Alright. Lovers of LoVe, it has been decided. The Fanfic gods have spoken and it is official: I am going off canon and diving into AU. It has become much too hard to try to be confined by canon, and let's be real… It is SO hard to write Piz and Veronica without being slightly annoyed. I have taken what you all have said into consideration, and I think this is the best route for us all! I am embarking on this journey with you guys, so THANK YOU for bearing with me through this all.

This chapter is actually a little more geared towards you MaDi fans. It's very interesting to write, and I'm trying hard to make it authentic. I don't want anything I write to sound forced. LoVe fans, I promise more will be coming your way.

This chapter took a long time to critique and finish. I wanted it just right. I've also been very sick, so it took longer to write due to that too. For that, I am sorry dear readers.

So, starting today join me in the story that comes naturally and I think/hope/pray you guys will like it! Thank you for continual support and thank you to my BFF fo' life, Tiffy, for reading for me! Y'all rock.

Xoxo, Britt

vvVvv

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Chapter 10

Veronica sat in an uncomfortable plastic chair in the terminal as she waited for her flight. People of all backgrounds passed her and she watched them. Some people seemed sad, others were happy. She wondered where they were all heading. Home? To a loved one? A business trip? One thing Veronica had always loved about P.I. work and photography was the people she got to watch. She would analyze them as she snapped photos. Knowing people was kind of her thing. Watching people was one of her weird, twisted amusements.

"Your safety is our top priority. Please report any suspicious behavior and do not handle any baggage…" The same woman's voice rang through the airport every ten minutes.

Piz had already gotten on his flight and he was well on his way to PDX. She had given him a short goodbye. It wasn't very heartfelt, but after everything that morning with Mac, Wallace, and Logan, she wasn't in the mood to be cute or romantic. Honestly she was frustrated that he was so happy and flippant about life. How wasn't he concerned about being stuck in New York for the rest of his life?

"…flight to Phoenix is now boarding. Seats 1-30 are boarding…"

It hit her. New York was his home. He had a life, friends, a good job in NYC. It was his home, and he had found his place there. A dull ache formed in her heart. It was the realization that New York would never be that for her. While she could come up with a million reasons why she should be there, her heart would always remain in Neptune.

"Your safety is our top priority…"

Suddenly nothing made sense. Why was she about to fly across the country only to be miserable? Everything was already here in California. She had a job, friends, family. What did New York have other than school, a great job, and the chance to rekindle an old flame?

It's Piz. Not just any "old flame." He deserves to have more credit and more of a consideration than that.

But she knew Piz was settled in New York. If she stayed with him, she would have to settle for New York. Veronica was never someone to just "settle." In fact she refused to settle. A large group of people swarmed past her. Nausea was setting in, and she needed to get out of there. She stood.

"Flight 476 is now boarding…"

Veronica froze.

So this is what they call a crossroads.

vvVvv

Carrie had dragged Logan out to dinner. She was checking out the food of some new gastro pub that she wanted to cater her next party. He tried to be in the moment with her, but she was in one of her moods, and he didn't feel like being the bad guy again.

"I'm having people over tonight," she suddenly stated in between bites. Logan looked up from his phone.

"You know I don't like having people at my house." He hoped the emphasis on "my" wasn't too harsh.

"Chill, Lo. We're going to be on the beach."

"Who are these people you speak of?" he asked a little quieter.

"Gia, Luke, the whole gang. You can join us if you don't wanna be a lame ass," she smiled mischievously.

"Yeah, we'll see," he shrugged off.

Staring at the foam in his beer, he tried to not be irritated with Carrie. She was so self-centered. He hated that he was dating another Lily. As much as he loved both of them, he knew he would never be entirely happy in those kinds of relationships.

"Logan, can you please pretend you actually care about me and what I'm trying to do here?" Carrie's agitated voice broke the silence.

"Of course, dear. This club sandwich and pear salad is superb. Your guests will be dazzled."

"Forget it."

It was clear their dinner date was coming to an end. Fidgeting with her purse, Carrie pretended to be preoccupied. Logan reached for the bill and placed a crisp hundred dollar bill in the flap. Carrie stood and started to make her way to the exit, not looking to see if Logan was following her. He breathed in slowly, and stood.

vvVvv

Veronica silently paced the porch before she had enough courage to knock on the door. She wasn't entirely sure what she was doing and why she had chosen what she had chosen.

As soon as she saw her dad's face when he opened his front door, all her worries washed away and she heaved a giant sigh of relief.

"Honey? This isn't New York?"

She knew he was half kidding, but she couldn't bring herself to answer any of his questions at the moment. Pressing her head into her dad's shoulder she felt tears come to her eyes. He wrapped his arms around her gently.

"What's going on? Is everything okay?"

"I'm home," she finally managed, "Dad, I'm home."

vvVvv

Mac received a phone call from a very emotional Veronica that evening. According to her friend, she was coming home for good. Mac thought she was hearing things or hallucinating, but Veronica assured her she was serious. They arranged for a get together that night. Wallace had already been informed of his friend's homecoming, and had immediately cooked up a plan to have a family BBQ.

Looking at her watch she realized that she was supposed to call Dick over an hour ago. Knowing Dick, he probably didn't notice, but Mac was usually punctual and so she quickly dialed his number.

"Mac Attack! What up, girl."

"Dick, I'm going to have to reschedule our meeting. Veronica decided to stay…"

"It's cool, Logan and Carrie, er Bonnie or whatever, are having a kick back, anyway… Wait Ronnie is staying?"

"Yeah, she didn't get on the plane. She came home. She said she's staying for good."

There was a small pause before she heard a snicker and he replied, "Man, Logan and Veronica's sleepover must have had some crazy good sex."

"Sleepover…?" Mac was confused. What was Dick talking about? Then it donned on her. Veronica needing an alibi… She was with Logan all night?

"Yeah, Logan totally had her over the night before Thanksgiving. I tried to get the details, but he wasn't into the whole kiss and yell thing."

"Kiss and tell," Mac absentmindedly corrected.

"Yeah, whatever. Anyway, I don't wanna keep you from your best friend. Tell her I say hi. Stop by tonight," he paused for a second as if he was thinking about what he was implying, "Only if you want to," he rushed.

"Yeah, maybe. Thanks Dick, I'll talk to you later."

"Bye, M-Dawg," he said before clicking the line off.

Why didn't she tell me she was with Logan? She's in so much trouble for this. The fact that Dick knew and not me?

Why didn't Veronica tell her? Mac was never one to judge. She liked Logan… a little more than Piz if she were to be honest. He was a cool guy, and they got along. Did she have something to hide about their little rendezvous? Is that why she kept it from her best friend?

Mac smirked. She'd get answers out of Veronica, one way or another.

vvVvv

Once Mac arrived, Veronica informed her that Wallace had to cancel. He had forgotten that he had promised Darrell that he would take him to the movies. He promised that he would swing by the next day to see his best friend.

Veronica and Keith had spent the remainder of the day going over logistics. When she would get her stuff from New York, how she needed to call her job and let them know what was going on, and also getting a hold of her school to inform them that she would not be finishing. There was a lot to get done, but her dad helped her feel less overwhelmed by it all. He was surprisingly supportive of the decision. She knew he wasn't fully excited over his daughter quitting a good job and dropping out of school, but she knew that he knew her well. He knew that she was home in Neptune, and her heart was in P.I. work.

Mac pulled Veronica aside after an hour of small talk and snacks.

"So I talked to Dick today. He mentioned that you and Logan had a sleepover?"

Veronica was caught off guard at the mention of her and Logan's night, so when she tried to fake confusion, it didn't come off as well as she had liked. She was caught.

"I was going to tell you," Veronica whispered. Her dad was yelling at the TV. Jeopardy was on and he always liked to believe he was smarter than the contestants.

"Were you really?" Mac eyed her.

"No," she admitted. "How did Dick know?"

"He figured it out!"

"Wow, the boy does have a brain in there…"

"Better watch out, he'll give you a run for your money if he starts up his own investigation agency," Mac laughed.

"Please, dear Mac, I'm offended."

Veronica knew her best friend wouldn't let her get out of telling her the entire story about what happened so she began from the beginning.

"Did you…?" Mac wiggled her eyebrows indicating what she meant.

"No, I passed out and he must have passed out after me. Nothing happened. No kissing let alone…"

"Cuddling?" Mac laughed. Veronica 's breath caught in her throat. She wasn't expecting to be asked that question. When she didn't answer, she knew Mac had caught on.

"It was nothing," Veronica promised to a little too hastily.

"Nothing," Mac repeated sarcastically. She hated when Mac did that.

Nothing. Veronica repeated to herself.

Earlier that night Veronica had called Piz. He was shocked to hear that she wasn't heading back to New York, but she had a feeling he was less shocked when she told him that she was ending things. He seemed irritated more than anything, but they seemingly ended things on an amicable note. He would be okay, Veronica decided. He was going to be a famous radio host one day and he would marry a girl who treated him the way he deserved. He would pop a few kiddos out, and he would undoubtedly be a good dad. Yes, Piz would be just fine without her.

"Sooo…" Mac started.

"No. The answer is no. Whenever you start anything out that way, you're always about to put me in a weird situation."

"Dick invited us to a kickback tonight," Mac informed her slowly. There was a catch. Veronica knew it. "At Logan's," she finished.

"Mac…" Veronica groaned.

"Come on, won't it be great to just show up. The look on Logan's face will be priceless."

"I'm more concerned about the look on his girlfriend's face," Veronica mumbled.

Mac continued to push the matter further until Veronica agreed to go. It would be nice to surprise Logan. Although, she wondered if this whole, saying goodbye and seeing her again shortly after, was getting on his nerves.

I guess there's only one way to find out.

vvVvv

Mac did a quick scan of the crowd as they approached the fire. She was looking for a certain blonde surfer who would be pleasantly surprised she showed up. When she didn't see him, she guessed that he must be running late. As Mac and Veronica got closer, she was relieved to find it wasn't a rager. Some people had beers, but overall it was a group of well-dressed men and women chatting and eating barbeque.

Maybe that's why Dick's presence is missing. He came and saw it wasn't his kind of party and ditched.

She wouldn't have been surprised if he went to find a more "lively" party to join, but just as she started to think he wouldn't show, she heard his obnoxious laugh. Turning, she saw him high fiving a few of the guys. He was dressed far less formally than everyone else in his wetsuit.

"Macster, what up! You made it," he cheered. He turned solemnly towards Veronica, "Ronnie, a pleasure to see you again. Glad to see my ominous jail sentence has kept you with us a little while longer."

"Dick," was all she replied. Mac watched him pass the crowd and head towards the water. Leave it to Dick to choose surfing over his best friend's house party.

"Remind me again, why you wanted me to help him?" Veronica asked after Mac had watched Dick just a second too long.

"He's my friend and you love taking on new and exciting cases?" Mac answered giving Veronica a cheesy smile.

"Whatever you say, but you owe me," Veronica gave her the eye, and Mac nodded. "And we need to have a girls' night. I feel out of the loop," she added. Mac nodded more earnestly.

"Don't tell Wallace, because he tries so hard, but his pep talks just aren't the same." Mac clasped her hands together and shook them. Veronica laughed and hip bumped her friend. Mac liked seeing her like this. She was happy and carefree. It wasn't long before Veronica pulled Mac to the food line. Mac gave one more glance towards the water, and caught a glimpse of Dick paddling out in the ocean. She tried to ignore the tug at her heart, but it was too evident to be brushed aside.

Damnit, she thought regretfully. She didn't want to admit she cared for Dick much more than she ever let on, but there it was. The tugging of her cold, broken heart.

Mac had kept in some contact with Logan after Veronica left sophomore year. He was hurting for a piece of Veronica, Mac was sure of it, but he always disguised it with the need for help with homework. She would visit him at his hotel suite, and his BFF Dick was always hanging around. At first Dick acted weird whenever she was around, but eventually he warmed up to her. She would kick his ass at video games, and he seemed to admire her for that. After a while he began texting her whenever he needed help with anything. She would also get the occasional drunk call, and his undecipherable jabbering about how he was sorry for being such an ass. They had a coming-to-Jesus-moment one day when they actually sat down for coffee and he explained in depth what he had always done to Beaver and why he was so sorry for everything. It took everything within her not to grab his hands and just hold him, but she did accept his apology. After that day, they seemed to be pretty good friends, but he had eventually resorted back to his shallow, joking self.

That one glimmering memory of Dick seemed to be enough for her, though. It kept her going whenever he pissed her off. He was broken and royally screwed up, and so she forgave him for all of his sarcastic jokes and jabs. She had seen the real Dick a few times, and it was something neither of them could deny.

"Earth to Mac." Veronica was waving her hand between Mac and her line of vision.

"Sorry," she mumbled to her friend.

"Dick," Veronica placed her hands on her heart and sighed dreamily, "that boy will do it for ya," she joked. Mac simply forced a grunt and Veronica's eyes widened with realization. "You're going to have to spill sooner or later," she warned.

Mac knew Veronica wouldn't let the subject disappear. The sooner Mac accepted her fate, the better.

"Fine, but not here."

vvVvv

Veronica kept her eyes peeled for Logan. Thus far, he was rather invisible. His arm candy was seemingly missing as well. She shrugged it off and assumed they were probably too busy in each other's company to show their faces to the likes of these folks.

I wonder if Alice will stop by. She may be Carrie's type. Maybe she'll be down for a three-way, Veronica thought harshly. She immediately felt guilty for being so mean, but part of her was still incredibly angry at Logan.

"Wonder where our hosts are?" Mac thought aloud. Veronica shrugged nonchalantly, and took another bite of her hotdog. New York City's hotdogs were better. At least they had that going for them.

As time passed, Veronica became increasingly more irritated. She didn't know anyone that was there except for Mac and Dick. Currently they were both consumed with each other's presence and Veronica had quickly become an awkward third wheel. Dick was discussing his new surf board with Mac, and Mac, who Veronica knew could care less about surfing, was smiling and nodding as if it was the most interesting thing she had ever listened to.

Veronica looked up as she heard a loud commotion. A group of people were making their way to the fire. She recognized a few of the faces: Gia, Luke, and Stu. She had heard that Gia and Luke were dating. As for Stu, Veronica puzzled at his connection with the group. He was always an outcast at Neptune High, but he apparently had found his way into the prestigious 09er group after graduation.

I wonder if that has anything to do with his variety of… candy… he provides? Veronica thought to herself. It was the only logical explanation as to why he would be allowed into their inner circle.

Dick looked up from his surf board and immediately left Mac's side to join his friends. He high fived them and joined them as they set up the keg they had brought.

"Well, this was fun while it lasted," Mac muttered quietly. Veronica felt bad for her friend, but she wasn't surprised by Dick's actions. Everyone who had stayed in Neptune still seemed to be stuck in high school. They didn't stray far from their high school cliques. Mac and Veronica were never going to be part of the illustrious 09er group. That's just how Neptune worked.

"Logan!" she heard Dick yell. She felt her head snap up to see Logan and Carrie walking from their beach house. Her heart quickened, and she tried to figure out what she was going to say to him once he saw her. Carrie's presence only made her that much more nervous. She had never really been a part of Veronica's fan club.

Once the couple joined Dick and his friends, she had decided it was best to just say a quick hello to Logan and leave. Being there suddenly felt like a stupid mistake. She watched as he greeted his friends with a smile, although his eyes didn't match the enthusiasm he was trying to portray. Those same eyes lifted and searched the small crowd of people and eventually landed on her. They widened and he started towards her.

"I'll leave you two alone," Mac smirked before heading towards the keg.

She watched Logan get closer and closer.

Three feet, two feet…

"Veronica? I thought…" He didn't finish his question.

"I've decided to stay in Neptune. Dad could use help at the office," she lied. It wasn't the response she had been planning, but the lie had slipped through before she could stop it.

"So you're staying for good?"

"I wouldn't say 'for good,' but I'm staying for now."

That answer seemed to satisfy him.

"And you've got Dick's case," he pointed out. She was glad that he understood that she needed excuses for staying. He knew her too well. She was far too stubborn to admit that she wanted to actually stay here for herself.

"Right."

They stood around for a couple more seconds, soaking in each other's presences. Carrie called Logan's name, snapping them out of their trance.

"You coming?" he asked motioning towards the keg. Veronica nodded, and followed him.

"Carrie," Logan addressed his girlfriend, "You remember Veronica."

"We all remember Veronica Mars." Carrie's words were dicey and her eyes were narrowed.

"Veronica Mars. Long time no see, girlfriend," Gia cut in with her annoyingly bouncy voice.

"Gia," Veronica sighed.

After a while the group's focus shifted off of Veronica, and they began conversing amongst each other. Mac was sandwiched between her and Dick, and was trying to give both of them equal attention. Carrie and Logan sat on a bench across from them. The singer's attention was on her best friend, Gia, while Logan's was preoccupied with the blonde across from him. Veronica tried to ignore his gaze, but frequently found herself returning his stare.

After several drinks Carrie pointed at Veronica, "So Veronica, how is that sex tape thing going?" The mention of the embarrassing video threw Veronica off. Carrie continued, "You know, I always tried to get Logan to do one with me. He was always too shy to agree," she laughed. Logan whispered something in her ear angrily, but she ignored him and continued, "Shy! Imagine that! Logan being shy in the bedroom. We both know how ironic that is."

"Carrie stop," Logan's voice warned. Everyone's eyes were on the three of them. Most people seemed amused by the drama they were witnessing.

"I guess sex tapes are just things that his exes do," Carrie sighed with mock sadness. "Of course, Lilly's didn't end well, did it Lo…" Logan snapped. The sound of Lilly's name coming from Carrie made Veronica sick. How could she bring up her best friend's death so nonchalantly?

"How dare you talk about Lilly like that!" Logan yelled. Carrie stood and got in his face, throwing her cup down.

"What?! You upset because I brought up that slut's name?" she fought back. Logan turned his back and began walking away. Veronica's mouth was open with shock at the scene before her.

"Walk away, Logan! Walk away like you always do!" Carrie called after him. Gia stifled a giggle and a few of the people in the group began to chuckle. Dick shifted awkwardly in his seat.

Do something, Veronica demanded internally. She stood quietly and walked after Logan.

"Figures," she heard Carrie's voice laugh. She ignored the stares and the whispers as she left them behind her.

vvVvv

"Logan, wait," he heard a voice calling after him. At first he thought it was Carrie following him to apologize, but he realized the voice didn't belong to her. He reached his back porch before he turned around to see Veronica running towards him.

"I'm fine," he lied quietly, but he knew she knew better.

"That was… sufficiently awkward," Veronica managed after a while.

"Welcome to my life," he returned bitterly.

"Why do you put up with that?"

He didn't have an answer. "I'm done with her," he decided out loud. Veronica shifted her weight, clearly unsure how to respond to what was going on. "I mean, Lilly?" he continued, "How could she… Lilly's dead… She had no right," he stammered.

"I know," Veronica whispered. She reached out her hand. He took it into his own, and breathed deeply.

"I'm glad you're back, even if it's just for now," he told her. He meant it with every fiber in his being. Her being here was a comfort he had needed for a while. She was one of few people who actually understood him. She didn't say anything back, but she squeezed his hand to let him know she agreed.

vvVvv

After Logan and Veronica had left, the group dispersed. Carrie had been whisked away by Gia and Luke. Apparently there was a party in L.A. that was supposed to be amazing. They had asked Mac and Dick if they wanted to join, they were all going in Luke's limo, but after Mac declined Dick followed suit.

"You could have gone, you know," Mac told him as they sat on a blanket near the water. Dick had gone back out and night surfed for a while before joining her.

"Yeah, well, I decided I should stay out of the party scene. Keep my image clean."

"Right."

They sat together quietly. Dick picked up a fist of sand and threw it before turning and saying, "Do you think Veronica is gonna figure this thing out… I mean do you think I'll really end up in prison?" The anxiety in his voice was evident and caught her off guard.

"She's doing her best." She tried to sound convincing, but he slumped his shoulders and let out a frustrated breath.

"I know I'm not exactly the guy you would want to spend your Friday night, but thanks for being my friend, Mac. After everything I've put you through…"

She really didn't know what to say. They had this conversation before, but he always seemed to come back to this place where he felt the need to apologize again.

"I've already told you, it's all in the past. We're cool."

"I know. But it's like… You're so smart, and completely out of my league. I honestly don't know what you see in me. I'm just some surfer dude who is being charged with murder." Honesty was never one of Dick's strongest attributes, but in this moment, she realized that this was the reason she stuck around. There was much more to him than what he let people see. "Anyway," he continued sounding brighter, "You think Logan and Veronica are doin' it?"

"Oh my gosh, Dick," Mac laughed shoving him.

"What? It happened way more in college than you think it did. They're like rabbits when they're together."

Gross. Thank you for that image, Dick.

"They're not together, Dick. They're friends."

"Yeah, for now. Just wait."

He's right, you know. It's only a matter of time. This is just what they do, she agreed silently.

Dick stood and grabbed his board. Heading to the water, he turned and flashed his white smile at her. She watched happily without realizing that she was, in fact, the happiest she had been in a while. Her best friend was finally back, she was on track for an amazing vocation, and she was sitting on the beach, without a concern in the world, watching the idiot, Dick, surf. But this was Neptune. Happiness was short lived. She knew something was bound to be around the corner, but until then, she was going to enjoy herself and the simple joy of watching the boy she liked having carefree fun in the moonlight.