He couldn’t surf. If Veronica’s reaction was any sign, he couldn’t let anyone see his back for the next few days.

“Uh, I can’t, man. I’ve got some stuff I gotta do,” Logan replied, keeping his voice even to cover the nervousness.

“No way! C’mon and hang with your buds!”

“Hey, Logan?” Veronica entered the room. “Remember, you need to take me to the mall? I need to find something for my dad, for his birthday. Your mom made you promise.” Her voice was steely. She obviously wasn’t happy, most likely because of him.

Sean sneered at her. “Don’t you have your own hunk of junk to haul your ass to the mall?”

Veronica’s eyes narrowed on Sean, her mouth twitching. “It’s in the shop,” she said coldly.

Logan knew better, though. Her car was safely tucked away in the garage, but Dick and Sean didn’t know that. He turned to the duo and shrugged in defeat. “Sorry, dudes, like I said. I’ve got stuff I gotta do. I promised my mom and all. You know how that is.”

Sean and Dick grumbled their understanding and made a hasty retreat. Logan turned back to Veronica, giving her a questioning look.

She shook her head and rolled her eyes at him, disappearing into the kitchen. He hesitantly followed her, but she wasn’t in the kitchen when he reached it. He looked outside and noticed her by the poolside. She was stripping down, revealing her bathing suit. She walked around the edge to the diving board and jumped off with practiced ease.

He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. What the hell was wrong with him? Finally, he blinked, coming back to reality. His brow knitted in confusion and then smoothed. He turned swiftly and went back to his room.

~*~

The day melted away quickly - before he knew it - it was Monday morning. He bounded down the stairs and found Veronica waiting by the front door, her foot tapping impatiently, her arms folded across her chest.

“Took you long enough,” she grumbled. “I better not be late for English.”

Logan’s eyebrow raised in a silent question.

She huffed and massaged her temples. “I’m driving you to school, remember?”

Logan’s mouth opened to argue with her, to claim he was perfectly fine to drive, but then he remembered what she had said. He snapped his mouth shut and nodded, motioning for her to lead the way. She began to walk toward the garage when Logan called out.

“On one condition. We take my car.” Did he just say that? He was going to let her drive his baby? Maybe he wasn’t in any fit condition to drive if thoughts like that were flying through his brain.

Her eyes narrowed on him and he shrugged. “I can’t be seen in your car. It’s just wrong.”

Veronica’s mouth drew into a thin line as she held out her hand, demanding his keys. He pulled them from his pocket and let them dangle from his index finger. When it became obvious to her that he wasn’t going to hand over the keys, she stomped up to him and snatched them roughly. She turned back without a second glance and stormed off to the garage.

It was going to be a long day.

~*~

As Logan walked toward his locker, after insistently telling Veronica he did not need help getting his books, despite what she may think, he felt an odd sense of dread come over him, much like when he knew the belt was coming. There was just something off, but he couldn’t quite place it. Then he saw Dick lounging at his locker and it all came into focus.

Logan took a deep breath and approached his locker, not sparing a glance at the blonde nearby. He casually collected his books, pointedly ignoring Dick, and it was working out quite well. He could do this until the end of the school year, no problem.

“Dude, what the hell, man? Are you PMS’ing or something?”

Logan’s eyes landed on a rather confused and hurt looking Dick. Logan smiled glibly. “I don’t think I have the necessary equipment to be PMS’ing, Dick. Why? Is it your time of the month?”

Dick looked taken aback for a moment, but recovered, smiling idiotically and cuffing Logan on the back. “Dude, I was wondering what happened to you. You walked up all brooding and shit and I was thinking you turned into a girl and your boyfriend just broke up with you or something.”

Logan’s jaw twitched and he smiled tightly. “No, Dick. My boyfriend did not break up with me.”

Dick laughed loudly, most likely trying to impress Logan; however it only sent a cold chill down his spine.

Logan took a breath to keep from punching Dick right in the nose when a thought occurred to him. “Hey, Dick? You remember Shelley’s party last year?”

“Fuck yeah, I do. Why?”

“I just ditched early and you guys were talking about it the other night. I was just wondering what I missed.”

Dick’s brow furrowed as he thought back to the most likely blurry events of that night. “Well, I remember everything was going good. I scored some GHB from Luke. I gave Madison a dose and I took a dose.”

“Madison actually took the GHB?” Logan asked, surprised.

Dick huffed. “Yeah, right. She was being a frigid bitch when she saw Veronica show up. I wanted her to loosen up and have a little fun, if you know what I mean. I slipped it into her drink.”

Logan brain stuck. This guy, one he called a friend, would willingly drug his girlfriend to score with her? He had a hard time wrapping his thoughts around the new tidbit of information.

“Then what?” Logan pressed, hoping Dick would hurry to the part where Dick took Veronica into the bedroom.

Dick scratched his head in thought. “Right after I gave Madison her drink, Veronica passed by and I checked out the goods, because if things didn’t work out with Madison, I’d go to take a ride on the village bike. I turned back and Madison didn’t have her drink. She said she gave it to someone who passed by. I hope they enjoyed themselves, ‘cause I sure as hell didn’t. Madison got all pissy ‘cause Veronica was supposedly ‘ruining’ her night. That’s when she wrecked Veronica’s car. Veronica had a good time, though. When I saw her walking home the morning after, she looked like she was ridden hard and put away wet. Her dress was torn, make up all smeared. Someone had a good time with her. I’m just pissed I didn’t get a ride.”

Logan opened his mouth to question Dick on who did get a ride when the bell rang. Students began bustling to their classes. Frustrated, Logan left Dick behind, allowing himself to be enveloped by a passing group.

~*~

Logan watched the chaos that surrounded him with immense pleasure and was silently grateful he didn’t succumb to whim and fill out the test. Though no one would fault him for his answers, he really didn’t want his sexual conquests broadcast to the entire school population. Sure, he bragged about certain things, but some things were private – such as fantasizing about your girlfriend’s best friend – not that he ever did it or anything. Certainly not.

His eye caught two blonde girls down the hall, avidly discussing something. He ambled over, eavesdropping.

“Meg, you're the last good person at this school. I'd believe cartoon birds braided your hair this morning. If you want, I can find who posted that test for you. We'll clear your name and make somebody pay.”

His brow creased in curiosity as the two finished their conversation. Veronica looked determined, and pissed. Logan elected to find out what was going on and followed her down the hall to the computer lab. He watched her go in and he waited outside the room within earshot.

“Is there any way to convert cipher text to plain text without initial knowledge of the crypto-algorithms?”

Wha?!

“I'm trying to figure out how someone could have overridden the control framework on the school server in order to access everyone's password. Can you help me?” Veronica asked perkily to the teacher.

“Yeah, uh, in real life, I'm actually a gym teacher. The person you want to talk to is Mac. Try the parking lot, look for the blue hair.”

Logan quickly ducked out of the way before Veronica could notice him. As soon as she was further down the hall, he resumed his game of ‘follow the leader’ and headed for the parking lot. He wanted to see this Mac guy and find out what Veronica needed from him. She had a penchant for trouble and the last thing Logan wanted to explain to Keith was how Veronica got a black eye that looked remarkably like a keyboard because she pissed off the wrong computer geek.

As soon as Logan cleared the main doors, he scanned the lot for Veronica and found her chatting with a brunette… girl. He breathed a sigh of relief. He didn’t need to save Veronica from a laptop-wielding freak. But like he’d save her – like she actually needed to be saved. The girl carried a taser and knew how to use it. Veronica could take of herself.

Then why did he have the overwhelming urge to make sure she was okay? He shook his head and spun around, heading back into the school to gather his books.

~*~

Logan sat at the lunch table watching Veronica chatting with Wallace, carefree and happy. It puzzled him how she hid what had happened to her so well. But if he really thought about it, she didn’t hide it at all. She cut her hair, changed her style of clothes – she started fighting back. She wasn’t the victim anymore. She made sure she found justice.

So why was there no justice for that situation? Why were none of his friends brought in and questioned about her rape? Did she even report it?

The questions weighed heavily in his mind and he didn’t notice Sean take a seat across from him until Sean’s hand waved in front of his face.

Logan’s attention snapped to Sean.

“Dude? What the hell? Trying to kill Mars with your glare?”

Logan’s eyes strayed back to Veronica. “You remember Shelley’s party last year?” he asked nonchalantly, returning his gaze to Sean.

“Yeah, why?”

“Dick and you were talking about it the other night. You said something about Veronica and Beaver. You remember anything?” Logan picked at the pizza in front of him, trying to keep his hands busy so he wouldn’t strangle Sean.

It was the stretch of silence that caused Logan to look back up at his friend. Sean looked almost frightened, but recovered, waving his hand through the air. “Nah, man. No idea. Where’d you hear that?”

Logan’s eyes narrowed on Sean, knowing it was a lie. “From you. Saturday you said you saw Beav and Veronica together. I was just wondering what happened?”

Sean snorted, playing off the blatant lie. “I was trashed, man. Who knows what shit I said?” He went silent for another moment and then fixed Logan with a piercing gaze. “Why the sudden interest in Veronica?”

Logan blinked. “No interest. Just wondering what I missed. You guys were acting like it was the thing at the party. So, I was wondering what was so great about it. But if nothing happened, then I guess it was nothing.” He pushed his pizza away, his appetite lost, and stood. “I’ll see you later.” He smiled tightly at Sean and strode off into the building. He needed to find a beaver.

~*~

Logan prowled through the hall, hoping to catch Beaver before the next bell rang. He had questions burning through him that needed answers.

He paused at the main intersection of halls and glanced right and then left. He was about to move on when he noticed an echo coming from further down the hall. His curiosity got the better of him and he cautiously walked toward the sound.

He reached the end of the hall and glanced down the next one. He saw Veronica at her locker, mumbling under her breath, scrubbing at her locker.

His brow knitted as he approached her. Then he saw what she was scrubbing at. The number fourteen was spray painted on her locker. He glanced around the hall and noticed other lockers covered in black and red paint.

Of course, the purity test results.

“Who did this?” he asked, his voice almost growling.

Veronica spun around, surprised with his presence. “Jesus, Logan, you scared me.”

He stepped closer and pointed at the locker. “Who did this?”

She snorted a laugh and continued scrubbing. “If I knew, they’d be in the hospital right now.” Suddenly, she stopped and looked at him with a knowing smirk. “Or do you know who it is and are here to see if I know?”

His mouth gaped in surprise. “Me? No!”

She folded her arms across her chest and raised an eyebrow. “Right. I’m sure you and your cronies had nothing to do with it. God, why didn’t I think of that? It’s always you guys.” She turned back to her locker and scrubbed at the black paint.

“Veronica, trust me, I had nothing to do with it.” He raised his hands defensively trying to get her to believe him.

She cocked her head to the side, her eyes narrowing on him. “That’s the thing, Logan, I don’t trust you.”

He deserved that. He truly did, for all the nasty, hurtful things he did to her. But this was one thing he didn’t do and he’d be damned if she was going to blame him for it.

“Veronica, I didn’t do it. But I will find out who did,” he swore.

She rolled her eyes at him, clearly unconvinced. “Whatever, Logan. Just tell your lame-ass friends to make my score a little more believable next time. I mean, I don’t even think Jenna Jameson could get a fourteen on a purity test.”

Logan’s fists clenched at his sides. Someone was going to pay.

WTUD Chapter 8 PartA

2006-07-21T02:05:48Z

Chapter 8

Logan barely set his overnight bag down in his former home before he was out the door and on his way to a party at Casa de Casablancas. He may have been forced to spend the weekend at his father’s house, but that didn’t mean he actually had to spend time with his father.

A few hours later, he was delightfully buzzed, listening to Sean regale him with tales of his conquests. However, he was quickly yanked back to reality when Dick came out of his drunken stupor long enough to lean across Logan's lap and leer at a freshman girl who had just come through the front door.

“That piece of ass over there is wearing the exact same dress that Veronica wore at Shelley’s. Damn!”

Logan’s eyes snapped to the girl across the room. She moved timidly, trying to wade her way through the drunken party-goers. She did look remarkably like Veronica, and Logan had to blink repeatedly to make sure he wasn’t imagining their resemblance. However, the discussion of Veronica continued and Logan returned his attention to a giggling Sean and Dick.

“Oh, man, do you remember when she passed out on top of Casey and we took her into the guestroom?” Dick exclaimed, slapping Sean on the back, sloshing Sean’s shot.

Sean’s eyes went wide. “Yeah. So, did Beav score with the little lady? Or did he puss out?”

Logan’s mouth fell open. “Wait. What?”

Dick and Sean turned to Logan and stared at him, as if just realizing he was standing there. Dick was the first to speak. “Dude, you missed it! After you left, we took Veronica to the guestroom. She was sooo drunk. I offered to give Beav a hand,” Dick said, gesturing lewdly, “but he said he could handle it.” Dick shook his head in shame. “Too bad, too. He was back pretty quickly.”

Logan had trouble forming words. “Did he…?” He couldn’t finish the thought. He felt the nausea rise in his throat. Who were these people? He couldn’t believe Dick would offer Veronica up on a platter for his little brother.

Logan barely noticed Sean had started speaking, or rather, giggling around slurred words. Logan could barely make out what he was trying to say.

“Unless ‘The Beav’ really is a minute man, she must have woken up and booted his ass. That’s a shame, too. I left my last two condoms with him. What a waste.” By the end, Sean and Dick were doubled over in drunken laughter.

Logan breathed a sigh of relief and went back to his drink, though it had lost much of its taste after the story he had just heard.

Finally, Dick came back up for air, tears of laughter in his eyes. He swiped hastily at them. “Oh, but, dude, get this! When I was on my way home the next morning, I saw her walking home – dude, Madison fucked up her car, but good – and she looked like she got some serious action. She looked fucked up, if you know what I mean.”

By this time, Sean had fallen onto the floor and was rolling around in a fit of laughter. Logan shoved his chair back and sent Sean a swift kick. The last thing Logan heard, before he was out of the house, was Dick laughing at Sean on the floor.

~*~

Logan decided that if his dad was going to ‘ground’ him for going to a party, then he was just going to go back to his mom’s. At least there he wouldn’t be beaten for coming home smelling like alcohol. And he wasn’t even drunk - no, not after that party.

He spent the next hour driving around town, thinking about what Dick and Sean had said. When he finally did return home, his dad was waiting for him. Logan didn’t even say a word. He simply went to the closet and got a belt. As soon as his father finished, he grabbed his bag and went home.

Logan opened the door slowly, checking to see if anyone was around. Once he saw the coast was clear, he stiffly walked into the house and up the stairs to his room. He heard music blasting from Veronica’s room, indicating she was home. He hoped she wouldn’t notice he had returned from his dad’s early.

He had carefully removed his shirt when he heard his door creak open and the lights flicked on. He turned in time to see the blond shield her eyes.

“What the fuck?” he yelled.

“Oh my God. Sorry. I thought you were at your dad’s for the weekend. The light wasn’t on. I wanted to borrow a CD,” she apologized as she began to back out of the room. Suddenly, though, she stopped and dropped her hand. “Logan, what the hell happened to your back?”

“Nothing,” he snapped. “Why don’t you mind your own business?” He turned back to find her standing in the doorway, a worried look on her face.

“Logan, your back has marks all over it. What happened?” She stepped up to him, her hands reaching out to touch him.

Logan quickly slapped her hand away. “Nothing. Now get the hell out!”

“I’m not leaving until you tell me what happened,” she said sharply. “Jesus, did you get into a fight with Catwoman? It looks like you’ve been whipped.”

Logan cringed at her words, but he plastered on a smug smirk. “Well, you see I was at Dick’s party earlier and there was this girl there. ‘Wild cat’ certainly is an accurate term.”

Veronica’s face pinched as she folded her arms. Logan rolled his eyes and turned away from her. That was a mistake. He heard her gasp across the room and he closed his eyes, mentally berating himself for allowing her a full view of the damage.

“Logan, you’re bleeding. At least let me get something to clean it up.”

“It’s fine. I can take care of it myself,” he snapped back.

Veronica huffed and went straight for his bathroom. He heard the water run for a few seconds and then she reappeared with a washcloth in her hand. “Turn around,” she demanded.

He leaned close to her face. “Make me,” he countered, but with no real malice. Her face scrunched, no doubt because of the alcohol on his breath.

“Ugh, you smell like Robert Downey, Jr.” She leaned back, gasping for a fresh breath.

Logan straightened. “Thank you for that information, now you can go.”

“God! Why are you being so difficult? How the hell are you going to get your back? It’ll take two seconds and I promise I’ll make it as painful, er, painless as possible.” She grinned widely, her teeth bared, and he knew that was probably the nicest thing she was capable of saying to him.

Why did he have to be so difficult? Only hours ago he had learned that she was violated by one - maybe even more than one - person that he called a friend. And did she breathe a word to anyone? No, she held her head up high and challenged anyone to defy her.

He let out a sigh and sunk onto the mattress, offering his back silently to her. He felt the bed shift behind him and the cold cloth press against his skin. He stiffened under her ministrations, but she kept her promise, stroking carefully around his welts and bruises.

Veronica was silent for a long time. Logan had learned to recognize it as a sign that she was thinking. He didn’t need her thinking, not about the marks on his back.

“I thought Wallace was coming over tonight.”

“Yeah, he left a half hour ago.”

Logan nodded, hesitantly chewing on the inside of his mouth, trying to think of something else to say. “Are you two, like, dating or something and just don’t want anyone to know?”

“What?! No!”

Logan began to shrug, but then stopped when the pain that shot through his muscles. A hiss escaped through his clenched teeth as Veronica pressed the cloth to his skin again.

“Stop moving,” she ordered. “And no, Wallace and I aren’t secretly dating. Contrary to popular belief, my life isn’t anything extraordinary. He’s my friend. You and Dick hang out and talk about chicks. Wallace and I hang out and watch South Park while making fun of you and your lemmings.”

“I knew you thought about me. So, how long have you had this little obsession? I know I’m irresistible, but please, control yourself, Veronica. I don’t want to break your heart.”

Veronica pushed the cloth against him harder.

“Ow!”

“Oh, whoops. It must have slipped,” she commented sarcastically.

“Yeah, I’m sure,” he mumbled.

He felt the bed shift again and Veronica returned the cloth to the bathroom. Logan slipped his shirt back on carefully.

“I’ll drive you to school. There’s no way you can drive with your back like that,” Veronica stated flatly as she dried her hands.

Logan snorted at the remark. “I’ve driven with worse,” he commented dryly.

She emerged from the bathroom, frowning, her brow creased with curiosity.

Logan thought quick, recovering from his slip. “You know how many fights I’ve been in. You think some chick’s love marks are gonna stop me?” He flashed a bright smile at her. She blanched, her eyes narrowing on him. It was low, throwing a remark like that out at virginal, naïve Veronica.

But she wasn’t virginal.

He swallowed thickly and looked away, memories of what Dick and Sean had said floating into his mind.

“She looked fucked up, if you know what I mean.”

“Well, I don’t want my dad or your mom pissed at me because I let you drive with you back ‘marked.’ So, if we could refrain from argument on this one, for the sake of them. Because, believe me - I don’t want to be seen with you any more than you want to be seen with me,” she bit back.

Logan merely nodded, still not daring to look at Veronica. Images of Dick carrying her to the bedroom flashed into his head.

“Fine,” she responded, shaking her head.

Dick’s hand moved smoothly up her leg, pushing up her dress.

She turned on her heel and stormed out of his room, slamming the door.

“Suit up!” Sean threw condoms at a nervous Beaver, sitting next to Veronica on the bed.

Veronica’s music blasted from down the hall and Logan collapsed back onto his bed, ignoring the pain in his back.

“Maybe I should get her warmed up for you.” Dick fingered the strap of Veronica’s dress.

Logan shut his eyes, willing away the images.

Sean stepped up, assessing the passed out blonde. “She’s not so bad when she’s not running her mouth.”

WTUD Chapters 6 & 7

2006-07-21T02:00:59Z

Title: World Turned Upside Down (6&7)
Rating: R for language
Summary: AU What if Lynn asked Keith for help?
Disclaimer: I don't own them, I just make them do naughty things.
Spoilers: All of Season One

Chapter 6

“Kids? We’re home,” Keith called as he stepped through the threshold with Lynn.

Veronica popped her head out of the kitchen and smiled. “Welcome back. You’re home just in time for dinner. I assume the trip was good.” She looked at them expectantly. They had yet to say anything regarding their frequent trips to LA and Veronica was beginning to wonder if it was more than just meetings with lawyers.

Lynn was grinning ear to ear. “Where’s Logan? We have big new to share with you two.”

Veronica glanced between the two adults suspiciously. “He’s in his room, last I saw.”

Lynn nodded and ascended the stairs. When she reached Logan’s door she knocked hard over the sound of his music playing loudly.

“Go away,” he yelled. “I told you before, I’m not helping you cook.”

Lynn shook her head and called out loudly to be heard over the music. “Logan!”

The music was shut off abruptly. Logan wrenched the door open a moment later, breathless and glassy-eyed.

Lynn looked her son up and down then sighed. “Come meet us downstairs. I have something to tell you and Veronica.”

She turned away, but then turned back with a mother’s knowing look. “And I suggest you zip up you pants, honey.”

Logan looked down and blushed crimson. He yanked his t-shirt down to cover his twisted boxers and open fly. Lynn swept down the stairs.

Logan entered the living room a few minutes later looking flushed and disheveled. Veronica glanced over his state and raised a questioning eyebrow. He took a seat at the opposite end of the room, not meeting anyone’s gaze.

“So,” Veronica began, turning her gaze to her father. “What’s this big news?”

“Well, it’s really Lynn’s big news, so I’ll let her tell you guys.” Keith smiled warmly at Lynn, who nodded in appreciation.

“Well, while we were up in LA I found out about a new film that some old friends of mine were casting. So, these last few weeks we have been traveling to LA for auditions and screen tests. Lynn paused looked from Veronica to Logan. “And I got the part,” she gushed.

Veronica smiled broadly and hugged Lynn. “Congratulations. That’s great.”

Logan stood by silently, watching the exchange. When Lynn turned to him, he gave her a small smile and hugged her lightly. When Logan pulled away he couldn’t meet his mother’s eyes. He quietly went back to his room, leaving the joyous group behind him.

Logan was staring at the ceiling when a light knock came on the door. “Come in,” he responded hoarsely.

Lynn entered the room and sat down on the edge of the bed. “You’re not happy about this, are you?”

He turned to look at his mom. “I’m happy for you. I just – you’re going to be on set a lot, aren’t you?”

Lynn sighed and grabbed her son’s hand. “I will, but filming will be in LA, so I should only be gone for a few days at a time.”

Logan swallowed back the lump in his throat and nodded. He remembered what it was like when Lynn would be gone on set when he was younger. If his father was home he was beaten almost daily. If his father wasn’t home, he was horribly lonely and ached for human interaction.

Lynn stroked his hand idly. “Logan, I know it’s difficult for you to understand, but this is a great opportunity for me to get back into acting. The script is phenomenal and it wouldn’t hurt to have the money. Your father is going to fight every step of the way to keep every penny he can. I don’t want to have to rely on that. I want you to have a better life… without him. And a stepping stone to that life is me doing this movie. It’ll pay off this house, pay for your spending habits.” She looked at her son and winked playfully.

“What about the Marses? I don’t see them helping out,” Logan responded bitterly.

Lynn looked at her son sadly. “Logan, Keith is helping out more than you know.”

Logan snorted derisively. “I’m sure he is.”

Lynn stood and stared down at him. “Logan, you have no idea what he has done for us. He has helped us when everyone in this town turned their backs to him. When we turned our backs to him. Maybe if you started thinking about other people, instead of yourself, you’d see just how much they have done for us.” With that, Lynn turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, but not before pausing at the door. “Veronica made dinner. I suggest you join us.” She slammed the door behind her.

~*~

Everyone at the table sat in silence, unable to find anything to say. Veronica chewed on her lower lip and cast sidelong glances at Logan, who was pushing his food around on his plate. Finally, Keith spoke up. “Veronica, I’m going to need you to contact a couple of clients and let them know I won’t be able to take their cases.”

Veronica looked up in shock. “What?! Why not?”

“I’m going to be going with Lynn when she takes her trips to LA. I won’t have the time to keep up with the cases,” her father responded.

“No, Dad, you can’t. What’ll happen to Mars Investigations.” She protested. “You can’t just close it down.” Veronica was staring intently at her father.

“No, I’m not going to shut it down. I’ll just be on hiatus,” he told her flatly.

“Then what am I supposed to do?” She demanded.

“Normal teenage girl things. Like paint your toe nails and talk on the phone.”

Veronica cringed. “You know I can’t do that, Dad.” She paused in thought. “What if we stay open and only take a few light cases? Only some surveillance jobs. You know I can handle those.”

“No, Veronica,” Keith spoke adamantly.

“Dad, please,” she begged. “I mean, what’ll happen to your reputation if you suddenly shut down the office? No one will want to go to ‘Keith Mars, sometimes PI’,” she told him pointedly.

Keith sighed. She did have a point. If he wanted to maintain credibility in Neptune, he couldn’t just shut down the office for a few months. “Fine,” he finally admitted. “But only light surveillance work. Cheating spouses, that sort of thing. And I don’t want you going alone. Take Backup.”

Veronica grinned triumphantly. “I always do.”

Lynn looked at Keith nervously. “Keith, are you sure that’s such a good idea? I mean, Veronica out there all by herself? She could get hurt.”

“Don’t worry about me, Lynn,” Veronica chimed in. “I’ve done it before and Backup will take care of me.”

Lynn still was not placated. “I don’t know Veronica. I would feel horrible if something were to happen to you while we were gone and you were working a case.” Lynn’s gaze shifted slightly to Logan. “Why don’t you go with her, Logan?”

Logan drew his gaze up from his plate to his mother. “Huh?”

“Why don’t you go with Veronica when she has to go on a case for her father?” Lynn smiled sweetly at Logan.

Logan’s eyes bounced from Veronica’s scowling face to his mother’s grin. “Uh, I don’t think so,” he shook his head. “Besides, I have better things to do in the evenings than check out pervs in skeevy hotels.”

“Like what?” Lynn asked lightly. “Play video games and masturbate?”

Veronica choked on her food and Logan’s face flushed bright red. Keith clamped his mouth shut to stifle his laughter and Lynn stared at Logan, straight faced.

“Fine,” Logan grumbled lowly.

“Excellent,” Lynn said as she clapped her hands together triumphantly. “I have a few meetings I have to get to this week. And, Veronica, if he gives you any lip, let me know.”

Veronica nodded, working hard to hold back her giggles.

~*~

Veronica was going through a few files at Mars Investigations when she heard the door swing open. She looked up from her papers and grinned, seeing Wallace swoop into the room and onto the couch.

“So, how goes it?” He asked, settling his books on the table.

“Not too bad. I have a stakeout tonight, so I’m getting out of that horrid house. Hopefully Logan will be drunk and passed out by the time I get home.” She grabbed a folder and shoved it into her bag.

Wallace looked up at her curiously. “Didn’t your dad say Logan was supposed to go with you?”

Veronica settled down next to him and gave him a pointed look. “Wallace, do you really expect me,” she pointed to herself, “Veronica Mars, to take my arch nemesis with me on a stakeout? I realize you may think I’m a little crazy, but that’s just plain stupid!”

“All right, girl, but don’t expect me to hold back that ‘I told you so’ when your dad finds out and busts that vein in his neck.” He gestured to his neck and tightened the muscles to illustrate his point.

Veronica laughed at his impression and gave him a punch to the arm. “Don’t worry. Nothing’s going to happen. I’ve done this a thousand times.”

Wallace simply shook his head at her and returned to his homework.

~*~

Veronica sat in her Le Baron and sipped her cold, stale coffee, waiting for her mark to come into view. Mr. Marsters went in an hour ago, but she had not gotten a clear shot of his lady friend. So, Veronica was forced to wait for a post-coital snap. She checked the clock readout on her dash and groaned. She had been waiting for an hour and a half now. She understood men had their needs, but this was cutting into prime study time for her history exam.

Finally, the door to room two-o-five opened and Veronica sat up in her seat. She snatched her camera from the passenger chair. She quickly snapped off a round of pictures, chock full of the uncontrolled libido of Mr. Marsters and his rather young looking mistress making out as he attempted to leave. She continued taking pictures as he walked toward his car in the Camelot’s lot, but she paused when he looked her way.

She realized he must have seen her when he began to storm across the lot. Her breath hitched and she scrambled to hide her camera and start her car. She turned the key and the car sputtered.

“No, no, no,” she cried. “This cannot be happening.” She cranked the engine again, and still nothing.

“Hey,” Marsters called to her. “Hey, you! What are you doing?” He was only a foot away from her now and was reaching for her door. “Who the hell are you?” He asked as he attempted to open her door. Finding it locked, he began to pound on her windows while she frantically tried to start her car.

“Shit, shit, shit,” she muttered under her breath, still trying her key. “What the hell am I gonna do?”

“Hey!” A different male voice called out this time.

Veronica turned in time to see Marsters slump against her car and slide down to the ground. She followed his sinking figure until it was out of sight, beyond her window. She sighed in relief and looked up to see who had struck him.

Her relief was quickly replaced with shock and anger as she saw Logan on the other side of the glass. “What are you doing here?” She opened her door, barely missing Marsters’ head and climbed out of her car.

“How have you managed to stay alive this long, Veronica,” he mocked. “I mean, if I hadn’t come along, who would have known what could have happened?” He stepped over Marsters and into Veronica’s personal space. “You know, a ‘thank you’ would be appropriate.”

Veronica’s face soured. “Fine. Thank you.”

He laughed hollowly. “Wow, say it like you mean it, Mars.”

She rolled her eyes at him and crossed her arms. “What are you doing here?”

Logan smirked and leaned one arm on the hood of her car. “Well, as I recall, I was supposed to go with you on these little outings. But, someone failed to tell me when she would be going. I saw you try to sneak out without me noticing, so I knew you were heading over here.” He grinned triumphantly, but then his features turned to one of curiosity. “Are stakeouts always this long? ‘Cause I gotta tell you, I have better things to do on my nights.” His smirk returned, along with a playful glint in his eyes.

“Yeah, like jerking off. And much like you, I had things well in hand,” she huffed, stepping over Marsters and slamming her door closed. “I would have been perfectly fine if you hadn’t come along.” Veronica moved to the hood of her car and popped it open while Logan looked on disgustedly.

“Sure,” he said as his lip curled. “I’m sure you would have made your grand escape at any minute before I knocked that dude on his ass.”

“Well, we’ll never know now. Will we?” She peered around the hood at Logan with a freezing glare. She began poking at a few of the hoses under the hood and then called out to Logan. “Can you do me a favor and try and start the car?”

Logan let his head loll back and his shoulders slump in resignation. “I save your ass and now I have to do you a favor?”

Veronica adapted a sickly sweet tone. “Well, the sooner we finish the sooner you can go home and have fun with your girly magazines.” She heard a loud thump and Logan swearing lowly. She looked around and saw Logan rubbing the back of his head.

“I don’t need magazines,” he growled. “My imagination is sufficient enough.” He looked over to her staring at him and shot her a cocky smirk.

She shook her head and went back to work under the hood. “Too much information.”

She moved to tell him to try the engine again, but found him standing right behind her, smiling widely. “Oh, I don’t know, Ronnie,” he drawled. “I’m sure you would love to know what goes on in here.” He tapped his forehead.

“Sorry, but I don’t want to cross over to the dark side,” she deadpanned and slammed the hood shut. She got back into her car and turned the key. Still nothing. She sunk into her chair, frustration evident.

Logan leaned on the door frame, watching her, until they heard a low groan. They both looked at the ground and saw Marsters beginning to stir. Veronica shot Logan a panicked look and he immediately pulled her out of the car, steering her down the street and around the corner. She started to ask him where he was taking her when she saw a familiar yellow car ahead of her. He directed her into the passenger seat and hurried over into the driver’s seat. He started the car with no issues and sped off into the night.

They sat in silence for the next few minutes before Veronica spoke. “Thanks.”

“You already thanked me,” he told her flatly.

“I actually mean it this time,” she said quietly as she stared out the window.

Logan glanced over at her, gauging her sincerity. Instead, he realized how small she was. He quickly drew his eyes back to the road. He didn’t want to think about vulnerable Veronica. He wanted to hate her, but his mother’s words kept ringing in his ears.

If there was something I believed in deep down I would hope you would do what she did.

He shook his head to clear his mind. He was Logan Echolls. He was hard and sharp and didn’t care about other people’s feelings. He didn’t care about Veronica Mars and how difficult things had been for her and how she still managed to hold her own, even when he was treating her like she was less than dirt. Dammit! He needed to think about something else. Think about how she betrayed them. How she turned her back on all of her friends. How she believed in something so strongly that she would suffer the wrath of everyone, of him, to find the truth.

Logan pulled into the driveway and let out a low breath. His hand was on the handle to get out when Veronica spoke again.

“You’re not gonna tell my dad, are you?”

He looked over and she was still staring out the window. She looked so helpless, he felt himself feeling sorry for her. “No. There’s nothing to tell.” She turned to him, surprise written on her face. Logan rolled his eyes. “Don’t give me that look, Mars. I’m not always evil.”

Veronica snorted. “That’s a new one.” She climbed out and went around the car to Logan’s side as he got out as well. “Here I thought you were the devil incarnate.” She grinned widely at the crack and Logan simply shook his head. He placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her toward the house. She pretended to resist, but giggled her way up to the house.

Logan swung the door open with a flourish and motioned for Veronica to enter first, which she obliged. She dropped her bag in the entry and trudged up the stairs, Logan behind her. They branched off when they reached Logan’s door.

He paused just inside his doorway and leaned back out, watching Veronica continue on to her own her.

“Hey,” he called out. She turned around and looked at him questioningly. “I was gonna go for a swim. Race you down there?” He raised a challenging eyebrow.

“You’re so on,” she smiled evilly before she burst into a sprint down the hall to her room to change.

Logan reached the doors to the backyard just in time to see Veronica wave at him and jump into the water. He shook his head and slid open the door, padding his way over to the edge of the pool. He sat down on the side and let his feet dangle in the water as Veronica swam up to him.

“Sorry, too slow,” she mocked when she emerged. She propped her arms up on the ledge next to him. “Try again.”

He lowered himself into the pool, a low hiss escaping his mouth as his skin sunk deeper in the cold water. His feet touched the rough bottom and he dropped his body under the water, completely submerging himself. He popped back up and wiped the trickling water off his face. He turned to where Veronica had been to find her gone. He glanced around and saw her floating on her back in the middle of the pool. He stood, admiring the way her body skimmed the surface of the water, her hands idly stroking to keep her afloat. He waded over to her, the water reaching his chest, and tugged her ankle, sending her body flailing as she tried to stay above water.

She righted herself and frowned at him. “I was relaxing,” she pouted.

“I owed you for beating me,” he reasoned.

Her eyes narrowed on his and before he knew it, she threw her tiny frame at him with all her might, wrapping her arms around his head and forcing him under the water. He had a split second to react and grabbed her around the knees, sending her under with him. Her arms wrapped around his neck in an attempt to keep from going under, but only served to anchor herself to him and his path below the water’s surface.

Logan got his feet back under himself and pushed back up, breaking the surface. He gripped Veronica’s waist and helped her up to oxygen. She gasped from the surprise attack when she resurfaced, her arms tightening around Logan’s neck. She glared at him, but he couldn’t stifle the laughter bubbling up from his stomach. She attempted to keep a straight face, but the sound was contagious and soon she was in a fit as well.

After a few moments, their laughter subsided, however they still remained locked to one another by their hands and arms. Their eyes met, inches from each other’s faces, their breath mixing between them. Logan’s hand came up and smoothed a stray bit of hair away from her face. Veronica leaned into his touch without breaking her gaze from him. Logan moved in slightly closer, his lips almost touching hers.

Thud!

Veronica’s eyes widened and they both looked to the house. Her grasp on Logan tightened and he looked back at her. He raised a finger to his lips, telling her to remain silent.

“Stay here,” he whispered.

Veronica shook her head in the negative. He ran his hands soothingly over her arms and around his neck, lightly gripping her wrists and pulling to release her arms from around him. He silently moved to the steps of the pool and got out, creeping along the walkway to the entrance to the house. Veronica moved to the side of the pool without making a sound, peeking out over the edge with dread in her eyes. Logan checked that she was staying in place and entered the house.

Logan moved through the kitchen, water dripping from his body and hitting the floor was the only sound. He reached the doorway to the entrance hall and peered around. When nothing was in sight, he inched his way across the hall to the living room.

Seeing something move out of the corner of his eye, he spun around in time to see dark figure rush past him, shoving him out of the way and out the front door. He regained his balance and attempted to grab the person, but when he burst into the front yard there was no one around. He viewed up and down the street suspiciously, but there was nothing.

Veronica gripped the edge of the pool so tightly her knuckles were quickly turning white. She let out a relieved sigh when Logan emerged from the house unscathed. She climbed out of the pool and rushed to him, wrapping her arms around herself protectively.

“What was that?” She asked hoarsely.

Logan shook his head. “Someone was here, but they got away before I could catch them.” He reached out and stroked her arm reassuringly. He let out a resigned breath and nodded his head to the house. “C’mon, let’s call your dad and get you to bed.”

Veronica nodded mutely and allowed Logan to guide her into the house, turning on every light along their path.

Chapter 7

Veronica had successfully dodged Logan after their almost kiss a week earlier. She wasn’t sure what to make of it, so she didn’t say anything about it. She wasn’t about to give him any more ammunition to torture her. She left early for school and stayed at the office until her dad went home for the evening, then retreated to her room without a word to anyone.

Keith had been even more protective than ever after the break in. He had a security system installed and insisted it be on at all times, even when they were home. On more than one occasion Veronica had accidentally set it off and come face to face with her father, gun drawn, dressed in his undershirt and boxes. Not a sight she wished to see again.

Lamb, obviously, was of no assistance, claiming Veronica and Logan had made up the incident in an attempt to garner more attention. Veronica made a note to send Lamb a special present later, in thanks for his wonderful help.

Veronica was looking forward to the weekend. Relaxation and some much needed BFF time. It also gave her an excuse to stay away from Logan – which was a plus, or a minus, depending on her mindset when she thought of him. She found when she was alone and bored, her mind would drift to him and start analyzing the incident.

She was sitting in her father’s office, doing just that, when her cell rang, bringing her mind back to reality. She answered it quickly, without looking at the caller ID.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Veronica. It’s Sarah.” The voice called out through the phone, cheerily.

Veronica smiled at the memory of her old upstairs neighbor. “Hey. How have you been? How’s the baby?”

“Oh, the baby’s good. We’re good. I was just calling because we got some of your mail. Do you want me to bring it by?”

“You don’t have to do that. You’re about to burst. The last thing you need to do is run around town. I can come by and get it. I haven’t seen you in forever. We should catch up.” Veronica offered.

“Okay,” Sarah paused for a moment and then continued hesitantly. “Uh, can I ask a favor?”

Veronica’s brow instinctively furrowed. “Sure,” she responded cautiously.

“Well, Andre is working on a painting and I hate to ask, but I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow. Do you think you can give me a ride? I totally understand if you say no,” she rushed out in one breath.

“Not a problem at all,” Veronica smiled into the phone. “What time do you need me to pick you up?”

Sarah breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you so much, Veronica. Can you pick me up at ten?”

“I’ll be there.”

~*~

Logan knew Veronica was dodging him. It was hard for him not to notice her scurry into the crowd any time he came within view. He knew why she left early for school, hid out in the girl’s bathroom in between classes and didn’t come home until she was sure he was in his room. Why she was doing it was the part that bothered him. They almost kissed. So what? No big deal. He’d done a lot more with a lot of other girls. Why did this particular girl bother him more? Why did she have to be in his thoughts constantly, even while he slept?

That was the constantly nagging thought that had been bothering him since he moved in. Somehow, Veronica had weaseled her way into his subconscious, sneaking up on him when he least expected it. When he closed his eyes at night he would force his mind to concentrate on school, the next party, anyone, anything, except for Veronica. As long as it wasn’t Veronica soft skin, smooth legs, delicately curved hips, pouting lips…

Dammit!

He was doing it again. He mentally berated himself for thinking of her like that. She was quickly becoming a more prominent fantasy in his mind’s eye than the latest issue of Playboy. Although, he shouldn’t be too angry, she was helping to relieve his early morning tension, but just not in the way he really wanted.

Dammit!

Baseball, baseball, baseball… aw, fuck!

Logan heard the front door slam and Veronica calling out to see if anyone was home. Her voice came closer, speaking rapidly.

“I just have to take care of a few things,” she said as she neared the top of the stairs. “I swear I won’t be late, Wallace. There’s no way I’m missing Chappell.”

Now he had her voice in his head, calling to him, gasping his name. He knew it wasn’t real, but he could have sworn that he felt her hot breath on his neck. He jumped at the sensation and bolted for the bathroom.

A cold shower was definitely in order.

After he managed to calm his nerves, he dressed and slipped out of his room. He looked down the hall towards Veronica’s room and then back at the stairs, debating if he wanted to corner her and have a little chat or save himself the humiliation and get out of the house, unnoticed. He took a calming breath and took a few steps towards her room, but stopped abruptly, nerves overcoming him. He turned back around and headed for the stairs, but stopped again. He turned and stopped a few more times until Veronica’s door swung open.

Veronica stepped into the hall, but froze when she saw Logan staring at her. She gripped her messenger bag tightly and then squared herself, masking her nervousness. She walked up to him brusquely and then past him, down the stairs and out the front door.

Logan stood for a moment longer, trying to process what had just happened. He finally snapped out of his daze when he heard her car start. He darted down the stairs and out the door just in time to see her car round the corner at the end of the street.

He fished out his keys from his pocked and dashed across the lawn to his car. He had to talk to her, figure out what was going on in that head of hers. One minute their bodies were pressed together and the next her eyes were shooting daggers at him. Why didn’t she confront him, why didn’t she yell at him? Why didn’t she smother him with her hot mouth and wet tongue…

Dammit!

He needed to figure out what was going on and what better way than to go straight to the source.

However, by the time he made it out of the community he had no idea where she had gone. He peered down the street in both directions, but no luck. Logan punched the steering wheel roughly in aggravation. Maybe he just needed a break. Maybe a little mindless video games with the Casablancas brothers was in order.

He nodded to himself in reassurance and swung the car to the right. He’d need some snacks before he went over, so he went into town. What are video games without chips and soda?

Logan was on his way over to the Casablancas house, with provisions, when he saw a familiar Le Baron. Before he could stop himself, he pulled the car into a spot across the street. He glanced in his rearview mirror and noticed the blond perched on the hood, no doubt reading for her AP English class.

He was about to step out of the car and approach her when the roar of motorcycles stopped him. He glanced around and saw a flock of bikes heading down the street. The bikes came to a stop next to Veronica. Logan saw Veronica flash Weevil a smile and hopped off her car.

Logan’s stomach dropped as his mind raced back to the beginning of the year and his encounter with the gang leader. He was in no mood for a repeat performance. Besides, he and Veronica seemed to be close. He watched as the two tapped their fists in a friendly gesture. Then Veronica began to speak, her eyes darting toward the store and then back at Weevil and his gang.

A little too close.

Logan continued to observe the pair and their discussion, his stomach in knots as he tried to comprehend why Veronica was with Weevil and his cronies. Were they dating?

No way! First Lilly, now Veronica? What is with everyone?

The group walked into the clothing boutique that Veronica had been stationed in front of and Logan watched as the bikers began to trash the place. Veronica went in and spoke to the manager, her kick ass pose in place. Leave it to her to get a discount the hard way.

The disgruntled manager left and Logan thought the cops would be blazing up the street any minute, but then the man returned and handed Veronica a book. She quickly snatched it from his hands and grabbed a hold of Weevil’s arm, pulling him to the door.

Logan couldn’t watch anymore. The touches, the smiles, it was grating on his last nerve. He quickly threw the car into drive and sped off back to the house, gripping the steering wheel a little too tightly.

~*~

Veronica bounded up the stairs, Sarah’s journal clasped securely against her chest. She thrust the door to her room open and collided with something solid, falling to the ground.

She looked up to find Logan bending down to help her up. She quickly brushed his hands away and stood on her own. “What are you doing in here?” She snapped.

Logan looked away nervously. “I’m having problems with my computer. I thought I’d try yours.”

Veronica bent down and picked up her bag, pulling her laptop out. “Obviously it’s not here.” She set it on her desk carefully. “No one uses my computer. I don’t want you downloading porn onto it.” She knew she was being a little harsh, but she had a missing girl to find and no time to deal with Logan and her quasi-feelings for him.

Logan held up his hands in defeat and moved to leave, but stopped short. He bent down and scooped up the forgotten journal, holding it out for her. He recognized it as the book the manager had given her. “You dropped your journal.”

Her eyes narrowed and she snatched the journal from his hands. “It’s not mine,” she said pointedly.

Logan rolled his eyes and used this thumb and forefinger to form an ”okay” gesture.

“It’s not,” she continued to protest.

“Whatever you say,” he said, in mock belief, while trying to suppress a grin.

“Ugh.” She tossed the book aside and put her hands on her hips. “I was supposed to take an old neighbor of mine to the doctor’s this morning. When I got there she didn’t answer and she hasn’t been answering my calls.”

Logan snorted. “Maybe she realized who she asked to take her.”

“She’s pregnant. I got worried,” she said meekly.

“So, you thought you’d pry into her private life? How does that help her?” He asked, disbelievingly. “Not everything’s a conspiracy, Veronica. Maybe she got another ride and forgot to call and has been busy all day. It’s called a life. You should try it sometime.”

Yes, he was one to talk. He was the one who spent the day staring after her and following her around town. No, that’s not stalkerish at all. He set his jaw in hopes of masking the thoughts swirling in his head.

“No, that’s not what I was doing,” she defended. “Her boyfriend said she does this sometimes, runs off. Her parents just got into town and they’re worried.”

“Why don’t you let the police handle it, then?” He wondered, clearly confused.

“Have you met Lamb? They guy could care less unless it involves the 09 zip code. She may not be rich, but she deserves help,” Veronica reasoned.

“So, what? You’re the one who’s going to give her this help? Veronica, you can’t solve every mystery. Some things aren’t meant to be found out,” he argued. Weevil’s tattoo of Lilly’s name suddenly came into sharp focus in his head and he shut his eyes in an attempt to dislodge the image.

“The only secrets that people don’t want found out are the one’s that get them into trouble,” she told him with conviction, her voice rising.

A light knock came to her door and Veronica and Logan turned to see Lynn looking at them rather curiously.

“Logan, could I see you for a moment?” Lynn disappeared as quickly as she came.

Logan turned back to Veronica and fixed her with a stare. “Leave it alone, Veronica.”

Logan left the room and found his mother sitting on his bed in his bedroom. He closed the door and regarded her worried features.

“What?” He asked her curtly.

Lynn took a moment to compose herself before meeting Logan’s gaze. “You’re father wants you to come over this weekend. He found out that I was working on the movie and he feels that you shouldn’t be left unsupervised.” She nervously fidgeted with her necklace and she waited for Logan’s reaction.

“Can’t I say no? Isn’t this my choice?” His asked angrily.

“Short of me quitting this movie, there is no way we can deny him his request. He is your father.” She looked defeated as Logan came to sit next to her on the bed. She rubbed his back soothingly. “If anything happens, I want you to call me and come straight here. He’s been in a foul mood since we left and there’s no telling what he’ll do, but he can’t afford incidents. Just, please, don’t instigate.”

~*~

Veronica was curled up on the couch, watching a movie, when she heard her dad come home. He appeared in the living room a few minutes later.

“Would you care to explain to me why, after I told you not to, you got involved with Sarah’s disappearance?” He asked her sternly.

Veronica chewed her lower lip and sat up. “I’m sorry, Dad, but I didn’t know what happened and I thought Andre might have done something to her. They were always fighting and I was worried he would go too far.”

“Veronica, these are adults. You have to stay out of these things. You should have let me handle it. Her parents hired me, not you,” he told her.

“I know, it’s just that, after I found out that Andre wasn’t the baby’s father I thought he may have gotten mad and hurt her or the baby,” Veronica pleaded.

Keith sighed and took a seat next to Veronica. “He knows the baby isn’t his.”

“He does?” Veronica asked, astonished.

“Yeah.” Keith nodded. “You kind of have to admire a man who would raise a kid he knew wasn’t his.”

Veronica wasn’t sure how to respond, so she sat in silence.

“So, are there any other cases you’re working on without my knowledge?” Keith joked.

Veronica smiled warmly at her father. “Not this week,” she told him honestly.

Keith pulled himself from the couch. “Well, I have got to take Lynn to LA tomorrow. Logan will be at his dad’s this weekend, so you have the house to yourself. Don’t get in any trouble and lock everything. And don’t stay up too late watching those movies. Wallace’s mom wants him home by midnight,” he warned.

Veronica nodded her agreement and turned her attention back to the television as Keith left the room. However, he popped his head back in again. “Hey? Any idea who the father is?”

Veronica looked at him, confused for a moment. “Of Sarah’s baby?” She shook her head. “No. But it might be the guy who raped her.”

Keith immediately straightened. “She was raped?”

“Yeah, when she was living in Ohio. Then she met Andre and they moved out here,” she explained.

“Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?” He admonished.

Veronica was taken aback. “I didn’t think it was important to the case. That’s kinda of a private matter.”

Keith grabbed his keys from the table and ran out the door, leaving a stunned Veronica behind.

A moment later, Logan trotted down the stairs, looking at the front door curiously. “Did your dad just come home and leave again?”

Veronica nodded, still processing the events.

“Why?”

Veronica’s mouth opened and closed several times before words came out. “I mentioned Sarah was raped and he bolted.”

Logan snorted. “Just because she regretted it afterwards, didn’t mean she didn’t like it during.”

Veronica’s mouth dropped open in shock.

“What?” Logan cocked a curious eyebrow at her.

“You think she deserved it?” Veronica’s throat felt like it was full of sand. She couldn’t swallow as she gazed wide-eyed at Logan.

“I’m not saying she deserved it. I’m just saying that some girls call it rape when really it’s just regret,” Logan shrugged.

“What the hell would you know?” Veronica stood and stormed passed Logan. “You’re a heartless ass.”

World Turned Upside Down (4 & 5)

2006-07-21T01:59:01Z

Title: World Turned Upside Down (4&5)
Rating: R for language
Summary: AU What if Lynn asked Keith for help?
Disclaimer: I don't own them, I just make them do naughty things.
Spoilers: All of Season One
A/N: This is in response to Summer's plot bunny. My betas: </a></a>skk670, </a></a>moire2, </a></a>fickledame and </a></a>taken_with_you

Chapter 4

Veronica sunned herself out by the pool. She had to admit this was so much better than at her old apartment. The apartment had a pool, but it was lacking privacy, so she rarely used it. The last thing she wanted was for someone to come by and say something any more than usual. She relaxed peacefully into the chair, enjoying the quiet of the house. Her father and Lynn were still in L.A. and Logan, she had no idea where he was. Most likely at one of his wretched friends’ houses drinking and playing video games, not that she cared. She could finally let her guard down for a few hours while she lay out and took in some tunes.

When she was finished sunning, she took a dive off the board to cool off and swam a few laps before getting out and wrapping herself in a towel. Walking up to her room, Veronica felt rested and relaxed until she heard a girl laughing. She nearly jumped at the sound and looked around to see where it was coming from. Logan’s bedroom door was open. She walked towards it and hoped she wasn’t walking into something she didn’t want to see. Instead, as she stood in the threshold of his room, she saw Logan at his computer watching a video – of a young Lilly.

“What part of my ignoring you makes you think you’re welcome,” Logan asked as he glanced back at Veronica.

“What are you doing?” Veronica stepped into the room to get a better view of the video.

“Assembling the world’s most boring memorial video,” Logan deadpanned as he continued taking notes. “Ballet, choir recital, debutante crap, girl scouts.” Logan picked up each tape next to him as he went down the list of what was on each one. “Memories both misty and water colored.” Logan dumped the tapes back onto the desk with a sigh.

“It’s Lilly as a long distance commercial,” Veronica laughed.

“It isn’t really about Lilly, is it?” Logan mumbled, but then broke into a smile. “God, this would piss her off.”

Veronica smiled and watched the video for a moment longer. Realizing where she was, however, and what she was wearing – or rather not wearing, she hastily escaped from the room without a backward glance at Logan. She’s got to crash Gameland, anyway, reminiscing be damned. She can remember later.

She quickly threw on some sweats and began rifling through her closet for an outfit worthy of Gameland. Dumping out one of her unpacked boxes, she found a plaid skirt. Now all she needed were knee highs and a white shirt and she would be set. There was a knock on her door.

“Yeah?” Veronica called out as she dug through another box.

Logan opened the door and swiftly dodged a shirt that Veronica had just tossed from one of the boxes.

“Ah ha!” Veronica stood up triumphantly, clutching a white shirt. Turning to her door, she saw Logan standing in her doorway and pulled her arms behind her back to attempt to hide the shirt. She knew he was smart enough to put two and two together.

“So I see you’re working to make Troy’s fantasy come true by dressing up like a Catholic school girl,” Logan smirked.

Veronica’s eye twitched slightly as her face soured. “No,” she said firmly as she threw the clothes onto her bed. “Undercover work.” Veronica turned away and searched through another box for the missing accessories. “Was there something you wanted?” She asked curtly.

“I was just going to tell you I’m going out.” Veronica turned around and saw Logan standing nervously.

Veronica arched an eyebrow at him. “Okay,” she said slowly. “What do you want me to say? Congratulations?”

Logan straightened and Veronica prepared for a biting remark. “No, I was just going to say I’ll be gone so don’t mess with my stuff. I’m not done with the video.” Veronica knew the words were meant to be harsh, but he didn’t have the feeling behind them. He seemed too… defeated.

Veronica watched him curiously for a moment before speaking. “Well, you lucked out. I’m on my way out, too. So, I won’t be touching your precious video.”

“Well… good,” Logan said definitively and exited her room.

Veronica waited until she heard the front door close and then changed into her outfit in record time. The last thing she needed was for Logan to spot her in this get up. She rushed to the front door to dash to her car and there stood Logan, in all his glory, with his perfectly placed smug smirk.

“This is good. Oh, I wish I had my camera,” he remarked as he eyed her up and down. “No one is gonna believe this – wait, yeah they will.”

Veronica’s hands clenched and unclenched at her sides, resisting the urge to slap the boy in front of her. Narrowing her eyes, she hoped it would be enough to will her offender away. However, no such luck.

“I thought you were already gone,” she gritted out.

“Yeah, I was,” Logan replied lightly. “But then I got this funny feeling that if I waited another minute I’d get a treat. And sure enough, here it is.” Logan motioned to Veronica’s outfit.

“I told you, I have undercover work to do. Now, do you mind moving out of my way so that I can do my work?” Veronica attempted to go around Logan, but he had other plans. Logan side stepped into Veronica’s way again and crossed his arms.

“What kind of work has you dressing like a hooker?” Logan pondered aloud. “Oh, I know!” Logan snapped his fingers, as if having an epiphany. “A hooker.” His eyes met directly with Veronica’s, daring her to say something.

Veronica closed her eyes to regain some control over her growing anger and opened them to see Logan grinning widely. She took a deep breath and licked her lips before she spoke. Logan found the action oddly intriguing as he watched her tongue drag slowly over her mouth. His mind began working in overdrive and whatever Veronica was saying suddenly became background to her moving lips.

“…So, why don’t you just move out of my way so that I can get going?” Logan sprang back to reality.

“Huh?” He asked blankly.

“Never mind,” Veronica said as she pushed passed Logan.

“Where is she going dressed like that?” Logan wondered as he watched Veronica get into her car. He hurried across the yard, deciding to find out.

~*~

Logan pulled into the parking lot and watched Veronica go into a building with a sign reading ‘Gameland.’

“What the hell is she doing here?” Logan pondered aloud. He got out of his car and followed after her.

He entered the building and allowed his eyes to adjust to the darkness. He scanned the crowd of people and saw they were all staring in one direction. He followed their gaze and saw Veronica at the registration computer.

“Always gotta be the center of attention. Figures,” Logan shook his head.

Veronica finished her registration and moved to a couch between two rather geeky looking adolescents. Glancing around, Logan found a deserted corner to hide out. He added himself to the gaming roster and took a seat on the couch. He might as well have some fun while he was here. However, his eyes kept getting drawn back to Veronica. Questions kept popping up in his head. Why was she here? Does she even know how to play a video game? Why the hell does he care? Struggling, Logan tore his eyes away from her and to his game. Distraction would be a good thing right now. It would keep his mind from wandering to places it really shouldn’t go, nor be taken there willingly. Stupid teenage brain. Stupid short skirt. Logan hit a combination of buttons on his controller and felt some relief as he blew something up.

“Hey! I’m on your team, lamer!” A guy called out randomly from the opposite side of the room

Logan smirked. “Why do I get the feeling she had something to do with that?”

After another moment Veronica jumped up from the couch. “Ownage!” Logan worked to suppress a loud snort at her attempted slang.

The guy from earlier stood up as well and glared at Veronica. “Hey, it’s not ownage. I’m on your team!”

Logan stood uneasily and continued watching. The guy was easily twice her size and looking surly. Instead, Veronica sat back down and turned her attention back to the game.

“For once she does the right thing,” Logan muttered to himself. He went back to playing his game, stealing an occasional glance at Veronica. He was getting careless, though. He was so engrossed in the game he forgot she was still there until his character passed by her in the game. His screen name wasn’t all that thoughtful, either. He used it for everything - email, instant messaging – for the past three years.

“Logan?” That drew his attention back to the game as he watched Veronica glance around the room. It was too dark for her to see him, which he was thankful for.

Hastily, Veronica gathered her things and went back to the front desk. Logan saw her exchange a few words with the clerk and then grab the box from him. She leaned on the counter and popped out her hip as she flipped though the container. Logan couldn’t help his eyes from following the curve her body was making as his head tilted slightly to the side. No. Bad, wrong, horrible thoughts. This is Veronica Mars. She is not sexy. She is not hot. She is the bane of your existence. She is… oh, fuck that. Logan snapped back to reality as Veronica straightened and smiled at the clerk. Putting his head in his hands, Logan scrubbed at his eyes with his palms to try and will away the very naughty images flashing across his brain. He needed to get out of there.

~*~

Veronica and Wallace were getting ready to head out to the party when she suddenly stopped outside Logan’s door. She saw he was still working on Lilly’s memorial video.

“I’ll meet you downstairs,” she whispered to Wallace and went back to her room. She returned a moment later and knocked lightly on Logan’s door.

“Hey, um, I found this while I was unpacking some of my stuff.” She walked over and laid a tape on his desk.

“What is it?” He asked curiously.

“It’s not a violin recital.” Veronica smiled brightly. Logan smiled back - his first genuine smile in a long time. Reality caught up with him, though, and he cleared his throat.

“Well, I’ve got a lot of work to do.” Logan turned his attention back to the computer.

“Yeah, no, me too.” She walked back to the door and paused for a moment. “Oh, my dad called. They’ll be home tomorrow.”

“Thanks,” Logan said flatly.

~*~

“Are you going to tell Logan about this?” Keith asked as he pulled the car in the driveway.

“I will, but not right now. I don’t want him worrying about it. I just want him to have a normal teenage life. Things have already been so difficult for him,” Lynn responded sadly.

“You will have to tell him at some point.” Keith cut the engine to the car and opened his door.

“I know. Just when I’m ready?” Lynn pleaded with him. Keith nodded and gave her a reassuring smile.

“Ready to see what shape the house is in?”

Keith had made it about two paces into the house before Veronica pounded down the stairs.

“You’re home,” Veronica exclaimed and hugged him tightly. “Everything go okay?”

“As well as can be expected,” Keith replied cryptically.

“You’re not going to tell me anything, are you?” Veronica watched her father carefully.

“Nope.”

“Well, in that case – I need you to do something for me.” Veronica smiled brightly at him. “Think of it as quality father-daughter time we’ve been missing out on instead of making it up to me for not telling me what’s going on around here.”

“It’s not illegal, is it?” Keith eyed her.

“Oh, it’s not that bad. Just a little covert ops. And I know how you love laying the smack down on bad guys.” Veronica grinned, playing up to his ego.

Keith thought for a moment and then came to a decision. “Okay.”

“Thanks, dad,” Veronica squealed excitedly and kissed him on the cheek. She began to climb the stairs to go back to her room.

“But you have to have that boyfriend of yours over so that I can grill him.” He called after her retreating form.

“He’s not my boyfriend,” she replied good-naturedly.

“Well, whatever.” Keith waved off whatever he was about to respond with and turned his attention to the luggage in the entrance way. He saw Logan in the living room. “Do you know anything about this Troy guy?” Keith asked him curiously.

Logan shrugged. “Wouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him.”

Keith tilted his head slightly, waiting for Logan to elaborate. When the young man didn’t explain further Keith nodded tightly as he thought.

~*~

Veronica hung her dress on her closet door and looked it over with a sad smile. Fingering the trim, she whispered, “This is for you, Lilly.”

“She was always trying to get you into red.”

Veronica spun around to Logan leaning in her doorway. Wiping her eyes, she closed her closet door. “Yeah, she always got mad when she didn’t get to pick out my dresses.” She stood for a moment biting her lip, nervously shifting her weight. “Uh, did you need something?”

Logan visibly appeared to pull himself back from memory lane. “Oh, yeah. Here’s your tape.” Logan reached into his pocket and pulled out the tape, setting it on the table by her door.

“I meant to tell you yesterday, it turned out really great. She would have loved it,” Veronica replied with a watery smile.

“Yeah,” he nodded and left.

Veronica stared after him, lost in thought. She shook her head, clearing her mind. No feeling sorry for Logan Echolls.

Chapter 5

“Okay, honey, we’ll be back on Monday,” Keith yelled back as he left the house with Lynn.

“Have fun, drive safe. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Veronica called to them from the kitchen.

Lynn stopped suddenly and turned to Veronica. “Veronica, dear, do you think you can keep an eye on Logan while we’re gone? He’s been having a little trouble with the adjustment.”

Veronica smiled warmly. “Sure. No problem.”

She heard the door shut and she peered through the doorway to ensure Lynn and Keith had gone. Once she confirmed that they had left she bolted upstairs and ran smack into Logan.

“Oomph!”

“Hey, watch it,” Logan growled.

“Sorry,” Veronica mumbled distractedly as she moved past him to her room.

“Hey,” Logan called after her. Veronica stopped by her bedroom door and turned to face Logan. “Don’t go in my room. I’ll know if you did,” Logan warned sternly.

Veronica rolled her eyes. “Logan, get the picture. I don’t give a crap about your liquor and porn, so why don’t you stop with the threats. You leave me alone. I leave you alone. It’s not a difficult concept to grasp. Do I need to write it down for you?”

“Yeah, well, just stay out,” Logan said with finality as he turned back to his room to finish gathering his things for the trip.

“Gladly,” she grumbled as she walked into her room and slammed her door loudly.

~*~

“Well, maybe it’s like Brigadoon. If you come back in a hundred years, it'll be right back in this spot,” Logan slurred through his inebriation. He slumped down onto the concrete where the car had been and stretched out with the relaxed comfort of the truly wasted.

Luke looked panicked. “Troy, did you lock it?”

“Did I lock it?” Troy parroted back, near hysterics. “Of course I locked it. It’s a Beamer and we’re barely outside of Mexico, you half-wit.”

“What are we gonna do? What are we gonna do?” Luke murmured as he ran his hands roughly through his hair.

“Who can we call?” Troy asked as he paced in the empty parking spot, stepping over Logan’s body. Troy stopped mid-stride and peered down at Logan.

“Don’t look at me,” Logan retorted drunkenly. “My mom’s in L.A. and who the fuck knows where my dad is. I wouldn’t call him, either. I’d rather walk home.”

“But there is someone at home who can pick us up,” Troy mocked, grinning from ear to ear.

Sobering, Logan shook his head. “No, no, no! What about Luke?”

Luke turned his attention to Logan. “Are you kidding? My parents will kill me. I can’t have them come and pick us up. What about Dick?”

Logan shook his head. “Casablancas wedding number four, remember?”

Troy swore loudly and began pacing again. “She’s the only one we can call.” Troy reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone.

“She’s never going to let me live this down,” Logan mumbled as he threw his arm over his eyes.

~*~

“Thanks for the ride,” Logan said as he climbed out of the car in their driveway. “I assume you’re going to play nice now.”

“Walk in front of the car and we’ll see.” Veronica grinned with evil humor.

Logan slammed the passenger door shut and walked around the front of the car. Veronica gunned the motor and he smacked the hood with his jacket playfully. He grinned at her and she smirked as she shut off the engine.

“I thought me driving all the way to the border was playing nice,” Veronica shot back as she swung her door open and stepped out.

“That was a favor for your boyfriend. Admit it. If Troy wasn’t there and it was my car stolen you would have left me there to rot.” He shot a pointed glance at her.

“True,” she replied lightly, but then frowned. “Actually, no.” Logan stared at her perplexedly. “You see, if I left you there to rot, your mom would find out and then my dad would find out and then he’d have my head. It wouldn’t be a pretty sight and I’ll be damned if I get in trouble for something you did.” Veronica grinned up at Logan, who shook his head and turned back to the house.

“Way to have your priorities in check, Mars,” he tossed back as he unlocked the front door and entered the house, Veronica on his heels.

“Always putting other people first? Yeah, that’s me. St. Veronica.” Veronica went up the stairs and toward her room to take a nap.

“No, putting yourself first,” Logan said as he leaned against the railing.

“No, that’s your job. I’m surprised you fit in this house with the size of your ego.” Veronica grinned smugly from the top of the stairs.

As soon as her door shut her cell phone went off. She glanced at the display and smiled.

“Need a ride somewhere?” She answered into the phone.

Troy laughed on the other end. “Well, I was thinking that since this is our last few days together we should enjoy every minute together.”

Veronica face fell slightly, but she recovered. “I have a brilliant idea,” she offered.

“Does it involve a time machine?” Troy deadpanned.

“Why don’t I make some phone calls and see if I can track down the car,” she said brightly

“I appreciate it, but I think this is even beyond your super powers.” Troy sounded crestfallen.

“Haven’t you heard? I’ve got friends in low places.” She grinned into the phone. She continued to listen to Troy, unaware of Logan eavesdropping on the conversation from the hall.

As soon as Logan heard Veronica bid Troy good bye he cracked the door and stuck his head in, seeing Veronica collapse onto the bed with a low sigh.

“Hey,” he called.

“What?” She asked him as she rolled her eyes, exasperated. She was in no mood to deal with Logan’s attitude right now.

“There’s a message for your dad downstairs from Ms. James. Something about going to dinner Monday night.” He opened the door a little wider and leaned in the doorway, waiting for her reaction.

Her jaw dropped. “You have got to be kidding me!”

Logan relished the look on her face. “Nope. I mean, I have it downstairs if you want to listen to it,” he toyed.

“Shut up,” she growled and threw a pillow at him. He quickly retreated from her room, chuckling happily for delivering the obviously upsetting news.

~*~

Veronica came down the stairs the next morning and found her father in the living room sifting through a box.

“Morning,” she said quietly. “You guys must have gotten back early.”

“Yeah, I had an eight o’clock I needed to make,” Keith replied happily.

Veronica eyed the box he was going through. “Whatcha doin’?”

“Oh, I just found a box of your mom’s stuff while I was unpacking some things. Do you want to go through it?” He pushed the box toward her and she shook her head. “Okay. Well, I’d better get going. I’ll take this to storage later.” Keith stood and pulled on his jacket. He pecked Veronica on the cheek and left. She stared at the box for a moment and then took a seat on the couch in front of it.

She was just pulling out a small red purse when Logan interrupted her. “You know, I could always spot you some cash if you need the money. You don’t need to have a yard sale. Besides, I think it would detract from the decorum of the community.” He leaned against the wall of the entrance to the room and winked at her.

Veronica’s eyes flickered to him and then back to the item in her hand. She nodded slightly and opened the purse, ignoring Logan’s taunt. His brow furrowed at her lack of response and he stood up straight. “Okay, I see how it is,” he spat and spun around, leaving the room.

Veronica sighed at his retreating form and looked back to the purse. She opened it and smiled watery as she pulled an old necklace of her mother’s. Something caught her eye, however, and she pulled out an envelope hidden inside. She looked at it curiously and opened it, depositing a key into her hand. She fingered it lightly, questions running through her head.

~*~

Veronica quickly showered and dressed for school. She settled into the seat of her Le Baron and cranked the engine. Nothing. She tried again and still nothing. She punched the steering wheel and cursed her car. A loud noise distracted her and she looked up to see Logan coming out of the house. She scrambled out of the car and followed after him.

“No,” he threw back over his shoulder at the sounds of her footsteps.

“You don’t even know what I’m going to ask,” she responded, sickly sweet.

“I don’t care and the answer is still no.” He unlocked his car and threw the door open. He reached over to shut it, but Veronica’s hand shot out to stop it from closing.

“I need a ride to school,” she said bluntly, hand still on the door.

“You’re delusional if you think I’m letting you in this car,” he condescended.

“Look, contrary to your ego, I don’t want to be seen with you any more than you want to be seen with me.” Logan merely continued to glare at her. “Think of it this way – you’re repaying me for picking you up and not telling your mother you were busy getting smashed this weekend in TJ.”

If looks could kill, Veronica would be dead right now. Logan’s eyes narrowed to slits as he watched Veronica smile sweetly and tilt her head. “Fine,” he gritted. Veronica bounced victoriously and bounded over to the passenger side of the car.

“And don’t worry, I’ll catch a ride home from someone else,” she said as she snapped on her seatbelt.

“The thought never crossed my mind,” he mumbled as he drove off.

~*~

Veronica walked down the streets of Neptune in a daze. The photos tucked securely in her bag, her mind muddled with thoughts. In her daze, she barely heard Weevil pull up next to her.

“What’s a fine young lady like yourself walking down the unsafe streets?” He pulled his helmet off and settled it on the handlebar of the bike.

She turned to him, her eyes still glazed over from being lost in thought. “Oh, hey.” She shook her head to clear her mind. “Um, my car wouldn’t start this morning, thus the walking.” She smiled embarrassedly and ducked her head.

Weevil smirked and reached behind him, grabbing a helmet from the back of the bike. “How about a lift?”

She accepted it gratefully and climbed onto the bike, hugging Weevil closely and allowing her mind to drift back to the photos.

They pulled up to her house a few minutes later and bid each other goodbye. Veronica retreated into the house, but halted when she found Logan in the kitchen watching her.

He stood in the doorway, arms folded. “I know this whole ‘living large’ thing is new to you, but having the help drive you home is a big no-no.” He smirked rudely at her, waiting for her to bite.

She glared at him, her earlier conversation with Luke flooding back into her head. She smiled tightly and could feel her blood turn cold. “And I know this whole ‘law’ thing is new to you, but smuggling steroids across the border is a big no-no.”

Logan’s face faltered for a moment, but he recovered quickly. “You mean the steroids Luke smuggled across the border.” His smirk was back in place. “Wow, you suck at this Nancy Drew stuff. You should get a new hobby.”

“So you knew he was doing it?” She asked in clarification.

“Do you actually think I would tell you anything?” His was tone, cold and bitter.

They were locked in a staring contest, each trying to freeze the other with their glare, until Veronica’s phone rang. She reluctantly pulled it from her messenger bag and smiled, turning from Logan.

“Hey,” she said softly into the receiver. “No, everything’s fine. Just a little domestic dispute.” She laughed at whatever the caller said. “What guy?” Veronica walked up the stairs and continued her conversation, quietly whispering to the person on the other line.

Logan stared after her, a slight twitch in his eye.

~*~

Logan tucked the bottle of Jack back under his bed as he heard a knock on his door. His mother came in and took a seat on the end of his bed.

“Logan, it’s four in the afternoon. Don’t you think it’s a little early for happy hour?” Lynn reached under the bed and pulled the out the bottle. Logan snorted, his only response to her question. Lynn sighed heavily. “I know things have been rough, sweetie, but I really think that if you made an effort things would go a lot more smoothly.”

Logan laughed mirthlessly. “Right, yeah, because it’s my fault.”

Lynn shook her head. “No, that’s not what I mean and you know it. I only mean that Veronica and you aren’t on the best terms. I think if you try and be a little nicer to her the tension around here may dissipate slightly. With Keith and me being gone so frequently I think it’s important that you and Veronica stick together in case anything should happen.”

Logan shot his mother a pointed glare. “Veronica is perfectly capable of taking care of herself. Besides, I have no interest in being around her any more than necessary. It’s already torturous enough with the limited interaction we do have.”

Lynn was becoming slightly annoyed with his attitude. “I’ve had just about enough of this, Logan.” She stood and faced him, obviously upset and shaken. “I have worked very hard for you to have a better life. Keith and Veronica are helping with that and you could at least show them a little bit of respect.” Her eyes were alight from the heated discussion. “I don’t understand what happened. You and she used to be such good friends. Why are you so angry with her?”

Logan stood and paced the room. “You want to know why? She turned her back on us, on Lilly, on Duncan, on me. She chose her father over us. Why doesn’t she deserve my hate?” He spat out bitterly.

Lynn sat back down and allowed her son’s words to sink in. After a few moments she spoke. “I would hope you would do the same for me,” she said softly. Logan looked at her with a puzzled expression. “If there was something I believed in deep down I would hope you would do what she did and stand by me.” she clarified. She reached out and took Logan’s hand, rubbing it soothingly. “It’s not her fault Logan. You should stop blaming her.” She looked up and met his gaze, getting her point across. “And yourself.”

~*~

Veronica could hear Logan and Lynn’s heated conversation from her room as she packaged cell phones to send to her mother’s friends and family. She worked to stay focused on the task, but their yelling was breaking through. Finally, she had enough and shoved everything under her bed. She needed a break from the drama.

She quickly changed and headed downstairs and out to the backyard. She dove into the pool and swam under the water nearly two lengths before surfacing. She took in gasps of air when she broke through the water and rubbed the droplets from her eyes. She swam over to the stairs and sat on the middle step, allowing the water to edge up to her chin. Leaning back, she wondered how her life had gotten so out of control. Her father and Lynn constantly gone. Her father dating Ms. James. Her boyfriend being sent off to Catholic school in Albuquerque. Logan always picking fights with her. She had to take one thing at a time. Her father and Logan were things she couldn’t control, but finding Troy’s car was. She knew she’d need her father’s help, but was reluctant to ask. It would only bring up more questions than answers and the last thing she needed was her father poking around her new boyfriend.

Sighing, she lifted her head and rubbed her temples, trying to sooth away the tension. When she eventually opened her eyes she was surprised to find Logan watching her from a lounger across the pool. Her eyes immediately narrowed. She didn’t want to deal with him right now. She had more important things to worry about than ‘poor little rich boy’s’ attitude problems. She stood and got out of the pool, reaching for a nearby towel and wrapped it around her shivering body. She pointedly ignored Logan’s stare and continued around the edge of the pool to the nearby cabana. She had to hand it to Lynn, always living in style. She found the mini-fridge stocked with Skist and retrieved one. Opening it and taking a large sip, she continued not to look at Logan. Finally, she couldn’t take it anymore.

“What?” She exclaimed, exasperated. Logan didn’t speak, instead continued to watch her intently with his piercing gaze. After another moment, Veronica gathered herself and squared her shoulders. She walked purposefully around the pool and stood directly in front of Logan, looking him straight in the eyes. When she spoke, she said her words softly, allowing them to sink in with full affect. “I hate you too, you know.” She immediately turned on her heel and retreated back into the house, leaving Logan to think about her words in solitude.

~*~

Logan woke the next morning to the sound of yelling streaming into his room from downstairs. He blinked his eyes several times as he worked to pull his mind from its dreamy haze.

“You could find anyone,” Veronica screamed.

“Well, maybe I don’t want to find your mother,” Keith shouted back at her. “She’s not coming back, Veronica. We need to move on.”

“You mean you need to move on. You know Rebecca was arrested for passing bad checks,” she bit out at her father.

“That was a long time ago. We all make mistakes,” he defended loudly.

Logan heard a chair scrape against the floor as he strained to hear the words between father and daughter. He almost expected to hear the crack of a belt, but then he realized that that only occurred in his home when there were fights. He shook his head roughly and rolled out of bed, heading downstairs. He really didn’t care he was interrupting their argument. Maybe he could even get to see it first hand. Veronica and her perfect relationship with her perfect father. What a joke. No one’s perfect. The only people that are, are in the cheesy movies his mother always starred in.

Logan walked into the kitchen expecting to see Keith hovering over Veronica menacingly, warning her to drop the subject. Instead, he found only Veronica huddled at the kitchen table with her legs pulled up to her chest and her chin resting on her knees. Logan could see her cheeks were still wet from tears and resisted the sudden odd urge to brush them away. Walking over to the refrigerator, Logan stole a backward glance at her shaking form. He couldn’t take it anymore.

“What’s up with you,” he asked in a condescending tone, as if she wasn’t allowed to be upset.

Her eyes immediately shot to him, almost like she had not realized he had entered the room. Her features immediately stiffened and she stood from the chair, glaring at him. “None of your damn business,” she said coolly, and stormed from the room, a piece of paper clutched in her hand.

~*~

Veronica returned late that night, frustrated. She dropped her messenger bag to the floor and sunk into the sofa. Why did things always have to be so difficult for her? She turned and saw the lights on by the pool. Warily, she made her way outside and found Logan swimming laps. She watched, oddly mesmerized by his lean body streaking through the water. She blinked once, bringing herself back to reality and she shook her head. She turned to head back into the house, but Logan caught her before she made it to the door.

“What are you doing out here?” He asked, panting from his laps.

Veronica was thankful for her poorly light surroundings to hide her blush. “Uh, I saw the lights on. I just came out to see what it was.” Veronica fidgeted nervously, trying to avoid looking at Logan as he got out and toweled off. “Why are you swimming at night, anyway?”

Logan shrugged. “No sunburn to worry about. No nosey neighbors trying to sneak a peak at my hot bod.” Veronica couldn’t hold back a snort at his remark. Surprisingly, though, Logan let out a small laugh as well, causing Veronica to meet his gaze in wonder. Their eyes locked briefly, but Logan’s broke away quickly and he shrugged again. “I do it every night. Helps get things off my mind.”

Veronica nodded absently. “Well, I will let you get back to it, then.” She turned toward the door, but again Logan called out.

“So, did you find Troy’s car?”

Veronica glanced back sadly. “No, no luck.” She walked back into the house, new questions forming in her brain. She passed the kitchen island and something caught her eye. A brown folder lay on it with Troy’s name written across the closure and a post-it stuck to it. She picked it up curiously and read the note.

Veronica,

This is for you. You can choose to open it or not. I didn’t read it.

Love,
Dad

Veronica gnawed on her lower lip as she examined the folder in her hands.

~*~

Veronica was rushing out the door just as Logan was coming in, back from school. She brushed past him quickly, yelling back to him over her shoulder. “Your mom and my dad went back up to LA. I won’t be back until late. You have the house to yourself. Try not to trash it while I’m gone.”

“Hey, where are you going?” Logan watched as Veronica raced across the lawn to her car and hopped in, foregoing the door.

“Mexican border.” She started the car and grinned when it turned over.

Logan bit his lip and then called out to her. “Wait.” He walked down to her car and leaned on edge of the driver’s door. Veronica eyed him warily. “You’re never gonna make it down there in this hunk of junk.” He thumped his finger against the door and grinned. “I’ll drive.”

~*~

“Okay, give me a boost.” Veronica hissed.

Logan looked at her like she was insane. “Okay. You really should hold on to that outfit, it might come back in fashion soon.”

Veronica glared at him. “Give me a boost up. I need to get into the air vent.”

“First you ‘need’ to come to the border, then you ‘need’ to sneak into the men’s john and now you ‘need’ to get into the vent. What’s the matter with you?” He demanded. “Is this some new skank trick to bring in the business?”

Veronica leveled him with a killing glance. “Luke’s steroids are up there.”

Logan gave her another ‘insane’ look. “How do you figure?”

“Can we just get them before somebody comes in here?” She snapped.

Logan eyed her warily, sure that she was up to something. He pushed her aside and stretched up to the vent. His expression changed to amazement when he pulled out a paper-wrapped package.

“Ah-hah!” Veronica smirked with triumph and carefully opened the packet. She walked over to one of the stalls.

“What are you doing?” Logan leaned in the stall’s doorway and watched Veronica curiously.

“Flushing Troy’s steroids down the toilet,” she stated matter-of-factly.

“What?” Logan folded his arms across is chest as he continued to stare at her.

“Do you have a better way of disposing of them? Wait, never mind. I don’t want to know.”

“You really are an odd duck,” Logan laughed and shook his head. She opened her bag and pulled out a handful of candy, shoving it into the packaging envelope. “Do I want to know why?” He watched her, his interest peaked.

“He’ll know something’s up if it’s empty. This way he won’t know the drugs are gone until I want him to know,” she explained. She stopped suddenly and looked up at him. “Why aren’t you stopping me?”

Logan let out a loud laugh. “I never liked the guy. Seeing you screw him over is like icing on the cake.”

Veronica laughed and turned back to the package, filling it with the candy. Once it was full she pulled a slip of paper from her back pocket. “And now for the finishing touch.” She slipped the paper in the envelope and resealed it. She turned to Logan with the package in hand. To her surprise, he didn’t take in from her. Instead Logan lifted her so that she could replace the fake bag of steroids back in the ceiling tile. She hopped down feeling relieved. “So, what’d ya say we blow this taco stand?” She nodded her head toward the door. Logan gave her a small smile and put his hand on her back, pushing her out the door.

World Turned Upside Down - Chapters 1-3

2006-07-21T01:51:56Z

Title: World Turned Upside Down (1-3)
Rating: R for language
Summary: AU What if Lynn asked Keith for help?
Disclaimer: I don't own them, I just make them do naughty things.
Spoilers: All of Season One
A/N: This is in response to Summer's plot bunny. My betas: skk670, moire2, fickledame and taken_with_you

Chapter 1

Veronica sat at her desk in Mars Investigations clicking away at her laptop. She was so engrossed in digging up dirt on Mr. Nesbit that she didn’t notice the statuesque brunette standing in front of her until the woman cleared her throat. Veronica looked up, startled to find a distressed looking Lynn Echolls.

“Is your father in?” Lynn asked. She sniffled slightly, Veronica surmised that she was hiding her red rimmed, puffy eyes behind her overly priced, overly large sunglasses.

Veronica nodded slightly and stood from her chair. Crossing around the desk, she poked her head into her father’s office.

“Hey, dad?”

Keith looked up from his papers at Veronica and then past her to see Lynn. He immediately stood.

“I’ll take it from here, Veronica,” he said quietly. Edging past Veronica to Lynn, he ushered the woman into his office and closed the door securely behind him.

Veronica stared curiously at the door until muffled voices came from behind it. Tilting her head, she pressed her ear to the door carefully.

Suddenly the door flung open. A pair of strong hands rescued her. She looked up into her father’s stern face. He gave her a pointed stare and she threw her hands up in mock surrender. Keith watched as she packed up her laptop and schoolbooks, never taking his eyes off her until she exited the office in a huff. As soon as he was sure she was gone, he returned his attention to Lynn and closed his office door.

Keith heaved a sigh. “He’s doing it again, isn’t he?”

Sniffing, Lynn pulled her sunglasses off her face. A large purple bruise shone from the corner of her right eye. Lynn had attempted to cover the bruise, but it was so gruesome that no amount of make up could conceal it. “I need your help. He does this to Logan, as well. I can’t let him do this anymore. Logan and I need to get away.” Lynn burst into tears and Keith went to her side to console her. He patiently patted her back, while grabbing a tissue from his desk and handing it to Lynn as he spoke.

“Lynn, you need to divorce him. Get away. I’ll help you and Logan get new identities or anything else you need.”

Lynn shook her head, choking back her tears. “No, Logan loves it here. I can’t make him leave. I’m ready to divorce Aaron. I’ve saved some money. I just… I’m afraid that if we move out on our own that he’ll come after us. I want to press charges this time. We need to get a restraining order.”

“What about Logan?”

“I won’t push Logan to report his abuse, I’ll let him decide,” Lynn spoke through tears. “I’ll leave it up to him if he wants to report anything,”

“Well, you’re going to need proof for the restraining order,” Keith told her.

“Oh, I have plenty of that,” she responded darkly.

~*~

When Keith entered the apartment, he found Veronica doing her homework at the kitchen table. She looked up at him expectantly.

“So, what’s for dinner?” Keith asked casually.

Veronica set her pencil down calmly and shut her textbook. She raised an eyebrow to her father, while glaring at him. “So, are you going to tell me what that was all about?”

Keith smiled, setting his briefcase in the chair, purposely ignoring her question. Walking around the kitchen to the fridge, he pulled out a beer.

Veronica kept her gaze on him, hoping it would crumple his resolve and he would confess to her.

Keith settled into his chair and turned on the television, flashing a toothy smile at Veronica. That annoyed her. She wasn’t going to let him flounce the fact that he knew something she didn’t. Veronica didn’t like that, not at all.

Standing, she marched over to her father with her hands on her hips, blocking his view of the television. Keith merely adjusted his position and peered around her.

“Are we going to talk about this?” Veronica asked him sternly.

Keith met his daughter’s gaze. He shook his head sternly. “No.”

Veronica frowned before storming off to her bedroom.

Chapter 2

A full week later and Veronica had yet to figure out what her father was working so hard to keep from her.

It was past annoying and moving into downright aggravating.

Her father walked around practically rubbing her lack of knowledge in her face.

It didn’t help that Lynn would come by the office every few days and Keith would send Veronica away. Veronica tried bugging the office, but when she came back later she found it sitting on her desk and her father laughing silently, shaking his head at her.

She had finally reached her breaking point. Veronica decided she was going to corner her dad and make him tell her what’s going on.

She stood outside their apartment she practiced her stern features and puppy dog eyes.

She would try anything to make him crack. Deciding that she had perfected her techniques, Veronica pushed the door opened and came to an immediate halt. She stood in the threshold of the apartment rooted to the ground, mouth agape in shock. Veronica’s eyes wandered around the small apartment. Boxes filled the rooms, half packed and in disarray.

“Veronica, is that you?” Her father called from his bedroom. Poking his head out, he smiled.

“Hey, you’re home. You can help me pack.”

Veronica finally found her voice. “Pack? Pack! What the hell is going on, dad?”

“We’re moving,” Keith answered simply. As if that response would satisfy the millions of questions running through Veronica’s mind at that moment.

“Where are we going? When are we leaving? When were you going to tell me?” Veronica’s voice rose with each question. Keith sighed and came into the living room. Setting the books in his hands down on the table he crossed to Veronica.

“Sweetie, it’s okay.” Keith placed his hands on Veronica’s arms and spoke soothingly. “We’re staying in Neptune. We’re just moving into a better place. You’ll love it.”

Veronica immediately began to worry. “Dad, how can we afford a better place? We barely make ends meet as it is.”

“Veronica, don’t worry. Everything is okay. I’m helping out a friend and that requires us making a few… lifestyle changes.”

Veronica instantly became suspicious. “What’s going on? Please don’t tell me you found some woman to shack up with that has three kids and we’re gonna be some sick and twisted Brady bunch.”

~*~

Logan ascended the stairs to his bedroom slowly. “Again,” he muttered to himself. “Fucking, again.” He wondered how he could have missed the telltale signs that Caitlin was cheating on him. He should be an expert by now, after Lilly. Lilly…

Logan shook his head to rid the thoughts. He wanted a drink – no, he needed a drink. He lazily pushed open the door to his bedroom in search of the bottle of Jack Daniels he had stashed in his closet, next to his porn magazines. Distracted in thought, Logan failed to notice something obstructing his path, prompting him to fall unceremoniously onto the floor into a giant heap.

“Fuck!”

Logan clamored up, eyes darting around the room, seeing everything packed into boxes. The only things left were a few clothes and his bed sheets. As soon as he gathered his bearings, he rushed out of the room.

“Mom!” Logan called. “Mom!” Logan tore through the house searching for his mother.

After the fourth call, Lynn rounded the corner into the living room. “I hear you, Logan. Calm down.”

“Why is my room packed?” Logan asked, incredulously.

Lynn smiled brightly. “We’re moving, honey.”

“What?!” Logan stood, gaping at his mother, wide-eyed.

~*~

Veronica stood on the front lawn of the new house, gazing fearfully up at it as if it were haunted.

Her father still refused to give her all the details. Although, her gut was telling her this had something to do with Lynn Echolls. How? Veronica wasn’t sure yet, but she was going to find out.

“So, are you just going to stand there staring at it, or are you going to go in?” Wallace approached her from behind.

“I don’t like this,” Veronica grumbled. “I don’t like being kept out of the loop and this,” she said, gesturing to the house, “Is in the loop.”

“Well, you can at least give me the tour.” Wallace nudged Veronica playfully. Veronica smiled slightly and walked them up through the garage, closing it behind her. Since her father wouldn’t be returning until later that evening, she took the liberty of parking in the garage to unload the last few things.

Veronica was walking Wallace up the stairs to show him her room when he abruptly stopped. “Why do you have four bedrooms?” He asked curiously, pointing to the two other empty rooms.

“I don’t know and my dad won’t tell me,” she huffed. “All he’ll say is that they’ll be filled soon.” Veronica pushed open the door at the end of the hall, revealing her bedroom full of boxes.

“I see you’ve made some headway,” Wallace joked as he flipped the lip open on one of the boxes and peered in.

Veronica flopped down on the bed. “I told my dad that I refuse to unpack until he tells me what’s going on.”

“Oh? What did he say to that?”

“He told me to have fun living out of a box.”

Wallace laughed and Veronica silenced him with her death-glare in retaliation.

However, the sound of the doorbell caused them to exchange puzzled glances.

“Well, now who could that be?” Veronica asked as she got up from the bed.

Pounding down the stairs, she flung open the door. She furrowed her brow at the stranger standing on her new doorstep with his back to her.

“May I help you?”

The figure spun around and Veronica’s jaw dropped.

~*~

Logan awoke the morning after finding out he was moving with an ominous feeling in the pit of his stomach. Yes, his mother had explained why they were moving and, yes, he did understand the motivations. What he didn’t understand was her incessant need to keep the details from him. She hadn’t even given him the address to the house yet, but told him it was spacious enough. She offered nothing beyond a few breadcrumbs. However, Logan was thankful to be out from under Aaron’s tyrannical rule. His mother was getting away from the abuse as well, which was more important.

Any time Aaron had attempted to hit Lynn while Logan was around Logan would offer himself as the sacrificial lamb by doing something to make Aaron angry. Logan tried anything to keep the bastard from hitting his mother.

Logan rubbed at his eyes to brush away the remnants of sleep and flung back the sheets. He made quick work of showering and changing and then bounded down the stairs to the kitchen. As he poured himself some juice he noticed Lynn was already busy directing the movers, telling them what went in storage and what went to the house. She was smiling and Logan thought that it was her most genuine smile in years. He could only hope that it continued even when Aaron returned from Albania (or was it the Czech Republic… who gives a shit?), where he was filming his next movie.

Logan had voiced his concerns to his mother, but she would only offer cryptic answers. She had muttered something about being safe and people watching over them, but she refused give him more information.

He assumed today would be the day he found out.

“Logan, honey, could you go on over to the house? You can take a few of your things with you and get settled in.” Lynn smiled brightly at her son. “Here’s the address.” She handed Logan a slip of paper with a house number and a street name.

“Someone should already be there, so just ring the bell if the door isn’t unlocked,” Lynn called before she went back to directing the movers.

Logan quickly loaded his car with a few essentials and drove to his new home. Pulling up to the house and into the driveway, Logan exited the car and glanced around curiously. “Welcome to suburbia,” he said to himself as he shook his head. He made his way up to the front door and tried the knob it wouldn’t open. Logan rang the bell and waited a moment. He turned and glanced at the other houses on the street. “Great. And just down the street from the Sinclair’s. Now I’ll never escape her.”

He heard a voice behind him. “May I help you?” Turning around, Logan nearly fell down the porch stairs as he saw who answered the door.

~*~

“Way to go. You’re a real Han Solo,” Veronica snorted through laughter.

Logan regained his balance and quickly slid on his cool façade.

“Yeah, well what can I say? I’m shocked to see you outside the trailer park,” he smirked.

Veronica narrowed her eyes and her mouth drew into a thin line. Wallace stepped forward, but she put out an arm to stop him. “What do you want, Logan?”

“I think I should be the one asking the questions,” he retorted indignantly. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“Me?! I live here. So, why don’t you hop into that ugly thing you call a car and retreat back under whatever rock you crawled out from under before I call the cops?”

Surprisingly, Logan didn’t budge. He simply stood on the porch shaking his head and running a hand through his hair.

“So, why don’t you run along?” Veronica asked in a falsely sweet voice. “I’m sure happy hour is just getting started down at Dog Beach.”

At that moment, Lynn drove up with the moving van behind her. Suddenly the pieces began clicking together in Veronica’s mind, the color slowly drained from her face. “This can’t be happening,” she muttered, disbelievingly. Wallace glanced at the moving van curiously and then at Lynn, who was getting out of her car.

“Veronica! Good, you’re here. Do you think you can show Logan around?” Lynn called from the street. Veronica gawked for another moment and then turned back into the house, leaving the front door open and Wallace staring after her, while Logan stared at his mother.

Wallace finally found Veronica in the back yard, pacing around the pool with her cell phone.

“When were you going to tell me?” She yelped into the phone.

“You thought you’d be home already? I can’t believe you would do this to me.” She paused and listened for a moment and then shook her head. “It had better be a giant pony,” she grumbled and hung up. She collapsed into a nearby lounger and rubbed the bridge of her nose. Wallace took a seat in the chair beside to her and watched for a moment. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Veronica, with her eyes close, spoke first. “So, I see you’ve met what’s filling the other rooms,” Veronica said without opening her eyes.

“You mean they’re moving in?” Wallace asked.

“Well, yeah!” Veronica blurted out as she stood and began pacing again. “Let’s review the past twenty minutes, shall we?” Veronica begins to tick off items on her fingers. “They have a moving van. This is a lovely four bedroom home. There’s my dad, me, Logan,” she spits out disgustedly. “And his mom. It looks like we’re going to be one big happy family, now doesn’t it?”

Wallace slumped at Veronica’s rude attitude. She noticed the change in his posture and instantly regretted taking her anger out on him.

“I’m sorry, Wallace. This is just…” Veronica trailed off, searching for the right word, but coming up pathetically short.

Wallace waved her off. “It’s okay. I’d probably be a basket case as well, if my least favorite person in the entire world was moving in with me.”

Veronica cringed. “Please, don’t say it like that. You make it sound like we’re shacking up and I’m pregnant with his illegitimate love child.” Veronica suddenly doubled over and grabbed her stomach. “Oh, God,” she gasped. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

“Isn’t that a symptom of pregnancy?” Wallace prodded playfully.

Veronica immediately stood. “You’re dead, Wallace Fennell. Dead! Do you hear me?”

Wallace began running as Veronica charged after him. She quickly caught up to him and shoved him into the pool. Wallace was a bit faster and grabbed her wrist, pulling her into the water with him.

The pair surfaced, laughing hysterically, unaware of Logan watching from an upstairs window.

~*~

“You know, you could go down there,” Lynn said quietly from the doorway.

Logan cocked his head slightly, but didn’t turn around. “What’s going on?”

Lynn took a deep breath. “Keith is helping me get everything set up so that we won’t get hurt in the backlash. You know when your father hears that I want a divorce, he won’t be very happy. Keith is staying with us and he, nor I, would let Veronica stay by herself. So, for now, this is the living arrangement.”

Logan said nothing and turned his attention back to the scene beyond the window.

“Everything will be okay, Logan. It just takes some getting used to,” Lynn said quietly before she left Logan alone with his thoughts.

Chapter 3

It had been a week since the Echolls’ and the Mars’ moved in to the same house and Veronica managed to dodge Logan most of the time. If she did find herself in the same vicinity as him neither said a word to each other, simply ignoring the elephant in the room that embodied their hatred.

Veronica spent as much time as she could at the office or Wallace’s house, but she knew her father would catch on sooner or later and force her to face the challenge head on. At home, Veronica spent most of her time in her room, unless forcibly removed by the call of food or some other needed essential.

As far as Lynn was concerned, Veronica was unsure what to make of her. Lynn spent a fair amount of time at her father’s office or running errands. Veronica never asked what they were, but debated tailing her one day to find out. However, her recent case for Justin was preventing her from acting on that line of thought. She knew Lynn was divorcing Aaron, but was unsure why Lynn needed her father’s assistance or presence so desperately, but she was determined to find out.

Veronica was just finishing her list of John Smith’s in the California area and was about to begin her English paper when someone knocked on her bedroom door. She looked up and then immediately back at her computer.

“So, what’s with you dragging guys into the girl’s bathroom, anyway? Is that your way of trying to get DK’s attention?” Logan leaned in her doorway and smirked, obviously pleased with himself.

Standing, she went to the door and placed her hand on the knob. “Just because we live in the same house doesn’t mean we have to actually talk to each other,” she bit out with narrowed eyes before slamming the door in his face.

Logan shook his head at the closed door and retreated back to his room. Two can play that game. He immediately flipped on his television and game console. Reaching for the remote, he turned the volume up to near deafening levels. He had to give her some credit, she had endured fifteen minutes of the loud rat-tat-tat of the machine gun until she finally came to stand in his doorway.

“Do you think you can turn that down?” She yelled over the sound of Logan’s assault.

Logan paused his game and spun around to face her. “Oh, I’m sorry. Are we talking?”

Veronica chewed the inside of her mouth and scrutinized Logan carefully. She wondered if she really wanted to give him the satisfaction of an answer. Raising her eyebrow and throwing a pointed look, she waited for him to turn the television down.

“I guess not,” Logan responded happily and returned to his game.

Veronica glared at him for a moment longer before retreating back to her room. She hastily threw her laptop in her bag. Time to go to Wallace’s. Hopefully, his mother wouldn’t be home to frown at her this time.

As soon as Logan heard the front door slam he grinned widely and reached for the remote. He turned the sound down to a more manageable level and reached for the vodka he had stashed under his bed. Finally, some peace and quiet.

~*~

Veronica had exactly twenty minutes to get ready for her date with Troy and she still hadn’t showered. She hurried into the bathroom and started the water. At least that was one good thing about moving – hot water.

Logan had almost reached the next level on Halo when the doorbell rang, causing him to jump and lose the mission. He swore loudly as he threw the controller across the room. “Is someone gonna get that?” Logan called out to no one in particular. The doorbell ringing again was the only response. He rolled his eyes and pulled himself up from the bed. “I guess I have to do everything myself,” he grumbled as he trotted down the stairs. Opening the door, he found a rather strange site.

“Troy?”

“Hey, Logan. Uh, what are you doing here?” Troy appeared confused and checked the numbers on the house to ensure he wasn’t at the wrong place.

Logan snorted. “I think the more appropriate question is what are you doing here?”

Troy laughed nervously. “I’m taking Veronica out. I didn’t know you guys lived together.”

Logan rested against the door and crossed his arms. “We live in the same house, we don’t live together. It’s a temporary arrangement that will hopefully end soon and put me out of my misery.”

Troy merely smiled and nodded politely. He continued standing on the porch, shifting his weight back and forth. Finally he spoke up. “So, is Veronica ready?”

Logan smirked. “I have no idea.” He pushed himself off the frame and motioned for Troy to follow.

Logan walked slowly up the stairs, taking his time and making the wait excruciating for Troy. He didn’t like the guy anyway. This was just an added bonus. Logan found Veronica’s door was partially open. Pushing it open, he found Veronica primping in the mirror. She caught him in the reflection and her eyes instantly narrowed.

“Your date’s here,” he said, enunciating the word ‘date.’

Veronica applied the last of her make up and left her room, brushing past Logan and purposely ignoring him. Logan stood at the top of the stairs, eavesdropping on the conversation below.

“You look great,” Troy remarked as Veronica met him at the bottom of the stairs.

“Thanks,” she replied shyly. “I hope Logan didn’t give you a hard time.”

“No, it’s fine. I can handle Logan.” Troy laughed as he waved off Veronica’s apology.

“I guess I need to work harder,” Logan thought to himself, grinning evilly.

~*~

Returning later that evening, Veronica found her dad in the living room watching television. “So, how was your date?” He asked, turning his attention to her.

“You know, the usual. Lousy conversation, but the sex was fantastic,” Veronica said with a playful tone.

“That’s not funny,” he scowled.

“I’m pretty sure it was,” she retorted thoughtfully. “It was fine. Just a date.”

“Well, that’s good. Am I going to have to give him the ‘don’t hurt my little girl’ speech?” Keith frowned.

“I don’t think we’re quite at that level yet, but when we get there I’ll let you know,” she told her father as she bent down to kiss him good night. She turned to leave, but he caught her by the elbow.

“Are things between Logan and you okay? I notice you guys don’t really talk.” Keith’s voice filled with concern.

Veronica gave him a thoughtful look. “Things are fine. Don’t worry, dad.” She gave him a small smile. She didn’t like to lie to her father.

“All right, sweetie. Lynn and I have to head up to L.A. tomorrow. You guys behave yourselves.” Keith shook his finger sternly at Veronica. “I don’t want to come home and find the house in ruins.”

“Make sure you extend that warning to Logan. Personally, I will be doing my homework and watching the Chapelle’s Show marathon with Wallace.” She waved goodnight to her father and ascended the stairs to her room.

~*~

As Veronica lie awake in bed, thinking back to her date with Troy, she heard a car door slam. Crawling out of bed, she peered through her blinds and saw Logan staggering up the front porch stairs. She knew Lynn wouldn’t hear a thing; she had a habit of sleeping with ‘Prince Valium’ on a nightly basis and probably wouldn’t wake up if the L.A. riots were going on outside their door. No, Veronica worried about her father. If he caught Logan coming home at three in the morning, drunk as a skunk, he would most likely cancel his trip to L.A., effectively canceling Veronica’s trip to Arizona in hopes of finding her mother.

“Great,” she breathed.

She carefully crept downstairs to the front door. Hearing the telltale signs of Logan attempting to unlock the front door, she flicked open the lock and wretched opened the door.

“Ronnie,” Logan exclaimed loudly, swinging his arms wildly.

Rolling her eyes, Veronica grabbed the front of Logan’s shirt and yanked him into the house. “If you don’t shut up my dad is going to come down here and tear you a new one,” she hissed and closed the door behind them.

“So?” Logan giggled drunkenly as he attempted to grope his way to the stairs. He found them – or rather his foot found them and he collapsed onto them, laughing hysterically.

Veronica threw up her arms in exasperation. “Fine, if you don’t want help.” She walked across the entry, stepping over Logan, lying in a heap on the stairs. Unfortunately, Logan’s hand shot out and grabbed her ankle, tripping her and sending her crashing to the ground.

“That’s gonna hurt in the morning,” he sing-songed.

“No shit, Sherlock,” she grumbled, pulling herself up. She straightened and began to go up the stairs when Logan called out.

“Hey, wait. Wait.” Veronica detected a note of sadness in his voice. “Are you gonna give me a hand, or what?” Logan stuck out his arm in Veronica’s direction, waiting for her to assist him. Sighing, Veronica took a few steps down and yanked Logan up, roughly, to a standing position. With Logan leaning most of his weight on Veronica’s small frame, they managed to make it to Logan’s room with only a few stumbles. Once in his room, Veronica dumped Logan’s heavy body onto the bed.

“I’ll be right back,” she said quietly.

“Oh, gonna take advantage of my inebriated state?” Logan snorted.

Crossing her arms across her chest defensively, Veronica glared at him. “Well, I was going to get you some aspirin so your hangover wasn’t so bad, but I’m seriously rethinking my generosity.”

“Fine. Whatever,” Logan slurred with a wave. He began tugging at his shirt to remove it so that he could get into bed.

Veronica returned a moment later with the water and aspirin. Logan had managed to pull on a pair of flannel pants on his own. Wordlessly, Veronica set the pills and glass on his nightstand and began to leave, but something caught her eye.

“Logan, what happened to your back?” Veronica stared at the bruises on his skin.

Logan visibly sobered. His eyes widened in realization as he turned to see Veronica standing in his room. He quickly regained his composure and his stony mask replaced his vulnerable features. “Why don’t you mind your own business, Mars, and get the fuck out of my room,” Logan bit out.

Veronica opened her mouth to speak, but decided against it. Nodding slightly, she left the room and pulled it closed quietly behind her.

~*~

After the fiftieth pass through the cable channels, Logan shut off his television and tossed the remote onto the nightstand.

He had been sitting for the past hour waiting for Veronica to get home to tell him how Duncan was doing. Logan knew he probably should have gone with them to the hospital, instead of dumping the rest of his scotch on them, but he was fairly certain the doctors wouldn’t have been pleased with a fairly drunk teenager standing around their waiting room. Logan was torn from his thoughts when he saw Veronica come through the front door. Crossing the room, he blocked her path to the kitchen.

“So, how’s Duncan?” Logan asked as he leaned against the wall, not meeting Veronica’s gaze.

“Oh, now you care?” Veronica swept past him and set her bag on the kitchen table.

“Yeah, I know. It was a dick move. Is he gonna be okay?” Logan worked to try to reign in his anger. If he pissed her off she wouldn’t tell him if Duncan was all right and she was the only one that knew. Logan had tried Duncan’s cell, but he wasn’t answering and no one else knew what had happened.

Sighing, Veronica finally responded while she pulled a soda from the refrigerator. “I assume so. When I left he was fine. I didn’t exactly stick around. His father got there and I took my leave. I do have better things to do than take care of drunk people.” She stared pointedly at Logan and then went out into the back yard, relaxing into one of the loungers and pulling out her cell phone. She didn’t want to deal with his lame attempt at regret. Besides, she had John Smiths to track down.

~*~

The past few days had been tough on Veronica and now, sitting in her car outside her house, she really didn’t want to go in and deal with Logan or his friends. She could tell, just by the cars, Dick and Luke were over. All she had to do was stay under their radar, pack up a few things and get her butt out of there and she would be on her way to Arizona in fifteen minutes. Sliding out of her seat, she tugged her bag onto her shoulder and put on her game face.

Carefully creeping into the house, Veronica looked around the room quickly. She heard voices coming from the back yard. She visibly relaxed and pounded up the stairs to her room. Hurriedly, she threw a change of clothes into a duffle bag and returned downstairs. Veronica cautiously moved into the kitchen, not wanting to bring attention to her presence. She could see Dick, Luke and Logan by the pool, drinking, and if they happened to glance in her direction she knew she was done for. She quickly grabbed a few bottles of water and was nearly across the kitchen when she heard Luke coming closer.

“Dick, are you coming with us to TJ this weekend?”

“Nah. I’ve got plans with Madison. Her parents are out of town and I intend on taking full advantage of the opportunity,” Dick responded lewdly.

They were nearly to the sliding door and if they managed to pull their heads out of their asses for more than a second they would see her. Wishing she were invisible at that moment, Veronica ran straight into the dining room table she was trying to edge around covertly. The noise reverberated off the walls and she heard the boys outside silence instantly.

“Shit,” Veronica thought to herself. “Just keep going. You can be out the door before they notice.”

Unfortunately, she was wrong. She could practically feel their eyes on her.

“Well, well, well,” Logan drawled. “Don’t be rude, Ronnie. Aren’t you going to say hello?”

Veronica turned and found Logan in the doorway with Dick glaring behind him.

“What can I say?” Veronica stared back coolly. “I didn’t want to ruin your little party. I was just leaving.”

“I’ll be damned. The rumors are true. Veronica Mars is shacked up with Logan Echolls,” Dick boomed. “So tell me, is she as good as everyone says.” Although the question was directed at Logan, Dick never took his eyes off of Veronica.

Logan snorted. “I wouldn’t know. I do have some self-respect, man.”

Veronica had enough. “Well, I’d like to say it’s been a pleasure, but really… let’s not pretend, shall we?” At that, Veronica turned on her heel and headed for the door.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Logan called out.

“None of your business,” Veronica answered without turning back around.

“Okay, I’ll just have to call your dad and let him know,” Logan said lightly.

Veronica stopped dead in her tracks. “You wouldn’t.”

“Wanna make a bet,” Logan grinned widely. Veronica immediately thought about going over and punching out all the teeth in his mouth. Instead, she swallowed the urge back and clenched her jaw.

“What do you want,” she gritted out.

“That’s more like it,” Logan said as he glided across the kitchen to her. “Now, what I want you to do for me is keep your mouth shut about our little trip down to TJ and we’ll be even.”

Veronica glared up at Logan. “Logan, I don’t give a shit what you do. Your life is no concern of mine. So, how about we come to a mutual understanding that you stay the fuck out of mine.” Not even giving him time to respond, Veronica exited through the door, slamming it loudly behind her.

~*~

Logan didn’t know what bothered him more. That Veronica told him off or that she told him to stay out of her business. It had been eating him up since she stormed out of the house earlier that afternoon. No one ever told him to stay out of their business. Shoot, they usually wanted him in their business. They wanted the attention of the great Logan Echolls. Except for Veronica. In fact, she never really wanted his attention, even when they were friends.

One thing was certain, though – the Veronica Mars that was his friend was dead and gone with Lilly. The girl that stood in her place was all hard-knock life and bittersweet.

It aggravated him to no end that he had to see her every day. She would be easier to deal with if she was that naive girl from the past. He could tell her anything and she’d happily go along with it. This new version, though, would probably challenge him even if he said the sky was blue. The whole situation was unnerving for Logan, and he didn’t like to not be the one in control. Finally he made a decision. When she got home she would get what’s coming to her.

Involuntarily smirking, Logan heard the front door open. He waited until he heard her get to her room, where she felt safe, before he made his attack. Nothing like being an ass on someone’s home turf. Silently, Logan moved down the hall to Veronica’s bedroom door. Instead of knocking, however, he flung the door open.

“And here I thought you ran away from home. Was it something I said?” Logan sneered at her. Veronica wasn’t facing him, though. She sat in her window seat, staring out at the night drenched street below.

Veronica spoke without even turning her attention to him. “Logan, go away,” she said in a defeated voice. “I really don’t feel like dealing with your issues that you think are so fucking important when I have better stuff to occupy my mind.”

Opening his mouth to speak again, Logan caught sight of something that threw his whole plan of attack off balance. In the moonlight from the window he could faintly make out the dampness streaking Veronica’s face. Logan promptly shut his mouth with a snap and swallowed his retort. Yes, he did believe in kicking a dog when it was down, but even this was too cruel for him. Wordlessly, Logan closed the door, leaving Veronica to mull over her ‘more important’ problems.

And.... Breath

2006-05-16T23:27:58Z

Veronica Mars has been given a season 3. They are slated for 22 episodes, but could get cut to 13, depending on ratings.

But who cares! VM gets a season 3!

So yay!

Happy Birthday, taken_with_you

2006-05-11T21:09:09Z

So, for taken_with_you's birthday, I promised smut and smut is what I gave. Enjoy.

Title: No Butts About Tit
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Logan/Veronica
Spoilers: None
Summary: AU/Future!fic. Veronica finds something Logan was hiding from her.

Veronica woke up slowly, basking in the warmth of the morning sun filtering through the windows. She pulled the comforter closer, wrapping her body in a cocoon of downy softness. She was thankful for electing to have a day during the week without classes. It meant she could sleep in after having a late night. Logan, however, didn’t follow her lead and was already at his morning classes. She had the apartment to herself. Reluctantly, she swung her feet out of bed. Even though her day was class-free, she still had errands to run and studying to do before Logan got home to distract her – which she knew he would.

Their relationship had taken an interesting turn. She was feeling a little brash one evening and openly asked him to help her improve her ‘technique’. Thankfully, he waited until after the lesson to tease her mercilessly, her skin turning a bright shade of red as he whispered all the dirty things she had done to him.

She found it oddly satisfying, though, listening to Logan’s throaty voice rumble in her ear, telling her how naughty she was. She felt empowered, strong… incredibly aroused. Since then, she had been the apt pupil under Logan’s expert tutelage, both learning more from each other than words could ever say.

And, as she hauled herself up from the bed, she found her muscles straining to hold her body upright. The previous night had been full of gymnastics routines that would most likely leave her sore for days. But it was worth it. So very worth it.

She went about her daily routine. Showered, changed, went to the grocery store, did some of her assigned reading. She had just finished her last page when she snapped the book shut and set it aside. She checked her watch and realized Logan would be home soon from class. She glanced around and realized she still hadn’t tidied up from the night before.

There were a few articles of clothing strewn around the room -- DVDs lay in front of the television, the handcuffs he bought her as a gag gift sat on the coffee table. She smiled, remembering how she had Logan crying out in pleasure the night before, handcuffed to the table and at her mercy.

She shook her head. Her father was coming over for dinner later; he really didn’t need to see those. She quickly began to gather the clothes and scooped up the handcuffs from the table and put them away from her father’s prying eyes.

She put the movies back in their cases and on the shelf. Just as she placed the last one, she noticed something out of the corner of her eye. She did a double-take and knelt down to inspect it.

Her brow creased as she pulled the plain, black DVD case from the shelving unit and opened it to inspect it. Their extensive porn collection was hidden from prying eyes in a locked cabinet on the other side of the television. Therefore, Veronica was thoroughly confused as to what ‘T&A’ was doing with their more viewable DVDs. She wasn’t familiar with the title, but if the graphic plastered on the disc was any indication, it certainly wasn’t below an R rating.

She frowned as she snapped the disc out of its case. Why could she not remember this one? With their active sex life, Veronica knew at least the titles of all their erotic paraphernalia. Her curiosity got the better of her and she powered on the DVD player and the television, popping the disc into the tray and hitting play.

The television came to life, loud moans hissing through the sound system. She gaped at the images that flashed across the screen. She quickly jumped though the scene selection to, roughly, the middle of the film.

She absolutely could not believe he would hide something like this from her.

Logan got home while she was entranced in the movie. He threw his jacket over the back of the chair and walked over, placing a peck on her cheek. He moved to the other side of the apartment, to the adjoining kitchen and grabbed a drink from the fridge. “Hey. What are you watching?” A loud moan echoed through the room and he had a fairly good idea. He grinned at the prospect. “Well, if I had known, I would have been home hours ago.” He flashed a winning smile at her.

She was still staring at the screen, her mouth hanging open, the remote control hanging limply from her hand. After blinking a few times she pivoted on her feet and faced Logan. She had no words for him, still in utter shock.

He heard dialogue from the movie and tilted his head to try and get a better view of the television. “What are you watching?” he repeated, more urgently this time as he rounded the bar that separated the kitchen from the living room. As soon as he got to Veronica’s side, his eyes went wide, his mouth curving into a silent ‘o’.

He turned quickly to Veronica, anxious to explain, but found no words. He looked at her pleadingly, hoping she wouldn’t blow up at him.

“Why didn’t you tell me you had this?” she asked, her voice a little louder than normal.

“It’s nothing. Really, it’s just nothing,” he tried hopefully.

She shot him a piercing glare. “Then why would you hide it, Logan? You didn’t want me to see it, did you?”

“Yes… Shit! No. It’s not that,” he replied hurriedly.

“What then? Please explain to me why you are hiding this from me.” She pointed at the screen emphatically, emphasizing her point. “I thought we told each other everything!”

He reached out and caressed her arms. “We do. Absolutely. This was just something that… I just like. When you’re at class or something and I’m missing you.” He shrugged lamely, not quite meeting her eyes.

“Did you want to do that?” she questioned him timidly, biting her lip and looking away.

“What?!” His eyes went wide with shock. “No!” He bent his head, catching her gaze. “No. Really, that isn’t why I have it.”

“We can, you know? Do that, if you want,” she informed him boldly and he nearly choked from the shock of her offer.

His eyes flicked from the actress on screen to Veronica, back and forth, the debate warring in his head, until reason took over. “No. Absolutely not.”

Veronica was taken aback. “What do you mean ‘absolutely not’? You don’t want to do that with me?”

Logan shook his head emphatically. “No, it’s not that. I mean I just don’t think you can.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he knew it was the wrong thing to say.

Her eyes narrowed on him, a look of pure determination on her face. “I most certainly can! Do you think I’m scared or something?”

“No. I just mean physically.” He gripped her arms tighter. “Baby, you’re so tiny I’d be afraid I’d break you. I’m the one who’s scared.”

He had that open, vulnerable look on his face that always made her melt. She could already feel her frustration washing away as she stepped into his embrace and kissed his chin. “Why don’t we just try it and see?”

He leaned back, his eyes wide. “Now?”

She shrugged, a shy smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Why not? We’ve got a few hours before my dad comes over. Might as well make it enjoyable.” She daringly met his eyes and almost giggled at his reaction.

Logan looked like a fat kid with chocolate, just aching to peel back the wrapper and taste the forbidden treat. His lips crashed roughly against hers, pouring his passion and love into her. He grabbed the hem of her shirt and yanked it over her head, catching on their attached mouths. Her fingers wrapped around his belt, pulling the leather and tugging it from the loops.

“Bed,” he muttered against her mouth. She merely nodded and the pair stumbled toward the room at the back of the apartment, shedding their clothes along the way.

Her knees hit the mattress and the pair collapsed onto the bed, a tangled mess of limbs. His mouth moved to her neck, leaving hot kisses along the column of her throat. A thought occurred to Veronica suddenly.

“So, how exactly are we supposed to do this?” she questioned nervously.

His brow creased as he looked off in thought and then back at her. “I don’t know. It’s a first time for me, too.”

“Wow. You mean there’s something you haven’t tried? I’m shocked,” she teased, but was silenced when he slipped his fingers inside her. She arched against him and wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning up to kiss him deeply.

She weaved a hand between them and circled his cock, gently stroking up and down the shaft. He groaned against her mouth, pushing his fingers deeper inside of her. He pulled his mouth from hers and she whimpered and moaned at the same time, he hand still working her.

“Turn over,” he commended softly. She looked at him questioningly and he smiled and kissed her nose. “You trust me, right?” She nodded in response. “Turn over.”

He removed his hand from between her legs and she slipped onto her stomach. He sat up on his knees at the edge of the bed between her thighs. He placed his hands on her shoulders and then slowly moved them down her body, making her shiver at his touch. When his hands reached the curve of her hips, he gripped tightly and pulled the blonde to him. She let out a surprised gasp that turned into a moan as she felt his hardness press against her. She involuntarily ground against him, seeking the friction she was now missing.

He lightly brushed her hair off her back, to the side, enjoying the sight of her on her hands and knees, awaiting him. He licked his lips and guided himself into her warm wetness. She groaned pleasurably and rested her head on her arms. He pushed himself all the way in, filling her up, all the way to the core. And then he began the painstakingly slow retreat. She hissed as he moved out of her, but then let out a cry when he thrust into her quickly. He continued his alternating fast and slow pace, working her up to her peak, but never allowing her to release. He knew it was driving her insane by the frustrating whimpers she would let out when he slowed his pace.

He steadied his pace, making shallow, even thrusts as he tightened his grip on her hips. “Ready?” he gasped.

She didn’t even lift her head, only turned her head to the side so that he could hear her voice. “For what?” she asked, apparently forgetting the reason they started the afternoon’s escapade.

Logan smiled and then pulled out of her carefully. She began to protest, but as he began to push at her second opening, the only thing that came out was a small ‘Oh.”

He pushed in carefully as she tried not to resist him. He could see that her eyes were squeezed tight. “Am I hurting you?” he asked gently, starting to ease out of her.

“No!” she blurted out and her eyes snapped open. “Just… just getting used to it.” She put on a brave face and braced herself.

He nodded slightly and pushed against her unconscious resistance. His cock was generously lubricated from their previous activities, easing his entrance into her. The farther he went in, the tighter it got and soon he was all the way in. He stopped, adjusting to the tightness of her, and rested his head against her back. He gasped and bit her gently on the back, gripping her shoulder, when she wiggled against him. She let out a small laugh and he kissed her shoulder blade.

“I’m going to start moving now,” he warned. She nodded, her face buried into the pillow she was clutching tightly.

He paced himself slow, allowing her to adjust to him being inside her, in the new position. However, as soon as she began to purr lowly, reverberating through her body, he thrust faster, more roughly.

She began to cry out in pleasure, gasping as she came when he pinched at her aroused clit. He felt her tighten around him in response to his action and he could barely contain himself. He managed only a handful of sloppy thrusts before he came inside her.

He wrapped an arm around her waist as he used what little energy he had to ease them down onto the bed. He kissed his way up her back as he carefully pulled out of her, mindful of the possible soreness. When he reached her ear, he whispered, “Well, that’s one way to keep you from getting pregnant.”

She laughed into the pillow she was still holding and turned over onto her back.

Once she caught her breath, Veronica turned to Logan, a wide smile spreading across her face. “Okay, now we do you.”

FIC: Possessed – Sequel to Unentitled (Veronica/Logan) – R

2006-04-28T20:42:43Z

Title: Possessed
Author: ethereal_65
Pairing/Character: Veronica/Logan, mentions of Logan/Hannah
Word Count: 4019 words
Rating: R for language and sexual situations.
Summary: Logan must cope with Hannah leaving. Veronica offers a little friendly distraction.
Spoilers: All aired episodes.
Warnings: Language, sexual situations.

Author’s Notes: Thanks to moire2, taken_with_you and fickledame for the beta.

Veronica watched as the multitude of girls congratulated Logan on his winning essay. She couldn’t believe him. Plagiarizing Easy Rider of all things. Though, she almost felt he deserved it, even if the work wasn’t his. He had just been freed – again – of his murder charges, and lost another girlfriend in the process.

Logan had only appeared bothered by Hannah’s sudden disappearance for less than a week, but quickly rebounded, but Veronica was acutely aware of Logan’s capacity to hide his emotions. Though he had outwardly reverted to his carefree and nonchalant attitude, inside he was most likely feeling the sting of another loved one lost.

Loved one.

Veronica’s stomach clenched at the thought as she approached him. She couldn’t help lashing out at him, jealously eating away at her insides. She accused him of cheating – well, less accusation, more fact. He shrugged her off, aloof, as usual. She worked to not grind her teeth.

Veronica took a moment, her eyes scanning his face. Then she sighed. “Have you talked to Hannah?” she asked him softly, but intently.

Logan’s eyebrow rose at her question. “She’s in Vermont. It’s a little difficult.”

“You mean her dad has forbidden her from speaking to you?”

“Seems to happen a lot,” Logan shot back shortly.

Apparently, he wasn’t up for discussing his wounded heart. However, she continued to press on. “Do you want me to find her phone number?”

Logan eyed her cautiously. “Why do you care?”

Veronica’s mouth tugged at the corners in a small frown. “She was important to you Logan, whether you’ll admit it or not. Her leaving probably sucked for you.”

“Ever the poet, Mars,” he deadpanned as he brushed past her to exit the classroom.

She was not easily deterred, though. She followed him and managed to keep up with his wide strides. “Do you want the number or not?” she demanded shortly.

Logan stopped abruptly and Veronica realized the pace forced her to catch her breath. He watched her with suspicious eyes as she fidgeted under his intense stare. “Who are you and what have you done with that pesky little blond that I usually call a pain in my ass?”

She couldn’t help the small smile that graced her features. She ducked her head and clutched tightly at her bag. “Look, Logan, Hannah was a sweet girl and you really cared about her. It sucks what happened and I’m trying to be a friend here. I’m offering my awesome PI skills to track down your lost love’s phone number so that you two can reconnect. How much more poetic can you get?” She finally raised her eyes back to his, a sly smirk flitting shortly across her mouth.

His expression matched hers. “And here I thought you were offering other skills.” His gaze slowly worked its way down her body.

She bit the inside of her mouth, trying to suppress an eye roll. “Must be an odd day,” she intoned.

“I thought I was complimenting you.”

“It probably is a compliment by your standards. Others? Not so much.” Her weight shifted under the load of her bag. “So? Do you want me to track her down?”

Logan’s face softened, offering her a sad smile. “Yeah. Thanks.”

She nodded and spun on her heel in the opposite direction towards her Chemistry class.

~*~

A few days later, Veronica found Logan sitting by himself in the quad. She glanced around cautiously, waiting for Dick, Sean or some other lackey to sidle up to him. After a few moments of waiting in the shadows - and no sign of interference - she decided it was safe and approached him.

She had to stifle a laugh when she noticed that Logan was not simply sitting alone, but actually doing his homework. She dropped into the seat across from him and flashed a bright smile when he looked up from his work.

“I never thought I’d see the day that Logan Echolls would forego hanging with his buds in favor of homework.”

Logan flipped the pencil he was holding behind his ear and closed his books, smiling warmly. “So, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

Veronica felt her heart beat a little faster and quickly averted her gaze. “I found Hannah.” She chanced a look at him and noticed he paled slightly. She offered him a sympathetic smile and pulled a slip of paper from her bag. She slid it across the table to him, her fingers on the edges so it wouldn’t blow away in the light breeze.

When he didn’t immediately take it, she tilted her head to get a better look at his downcast eyes. “Logan?”

He reached out and took the paper from her, his fingers barely brushing against hers. Veronica pulled her hand away quickly, blushing from the contact.

Logan quickly stuffed the paper in his pocket, but made no movement to leave. Veronica took it as a positive sign.

“So, are you gonna call her?” she pressed.

Logan merely shrugged, his mind obviously elsewhere. Veronica let an annoyed breath escape through her nose.

“Okay, I know this is awkward and all, but I’m trying to do this friend thing,” she informed, aggravation creeping in her voice. “If the work was for nothing, then I might as well take the information back.” She reached toward him, her hand diving for his pocket.

The movement seemed to bring Logan out of his stupor as his fingers wrapped around her wrist. “I always knew you wanted to get into my pants, Veronica.” There was the Logan she knew, smirk firmly in place, arrogance oozing from every pore.

She shook her head and pulled her hand free from his grasp. “I knew I should have waited until tomorrow to give that to you.” Of his curious glance, she elaborated. “Even number day. But silly me, I thought it was important.” She held up her hands in mock surrender. “I’ll just be on my way, then.”

She quickly gathered up her bag and was standing to leave when Logan spoke. “Thank you,” he said softly.

Veronica froze, intrigued by the admission. “That’s what friends are for,” she offered. “Helping you get the phone numbers to girls that have been forbidden from seeing you and offering to help take your mind off things.”

Logan’s eyes quickly flashed in amusement and Veronica realized the slip.

“Not like that,” she admonished. “I was thinking more along the lines of some good old fashioned undercover work. It gets a little boring and I could use some company tonight.” She raised her brow, “if you’re up for it.”

There it was, the challenge had been issued and she knew Logan couldn’t resist showing off.

“All right,” he said slowly. “What time should I pick you up?”

“Nuh uh,” she followed his response immediately. “We’d be spotted within seconds in that thing you call a car. I’m driving. I’ll pick you up at nine.” She swung her legs over the bench and began to walk away. However, she stopped suddenly and turned back to him. “And wear something black. We’re undercover, remember,” she reprimanded. She spun quickly and then disappeared into the crowd of milling students.

~*~

She knew it was a colossally bad idea to bring Logan Echolls on an undercover assignment – scratch that – a fake undercover assignment, but she couldn’t help but want to do something to make him feel some emotion other than despondence since the departure of Hannah.

The best scheme she could concoct on a whim was a night at a bar, fake IDs in hand. However, Logan Echolls would most likely not come willingly with her, so she opted for a little deceit. What else was new?

But, she was trying for this whole ‘friend’ thing with him and had hastily shoved her ever-growing feelings for him to the side.

The boy didn’t need a love interest; he needed someone to distract him from his misery – non-sexually speaking, of course. Because that wasn’t running through Veronica’s mind at all - or so she told herself as she pulled up to the Neptune Grand.

She took a calming breath and looked up to see Logan exiting the lobby. Dressed in his usual carefree attire, Veronica couldn’t help but admire his resiliency. This was a boy who’d grown up too fast – who had beaten a murder wrap twice and lost several loved ones in the process - and yet he still managed to take it in stride. He still could face each day with a blasé attitude and a pair of Diesel jeans.

She shook her head as he climbed in, laughing at herself for thinking of something so deep and meaningful about Logan Echolls, the epitome of shallow.

Logan slid into the seat with ease, propping his foot against the dash as he buckled in for the ride. He glanced over and gave a quick nod before turning his attention back to the area ahead of them, but then his attention snapped to her again.

“Uh, are you planning on putting the rest of that outfit on when we get there?” he asked as he caught sight of Veronica’s clothing – or lack thereof.

Veronica frowned and looked down at herself. “What? What’s wrong with my outfit?”

“Nothing,” Logan muttered and turned his attention back out the window.

She continued to frown, but decided not to press the issue. Spending her evening with Logan-the-Ticking-Time-Bomb was not what she wanted – but if she pushed his buttons, that was exactly what she would end up doing.

As she smoothly pulled out onto the street, she silently cursed herself for the millionth time. This was a horribly bad idea. The worst idea in the history of the universe. Logan Echolls and herself, alone, in a nightclub, him most likely quite drunk. Damn her for trying to be nice.

To Veronica’s relief, they made it to the club in San Diego in record time. Neither had spoken for the rest of the ride and she was already resisting the urge to taser him. They flashed their fakes at the bouncer, who didn’t give them a second glance as they stepped into the dark club.

They quickly found the bar and ordered their drinks, Veronica opting for non-alcoholic since she would be chauffeuring the poor, little rich boy this evening.

Again, she wondered what she was thinking when she invited him along.

Oh yeah, trying to be a friend. Isn’t it working out splendidly? He hasn’t spoken since he got into the car.

Veronica steered them to balcony level where they could watch the crowd below dancing to the pumping music. Her eyes scanned the writhing bodies below them disinterestedly. This certainly wasn’t her cup of tea, but it appeared to be Logan’s.

Booze and sex. He was set.

Now, all she had to do was find someone who could occupy him while she sat bored in the corner, sipping on her, sadly, liquor-less beverage.

“So, who is it that we’re watching?” Logan asked as he sipped his drink.

Veronica was caught off guard and stammered slightly. She wasn’t used to having a partner in crime on stakeouts, so she had forgotten that Logan would most likely ask who they were watching. “That guy over there,” she finally squeaked out, covering it with a cough. She nodded her head in the direction of the dance floor, no one in particular.

“Right,” Logan said, obviously annoyed. “That doesn’t narrow it down.”

Veronica panicked slightly and scanned the gyrating bodies for a passable mark. “The guy in the blue jacket that grabs at any piece of ass that walks by.”

Logan’s neck craned to find the so-called mark and gave a short nod when he found him.

Veronica breathed a sigh of relief into her glass as she watched the man on the dance floor, pretending to be intrigued by his movements.

This was the stupidest idea she had ever come up with.

Note to self. Don’t do anything nice for anyone ever again.

The pair settled onto a couch that lined the wall, keeping a measurable distance between them. They continued to sit in silence, allowing the music to provide an excuse for their lack of communication. Talking to Logan would require close proximity, and Veronica wasn’t sure she wanted – or needed – that at the current point in time. If she got close to him she’d smell his cologne, feel his body heat, notice the way his hands were constantly in motion - which always led to wrongdirty thoughts.

So she sat, her hands clutched her glass tightly, which was becoming slick with condensation, and watched the dancers below, making sure to check on her supposed mark every now and again to keep up appearances.

Her eyes scanned the warehouse of flashing lights and landed on a woman by the bar staring in her direction, but not. She followed the woman’s line of sight and landed on Logan, looking bored as ever, finishing the last of his drink.

Veronica swallowed her burgeoning feelings and turned toward him, thrusting her plastic cup at him. “Can you get me another Coke?” she asked sweetly, baring her teeth as she smiled.

He looked at her suspiciously, not taking the cup quite yet. Veronica sighed and her shoulders slumped. “The woman at the bar is eyeing you,” she admitted with a nod of her head. “I think she’ll be better company for the evening.”

“What about you?” he asked over the booming music.

She shrugged, as if careless. “I’ll manage. I’ve done this before. Remember?”

Logan’s mouth tugged down in a frown, but he nodded anyway, taking the cup from her and headed to the bar.

As soon as his back was turned, Veronica slumped back into the couch and let out a deep sigh.

Now I remember why we were never friends. Ugh!

Her eyes flitted over to the bar where Logan was chatting easily with the woman who had been ogling at him. Her chest tightened painfully, but she breathed deeply to relieve the sensation. She knew Logan had had little happiness in his life. If she could give him a night, then so be it. She was his friend and she was ‘taking one for the team,’ as they called it.

She rubbed at her temples, desperately trying to make sense of the jumbled mess that currently occupied her brain. She didn’t notice someone sit down beside her.

“How are you doing tonight?”

Veronica groaned. She really didn’t want to deal with some idiot looking to get laid; she left her taser at home. She sighed and opened her eyes, a rebuff on the tip of her tongue. However she stopped, her jaw dropping unladylike.

Next to her sat a handsome young man, smiling warmly at her. Not the usual leeches she would expect to hit on her. She stammered slightly before she responded. “Good, thank you. You?”

The man took her response as encouragement and scooted slightly closer to her, not that she minded. It had been a while since she had the undivided attention of a man, it was nice to have it now, since Logan was working the bimbo at the bar.

“Not too bad,” the man responded in kind. “Quite a club, huh?” He nodded to the dance floor, where a fast, heavy beat thumped around the dancers below them.

Veronica laughed a little. “Yeah. Quite.” She stuck her hand out for the man to shake. “I’m Veronica, by the way.”

“Neil,” he responded, taking her hand gently and kissing it delicately. Veronica blushed brightly under Neil’s intense stare, but she doubted he noticed in the dim lighting. He released her hand, but continued to gaze at her intently.

She shifted nervously and cleared her throat. “So, Neil, come here often to pick up available ladies like myself – or is tonight just special?” she teased, the corners of her mouth peaking into a smile.

Neil let out a chuckle. “It’s my first time here. I go to UCSD and some friends decided to bring me along for a night on the town. I don’t usually go out much.”

Veronica nodded in understanding. “I know how that is. A friend of mine just went through a really bad break-up, so I’m trying to be the awesome friend and play wing-chick tonight.”

“Ah,” Neil said exaggeratedly, laughing a little. “Any luck thus far?”

Veronica glanced back at the bar and noticed Logan was no longer there. Her brow knitted in worry as she turned back to Neil. “Well,” she began, but was interrupted by a familiar voice breaking through the bass of the music.

“Veronica. There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.” Logan slid onto the couch, next to Veronica and wrapped his arm around her shoulders protectively. He smiled broadly at Neil. “So, who’s your friend?” he asked, obviously all too pleased with himself for ruining what could have been a great moment.

Her face soured, but she worked to control it, plastering on a bright smile. “Neil, Logan. Logan, Neil.” She gestured accordingly between the two men, who simply nodded to one another.

It only took Neil half a second before he decided that he needed to get back to his friends. He made a hasty retreat down the back stairs before Veronica could even get out the word ‘bye.’

She immediately rounded on Logan. “What the hell, Logan?” she practically screeched, angry with his antics.

Logan rolled his eyes, but Veronica noticed he still did not remove his arm, even when the Neil-threat had disappeared into the blackness. “Please, Veronica. You’d actually let a guy pick you up in a bar?”

Veronica huffed, sinking back into the sofa, and folded her arms across her chest, obviously annoyed. “No, but it was kinda nice having a conversation with someone.”

“I thought you needed to watch your mark, not flirt,” Logan checked, curiously.

She bit her lip, but refrained from saying anything. Instead, she leaned forward, allowing Logan’s arm to drop from her shoulders and come to rest between her back and the couch. She glanced over the crowd, trying to find the non-mark, and desperately attempted to ignore the feel of Logan’s fingers brushing across the exposed skin of her back.

He’s drunk. He’s just looking for attention.

“Did you strike out with Barbie McBoobs over there?” she finally bit out when she could no longer stand the feel of his fingers against her flesh.

Logan merely raised an eyebrow, his fingers stilling against her back. “I saw Wanna-be over here bugging you. I thought you needed a hand. But if you’re fine, I’ll leave you alone.” He held up his hands in surrender and began to stand. Veronica’s hand shot out, grabbing his wrist. She was even surprised by her actions and quickly released it. However, he still settled back down in his seat, still rightnext to her.

“Thank you,” she told him sincerely. He nodded, smiling softly at her.

Their eyes met and Veronica could feel the tingling down her spine as she saw the emotion swimming within the big, brown recesses of his eyes. She unconsciously licked her lips as he leaned closer to her.

YesyesyesyesNO!

This was not what she needed. She didn’t want to be Logan’s rebound, his ‘get over Hannah’ fuck. She broke their gaze and turned her face away from him. Still, Logan was not deterred. His hand came up to Veronica’s face and turned it back to him, his lips brushing over hers softly.

This is wrong. So very wrong… So wrong it’s right.

Logan’s mouth closed over hers, his tongue tracing along the seam of her lips, but as soon as she opened her mouth to welcome him, he pulled away. Veronica blinked, surprised by his actions – all of them.

“What was that?” she asked, wide-eyed, like a deer in headlights.

Logan sunk into the couch casually, his arm safely tucked behind her again. He smiled nervously and nodded his head in the direction behind her. “I saw your mark. I figured you didn’t want to be spotted. Couples making out don’t really seem to be anything out of the ordinary here.”

Veronica looked away, her body clenched in mortification that she actually thought something was going on between them.

Stupid, silly Veronica. Stupid, silly- Omph!

Logan’s mouth was on hers again. She sat ramrod still, muttering against his mouth, “Mark?”

Logan’s free hand came up to cup the back of her neck. “No,” he said between kisses. “I just really wanted to do that again.”

Veronica pulled back slightly, her eyes curious and searching. Logan shrugged, a boyish smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “I have for a while now.”

“How long is ‘a while’?” she asked cautiously.

Logan shrugged, his fingers playing with the hair on the back of her neck. “Since you last let me do it.” He looked away, ashamed or shy, she wasn’t sure.

Her hand came up and cupped his cheek. She leaned in and pressed her lips tentatively to his. He responded in kind, his mouth moving smoothly over hers.

His hand spanned the exposed back of her top, his finger tips brushing across the skin, sending a shiver up her spine. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, pulling him closer. She couldn’t get close enough, she pressed firmly against him, almost sitting in his lap, her legs over his, twining like roots.

She was so wrapped up in the feeling of his mouth and hands that she barely registered the fact that he had pulled them up, guiding them blinding through the crowd. Her feet stumbled as they made it outside the club and to her car. She felt one of his hands leave her and then they fell into the passenger seat of her car. She collapsed on top of him, straddling his torso, her mouth never leaving his. He pulled the lever on the side of the seat and they collapsed back.

His fingers gripped her thighs, massaging the muscles as his hands slowly burned a path higher and higher.

“Veronica,” he groaned against her mouth.

She moaned and gripped his biceps, trying to touch every inch of skin. She moved her hands slid down his chest and pushed up his shirt, running her fingers over the sinewy muscle.

He tore his mouth away and moved to her neck, the spot she loved. He groaned again. “Veronica… Veronica.”

She was panting heavily, anxiously waiting for him to touch her intimately. His hands were so close. Just a little further.

“Veronica!”

She blinked. “Huh?”

Logan’s brow furrowed. “You okay?”

She looked down at the white paper, a stark contrast to the yellow mesh of the table. Her eyes snapped back to Logan. “Yeah, sorry.” She cleared her throat quickly, stalling for time as the residual thoughts of Logan touching her began to fade away. “I zoned out. It happens sometimes.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?” His eyes bored into her and she feared that he could detect the faint flush on her cheeks that she was sure was present after such an intense daydream.

Veronica worked to pull off a believable smile. “Yeah, just not getting a lot of sleep.”

He smirked and she knew he had believed her lie. “Thoughts of me keeping you up at night?”

She rolled her eyes and stood. “See ya, Logan.”

“It’s okay,” he called after her, “It’s hard for me, too, knowing how hot and irresistible I am.”

She shook her head and groaned inwardly.

You have no idea.

Shocker - Chapter 5 (L/V) - NC-17

2006-04-19T14:44:09Z

Title: Shocker(5/?) (L/V) - NC-17
Author: ethereal_65
Pairing: Logan/Veronica
Rating: NC-17 for graphic sexual content.
Word Count: 2731
Spoilers: Like A Virgin Season One

Previous Chapters
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Veronica was sure she was about to solve the purity test scandal. She had just narrowed down her suspect list and was on her way to the quarry to catch the lovebirds. She was busy fishing through her bag for her keys while she shut the door to the apartment. She didn’t notice him walk up behind her and casually lean against the railing.

“Tut, tut, Mars. Sneaking out of the house? How juvenile delinquent of you.”

She jumped, startled, and dropped her keys. She quickly snatched them up and turned to the speaker.

“I have to run an errand,” she said flatly as she brushed passed Logan.

“Then, by all means, please blow me off,” he muttered sarcastically.

“You’d have to be a good boy for that. And last I checked, you weren’t a good boy. Especially to me.” Veronica spun around and faced him, crossing her arms defensively. “What do you want, Logan? I’m a little busy at the moment.”

He smiled darkly at her and pushed off the railing. “We can walk and talk.” He strode passed her and stopped a few paces ahead, waiting for her. She rolled her eyes and caught up to him. He shoved his hands in his pockets and continued his pace. He cleared his throat before he spoke again. “So, have you considered my offer yet?”

“I’m still thinking it over,” she said nonchalantly.

Logan nodded. He continued walking with her to car and didn’t speak again until she had thrown her bag in the back and opened the door. “So, where are you going?”

“I’m gonna catch a frog,” she said cryptically, with a wicked smile.

Logan chewed on the inside of his mouth for a moment. “Want some company?”

Veronica’s brow furrowed for a moment, but then smoothed. “Sure,” she responded.

~*~

The ride back to the apartment was silent, occasionally interrupted by Logan’s tapping fingers against the glass. It was the longest Veronica had ever seen Logan go without opening his mouth.

“So, Kimmy’s doing the IT guy?”

Veronica nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of his voice. She quickly calmed herself and shot him a quizzical look.

“I looked at the pictures while you were at the gas station.” He shrugged when she frowned. “I figured I might as well know what illegal activities I’m getting into. Though, I do have to say, she could use a little tutoring. Her technique is, shall we say, lacking?” He wiggled his brows at her and Veronica let out a giggle.

Logan smiled warmly and relaxed into the seat. “We should give her some pointers,” Logan said off-handedly.

It took a moment for Veronica’s brain to register the insinuation. Her mouth fell open as it sunk in. However, she only shook her head and fixed her eyes on the road ahead.

We shouldn’t be talking about this.

The rest of the ride went by in a different silence than the start of the trip. It was more stifled, more uncomfortable. She was fairly certain it was on her end. Logan appeared to be the epitome of comfortable at the moment, bopping his head in time with the music, lounging back in the passenger seat, staring at nothing in particular.

She pulled into the complex and exited the car, not waiting to see if Logan would follow her. She was unlocking the door when he came up behind her, his breath hot on her neck.

“So, is your dad home?” His hands settled lightly on her hips, creating instant heat.

She swallowed thickly as she fumbled with the keys. She blinked, trying to concentrate on anything but his proximity, his voice, his breath. “He’s out,” she said flatly.

“So, you’re here all by your lonesome?” Logan’s whisper was right in her ear, low and husky. His fingers coasted under her shirt, teasing the exposed skin along her back.

She cleared her throat, desperately trying to keep herself together. “Maybe. Maybe not,” she answered steadily.

His fingers gripped her hips tightly. “You still haven’t given me an answer,” he muttered against her neck, lips pressed into her skin.

Her head fell back against his shoulder as her eyes fluttered from the sensation. “Answer to what?” she asked breathily.

“My proposition,” he breathed into her ear as his hands drifted further up her shirt.

She turned in his arms, an evil glint flitting through her crystal eyes. “I think I may just need another demonstration.” The corner of her mouth twitched up, the makings of a smile.

Logan groaned pleasantly. “I think that can be arranged.” He bent his head and pressed his lips roughly to hers as her arms snaked around his neck.

He groped for the door behind her and finally managed to open it and push them through the threshold. He slammed it closed with his foot, never breaking contact with her.

“Wait. Wait,” he said suddenly, ripping his mouth from hers.

She stared up at him, fear gripping her insides, but she stayed silent.

“Are you actually going to give me an answer? Or are you just going to keep stringing me along? ‘Cause I don’t know if I can take much more of this.” His mouth twitched as he watched relief flutter across her features.

“Maybe…” she trailed off vaguely.

Logan’s eyes narrowed on her. “Maybe to which one?”

“Both.” Veronica was grinning at this point, enjoying making him squirm.

“Can you at least tell me if I’m going to get a home run tonight?” he asked, his eyebrow arching in question, an almost desperate hopefulness in his eyes.

She couldn’t resist smiling up at him. “Batter up.”

He quickly reclaimed her mouth harshly, his teeth clashing with hers.

He pushed them further into the apartment, stumbling every now and again over a rug or bumping into a wall. Finally, they made it to her bedroom and he pushed off her jacket, tossing it aside as his mouth slid down her neck.

He grabbed the bottom of her shirt and pulled it over her head. It caught for a moment on their attached mouths, but they broke apart momentarily to rid the offending article.

Logan gently began to back Veronica to her bed as his mouth again worked its way down her neck. The back of her legs hit the bed and she stumbled, losing her balance, and fell onto the mattress. Logan pulled his shirt over his head before he crawled onto the bed, covering her body with his own.

His lips worked across her collarbone, down the valley of her breasts, over her bra and to her stomach, placing random kisses across the smooth skin. His fingers worked at the fly of her pants, eliciting a small giggle from Veronica when he couldn’t undo the buttons after several tries.

Finally, he lifted his head when she went into a full-blown fit of laughter. “I’ll have you know this is tough to do one-handed!”

“Not enough practice, huh, pretty boy?” Veronica lifted herself to lean on her elbows and offered him a placating nod of her head before laughing again.

Logan threw up his hand in defeat. “Fine! You do it.” He shifted to the side, his long legs dangling off the side of the bed, leaning back against the wall her bed sat against, and pulled his hands behind his head as he watched Veronica with a challenging gaze.

She merely smirked at him as her fingers danced along her stomach to the waistband of her pants. She tugged at the button and it popped open with ease. She smiled up at him smugly, tilting her head to the side and wiggling her fingers at him.

“Okay, so you can undo your own pants. Can you undo mine?” His eyes darted suggestively to his own pants as he waited patiently.

She shook her head at him. “Never send a man to do a woman’s job,” she jabbed as she rose up onto her knees. She leaned forward, her mouth covering his, warm and inviting. Her fingers skimmed down his chest and played along the waistband of his jeans before she expertly flicked the button open. She smiled against his mouth, barely containing the laughter.

“Oh, that’s it.” Logan’s hands wrapped around her shoulders and pushed her back against the mattress, his mouth latching to hers possessively. He grabbed at her pants, tugging at them, pulling them down her hips and legs. He finally released her mouth to rip the pants off her feet with a low growl.

He sat up to unzip his own pants, but her hands covered his, pushing them aside as she slowly pulled the zipper down. Her eyes met his in a sultry gaze. She unconsciously licked her lips, tugging at it with her teeth. His eyes burned into hers, never breaking away as she pushed the fabric past his hips and down his legs.

She leaned back onto the bed as he stepped out of his pants. His scrounged through the pockets quickly and found the foil packet he was searching for. He set it on the shelf above her bed as he crawled back into the bed.

His mouth found her neck again, suckling at it, most likely leaving a mark, making her his. She haphazardly pushed his boxers down and wrapped her slender fingers around his erection. His moan of pleasure was muffled by the crook of her shoulder and he licked a path down her chest to the edge of her bra. His teeth nipped at a nipple through the cloth, causing it to harden under his attention.

She gently stroked up and down his cock while his hands removed her silky undergarments. Her bra went first and his mouth immediately latched to one rosy peak as his hand caressed the other. His free hand moved along the curve of her hip to her underwear, teasing along the seams. Finally, he released her breast to carefully slip off the last barrier.

His lips moved down her body to her thighs, kissing softly along the inside, his hands following, soothing the skin from his stubble-rough cheek. As he reached the apex, his fingers slid along her folds and inside her.

She gasped and clenched around him, feeling a slow burn rise up her body. She could feel his mouth work its way back up her stomach, her chest, her neck, until his rough voice was suddenly in her ear. “You’re wet for me. Do you know how hard that makes me?”

She could only shake her head, her skin puckering in goose bumps. Her fingers tentatively squeezed tighter around him and she heard him utter a low, “Fuck.” Her confidence increased as she stroked him a little faster, hearing his breath come out in shallow bursts. His mouth closed over hers and she could feel him shift above her, changing the angle of his hand between her thighs.

His fingers curved inside her and her eyes popped open in surprise ecstasy. “Oh, God,” she gasped. She saw him fumble for the condom and he quickly ripped it open with his teeth, his hand never stopping its ministrations. He rolled on the latex and positioned himself above her before removing his fingers.

She couldn’t stop the whimper when his hand slid out of her body.

“Don’t worry, baby. I’ll give you something so much better,” he muttered in her ear.

She arched into him at the sound of his voice. She felt his hands wrap around her hips, steadying her. And then he was pushing into her and she bit her lip, a sigh breaking through from both their lips.

He leaned above her on his elbows. “Open your eyes,” he demanded softly.

She blinked a few times, adjusting to his face hovering above her. Her hands tentatively rested at his sides, her gaze meeting his. He slowly stroked in and out and her eyes began to flutter shut.

“Veronica, keep your eyes open. I want you to look at me. I want you to see me.”

Her teeth dug into her lower lip as she forced her eyes to open and focus on him. He moved again, pulling out of her and she worked to keep her eyes open and focused on his. When only the head of his cock was still inside, he pushed back into her, his eyes never leaving hers.

She groaned in pleasure, her eyes wanted to close, to enjoy the sensations, but she continued to look at Logan, answering his challenge head-on.

Gradually, his thrusts became faster and harder, much like his breathing. His head dropped to the crook of her neck and she finally allowed her eyes to close as her fingers kneaded the muscles of his back.

She was nearly at orgasm when he suddenly stopped and pulled his head back up to look at her, his expression unreadable.

“Give me an answer,” Logan growled roughly.

“Now?” she asked, obviously frustrated with him demanding an answer in the middle of sex.

“Give me an answer or I leave right now,” he threatened, his dark eyes staring down at her as he remained unmoving.

Veronica wriggled beneath him, trying to create friction since he was no longer offering it. However, his hands clasped her hips, preventing her from moving any further.

“I want an answer. I deserve an answer,” he continued, his thumb on her hip idly stroking against her sweat-slicked skin.

“Why are you so insistent? What does it matter if I say yes or no?” she countered.

“Now is not the time to be fighting.” His eyes skimmed over her naked body as his fingers continued to hold tight to her hips.

“Well, you know I don’t like to give in easily,” she said, a playful smirk gracing her features.

“I think you gave in pretty easily to me when we started this little arrangement,” he shot back, no humor in his expression.

That was it.

Veronica’s lips tightened into a grimace as she attempted to push him off of her. No way was she going to allow him to treat her like a tramp when he was right here with her. “Get off me,” she ordered. “I’m not some street-corner slut for you to use and abuse – even if that is what you tell everyone.”

Logan quickly backtracked. “That’s not what I meant.” She continued pushing, closing herself off to him. But he continued to hold tight to her, lowering himself to cover her and stop her struggling, his face inches from hers. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, regaining her attention. “I didn’t mean it that way.” He studied her anxiously as her steely eyes continued to glare at him, measuring his sincerity.

He placed a gentle kiss on the tip of her nose as his hands caressed up her sides to her arms, ending when he twined their fingers together over her head. He dipped his head back down and kissed her softly, his eyes continuing to meet her gaze.

She didn’t want to give into him, but his mouth was incredibly convincing. After a few fleeting seconds, her eyes fluttered and she moved her own lips against his. She would make him pay later, and pay dearly.

Veronica squeezed his hands before she released them, dragging her nails along his arms and wrapped arms around his shoulders, holding him tightly against her. He groaned into her mouth and shifted, pushing deeper inside her. She couldn’t help the moan that escaped as she arched into him, Logan nipping at her lower lip.

And suddenly everything shifted. His thrusts were less frenzied, less lustful. They breathed in harmony with one another as they continued to gaze into one another’s eyes. She couldn’t help feeling something different, something deeper, as he continued to thrust into her in rhythm with her undulating hips.

She finally allowed her eyes to close, basking in the sensations sparking along her spine every time he plunged into her. Everything was suddenly magnified - every touch, every kiss, every inch of her skin that came into contact with his. She didn’t even try to stop herself as her hips arched up to meet his thrusts, deep and careful. Her head tilted back as the pressure within her mounted to levels she had never before felt.

A low, throaty moan fell from her lips, which seemed to spur him on. His hands and mouth were suddenly everywhere – licking up the column of her throat, butterfly kisses along her chest, caresses down her arms and sides. He left a burning path across her body and she relished the heat, silently begging for more by clutching tighter to him.

Her breathing came out in sporadic bursts, never enough oxygen for her tight lungs. With each ragged breath there was a gasp or moan, becoming increasingly louder and louder, no intelligible words. She had lost all capability for conscious thought, lost in the feeling surrounding her.

She felt the crest of the wave converging and her fingers clamped onto his muscles, warning him of what was about to happen. He instantly lowered his head to her, his lips meeting her softly, his tongue massaging slowly against hers, swallowing her screams as she came apart around him.

As soon as she felt the tremors ebb away, his thrusts became quicker, more aimed for his own pleasure, than hers. After a few sloppy thrusts, she felt him convulsing within her as he collapsed on her, his weight comfortably heavy on her small frame. His breath was warm against her neck as she clung to him, fingers tracing random patters along his back.

They stayed like that for what seemed like eternity, before he pulled away, padding to the bathroom to get rid of the condom. Veronica burrowed into the covers, trying to replicate the warmth she was now missing. A moment later, however, Logan slipped back into the bed and pulled her to nestle next to him. His free hand came up and cupped her cheek, tilting her head to his, and he placed a gentle kiss against her lips. When he pulled away, she saw a smile she wasn’t quite sure was real. It seemed so genuine and caring, she was sure she was hallucinating from post-coital bliss. She ignored it and smiled back quickly before resting her head against his chest.

He slung an arm over his eyes, completely sated, as his breathing slowed. She finally cooled down and turned her attention back to him. She opened her mouth to speak, but stopped when she realized he had fallen asleep. She watched him for a moment, conflicted as to whether she should wake him and kick him out or just let him sleep and leave when he chose to do so. Finally, she could deny her own weariness no longer and decided to let him be. She didn’t have the energy to fight with him right now and a small part of her – which she would never admit to – didn’t want him to leave.

~*~

Veronica rolled over and came in contact with something unfamiliar. She opened her eyes and raised her head to find Logan Echolls, sound asleep, next to her.

“This is so not right,” she muttered and glanced at the clock above her bed. She groaned as she realized that she had to get ready for school. She carefully slid a leg over his body, attempting to crawl over him to get out of bed.

She had managed to perfectly straddle him when two warm hands clamped down on her hips, holding her in place. “Where are you going?” Logan asked without opening his eyes, his voice sleep-rough.

“This little thing called school. I have to take a shower, get dressed…” Veronica informed him, annoyed that he was keeping her from moving.

“Mmm. Want some company?”

She rolled her eyes. Even this early in the morning he was lewd. She shifted against him, feeling him hard beneath her. “Down boy,” she mocked as she patted his chest and continued to slide the rest of the way off of him.

He let out a noise similar to a child whining, but relinquished his hold on her. He finally opened his eyes and watched her retreat to the bathroom, dragging a sheet with her to cover herself.

Veronica ran the water for her shower and was about to get in when there was a sharp knocking on the door.

“Yeah?”

“Uh, I just saw what time it was. I’d better get going.” Logan called from the other side of the door.

Veronica swallowed back the sting. She wasn’t expecting commitment – not from him - but it certainly didn’t feel any better to have him running out the door the morning after. “Yeah. Sure,” she finally called back.

“I’ll see you later, then?” he pressed.

She took a breath, trying to steady her voice. “Whatever,” she said evenly. “Look, I gotta get ready. K?”

“Right. Uh… bye.”

“Bye.”

Veronica heard her bedroom door open and close a moment later and slumped down onto the edge of the tub. She couldn’t understand what was going on, or why Logan leaving actually seemed to bother her. She didn’t like it. She didn’t like it at all.

Much needed vacation

2006-04-09T01:34:55Z

Leaving for Vegas on Monday, but I won't have computer access beginning tomorrow because I'll be at my Mom's to take care of her doggie while they all head down to Pinehurst for the Masters (golf) and vacation. You know my dad and golf... Maybe Tiger will actually sign my brother's hat this year.

But I wanted to say bye to that person I didn't get a chance to. I had to leave early because Mom was w/o a car, so I played chauffer. I'll bring you back something pretty to make up for it ;). My usual ending goes here, you know what it is :)

FIC: Veronica’s Rebuttal – R

2006-04-05T02:29:41Z

Title: Veronica’s Rebuttal
Author: ethereal_65
Pairing/Character: Veronica, mentions of Logan and L/H
Word Count: 983 words
Rating: R for language and sexual situations.
Summary: Veronica has a few choice words for her audience. Companion piece to moire2’s Breaking The Fourth Wall
Spoilers: All aired episodes.
Warnings: Language, sexual situations.

Author’s Notes:
This is a companion piece to moire2’s Breaking The Fourth Wall. I highly recommend you read it before this story, otherwise it won’t make sense, since this fic references the other. It’s meant to be funny. That’s it. No real plot or anything. Just pure, unadulterated fun.

MAJOR thanks to moire2, skk670 and fickledame for the beta.

I'm completely flabbergasted with Logan – but then again, what's new? One thing is for certain, the boy never ceases to amaze me. Strike that - piss me off.

I lean back on the couch and toss up another piece of popcorn, catching it in my mouth. Finally, annoyance has caught up with me and my arms flail out wildly.

I mean, me? Whiney? Puhlease! Logan’s got more emo than God, Allah and the rest of those symbols of organized religion - combined. Logan is just mad that I don’t come running at the drop of a hat to pull him out of whatever shit storm he’s managed to get himself into.

Contrary to what some of you crazy fangirls think, I do have a life and I’m not that forgiving.

I huff once and lean forward, my finger crooked, beckoning you to come closer. Closer… closer…

Listen, I won’t drop my pants for him just because he makes that pathetic, wounded puppy dog face.

My lower lip juts out as I mock Logan’s emo ‘love me’ face. I roll my eyes in annoyance and put a handful of popcorn in my mouth, leaning back into my chair. The late night show I’m watching cracks some joke about the president and it’s really not that funny. I let out a heavy sigh and flip through the channels until I find South Park.

Ooo! South Park! Wait – what was I saying? Oh yeah, poor widdle Wogan.

I’m gonna be sick just thinking about it.

I mean, the show is called Veronica Mars, not Logan Echolls. Though, I’m sure most of you would prefer it be about him. Sheesh, he’s not that pretty! Whatev’. I’ve taken the test drive and the ride was way too bumpy for my taste. It was barely nice enough for a lease, I’m not gonna option the 'lease-to-own.'

Logan’s just got his panties in a twist over me calling him on using that poor Hannah girl.

‘Like, oh my gosh. Logan, you are so sweet and so dreamy. I believe you are, like, the most awesomest guy in the world. Like totally.’ My head bops from side to side as I impersonate the painfully airheaded Hannah. A cold chill runs down my spine and I pull my blanket to my chin to ward off the cold.

Hey, we expanded on it, I gave him a slap on the wrist and he gave me that stupid smirk. ‘Yeah, thanks. Nice talking to you, too’. Ass.

Yeah, Logan, you are an asshat. Freakin’ putz.

I have better things to do, like keep Troy out of jail. He doesn’t have the Irish mob or the local biker gang on his ass. It’s a little easier to fix his problem than yours, Logan.

And, of course I didn't call to question him. I knew he wouldn't pick up the phone while he was defiling Hannah. So, I figured I'd wait until we had another (not so) wonderful face-to-face. And we always do. Is he a fucking boomerang or what? I keep throwing and he keeps coming back...

God, he’s such a man-whore. And he wonders why I wouldn’t let him get past second base.

I roll my eyes again, remembering that pitiful look on his face when I made a joke out of his proclamation of love.

Like he meant it. He's a walking Petri dish. Yeah... I'm cynical. So, sue me. I bet he told sweet, innocent Hannah that he's been celibate since Lilly, the love of his life, broke his poor heart. He's just waiting for his one true love to 'take the next step.' Ha! Hannah probably taught born-again virgin Logan a thing or two!

He's just bitter because I wouldn't put out, despite what's written on the boys' bathroom wall says...half of which he wrote.

Another piece of popcorn flies in the air and bounces off the corner of my mouth. I try again and catch it. Then I remember his bitching out his supposed B-plot and how it wasn’t wrapped up. My eyes narrow at the ceiling, like he was hanging from it.

And, please, like his plot wasn’t wrapped up. He had like a full five minutes of Hannah make out time before her dear ‘ol dad came and wretched her from his evil clutches. Aw, and then he cried. God! I thought he was a man. Suck it up!

This is why, in fanfic, I look like a fucking idiot. His bottom lip quivers onscreen and everyone swoons.

I sit up straighter in my chair, my chin jutting out defiantly.

Pussy.

Yeah! I said it! I called Logan a pussy.

This is me, Veronica Mars, calling Logan Echolls a pussy.

He’s a fucking baby who’ll cry when his favorite toy is taken away, until a new one comes along.

Take that, Echolls… pussy.

I mumble the last word, only because I know Logan’ll start whining if I don’t knock it off, and I really don’t want to listen to him, my favorite show is on.

Honesty

2006-04-04T14:55:33Z

I was skimming around earlier and found this at blue_icy_rose's journal, who had found it at amejisuto's. It's a wonderful, thought provoking poem/thought/whatever you want to call it. Please read and take a moment to think about it. NOT MINE!

I am the boy who never finished high school, because I got called a fag everyday.

I am the girl kicked out of her home because I confided in my mother that I am a lesbian.

I am the prostitute working the streets because nobody will hire a transsexual woman.

I am the sister who holds her gay brother tight through the painful, tear-filled nights.

We are the parents who buried our daughter long before her time.

I am the man who died alone in the hospital because they would not let my partner of twenty-seven years into the room.

I am the foster child who wakes up with nightmares of being taken away from the two fathers who are the only loving family I have ever had. I wish they could adopt me.

I am not one of the lucky ones. I killed myself just weeks before graduating high school. It was simply too much to bear.

We are the couple who had the realtor hang up on us when she found out we wanted to rent a one-bedroom for two men.

I am the person who never knows which bathroom I should use if I want to avoid getting the management called on me.

I am the mother who is not allowed to even visit the children I bore, nursed, and raised. The court says I am an unfit mother because I now live with another woman.

I am the domestic-violence survivor who found the support system grow suddenly cold and distant when they found out my abusive partner is also a woman.

I am the domestic-violence survivor who has no support system to turn to because I am male.

I am the father who has never hugged his son because I grew up afraid to show affection to other men.

I am the home-economics teacher who always wanted to teach gym until someone told me that only lesbians do that.

I am the woman who died when the EMT's stopped treating me as soon as they realized I was transsexual.

I am the person who feels guilty because I think I could be a much better person if I didnt have to always deal with society hating me.

I am the man who stopped attending church, not because I don't believe, but because they closed their doors to my kind.

I am the person who has to hide what this world needs most, love.

I am the person ashamed to tell my own friends I'm a lesbian, because they constantly make fun of them.

I am the boy tied to a fence, beaten to a bloody pulp and left to die because two straight men wanted to "teach me a lesson"

Icon

2006-04-04T03:54:18Z

So, my new icon is for moire2 and her new fic, The Breaking The Fourth Wall. It's the most hysterical thing I've read and had to make an icon from one of the many funny lines in it. You must read and comment about how absolutely wonderful it is.

F* F* F*

2006-03-30T22:15:13Z

Wanna know my week? It's been mad crazy. Usual bitchy rant.

Work has been mad crazy. I hate it. Monday - work until 9, Tuesday - work until 8, Wednesday - work until 10:30. Now mind you... I have an hour long drive home once I actually get done. Today? I'll be here until 7. Is it sad that I am actually excited I'm getting out of here 'early?' Again, I say F* F* F*.

Oh! Aaaaannnnndddddd - I hate this department in my company, 'cause they essentially took all the credit for the project I did. Just because they came up with the pieces that I put together does not mean my portion was any less important. I took the crap they gave me and made it into something. My boss wasn't appreciative either and send a rather scathing email to a bunch of VPs and a half hour later I get a phone call from one of the people in the nasty department. She apologized profusely for 'downplaying' my role in the email that went out to the entire company. Well, bully for you, but that doesn't mean dick to me. You can apologize all you want, but that isn't going to make me any happier. What would have made me happy? She left out the 'thank you' at the end of the company-wide email and spoke to the concerned parties before she sent anything out. How F*ing retarded? Ya know?

Yes, I understand in the grand scheme of life... who gives a flying F*. But I've been working my ass off for six months on this thing because they couldn't get their acts together. :: hangs head :: This really is a sad, sad day.

Oh, but fic update: This weekend I will be working on Shocker. I will try and get it done before Monday. No promises. I may just wind up sleeping all weekend because I'm damn tired.

FIC: Justice Desserts (Veronica, ensemble) R

2006-03-26T20:34:20Z

Title: Justice Desserts
Author: ethereal_65
Pairing/Character: Veronica, Fitzpatrick’s, ensemble.
Word Count: 2,219 words
Rating: R for language and violence.
Summary: Veronica Mars was always about justice.
Spoilers: All aired episodes.
Warnings: Language, violence.

Author’s Notes: Thanks to moire2, taken_with_you and skk670 for the beta. X-posted: veronicamarsfic, 7sins_7virtues. Answer to the 7 Sins / 7 Virtues Challenge. My word: Justice.

Justice Desserts

Veronica Mars was always about justice. Defender of the meek, righter of wrongs, all that jazz. Which was why she was silently cursing herself while she clawed at the knot binding her hands behind her back. Her wrists felt raw from the rope and she was sure her nails were pretty much gone.

So much for that manicure for prom night.

She huffed, annoyed with her bindings, and continued to work. She had just started to loosen the knot when she heard voices. She strained to hear the conversation, but had no luck making out anything of use. She could only hope the message she left would get received soon. She was getting really tired of the Fitzpatricks’ lousy hospitality.

The door to the storage room opened and Liam strolled in, inordinately pleased with himself for catching the intrepid little detective. Veronica could barely make out a pistol stowed in the waistband of his jeans as he stooped down in front of her, a smug smile etched on his face.

“Well, well. If it isn’t Ver-on-ica Mars. You’ve been a very naughty girl lately.” Liam pouted and shook a mocking finger at her. Two men still stood in the doorway, chuckling. Veronica still worked the knot, trying desperately not to draw attention to what she was doing.

Suddenly, though, Liam grabbed her face roughly, all signs of amusement gone from his haggard face. “You’re going to tell me what you know. Right now. No clever little quips. No stalling. Do you understand me?” he spat.

Veronica’s teeth clamped down on her gag as she swallowed thickly and then nodded. Liam wasn’t in the mood for witty banter and she wasn’t about to push his buttons to see if the pistol in his waistband was loaded.

Liam untied the gag and stood, staring down at Veronica as she gasped for air and licked at her dry lips. Apparently, she was taking too long because pain exploded in her cheek as the back of Liam’s hand met her face.

“Start talking,” he demanded.

She sent him a deadly glare, which only served to amuse the mobster. She tongued the side of her mouth and tasted the copper of blood.

Screw prom. She wasn’t going to have her picture taken with a fucking black eye. Where the hell was her back up? This was getting tiresome.

~*~

A foot stumbled over a fallen broom.

“Ow!”

A hand came up and clamped over the mouth of the speaker. A stern pair of eyes cut through the darkness. A finger pressed to a pair of lips, signaling for silence.

~*~

Liam raised his hand again, ready to strike Veronica.

“Okay!” she shouted, fear and anger coating her voice. “I’ll talk. Just stop fucking hitting me.”

A slow, triumphant smile grew on Liam’s face as he lowered his hand.

Veronica licked at the corner of her mouth again, trying to stem the blood flow. “What do you want to know?” she asked, resigned.

“Everything.”

~*~

“If you don’t stop breathing on my neck, I’m gonna get turned on,” a voice hissed to the person behind him.

“I always knew you had a thing for me,” a smug voice retorted.

A third voice chimed in, reasoning between the two previous voices. “Just shut up and keep moving. She should be just down the hall there.”

~*~

“That’s everything?” Liam asked, disbelievingly. He snorted a laugh. “And here I was, worried about nothing. You haven’t even gotten to the good part.” The lackeys lounging in the doorway chuckled at their leader’s blustering.

Veronica’s lip’s pursed. “Then why don’t you just tell me the good part, since I obviously won’t be finding it out anyway?”

She wasn’t ready for Liam to smack her again. Her eyes burned from pain and tears. “Fuck,” she hissed.

Liam let out a hollow laugh and wagged his finger at her. “Now, this is why you’re in the predicament you’re in. You never know when to keep your mouth shut.”

“And here I was thinking it was my charming wit,” Veronica spat snidely, glaring up at Liam.

In a flash, Liam pulled the pistol from his waistband and leveled Veronica with it. She swallowed hard, but refused to let the goons see her scared.

Now, this was getting really annoying.

~*~

“Shh! I hear her.”

A hand waved the other two along the corridor to an alcove that hid them from the two men guarding the door.

The trio could just make out the conversation going on inside the room.

“And here I was thinking it was my charming wit.”

“Shit! When is she going to learn to shut up?”

A hand clamped over the moving mouth just as the guards turned to survey where the noise was coming from. The men looked at each other and shrugged, returning their attention back to the action within the room.

Three breaths exhaled in relief as three pairs of eyes met. They all nodded and ducked out of the alcove while the guards were preoccupied.

The shortest of the three glided past the guards to the opposite side of the hall and hid in an alcove.

The darkest of the three watched the guards to warn if they turned back around.

The tallest stuck his hand into his jacket and slid out the cool, black metal and waited for his cue.

~*~

Veronica’s finger’s scraped at the rope as it went slack against her wrists. Which was all well and good, however escaping a room with three burly Irishmen would be slightly more difficult than escaping a room without three burly Irishmen.

Liam was pacing the room, the gun tapping against his thigh as he mumbled to himself. No doubt deciding what to do with her body when he was done with her.

This was not a good day. She was going to need a shower when this was over – if someone would get their asses in gear and rescue her. She was growing quite impatient.

And almost as if cue she heard someone shout from the hall.

“Now!”

Two figures were fighting with the guards, throwing punches and kicks, knocking the guns from their hands.

Another figure jumped over the scuffle and went straight for Liam, knocking him down in a surprise attack. Liam’s gun skittered across the room and was halted by Veronica’s foot.

She hurriedly pushed the rope off her wrists and began to work at the bindings around her ankles. She quickly glanced up, seeing the two men fighting over another gun. She knew she needed to hurry. She shook off the loose ropes and grabbed the gun at her feet.

She stood and took aim at the bigger of the two men rolling around on the grimy floor.

“Stop!”

The men continued fighting, either ignoring her or not hearing her over their painful grunts.

Veronica took a steadying breath and aimed the gun at the ceiling. She quickly cocked it and fired off a single round. Everyone stopped immediately and stared at her. She returned the gun to its original target.

“I said stop.”

Liam snorted and flashed the gun he was fighting for. “I don’t think so, Princess.”

Veronica clenched her jaw. “I’ve had a really shitty day,” she ground out and cocked the pistol again. “Do you really want to test me?”

Liam sneered at the blond. “You couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn. How about you just hand over the gun before you hurt yourself or one of your little friends?”

Veronica swallowed and narrowed her eyes on the condescending Irishman. “Try me.”

Everything went in slow motion. Liam raised his arm to fire on Veronica. She took a breath and squeezed the trigger. He hit the floor with a sickening thud and blood pooled on the concrete beneath his fallen body as he sputtered and coughed, clutching at his wound.

She let her arm fall to her side. She heard scuffling and turned to see the guards straining against the people holding them down.

“What took you so long,” she huffed, annoyed with their tardiness to get to her. “I almost had to rescue myself!”

“Well, excuse us, but your clues weren’t exactly the easiest to decipher.”

Veronica could only roll her eyes as she pulled her cell phone out of her pocket. “Hello, I’d like to report a shooting. The River Styx. Bring an ambulance. Liam Fitzpatrick has been shot. No, not critically. He’ll live… unfortunately.”

~*~

Wallace’s leg bounced nervously as he worked the physics problem. He probably shouldn’t have had that last cup of mocha-frappe-what-the-fuck-ever, but if he wanted to ace the class he needed to finish the assignment. Almost in sync with his leg, his pencil tapped against the table, echoing around the room. He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. He just didn’t get it.

“Stop!”

Wallace looked up in surprise – all nervous habits ceasing. He was faced with a very annoyed and agitated Logan.

“If I had known you’d be more annoying than Veronica I wouldn’t have partnered with you,” Logan complained.

“Sorry,” Wallace muttered and returned his attention to his work, but was distracted by his cell phone going off.

Logan threw his hands up in the air in resignation and shoved his books away. He folded his arms across his chest and shot Wallace an expectant look, waiting for him to answer the phone.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Wallace, it’s Keith. Have you seen Veronica?”

“Uh, no, sorry. Last time I saw her she was heading over to the office,” Wallace offered, slightly worried that Keith would be calling him. If Keith didn’t know where she was, then something was certainly off. Out of the corner of his eye, Wallace noticed Logan had become extremely interested in his conversation. “Is everything okay?”

Keith sighed over the phone line. “I’m sure it’s nothing. If you hear from her, can you have her call me?”

“Sure. Not a problem,” Wallace said, helpfully.

“Thanks, Wallace. G’night.”

“Night.”

Wallace ended the call, but continued to stare at his phone, befuddled.

“Problem?” Logan asked disinterestedly, hiding his actual concern.

Wallace’s brow knitted as he tapped out a number he knew by heart. He impatiently waited as the phone rang. Finally, the other end picked up.

“Hello?”

“’Ronica!”

“Oh, hey, Wallace. Look, this isn’t really a good time,” Veronica informed a little breathlessly.

“You’re dad’s looking for you. He seems pretty worried,” Wallace warned.

“Okay, thanks. Sorry, I’m just really in the sticks here at work. There’s like a river of people here. I’m so busy. Can you call him and let him know everything is cool?”

Something seemed off, but Wallace couldn’t quite put his finger on it. “Okay,” he said slowly. “I’ll talk to you later?”

“I sure hope so,” Veronica said, a little too cheerfully.

“Uh, bye.”

“’K! Bye.”

Wallace hung up the phone again, his mouth twisted in confusion. He chewed on the inside of his mouth.

“See. Nancy Drew is fine. Can we please get back to the work now?” Logan was obviously annoyed by the disruption his ex has caused. However, Wallace was not yet satisfied.

“Hey, when you and Veronica dated…,” Wallace began.

“Not that it has any relevance to physics…” Logan cringed slightly at the slip, but Wallace seemed not to notice.

“Did she ever use any of the café terminology?” Wallace continued, ignoring Logan’s disinterest.

“Yeah. So?” Logan shrugged, wondering what Wallace was getting at.

“When she was really busy, what was the phrase?”

“In the weeds,” Logan answered absently, jotting notes across his paper.

Wallace shook his head and stared off in thought. “Then why would she say she was ‘in the sticks?’”

Logan’s head snapped up. “What?”

Wallace’s eyes narrowed at Logan’s sudden rapt interest. “Veronica said she was in the sticks and there was a river of customers at The Hut. Why would she say that?”

Logan sprung from his seat and grabbed his keys. Wallace followed suit, chasing after him. “Wait! What’s going on?”

Logan continued to ignore him and flipped open his cell phone. The person on the other end answered quickly. “Hey, Weeves. Feel like a little payback?”

~*~

Veronica’s phone was going off non-stop and her guard was becoming dangerously irritated. Finally, even her nerves were beginning to fray.

“Look, if you let me answer the phone they’ll stop calling. If I don’t answer, they’ll know something’s up. Just let me talk to the next caller and it’ll get them off my back for a few hours,” she reasoned.

The guard eyed her suspiciously, but her phone went off again. His mouth pursed and he reached into her pocket roughly, pulling the phone out.

“No funny business,” he warned and clicked the ‘talk’ button, holding it to her ear.

“Hello?” She paused, listening to the caller. “Oh, hey, Wallace. Look, this isn’t really a good time.”

She rushed Wallace off the phone and nodded when she had finished. The guard roughly pushed the button to end the call and stuck the phone back in her pocket before resuming his position at the door to the store room.

Veronica slumped into the chair she was bound to and hoped Wallace had paid enough attention to her work ramblings to pick up the subtle hints she left him.

They Don't Want Us...

2006-03-11T00:33:26Z

I was watching Ghost Hunters... on whatever channel it's on. Basically, these guys go around disproving hauntings. They believe in ghosts, but they just don't like all the hype around it. So, normally they don't find anything. However, on this episode, they did and it FREAKED me out.

In this episode, a woman says her child talks to a little girl and boy. One night the daughter said she saw a little boy that was hurt in the corner of her room. Another time, the mother saw her daughter fighting over a toy with something unseen. When the mother reached the room, her daughter let go of the toy and it hung for a moment and then fell. Ghost Hunters was out to disprove, but the evidence they found creeped even them out.

They captured 3 EVPs (Electronica Voice Phenomenon). They were from two children.

1. "Can I come in?"
2. "They don't want us here."
3. Question: "Is there someone here trying to communicate with us?" Response: "Yessssss."

Le Creepy, oui? I don't believe in ghosts, but DANG! Even that's kinda irrefutable.

The Shocker (4/?)

2006-03-07T01:16:09Z

Title: The Shocker (4/?)
Rating: NC-17
Spoilers: Return of the Kane
Summary: I got nothing... Smut. Pure and simple. Maybe some plot later on.
A/N: firefly2000 requested this.

Veronica had successfully avoided Logan for the past week, and he had definitely noticed. Every time he moved even remotely in her general direction she would scurry away and disappear into the crowd, even when her back was to him. He’d have to ask her how she did that – if he could ever find her.

Of course he’d find her. He had to find her. She had been driving him nuts since their last encounter, and not the real her - the thought of her. Every time he closed his eyes, her image would appear, burned into the back of his lids, unable to erase it. He had to do something, anything, to fix the situation. But first, he’d have to corner her.

He had attempted to call a few times, but she never answered and he wasn’t going to stoop so low as to leave a message. The last time he’d come by the apartment was when she’d booted him out, so that was out as well. His ego could only take so much bruising. His only option left was school, which was made difficult by the thousand or so other people there, as well.

He had to find some way to get her alone, on her own. He needed answers to this strange hold she had over his thoughts.

That was why Logan found himself walking silently into the girl’s bathroom that morning, bypassing the ‘Out of Order’ sign plastered on the front of the door. Everyone in the hall was too busy discussing their upcoming test or the newest present mommy or daddy had gotten them. They were too absorbed in their own lives to notice a boy slipping into the girl’s room. The thought registered in the back of Logan’s mind, but he quickly pushed it aside as his gaze fell on Veronica, sitting along the countertop, her laptop resting on her knees.

He reached behind him and locked the bathroom door quietly, so she would not notice his presence until he wanted her to. He glided across the floor silently and then realized she couldn’t hear him. His eyes fell on the headphones she had in and the faint sound of music, telling him that it drowned out his footsteps. He smiled to himself and walked purposely to her.

He was on her before she saw what hit her.

He hopped up on the open counter by her feet, trapping her between his body and the mirror, and pushed down the laptop screen. Her eyes crept up to his face with a cold look of pure disdain.

She tugged on the ear buds, pulling them out. “What?” She spat.

Logan smirked smugly. “So, what is the infamous Miss Mars up to today?” He drawled.

Veronica’s jaw clenched. “Work,” she stated flatly. “What are you doing in here? You know this is the girl’s bathroom, right? Or did you finally get that sex change operation you always wanted?” She cocked an expectant eyebrow at him.

“Oh, I know exactly where I am,” he smiled, but then grimaced. “And no. That’s extremely disturbing.” He hopped down off the counter and stood in front of her. “I just think it’s time we have a little chat.”

Veronica laughed hollowly as she began to pack up her books. “I really don’t think you and I have anything to talk about.” She attempted to jump down off the counter, but Logan’s presence prevented her from moving. “Uh, excuse me.”

Logan cocked his head to the side. “For ignoring me for the past week? Not until we talk, then I’ll think about it.”

Veronica let out a deep breath. “There’s nothing to talk about,” she told him firmly. “I have stuff I need to do. So, if you could move, I’ll be on my way.”

“And therein lies your problem. I’m not moving until we get a few things straight, so that means you’re not going anywhere until you answer my questions.” He placed his hands on either side of her and leaned into her personal space.

Her eyes narrowed on his as her jaw clenched tighter, grinding her back teeth. “Fine,” she gritted.

Logan smirked at her, triumphant with his success at cornering her so easily. “Now that wasn’t so hard? Was it?”

Veronica only continued to glower at him.

“So, what I want to know is,” he lowered his head to her ear, whispering into it. “Are you really still hung up on Duncan or were you just saying it to get under my skin?” He leaned back to face her, his eyes gauging her expression. Instead of the glare he thought he’d receive, he found her grinning.

“Whatever answer gets you to move out of my way and to leave me alone,” she said all too sugary sweet.

Logan pursed his lips and shook his head. “I’m afraid that’s not an answer.” He shifted his weight so that he leaned closer to her, again in her personal space. “You see, I don’t share. I never played well with others,” he shrugged. “And if you’re closing your eyes and thinking about Duncan while I’m fucking your brains out, then there’s a problem with that.”

Veronica glared at him, her knuckles white from gripping the countertop. “I think we established the last time we spoke that I don’t think about Duncan. So, if you’ll move, I’ll be on my way.” Veronica attempted to push Logan to the side, but he didn’t budge. Instead, he seized her wrist as his eyes drilled into her.

Veronica’s mouth was clamped so tight that she could feel the muscles in her jaw begin to strain. Her anger was beginning to bubble over and she wasn’t sure if she could, or wanted to, restrain it any longer. “God, what is with you people? He broke up with me over a year ago and you think I’m obsessing over him? Please!” She finally snatched her wrist from Logan’s clutches. “I don’t talk to him, he doesn’t talk to me and people get ‘obsession’ out of that?” She muttered disbelievingly, more to herself than Logan. She shook her head and rolled her eyes.

Logan patiently waited for her to finish her rant. Finally, he let out a low whistle. “So,” he began slowly. “That’s a no.”

“Yes, that’s a no,” Veronica huffed.

Logan’s looked off in thought for another moment and then brought his gaze back to Veronica. “Well, now that that’s settled…” He lunged forward, covering her mouth with his, taking her by surprise.

Dazed, Veronica took a moment before she realized what was happening. She gripped Logan’s shoulders and roughly pushed him back. “What are you doing?” She hissed, shocked.

“Uh, kissing you.” He pointed out condescendingly.

He leaned back in, but was stopped by Veronica’s hands pressed to his chest. “I think I made myself pretty clear when I said that we weren’t doing this anymore,” she admonished.

“What?” he asked, surprised. “I thought we just went over that. You don’t think about Duncan when I’m having my naughty way with you. That’s done and now we’re on to the making out and heavy petting,” he grinned. “And if I’m a good boy, maybe I’ll get some dessert.” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively before leaning into her again.

However, her hands continued to press into his chest, her bright eyes glaring up at him. “You don’t get it, do you?” She shook her head in disbelief. “I don’t want to do this. This thing is a stupid idea and I don’t know what I was thinking when I let you talk me into it.”

A slow smile crept up Logan’s mouth. “It was less talking and more action,” he responded with a wink.

Veronica let out a frustrated groan. “That’s beside the point. You pissed me off and now I’d prefer we go back to being enemies.” She moved to hop off the counter again, but Logan was still in her way. “Move!”

“What if I made it up to you?” He asked hurriedly and with a hint of what Veronica suspected was desperation.

Her eyes immediately narrowed. “What do you mean?” She asked suspiciously.

Logan bobbed his head from side to side in contemplation. “I mean,” he began, searching for the right phrasing. “If I make it up to you will you reconsider our little arrangement?”

“And how, exactly, would you make it up to me?” She eyed him suspiciously.

Logan’s hands moved from the edge of the countertop to the tops of her exposed knees. “I’m sure I can think of something,” he whispered, not breaking his gaze from her. His hands slowly crept up her legs, slipping under the hem of the skirt. He could hear her breathing become shallower and he couldn’t help but smirk. “Something along these lines?” He could feel her skin tightening underneath his fingers as his hands inched closer to her core.

Veronica scowled and gripped his wrists before they could continue farther. “If that’s your idea of making it up to me then it kinda negates my reconsideration, doesn’t it?”

“Not necessarily,” he told her, his fingers still dancing across her skin. “Think of it as a gesture of good will. No strings, no promises, no expectations. You can still turn me down later.” He grinned down at her brightly. “But I highly doubt you will.”

Veronica’s eyes narrowed on him. “You’re very full of yourself.”

“I’d prefer if you were very full of me, though,” he told her huskily.

Veronica rolled her eyes. “Any one ever tell you your pick up lines suck?”

Logan smirked. “I’ve never had to use them until now.” He could feel her grip on his wrists begin to relax as their banter distracted her. He took the opportunity to allow his fingers to drift higher up her thigh. “Has any one ever told you that you make things very…” he paused for dramatic effect, looking away in thought. Suddenly, his gaze snapped back to her, penetrating right to her core. His hands shifted around her legs, gripped tightly and pulled her body close, surprising Veronica. “Hard.”

She could feel his cock pressing against her thigh. He wasn’t lying when he said that she made things hard, and apparently it wasn’t just situations. She could feel the warmth pooling low in her stomach, throwing her senses into overdrive. She needed to regain her composure.

She needed to form a coherent thought.

“Well, it’s better than being easy,” she mocked, tilting her head to the side.

Logan gasped in mock shock. “Are you calling me easy?” His fingers fluttered higher up her legs, reaching the hem of her underwear.

Her small hands wrapped around his wrists were no longer a hindrance. She was far too distracted by the sensations buzzing across her skin to focus on actually stopping the movement. She was already using every ounce of self control she had to keep her eyes open. She didn’t even realize she hadn’t answered him until he called out to her, his voice right next to her ear.

“Veronica, I asked you a question,” he whispered, his breath grazing her neck.

She vaguely realized his fingers where now on her hips, gently running across the sides of her panties. She swallowed thickly and shook her head as she tried to focus her eyes.

However, Logan would have none of that. She felt his tongue run along her lobe and her eyes drifted closed. She gasped when his teeth caught the flesh sharply.

“Lift up,” he instructed before his mouth latched onto her neck, sending chills down her spine.

She obliged and he slipped her underwear off her legs. The counter was cold against the backs of her legs, but it was a sharp contrast to the heat that Logan was creating inside her just by his hands and mouth.

Suddenly, the bell sounded and the sounds of students shuffling off to class echoed beyond the bathroom door. The momentary distraction allowed Veronica the opportunity to pull herself back together. “Logan, the bell just rang.”

“So,” he mumbled into her neck as he kissed his way down. He quickly found her pulse point and she gasped as he began sucking lightly. “I’d rather stay here.”

Veronica nodded numbly, feeling Logan’s hands skim up her legs once again. Involuntarily, her knees fell further apart, allowing him greater access. She could feel him grinning against her skin and she silently cursed him. Her hands reached out, gripping his shoulders, trying to find balance in her situation and position.

Logan reveled in her reactions to his touches. The way her breath caught when he blew across her neck. The way she bit her lip when his fingers drifted farther up her thighs, as if in anticipation. Who was he to deny her?

His fingers found her warm opening as his free hand came around her waist to steady her. He teased her sensitive flesh, causing Veronica to hum in pleasure and her head to fall back. His lips quickly found her mouth and he dragged his tongue along her lower lip, pulling a gasp from her. As soon as her lips parted, he tilted his head to properly kiss her, his tongue delving in. When her arms wrapped around his neck, he knew there was no stopping him. He slid his fingers into her wetness and she instantly clenched around him. Swallowing her low moan, he slowly began to pull his hand back, while massaging her clit torturously.

She pulled his body closer to her, trapping Logan’s hand between them, but not hindering it. She couldn’t believe the excitement he roused in her, the pleasant burn he could create between her legs, the soft moans he coaxed out of her. She knew it was fleeting, the odd obsession he had with her. She knew he would eventually become bored and stop bothering her for a little tet e tet. However, there was no reason she shouldn’t enjoy herself in the meantime. And if he was willing to ‘make it up to her’, as he so eloquently put it, she wouldn’t stop him.

Logan’s mouth began to travel down the column of her throat to her chest, tongue dragging along the bone. She didn’t know how he did it, but the buttons of her blouse had come undone and his lips were slowly working downward. Veronica leaned back heavily, a loud thud resonating through the bathroom when she connected with the mirror.

“Careful,” he murmured against the skin of her stomach, but did not move to stop. He continued along his path until he reached the waistband of her skirt. He pushed the cloth up her legs and moved his mouth to her knee, crouching before her.

Vaguely, in the back of her mind, Veronica knew the position was highly inappropriate, especially for her, but Logan’s lips reassured her so she made no movement to cover herself. His mouth trailed wet kisses up her thigh toward her sensitive flesh.

His tongue traced up her folds, causing her to shiver at the sensation. Her hands automatically went to his hair, urging him on. His fingers continued to work her inside, while his tongue danced along the outside, nipping lightly at her clit.

He worked her toward the edge excruciatingly slowly. Her legs hooked around his back, demanding he give her release. Finally, when he knew she could take no more he added pressure to her sensitive nerves, pushing her over the edge and spiraling out of control.

She gasped loudly and gripped the edge of the counter top tightly. “Fuck,” she breathed, her eyes clenched shut.

Logan languidly tongued her throbbing flesh as the waves of pleasure subsided. She was still taking in gulps of air when he stood and kissed her roughly. She could taste herself on his tongue and her hands moved of their own volition to the fly of his pants. She quickly undid them and thrust her hand inside, wrapping her fingers around his hardened length.

He hissed into her mouth and she worked her hands up and down his shaft. She smirked and began to work her hands faster, pushing him towards orgasm.

Suddenly he grabbed her wrists and yanked her hands away. “Now, now,” he muttered as he let his tongue drag along her quivering bottom lip. “I’m supposed to be making this up to you. If you go returning favors, we’ll never be even.”

“Suit yourself,” she told him as she raised her eyebrow to him and smirked. She gripped his shoulders and slid down his body, her legs still wrapped around him.

As soon as her naked, wet flesh slid against his cock he groaned and grabbed her hips, effectively stopping her decent. “Now, that’s playing dirty.”

She leveled him with a seductive gaze and ground against him, skin to skin.

He quickly shifted his hips, causing his dick to press at her opening. “All you had to do was ask,” he grinned.

Veronica held her smirk and rotated her hips, allowing the head of his cock to push inside of her. She let out of hiss of pleasure as her nails dug into Logan’s shoulders.

“Fuck.” He had to use every ounce of self-control he had to keep from burying himself deep within her. His fingers dug into the curve of her hips as he pushed her back onto the counter. “Oh, now you’re asking for it,” he reprimanded as he dug into his back pocket for his wallet. He fished out a condom from the leather and quickly tore into it, rolling it onto his length.

“Well, someone had to put you in your place,” she told him. “I’m just glad I was the one to do it.”

“Especially since my place is inside you,” he muttered against her mouth.

She began to respond with a snappy retort, but was silenced as he pushed himself into her. Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck as she kissed along his ear, her breathing erratic and hot.

Her inner walls clenched tightly around him as he filled her. He wasn’t sure how many times they were going to be doing this, but he already knew that he would never get enough of the feeling of her wrapped around him.

Finally, at her urging, he began to move, slowly pumping in and out of her, building her up to another release.

“Faster,” she breathed into his ear and he was happy to oblige. He thrust into her roughly, hitting the spot that made her cry out. He couldn’t help the self-satisfied grin on his face as he buried himself deeper and deeper each time.

His hips moved in rhythm with her heavy breathing in his ear. Then her breathing had become increasingly erratic and he fought to match the pace. He wondered how she actually managed to gather oxygen thought the short, harsh breaths, but she tightened around him, causing him to lose all rational thought.

He pumped in twice more before she came apart around him and fell limply against his body. He managed only a few more strokes before he went over the edge as well, his knees buckling beneath him. He grabbed the edge of the counter with one hand to keep from slumping onto the floor and used the other to hold Veronica against him.

After a few minutes she stirred. “Well, that’s a good start,” she mumbled into his shirt.

“Excuse me?” Logan huffed. “A start? That was hearty apology right there.”

Veronica lifted her head and patted his shoulder. “You keep thinking that.” She laid her head back down, exhausted from their activities, and listened to the soft rumble of laughter in his chest.

Logan slowly withdrew and Veronica groaned at the loss of bodily heat. He disappeared into one of the stalls and then returned a moment later to find Veronica buttoning her blouse. He grabbed her underwear before she could reach it.

“Give that back,” she pouted as she held out her hand to him.

Logan smirked and stuffed them into his pocket. “You get them back when I get my shirt back,” he told her with a wink.

Veronica’s eyes narrowed on him. “And when might that be?” She asked as she slipped off the counter and edged toward him cautiously.

Logan looked off in thought for a moment and then brought his gaze back to Veronica. He moved closer to her, pressing his body against her and wrapping an arm around her waist. “How about you come over after school and find out?” He kissed her lightly, almost lovingly.

“Hmm,” she hummed against him mouth. “Unfortunately, I have work.”

Logan frowned. “Not all day, I assume.”

“No,” she said slowly.

“So, after work, then.” He nodded, as if saying the matter was settled, and gave her another kiss.

Veronica rolled her eyes. “We’ll see.”

“See,” he grinned. “I always get my way.”

“That’s because you’re a spoiled brat,” Veronica said at she swatted at him.

“Good thing you only want me for my body.” Logan wiggled his eyebrows at her.

“I’m sure you have other uses. I haven’t found them yet, so I have yet to exploit them.” Veronica managed out of his grip and retrieved her bag from the sink.

She brushed passed him, but he caught her elbow and pulled her to him. She looked at him questioningly. He dipped his head and captured her mouth once more for a deep and passionate kiss. When he finally released her she felt dazed for a moment, but quickly shook it off. She shook her head at him as he crossed the room. When he was at the door, about to exit, Logan called back to her.

“So, after work, my house. Don’t make me call you again, because then I just look desperate,” he warned lightly.

She smirked. “Whatever,” she called back as he stepped through the door and out into the hall.

Veronica grinned as the door shut behind him. She pulled her hand from behind her back and stepped into the underwear she had retrieved from Logan’s pocket while he was otherwise occupied.

As she straightened, she licked her index finger quickly and stabbed it through the air, making a hissing sound. “Score one for me.”