Title: Déjà vu
Pairing/Characters: Everyone
Rating: M
Spoiler: Time Travel, AU
Disclaimer: VM's characters and universe belong to Rob Thomas.
Summary: If you are given a chance to change something in the past, would you do it?
Author's Note: Thank you so much for sakurablue13 as always for being my awesome beta reader.
Veronica was running very fast. Her legs burned with pain, but she kept pushing on. People yelled and scattered away as she went after a bail jumper through crowded street. The bail jumper, a Jamaican man in his 20s was a fast on his feet and much younger than her. The wind blew at his dreadlocks as he ran; pushing everyone from his path. Veronica had to jump over several obstacles, almost tumbling down in the process. But her tiny frame didn't stop her from moving as lightning.
The man turned right into an alley, and it was a dead end. Veronica caught up to him and stopped several feet, brandishing her gun and pointing it to him. "Goddamn it, Dequain! When I said 'STOP'; it means no fucking run!"
Dequain was clearly high on drugs, pulling out a butterfly knife instead, and ready to fight Veronica. "I ain't going back to jail mon!"
Veronica looked at him in disbelief. "Dequain, I'm holding a gun. I can shoot you before you stab me, you moron."
Dequain didn't hear her. Probably couldn't hear her anyway, because he was shaking like a leaf and looked like a wild animal. His had bloodshot eyes and was sweating profusely; clearly he was high. Veronica gritted her teeth. Her hands were steady holding the gun.
Dequain charged forward while yelling. Deciding she could handle him without shooting the gun, Veronica twirled and kicked Dequain right in the stomach, dropping him to the ground like a sack of potato. Veronica sighed and put her gun in her holster. She turned around hearing someone running into the alley.
Jeff stopped in front of her, panting heavily, and tried to say something. Veronica threw her partner an annoyed look, as she collected Dequain's butterfly knife. Finally after a while, Jeff made out a croak, "I see you caught him." Veronica just shook her head and handed over Jeff the knife. "What did you do, hit him with your tiny powerful fist?"
"Something like that." She nudged him with the tip of her boot. "This ass was trying to stab me."
"Can we go home?" Jeff whined. "I almost had a heart attack. The guy is doped with Fairy Dust, I think. He ran so fast, he was almost flying."
"Ratner, if you were guarding the backyard like I told you, we wouldn't have chased him for 6 blocks. Now, give me a hand, will 'ya?" She grabbed Dequain's collar to wake him up, but before accomplishing anything, Dequain's eyes popped open. He shoved on his feet, blew a powder to her face, and head-butted Veronica. Veronica crumpled to the ground, surprising Jeff. Dequain was already heading toward Jeff, who quickly pulled out his gun, smacking Dequain right in the head with the butt of the gun. Dequain hit the ground again and this time he stayed down.
"Oh, shit. Mars, are you okay?" Jeff crouched to peer down at Veronica who was groaning with her face in her hand. As she spluttered and coughed, he then saw that her face was covered in white powder. He looked around and saw a leaking pipe from the next building. Placing a gentle hand under her elbow, he took Veronica to the running water to wash her face.
"Arrrrghhh… Fucking bastard!" Veronica's vision was blurred by tears. "Cuff him and make sure you cuff his feet too!" Jeff obliged, bounding both Dequain's hands and feet. Veronica continued to wipe her face with Jeff's wet handkerchief, cursing all the way.
"You really need to see a doctor about that bruise, Mars." Jeff said as he dropped her off at her house. Veronica just waved her hands from outside his car. He rolled his eyes. "Oh of course the great Veronica Mars is invincible, she is FINE when a jacked up Jamaican sprinkled Fairy Dust and hit her in the head!"
"I am OKAY. Will you relax? I didn't inhale anything and I took a shower. Look, I even walk fine. You keep asking since we left Vegas." She propped her arms on the passenger's side window and looked at Jeff inside the car. "All I need is a nice bubble bath and a glass of wine, and I'll be awesome again."
Jeff shook his head. "Alright, I'll see you tomorrow night then."
Veronica frowned. "Do we have a dinner plan or something? I don't remember."
Jeff shot her an amused look. "Looks like your got hit pretty hard after all. You don't remember?"
"Remember what?" asked Veronica.
He grinned. "Nothing. You'll find out soon enough. See you tomorrow, Mars." He then drove away from her house. Veronica followed his car with a confused look.
Veronica entered her house, a black Rottweiller greeting her happily. "Hello, Captain. You've been good?" She patted her dog, looked around the house, and dropped her keys to the table. "I'm home!"
A seventeen years old girl with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes walked out the kitchen, a bucket of chicken in hands and busy munching. "Wlcm hm! Hws Vgas?" she said with a mouth-full. Veronica stared at her daughter with wide eyes.
"Beth! What did I say about talking and eating at the same time?" She dropped a kiss to her daughter's cheek who was still chewing. "I'm so glad you've maintained a healthy proportion considering that you eat like a pig." She watched her daughter swallowed and licked her fingers, all the while walking back into the kitchen, when noticing that she was wearing a soccer uniform and her knee socks were dirty and the floor was full of dirt. "Beth… please clean the kitchen, 'kay?"
"Fine," Beth answered. "After I finished eating this finger licking good fried chicken." She smacked her lips and attacked another chicken.
"Where's your brother?" Veronica asked while flipping over the mails.
"Moping around in his room, thinking about that girl what's her face." Beth shrugged. She slurped a soda and burped. Veronica rolled her eyes; her daughter was such a tomboy ever since she was a little girl. Veronica gave up teaching her daughter about ponies and unicorns, for apparently she preferred ninjas and soccer. Nothing wrong with those and as a mother, she was proud that her daughter was an independent teenager with strong will. But sometimes she missed the mother-daughter bonding time, such as shopping for clothes and talking about boys.
Beth preferred to fight and her grandfather was delighted with that. Keith even bought her a mini stun baton for protection.
"Aren't you gonna save some of those chicken for me and your brother?" asked Veronica. Beth turned to her as if not understanding the question. "Never mind." She sighed and went upstairs to her son's room. She knocked on the door and opened it. A very handsome boy with dark hair was strumming his guitar, his face subdued. Veronica rolled her eyes; her son, the prince of emo, as expected, was feeling melancholic. "Good evening, son." Veronica greeted Scott formally and sat next to him on the bed.
"Is the day so late?" Replied Scott. "Welcome back, mother." Her son was always melodramatic. Both Beth and Scott were twin siblings.
"Have you eaten, Scott? Do you wanna order some Thai or something? Your sister apparently won't share her dinner."
"I already ate…" He looked at his mother guiltily. "At dad's apartment. We had pizza…"
Veronica's face was blank. It something she was good at; hiding her emotion. She just shrugged and ruffled her son's hair. "Okay, then. I can order some Thai for myself. More food for me!" She said cheerfully. She stood up and looked around the room to find something interesting.
"Are you okay?" asked Scott. "You have a bruise on your cheek."
Veronica gave him a dismissing wave. "A guy head butted me when I was trying to bring him to custody."
"Mom…" Scott began.
"As you can see, I'm fine. And hungry. So don't make a big deal out of it." She raised her forefinger at him as she warned.
Scott sighed deeply, looking forlornly at his mother. "I'm not… I know you can take care of yourself. You're a kick ass mom. My friends even thought you're hot." He shuddered a bit at the thought. "But dad won't like it…"
"He doesn't have to know, right?" Veronica reached to her son's face and started kissing his cheeks, his forehead, and soon, his whole face with a resounding smack.
"Mom, stop it! Ew, ew!" He squirmed trying to get away. "Okay, I won't tell! Although I think he will find out anyway, judging from that big shiner." He pointed to her cheek.
"So where's your uncle Darrell? I thought he's supposed to baby sit you guys?" Veronica swiftly changed the subject.
"Uncle Darrell had to pick up Uncle Wallace, Aunt Rhonda, and Collette from Aunt Rhonda's parents house. You know they're coming here tomorrow night with Grandpa Keith and Grandma Alicia, right?" Scott raised his eyebrows.
"Why?" She frowned uncomprehendingly.
"Your birthday party…" He said carefully. "Your birthday is tomorrow, doy?"
"Oh, shit." It struck Veronica and was immediately horrified, while Scott winced at his mom's curse. "It's tomorrow? B-b-but I just got back! I haven't bought any food yet!" She scrambled out from Scott's room and made a dash down the stairs noisily. Scott could hear his mom yelling to Beth to clean the kitchen and the door slammed, then the sound of his mom starting her car and drove away.
When Beth reached her brother's door, Scott was humming a song while strumming the guitar. Still clutching the bucket of chicken, she confirmed her suspicion. "Did you tell her about her own birthday party?" Her brother calmly nodded and continued humming as she groaned. "Can you just for one second not being pathetic? Your ex is a whore."
"Shut the fuck up, Beth!"
"Don't forget about the present for mom tomorrow. We're giving it to her at the party, not before. Hopefully, Dad is gonna be there." She reminded him only for Scott to give her another nod and continue strumming the guitar. Beth scoffed and exited her twin brother's room.
"Happy birthday!"
Beth jumped up her mom's bed and hugged her tightly, eliciting a surprised yelp out of Veronica. Behind her, Scott was carrying a breakfast tray. Veronica was touched to see her children had prepared her a breakfast in bed.
"It's not much, just some toast and eggs and bacon… lots of bacon. Enjoy the clogging artery, many happy returns." Scott placed the tray on his mom's lap. "Of course, I was the one who cooked – Beth didn't help at all." His eyes were shooting daggers at his twin sister, but Beth reciprocated with an equally heated look.
"I poured the coffee!" She said defiantly.
"Enough you two… Thank you so much. This is awesome." She awarded both of her children with a kiss each. "I love you so much." Scott kissed his mom back on the cheek and had started to walk out the room when Veronica said, "Please clean the kitchen both of you, 'kay? Tonight the guests are arriving." She could hear Scott groaned out his reluctance.
Beth was about to leave too, when she turned around and asked, "Did dad call? Or maybe he texted?"
Veronica peered at her daughter as she took a sip of her coffee, and then shook her head. "No, sweetie."
"Oh. I thought he would call, you know – usually he calls." Beth said attempted to say it casually, but it was a long shot.
"Well, I don't think he remembers my birthday. He has his own life, honey." Veronica watched with mild annoyance at Beth who scowled.
"Scott went to his apartment yesterday to play some music…" Her daughter informed, ratting out her brother as she trailed off.
"And?" Knowing what Beth was going to say, Veronica changed her object of focus to the food over her lap. Her children had been throwing words about it for the past few weeks, giving hints about something, or trying to put the parents together in the same room.
"Scott said that dad is still in love with you." Beth told her bluntly. "He said that he's sorry about everything and hopefully you could forgive him."
Veronica put down her fork hard, this time giving a stern look. "Thank you for breakfast, Elizabeth. Could you help your brother cleaning the kitchen, please? And don't forget to feed the dog and take him for a walk."
Beth bit her bottom lip and nodded. Her mother could get scary when a conversation about their dad arises. She walked out from her mother's room without a word.
Veronica sighed and wiped her eyes from a tear that was forming, wincing when she touched her bruise.
Veronica's house was filled with people who came to celebrate her birthday. She didn't have to worry about not having enough food or even decorate the house, as long it was clean. Scott and Beth had been cleaning since morning, begrudgingly, while Veronica prepared the plates and cups in the backyard along with snacks such as pretzels and also soft drinks.
The guests arrived around 6 PM and it was still summer so the sun was still bright. They brought foods that could feed an army. Dick – unsurprisingly - brought a beer keg while Mac had veggie lasagna with her. Their sons, Richard III and Cameron were in the same grade as Scott and Beth.
Wallace, Rhonda, and their daughter, Collette – who was the same age as the other teens – brought in desserts, also a birthday cake. And Darrell came accompanied by his girlfriend, Shaniqua, and a big present with a bow in hands.
Veronica jiggled her present and smiled, "You brought me a mini pony?"
Eli and Carmen made appearance bringing burritos, Beth's favorite food – which she was so grateful, she gave the two crushing hugs. Felix and Esmeralda, the couple's children, were much younger than Veronica's, but they were close.
The teenagers were hanging out immediately, away from their parents.
Keith and Cliff had the grill. They knew it was unorthodox to have BBQ at night, but it was summer and this was a special occasion. They were talking with their colleagues from the fire department. It was a simple birthday party with friends and families, nothing fancy but a backyard party.
Alicia fussed at Veronica's bruise, which she just shrugged it out. Keith read her the riot act and she just rolled her eyes. It was her 38th birthday, Keith was treating her like a child, and she wouldn't have it any other way.
Everybody hugged her and wished her happy birthday at her when they arrived. Veronica laughed when Dick teased her about getting old, and she kindly retaliated by saying that she could still kick his ass. Mac playfully hit her husband and joined the laughter.
Everyone was happy and having a good time; eating, drinking, and talking. Veronica was so grateful for having her friends and family together like this. She may not like the whole idea of turning 38, but she was thankful enough about her life. She was a great private detective, her children were in high school with good grades, her father was happily married with her best friend's mother, her best friend was happily married with a gorgeous daughter, and her friends were also happily married.
She didn't even think about her ex-husband, who had apparently forgotten her birthday. No text message, no calls... Didn't matter, it would make things easier – no awkward moments or even tension between them especially in front of their children.
They sang her happy birthday and Veronica blew the candles away filled with wishes. Everyone cheered and she couldn't help but giggle. Scott and Beth planted kisses on her cheeks and she hugged them both. Photos were taken and the video camera was rolling; Veronica hugging and posing with everyone in the party, especially with her family.
"Present for you, mother." In such a gentleman style, Scott bowed and presented to her a jewelry box. Beth rolled her eyes at her brother's use of the word 'mother'.
Veronica smiled and took the jewelry box, jiggling it. Before she managed to comment, Beth cut her off. "It's not a pony!"
Veronica sighed, pinching her daughter's nose, and opened it. There laid a locket necklace. She clicked the locket open, and her gaze fell to pictures of Scott and Beth when they were babies. Tears welled up in her eyes as she lifted her head and looked at her children.
"Where did you get this?" She croaked.
Scott and Beth communicated with their eyes. "Well… it's a secret." Beth answered carefully.
"But, do you like it?" asked Scott.
Veronica choked a sob and drew her children into a tight hug. "I love it. And I love you both." She kissed both of them and shooed them to their friends and cousin. Grinning from ear to ear, the twins kissed back their mother before returning to their table.
Veronica gave the locket another look and put it around her neck.
This turned out to be a nice birthday after all.
And then she saw Leo arriving.
"Hey, Leo. You made it." Veronica walked to Leo and greeted him softly with a smile. Leo stopped in front of her instead looking and seemed to be in turmoil.
"Veronica." He greeted balefully. His stare was fixed at her and at her bruised cheek. He touched and caressed it carefully. No matter what, he would always think of her as beautiful.
Back in the party, Scott nudged Beth and signaled at Veronica and Leo. The two eyed both adults curiously. They became more curious when several deputies from the sheriff department arrived, all wearing solemn faces.
Leo was in his uniform and he was pulling back his hand from Veronica. People at the party had stopped what they were doing and watched as Leo and his deputies came closer. Leo closed his eyes and sadly whispered, "I'm sorry, Veronica. But I have no choice."
Seeing Leo taking out his handcuffs had everybody suddenly aware of the situation. Scott and Beth started running towards their mom, but Eli and Dick stopped them. "Mom!" Scott yelled, echoed by his sister.
"Easy, kids." Eli tried calming the children. He and the rest of the guests were shocked to see Sheriff Leo D'Amato put the handcuffs on Veronica's hands and recited her Miranda's right.
"Veronica Mars, you're under arrest. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. Do you understand these rights as they have been read to you?" Leo asked.
Veronica was too dumbfounded to answer.
Cliff immediately was at her side. "I'm her attorney! Why are you arresting her? On what charge?"
"For the murder of Jeff Ratner last night." Leo explained. "He was stabbed to death. A witness saw Veronica left his house last night. We also found her fingerprints on the murder weapon."
Everyone gasped in shock. "WHAT?" Keith roared. He was walking wobbly towards Veronica and Leo, but Wallace stopped him. "Let go of me, Wallace!" The other deputies were blocking the guests from protesting, it was chaos.
Beth cried, desperately trying to reach for her mother, but Dick held her tight. Scott was under restrained by Eli, screaming for his mom. Captain was barking, bucking wildly to get close to Veronica, but Darrell held a firm grip over his leash.
Veronica suddenly felt a pang of pain in her head.
She couldn't breathe.
She looked around; everything seemed to be out of focus and spinning. Voices and faces went blurry and mixing into each other.
She could hear everyone singing happy birthday.
She could hear everyone yelling.
She could see everyone was smiling.
She could smell the bacon from this morning.
She could hear Scott humming his song.
She could hear Beth saying something.
"Dad is still in love with you…"
Veronica was trying to focus when everything went black, and all she could hear was the screaming and yelling and she could feel Leo frantically trying to wake her up.
But then… everything went silent.
It was like being under the sea where the sounds were muffled.
She opened her eyes and realized that she was under a blanket. She sat up and looked around. She was in a familiar room. She blinked her eyes and shook her head in disbelief. She immediately bounced off the water bed. Wait, water bed?
She was in her old room in that old apartment. What the hell was going on? She felt weird, a bit light instead of heavy. She looked down at her hands; her hands were smaller and smoother. She touched her hair; it was shorter.
She walked into her bathroom and glanced at the mirror above the sink.
And she saw her young self staring back at her.
She was seventeen again.
"Fuuuuuckkkkk….." She whispered.
