Veronica was finishing up packing her bag for the weekend after work on her birthday. As she added a sweatshirt to the bag and nice dress for a dinner Logan had hinted at, the buzzer rang. "Come on up," she said and buzzed Logan in.
"Happy Birthday," he greeted giving her a hug when she opened the door for him.
"Thanks," she said as he kissed her cheek. "I just need to add a couple more things to my bag. Should I change now before we leave?"
"If you want. I thought we would just relax once we got there. Before dinner that is."
"Alright, I'll just throw on something more casual then," Veronica said. After she finished packing, she changed into jeans and a black t-shirt while Logan went downstairs to hail a cab. He came back up after a few minutes, and Veronica was grabbing an army green jacket out of the closet.
"Ready? The cab is waiting," Logan said while grabbing her bag from by the door. He had already loaded his in the cab.
"Yep, I'm ready."
At first, Veronica spent the cab ride trying to get Logan to tell her where they were going. When he wouldn't give in, she just tried to figure it out for herself. She thought, at one point, that they might be taking the cab to a metro station, but then they had switched directions. Logan was grinning at her annoyance. He had specifically told the cab driver where to go while Veronica had still been upstairs and added that it was a surprise.
Veronica got a puzzled look on her face when they began to drive into the area around Fisherman's Wharf. The cab finally pulled to a stop in front of the Argonaut Hotel. She looked at Logan with a smile. "Are you kidding me?" she asked.
"You said you had always wanted to stay here," Logan replied. She gave him a hug as she climbed out of the cab. "So I did good?" Logan asked.
"You did very good," Veronica replied kissing him quickly on the lips.
Logan took the bags from the cab driver, who had removed them from the trunk. "Thank you," he said handing the driver a tip. The doorman, wearing a sailor uniform and funny hat, came up to check if they needed anything. "We're fine. Thank you," Logan said politely. Logan continued to carry both bags; being as they were small, a luggage cart was unnecessary. They went to the front desk where Logan offered his name to check-in.
"Of course Mr. Echolls; the bellhop will see you to your room," the concierge said and handed Logan two keys.
The bellhop led them to their room, which was on the top floor. He opened the door for Veronica and Logan to enter. He then carried their bags into the bedroom before returning and asking Logan if he could do anything else for them. Logan said there wasn't, thanked him, and handed him a tip. Through all of that, Veronica was staring open mouthed at first the room and then the view.
The room, like the rest of the hotel, had a strong nautical theme. The walls were yellow striped wallpaper, except for one, which was exposed brick. The bed had a blue and white quilt and a blue star shaped pillow. The carpet was blue with yellow stars on it, and the chairs and couch in the living room area were upholstered in both blue and yellow. Veronica had wandered into the bathroom to discover the deepest bathtub she had ever seen. Everything about the room was gorgeous.
The view was even more spectacular. She had thought Logan's view at his apartment was good. Their top floor bay view room gave a full view of the San Francisco Bay. Veronica turned around as the bellhop closed the door. Logan was standing in the middle of the living room watching her. He was smiling at her with a look that made Veronica feel like blushing. "Logan, this is…" she trailed off. "It's just…"
Logan laughed quietly and walked over to her. "Veronica Mars speechless, I'm starting to like this power." He reached up and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Happy birthday," he said quietly.
"Thank you so much Logan. This is amazing."
"Ahh, she found the word at last," Logan joked. Veronica shoved his shoulder in response to the teasing. He took advantage of her movement, grabbed her around the wrist, and pulled her into a fervent kiss. Logan began to back up until he reached the bed where he sat down pulling Veronica with him so she was straddling his legs. After a few more kisses, Logan fell backwards onto the bed..
"So?" Logan asked. "I made plans for us for dinner in about an hour and a half. What would you like to do until then?"
"I'm sure we can think of something," Veronica said and bent down to kiss him. He gripped her hips and deepened the kiss, and she lay down on top of him.
Nearly an hour later, Veronica had showered and changed into a deep blue, strapless, chiffon dress. She was getting ready to put as silver necklace, with blue and silver stones spaced along it, around her neck when Logan came up behind her. He placed his hands on her upper arms. She stopped and caught his eyes in the mirror in front of her. He ran his hands down her arms and took the necklace, fastening around her neck for her. He bent down and kissed her neck below her ear and whispered, "You're beautiful."
Veronica spun around in his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him. "I'm almost ready," she said after pulling back.
"That's fine. Our reservation isn't for another thirty minutes, and the restaurant is close." He kissed her again quickly and left the bathroom.
Veronica put on her earrings and retouched her lipstick. She finished fixing her hair, which she was wearing down in gentle curls. Once ready, she walked through the bedroom and into the living room, where Logan was sitting on the couch flipping through channels on the TV waiting.
"I'm ready," she said. Logan clicked off the TV and stood up. He grabbed his suit jacket off the arm of the chair next to him and put it on. "You look so handsome," Veronica said walking into his arms and adjusting his tie. Logan rarely wore suits, but they definitely worked for him. This one was gray, and he had paired it with a deep blue shirt and silver and black striped tie. Veronica ran her hands down his chest and gripped his lapels pulling him in for a kiss.
"We should definitely go… now," Logan said. He was pretty sure if Veronica kept kissing him like that, they wouldn't make it to the restaurant. Veronica laughed but turned toward the door. Logan took her hand as they walked down the hall to the elevator and didn't let go until they reached the door of Gary Danko's restaurant, two block walk away. He moved his hand to the small of Veronica's back and led her through the doorway. They were a bit early for the reservation and ordered a glass of wine each at the bar, which they carried to their table a few minutes later.
It was the kind of restaurant where you pay a flat rate depending on how many courses you wish to eat. Veronica and Logan opted for the minimum of three; Logan insisted they needed to get dessert for Veronica's birthday. Veronica started with a lobster, shrimp, and vegetable risotto, and Logan had seared tuna. For their entrees, Veronica had seafood while Logan ordered lamb, of which Veronica occasionally stole bites, offering him some of her fish in exchange. All the food was amazing, but dessert was by far Veronica's favorite part of the meal. She ordered a chocolate soufflé with amazing sauces. Logan had a selection of crème brulee.
"That was an unbelievable restaurant," Veronica said as they walked back to the hotel. "The food was really good."
"It was," Logan said. "But I'm happier to be alone with you again away from all the people." He wrapped his arm around her, and she leaned her head on his shoulder. "Back to the hotel room?" he asked.
"That sounds great to me." It wasn't late, but it wasn't too early to head back, and spending time with Logan in the room alone sounded like a perfect birthday to her.
As they were walking back into the hotel, Veronica pulled her phone out of her purse and glanced at it. She frowned. "You're dad hasn't called yet?" Logan asked.
Veronica shook her head. "I guess he did. I mean he called while I was at work, but I couldn't answer. I thought he would call back."
"I'm sure he will. He knows he can call you later on a Friday night, right?"
"He probably fell asleep," Veronica said with a half-laugh.
"Veronica, nothing would stop your father from calling you on your birthday."
Veronica just nodded. And sure enough, by the time they got out of the elevator on their floor, Veronica's phone was ringing. "Hi," she greeted.
"Happy birthday, sweetheart," Keith said.
"Thanks dad." Veronica grinned and followed Logan into their suite.
"How's the birthday so far?" Keith asked.
"Great actually," she replied. Logan had stayed in the living room, as Veronica walked into the bedroom, to give her a chance to talk to her father. She sat down on the bed.
"Logan doing something nice for you?" Veronica had been surprised that her father had handled her being back with Logan as well as he had. She could tell he wasn't completely thrilled with the idea, but he had been supportive overall.
"You have no idea. It's amazing. He got this amazing suite at a hotel by Ghirardelli's Square where I've always wanted to stay, and we just got back from having an incredible dinner."
"That sounds nice. I'll let you go. Happy Birthday. I love you so much."
"I love you too dad. I miss you."
"Me too, honey. Have a good night."
"Night," Veronica said before hanging up.
"Look what we got," Logan said, as Veronica reentered the living room, indicating a bottle of champagne chilling on a table between the chairs along with some Ghirardelli chocolates. "Should I uncork that?" he asked gesturing to the champagne.
"Definitely." Veronica walked over and stood next to him. Logan handed her a champagne flute and picked up the bottle. He uncorked it and poured Veronica her glass before picking up the other flute to pour himself some.
"Happy birthday," he said as he clinked glasses with Veronica.
Veronica smiled at him. "Thanks so much for all of this, Logan. I think this is the best birthday I've ever had."
"Guess I'll have something to top for next year," Logan said.
Veronica stopped drinking her champagne mid-sip but left the glass at her lips. This was the first time either Logan or she had mentioned anything about the future of their relationship. Looking at Logan, it was clear he also seemed to have registered what he said.
"Do you think…?" Veronica was planning to ask if he really thought they would still be together in a year.
"Yeah, I do," Logan said. "At least, I hope so." He hadn't even waited for her to finish the question. He was going to ask what she thought but didn't want to freak her out, and he knew it would. She smiled up at him, which was enough sign for him.
"I was hoping to try out that amazing Jacuzzi tub. Care to join me?" Veronica asked with an alluring smile.
Logan smiled in return. "Yes," he said, leaving it simple. "I'll bring the champagne."
The bathtub was just as amazing as Veronica had predicted, and sharing the bath with Logan made it even better. He was sitting behind her, and she was leaning back into his chest. They were each on their third and final glass of champagne; the empty bottle still sat by the side of the tub. Veronica felt like she was going to fall asleep; Her head was rested back against Logan's shoulder, and he was absent-mindedly playing with her fingers, running them through his own.
"Can we just come back here next year for my birthday?" Veronica asked not opening her eyes.
Logan's smile grew, and he leaned his head down and kissed her cheek gently. "If that's what you want," he responded. He made no mention of Veronica's implication that she also believed they would be together the following year.
After another fifteen minutes or so, they got out of the bathtub. Wrapping the incredibly soft towel around herself, Veronica went out into the bedroom. When she reentered the bathroom, she was wearing a cheetah print bathrobe provided by the hotel. "That's very… wild," Logan said grinning at her insinuatingly.
"I brought you the tiger stripped one," Veronica said with a smirk.
Logan continued to smile and took the bathrobe from her, replacing the towel wrapped around his waist with the robe.
Lying in bed late that night, Veronica was struck by a thought. "Logan?" she asked.
"Hmmm?" he responded. He was focused on her skin, running his fingers over her shoulders and down her back.
"How much did this room cost?" In the awe of the day, Veronica hadn't even thought about the fact that this must be the most expensive suite in the hotel, especially when the view was considered, and Logan had booked it for two nights.
"You're not allowed to ask how much your birthday present cost," Logan answered with amusement, "It's rude."
Veronica sighed. "Seriously Logan, this must be costing a fortune."
"Well fortunately, I have one to spare," Logan responded light heartedly. He didn't know how to tell Veronica, but being able to spend money on her made him feel better about having money he did nothing to earn. When he had been young, he had felt entitled to that money; now, it was a reminder of his father. "Veronica, it's your birthday. It is special. Besides, I like spending my money on you."
Logan's comment brought a small smile to Veronica's lips. "But you don't have to. I don't expect it." What she wanted to say was that he didn't need to buy her love, but she wasn't ready to use that word yet.
"I know you don't. That is what makes it enjoyable. If you expected me to, I wouldn't want to."
Veronica smiled at him. "Okay," she replied. She was going to continue, but Logan cut her off with his lips on hers.
Saturday morning, Logan woke up to find Veronica still asleep. He had fallen asleep with his arms wrapped around her and her head on his chest. Now, she was curled up facing him. He took a minute to watch her sleep, before running a hand down the side of her face and crawling out of bed. He slipped into the bathroom.
When Logan returned from the bathroom, Veronica was still asleep. He pulled on a pair of pants and t-shirt. He glanced at the clock; it was after ten. Breakfast in both the restaurant or as room service ended at 10:30. He glanced at Veronica's sleeping form. They had a complimentary breakfast as part of the package he had gotten with the room. Based on how he was feeling and after the workout they had had the night before, Logan assumed Veronica would be hungry when she woke up. Glancing at her one last time, with a smile, Logan walked into the living room.
Veronica woke up in bed alone. Sunlight was peeking through the curtains. She wasn't sure what had woken her, but she thought she heard Logan speaking to someone in the living room; he had closed the door to the bedroom, so she wasn't sure. She got up and picked up the bathrobe she had worn the night before from the chair near the bed. Slipping the robe on, she walked into the living room.
Logan was just closing the door and in the middle of the room was a room service cart. "Morning," he said as he turned around and saw Veronica standing there. "How'd you sleep?" he asked walking to her and wrapping her in his arms.
"Mmm," Veronica sighed. "Very well. Is that breakfast?" she asked eagerly.
"It certainly is," Logan replied. "You have two choices of how you want your eggs. I'll take the others. Want to take it back to bed?"
Veronica smiled, and they returned to the bedroom for breakfast. They spent the rest of the morning in bed. Eventually, they got up to shower, together. In the afternoon, they walked down to Pier 39 and just wandered around. By early evening, they were back at the hotel. Veronica had been teasing Logan for about an hour, very specific teasing, and now all Logan could think of was getting her back in bed.
By the time they were alone in the elevator, Logan couldn't take it anymore. He pulled Veronica into his arms and spun her against the wall of the elevator, kissing her passionately. Veronica laughed against his lips. Their arms remained wrapped around each other as the walked down the hallway. They barely made it into the room before they began shedding each other's clothing.
"Do you want to go for a walk?" Logan asked as they lay in bed in exceptionally drowsy states. He was lying on his side facing Veronica who was on her back, and he was playing with her hair. "They say the sunset is beautiful behind the bridge, and it has been pretty clear today."
"Sounds nice," Veronica said rolling over to face Logan. She leaned forward and kissed Logan before getting up to get dressed. He followed suit, each of them dressing casually in jeans and t-shirts and grabbing jackets before they left the room.
The walk was beautiful. They wandered through Fort Mason and along the Marina Green. Veronica had reached out for Logan's hand as they began to walk, and he linked his fingers with hers. As they reached The Presidio, the sunset was starting to build. Veronica led Logan to a grassy spot with a good view. She sat down, and Logan sat behind her. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek. Veronica leaned back into him and laced her fingers with Logan's. They sat like that until the sun had completely set. Then they walked back to the hotel with the view of the lights of the city.
They had dinner in the Blue Mermaid before going back upstairs to their room. The night was much like the one before. For a while, they watched a movie on the couch. Eventually, they each decided the other was more interesting than the movie.
After they'd made love, they sat on the bed and ate snacks from the mini-bar and drank a bottle of wine. Veronica had grabbed the bottle of wine out of Logan's hand and was attempting to keep it out of his reach as she drank the last bit straight out of the bottle. Finally, he recovered the then empty bottle and discarded it to the floor, instead taking the opportunity to pin Veronica to the bed. Hovering above her, he grinned at her and leaned down to kiss her.
