Disclaimer is in chapter one.
A/N Yay someone finally reviewed. Thank you! Makes it easier to put in the effort for this. Enjoy the newest installment, please! And although this is being fixed from its earlier abhorrent state, it still is written by a danish female that has no beta. Excuse any grammar issues, please.
Cheatty cheatty bang bang 1
It took about fifteen minutes before Veronica was even capable of trying to stop laughing. In the midst of her laughing fit, Logan had cursed at her and locked himself inside the bathroom, slamming the door so hard that the thin walls of the entire apartment shook ominously.
Just as she felt like she could regain control, it was put to the test when Logan finally emerged from the bathroom. He was walking a bit funny and subconsciously looking over his shoulder down at his backside as if to check he wasn't bleeding through his clean clothes.
Oh yes, Veronica reminisced with amusement, the subtle look that all women eventually learn to perfect during their teenaged years. I know it well.
Eyeing Logan's uncomfortable stance for a moment, Veronica just couldn't keep a straight face any longer. The smile on her face was positively angelic.
"So," she asked innocently, "what've you been up to since we last met?"
Logan just looked at her and Veronica almost flinched as she for the first time experienced being on the receiving end of one of her own infamous evil glares. Maybe I should wait until he's done bleeding before cracking too many jokes? She wondered silently.
Shaking off the hilarity and lamenting all the lost opportunities she had at giving her own husband 'The Talk' like her own mother so clumsily had done with her so many years ago, Veronica changed the subject.
"So," she said, "ignoring the giant elephant in the room and all; have you called Jessie yet?"
Logan's Stare of Death stopped at the question and seemed perfectly willing to ignore Dumbo bleeding in the corner as well. "No," he answered, and continued with a small smile, "haven't quite had the time yet. So, how did you do the whole reveal last time around?"
Veronica shrugged and got a couple of sodas from the fridge, one of which she handed over to Logan along with a couple of the stronger painkillers she knew was kept in the bottom drawer in the small table next to the kitchen. She nodded at the grateful look Logan sent her, knowing full well just how awful her cramps could sometimes be and walked over to sit down at the worn couch where Back-up was waiting patiently for some attention.
"Well, first of all, I arranged a meeting between Jessie and Ed's mistress and then…" she slowly began to narrate and settled in for some much needed story time before the next phase of the case could be completed.
0o0o0
It was a couple hours later when Veronica and Logan drove back to their new homes separately, feeling if not satisfied about 'solving' the puzzle of the bus driver's death, then they were at least accepting that the past wasn't going to be changed much in this particular case.
Logan had shaken off the sad reality, eager to return home so he was near a bathroom at all times. It didn't help his eagerness that Keith had called in the middle of their running around town and asked where the supposedly sick Veronica had gotten off to. Fortunately, he had quickly accepted their saying there'd been some emergency development in Veronica's newest case and just asked that she came home soon and stayed safe.
Technically they hadn't lied to her dad and for some odd reason that brought Veronica a sense of relief in all of the crazy that was now her life.
Even as she congratulated herself for not lying more than needed, Veronica was deep in thought over Lily's warning about not changing the past too much. The longer she thought about it, the more it rankled her.
What's the point of reliving things if I can't make things better for all people involved? She thought with a disgruntled sigh. I need to know how I can work around the warning and stop Cassidy from killing even more innocent people on that plane…
Veronica pulled into the driveway to the Echolls mansion with some fresh trepidation rushing through her. At first glance there was nothing that indicated that Kendall was still waiting inside. The brunette's expensive car was absent, but Veronica was too paranoid to hope that it meant the other woman had left for good.
Taking a deep breath, Veronica quickly inspected the darkened house. She released the air through widely smiling lips a few minutes later as she concluded that Kendall was nowhere the premises. "Coast is clear," she announced to no one, "Slutty Miss Slut Slut has left the building."
Mentally crossing of the whole thing off as a great end to a very weird day, Veronica walked through the house again, turning on the lights as she went. The place was too big for her to feel comfortable in in the dark. As the calm of an ending day settled on her, Veronica felt hunger gnawing at her insides and quickly called for some Chinese food.
As she waited impatiently for the food to arrive, Veronica kept walking around and ultimately stopped in front of the wall of fame that Logan's father had made for himself throughout the years.
For a seemingly endless moment, Veronica stared into the eyes of her deceased father-in-law. At least, she hoped he'd keep being dead if or when she returned to her own time. As she kept staring, Veronica came to a conclusion to the question she'd had for years. Aaron Echolls truly was the person she hated most in the world. Not even Cassidy was close to the burning flames of hatred she nurtured for Echolls Senior. In comparison, her hate for her old nemesis, Madison Sinclair was barely a blip on her radar and everyone and their aunt knew that Veronica didn't like the self-centered and bitchy blonde.
As she was standing there, Veronica suddenly caught sight of her new reflection in the glass that protected one of Aaron's movie posters from harm. She stood frozen for several minutes, trying to figure out all the feelings that were bubbling inside of her and how everything in her past had helped screw up her future by shaping things into the clusterfuck it had turned in to.
If I'd been more trusting or forgiving when it happened, Veronica thought hesitantly before quickly stomping the thought down into the ground without mercy. No, stop thinking about it, about him or the-
All of the sudden, Veronica felt overwhelmed and all her earlier good humor evaporated into thin air and she reacted before she could even think about stopping herself.
She grabbed the first thing she could find, a heavy candelabrum that stood on a small table nearby, and relentlessly proceeded to bash it into the framed face of her enemy. A moment later found Veronica standing out of breath after having shattered all the posters and pictures, leaving them forever destroyed on the flush carpet under her feet.
It took a little while before Veronica returned to her senses and when it happened, she had to let out a groan at her own actions. Eyeing the combined hallway and living room she'd just ruined, Veronica sighed.
"Thankfully, Logan won't ever have to know," she whispered, taking a little pleasure in that fact at least. "Weevil and his bikers are gonna burn the place down any day now…"
As soon as the words escaped her lips, Veronica felt like a complete and utter self-absorbed idiot. She remembered how she'd looked at all of the mementoes that had stood proudly displayed in practically every room she'd had looked through earlier. Her favorites were the ones where Lynn and Logan stood embracing at one of his soccer championships and the one where Trina and Logan were sitting together by the pool as young kids and beaming happily at the camera.
Shame slowly flooded Veronica's veins and she left the mess she'd made behind without a second thought and went out in search of as many empty boxes and bags she could find. The Chinese food was delivered and ignored in the midst of her increasingly frantic search for storage things.
Logan and I have our issues, Veronica thought as she began packing up as many of Logan's personal effects as she could find, but unlike me, who have Dad and our memories, Logan lost everything in that fire. He doesn't deserve to go through that again, not if I can help it.
It took three hours before Veronica was somewhat satisfied with her work. She practically crawled into Logan's bed, feeling a little more satisfied with everything. She'd packed countless numbers of memorabilia, some of which Veronica remembered that Logan had mentioned during their happier times. Afterwards she'd painstakingly made sure it was properly stored in the pool house. It was the only part of the Echolls home that would survive the hate crime.
So exhausted was Veronica that she barely noticed when Lily graced her with her presence.
"Hey Mars," the dead girl said quietly and gingerly placed herself next to Veronica on the bed. When Veronica didn't reply, Lily continued softly, "I'm glad to see that you're finally doing something for Logan that has no particular benefits for you. I'm proud of you."
Veronica snorted at the comment and childishly turned her back to the other blonde. Sadly, her actions elicited nothing but a tinkling laugh and not the offense she'd meant it to inspire. Before she could do something else and probably even pettier, Veronica felt Lily's arms wrap themselves around her waist.
The deceased Kane leaned closer and whispered in her ear with a hint of mischievousness in her voice, "Not only is it the right thing to do, Ronica, but Lynn and I kinda made a couple of bets along the way of this fun adventure and what you just did put me firmly in the lead. So thanks, Honey Butt."
Fighting to stay awake, Veronica just had to smile at that little revelation. "So, what are you gonna win?" she asked with her eyes dropping closed.
The seriousness that Lily portrayed as she replied, managed to halt Veronica from sleeping just a little while longer.
"I get to see my best friends happy that's all the reward I could ever need or want. Besides," the tone changed back to its normal teasing self, "I'm loving being here and not wasting my brilliance up there forever and ever on the puffy white clouds of boredom."
Veronica smiled, feeling a little saddened at the reminder that soon enough, Lily would be lost to her again. The smile soon turned into a howl of laughter when Lily's next question registered in her mind.
"Soooo, are you gonna totally freak out on me Kendall Style if I tell you that you're kinda turning me on in that familiar body of yours?"
0o0o0
The next morning, Logan was woken up by Keith knocking on the door and telling him that breakfast was ready.
The harsh realities of womanhood had completely thrown Logan and he was still not entirely sure he wanted to face another day, especially with blood pouring out of him. It was so much more disgusting than he'd ever imagined even living with a woman himself for several years. I'm never gonna bitch about going on tampon runs ever again, Logan swore even as he slowly swung his legs out of the bed and bracing for any potential leakage.
Thankfully he was still dry and, knowing he couldn't postpone it any longer, Logan took a shower. He didn't know whether to be grateful or annoyed when his mother popped in right as he walked under the warm spray of water. Clearly she was there to distract him from eyeing his former lover's naked body too closely in a way he'd never imagined before.
In the end, he settled on grateful. The bloodied water disappearing down the drain kinda took any enjoyment out of things for him.
Ten minutes later, Logan entered the kitchen and he had to smile at the sight that met him. The usually so stoic-looking (at least around Logan) Keith Mars was wearing a polka-dotted apron with the words 'Kiss the Cook' proudly displayed. He was deep in the middle of making an almost unholy amount of waffles.
"Morning Honey, I hope you're not too hungry this fine morning. I've only made twenty waffles so far."
Logan sat down and eagerly started scoffing down said doughy delights. He didn't give any kind of verbal reply, knowing that Veronica wouldn't have either as she was the not the most functional before she'd eaten.
Logan had just finished his third waffle, and was silently pondering the continued mystery of just how the tiny Veronica could stomach so much food, when Keith joined him and started up a fresh line of conversation.
"So," Keith said as he practically drowned his waffle in syrup, "what's new in your life?"
Logan felt pierced by the loving gaze Keith so willingly bestowed upon him and had to look down at his plate to avoid it. The love Keith had for his only child was enormous and Logan wasn't used to receiving such looks anymore. At not since his marriage fell apart.
"Nothing much," Logan finally mumbled awkwardly when Keith cleared his throat, waiting for an answer, "I'm still just living the life; fighting the injustice of the world and saving as many baby kittens as possible along the way."
Keith smiled and rewarded Logan's response with another waffle. Logan felt like he was bursting at the seams already and knew it'd be suspicious if he didn't at least attempt to eat some more. Feeling about for something to talk about, Logan noticed that Keith's expression looked a little unusual, almost tentatively hopeful.
"What's up with you Ke…Pops?"
Luckily not seeming to notice his near slip of the tongue, Keith smiled widely. "Remember me saying that I wouldn't say yes to Woody Goodman's proposal?"
Logan had no clue as to what his father-in-law was talking about, but chanced an agreeing nod in the hopes of getting some answers eventually. Fortunately, Keith continued and unknowingly filled in the blanks.
"I saw the bus driver's daughter fight like hell to be heard by Lamb, without luck of course, and that made me realize that I had to run."
Finally grasping what was going on, Logan broke into a wide, honest smile. "Oh my God. Good for you, Dad. Lamb is a moron and really needs to leave the Sheriff's department. Good luck, not that you'll need it!"
Keith only smiled at the generous support and continued eating his breakfast in silence. After that, Logan excused himself, collected Veronica's schoolbag and headed toward the hated high school for a new day
As he drove, Logan contemplated the whole Woody Goodman thing, which Keith had reminded him about. One thing's for certain, Logan decided, completely willing to piss of Lily and her warnings, that pedophile isn't gonna die in a quick and painless explosion this time. I don't care what I'll have to do…
The death of Woody Goodman was perhaps the only thing he had never blamed Beaver for. He'd only ever wished that the death could've lasted longer and maybe, that the smarmy politician hadn't escaped the repercussions of his actions in death.
0o0o0
When Veronica entered Neptune High and wasn't immediately beset by Dick, she realized she had to do the unthinkable. Seek out and talk to the boy of her own free will. Sometimes trying to act like Logan's usual self was a pain in the ass.
As she searched for the other blond, Veronica vaguely noticed that she was a bit more used to the people's looks and murmurs than the day before. It brought a much needed sense of relief that, sadly, didn't last long when she remembered what class she was about to take.
No matter how many times I do this, I'm still not a future business leader of America, Veronica thought as memories of the last time she'd taken the class flashed through her. Dick showed up out of nowhere and lead the way after a quick greeting consisting of a manly backslap and a fist bump.
Veronica had to force herself to enter the classroom, but in the next minute suddenly realized that things weren't that bad after all. She watched with hidden amusement as Logan entered the class and sat down with an air of reluctance next to Duncan. Dick's usual mockery toward Veronica Mars went in one ear and out the other.
No matter how many times I see Logan trying to dodge Duncan's kisses, it's still funny, she determined, watching just that transpire in front of her. Unfortunately for Logan, he wasn't successful and received a gentle kiss on the cheek from a softly smiling Duncan. It was priceless.
The teacher, Mr. Pope came in next, followed by a man Veronica barely remembered. It was Dick and Cassidy's father and Veronica had to stop herself from scoffing in disgust when Mr. Pope went on and introduced him as if it was Jesus himself standing beside him with that arrogant smirk plastered on his face.
Instead, Veronica turned her attention to Cassidy and had to swallow down a sigh. No matter how much she resented the young man for the murders and the rape, she still felt her heart go out to him as she recognized his sadness and hurt when Dick Sr. only had eyes for his oldest son.
Maybe I should try and befriend him? Veronica considered, barely listening as Dick Sr. launched into a lecture about business. It's too late; she then determined when she remembered the casualties that the dark-haired Cassablancas had already wrought on the world.
As Dick Sr. droned on and tried to inspire them to be great future leaders in economy, Veronica's eye caught Logan's and she knew they were both thinking about the irony of it all. The man lecturing was the biggest fraud of them all.
Some future, Veronica thought and started doodling idly to keep from falling asleep with boredom.
0o0o0
At lunch later in the day, Logan finally managed to shake a persistent Duncan by citing feminine troubles. It was a pure joy watching the dread on his friend's face before he quickly said goodbye and mumbled something about being very busy himself doing some much needed Navigator stuff.
As Logan walked through the quad in search of some much needed alone time, he was trying to decide just how to break Duncan and Veronica up. Maybe I can use the whole Meg being pregnant to my own advantage? He thought, and imagined pitching a fit in public and dumping the Kane heir and thus leaving him free and Duncan available to devote all his time to Meg and baby Lily. Meg might even end up surviving with Duncan's full attention on her, Logan thought and, hoping that Lily and his mom were listening in, he added very clearly, screw Fate.
It's a win win situation, Logan mentally proclaimed and felt a little cheered up. He resolved to run the plan through with Veronica and was about to go find her when a familiar voice suddenly called out to him. Well, not him, but…you know.
"Hey, Veronica, wait up."
Logan was almost used to the rush of desire to kill that flushed through him whenever Cassidy was nearby and managed to sound pretty normal when he stopped and returned the greeting.
"Hey Beaver, err, I'm sorry, I mean, Cassidy."
Cassidy caught up and then continued walking alongside Logan in silence for a few steps. Then he tried Logan's already limited patience and stated quietly, "I think it's cool that you're joining the FBLA, what with you being a girl and all."
Don't remind me, Logan demanded silently while using every bit of his being trying to call the real Veronica. He desperately wanted to trade places again to avoid the little snot next of him, who was now wearing a tiny smile of arrogance that Logan figured he wasn't supposed to notice.
Well, two can play that game, Logan thought and said with a faked rueful smile dancing on his lips, "Yeah, and a poor one at that."
Cassidy stopped walking abruptly and it took a few steps before Logan realized he was no longer being followed.
Logan waited casually, betting that the younger Cassablancas was finally about to get to the point. And just as expected.
"May I talk to you for a sec?" He spoke in tone that warred between sounding pleading and trying to sound tough.
Smirking a little himself, Logan nodded and decided to be as obnoxious as possible. "In case you haven't noticed you are talking to me."
Cassidy shrugged at his comment and elaborated. "It's about my dad. I'm worried he might-"
Everything suddenly made a lot of sense to Logan and he barely managed to stop from cursing like a sailor. I guess I finally know just how Veronica ended up working for Beaver in the first place back then…
Feeling like he was about to spring a vicious mouse-trap, Logan tried to walk away with a muttered, "He looked like he was doing just fine," but Cassidy followed and kept insisting to be listened to.
"No, look; it's not money, but it's my stepmom. She's a gold digger and it's obvious to everyone else in the world except for my dad. All she ever does is spending his money."
Starting to feel annoyed and also silently cursing Veronica's small legs, Logan finally stopped and faced Cassidy head on. "Unfortunately, there are no laws against exploiting rich and horny middle-aged men."
Cassidy's answering smile was a little unnerving in his self-satisfaction. "Yeah, well; the pre-nup doesn't allow her to cheat on him either. I found a condom wrapper wedged in the couch cushions the other day. Before you say it, it's not my dad's, I checked."
Fuck! Logan cursed. He could vividly remember how Kendall and he had been at it all day by the comfy couches in the Cassablancas residence. Why was I such a horn dog back then?
Logan blinked out of his self-flagellation and tried to save face by pointing out the condom could've belonged to Dick. "He's not exactly an image of purity that one," Logan finished weakly.
"Look, it's just a hunch, okay, but I'm willing to pay you a lot of money to back it up with hard proof." Cassidy replied, looking as determined as any client that Logan had ever seen of Veronica's.
Accepting the inevitable, Logan sighed. Then he started haggling a decent price for his (and the real Veronica's) services. At least this is something I'm good at, he thought as he forced the murderer to pay top dollar.
0o0o0
Veronica sat unnoticed by a table in the quad, not too far away from Logan's unexpected client-meeting. Well, as unnoticed as Logan Echolls can ever be, Veronica added sourly as a couple of girls giggled and pointed in his direction from a nearby table.
She watched as Logan talked to Cassidy, thankfully without letting his temper get the best of him and almost forgotten memories of the day began to slowly trickle through her mind as she silently watched the pair negotiate.
One memory in particular stood out abruptly. Especially since she knew from hard-earned experience that it was about to take place within a matter of minutes.
Quickly scanning the quad and seeing what she remembered, Veronica exhaled heavily and called out to gain Logan's attention. He glanced over at her and frowned at the no doubt weird expression on her face.
"What?" he asked and took a step toward her with worry blossoming to life in his eyes.
Knowing that there was nothing she could do to change this from happening; Veronica simply started apologizing for not remembering sooner.
"I'm sorry, sorry, sorry, so sorry. I really am."
Then Veronica, and the rest of the students in the quad, watched as Logan was approached by the eternal Deputy Sacks only to be taken away for questioning in regards to the death of a man named David 'Curly' Moran and the whole 'why's your name on a dead guy's hand-thing'.
Unable to do anything to help or even warn the man she married, Veronica felt utterly worthless. "This day just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it? She whispered into thin air and then got back up from her seat to go back to the 09'er table in the center to listen to Dick and all the other self-centered morons keep court.
0o0o0
TBC…