Author's Note: I hope everyone had a good holiday or if you don't celebrate is having a good weekend. Thank you everyone for reviewing and reading! I got a little stuck on this chapter, but I think it came out nicely. I should have the next one up soon! It's a bit weird writing about the New Years in July Christmas also. To answer a few questions Aaron will be returning soon as will the question of how are they going to deal with abusive aaron. The plan will come out soon and they will deal with it, but like everyone in VMars it won't be according to plan. Secondly Jealous Logan will make another appearance! Thirdly I apologize about spelling errors! Fourth I'm glad that everyone liked how they got together! I want it to be as realistic as possible so I'm glad it was good! Let me know what you think! Please review!

Thank you to: kittycat4427, Lunky, Alenor, amandamary, kerali, Twiobsessed12368, lilamadison11, sophiamommy, Bondopoulos, Jess, Clemetine20, Guest, cantarams, tigerlady1981, sevim, Guest, ellen7loveslife, Viki, Jeremy Shane, and Nikatsu!

Enjoy!

Chapter 14 The Pretender

Logan stayed at the Mars residence until the day after Christmas when he thought it would be a good idea to go home. He didn't want to leave, but he'd been with the two Mars' for the better part of three days. Although Veronica was very opposed to the idea of him returning to an empty house he went anyway. Probably against his better judgment.

When he got home his house was much the same as it had been before he left and the help were already back to work. He spent time thinking about how things had gone with Veronica and how he was glad they got to talk about everything. Granted they had a long way to go, but they were slowly on the road to finding each other.

They had spent the better part of the evening the night before getting the Fennel kid's saving-his-ass plan in order and he knew that Veronica was going to ask the kid to come over to discuss the plan that night. He knew he shouldn't feel jealous about the Fennel kid, but he couldn't help it. He had been scorned way too many times by Lilly who repeatedly cheated on him and he couldn't help that he was still a little untrusting in the dating department. He kept telling himself that nothing was going to happen because it was Veronica and she wasn't a cheater and she was also pregnant. He didn't know anything about the Fennel kid, but Ronnie always had a good sense of judgment and he figured if she trusted him then why couldn't he?

Neither the less he did worry way more than he should over what was going on between Veronica and the Fennel kid even though he kept telling himself she wouldn't do that. He couldn't help it though he had serious trust issues. When she called later that night he asked how everything had gone trying to be nonchalant.

"Good. I'm going to switch the videos tomorrow. I know dad will be angry, but it's not like it's getting him in trouble. More so Lamb." She figured he deserved it too after the things he had said about her dad.

"And how's the Fennel kid taking everything?" Logan asked trying to be casual.

"Logan, his name's Wallace and you don't have to worry about anything. He's just a guy I'm helping out. He came over. I told him the plan and that I'd put it into motion. Then we'd let that guy Weevil know and then everything will be finished. Everyone wins." She said laying it all out on the table.

Logan sighed and played with his bedspread. "And I'm coming with you tomorrow, right?"

"Of course." Veronica said. "As if I'd expect anything different." She huffed.

"Good. What time do you want me to come over?"

"Let's say one. Actually maybe earlier so we can finish our school project."

"Ok."

There was a beat of silence as neither of them knew what to say next.

"You know you could've stayed here until your parents came home." Veronica said softly.

Logan smiled at her caring tone. "I know, but I overstayed my welcome so..." He said.

"You didn't actually. I think you even grew on my dad." She said laughing.

"The seasons tickets probably helped."

"Probably."

"Seriously though if you want to come stay here until your parents get back that's fine." Veronica said softly.

Logan smiled, "I'll think about it. I'll be over tomorrow to help with Wallace and make sure you don't get captured by the PCHers."

"Don't forget about Macbeth."

"However could I."

They paused neither of them wanting to get off the phone.

"What are you doing for New Years?" Logan asked nerves leaking into his voice.

Veronica smiled to herself her insides going mooshy as she thought about spending New Years with Logan.

"Nothing. Probably sitting at home with dad."

"Well do you maybe want to go out?" he asked hopefulness lacing his voice.

Veronica's smile began to spread almost hurting her face from how happy she was.

"Yeah ok." She said trying to be nonchalant.

"Ok cool."

"What are we going to do?" she asked eagerly.

"You'll have to wait and see." He said laughing knowing she was pouting on the other end.

"Fine. Whatever. I'll see you tomorrow." She said.

"Bye." He said.

They hung up the phone each with huge smiles on their faces.

Veronica was nervous as she smoothed down the royal blue dress she decided on. Logan refused to tell her where they were going only to dress nice casual. Whatever that meant.

It was New Years and so far the last few days had been the best in awhile. Everything with Wallace and the PCHers had worked out. Weevil was much more considerate after she told him of the switch. Then his guys got off of the charges and now she had a gang member in her debt. Wallace was free from threats and hopefully wouldn't be beaten up anymore and maybe she even had a friend. Everything seemed to be going well even her nausea was slowing down although she could tell she was gaining weight. She knew she should go use Logan's gift card to buy some maternity clothes, but she wasn't ready for that yet. That and the fact she had no one to shop with. She used to go with Lilly, but now that the only friend she had was Logan and maybe Wallace she highly doubted either of them would want to go.

She figured maybe she could call Meg, but she knew she was in Aspen like all the other 09ers. Which left Veronica with nothing, but smaller and more uncomfortable clothes or suck it up and go herself. Now would be the best time to have a mom.

Veronica snapped out of her thoughts as her dad knocked on her door.

"Logan's here." Keith said looking at her.

She smiled and smoothed down the dress. "Do I look ok?" she asked worried that her bump was too exposed in the dress. It was a casual royal blue silk dress that came to her knees, but it was loose and one of the few things that fit her.

"You look beautiful." Keith said giving her a smile and a hug before she left the room.

She was wearing the necklace Logan had found for her and her hair was down and curled. She wore sandals to be more comfortable regardless of the fact that she looked even shorter.

"Hey." Logan said handing her a bouquet.

She smiled and took them from him putting them in water.

"Enjoy and try to be safe. Bring her home by one, please." Keith said looking at Logan seriously.

"I find it funny that I have a curfew and yet I will be a parent soon." Veronica said smirking.

"Don't remind me." Keith said scoffing.

Veronica smiled at him and then hugged him one last time before the new couple left hand in hand. Logan helped her into the car and then they began to drive to their mystery destination. Neither of them said much each too nervous and lost in their own thoughts.

"When do your parents get home?" Veronica asked breaking the silence.

"I'm not sure sometime after New Years. They didn't give an exact date." Logan said shrugging.

Veronica nodded shifting in her seat uncomfortably.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

Logan smirked, "For the thousandth time Mars, I'm not telling."

"Can I guess?"

"No."

"Fine." she pouted sitting back in her seat.

"You look beautiful tonight by the way." Logan said quietly reaching over to take her hand in his.

She smiled and blushed, "You look pretty dapper yourself, sir."

"Well thank you madam."

They laughed together both feeling giddy and nervous for being with the other. It had been a long time since either of them had been on a first date so it was new territory they were in. Territory that both scared and excited them. Both of them were still trying to sort through their own emotions when it came to each other and neither of them knew where this unexpected transition was going to go.

"So when do you want to talk about your dad?" Veronica asked quietly caressing his fingers in her hand. So far they had avoided most big topics since before Christmas. There was no talk of her paternity, his abuse, or the baby other than the general check in questions.

Logan glanced over at her with a frown. "I don't want to talk about any of the big issues. Can't we just treat this like a first date? Forget that my dad's a psychopath, Duncan might be your biological brother, and how we are about to become teen parents? Can't we pretend for one night?"

Veronica opened her mouth to tell him that they needed to deal with all of these unwanted situations, but when she saw the look in his eye she stopped herself. She wanted tonight to be about them just as much as he did and bringing up their baggage wouldn't accomplish that. As much as she wanted to talk to him about his dad she knew that tonight should focus on their budding relationship. Besides she was in the same boat of not wanting to talk about some of the big issues. As much as he didn't want to talk about his dad she didn't want to talk about her possible paternity something she'd been putting off until after the holidays. She had receive her results and had yet to open the package. Currently it was hidden beneath the mountain of stuffed animals in her closet that used to sit on her bed.

"Yeah. We can do that." she relented watching as he brought the hand still in his up to her lips to give her a soft kiss. She shivered as he lips made contact to the back of her hand and she swore if she wasn't already sitting her knees would go weak.

"Good. Now lets go eat." Logan said giving her a smirk before pulling the car into a parking lot and parking it before coming around to help her out.

Veronica smiled seeing the restaurant on the waterfront that they were in front of. The restaurant was an Italian and seafood eatery that sat on the ocean and allowed the guests to eat by the water. Veronica had never been there because it was too expensive and she didn't want her parents spending money where they didn't need to, but she did hear that it was to die for. Mostly by Lilly who'd been there multiple times.

"Wow Logan, trying to impress me?" Veronica snarked as he took her hand and led her inside.

"No. I take all my girls here." He said throwing her a grin as they walked into the restaurant. Veronica felt her stomach swoop at his offhanded comment. She knew he was joking, but she also knew that he and Lilly went there a lot. That fact bothered her and not for the first time she wondered if he compared her and Lilly or if he wished she was Lilly. She tried to not think about it often, but the dark thoughts did float across her mind once in awhile especially now that they were secretly dating. Or whatever it was they were doing.

Veronica looked around in interest as she took in the chic décor. There were various fish tanks throughout the restaurant with brightly colored sea creatures. As the hostess led them through the restaurant and outside to the patio that overlooked the ocean Veronica knew tonight was going to be special and tried to push away the dark thoughts.

"What do you think?" Logan asked as they sat down.

Veronica smiled, "it's nice. I thought you were allergic to shellfish though."

"Trying to kill yourself?" she teased when he didn't respond.

Logan ignored her ribbing and looked at her with an intensity that made her insides turn warm and fluttery.

"I wanted to take you out on our boat, but I wasn't sure if you'd get sick or not. I figured this place had a nice view of the water and they have fireworks at ten. I thought it would be a nice way to start off the New Years." He said shyly.

She grinned and took one of his hands in hers. "It's perfect and I'm glad you didn't take me out to sea. Throwing up isn't romantic." She said and reminding herself that his reasons had nothing to do with Lilly. He was just trying to be romantic. She pushed any thoughts of comparison between her and Lilly out of her mind wanting to enjoy tonight with him.

Logan chuckled, "is that what this is, romantic?"

"You tell me. I thought it was just a ploy to take advantage of a pristine girl." Veronica said lacing their fingers together.

"Possibly. I haven't decided if you're worth the trouble yet." Logan said smirking.

Veronica opened her mouth to retort when they were interrupted by the waiter coming over.

"Hello. I'm John I'll be your server tonight." The waiter said looking back and forth between Veronica and Logan. He narrowed his eyes staring between the two.

"Don't you go to Neptune?" John asked looking at their laced fingers.

"No. Pan High." Logan said swiftly.

John frowned, "Are you—"

"Can I have a water please?" Veronica asked cutting him off not in the mood to talk about high school.

John frowned and looked down at the pad of paper. He looked over at Logan waiting for him to order his drink.

"Water's fine." Logan said keeping his eyes trained on Veronica.

John walked away without another word, but Veronica saw him go over to one of his coworkers and begin to talk looking in their direction.

"Do you think he'll spit in our food?" Veronica asked tearing her eyes away from John.

Logan shrugged, "and if he does I'll get him fired."

"Logan—"

"What? I don't want to deal with stupid high school bullshit tonight. I want it to just be us without people talking about us or pointing at us. Is that really so hard? We have to go back to school in a couple of days and I'm—" Logan began to rant, but was quickly cut off my Veronica who got up and pulled him up too. She began to lead him off of the deck and out of the outside entrance back to his car. Ignoring the looks they were getting as they went.

"Veronica where are we going?" Logan asked surprised by her strength for such a petite girl.

"Come on." She said stopping at his car and turning to him.

"Where are we going?" he asked again confused.

"Somewhere where it's just the two of us." She said leaning up to peck him on the lips.

Logan frowned, but opened the door anyway. They got back in the car and Veronica directed him to the beach they partied on during Homecoming. Before they went to the beach they stopped for a hamburger, fries and a milkshake and took it with them. Luckily Logan had a blanket in the back seat of the Xterra and they set up a mini picnic on the sand where there was no one, but the two of them.

"This is perfect." Logan said stealing some of Veronica's fries.

She glared playfully at him and then stole a sip of his vanilla milkshake.

"See! Why do there have to be so many other people? Why can't it just be the two of us?" She mumbled moving closer to him for warmth. He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her in to his side his chin resting on the top of her head.

"Why indeed, but don't forget there's going to be three of us soon." He said quietly rubbing the small bump that was slowly becoming more visible.

"Hey! Don't rush it. We still have two trimesters to get through and a lot of other things to do, like second semester." Veronica pouted stealing another sip of his milkshake.

"Yeah, but I've been reading some books—"

"Wait! What?" Veronica asked shocked.

Logan frowned looking down at her. "Why do you sound so shocked?" he asked.

Veronica looked towards the ocean the fact that he had said 'books' as in plural rolling around in her head. She had the books, her father had gotten them for Christmas for her and he had gotten a daddy book, but she didn't think he'd actually read them. Inwardly she was still waiting for the other shoe to drop. She was waiting for him to leave like everyone else.

"Why are you surprised I'm reading the books?" he asked again drawing her attention back to him.

She sighed, "I'm not shocked…I'm just…"

"Shocked." He said moving away from her so he could see her face. He kept one arm around her, but his body was turned towards her and she was doing everything in her power to not look him in the eye.

"I went out and bought a few books after starting to read the one your dad gave me. Plus I saw all the ones you had and I don't know I thought it would be helpful." He said quietly.

"I haven't even started to read the books." She admitted in a voice barely above a whisper.

He smirked trying to make a joke. "Are you telling me that the Great Veronica Mars isn't the overachiever I thought she was? My world has been destroyed. Nothing makes sense anymore." He said chortling. She didn't join in and instead looked down at the half eaten food on the blanket in front of them.

"What's wrong, Veronica?" Logan asked tilting her face towards his.

Her eyes darted everywhere before finally landing on his. He let out a slow breath when he saw the inner turmoil in her eyes and without her having to say it he knew what was wrong. They knew each other too well.

"I didn't think you'd actually stay." She whispered finally.

Logan frowned and cupped his face with his hands before leaning down and kissing the tip of her nose so gently she felt tears gathering in her eyes at how delicate he was being with her.

"I'm not going anywhere, Ronnie. I know I still have a lot to make up for, but we're going to do this. I'm going to try and be the man good enough for you." he paused taking a moment to kiss the tears rolling down her face. "And once the baby comes I'll be there for him or her too. I promise you I'm not going to leave you unless it's what you want and even then you'll have a helluva time trying to get rid of me." He said finishing off his promise with a gentle kiss on the lips.

She moved her arms to encircle him and bring him closer burying her face in his shirt.

"That was before though. What if us dating doesn't work out?" she asked worriedly.

"Then I'll still be around for us to raise our kid together." He said kissing her on top of the head.

"And what if I get fat and mean and I really am Duncan's sister?" she asked in the same tone.

"Then I'll still want to be with you regardless if you are Duncan's sister. If you get mean though I'll try and channel the jackass within so we can be that old mean couple, but I'm not leaving you Ronnie. We still have a story to explore." He said tilting her face up to his so he could kiss her.

When they separated she had a slight smile on her face and she was feeling better.

"And what if—"

"Shhhh Veronica the fireworks are starting." Logan said kissing her so she'd be quiet and then nodding to the display in the distance. They finished their food and watched the fireworks quietly. As the lights in the sky died down Logan checked his watch to see that they still had an hour to go.

"Do you wanna stay here or go somewhere else?" Logan asked enjoying where they were.

"Here's fine." she said snuggling closer to him. When she was comfortable she leaned up and kissed him relishing how good of a kisser Logan was. The kiss soon became more passionate and Veronica crawled into Logan's lap so they could continue their make-out session.

The couple remained in their embrace each enjoying the other one's lips until it was after midnight and the New Year had been rung in. They both laughed realizing they had missed it, but neither cared that much just happy they were together.

"You know what they say about the New Year." Logan said as they packed up their little picnic and went back to his car.

"What inspiration message do you have for me Echolls?" she asked swinging their linked hands.

"Just that the way you ring in the New Year is the way you end the New Year." He said opening the door for her.

"I don't know, last year New Years I ended it with making out with Duncan while you and Lilly got jiggy with it in the poolhouse at the Kane mansion." Veronica mused giving him a look.

Logan winced, "So maybe it's a stupid saying."

"I mean maybe I'll end the New Year this year making out with some other guy, Casey or Dick maybe. You never know."

Logan shot her a glare and she giggled taking his hand again not wanting to be without the comfort of him.

"Don't say that. I don't want to think of you making out with anyone else."

"I don't want to think of you making out with anyone else."

"Ok."

"Good."

Veronica leaned over the console and kissed him enjoying the sensation of his tongue dancing with hers. She let out a little sigh and sat back.

"Home Alfred."

"You got it Mars." He said starting the car and driving towards her house. He walked her up to her door and as they stood on the porch he leaned forward to kiss her goodnight.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay here tonight? The guest bedroom looks lonely." She said leaning forward to kiss him again. For some reason she was feeling extra loving and not wanting to let him go.

He smirked. "Trying to have your wild way with me, Ms. Mars?"

"We just gotta wait until my dad falls asleep." She teased stepping back and pulling him towards the door.

"As tempting as that is, I should go." Logan said giving her another kiss.

She pouted and he kissed her jutted out lip before finally relenting seeing the puppy eyes.

"Fine! Let's ask your dad though and our kid better not inherit that. I'm a goner if they do." He said even more anxious around the Sheriff since they began dating.

She chortled, "I love that you're afraid of him. It's so entertaining."

Logan scoffed and reached around her to open the door. Veronica turned around to walk inside and stopped dead in her tracks making Logan bump into her. There in the living room with her dad sat her mom looking worse for wear, but with a smile on her face.

"Happy New Year, honey." Her mom said stumbling off the couch and coming to give her a hug.

A happy New Year indeed, Veronica thought bitterly staring at her estranged alcoholic mother not knowing whether she should be happy or upset.

(A/n: What did you think? Please let me know!)