Title: A Very Froggy Christmas
Chapter 1: Take a bottle
Rating: Mature for Language
Disclaimer: If you recognize it, I don't own it.
Summary: Logan and Veronica come to terms with their relationship through a series of visits from the ghosts of WB past.
A/N: This little story was actually started about a year ago but I lost enthusiasm for it once the X-mas season was over. I hope that I finish it this time and that you enjoy it. While I'm finishing this, I'm also praying that Rob (Thomas, creator of VM) finishes the last act of the VM movie. He was quoted as saying he would try to finish it over the holiday break. I'm pee my pants excited for it! Closure, people.
Logan
Logan Echolls slumpt in his overstuffed leather chair, a half-empty bottle of Jack Daniels hanging from his hand. The twinkling of the multi-colored Christmas lights seemed to blend in his inebriated state while the cheesy Christmas music was both lightening and depressing to his heart at the same time. He took another swig from the bottle, half the fiery liquid missing his mouth running down his face. Laughter echoed in the hallway and into his apartment. It sounded like a couple, cheerful and in love. Probably some people getting an early start on the Christmas cheer. 'Lucky bastards,' he thought before adding almost as an afterthought, 'Be careful, she'll ruin you.'
The crisp night breeze drifted in from his open balcony door but did nothing to sober him. As he glanced out the glass balcony doors, Logan could've sworn that he saw snow falling but it didn't snow in Neptune. Snow was too pure for this California town that was riddled with evil. The only snow in Neptune was the type of narcotic. Logan's focus drifted back to his room. The lights appeared to be twinkling in time to "All I Want For X-mas."
All he wanted for Christmas is one, Veronica Mars. Did he really want her though? They each had started and stopped their relationship several times for several different reasons throughout the years but this time it felt different. It felt permanent. They were in their last year at Hearst College. Only one semester remained before graduation. Both would be moving on after they graduated. Logan couldn't imagine his life without Veronica in it. Of course, her in his life wasn't all sunshine and roses. He snorted at the thought that Veronica would be associated with anything so girly and attempted to take another swig. Although the alcohol burned going down his parched throat, it could not burn out thoughts of Veronica. He thought despondently that nothing could or would burn Veronica from his memory.
It was an understatement to say that he and Veronica had a complicated relationship. Together they had waded through doubts, lies, secrets, murderers, rapists, gangs, and mutual ex's. Not to mention all the regular crap that went into dating. It was only to be expected that some of the muck that they went through would end up sticking. Logan pondered where it all went so terribly wrong.
They started off as friends/acquaintances brought together by their respective significant others who were brother and sister and also the best friends of Logan and Veronica. Veronica, to Logan at this time, was someone who was always there for Lilly, Duncan, and even him. The peacekeeper, moderator, and all-around voice of reason was her role. She was the glue that held their little group together often making peace between the warring factions. But that all changed once Lilly Kane was murdered. The group splintered and their carefully constructed relationships fell apart.
"Dammit Lilly. How could you be so stupid and do this to us!" Logan shouted in frustration as he threw the bottle across the room. It hit the wall and broke into a thousand pieces, much like his life.
"Thanks for sharing Lovah but I'm in no shape to drink," a female voice informed him from across the room. Startled, Logan jerked up at the sound of the voice, a voice he recognized. How could he not recognize that voice. Even in his drunken state he could identify his first love's tones.
A self-indulgent chuckle ripped from him. "Fan-freakin'tastic. The only thing that I needed to add to my already colorful resume was nutcase," he paused before adding, "Son of suicidal alcoholic. Check. Son of killer, child abuser, rapist and two time Oscar nominee. Double check." He dissolved in giggles at this point over the absurdity of it all and fell face first over the arm of the chair. Clearly enjoying this bout of self-deprecation, he added, "Best friend of kidnapper. Got that one too. I am killing on this list."
"Logan," the feminine voice admonished him quietly but firmly.
Logan didn't look toward where the voice was coming from but continued on. "Friend to all the baddies including, but not limited to, drug dealers, rapists, murders. I can sure pick'em. Boyfriend to those who I used, those who used me, and the one who, I believe, loved and left me." At that he paused to consider the words of his tirade and broke down to tears.
"Logan," Lilly's voice comforted while she advanced and began to rub circles on his back. As Logan calmed down, he turned his head to look at her.
The form that greeted him was clearly Lilly except not. This Lilly looked bad like Lilly's worst nightmare. Her hair was matted and greasy, glasses adorned her eyes and braces-full on metal braces-her teeth, about the worse case of acne he had ever seen was all over her face, and her body? Gone was the body that all the guys at Neptune High fantasized about. In its place was what he would could consider a blob that could only be contained by a hideous flowered muumuu. Lilly smiled at him despite her condition.
Just great. Figured he was crazy. His mother was depressed and crazy enough to throw herself off of a bridge. His father was psychotic crazy and had no compunction over killing a person. Looks like the apple didn't fall too far from the proverbial tree. As if reading his thoughts, Lilly answered, "Logan, you're not crazy. At least not in the 'Did you take your pill today crazy?' It's me and I'm here for a reason. The same way I was there for Veronica and Duncan."
"Veronica and Duncan see you? See this?" Logan wanted to believe the vision and that he was not one that would fly over the cuckoo's nest.
"They saw me when Veronica was investigating my murder. I haven't seen that girl in awhile. How's she doing?" Lilly cracked.
"I'm not the one to ask. You know Veronica. Hidden emotions. Tough shell." He played off her question but he was always keenly aware of Veronica and her emotions even when the weren't together.
"Well, I'll know Veronica again,that's part of the reason I'm here." Lilly twisted the gathers of her dress in a nervous habit.
"Part of? Is the other part to go to Weight Watchers meetings? What happened Lil, heaven not allow you to purge those Ho-Hos away?" Logan quipped.
"Very funny, blood type JD positive. I hope your liver forgives you." Lilly quickly countered while ruffling his hair playfully.
Logan swiped her arm away, uncomfortable with the intimate gesture. "Lil, what do you want? No wait, what do you need? If there's one thing that I know, it's that Lilly Kane never placed anyone else before her. Her motive was always selfish."
A frown marred Lilly's features at Logan's words. Logan always did have a knack for cutting to the chase. "I think you hit the nail on the head. I didn't consider anyone else while I was earthbound and that's why I'm like this. The people up there have a wonderful sense of humor. They figured messing with my looks would be the best way to punish me."
"Punishment from heaven?" Logan's glassy chocolate brown eyes met Lilly's, truly questioning whether she was okay.
"Yeah, I got through the pearly gates but the fun stopped when I had my life review," Lilly smiled but it did not reach her eyes.
"Wow. I can imagine the porn on that review. Was it standing room only?" Logan snarked while trying to comfortably sit in the chair.
"Very funny. If you remember, you were a big part of my sex life."
"Not the only part. Just a piece of the pie. And you were a bakery full of pies." Although Logan's tone was playful, the hurt was evident in his voice.
"Logan, I'm so sorry for what I did to you. I didn't understand it while I was down here but now I do." Lilly again tried to approach him with a conciliatory gesture but his expression warned her away.
"Thanks for the apology. Now my life is complete," Logan said sarcastically as he reached for another bottle of booze. He glanced at the bottle. Clear liquid. Possibly vodka.
"But Logan, the apology isn't the only reason I came." Lilly tilted her head to the side. The gesture was familiar and it's outcome was Lilly getting what she wanted.
"What do you want world peace too?" He turned to her and raised an eyebrow.
Lilly laughed, "No, although that would be nice."
"Then what?" Logan prompted while taking another swig of fortification.
"I'm on a mission."
"Like Tom Cruise?"
"Sort of. Only not as creepy as him."
"Well, what's the mission? Is it black ops? Are you Sidney Bristow in a truly horrible disguise?"
"I'll tell you but you might not like it."
"What else is new?"
"Shut up for two seconds, will ya? As I said at my life review I was shown my good versus bad deeds. I think that you can imagine which pile surpassed the others. The judges determined that as punishment for all of my bad deeds, I would look like this until I righted some wrongs."
Logan raised an eyebrow questioningly at Lilly.
"For some reason the judges thought my bad deeds against Veronica and especially you were the worst. Now I have to fix that by doing a good deed in your lives."
"And what pray tell is the good deed oh wise, angelic one?" Logan questioned while bowing his head in subjugation.
Taking several breathes, Lilly let it out. "I have to bring you and Veronica together." Logan's head jerked toward her in surprise and she hurried on with her explanation. "At least to pave the way for you not to do this," she said motioning to the empty, discarded liquor bottles and trashed room, "every five seconds."
Logan was about to interrupt when Lilly continued, "I also want Veronica to stop hurting."
All condescending and sarcastic comments fled from Logan's mind and he just looked at Lilly encouraging her to talk more. She had his attention now. Even when he and Veronica were at their worst, Logan couldn't handle her being in true pain.
"You don't have a lock on pain and heartache, Logan. You're just more overt than Veronica. If she was like you, this place would be filled to the rim with empty liquor bottles."
"So my way of dealing with this is wrong? What makes you so omniscient? And if you're so concerned about us, why the hell did it take you six years to do this? Six years, Lilly, of never turning your face from the buffet table to help us. Why?" Logan raged while pacing the room and shooting glares at Lilly. His gait was surprisingly normal for someone who had imbibed half a liquor store.
"I'm so sorry," Lilly offered guilt clearly covering her face, "Please listen. At first when I got to heaven there was this whole period they call Adjustment. Basically, it's coming to terms with the fact that you're dead, being at peace. Except, I couldn't be at peace until my killer was caught. Thanks to Veronica that happened."
"Lil, I" Logan began.
"No, Logan You don't need to apologize or explain to me. You are one of the two best things that ever graced my life."
Logan's eyes began to tear again as he heard the sincerity in her voice. Lilly, searching to break the tension said, " Don't be such a girl. If you want a Hallmark moment, go to the store. Anyways, as I was saying, after Veronica caught him, I had my life review. My 16 years were actually reviewed in three years, 24 hours a day. To make up for past mistakes I was given certain tasks to perform but instead chose to ignore the tasks and concentrate on all of the more hedonistic pleasures that can be found. Long story short, I was punished by warping into the figure you see before you. Even that didn't spur me on to action because I was too embarrassed to be seen by you and Veronica. I'm so sorry Logan. For everything." Lilly finished tears falling from her eyes. Logan reacted by doing the one thing he never thought he'd do, he hugged an ugly, fat chick.
As they broke the hug, Logan asked, "What's the master plan, Obi-Wan?"
"So, you're in?" She smiled at her Logan.
"As if I had a choice in the matter. You know you can steamroll anyone into doing whatever you want . I'm along for the ride for the least the present moment. Now, what have you planned? It's gonna have to be brilliant enough to captivate and capture the elusive Veronica Mars. So, have at it, general. Tell me the plan."
Lilly pondered his question seriously for a moment. "You and Veronica are such an unusual couple, I think I'll have to go old and new school for you. In keeping with a Christmas theme, you'll be visited by four spirits and before you say anything, no not Jim Beam, Jose Cuervo, Captain Morgan or your
good buddy Jack, smartass. These visits will help you determine your future with or without Veronica."
"And Veronica? What will happen to her?"
"The same thing essentially. She either needs to decide to put a permanent lock on her connection with you or end it completely."
"Is she going to be okay?" Logan asked concerned.
"I hope so, she's a tough cookie. I'll explain everything to her. I know she'll understand," Lilly explained while fading away.
"Lil?"
"Yeah."
"You know she's going to kick your ass right."
Lilly laughed, "She has a big enough target now."
And she faded away.