Two Weeks Later…

Veronica arrived at her and Logan's beautiful Calhoun Terrace home. Things had been going pretty well the last two weeks. She had finished moving all of her things in, and Logan had been surprisingly laid back about the few decorating tweaks she'd made. Veronica had made a point of rewarding him for how well he was taking the changes she was making to his home…their home. That was, until he admitted that a decorator had set up the place and that he'd had very little interest in the process.

She had been mad at first, since she'd been being so careful to not tread on his style, but after realizing that he didn't care if she wanted to make changes, she embraced it. Her first plan of action had been to set up an area in the huge kitchen for all of her favorite baking supplies. After telling Logan her plan, he had surprised her with an impromptu shopping trip to Sur La Table followed by some greasy goodness from Gott's Roadside since both were located in the Ferry Building. Veronica enjoyed thinking back on the ridiculous conversation about why it was called Gott's 'Roadside.' "It's an actual roadside stand" Logan has insisted. But of course they had been sitting in the Ferry Building in what was basically a cafeteria-style room, which Veronica had pointed out. So while enjoying a couple of beers with their gourmet greasy goodness Logan had insisted he would prove it to her by taking a trip to the Napa Valley so she could see the original roadside version. The visit would apparently also include checking out some grocery store with a crazy cheese selection and a few wineries.

Veronica was brought out of her reverie by a loud knocking and then the chiming of the doorbell. She reluctantly trudged back to the front door and opened it without checking who was there. Greeting her on the other side of the door was a kneeling Leo. In one hand he held a large bouquet of dyed daisies, still wrapped in cellophane, and there was a small brown velvet ring box in the other. What is with the bad proposals? Veronica sighed heavily. She was getting ready to slam the door in Leo's face when she saw a tear trace down his cheek.

"Veronica Lianne Mars, with your father's permission and blessing, will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?"

Veronica couldn't hold back a groan; this was even worse than she had expected. Leo held out the small ring box and showed her a lovely gold band adorned with a small pear shaped diamond. It was a sweet ring that she knew had belonged to Leo's grandmother. There had even been a time, brief though it was, when she'd hoped it would be her ring one day.

"Leo what are you thinking?" Leo looked up at her, obviously taken aback. Great, he's surprised by my reaction.

"I—I know you were unhappy when we were living together. We should have been married first. It was a mistake. One I want to fix. Let me make this right. Say yes and come home with me." He was so earnest and sincere that it made Veronica sad.

She shook her head, "I broke up with you. I moved to a different state. I just moved in with another man…you think I did all that because I was upset you didn't ask me to marry you?" She asked as calmly as she could.

"He's a rebound! I know you love me." He insisted, finally rising up from his kneeling position.

"What is wrong with you? Why would you think that? I don't love you, how many times do I have to tell you that before it gets through your thick skull?" Veronica threw her eyes heavenward in exasperation.

"No V, you just have a hard time saying it. I know you!"

"Clearly not, I didn't have any trouble saying it to Logan. Who coincidently will be home any minute. You need to leave." Veronica said seeing the time on her watch.

"I'm not going anywhere." Leo crossed his arms across his chest.

"Fine Leo. But this doesn't change anything." She slammed the door in his face and pulled out her cell phone.

From Veronica Mars to Logan Echolls, 6:37pm:
Park in the garage and come up from there. I'll explain when you get here.

Logan hit the button for the garage as he pulled up to his and Veronica's home. He noticed an out of place sedan with rental plates parked illegally by their driveway and was surprised they hadn't been ticketed. Veronica took some strange pleasure in calling in that sort of thing. He parked the Range Rover next to Veronica's much more conservative Honda Civic, which he was determined to get her to trade-in. Secretly, he just wanted an excuse to buy a BMW M6 convertible but couldn't really justify the purchase if it was for him. Maybe a Christmas present?

Logan loped up the stairs and stopped short of wrapping his arms around her when he saw her expression. That is one angry Veronica.

"Hi sugarplum, is everything okay?" He asked nervously.

"It is most definitely not okay." Veronica stepped forward and, much to Logan's surprise, wrapped her arms around his waist.

"All right. I'm guessing from the way you're holding on to me that I'm not the reason you're so angry?" He asked while tilting her head up to look at him.

"No, you are definitely not why I'm mad. No, the reason for my anger is currently standing, or maybe kneeling again, out on our stoop." She practically growled.

"You are definitely going to have to be a bit more specific, because I'm feeling a little lost here." He brushed a few hairs behind her ear and kissed her gently on the forehead.

"Leo is here. At the front door." Veronica waved her hand in the direction of the door in question.

"Okay. Why is he outside? I know you didn't really want to see him, but you could have invited him inside. Honestly, I'm kind of curious to meet him. You know? Meet the spurned lover." He chuckled lightly in her ear.

"Trust me, he is not welcome in our home." Veronica said, exhaustion clear in her voice as she pulled out of Logan's arms. "He showed up with flowers and a ring."

"Wow. Um…based on your current state, I take it you were not receptive—which, by the way, makes me more pleased than you could ever know—but why is he still here if you turned him down?" Logan asked feeling both confused and elated.

"I don't know. He refuses to accept reality." Veronica threw her hands in the air in frustration.

"Why don't you go start a bath and relax. I'll talk to him." Logan offered.

"I'm not so sure that's a good idea." Veronica was shaking her head, but Logan wasn't worried about Leo. The guy was heartbroken. Who wouldn't be after losing Veronica?

Logan took Veronica by the shoulders and gently turned her toward their bedroom. "Go on. It'll be fine. And I'll come join you in a few minutes." He kissed her neck softly from behind and patted her on the bottom to send her off, which earned him a small glare.

Once Veronica had disappeared into their bedroom, Logan walked over to the refrigerator and grabbed two Coronas and a bottle opener. Logan knew that Leo had been calling a lot lately. It had gotten bad enough that VeornicaVeronica had the office manager screening her calls. Leo just needed a chance to reconcile his hopes with what was actually happening.

Logan opened the door and Leo popped up, holding out the dyed daisies.

Leo's face dropped, "You're not Veronica."

"No, I'm not. But I do come bearing beer." Logan offered the bottle to the forlorn man before sitting down on the top stair. Leo accepted and popped open the bottle then took a deep drink. Logan offered him a sad smile.

"She should be coming home with me. Her whole life is back in Portland. Keith was so sure this was the right thing; that she just needs the stability." Leo looked up at Logan then. "God how pathetic am I that I'm telling you this?"

Logan shook his head, "Not at all man. I get it. I've had my heart crushed before, too. If it's any consolation, she's not doing any of this to hurt you. I don't know everything that happened, but Leo, man, you need to let her make her own decisions. You showing up here and telling her what she needs to do and what she wants…" Logan stopped and turned to make eye contact with Leo. "I've only known her a few months, and even I know what a terrible idea that is. You've known her for what? Four years?"

Leo nodded and put his face in his hands. "I went to all the classes and seminars about dealing with victims of abuse and assault. I thought I was helping. I thought she just needed to relax and open up."

Logan felt a wave of irritation at Leo's clear lack of understanding. "I get it. You've never had anything bad happen to you." Logan took a sip of his beer, "You can't possibly understand. You can be sympathetic, but it's not the same thing. And what you're talking about, these classes, they were for cops right? Those weren't for helping your girlfriend."

Leo sat up and glared at Logan, the sad, dejected look was now replaced with anger. "What the fuck would you know about it?"

Logan finished his beer and laughed as he stood up. "I know plenty."

"You're just some pretty-boy son of a celebrity. She's only with you for your money." Leo spat as Logan reached for the doorknob.

Logan turned to face Leo one last time, "And here I thought it was for my hot body and all the orgasms. Get off my property before I call the real cops." Logan snatched the empty bottle from Leo and went back inside.

Just inside the door stood Veronica, a few tears gathering in her eyes. Logan quickly reset the alarm and set the bottles down so that he could wrap his arms around her, but she took a few steps back.

"Do you really think that's why I'm with you?" Her lip trembled.

Logan wanted to kick himself. "No, god no. I'm so sorry; I was just being an ass. I wanted to get to him. I don't think that at all." He took a small step in her direction, and when she didn't back away, he moved closer and took her hands in his. "I love you, and I know you love me too. If this were just physical I'm pretty sure we both would have moved on already. And I can tell you right now, I would never have asked you to move in with me if I didn't think what we had was something really special."

Veronica relaxed into him, "I think what we have is really special too. Thank you for trying to talk to him; it sounded like you were getting through to him until the end there."

Logan pulled away a bit and brushed some loose hair off her face. "Let's go take that bath, hmm? I can open some wine and we can just relax and focus on how exciting it's going to be when your name is splashed across newspapers across around the country for exposing dirty government agents."

She smiled playfully up at him, "Yeah, okay. Let's not exaggerate, though. Not the whole nation…but maybe regionally."

Leo was furious. Where does this Echolls guy get off!? He slammed his fist into the dash of his rental car's and then threw the flowers out the window, littering be damned. Not sure where he was going, Leo found himself back at the precinct where he had been meeting with the officers and ADA assigned to the Piznarski case.

He pulled into the parking garage and headed in to see if there was anything more he could do that day. If there wasn't, he'd head to the closest bar and tie one on. Leo had barely made it to Inspector Saito's department before he ran into one of the guys he'd waited with earlier.

Leo held out his hand to shake with the younger officer. "Dillon right?"

"Diller. Nice to see you again, D'Amato. That ADA sure was a bitch, am I right? Bet her and the Mars bitch got along like two peas in a pod."

"Um…yeah sure." Leo found himself caught off guard by the comment.

"You seen the videos?" Diller asked in a hushed voice.

"Yeah, I've seen the footage of the fight where Echolls took out Piznarski," Leo confirmed.

"No dude, I'm talking about the footage from before he took her hostage. Piznarski had cameras in her place for at least a week. There's a bunch of her being boring, you know: eating dinner and watching Netflix…whatever. But the really good stuff happens the day he first left the flowers in her apartment. She's a wild one." Diller leered.

Leo was at a loss for words. Keith had mentioned that there were recordings, but Leo had assumed that they were all from the day that Piz had held Veronica hostage in her own apartment. Veronica was a lot of things but 'wild' wasn't one of the words he would use to describe any aspect of her personality. Maybe she really had changed since she left. Leo let his curiosity get the better of him.

"You don't say? I dated her for a while; wild isn't how I would have described her," Leo whispered back.

"You gotta see these then. I got a buddy in evidence; he'll let us sneak in after hours if you're interested. We could go grab a couple beers until his shift starts," Diller offered.

Leo couldn't imagine getting a better offer than that today. "You know what, that sounds great."

Their bath had been very relaxing, as were the activities that followed. Apparently, being naked in the same vicinity, eh, who was she kidding, just being in the same vicinity as Logan was an aphrodisiac. And, while it was true that it wasn't the reason she was with him now, she did have to admit that at first the physical attraction was what had caused her to give in and stay that first night with him. But it was something else entirely that had led to her taking that leap and staying with him that entire week while the police searched for Piz. It might have been love, but Veronica wasn't a believer in love at first sight, lust sure, but not love. At the time she hadn't been certain what it was, but after hearing him talk to Leo she thought she might have figured out another part of what drew them together.

Veronica rolled over so she was facing Logan rather than being the little spoon. "Logan, can I ask you something?"

"Anything," he whispered and kissed her on the forehead.

"I-I'm not sure how to ask this. I don't want to upset you," she said nervously.

Logan's expression turned very serious, "Are you going to ask to see other people?"

"Oh my god. No!"

"Then you have nothing to worry about. That is the only thing that could possibly upset me right now." His face softened and he held her tightly. "Ask away."

"When we first met…what attracted you to me?"

Logan's soft chuckle startled her. "You thought that question would upset me? Um…what attracted me to you? Well, you're sassy, and, while you look like this tiny cheerleader of a girl, you're tough and sincere. Wow, I don't know Bobcat. Everything about you drew me in."

Veronica swallowed hard. "Do you think part of it is that we've both-both been…"

Veronica felt Logan's arms squeeze her in reassurance. "Both been victims? I dunno. Maybe. I think it gives us a shared understanding. We both know what it is to not have control of our lives, our bodies," he said tenderly. "But I don't think that's all of it. That just helps to understand certain 'quirks' we both have."

"I like that. 'Quirks'." Veronica giggled at the absurdity of the term. They had quirks all right…that was one way to put it. At first Veronica thought she was the one with all the landmines that had to be stepped around, but as she started spending more and more time with Logan she'd come to realize she wasn't the only one with a minefield. Logan's quirks, it turned out, were more of the emotional variety than the physical. One afternoon they'd seen a little boy drop his ice cream cone. Veronica had thought nothing of it. The little guy cried and his dad bought him a new one. But after that Logan had been quiet and distant the rest of the day. It wasn't until that night that Veronica had finally gotten him to tell her that it had brought back memories of growing up and that they didn't end with his dad buying him a new ice cream cone.

"We both have certain needs that other people don't always have the ability to understand. But more than any of that, I think we just click. You're my partner." He shrugged.

"I like that, too." Veronica snuggled in closer. "Did he tell you he asked for, and received, my dad's blessing?"

"What? No." Logan was quiet for a few moments. "Bobcat, I think it might be time for your dad and I to meet."

"I haven't met your dad, Muffin."

"Well, I hate my dad. But you love yours. He's going to be a part of our lives, right?" Logan asked.

Veronica thought about the question. Was her dad going to be a part of their lives? Certainly there would be the occasional family holiday gathering, but Veronica had no intention of moving back to Portland. Of course, if she and Logan ever had kids…Where did that come from?

"Not really. I mean, he lives far enough away that he won't just be popping in for a visit. I don't really care if he's supportive." She buried her face in Logan's chest.

"Hey, don't do that." He nuzzled the top of her head then pulled her away so she had to meet his eyes. "I'm the one who has daddy issues. And besides I don't have any family, just a handful of trusted friends, and now you. But it isn't just about him. What about Alicia, Wallace and Darrell? And speaking of them, when does Wallace get back from Africa?"

Oh right…the family that I love… "Should be right around Thanksgiving, I think. I'll have to check his last email. And you're right; I would miss Alicia and Darrell, too."

Abruptly Veronica was rolled to the side. "Then we'll go to Portland for Thanksgiving!" Logan declared, hoping out the bed, grabbing Veronica's hand, and dragging her out of their bedroom.

"Logan! Can I grab a robe or something?" Veronica shrieked as a naked Logan pulled Veronica into their office.

He stopped and leered at her, "Nope, I like you like this." He smacked her lightly on the ass and pulled her into his lap before opening up his computer. Veronica watched as he started searching for plane tickets. "On second thought, why don't you go call your dad and let him know the plan? I'll get us plane tickets and a place to stay. How many days?"

"I guess, three? Maybe four if we want to do something just the two of us?"

"Four it is. Go call." Logan dismissed her from the room, so Veronica headed back to their bedroom. While she supposed she could call them without getting dressed, there was something strange about talking to your parents while naked. It just felt wrong.

She grabbed her cell phone and a robe before heading out to the deck, her favorite place to make phone calls. She selected her dad and Alicia's contact from her favorites and settled onto the outdoor couch. The phone rang a few times before a pleasant voice answered.

"Veronica Mars! How are you sweetheart?"

"Hi Alicia Mars! I'm doing pretty good, despite a surprise visit…" Veronica sighed.

"A surprise visit? I thought you knew Leo was going to be there. I'm sure Keith said you knew…" Her words trailed off.

"I knew he was coming. I didn't know he was going to show up at mine and Logan's home and ask me to marry him."

"What!? He did what?" Alicia sounded genuinely surprised. "Oh honey, no. He didn't. I'm so sorry. If I'd known…"

Veronica exhaled in relief. "It's okay, Alicia. I feel better knowing you weren't in on this."

"Which implies that your father was. Don't worry, Veronica; he'll be hearing all about it from me. Are you okay? I hope Logan wasn't too upset."

It was another one of many moments where Veronica felt true affection and love for her stepmother. Alicia, even before marrying Keith, had been an important fixture in Veronica's life since her mother had left them. And when Veronica had shared with Alicia that she was seeing Logan, Alicia had listened and been supportive even when her father had acted as if he hadn't heard what she was saying.

"I'm better now than I was earlier. And Logan was actually great. He even tried to talk to Leo. Plied him with beer and everything. But you know how Leo is: in denial until he breaks," Veronica answered sadly.

"I do, honey, I do. You know Wallace is going to be home soon, and Darrell misses you," Alicia said hesitantly.

"That's actually why I'm calling. This whole incident with Leo has Logan wanting to meet the family. And as loathe as I am to have him and Dad in the same room, I think he might have a point. Maybe if Dad knew Logan he wouldn't have 'given his blessing' for Leo to propose," Veronica admitted grudgingly.

Alicia's throaty chuckle comforted Veronica. "Yeah, I think that might be a good idea. Does that mean you two are going to come up for a visit—perhaps for Thanksgiving?"

"If you'll have us."

"We will. I've missed you a lot, kiddo. Will you be staying with us? You're old room is still setup as the guest room."

"That's a really nice offer, but I think we're going to get a room somewhere close by. I want Dad and Logan to get to know each other, but a little more…gradually."

Alicia laughed. "You might be right about that. Just email me your itinerary and I will be very much looking forward to seeing you and meeting Logan in…two weeks. I can't believe Thanksgiving is in two weeks."

"Caught up with us. Thank you Alicia. And give Dad hell."

"Will do. Love you and talk to you soon."

"Love you too." Veronica hung up the phone and was greeted by Logan's melt you to the core smile.

"We all set?"

"Yep. And Alicia is going to kick Dad's ass."

"I expected nothing less from a Mars woman."

"Boss man is going to be so happy with me. I found the perfect patsy. Idiot cop from some Podunk place up north. Totally in love with the Mars bitch. Got him good and drunk and had him practically begging me to see the tapes. And then he got to see her beg that Echolls guy to give it to her harder. He cried and everything." Chip's laughter hurt Yelena's ears. She really didn't like this guy, but it wasn't as if they gave her much of a choice.

"Well, thank you, Chip. I know my father will be pleased, as will Uncle Lev." Yelena quickly ended the call and dreaded the next she would have to make.

The phone rang a few times. "Allo." Came a familiar male voice.

"Gorya, is Uncle Lev available?" Yelena asked in English, knowing that Gory's Russian wasn't great.

"Oh, hey Lena, yeah he's around here somewhere." Yelena could hear Gory speaking to someone away from the phone. "He'll be here in just a minute. So Lena, what are you doing this weekend?"

Gory was a big flirt, and while Yelena knew that part of the reason they had sent her to California from Chicago was to meet, and hopefully hit it off with one of the Sorokin sons, she couldn't help but be put off by Gory's egotistical and misogynistic attitude. Of course most of the men in her family were the same way, but she'd hoped that the California branch of the 'family' would be a little more progressive. She felt herself deflate at the realization that, of the acceptable men her aunt had introduced her to, Gory was by far the least old school and also the least involved in the 'family business.' Both of which, she had to admit, did have their appeal.

"This weekend…I don't have any plans." She covered the mouthpiece and let herself sigh in disappointment.

"You do now. There's this restaurant I want to try—we'll go together. It's Lebanese," Gory said conspiratorially into the phone.

And he surprised her; did he know that she liked Lebanese food? It seemed plausible that he'd know that she'd traveled through that region, but she didn't remember expressing any preference for the cuisine to anyone.

"I didn't realize you liked Mediterranean food."

"What? Just because when we're with the family, you've only seen me eat Russian stuff doesn't mean I don't like other things. There is a great deal you don't know about me, Lena."

Just as Yelena was preparing a response, Gory interrupted her. "Uncle Lev is here. I'll pick you up at seven on Saturday."

"Yelena, you have an update?" Lev Sorokin's deep voice came across the line.

"Yes, Dyadya. Diller believes he has someone to easily put the blame on. This man apparently was once involved with Ms. Mars and is very jealous of her relationship with Logan Echolls. He has been in direct contact with the tapes as well."

"Excellent. And she has confirmed the article's release?"

"Yes, she sent me an advance copy, and it will be published tomorrow," she replied sadly.

"Yelena, there is no room for such silly emotions here. You had a job and you did it. So did she. This is important for your family and mine. You have done well; don't ruin that by doing something you can't take back."

"I understand my place."

"Good. Your aunt is going to take you shopping for something nice to wear on your date this weekend with Gorya. That could be a good match; he is more…American in his thinking."

"Thank you," Yelena said, not sure of anything she could say that wouldn't cause her problems.

"Good night, Yelena," he said and the call disconnected.

Yelena realized something else. If she was going to survive all of this, she was going to have to do a better job of hiding how she felt about the things she was asked to do. She filled her glass of wine to almost overflowing and curled up in bed to read and hopefully forget how unhappy she was, even if it was for just a little while.

The next morning dawned like most San Francisco mornings did, foggy and cool. But Veronica felt energized. Despite the brief upset of dealing with Leo, the previous day had been pretty great. She loved her job, she loved her new home, and she loved Logan. Nothing could ruin the cloud of happiness that she was floating on.

She smiled and stretched, disturbing Logan who had been making soft breathing noises next to her. He rolled over facing her, eyes still shut, but with a goofy grin on his face. "Good morning Veronica Mars, Ace Reporter." He said in a sleep-roughened voice before rolling into her and nuzzling her neck. His stubble tickled, and she couldn't help the giggle that bubbled out of her, which seemed to only encourage him.

A little out of breath and definitely awake, Veronica placed her hands on Logan's cheeks and pulled him up for a quick kiss. "You are so much trouble." She couldn't help but smile.

He returned her kiss and settled on top of her briefly before rolling them so that she was straddling his hips. He smiled broadly up at her with twinkling eyes. "It never gets old waking up with you." Logan settled his hands on her hips.

"I have to agree with that. So what do you have going on today? Heather is running the shop, right?" she asked, rocking her hips against his just enough to cause Logan to make one his cute little happy sounds.

He closed his eyes in a long blink and then used his hands to grind her against him again, causing them both to moan in pleasure. He then squeezed her hips tightly, stilling the movement and cleared his throat. "Yes, Heather has the shop today. I'm meeting Ratner for a workout and then maybe lunch. Might get some writing in. You?"

She tried to reengage the rocking motion from just moments before, but he held her still, waiting for her answer. "I'll be fielding the calls that come in as soon as the article is released to the public. It's so big they gave me two interns to help. Who knew caviar and vodka was so exciting?"

"They do sound sexy and exposing government corruption and mob tax evasion is a kinda big deal, sugarpuss." Logan winked at her.

Then, rather than releasing the hold he had on her hips, he lifted her up off of him and shifted her so that when he lowered her back down he was entering her. Veronica moaned involuntarily as Logan kept his tight grip on her and moved her up and down his length slowly. He continued the slow and glorious torture until Veronica couldn't take it anymore.

"Please, Logan," she moaned on a downward thrust.

"Please what? Tell me what you want. I'll give you anything." He watched her with worshipful eyes.

"More," she gasped. "Harder."

"As you wish." Logan flipped them over and was hovering over her, the only weight she could feel at her hips. "Okay?" He gazed into her eyes with an intensity that she'd only ever seen him direct at her.

"Yes." Veronica leaned up and captured his lips, which was apparently all the encouragement Logan needed. He leaned back on his knees, grabbed one of her ankles, held it to his shoulder and drove into her hard. Both of them cried out at the sensation of him filling her. She felt her entire body tensing, getting closer. When his free hand made contact with her clit, it sent her over the edge with Logan following right behind her.

When they'd started to recover a few minutes later, Veronica felt Logan roll her to face him. "Veronica, I want to tell you something, but I'm worried you're going to be upset with me," he confessed.

"Babe, I don't think anything could upset me right now." Veronica was sure that if she had the right anatomy she would be purring.

"Um…I hope so." He cleared his throat. "You know how I've been writing a lot lately?"

"Yeah, your 'Great American Novel'. Sure."

"Right, so that isn't what I've been writing…I kind of started something else. A suspense/murder mystery story, actually." Veronica could see fresh beads of sweat forming on his brow.

"That's great." Veronica was confused why this would upset her, but neither of them was great at predicting the other's reaction sometimes. "You've been writing a lot. You must really be onto something." She smiled encouragingly.

"I think I am, but here's the thing…my protagonist is a tiny blonde investigative reporter with a penchant for getting into trouble…" He covered his face with his arm.

Veronica laid very still and let the news sink in. "You are Richard Castle and I'm your Detective Beckett?"

Logan peeked out from under his arm. "Yeah, I guess you could put it that way." He watched her like a wild animal that might attack at any moment.

Veronica started laughing uncontrollably. Once she'd calmed down a bit, she turned to Logan. "I was wondering why you kept wanting to watch me while I did research and wrote."

Logan smiled shyly. "Well, part of that was for character building, but also I just like having you in my lap." He then popped out of the bed and headed for the bathroom.

"You letch." She giggled, watching him walk away. Veronica stretched then got out of bed to join Logan in the shower in hopes of instigating round two.

Logan punched the heavy bag slowly, stepped right and kicked the bag. It was a warm-up he was familiar with, but this time he was being watched very closely, which was an unfamiliar sensation. After dealing with Piz, and with the stress of upcoming meetings with his father, Logan had decided to seek out more instruction. And he'd known just whom to ask.

"Look Money-bags, anyone can learn some basic kickboxing moves. You are certainly fit enough. But the difference here is that what you know is showy; it's for the ring where you'd have an opponent following the same rules you are. Now I'd be the last to argue that it isn't enough to take down your typical douchebag, but if you want to know how to really take someone down, someone with skills, we're going to have to change some things about your style." Ratner circled around Logan, watching him go through a list of specific movements.

An hour later, Logan was exhausted and covered in sweat. He took a deep drink of water and started stretching out.

"You did good. You want to make this a regular thing?" Ratner, who had barely broken a sweat, asked.

"Yeah, as often as you're free." Logan panted, working to slow his breathing.

Ratner smiled and laughed a little. "Let's start with twice a week and see how it goes. I don't think Mars would appreciate it if I kept you too worn out for her."

"Speaking of…how are things going with Mac? Veronica said she's been pretty tight-lipped about it."

"Um…I think things are good. We've been spending time together—at least a couple of times a week. You know, normal stuff: dinner, movies…" Ratner shrugged.

"Sleepovers?" Logan grinned up at Ratner.

"I don't kiss and tell." Ratner blushed slightly, much to Logan's glee.

"Oh, come on, man, you know all sorts of stuff about Veronica and I. And I haven't even given you crap about it," Logan teased.

Ratner just shook his head and reached for their gym bags. He handed one to Logan just as a phone started ringing in the bag. Logan reached in. Hmm…speak of the devil. He answered, "Logan's House of Love, we'll keep you coming."

"Umm…Logan are you at home?" Veronica sounded nervous.

"No, just leaving the gym with Ratner. What's going on?"

"Head straight home, and bring Ratner. And babe, call your lawyer—we've got a problem."

AN: Many thanks to Bondopoulos and Marshmallowtasha for their awesome beta skills :) Thank you to everyone who has followed and favorited this new part of the story I'm so excited so many of you are enjoying it so far. A couple of quick notes: so Yelena (from Ruskie Business) is probably a bit old for Gory so pretend she's younger than she was presented as being in series. They're all in their mid to late twenties and it is late 2012 for a frame of reference. Gott's is real and if you ever find yourself in the bay area totally worth checking out. The original one is in St. Helena (Napa Valley) and if you're willing to brave the traffic and lines I recommend it for lunch – it'll help absorb all the wine you'll be drinking if you find yourself there. The grocery store with the huge specialty cheese selection is Sunshine Foods (also in St. Helena).