Story so Far: AU. Veronica is not part of the Fab 4. Logan and Lilly are on an off period when Logan starts dating Veronica. What starts out as fun becomes serious after Logan tells Veronica he loves her. Before Christmas Lilly tells Logan she is ready to commit to just him and he is torn. When he tells Veronica he is unsure, she never wants to see him again. A conversation with his mother helps Logan realize it is really Veronica he wants and needs. Unfortunately she is set on getting over him. Now Logan has to prove to Veronica he is sure this time. After a great few days together, Veronica seems to be more willing to date Logan again.
Logan walking with Veronica through the front door of his parent's mansion has to smile at how perfect the last two days have been. That is not something he has been able to often experience in his lifetime and he knows he has the petite blonde walking with him to thank for it. He and Veronica really enjoyed Dick's party. Veronica was relaxed and looking to have fun. It reminded Logan of when they first started dating except they didn't have that first date awkwardness of not being sure what to say or to do. He watched Luke and Erica together at the party and he sincerely hoped he never looked that uncomfortable touching his girlfriends. Logan got the impression that when Luke held Erica's hand it was more a demonstration of possession than it was born of any desire to touch her. Although Logan will admit that he has a quick trigger on the jealousy guy, his desire to touch Lilly and now Veronica is more to make a connection than to show ownership. With him at least Lilly interpreted his need to touch her as a way to to hold her and she didn't like it. Thinking back he realized that in the last year or even more of their relationship they really only touched when they felt passionate; the affection of their early time together had dissipated. Veronica is just more affectionate. When she dated Josh and Victor, she touched them and seemed to be comfortable with them touching her when they walked or sat together. She easily and honestly hugs her friends and her family. Logan has to admit, even if it is only to himself, that he likes Veronica's demonstrations of affection; he likes her smiles, her touches and her kisses. He will admit, if only to himself, that it is the affection that makes his time with her so perfect; so special.
Yesterday being with Veronica over at Derek and Cindy's home was overall a really fun time. He can really see why they are all so worried about Marie. She is really thin and weak looking right now. Logan's admiration for what good parents Cindy and Derek are took a big jump yesterday. They both took care of Marie and gave her a fun and happy day in the process. He doesn't have much experience with good parenting but love and sense of family were present in that house yesterday. Truthfully he is also blown away by how good Veronica is with Marie. She has become her sister and part of the family. She was so comfortable over there and so loving with all three of them. He admires so much about Veronica and watching her with Marie just reinforced to him how special she is.
Last night he and Veronica did go to the movie and out for a quick dinner afterwards. He is not sure what changed Veronica's mind about dating him again but he is not going to question his good fortune. True to her teasing comment as they left Cindy and Derek's home, they didn't watch a lot of the movie.
Today they went surfing and had a lot of fun. Veronica was excited to go again as she hadn't been since they broke up. The guys hadn't questioned Veronica's presence. The morning was interesting also because Luke came and brought Erica. It appears that their date went well the night before. Luke doesn't get to surf as much as he would like because of his commitments to baseball so it was nice to have him there.
What was clear is that Erica is not as athletic as Veronica. The guys had to grimace at some of the spectacular falls she took. She really did look like a drowned rat by the end of her first lesson. Not that Luke noticed though. He was excited to date a girl he liked who liked baseball and surfing and most importantly, understood his time constraints for dating.
Logan really enjoyed being back surfing with his friends and of course, with Veronica. She looked so hot in her wet suit and she is pretty athletic so had some pretty good runs. He was reminded about the differences between Veronica and other girls. She finished surfing before him and when he went to follow her in, she easily told him she brought a book to read and that she was happy visiting with Erica while he continued to surf.
He came back to the beach for a break and found that Erica had gone with Luke when he left. He asked her about it and she frowned at him and said, "I told her that we would take her home but she wanted to go home with Luke."
Logan can see that she doesn't get why Erica would be so set on riding the ten minutes to her house with Luke. He has to be at practice in an hour and he has to go home, change and have lunch before he leaves for practice. It is not like he can spend any more time with her. He is just going to take her home. As far as Veronica is concerned, Luke can spend the ten minutes he used to drive Erica home to kiss her goodbye at the beach. Then after he left she could stay and enjoy herself at the beach.
Logan, on the other hand, believes that Erica is one of those girlfriends who ignores her friends while she has a boyfriend. Luke is also one of those guys that likes his girlfriend to be there whenever he is free because baseball takes up so much of his time. Lilly and most 09ers would not tolerate their boyfriend ignoring them while they played even a school sanctioned sport much less when they are out somewhere together. If the 09ers girls come to the beach, the guys know that they won't get to surf for long because the girls will get upset they are being ignored.
Logan was ready to pack up and leave but Veronica encouraged him to go back out and surf telling him she was happy reading her book and relaxing. She didn't complain when he finally came in ready to be done for the morning. He found her listening to her iPod and reading a fiction novel. While he dried off and got something to drink, she happily told him about where she was in the book. She read mystery novels when she had free time and she loved to try and solve who did it before the writer revealed the answer. The 09er guys are impressed that Logan has such good control over Veronica but the truth is she is just independent and caring. She knows that his time over the holidays was difficult and that he could use the stress release he gets from surfing. Logan likes how dating Veronica is about both of them; it can be win/win for both of them.
Logan stops walking when he feels Veronica pull on his arm. They had gone back to his house because he forgot his wallet in his room. Looking down at her he is initially concerned until he sees the mischievous twinkle in her eye as she asks, "I was thinking about your offer."
His forehead wrinkles a little as he wonders about what offer she is talking about. She opens the closet door and explains, "I am now worried that I missed out on party games. Is your offer of showing me 'Seven minutes in heaven' still open?"
A huge smile crosses his face as he answers, "Absolutely." He puts his hand on her back and escorts her into the spacious closet. When he shuts the door he reaches down and pulls out his phone setting the alarm for seven minutes. He says, "There is an art to maximizing your time with a person you are attracted to in a closet with your classmates waiting on the other side of the door listening."
Smiling up at him she says, "Teach me everything."
He reaches for her pulling her into his arms and answers. "Anything for you Ronnie."
At the Sheriff's Department
Keith Mars is working in his office attempting to lessen the pile of paperwork on his desk. His intercom buzzes and he immediately answers. Deputy Leo who is new and relegated to answering the phone at times, tells him he has a call on line one from a man who only gave his name as Ian. He immediately thanks the young deputy and picks up the phone. Keith says, "Keith Mars."
"Junior,' is the quiet answer.
Expelling an audible breath, Keith comments, "Ian, it's been a while."
Although Keith can't see it, he can hear the smile in Ian's voice as he answers, "You'd see me more if you made it back to Seattle more often."
Smiling himself, the Sheriff comments, "You sound like Dad."
There is a pause and then Ian says, "We enjoyed seeing Veronica last week. She is an impressive young woman."
His voice full of love, Keith agrees, "She is." He pauses and then tells his surrogate uncle/long time friend, "She had a great time up there.'
"That is actually why I am calling," Ian shares meaningfully.
On alert Keith sits forward and comments, "I am hoping my seventeen year old daughter doesn't require the services of one of the most prominent lawyers in Seattle."
Ian pauses and then carefully explains, "No, of course not but my offer to pay for her college is still open. I see a bright future in law for her. She already is a champion at bargaining." He continues, "I accepted her usual retainer fee. They were delicious."
Smirking Keith says, "I didn't have a chance when her mother made them for me."
Laughing Ian agrees, "I see she hasn't lost that spark of trouble she had in her beautiful blue eyes as an infant. I know that someday I am going to be asked to pay up for all the retainers I have been given."
Keith laughs his agreement. He says, "You are right about that. She has always been a handful." He adds a little morosely, "She attracts the bad boys."
Ian holds in his mirth knowing that Keith had almost had a heart attack when she starting dating the star football quarterback when she was a freshman. Now she is dating the wild son of two popular actors. He knows Keith will not be happy about having his beloved daughter in the tabloids.
Ian asks, "Where is the blond spitfire today?"
Shaking his head Keith answers reluctantly, "Surfing with Logan."
"Ah yes," comes the teasing voice of the older man, "the father of her baby. I guess they are back together?"
Groaning the overprotective father says, "I am not sure." He adds quietly, "He is not what I would pick for her."
Ian has to remind his friend, "I remember a certain father who was unsure of letting his daughter date a young, brash police officer."
Keith understands Ian's point but he has real reservations about his daughter dating the rich, spoiled, problematic young man. He is brought back by Ian's voice saying, "I actually need to talk to you about him." There is a short pause when the lawyer adds, "In absolute secrecy."
There is a pause while both men gather their thoughts. Keith asks, "Did Veronica deliver the package I sent to you?"
"Yes," Ian answers easily.
Keith suggests, "Perhaps we should use number one."
Not surprised that Keith understands the purpose of the call, Ian answers, "That sounds good." He carries on, "I have to run. I just wanted to touch base and see how you are doing."
Keith says easily, "It was good to talk to you."
Ian adds, "You should make a trip up to see your father soon."
"I will," the younger man promises. He also suggests, "I will call you next time I am headed to Vegas and we can meet there."
Smiling Ian agrees, "That sounds like a plan."
They both say goodbye and sign off. Keith leans back in his chair wondering about Ian's involvement in his daughter and Logan's Echolls' lives. This call can only mean that something is up. Although Ian did not suggest it, Keith knows his father is somehow involved. Deep inside Keith knows this doesn't bode well. His father only involves Ian when the case has the potential to be problematic. Ian and his father are closer than brothers. Ian has the contacts and the means to make things happen often times outside the normal law enforcement/judicial pathway.
He sighs and looks back at his paperwork. He will call Ian tonight on one of the untraceable cell phones and he will know soon enough what is going on.
At the Mars' Residence
Logan walks with Veronica up the stairs to her home. He gently pulls on their joined hands, stopping her. She looks over at him and turns to face him. He is a step below her so their faces are almost level. The blonde looks over at him in question. They have had a great day together. They spent the morning at the beach surfing and generally having fun with their friends. Then they spent most of the afternoon together at Logan's mansion. They relaxed and watched a movie in the theater room after a great lunch. Mrs. Navarro outdid herself making a really delicious roast chicken with baby potatoes and asparagus. She sent the leftovers home with Veronica for her father so Veronica didn't have to cook tonight. Of course cuddling with a handsome, sexy guy while they watched a movie was a great way to spend the afternoon.
The tall 09er gently reaches up and brushes her soft hair back tucking it behind her ear as he gazes at her. He tentatively starts, "I want to ask you something."
"OK," she agrees, "I'm listening."
Meeting her gaze he says, "We had fun the last couple of days and now tomorrow we have to go back to school."
She nods encouragingly but doesn't comment.
He frowns at her a little exasperated at her deliberate obtuseness. She has to know that he is going to ask where their relationship stands. He has been open about wanting her back. Being Veronica, she is going to make him ask; make him sweat it out. He knows he deserves at least that but sometimes he wishes she wasn't such a ball buster. "I wanted to know where we stand." He waves between them.
She looks at him and says, "Is there a question somewhere in there?" She raises an eyebrow at him.
Logan has to smile at her challenging attitude. "Will you please give me another chance? Will you be my steady girl?"
She puts down her purse and the Tupperware containing the leftover chicken from lunch. Turning back she steps close to Logan remaining one step above him. Holding his gaze she takes his face in both her hands and clearly says, "I am not a forgiving type of person. I am still not happy about how you handled our relationship before Christmas."
When Logan opens his mouth to talk, she shakes her head and puts a finger over his lips silencing him. She continues "Part of me still feels like you broke the trust between us. You shouldn't have told me you wanted to deepen our relationship when you weren't completely sure."
Anticipating that he is going to explain that he thought he was sure, she shakes her head at him and says, "I accept you thought you were sure and that when you realized you weren't, you were honest with me." Her eyes cloud a little as she asks, "Why should I trust that you are sure now?"
"Veronica, I am so sorry that I hurt you. I never wanted that." He wraps his arms around her to hold her. He bends his head slightly so that their faces are on the same level when he explains, "I know you can't just accept my word that I am sure. I just want a chance to prove to you that I am. Please give me another chance; give us another chance."
She looks into his eyes and sees the sincerity. "OK," she agrees but quickly adds, "This is it though. If you change your mind again, we are done."
He can see that she is not 100% sure that getting back together with him is the right thing to do. Nodding his understanding he assures her, "I understand. You won't regret this Veronica. I can make you happy."
She sighs and reaches up to gently caress his forehead and then down to his cheek. She tells him, "The thing is Logan; I don't want or need you to make me happy." She adds meaningfully, "I don't think I can make you happy." When he frowns at her, she explains, "What I mean is you have to make yourself happy. We are not responsible to make other people happy."
When his frown doesn't clear, she steps closer, wraps her arms around him and hugs him to her. She tries a different tact, "I am working hard at school so I can get a scholarship to go to college. I will choose a career that I find fulfilling and interesting because I want to contribute to society. Whatever I do is going to take up a good portion of my life so I should love it." She sees he is listening and carries on, "I have a good family and friends that will be there for me and I will be there for them." Leaning up she gently kisses Logan and continues, "I hope to find a guy who loves me for me and I will love him for him. We will share our families and build one of our own. We can find things to do together like surf, travel, read and whatever else interests us and we can enjoy what time we have together."
Meeting his gaze she asks, "Do you understand what I am saying? I want to enjoy our time together plus the time we spend with friends and family but I have other things in my life and you do too. I can't make you happy and you can't make me happy. Everything added together will make us happy."
He looks at her and agrees, "I get it Veronica, I do. I just haven't thought about what makes me happy. I guess I just try and get through each day until I can leave my dad."
She nods in understanding and then suggests, "You have some good friends and you like to travel and surf. You are smart and can go to college or you probably have the money to start a business if you want."
He nods a little absently as he thinks about what she is saying. She adds, "Only you know what will make you happy. You have to think about that, set some goals and work towards them."
She surprises him by pronouncing "Your father is a sorry person and the worst father ever but in a year, he won't have control of you anymore."
Finally she puts her forehead to his and whispers, "Then you will have the rest of your life to do what you want and what makes you happy."
Logan touched leans in and kisses her. He has never had someone who is open about what his life is like and supports him; talks about the future.
Veronica wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him back. The kiss gets passionate and when they break apart, Veronica, a little breathless says, "I have to say though, this is a pretty good start to us getting back together."
A little breathless himself, Logan has to agree.
Later that evening
Keith Mars sits on a bench by the stairs to the beach. Under the guise of taking Back Up for his nightly constitutional, he took one of his prepaid cell phones and left Veronica doing dishes. Supper had been great. Leftovers from Mrs. Navarro's cooking are always better than anything they can make themselves.
He had been unhappy to hear that Veronica and Logan were back dating but he was not surprised. Although biased, he knows Veronica is beautiful, athletic, smart and very loving. He can see why the popular guys in the school want to date her and then once they start dating her, why they stay with her. He doesn't really understand what his daughter sees in this latest guy. She is not one to be influenced by looks or money or title. She loved both Josh and Victor for themselves and they both loved her. Logan Echolls is the only boy who ever broke his daughter's heart and for that, he can't really like him. For now though, he will have to cover his real feelings and see what happens between them. He will be watching the young man; he better not be using Veronica.
Keith dials the phone and waits for Ian to answer. To his surprise his father answers. Keith closes his eyes and says, "Hi Dad." This is going to be even worse than he thought. His father wants to talk to him privately about this matter. That can only mean one thing; they need his father to get him to agree to whatever they have planned.
Veronica is on the phone talking to Erica when Keith gets back in the house. He half listens to her tease her friend about her new boyfriend. They discuss what Erica is going to wear to school the next morning, if Luke is picking her up for school and if they will eat lunch together. Keith can discern that Logan is picking Veronica up for school and that they are officially back together so will eat lunch together.
When his daughter gets off her phone Keith calls out to her. She wanders into the living room where he is now sitting and bends down to pet her puppy before she sits down beside her father.
He puts his arm around her and she cuddles happily into his side. He starts, "So am I hearing that you and Logan have officially gotten back together?"
She knows her father has not been happy about her dating Logan. He is and has always been overprotective of her. She also understands that her father respects her decisions. The thing she admires about her father is that he is always willing to talk to her. She turns and little and looks at him as she answers, "Yes, we are dating again." Pausing she meets his gaze and says, "I was clear that this is his last chance with us."
Keith leans down and kisses her forehead and shares, "I don't like this one."
Smiling at his words she answers, 'I know dad but I really like him." Looking fondly at the man who has always been there for her she adds, "I am only seventeen. I am going to get good grades, get a scholarship and go to college. Dating Logan or dating any guy is not going to change that." Tapping the side of her head she teases, "I have my head on straight."
He smiles at her enjoying her manner. He tells her, "I know. I am very proud of you." In the comfortable silence he thinks about how to word what he wants to say finally settling on, "You know that I care about your mother, don't you?"
A little puzzled at the change in subject, Veronica waits patiently for her father to tell her what he is thinking about. "When I saw that her drinking was going to be a problem, I did what I could to help her."
Nodding her agreement she looks at her father and assures him, "I know Dad."
He reaches over and brushes the hair back from her forehead and admits, "I wanted to be there for her and support her but there came a time where her decisions were hurting our family."
Veronica can see he is upset but before she can let him know that she is not upset with him, he continues, "It was one of the hardest decisions I ever made but I had to think of you and I had to think of my needs as well."
Frowning Veronica is not sure what to say. Her father rarely talks about the time in their lives when her mother left. He brings her out of her thoughts by saying, "I gave her an ultimatum to get real help or leave. I hoped she would get the help but I thought she would choose to leave us."
Shaking his head as he talks he tells her how he could see how much her mother leaving hurt her and how she immediately thought it was because she wasn't a good enough daughter. "I was so angry with her for making you doubt what a special and loving daughter you are."
Touched she leans in and hugs him. He immediately wraps his arms around her and holds her close. She says, "I love you Dad."
"I love you too Veronica," he answers although his voice breaks a little. They are both content to sit and enjoy their time together. Keith ventures, "I want you to understand that sometimes we can't control the decisions the ones we love make and we have to make hard decisions." He leans back and takes her chin lifting it so he can look in her eyes. He says, "I need you to listen to your old man's advice and not be upset."
Nodding she agrees uncertainly, "OK."
"I have been a Sheriff and a police officer a long time. I have learned to see when someone has respect for the law and for rules and when someone doesn't." He carries on, "Logan does not have respect for the rules." When Veronica opens her mouth to defend her boyfriend, Keith interrupts and says, "I am not saying he is a bad kid. I am only asking that you keep your eyes open. I can see you are a Mars and you want to help him. Believe me, I get it."
Veronica's upset deflates as she realizes that her father does want to help people and he did try to help her mother.
Keith says, "All I want to know is that if Logan gets to a place where he is harming you, you will give him the ultimatum he needs for both your sakes."
"It won't come to that Dad but if it does, I will do what's right," she vows as she meets his concerned gaze.
He smiles lovingly at her and says, "That is all I ask."
Cuddling up to him she says, "You know you are the best dad ever right?"
He closes his eyes and hugs her back stating, "I must have done something right to be given such a wonderful daughter."
She smiles happily at his answer and nuzzles her face in his chest. She's glad he is proud of her but she thinks she is the lucky one. Her mother left and that hurt but her father loves her and is there for her.
They sit together enjoying the peace and comfort of their close relationship. Keith is thinking about what he has learned about Aaron Echolls tonight and how Logan's life is going to change in the next few weeks. He is deeply worried about the fallout from his father's and Ian's plan. He thinks about how Veronica wisely enlisted her grandfather's 'hypothetical' help and she already understands that sometimes the best way to get something done is not head on.
Veronica is thinking about how loved and protected she is and how alone and scared Logan has been. She wouldn't trade her life with her father for all the money and prestige in the world.
Back to School
The next morning Veronica bounces happily down the stairs and meets Logan at his vehicle. He smiles at her enthusiasm and gets out of his car to greet her. He comments, "Wow, you seem excited for school."
She smiles happily at his comment but says, "Pssshhh, I am excited to see my handsome, sexy boyfriend."
Pleased he says, "Well that is even better."
He catches her as she runs over to throw herself in his arms to hug him. Smiling he wraps his arms around her enjoying holding her. "This is how I like to start my mornings."
Tilting her head back to look up at him she purses her lips and informs him, "I like mine to start with a kiss."
Leaning down he shares, "That I can do."
Arriving at school, Logan confidently gets out of his car and goes around to open the door for Veronica. They both know that they will be the center for gossip initially but hopefully the other students will be more interested in finding out how everyone else's vacation went.
Veronica is secretly worried when she and Logan see Lilly arrive on the back of Weevil's motorcycle. The rumors were that Lilly fooled around on Logan with the leader of the bike gang. She steels herself for a jealous reaction and is happy that Logan's first reaction is to look relieved and comment, "Good, now we can slide under the radar." When Veronica looked at him in question he said, "What? Lilly loves being the center of attention."
He wraps his arm around her and they walk into the school together. He adds quietly in her ear, "Besides it will be nice to watch some other guy twist and try to keep her happy."
Veronica frowns at his comment. He shakes his head and shares, "I think Lil actually has feelings for him. Maybe he will be good for her." He seems to honestly hope that his ex-girlfriend will be happy. She hopes it is a sign that he is really ready to move on from his relationship with the billionaire's daughter.
As they walk down the hall ignoring the attention they are receiving he leans down and whispers teasingly in her ear, "If you are really good I will try and get us an invite to the 'Meet the Parent's' dinner at the Kane's."
She has to laugh at the idea of Weevil eating supper with Mr. and Mrs. Kane. She looks up at Logan her eyes sparkling and she says, "Ooooohhh. That does sound like fun."
He laughs back at her and leans down to give her a short kiss as they walk. She is relieved that Logan is OK with Lilly dating Weevil and is able to make jokes about the whole situation.
Logan's demeanor gets serious as he asks, "About meeting the parents…"
Veronica looks at him in question as they get to her locker. He continues, "Was your rush out to see me this morning an indicator that Papa Mars is not happy we are back dating?"
She shakes her head and answers, "No, he had to leave for work early this morning but just FYI; he will likely give you another 'don't hurt my daughter' speech."
Grimacing a little Logan admits, "I probably deserve that."
Smiling she teases, "Well just keep in mind that he is one of the best at giving lectures to teenage boys. It is always good to learn from the best so when you have a teenage daughter, you will know the best way to scare her dates."
Unsure whether to be amused or upset, he shares, "I am not sure I ever want to have children."
Smirking at him as she opens her locker she teases, "Oh you will."
Interested he asks, "Why are you so sure about that?"
"Well," she drawls, "It is the cosmos way of paying you back for how many fathers you have caused to have sleepless nights."
He smirks at her response and then is a little touched as she carries on, "Besides you will show Aaron Echolls that it is not genetics that makes you a good father; it is love and time."
She misses the expression of love that crosses his face as she is busy pulling out her schedule and commenting, "I am not sure that I like having all the boring classes in the afternoon this semester." She looks up at Logan and pouts, "I am tired after lunch and have more trouble concentrating then."
Logan dutifully looks down at her schedule and notes that she has a science, history and math in the afternoon. He asks, "Why has your schedule changed?"
As they walk towards Logan's locker, she explains that her AP World History teacher left and the new teacher they hired doesn't teach AP classes so she had to transfer. Frowning she says that it ended up causing her to transfer other classes as well.
Logan looks at her schedule and comments, "Hey, we have AP English and Journalism together."
Brightening she says, "Well that is good news except I am in journalism because I couldn't fit Photography into my schedule." She adds a little glumly, "My counselor says I will get to do photography in Journalism so I guess that is OK."
The tall 09er says, "Well I, for one, am happy I will get to see you in Journalism."
She asks as they walk, "What options are you taking this semester?"
Logan pulls his schedule out of his pocket and hands it to her. She looks it over and is interested to see that he is taking AP English and History this semester. Smiling she sees that his options are Journalism and Creative Writing both of which will help him get into college.
Looking up at him, she hands him back his schedule and flirts, "I find it so sexy when a guy plans to go to college."
He smiles genuinely at her and wraps his arm around her after he puts his schedule back in his pocket. He walks with her towards her first class and says, "That explains a lot actually."
When she looks at him in question he clarifies, "I never understood what you saw in Victor."
She makes a face at him and then wraps her arm around his waist making no further comment.