Story: Ten Years Later and What's Changed?
By: Pigy190
World: Veronica Mars future
Spoilers: ALL
Summary: Ten years after they all graduate from Neptune High, Logan finally has his life on a good path again, what happens when Dick and Mac suggest using his premiere of The Lilly Kane Murder, Logan's newest(oldest) movie as the basis for a ten year High School Reunion?
A/N: I am, once again, terribly sorry for the wait. Writer block mixed with a shitty internet connection has been messing with me. Then there's the problem that I left my Veronica Mars DVDs in the USA and have been in Germany for the past 2 months, so my inspiration is gone. Sadly, Veronica Mars is not sold in Europe. Nor can I watch it in Europe online due to Copy Write Laws. I have therefor resorted to reading LoVe FanFiction. and have now read all of it. and still I'm having inspiration problems... It sucks quite a bit. I'm rambling again. Sorry.
Anyways, the chapter is extra long. I'm pretty sure it's safe to say it's my longest chapter yet. It may be the longest chapter I've ever written.
Enjoy.
Chapter 7
Josie walked out of the girls bathroom to face a very confused Logan. She smiled tentatively at him, hoping to avoid the conversation.
"Where'd you go?" he asked.
"Bathroom," Josie said cringing as she sounded too cheerful. Logan eyed her suspiciously.
"Why do I get the feeling you didn't go there to pee?" he asked. Josie sighed and bit her lip.
"Can we not have this conversation here?" she asked.
"Fine, we can go somewhere else," Logan answered. "I can get us into any room, the owner and manager are just so excited to have me premiere my movie here. After all, Lily Kane was just such a sweet young lady!" Logan's voice ended sarcastically.
"I meant not here as in not at this premiere, more like when we got home tonight... or tomorrow... or never would really be better," she said giving him a hopeful smile.
"No way, Josie, you're not getting away from me that easily," he said. "Tonight." Josie swallowed.
"Tonight," she repeated. She looked around quickly for Veronica and Stosh, locating them at the bar. Okay, girl, just stay away from him all night and you may be able to avoid the whole situation. You have all night to come up with something plausible for Logan to believe. You're a lawyer, you can do this. Just think. You have all night.
"You know, if you keep thinking that hard, you're going to give yourself a brain hemorrhage," a voice said. Josie spun around and came face to face with a handsome dark skinned man. Eli Nevaro," he introduced himself. "You don't seem familiar, which means you didn't go to Neptune."
"No," she answered. "I'm here with Logan Echolls. I'm Josie Piznarski." Eli's eyebrows shot up.
"Do you by any chance know Stosh Piznarski?" he asked. Josie forced her face to stay blank as she had with Logan all those years.
"No idea," she answered. Eli gave her a look that clearly stated he wasn't impressed by her lie.
"Girl, I was a gang leader for about four years and I've been friends with Veronica Mars for about thirteen, I don't know how that lie fooled Echolls, but it sure as hell didn't fool me," he said. "But since I don't know you, I won't push the issue." Josie stared at him, eyes wide.
"How did you know I was lying?" she asked. He laughed.
"I told you, I've been trained on how to spot lies," he said. "Don't worry, Echolls is easier to fool than I am." Josie laughed sounding slightly hysterical. I'll be okay. I'm going to be okay.
"So anyways," Eli said. "Who else do you know here?"
"Mac and Dick Casablancas," Josie answered. Eli's eyebrows shot up again.
"Mac and Dick Casablancas? he asked in disbelief. "As in they're married?"
"Uh, yeah," Josie said slightly taken back at the reaction. "Why?" Eli shook his head.
"Never though those to would ever get along, much less get married... but I guess we can't all be judged by the way we were when we were in high school." Madison Sinclair's shrilly, fake laugh assaulted their ears. "Except her. She can be judged by the way she was in high school." They looked over to where Madison was now hanging all over John Embom in front of Dick. Eli shook his head.
"She's awful," Josie said. "Was she really like that in high school?" Eli nodded.
"You wouldn't believe it," he answered.
LoVeLoVeLoVeLoVe
"Oh no," Veronica moaned. Piz looked at her alarmed.
"Something wrong?" he asked.
"I lost track of Logan," she answered looking around frantically. "How can I avoid him if I don't know where he is?" Piz looked at the ceiling trying to calm down.
"You're not going to be able to avoid him all night," he answered. Veronica glared at him.
"Watch me," she answered. Piz shook his head.
"You're being ridiculous," he told her. Veronica sighed and started scanning the room for Logan again. Instead of spotting Logan she spotted someone else she hadn't seen in years: Duncan Kane. Her eyes got wide. She started making her way over to him, all thoughts of avoiding Logan forgotten.
"Veronica? Veronica!" Piz said, hurrying after her. She didn't respond. He looked ahead of her trying to spot what may have caused her to react like this, but he didn't recognize anyone in the crowd.
"Duncan?" Veronica said, finally close enough so he could hear her.
"Veronica!" he grinned and her and swept her up in a bear hug. "It's great to see you again!" Veronica grinned at her first love, trying to figure out what it was on him that excited her so much compared to Logan.
"You too!" She said. "How's Lilly?" Piz looked at Veronica confused, not sure quite how Lilly could be doing when Lilly was dead.
"I wish she was little again," he said. "She's eleven now and just now discovering boys, don't in fact have cooties. Of course, Daddy and Uncle Logan never had cooties, just the boys here age. Oh, I wish you could have watched her grown up, she's so much like Meg with just the right amount of Lilly." Veronica smiled sadly.
"I wish I could have too," she said. But I'm glad I didn't. Piz cleared his throat.
"Oh!" Veronica said. "Piz, this is Duncan Kane, father of the second Lilly Kane. Duncan this is Stosh 'Piz' Piznarski." she introduced them. Duncan held out his hand.
"Nice to meet you," he said.
"Likewise," Piz said, glad that one of Veronica's ex's wasn't going to kill him. Duncan turned back to Veronica.
"Is he your boyfriend or husband?" he asked.
"Friend," Veronica said. "I'm not married." Duncan smiled at her.
"I'm surprised, I always thought you and Logan would get over your problems and end up together," Duncan said. "Astrid and I did."
"Oh wow," Veronica said. "That's great! Is she here?"
"Yeah," Duncan said. "She's in the bathroom. Being pregnant makes her have to go." Veronica's eyes widened.
"Pregnant? That's wonderful, Duncan!" she said sincerely. Duncan laughed.
"Yeah, Lilly keeps telling us it's about time she got a younger sibling," he said. Veronica grinned.
"I bet. I can't wait to meet her," she said. Duncan grinned.
"Who says you get to meet her?" he asked. "I only want people with good influences to come in contact with my daughter. I don't need someone teaching her more tricks on how to sneak past me!"
"Hey!" Veronica said pretending to be insulted. "I would never!" Duncan snorted.
"Sure you wouldn't," he said. Veronica smirked.
"What can I say?" she asked. "I am what I am." Duncan shook his head.
"That you are," he said. Mac came rushing up to them.
"Oh good, you're together," she said. "Come on, it's time for you to stand up next to Logan as Lilly's best friend, brother, and boyfriend and give a small speech or something." Veronica's eyes widened in fear.
"No way," she said. "I agreed to come to this, but I in now way agreed to stand up in front of everyone and give a speech!" Mac rolled her eyes.
"Come on, Veronica, everyone's expecting it," she said. "Let's go."
"Show us that Veronica Mars strength and get up there," Duncan said.
"I used it up coming here," Veronica said. "None left, sorry." I can't go up there. Logan's up there. No, no, no, no, no! This is not supposed to be happening. Damn Mac! She didn't tell me about this on purpose. I can't face Logan! I can't stand up next to Logan and pretend like everything's okay! It's still as not okay now as it was right after Lilly died! I- Duncan cut into her thoughts by grabbing her arm and pulling her toward the stage. Mac grabbed her other arm forcing her forward. Veronica stumbled between them unable to fight their combined strength. In front of them, already on the stage was Logan.
"I'm going to kill you at the earliest convenience," Veronica hissed at Mac. "I would say the same to you, but you've got a child on the way." she hissed at Duncan. They both laughed.
"Smile, Bond, you're on stage," Mac said shoving her up the steps. Duncan came up behind her, pushing her so she was standing next to Logan. Veronica swallowed forcing herself to look straight ahead and not at Logan. A feat that was becoming increasingly more difficult as she felt his gaze burning a hole in the side of her head. A gaze that-by the feel of it- hadn't become less intense in the past nine years. She heard the two acknowledge each other over her head. Few people had noticed them on stage so far and Veronica was hoping so could come up with an excuse to leave before too many people did. Before she could come up with a course of action, Mac was standing in front of her holding a microphone. NO!
"Can I get your attention please?" Mac said into the microphone. Veronica started thinking of ways to torture her friend as everyone turned to the stage.
"Welcome to the Neptune High School Class of 2006 Ten Year Reunion," Mac continued oblivious to Veronica internal struggles. "As you all know this reunion is taking place at the premiere of The Lilly Kane Murder, a movie written by our very own, Logan Echolls!" She turned and indicated to Logan as everyone cheered. Logan smiled at Mac and waved. "And now I present to you your official Senior President, Duncan Kane." Mac stepped aside as Duncan stepped forward.
"WHAT?" a shrill voice rang over the applause and cheers. "He kidnapped a child and ran away halfway through our senior year! I planned all the important things like Senior Trip and Prom!"
"Actually I arranged for Alterna-prom after you and your friends got drunk on the Senior Trip and got prom canceled," Logan pointed out.
"Ugh, whatever, Logan!" she snapped. "It's still my speech!" Madison pushed her way onstage, but as she went to push Duncan out of the way, she found her way blocked by Veronica.
"Fuck off, Veronica. Nobody wants you here anyways, just like nobody wanted you there in high school," Madison rolled her eyes. Veronica looked unimpressed.
"Actually, Madison, people wanted me there because I solved problems for them, you however, weren't wanted because just stood there, insulted people, and didn't look to pretty doing it either," Veronica answered sweetly.
"Ugh!" Madison huffed stomping her foot. "Just get out of my way!" Madison went to shove Veronica out of her way only to be stopped by a security guard.
"Ma'am, I'm going to have to ask you to leave the premises, please," he said.
"Excuse me?" Madison shrieked. "Do you know who I am?" He gave her a bored look.
"No, nor do I particularly care," he said. "You're not paying me and you're causing a disruption. Please leave or I will have to escort you forcefully."
"I'm not going anywhere!" Madison said shrilly. The security guard sigh and grabbed her arm pulling her toward the exit. "LET GO OF ME!" Madison yelled. "YOU'RE GOING TO HEAR FROM MY LAWYERS!" Duncan shook his head.
"Well, that was certainly interesting," he said. The crowd laughed nervously. As Duncan began his speech, Veronica took her place next to Logan. She could feel him shifting and fidgeting beside her, but kept her eyes forward, as if focusing on Duncan though she didn't hear a word of his speech. Logan's eyes were burning a hole into the side of her head but she ignored him, afraid that if she looked at him, they'd make a scene in front of everyone and ruin Duncan's speech. He shifted again, brushing against her by accident. Veronica jumped, eyes wide, still refusing to look at him. She heard him chuckle softly at her reaction. Her eyes swept the crowd and she noticed many of her ex-classmates were no longer focused on Duncan, but instead watching her and Logan. She wished Duncan would just hurry up with his speech so they could get on and watch the movie or whatever was next. In all the excitement of seeing all the people she hadn't seen in years, she'd forgotten to ask Mac exactly what the plan was for tonight. She knew at some point they were going to eat something and at some point they were going to see the movie, but she wasn't sure which came first. Suddenly, the crowd was clapping. Veronica started clapping as well causing Logan to chuckled again as he stepped forward to take the mic from Duncan.
"Good evening," he said. "I'm not going to say much, since I said everything I wanted to in my movie. I loved Lilly Kane and I know she would be happy to see the rest of the FabFour, as she called us, where we are today. So now, we stand up here together and invite you to join us as we remember the fourth member of what is now a trio and the horrors that followed her murder. I present to you: The Lilly Kane Murder." Logan swept his hand to the side, indicating to the wall opposite of the entrance they had come in. Doors opened revealing a theatre. The crowd started to file in slowly, until only Veronica, Duncan, and Logan were left on the stage. Duncan looked between the two. Logan was still looking intently at Veronica, who was still determined to avoid him.
"I'm going to go find my wife," Duncan announced leaving the stage. Veronica mumbled something about finding a seat and turned to leave the stage.
"Your seat is in the middle of the middle row," Logan said. "Where you like to sit." Veronica stopped, unsure of how to respond. "I reserved it for you." She turned to face him, still not looking at him.
"Thank you," she said giving him a small smile. She turned to leave again.
"Veronica, wait," Logan said. Veronica froze, wishing she could come up with an excuse to leave. She swallowed thickly.
"I have to find Piz," she said. Logan cleared his throat uncomfortably.
"Uh, yeah, sorry, I forgot you were with him now," he said. Veronica spun around wide eyed.
"We're not together. He's married to my best friend. He's the only male friend I have un-related to high school," she defended herself quickly. "And the only one that wouldn't see this as more than friends."
"Oh," Logan said, stepping closer. "Then I'm guessing you still don't have a husband?" Veronica swallowed and shook her head, looking anywhere but Logan's now hopeful face.
"I never found anyone I thought was worth marrying," Veronica said. "Plus with the FBI, I just never had time."
"Are you happy?" Logan asked.
"What?" Veronica asked surprised by the random question.
"Are you happy?" Logan repeated.
"I-I... well, FBI is what I always wanted," Veronica said.
"But are you happy?"
"I... no," Veronica answered, regretting her answer immediately.
"Then why the hell are you so far from Neptune and your friends, friends you've been ignoring for the past nine years, if you're not happy?" Logan asked.
"I haven't been ignoring... I spoke to Mac some... I just... I..." Veronica stuttered.
"You what? Ran away again?" Logan ran a hand through his hair. "Had Mac lie to me about where you were? I never stopped looking for you. Not when I was staying in random vacation home all over the world. Not when I was living with Duncan and Lilly in Australia. Not when I was writing my screenplay about Lilly. Not when I was making millions with top screen plays. Even though thousands of women threw themselves at me, I never stopped looking for you. Never stopped wanting you. Never stopped loving you. And you just what?" Veronica closed her eyes for a second, knowing that she wasn't going to be able to run from Logan this time.
"I wasn't ready to face you," Veronica said after a pregnant pause. "After everything that happened at Neptune High, after everything that happened at Hearst, after Madison, after Parker, after Piz, after my promise to never forgive you, I couldn't face you, so I ran away to my FBI internship. And when they offered me a place at their school, I accepted immediately so I wouldn't have to go back to Neptune or Hearst and risk running into you or being reminded of you at every turn. Eventually I got an FBI job and was always off protecting someone and the few months at the internship turned into a year and the year turned into two and two turned into more until suddenly it was nine years later and I was up to protect the President. But I never got that far, because of your movie. I was told to take care of it so I came to see Josie. And while I was here I saw Mac and Dick, but I still wasn't ready to face you. Then tonight happened and I still wasn't ready to face you, so I did what I do best, I avoided you."
Logan gave her the same broken look he had given her nine years ago when she walked out of his apartment after telling him she would never forgive him for sleeping with Madison. Neither of them knew what to say.
"I guess nothings changed," Logan finally said bitterly. "You're still running and I'm still the idiot in love with you running after you." He shook his head, fighting tears. He walked past her, down the steps, and into the theatre as Veronica watched him. She felt like she was back in the Hearst cafeteria watching Logan leave after beating up Gorya Sorokin.
Veronica wasn't sure how long she stood there before Piz came out of the theatre looking for her.
"Veronica?" he asked softly. Veronica jumped. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, but the movie's about to start." Veronica nodded and slowly walked towards him. She still wasn't sure exactly what had happened between her and Logan. She just knew she felt like she was back at Hearst. Shaking her head, she followed Piz into the theatre and to her seat, glad that Mac and Dick were sitting between her and Logan.
LoVeLoVeLoVeLoVe
Two hours later the movie was over. Not a single person hadn't cried at some point in the movie. Everyone slowly made their way out of the theatre and back into the room they had come from, only to find it re-arranged with tables in the back and a dance floor up front. A projector screen was set up in the back of the stage. Mac shoved Veronica towards their table indicating that she should sit down. Veronica shook her head trying to get rid of the foggy feeling that had set up since she'd talked to Logan. Watching the movie had only made the fogginess worse. Seeing her life after Lilly's murder projected in such a way and caused a dam to break loose. She hadn't been able to stop the tears until the movie was finally over and she was infinitely thankful she had decided to wear waterproof make-up. A few of the scenes surprised her. She hadn't known Logan remembered certain nights, like Alterna-prom when he had made his speech about them being epic. She had only read certain parts of the script while reviewing it and moments like that made her breath catch.
"You okay?" Mac asked her. Veronica nodded. "He really out did himself, didn't he?" Veronica smiled slightly.
"Yeah, he really did," she said, "but he didn't do himself justice." Mac shrugged.
"That's how he sees himself," Mac said. "Always second to you." Veronica grimaced.
"He was so much better," she muttered. Mac shrugged again.
"You never gave him reason to believe that," she said. Veronica stared at her friend, surprised at the harsh words. "Oh, don't look at me like that. I know I've been your friend longer, but I spent a lot of time with Logan over that past few years and you know I'm right." Veronica bit her lip, unable to argue with Mac. Mac sighed.
"Go talk to him. I know you want to, and I know he wants you to," Mac said. "You to have always belonged together, V. Just go talk to him!"
"I already did," Veronica admitted. Mac's eyebrows shot up.
"Annd?" she prompted when Veronica didn't continue.
"And I told him why I ran to the FBI and that I've been avoiding him. He told me nothings changed and walked away," Veronica said not looking at Mac.
"You let him walk away," Mac said. "What the hell is the matter with you, Veronica?"
"I just couldn't... I don't know," she said frustrated. Mac shook her head.
"I just don't get you, Veronica. You finally tell Logan the truth and then let him walk away instead of stopping him."
"I-" Veronica stopped as Dick, Logan, and Piz sat down. Dick leaned down and gave Mac a kiss.
"Hey, Ronnie," he greeted Veronica.
"Hey, Dickie," Veronica answered. Dick shook his head grinning.
"Still the same old Veronica, huh?" he asked. Veronica shrugged.
"I wouldn't say that," she said smirking. "After all, now I really do have the power to arrest you." Dick started laughing.
"Has anyone seen Josie?" Logan asked once everyone was seated.
"I think she went to the bathroom," Mac said. "I'll go get her." Before Logan could argue, Mac got up and all but ran to the bathrooms. Sure enough, Josie was hiding out inside.
"I can't go out there," Josie said as soon as Mac closed the door behind her.
"You have to go out there!" Mac said. "You're Logan Echolls's date! You can't just disappear!" Josie huffed in frustration.
"I know," she groaned.
"Come on," Mac said. "I'm sure Piz isn't going to make a scene." Josie let out another heavy breath.
"He better not," she muttered. Louder she said: "I'll be out there in a second."
"You better be," Mac said. "The reunion part is beginning. Which includes lots of embarrassing videos and pictures of Logan." Josie grinned.
"Does he know he's included in the video?" she asked. Mac shook her head.
"Nor does Dick," she said. Josie laughed.
"I won't miss it. Just give me a second, okay?" Mac nodded and headed back to the table.
"Everything okay with her?" Logan asked. Mac nodded.
"She just not feeling too well." Logan pursed his lips, pretty sure Mac was lying, but didn't say anything, not wanting to start an argument with her. Instead he made small talk with Piz. Josie finally slid into her seat as the waiters started heading out with the food.
"There you are," Logan said. "Mac said you aren't feeling well. Is everything okay?"
"What? Oh! Yeah! Fine!" Josie said forcing a grin. Logan raised his eyebrows at her, but let it slide, once again not wanting to start an argument. She glanced nervously at Piz, who was sitting directly across from her. Josie looked at the rest of the group. No one except Veronica and her seemed uncomfortable about the seating arrangements. Mac, in an obvious attempt to get Logan and Veronica together again had sat the two next to each other. As everyone around her made small talk, Josie kept her head down and gave only one or two word answers, terrified that any more would make Piz recognize her. Luck was on her side; Piz still hadn't recognized her by the time food was served and the video begun.
For the next twenty minutes, everyone was focused on the video and eating, so Josie didn't have to worry about anything. She took the time to relax and enjoy her food, knowing she wouldn't have much time to do so after. Cheer, jeers, and laughter filled the room as picture after picture filled the screen. Most of the were from the yearbook staff, a few of them were private pictures that had been sent in. When the video was over, Logan, Dick, and Veronica rounded on Mac.
"I can't believe you did that!" Veronica hissed.
"Did you see that picture of me?" Dick growled.
"Mac, what the hell?" Logan snarled. Mac held up her hands in surrender.
"I couldn't humliate everyone and no humiliate my best friends, now could I?" She defended herself. "How would that have looked?"
"Like you were a good friend!" Veronica snapped. Mac laughed.
"Your pictures weren't that bad," Mac said. "Dick's and Logan's were much worse. Not to mention the 09ers."
"Josie, how much would it cost me to sue Mac?" Logan asked. Mac laughed even harder.
"Well, considering that no actual harm was done... I really can't help you," Josie said smirking at Mac, forgetting to keep her head down for a few seconds.
"See, Logan there is n-" Veronica began.
"Josie?" Piz said suddenly, cutting across Veronica. Josie swallowed. Mac looked uncomfortable. Everyone else looked confused.
"Uh... Hi, Stosh," Josie said smiling meekly. Piz stared at her, apparently at lose for words. "How are Mom and Dad?" Logan's jaw dropped.
"You two are siblings?" he asked. "How come you never told me?"
"Probably so she wouldn't have to tell you why she hasn't been home or contacted us for the past fifteen years," Piz snarled. "We thought you were dead." Josie opened her mouth to respond but ended up just looking down shamefully.
"I didn't know how to come back," she finally said. "I was too scared."
"And we thought you were dead." Piz repeated. "Do you have any idea what it's done to Mom? Thinking her daughter ran off with all that money and got herself killed all because they wouldn't pay for an abortion?" Josie paled.
"I can pay them back."
"It isn't about the money, Josie!"
"I know, I just-" Piz cut her off.
"Forget it," he said.
"Stosh, I-" Josie tried again.
"I said forget it, Josie. Now isn't the time," he said, very obviously fighting the urge to yell at her publicly. Josie sighed, fighting back tears. She'd known the confrotation with her brother was going to happen at some point, but she hadn't been prepared for it. For the first time since learning the whole truth about the Veronica-Logan situation, Josie thought she knew how Veronica felt; Why Veronica had never come back to Logan.
Sometimes facing them is just too hard. It's easier to run. Josie felt Logan's hand on her arm, looking into his eyes she realized it wasn't only her brother that was angry with her, but her best friend and other brother as well. She knew she should have owned up to what she had done when Logan owned up to the Veronica situation, but she'd been too afraid of his reaction, never thinking that it'd come out anyways. Especially not like this. Looking over, she saw Dick's angry gaze as well. Mac looked down at her food, trying to stay out of it. Josie knew if the guys knew Mac had known the truth all along, they'd be just as angry at her.
Josie glanced at Veronica and saw the latter glaring at her with a mixture of anger and guilt. Josie wondered, for a split-second, why Veronica, of all people, would be so angry with her, but quickly realized not only had she upset Logan, but she had also upset Piz, and Mac. All the people Veronica held closest to her heart, even if she hadn't seen them in years. Finally Veronica broke the silence.
"Well, it looks like we're going to have to find some other way to get Mac back for that video then. Since suing her won't work." Everyone stared at her for a second before bursting into slightly nervous laughter. After that the tension lessened a bit and conversations headed back to normal. Piz continued to shoot angry looks at his sister, while Josie was mostly silent.
LoVeLoVeLoVeLoVe
With the food gone, and dessert demolished ("Veronica, I still don't under stand how you can eat all that!" "She's a bottomless pit, Mac. Always has been, even as a small child." "Shut up, Dick. You're a pig.") the lights went down and music started to play. Veronica laughed as she heard the SpiceGirls come on.
"All authentic songs from out childhood on to high school," Mac said proudly. Veronica shook her head.
"You're amazing," she said. "Let's go dance." Mac made to refuse, but Veronica grabbed Josie and Mac's hands and pulled them towards the dance area.
"I figured you could get away from the guys," Veronica said once they were at the edge of the dance floor, swaying to the beat. Josie gave her a thankful smile before melting into the crowd. "You knew didn't you?" Veronica said to Mac. Mac gave her a guilty look.
"I started running background checks on everyone that came close to me. After Neptune High and Hearst I was to jaded not too," Mac explained. "I found out she and Piz are related, but I didn't find out the details until tonight." Veronica nodded and tried to pull Mac closer into the dance floor as Dick and Logan approached. Piz was dancing with a girl Veronica didn't recognize. As if on cue, "I Hear The Bells" by Mike Doughty came on just as the guys go to their sides. Dick grinned and pulled Mac away to whorl her around the dance flood, leaving Logan and Veronica standing awkwardly next to each other.
"This is the song from Alterna-prom," Logan said. "When I told you about us being epic."
"Logan," Veronica said, half warning, half pleading.
"Not much has really changed since then," he said. "Well, except that I know Mac's date won't leave her unclothed in a random hotel room before blowing up a plane and then jumping off the side of a building." Veronica's throated closed. She tried to speak, but nothing came out.
"Dance with me," Logan said. Before Veronica could protest or run away, he took her hand and lead her deeper into the crowd of dancers. He placed one hand on her waist and pulled her close. Veronica kept her eyes on his shoulder, too scared to look into his face. He pulled her a bit closer, causing their bodies to touch. Unconsciously Veronica rested her head against his chest, reveling in the feeling of touching him again. Logan smiled and placed a kiss on the top of her head as the song ended. He felt Veronica stiffen in his arms and pull away. Frustrated he took off after her, wishing she wasn't quite small enough to disappear into crowds like that.
"She ran towards the exit," John Embom told Logan as he got to the edge of the dancers. Logan nodded his thanks and took off in the direction John had pointed. He caught her right before she pulled open the doors to leave.
"You can't leave with out your date looking frazzled," Logan said. Veronica froze. "What would the press say?"
"Logan," she said again in her half warning, half pleading tone.
"Veronica," he said evenly. She turned to him and he was surprised to see that she was crying.
"I can't, Logan, I just can't," she said.
"Why not?" Logan demanded. "It's been nine years since Hearst. I'm not happy, you don't seem happy."
"It was too hard, Logan! We didn't work!" Veronica protested.
"That was nine years ago," Logan said. "A lot of things didn't work then. Mac and Dick didn't work then, but look at them now. Things change Veronica."
"Exactly," Veronica said. "We've changed."
"Which is why it should work," Logan insisted. "Think about it, Ronnie. You're more open, I'm more mature. We can make this work."
"I can't, Logan. I can't leave my career, my life," Veronica said shaking her head.
"No ones asking you to give anything up!" Logan said.
"Then what's going to happen? A long distance relationship? You move to life with me?" Veronica asked sarcastically.
"I would," Logan said. "Haven't I always shown I'd do anything for you? Veronica. Ronnie, it's always been you. The year after Lilly died was a mistake. The worst fuck up of my life, but since then... since then haven't I shown that I would do anything for you? Damn it, Ronnie, if Josie hadn't come and forced me out of my depression cycle I would still be off living somewhere random waiting-hoping-for word from you. I still waited, I just spend my time waiting doing something productive. Look back, Ronnie, when have I ever shown up in the papers with a girl other than Josie. She's my date to everything. Sure I may have had a random one night stand, but they were always blond and tiny." Logan laughed bitterly. "But no one, not even another blond, tiny girl could replace you. Or how I felt with you." He sighed. "It's always been you, Ronnie. Always." Veronica shook her head, tears falling heavily.
"I c-c-can't, Logan," she forced out. "I just-" Logan cut her off by pressing his lips against hers. At first Veronica was stiff against him. Completely unresponsive. But as Logan moved his lips over hers, Veronica responded, letting herself melt into the kiss and against Logan.
A/N: Well, there you go. I finally wrote it out. It took me forever (not because it's soooo long), but because I kept having writers block. The final count for this chapter is: 5,576 words. 10 pages. I hope it was worth the wait.
Also, the ending was supposed to be a bit different, but it just wrote itself and I like it.
No, this story is definitely not over yet. I've still got quite a ways to go.
I'm thinking of writing a chapter about the Josie/Stosh situation, but I haven't decided yet. If you'd like to see it happen, tell me in a review.
Please REVIEW.
