Disclaimer: The characters of "Veronica Mars" belong to Rob Thomas, UPN, CW.

Part 3

Alicia Fennel was not happy, but it was a week before her eldest son returned to Neptune, California. Four days after Wallace headed back to Neptune the others followed after him. They had no problem staying so long after Veronica assured them they weren't a distraction, even a baboon could fetch coffee.

Dick opened his mouth for what was sure to be a witty retort about Veronica and monkeys but Logan glared warningly and Mac's hand was halfway raised and ready.

Without question Dick was ready to leave when Mac announced that she needed to get back for work questioning how the company managed until they hired her considering all the complaining they did while she was taking this vacation.

When they realized Mac and Dick would be leaving Logan and Veronica looked at each other questioningly.

Both unsure what her response would be to Logan's still unanswered comment from their first day here.

How long did she want him? Come on Veronica you know the answer is forever, but what are you going to tell Logan…when are you going to tell Logan?

Surprisingly it was Dick and his reminder for the house hunting they planned to do before school started back up, who made the decision that Logan would be returning with them.

It was probably a good and bad thing that he went back with the other two. Their week together was filled with endless laughs. It was exactly what Veronica needed. What all of them needed.

For once Veronica had a chance to just be, living in the moment and not worrying about solving the next crisis that came up.

Many of those moments included Logan though, which naturally led to tension. Sexual tension just begging to be broken by one of them and a few times both of them came close to doing just that until one of the other three would walk in on them or break the moment with an crude placed comment. Naturally the latter was usually Dick.

There were a few moments that became escalated yelling matches between the two of them when the others were off doing something and only by walking away did Logan resist throwing a chair out of the window, multiple times.

His bloodied knuckles did not appreciate their introduction to Veronica's wall however. No more than she liked it. It did end that particular argument about her safety and tendency to take risks.

In suffocating silence she bandaged up his hand and he glared at her willing her to feel the terror he felt when she ran off in such situations, what he was sure her dad felt and Wallace and Mac.

Upon finishing, she gently lifted his hand to her lips and gently kissed the wrapping.

"I don't try to get myself in trouble Logan."

"I know."

"Trouble just…"

"Finds you?"

She nods meeting his gaze for the first time in half an hour. He sighs loudly letting out all his frustrations and fear the fight has brought to the surface.

"I'm good at this stuff Logan. Don't ask me to stop."

"I would nev…" He remembers when he did ask her to drop the case with the Hearst rapist and bites his lip rethinking.

He swallows and closes his eyes when he reopens them they bleed with emotions and Veronica knows how scared he was when her head was shaved, she knows how amused he is when she dresses up or picks up the phone putting on an accent, she knows how proud he is every single time she solves a case, she knows that he understands how much she loves this stuff, how much she needs it. She sees that he gets that it has helped her survived everything that has tried to destroy them.

She takes both his hands not even know what she's feeling or how to express it to him. He's not done yet though.

"Veronica, I loved Lilly with my whole heart. More then I thought I could love anyone. I loved her and Lilly died, she died and I…"

The pain overshadows everything else for both of them and he doesn't have to finish the declaration.

"I know Logan. I loved her too and I lost her."

Logan scoffs for a moment, "You lost everything."

"We survived Logan. We survived."

"See that's the thing Veronica. You lost everything and you made it. And I lost Lilly, but I made it too. I can't lose you though because I'm not strong like you Veronica. If I were I wouldn't have turned my back on you. I wouldn't have made it okay for people to treat you that way, for you to get raped. I would have stood up to Aaron. I would have helped my mom. I only loved Lilly with my heart; I'm not strong enough to lose everything Veronica. If I loved Lilly with my whole heart then you..."

He shakes his head clearing the thoughts and ignoring her eyes that are pleading with him not to blame himself; he tightens the grip he has on her hands.

"I love you with my whole being. My heart, my soul, every hair on my head. My lungs breath for you and my blood flows for you. Ronnie, you're my everything. You don't have to feel the same way, god I almost hope you don't because sometimes it hurts so fucking much, but Veronica I just want you… don't be so stubborn and ask for help sometimes. You're not invincible and if something happened to you… I'm not strong enough for that Veronica. Anything but that.

It was then that their three friends burst in through the room laughing and yelling over each other oblivious to the other two and the seriousness of the conversation they interrupted.

The next day Wallace left and four days later Mac got the email that she was needed back and Veronica was almost relieved to see them all go. Well relieved to see Logan go, Mac and Dick were a constant breath of fresh air and always lighthearted with their bickering.

Veronica couldn't even bother to worry about it seeing how Mac lit up every time.

With Logan there staring at her though she couldn't think or breathe or do anything at all. His words ran on a constant loop in her head. Each time setting off a different reaction from her.

The tears she hated, the anger she channeled into constructive things, the tingles of warmth frustrated her.

And now she sat on the couch hair in another crooked ponytail, tank top, and shorts almost as if nothing had changed. Only now she was back in Neptune, classes started tomorrow and she hadn't spoken to Logan in 17 days, 3 hours, 54 minutes, and approximately 8 seconds.

Not that she was counting.

And the last time they did talk? An awkward farewell in the crowded airport with Dick and Mac pretending not to overhear.

Veronica punched the pillow as her dad walked in, "You should sic Back-Up on the pillow sweet heart. You don't want to hurt yourself."

"Hardy har har. Did ya get him?"

"Do you even have to ask dear daughter of mine?"

Smiling Veronica stands, "I'll go shopping for the steak?"

"I already called Luigi's. Hope that's okay?"

"Manicotti?"

"Of course Veronica. You are my favorite daughter. I think I know what kind of food you eat. And yes I remember to get a double order."

"I'm your only daughter. You know this. We've discussed it before."

"Details."

"Why the Italian?"

She studies the dark circles under his eyes and the almost forced cheer in his voice. Wondering what else he has been doing behind that closed door of his office besides catching cheating spouses, and chasing bail jumpers.

"Why the pouting?"

Veronica narrows her eyes, "Another trick to get me to talk?"

Hands up in surrender, "I would do no such thing."

Veronica raises an eyebrow skeptically. Most worries forgotten as she sees her fathers concern for her fill his gaze instead of that tired glazed look.

"Fine, I would do no such thing after two and a half weeks were you have made it apparent that you do not want to discuss whatever happened between you and Logan."

"I never said anything about Logan."

"Which has been the only clue I've had to work with." Keith frowns in concern at her before they are interrupted by the knock at the door.

"Get that will you honey?"

He heads to the bathroom ignoring the grumbling coming from Veronica. Grabbing the money he threw on the counter she swings the door open and hands the cash over taking the offered bags. She manages half a smile at the delivery boy before swinging the door shut and heading to the counter.

"Veronica."

She looks up, a pleading looking on her face for him to drop it, for him to understand that if she opens her mouth and tries to articulate what she's feeling she's horrified she'll start sobbing and not be able to stop.

He sighs shaking his head but his eyes hold nothing but pain for his only daughter wishing he could do anything to help her.

"Are you ready for school?"

The smile of thanks is more then forced but her eyes are filled with genuine relief and for that Keith knows he's done the right thing, at least for now.

XXX

Her stomach rumbles and she grudgingly approaches the cafeteria for the first time since walking out the doors after ending things with Piz. She knew this morning she should have grabbed an extra snack. It was already Thursday, her long day for classes and more than half way through the first week of school.

She's seen Wallace multiple times. Smiled awkwardly at Piz twice. After glaring at her for a whole hour Parker sighed and was once again her peppy self before complaining about Mac's flighty presences.

Most surprising is the amount of times she's seen Dick, on campus attending class. No where near his frat buddies and more often then not accompanied by a blue haired friend of Veronica.

Logan she has not seen.

Not that she's actively looking for him. If she were to look for Logan she has no doubt that she'd find him. But the scanning of the crowds and arching her neck higher to see further has really become bothersome.

Except for the part were she thinks she wants to see Logan and he still remains painfully absent.

The cafeteria isn't nearly as bad as she thinks it would have been. Nobody notices her as she opens the door and gets in line for the cheeseburger Dean O'Dell was so fond of. She covers her pop with a lid remembering the last time it was left unattended.

She notices Mac and Wallace and grins in relief sitting with them and blatantly ignoring their looks of disbelief.

Wallace opens his mouth twice, but in the end recalls the tough as nails girls he sat with his first day at Neptune High and decides to carry on with the conversation he and Mac were having before she sat down.

"So anyways, I get back from basketball practice and he has this ridiculously goofy smile on his face."

Mac interprets, "The one that says 'hi I'm from suburbia USA and wouldn't know pessimism if it bit me in the ass?"

Wallace nods and Mac continues, "Parker has the same look all the time." She pulls her blue and brown strains out of her face but the frustration is mostly done in good fun.

Veronica knows how much both her friends like their roommates. She sighs, they were all so close to being friends once upon a time.

Picking at her fries Veronica continues listening wondering where the story is going.

"And he's going on an on about" he casts a quick glance at Veronica before rushing on, "this girl he has a date with."

Mac nods knowingly causing Veronica's confusion but she can't help the genuine smile that coves her face knowing that Piz is moving on. Her confusion doubles when Mac picks up the story from where Wallace left off.

"And not ten minutes after he leaves you stumped in your dorm room does he turn up knocking on mine." Veronica notices the pause this time is for her benefit waiting for her to put it all together and when she finally does her eyes widen in surprised delight and she speaks for the first time.

"Parker and Piz?"

"They are giddy. It's absolutely disgusting." Wallace frowns at the two girls seeking their understanding but Veronica is actually happy at this news and Mac is distracted by her own thoughts and feelings.

"How excited are we that the first week is almost over?" Wallace grins at them trying to get their attention.

Mac smirks, "One down, twelve left. How thrilling."

A smile pulls at Veronica's mouth as she nods in agreement with the other girl. For a moment their table is quiet as they eat their food. The cafeteria chatter a blur behind them, thankfully Veronica fails to notice the few students who have paused to stare and whisper about her. Mac's glare has them quickly moving on, but it's a clear indication that last semesters events here were not yet forgotten.

"Have either of you seen Logan?"

Mac looks almost guilty, but Wallace seems baffled at this revelation.

"You haven't?"

Shaking her head, Veronica checks that clock in her head that is continuously keeping track of the last time she melted into his warm brown gaze whether she wants to know how long its been or not.

"No not for…a while." She finishes realizing an exact count of the days isn't necessary and would only make them worry. Worry more she decides after recalling their looks in those days Logan has been absent.

Mac gulps not sure if she's ready to discuss her burgeoning friendship with the eldest Casablanca boy but knowing Veronica needs the details. "I've seen him, briefly."

She stops hoping that will be enough. In Veronica eyes she sees that it isn't but Veronica doesn't push for more and Mac realizes anything she could tell wouldn't be what Veronica needed anyway. Except that Mac had seen him so he at least hasn't had a run-in with Gory. Yet

Wallace pushes his tray away from him and grins, "So I'm thinking… you're place" he points to Veronica. "I'll bring the snacks and you" he points to Mac "can bring the movies. Say tomorrow night. A celebration of making it through our first week of sophomore year?"

"Fine but I expect to watch a movie that I bring over, not get roped into watching the Chappell Show again."

They both look at Veronica waiting for her answer, "Alright, but Mac we make no promises."

The trio laughs and Veronica's back is turned so she misses the figure of Logan freeze just inside to doorway and stare longingly at her laughing form before turning around and going back out.

XXX

Movie night goes off without a hitch, as does the whole next week. Their second week at their second year at Hearst passes very much like the first one did which unfortunately for Veronica includes no Logan sightings. And after her first inquiry about him that Thursday she has yet to mention him again.

Something that worries both Mac and Wallace not to mention her father.

Her father who Veronica has confirmed is definitely working on something besides cheating spouses. What that something is she has yet to uncover, but Veronica knows she will, eventually. Shaking away her thoughts about her dad she studies the wood grain in front of her.

I've been here before…

Veronica sighs before gathering her courage and some wit, raising her hand she knocks on the door.

It's loud and echoes in the silent hallway.

Hearing noises behind the solid oak door she braces herself. Still when the curly brunette bimbo opens the door, Veronica flinches.

She steps back leaving before the bimbo or the boy she's with can further break her heart.

"Ronnie?"

She freezes turning slowly.

"Dick." Veronica can't help the relief that washes through her.

Turning back to face the pair she notes the brunette has vanished and Dick has taken her place in the doorway.

Veronica sees what she must assume is a light click into place in the surfer's blue glaze.

"You're really off your game Mars."

Biting her tongue to keep the verbal lashing in, she waits knowing Dick will further explain when she fails to react in any way.

"Logan and I bought a house…remember?"

The straightforward honest answer almost has her mouth opening in surprise as much as the news itself accompanied by the memory of that last day in Virginia, but she has more control then that.

"Any you're still here?" She questions recalling that the talks of house hunting involved both of them.

Dick shrugs, casually crossing his arms over his t-shirt covered chest.

"Rooms paid for, for the month. Logan left couple days ago, said he had enough of this place."

Veronica sees shadows in Dick's eyes and realizes she's not the only one who agrees with her ex. Yet her sympathy and understanding of Dick Casablanca worries her. Even if they are semi-friends after their visit to Virginia and his growing whatever with Mac.

The thought of Mac reminds Veronica of why she really should be bothered so much by the sight of the brunette bimbo. She's unsure how to broach the topic, after all, her suspicions of Mac's feelings are just that and it would be very uncool to let Dick know how she suspects her friend is feeling about him. Instead she relies on her standard backup defense.

"Here I thought you two were too pretty to be separated for long."

The brunette wandering behind him also reminds Veronica that bimbos usually come in pairs and Logan probably took his to the new house. She can't help the jealous monster swirling in her belly or the comment it causes her to unleash, "Logan take his own little friend with him?"

Hoping Dick is too superficial to notice the curiosity and undertones of despair in her voice.

He glances over his shoulder to see what she means, almost like he forgot the floozy was there.

She jumps at his snort of disbelief. "Logan hasn't touched a girl since Parker and he hardly ever touched her."

The jealous monster in Veronica was suddenly very much dormant. It shocks her, causing her to almost miss Dick's next words.

"…figured she didn't care because of Mercer."

Veronica forgot what Mercer had to do with anything until she picks up on the disgust in his tone and she remembers how much damage Hearst's serial rapist caused.

"But then she was breaking up with him yelling about him still being in love with you."

Dick shook his head his brow furrowed almost as if so many words hurt him. Then a comical glimmer appeared in his eyes.

"Ronnie, you think I'm pretty?"

Shaking her head Veronica couldn't help the grin on her face.

"Good bye Dick."

She was already hitting the down arrow to the elevator when she heard his response.

"Catch you later Veronica."

Veronica lifted her hand not bothering to turn around until the elevator door slid open and she remembered, "Hey Dick?!"

He stuck his head back out through the doorway that was closing his eyebrows raised in expectation.

"Don't you dare hurt her."

Her tone was quiet almost deadly and even though at first she could only see his confusion on his expression she knew he'd get it.

He glanced back to the girl in the suite, but looking back at Veronica her gaze was steeling and he knew she didn't mean the brunette in the suite even as he asked.

"Don't hurt Ashley?"

Veronica's glare if anything became fiercer and even though Dick knew she didn't mean her he nodded his head solemnly, "I won't hurt her I promise."

She studied him picking up that he wasn't quite sure who the her was, but knew Veronica didn't mean the bimbo.

With a final nod of her head the doors slid close and her threatening look fell away to a saddened yet determined expression settling across her face.

TBC.