AN: I did a happy dance when I saw how many people reviewed/followed/favorited this. True, it wasn't that many, but you know. I'm so sorry I haven't updated! My mom took my phone because my algebra grade wasn't good enough. Over controlling bitch. And then I went to Chicago with my cousins and had no time to write, and then I had school and a huge test in American studies, and then I got distracted by my newest fandom. Anyone watch Nikita? I'm only on season one, but Nikita and Michael are so perfect together.

Chapter 2

...she realized how close together they were and stopped breathing entirely. Her eyes flicked almost unconsciously to his lips. He looked down and a knowing smirk slowly appeared on his mouth. Logan leaned in slowly, until there was next to no space between them. Veronicas eyes locked onto his and she could feel heat building in her stomach. And then...

He pulled away and walked to the door. When he reached it, he turned and looked at her. She tilted her head and looked at him incredulously. Logan just grinned and strolled out of the bathroom.

"You have got to be kidding me." she whispered to the empty room. "Logan? Is my life some sort of cosmic joke?"

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Over the next week her regular war against Logan...changed. Before, Veronica would attack with something like the Bong Incident, and Logan would retaliate with something like the Car Incident. Now it was a test of wills. Who would give in to the other first. Since the Bathroom Incident on Tuesday, Veronica was determined to force Logan to make the first move. Unfortunately for her, Logan was just as determined that she would.

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Wednesday;

Veronica rolled out of bed and grabbed the clothes she'd picked out last night. Not because she thought Logan would like them, she reminded herself.

A few minutes later she stood in front of the mirror. Tight white jeans with ripped up knees. Black combat boots. Spring green fitted t-shirt under a cropped black jacket. Tough girl chic. Plus, the jeans had the added advantage of making her ass look awesome.

She walked into the kitchen and immediately wished she hadn't. Her mom was passed out at the table, a bottle of vodka spilled at her feet.

Suddenly not hungry, she grabbed her keys and ran out to her car, and as she drove she desperately tried not to cry.

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When she got there Duncan and Lily hadn't arrived yet, but Logan was messing around with Dick and a few of his other friends. They mostly ignored her, but Logans eyes followed her. Pointedly not looking at him, she perched on the edge of a little wall and pretended to be writing in on of her notebooks. She could still feel his eyes on her.

Smiling to herself, she purposely dropped the pen she was "writing" with. Such an old move, but so effective. Hopping to the ground, she bent over and stayed there for a couple seconds. Then she popped up and sat down again. Taking out a compact and a tube of lip gloss. Pretending to smooth it on, she tilted the mirror so that Logan was reflected in it. He was staring at her, eyes dark with lust. Veronicas eyes caught his and she smirked, snapping the compact shut.

"Watcha' doing?" Lily singsonged. Veronica nearly jumped out of her skin.

"Jesus, Lil, don't sneak up on people like that."

"Please tell me you're kidding. I've been here for five minutes."

What? Panicked, Veronica was saved by Duncan. Swooping over, he kissed her cheek and she felt a pang of guilt. She had a smart, funny, attractive boyfriend she loved. Why was she risking everything for Logan Echolls, of all people? Wasn't her life fucked up enough, after her dad lost his job and she lost -

Veronica off the thought almost before it began. Almost being the operative word. Her blood ran cold and she suddenly felt very far away as she struggled to repress the hazy memories of that night.

"Ronnie? Sweetie, are you okay? You've gone all pale." Distantly she heard Lily's concerned voice, but she couldn't respond, couldn't move, couldn't think. She needed to be away. Instinctively, she push off the wall and run into the school, leaving the bewildered siblings behind her.

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Veronica was sitting up against the bathroom wall, shaking slightly, but over the worst of the panic attack when the door swung open.

"Sorry, I didn't realize anyone was...are you...okay?" It was the computer girl.

Veronica let out a scornful laugh. "Of course I'm 'okay'. After all, I'm me. I'm not allowed to be less than 'okay'. Less than perfect."

"Umm... I'm sorry?"

She deflated, anger leaving as quickly as it had come. "Not your fault. You can come in, if you want."

Silently, the girl sat down next to her. "I'm Mac."

"I know." She hadn't, not really. "You made the Purity Test." She didn't feel the need to introduce herself - everyone knew her.

Mac stared at her. "How did you know I made it?"

"Simple," the blonde replied, "Only a few people at this godforsaken school have the talent to create it, and the next week you had a new car. Elementary, Watson."

Mac laughed. "Not only does Veronica Mars have a brain, she also's got a sense of humor. Who would have guessed?"

"Not a lot of people, that's for sure." Veronica murmured, serious again. Then she blurted out in a rush, "Can I tell you something? A secret? No one can know."

"Of course."

What are you doing? You don't know her! What if she tells? Inner Veronica screeched. I don't care! This is killing me. I need to tell someone. She responded. To herself. To Mac, she said,

"I was raped last year."