Before The End

Disclaimer: I do not own Veronica Mars

Chapter 1: Tensions on the Road

Veronica Mars twirled her long blonde hair as they drove past Neptune's world famous deli. She was in a limo with her boyfriend, Duncan Kane, her best friend, Lily Kane, and Lily's boyfriend, Logan Echools. They were on their way to what Lily called "the most memorable party of the year". Lily had a way of getting you excited for even the smallest things, but this time, Veronica knew she was sincere. This party would be BIG. Everyone was going to be there, not that that really mattered to Veronica. She was perfectly happy with just hanging out with the Kanes and Logan. But Veronica was happy nevertheless because she knew Lily was happy. Lily loved going to parties with a lot of people, and this party was exactly what she needed. Lily had been going through many mood swings recently, and there weren't many times when Lily was happy. Lily kept getting into fights with her parents, who wanted her to be more like their model child, Duncan. Lily hadn't been on good terms with Duncan ever since, so Veronica was especially hopeful that this night would end the angst between her two best friends, Lily and Duncan.

"Oof", Duncan said as they went over a small bump.

"Haha, are you okay honey?", Veronica asked.

Duncan smiled. He loved how caring Veronica always was toward him. "Yea, I'm fine, just a little clumsy."

Logan laughed. "A little clumsy? Shall I remind everyone how you tripped on the stairs twice on our way to math?"

Duncan stared at his best friend. Why did he always have to be so good at remembering his clumsy moments? "Oh, shut up, I didn't want to be late to math! We had a test!"

Veronica looked at Lily. She could see the tension growing in her best friend's eyes. She tried to change the subject, but Lily interrupted and angrily snapped at Duncan. "Oh, little perfect Duncan-poo didn't want to be late for his little math test. What did you get? 100?"

Veronica sighed. She knew this would happen. Lily hated how Duncan always got good grades and she never did. Duncan blushed. Veronica knew this meant he did get 100 on his math test. Wanting to prevent an argument, Veronica quickly changed the subject before Lily could open her mouth again.

"So, Logan, how's the basketball team been doing?"

Logan beamed. The basketball team this year had won every game so far. "Well, our winning streak hasn't been broken yet."

Lily nudged closer to Logan. "Any team my baby's on will never be beaten. I love you honey."

Logan smiled. He loved when people complimented him on his athletic ability. He loved it even more when Lily told him she loved him. Lily hadn't been too affectionate for the past two months because the Kanes had threatened to send Lily to boarding school and she isolated herself from him and everyone else it seemed. He was worried that she might break up with him. Lily was a very restless girl that got bored easily, and it was quite possible that she was getting bored with him.

The truth of the matter was, Lily was getting bored with Logan. But until she could find her next boyfriend, she decided to keep herself busy with Logan for the time being. The only person who knew this was Veronica. Lily looked over at her as she cuddled with Logan and saw her give a disapproving look. 'That's just the kind of girl I am.', Lily thought. 'I stay with one guy until I find something better. A girl's gotta have high standards. Veronica thinks Duncan is the greatest, but that's only because she doesn't go around looking for something better. There's always something better out there.'

Duncan looked over at Logan and Lily. He was sad to see his best friend fall under Lily's trap. He knew his sister would dump him as soon as she found something better.

The limo came to a halt in front of the Sunset Club. The 09-ers had all chipped in to rent the place out for the night. The lights were blaring and music blasting in the dark night. Lily pulled Veronica out before Duncan and Logan could stand up. "This is going to be the best night ever!"

Veronica sighed. Anything for her best friend's happiness, right?