Some Truths Hurt

by jenwin23

Jumping off point: V gets Duncan's journal in Echolls' Family Xmas. AU from there but many canon events happen too. All characters in the VM-verse make an appearance, but it is a LoVe story. In script format-but give it a try, it's well written.

36. Ch 35 If you want to destroy my sweater

Disclaimer: Still not mine. But I Promise to take good care of them while I play.

Wow, blackmail works! I should consider a life in crime. So the response to blackmail is even better than to unending angst. Good to know. Thanks for the reviews. I know, it's silly to want reviews, but I do. If I'm putting in the time it's nice to get something back (besides the actual story). That's all I'm saying.

Forgot! I got a beta and forgot to thank her for helping with the last chapter. Thanks Vermouth!

This story so far recaplet: Canon up until Echolls Family Christmas. Veronica copied Duncan's laptop hard drive to get his journal. Connor and Veronica were dating for awhile, until she and Logan finally managed to work through their issues enough to get together. Veronica took another paternity test and is a Mars, Duncan wants to date her again, awkwardness ensues. LoVe investigates the rape. Lynn tries to commit suicide, LoVe breaks up, Lynn disappears from the hospital, LoVe work together to find Lynn in rehab. Logan finally removes his head from his ass, but V isn't ready to try again. After some creative courtship methods, LoVe gets back together. Mac is dating Enbom. Casey hooked up with the new girl, Nadia, who has an unhealthy interest in Logan. Duncan and Meg are dating, and Veronica is worried. Alicia and Keith are going strong. LoVe find Leanne in Barstow, she blows the Kanes alibis out of the water. With Leanne in rehab, LoVe returns to Neptune. Jake asks Veronica to take another paternity test, Veronica refuses, instead pursuing the settlement documents between the Kanes and Able Koontz, only to be thwarted by Weidman, but Jake hasn't given up. Veronica gives Logan 16 wishes for his belated 16th birthday present. Keith finds out about Veronica's investigation, and father and daughter agree to work together. Fun is had in Cabo over spring break. Back in Neptune, Mac's parents tell her about their new plans to address the baby switch, and several teen pregnancies at Neptune High spawn an expanded sex ed program. Keith isn't happy to learn that Veronica is having sex with Logan, and they fight over LoVe's relationship. The Mac/Madison baby switch goes public, Prom is approaching, Alicia got in trouble for the bug V/Wallace planted leading to a fight between Keith and Alicia. Logan found out about V's investigation into Lilly's murder and wants to help. Logan realizes something about the rape after reading Duncan's journal. Logan is at odds with Duncan and the 09er guys have some sort of bet going. Casey tells LoVe to watch out for an obsessed Nadia. LoVe prepare to visit their mothers in rehab.

New poll: I'm flip flopping between having Aaron be the killer or having it be someone new…I have the new person in mind and how it would work, what do you think? Leave it as is or change it up? Vote at my profile page.

Chapter 35

(Friday)

Friday morning Veronica still feels ill thinking about the possibility that Aaron had recorded her and Logan together in the pool house. She is standing at her locker when Wallace approaches.

Wallace: Where's Logan? (Taking in Veronica's expression) Whoa! Do not tell me you two are A) fighting or B) broken up. Cause I am not having it. I will lock your two asses in a room myself this time until….

Veronica: (Interrupting) Calm down Wallace. We're fine.

Wallace: Then where is he? I expected him to be attached to your ass like ugly on a monkey.

Veronica: (head tilt, cute expression) I actually think monkeys are kinda cute.

Wallace: Stop trying to distract me. It's not gonna work.

Veronica: (sighs) He's not in school today.

Wallace: He left you here alone?

Veronica: (annoyed) Seriously. There must be some explanation as to how you all mysteriously and annoyingly think alike. It's school Wallace. I come here most days. Alone or otherwise.

Wallace: Nuh and uh. He told me what you didn't want to. Kane is one fucked up mother fucker, and there is no way Logan left you alone today.

Veronica: Look. He had something to do, alright?

Wallace's gaze focuses past her for a moment, and suddenly Wallace looks happy and smiles at her for the first time since he'd started talking.

Wallace: Yeah. OK. You know we just worry about you Superfly. You might seem indestructible, but (thumps his fist on his chest) I know better. (Lowers his voice) On the inside you're just a marshmallow. (Pause) And you're dying to make me some more snicker doodles.

Veronica smiles.

Wallace: Come on V, I'm going into withdrawal here.

Veronica: I'll see what I can do.

Wallace: All right!

She turns to pull her books from her locker and misses seeing Wallace nod to Dick Casablancas who had been standing several feet behind Veronica trying unsuccessfully to appear inconspicuous.

Wallace: Catch you later V.

Veronica: Yeah. OK.

Wallace leaves just as Dick approaches.

Dick: Ronniekins. Looking good. I like today's do. It's all sassy!

Veronica's bangs are pulled back and all her hair is slicked up into two twisty knots on the top of her head.

Veronica: Ug. Dick. What do you want?

Dick: (leaning on the locker next to her) Why do I have to want something? Can't I say hi to my best bud's best lady?

Veronica: (still in her locker, not looking at Dick) I'm Logan's only lady, and yes it's you, so you want something. (closing her locker to look up at Dick in mild annoyance) Just spit it out and let's get this over with.

Dick: Er. Well. Uh. It's about…Prom.

Veronica: (disbelieving) Prom.

Veronica shuts her locker and they begin walking towards English.

Dick: Yep, Prom.

Veronica: What about Prom?

Dick: Oh. Um. The afterparty. Yeah. I wanted to ask you if you had any requests.

Veronica: (confused) I thought Rams was throwing the afterparty.

Dick: Yeah. But…uh…you and Mackie aren't really big drinkers so I wanted to see if you wanted any um…uh…

Veronica: (helpful, but with an insulting tone) …Non alcoholic beverages?

Dick: Yeah. Those.

Veronica: Some water and soda would be nice. Maybe some coffee too since it's going to be a long night.

Dick: (smiling widely) See? That's why I asked you. You're full of good ideas.

Veronica: Yep. Coffee, water and soda. I'm a genius. Call Mensa International.

Dick: Who? Oh, are they a coffee shop? Cause I don't know anything about coffee.

Veronica: Yeah, never mind. I think my IQ dropped three points just from this conversation.

Dick: I don't know what you just said, but I'm pretty sure I was insulted.

They walk into English and take their customary seats, Noah smiles at Veronica who doesn't smile back and Dick glares at him.

Dick: So. Mac doesn't eat meat right? (Veronica nods, narrowing her eyes at him) So um, what kind of food would she like? (quickly) I think Rams ordered a whole Mexican buffet.

Veronica: You care about Mac's dietary restrictions?

Dick: Uh. I just want everyone to have a good time.

Meg arrives and sits down, Dick looks relieved.

Dick: Meg! What you got any food requests for the Prom afterparty?

Meg looks confused and looks at Veronica.

Veronica: Apparently Dick is preparing for his future career as a party-planner.

Meg: (Shrugging) OK. Um, Mexican food right? I love quesadillas with green chilies.

Dick: Party planning is a real career? You really are a genius Ronnie!

The bell rings and Mrs. Murphy comes in just as the school intercom sounds its normal three bell chime.

Van Clemmons: Good fmorning ladies and gentlemen. Before I announce this year's junior and senior Prom Court, I would like to remind you of the rules.

Several students groan, as Clemmons details a no tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol, as well as reviewing the dress code.

Van Clemmons: I think if we all remember these rules we can expect a good evening. (Veronica smiles as Dick mouths along to Clemmons words while moving his fisted hand in the international signal for jerking off/wanker.) Now. As you all know, Prom Court candidates are submitted by your classmates at random and tallied by staff. King and Queen and Prince and Princess will be voted on during Prom night from the following nominees. (Growing bored Veronica begins doodling in her notebook, Meg smiles at Dick who smiles and begins drumming his hands on his desk) For the juniors this year the Prom Court consists of Kate Rakes, Emma Harris, Lucy Franks, Meg Manning…

Veronica looks up with a smile for Meg only to find her friend staring back at her with an alarmingly peppy expression.

Van Clemmons: …and Veronica Mars.

Meg's smile widens just as Veronica's mouth drops open and Dick lets out a whoop of joy. Mike turns around and smiles at Veronica's stunned expression.

Mike: Congratulations Veronica.

Veronica: What?! (Looking back and forth from Meg to Dick) Did you do this? Why would you do this?

Several more of their classmates congratulate Meg and Veronica. Clemmons is still talking.

Van Clemmons: For the gentlemen, we have Harry Diddon, Steve Argo, Wallace Fennell, Duncan Kane, and Logan Echolls.

Veronica smiles at Wallace's name then shakes her head.

Veronica: Seriously. Neither Logan nor I are the Prom royalty type. You shouldn't have done this.

Meg: A bunch of kids were talking about nominating you, it was their choice. Like it or not Veronica, people like you.

Veronica: Great.

Dick: Logan knew. He thought you'd get a kick out of it.

Clemmons continues listing the nominated seniors which include Casey, Dominic, and Bodie Chang among others.

--------------

After class Dick and Meg walk with Veronica back towards her locker. Veronica rolls her eyes as Wallace comments on her nomination.

Wallace: Veronica Mars, getting involved in school events, what's next, joining a school club? (amused, slightly mocking tone) Cheerleading tryouts?

Veronica: Yuck it up, Fennel.

Meg: Congratulations Wallace. New people almost never get nominated.

Wallace: You too, Meg. But I assume you get nominated for this kind of thing all the time.

Meg shrugs. Dick and Meg head off to class and Wallace and Veronica make their way towards History. Several students congratulate them on their way. Wallace smiles happily, but Veronica is annoyed.

Corney: Hey Mars. Awesome.

Yolanda: Veronica. Look at you. Bet you didn't think you'd be Prom queen again.

Wallace: (baffled) Again?

Yolanda: Yeah, Veronica and Duncan were voted in their freshman year, right? Lilly told me.

Veronica grimaces.

Veronica: Yep. I try to keep this stuff on the downlow. Interferes with my rep as a bad ass chick.

Yolanda: (breezy) Well now you can be a bad ass Prom Princess.

Veronica: Are you and Ben going?

Yolanda: To my last major high school social event? Hell yes. I'll see you there.

Veronica smiles.

In History Veronica's phone vibrates showing a text from her Dad. He was going to Vegas on a lead after the entertainment lawyer he'd been tracking for over a year now.

--------------------

Its lunch time by the time Veronica figures out that she had either been walked to class or followed to class all day by Wallace or Logan's friends. When Luke sits down at her table she levels a hard look at him. Luke just smiles sheepishly.

Luke: Sorry - don't ask. I don't even know why.

Veronica: So you're following me without a reason?

Luke: I don't really want to know the reason. Logan is worried, that's enough for me.

Veronica: (sighs) At least tell me you've talked to Carmen.

Luke: I did. She wasn't sure at first, but I think I convinced her I'm a nice guy.

Veronica: You are a nice guy Luke.

Enbom arrives with Mac and sits down.

John Enbom: You talking about Prom?

Luke: Yep. We've all got dates now.

Veronica: Who is Dick taking?

John Enbom: Britta.

Mac: Meg's cheerleader friend?

Veronica: Yeah. She's nice. Questionable taste in clothing, but nice.

Mac: Humph. I have a bone to pick with you Veronica.

Veronica: Me? (defensive) What'd I do?

Mac: John said we were all going in a limo together. Come to find out you and Logan and Wallace and Shakira are going in a separate limo.

Veronica: I'm not responsible for any Prom plans. I'm solely responsible for my dress and being ready on time.

Enbom is looking to the side, trying too hard to look casual. Both Veronica and Mac look more closely at him.

Mac: John?

John Enbom: Huh?

Veronica smiles in anticipation.

Mac: Were Veronica and Logan ever coming in the group limo?

John Enbom: They were invited. And it's more a party bus. There were too many of us for a limo. Even the biggest stretch Hummer limo was…

Mac: Don't care.

Veronica's smile grows, but she decides to take pity on Enbom.

Veronica: Let me guess. Mac was not so into going to Prom.

Mac shrugs like it was obvious.

Veronica: So Mac didn't want to go, you did, and you told her we were all going together.

Mac: After he asked my Dad permission to take me.

Veronica grins.

Veronica: Nice. I once employed the same strategy.

Mac: Blackmail. You blackmailed me.

John Enbom: (smiling) Yeah. She told me how you got her to go to LA for New Years, and I thought it might work for me.

Mac fumes. John grins in triumph, bumping fists with Luke. Veronica arches one eyebrow.

Veronica: We had fun at New Years. (conversational tone) Mac met this great guy, what was his name?

Enbom stiffens looking at Mac, who picks up on what Veronica is doing and plays along.

Mac: Austin.

Veronica: That's right. He was cute. Smooth too.

John Enbom: (Frowning) Smooth? What does that mean?

Mac: Oh, nothing. That was a good night though.

Veronica: Yes it was.

The girls smile at each other. The conversation continues when Mac asks who else will be in the party bus. Luke and Enbom alternate listing couples. Dick and Britta. Mac and Enbom. Luke and Carmen. Rams and Kate. Chester and Carrie Bishop. And Mike Newburg and Jasmine. Mac looked relieved that there would be at least one girl there that she knew.

------------------

Later as Chester is walking Veronica to Spanish when he veers off in the middle of a sentence to stop a sophomore girl. Veronica pauses, and is surprised when she hears him go into a brief spiel about his date having to back out at the last minute because her grandma had died and would she want to go to Prom with him the next weekend? The girl happily says yes and Chester arranges to pick her up at seven. When he turns back around he finds Veronica glaring at him.

Veronica: You already have a date to Prom. And if Carrie's grandma had died the whole school would have heard about it by now.

Chester: Who said Carrie was my date?

Veronica: (looks confused then regroups) That's what the bet is about. You and Rams are trying to see who can get the most Prom dates.

Chester: Yeah, all right. Don't tell anyone. If a girl finds out we have multiple dates, we can't count her. (eyes brightening) But hey. If you know now, then Rams can't count you.

Veronica's mouth falls open before she shuts it with a snap.

Veronica: (shaking her head) Sometimes, I don't know how, but sometimes I forget just what big of assholes you guys can be.

She rolls her eyes and continues on to class with Chester trailing after her, looking annoyed.

Chester: (petulant) it's just a game.

-------------

Leaving school that day, Veronica sees Harry and Hank Didden teasing a freshman about something. The kid looks upset and is flushed bright red. He tries to move away but the brothers follow along after him. Rams' little brother Andrew looks over from his locker and moves to intercept the Diddens. Andrew and Hank were both sophomores and good friends. The freshman slinks away, looking grateful for the reprieve. Veronica walks past them her face pinched.

Veronica Voiceover: 09er guys' default personality is asshole. How did I manage to forget that?

As she passes them she hears Hank say that the kid they had been harassing was Roxie's little brother, and they had been teasing him about the most recent story about Roxie flashing her boobs for cash. This time she was raising money to go to a concert.

Veronica pushes her way out of the hallway, grateful that it's Friday and she gets two days away from school and her fellow students. Her hopes fall when she realizes she's leaving school to go to Logan's where he has spent an entire day copying his father's sex tapes, and that they were going to Chester's party that night, which Logan desperately needed to blow off some steam. And that was before they even got to the weekend which would be spent visiting their mothers in rehab and then having a family dinner at the Fennels - with her Dad and Logan in the same room for the first time since the fight.

Veronica's eyes close in a weary expression just as a few guys in lettermen's jackets rush past her jostling her elbow and causing her to drop her books. The jock calls out an apology but keeps moving. She looks inordinately tired as she bends down to pick them up. Andrew stoops down to help her and scoops up her large Physics book and small English assigned paperback. She smiles up at him.

Veronica: Thanks Andrew.

Andrew: (flushes) No problem. I didn't think you still knew who I was.

Veronica: Rams's little brother. How could I forget?

She smiles to take the edge out of her words.

Veronica: You're a nice guy Andrew. You were one of the only people who was still nice to me last year.

Andrew had been in Veronica's study hall, which she had also, unfortunately, shared with Dick. Andrew had sat at her table and usually discouraged the guys from harassing Veronica in class, his excuse being that he was trying to keep his grades up so he could play football the following year.

Andrew: (flushing again) Oh. Um. Yeah. I mean not really. I wasn't always nice to you.

Flashback, previous school year.

Andrew, Hank and a few of their friends are talking smack about a long haired Veronica within hearing distance as she stands at her locker. She tearfully slams her locker shut and runs out of school.

End Flashback

Veronica: Yeah. Well, that was hardly the worst of it. Your brother did more damage.

Rams had been part of the crowd that had harassed Veronica endlessly after Logan declared war on her.

Veronica: He TP-ed my house, glued my locker shut, and too many more childish pranks to list. Andrew: Rams loves pranks and is pretty much down for anything that might be amusing.

Veronica remembers that while Rams had been there when Logan and Dick had torn into her verbally, he had never joined in, and a few times had tried to distract them from her. He never called her names, never berated her or belittled her.

Veronica: I guess he got bored with harassing me, one day the pranks just stopped.

Andrew: (uncomfortable) Yeah.

Flashback

Rams and Andrew are walking down the hall after school. They were joking and laughing despite their reason for being in school after school was because they'd gotten detention for cutting class earlier in the week. They are all smiles talking about the Padres game they're going to with their Dad this weekend when they exit the school for the parking lot. A few cars are still parked outside including Veronica's LeBarron.

As they walk they both can see that Veronica is crying while struggling with a tire iron, trying to remove the lug nuts from a completely flat tire. She hears their voices and spins around, rising to her feet to see who it is, holding up the tire iron in a defensive position. Seeing Rams her tear- streaked face hardens into a glare. Rams is clearly uncomfortable with seeing her cry, and moves towards her as if to help but she turns her back on him and squats back down to work on the lug nuts.

As Rams and his brother drive away he sees Veronica has given up on changing the tire herself and is sitting on the ground hugging her knees her small body shaking with the force of her crying. Lilly had been dead for eight weeks and Veronica was public enemy number one at Neptune High with Logan leading the campaign against her.

End Flashback

Andrew: The next week, Rams heard me and some of my friends talking about you. He made it very clear that we should leave you alone. I asked him about it later, since his friends were always coming after you. He said it wasn't our business. I guess he thought maybe Logan and Duncan had their reasons, but the rest of us didn't.

Veronica Voiceover: 09er boys are so frustrating. You give them a chance and they act like jerks. You decide they're all dickheads, and they act nice. Boys.

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Cut to a Las Vegas hotel. While looking at an ad, Keith calls Cheyenne, a Vegas escort, saying he wants an appointment.

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Cut to the Echolls pool. Logan is sitting in a patio chair with a bottle of tequila and a highball glass on the table in front of him. He appears to be in a somber mood. Veronica walks up to him quietly.

Veronica: Logan.

Logan: (forced happiness) Ronnie! There you are.

Veronica: (sympathetic) Long day?

Logan: Yep. You know Dad. Always an overachiever.

Veronica: (running her hand over his shoulders, feeling the tension there) I'm afraid to ask what that means.

Logan: Well. Let's put it this way, in addition to being an adulterous scum bag, he is a supporter of the environment. (Veronica frowns, not understanding) He recorded more than one fuck buddy on most of the tapes. When I saw that some had more than one date on the labels…

Veronica: Sorry.

Logan: Doesn't matter.

Veronica: It does matter.

She refrains from commenting when Logan pours himself another drink and swallows deeply. Instead she works his tense shoulder muscles with her small hands, pressing against the knots to relieve the tension she can feel there.

Logan: At least you're here now. You can distract me.

Veronica had wanted to talk to him about the bet his friends had going, but she found she didn't want to harp on him right now. Besides at least he'd been smart enough to not participate.

Veronica: (chipper tone) Distract you how? With stories of my oh-so-exciting day? Well to start the morning off, Dick appeared at my locker to walk me to class.

Logan tilts his head back to see her face and smiles. Her tone makes it clear that while she was annoyed with his tactics, she wasn't angry.

Logan: That Dick. Always popping up in the darnedest of places.

She smiles at his double entendre, and continues her massage and story.

Veronica: Yes. Let's see. Then in first period the Prom Court was announced. (loud and with a tight squeeze to his neck) Congratulations. You were nominated. Then Dick walked me back to my locker where Wallace was miraculously available to walk me to History.

Logan: Wait. You skipped a part.

He grabs her hand and pulls her around the chair to sit in his lap.

Veronica: Well, I've hardly gotten started yet Honeybunches. Let me finish.

Logan: No, Sugarpuss. You skipped a part you already covered. The part where you were nominated too.

Veronica: Ohhh! That part. (bright smile that immediately falls) Yeah. Not really worth mentioning.

She punctuates each word with a poke to his chest. Logan smiles at her show of temper and leans in closer to kiss her neck.

Logan: Before you ask, I didn't threaten or order anyone to nominate you. They wanted to.

Veronica: (disbelieving) Right.

Logan: Our relationship bylaws prohibit lying, so you should believe me.

Veronica: (rolling her eyes even as she tilts her head so he has better access to her neck) Whatever. I know you had something to do with this.

Logan: (smiling, pulling back to see her face) Something. But I am not the motivator behind the movement.

Veronica: Who is then?

Logan: If I told you, it would ruin all your fun finding out.

She looks at him tenderly and cuddles into his chest, getting comfortable in his lap.

Veronica: Fine. Back to my day? (he nods) Well. After History, Enbom played gallant knight to my wee damsel in distress and escorted me all the way to the Journalism teacher, where I found I had been assigned a story out of the classroom that somehow managed to take up the whole period.

Logan picks up her hand and traces his finger up and down her palm and fingers, making her nerve endings tingle and waves of sensation flow from her hand up her arm, tightening her chest.

Logan: What was the story?

Veronica: You don't know?

Logan: Nope. I left that up to Casey.

Veronica: Great. I have a traitor in my camp.

Logan: Casey is in your camp? I'm not sure I like the sound of that. And he's not a traitor. I think we're all on Team Veronica.

Veronica: If it's my team, shouldn't I get to call the shots?

Logan: Nah. You're more of a figurehead.

Veronica: (smiling) Should I continue?

Logan: Please do.

Finished memorizing the lines on her hand, he raises it to his lips and kisses it.

Veronica: We could discuss your rather liberal interpretation of the term "back off." But I have another complaint. (pause) My day was horrible.

Logan: Why?

He pushes her away from him so he can see her face. She smiles, adjusting in his lap again and curling her hands around his neck and into his hair.

Veronica: I didn't get to see my boyfriend all day. (Shakes her head sadly) No kisses to keep me warm, no snappy sarcasm to keep me on my toes. No spontaneous recitation of random quotations. Horrible.

Logan: (serious) I think I can help with that.

Veronica: I know you can.

They lean in to kiss each other, the videos in the pool house momentarily forgotten. Breaking the long, slow kiss Logan moves his mouth to her ear.

Logan: Laughter and orgasm are great bedfellows. John Callahan.

Veronica: (blankly) What?

Logan: That's your quote for today.

She smiles and pulls his face back to hers.

-------------

Later. Echolls' residence, Logan's bedroom. He's in the bathroom with the door cracked open, and Veronica is lying on his bed (fully dressed) reading a magazine.

Logan: I can drive Veronica.

Veronica: Nope.

Logan: Yes. I can. Go home and get ready, I'll come pick you up in a bit.

Veronica: I told you no. N. O. Simple.

Logan: Why?

Veronica: You've been drinking. You drink, you don't drive. That's one of my rules.

Logan: I haven't had a drink in over an hour Veronica.

Veronica: Nope. Sorry. Can't hear you.

Logan comes out of the bathroom dressed only in his jeans and stands directly in front of her.

Logan: (dryly) Can you hear me now?

Veronica: (biting her lip, as her eyes trace his chest) Sure. I can hear you. But all I hear is wah-wah-wa-wah-wa.

Logan: Hey. (Prissy high, girlie tone, accompanied by flamboyant gesturing) My eyes are up here. I feel cheap.

Veronica: (grinning salaciously) Let me be the judge of that.

She sits up on the bed, sitting on her knees as she reaches out to trace her hands up his stomach, tracing over the cut of muscle above his hips over the small ripples of his abs up his chest until her eyes finally meet his.

Logan: (deep, low tone) Veronica.

Veronica: Oops. (grins impishly but her eyes are dark with desire) No time for that now.

She gives him a peck on the cheek and pushes him away when he tries to pull her in closer.

Veronica: Finish getting dressed. You have to feed me before I let you drag me to this party.

Logan: Screw the party, let's stay here tonight.

He reaches out for her again but she evades him, moving towards the door, grabbing her shoes and his keys.

Veronica: Be good Logan. Now get dressed and meet me downstairs.

As she runs down the stairs, Logan groans and mutters about needing another shower, this time cold. She is grinning and her face is full of mischief as she exits the front double doors and fans her hand to cool herself down.

Veronica Voiceover: Damn.

Veronica drives Logan's Xterra to her house during which he complains about her being a tease and her driving. At her house he tries to convince her to spend the night with just the two of them again, but she manages to extricate herself from his arms after only about ten minutes of heavy kissing sliding out from between his body and the hallway wall. She sends him out to walk Backup while she changes. The look of abject frustration on his face as she closes the front door on him makes her giggle.

Veronica: (calling loudly through the door) Love you.

Logan: Prove it.

Veronica: Maybe later.

Logan: (muttering) Tease. I've created a monster.

Even though he is frustrated, her laughter makes him smile as he and Backup exit her apartment complex.

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Cut to the party at Chester's house. It's a large English Tudor style house. The style is out of sync with the surrounding residences, but suits Chester's mother's design sense, heavy dark wood furniture with hand wrought details and busy floral print textiles. Veronica and Logan come in holding hands her lip gloss already smeared on his face. She is smiling as she wipes it away with her thumb.

Logan's happy expression falls to a frown when he sees Duncan standing nearby with Meg. Logan quickly switches Veronica's hand from one of his to the other, putting his body between her and Duncan. Both couples are frowning as Logan looks through his friend and walks into the party without a word to Duncan. Veronica looks back over her shoulder and smiles tentatively at Meg, who looks more and more confused. Meg turns to Duncan.

Meg: Are you ok?

Duncan shrugs.

Meg: I think it's time to explain what is going on between you two.

Duncan: (without meeting her eyes) I don't know. He just started acting weird.

Meg is frustrated and knows Duncan is lying. She looks disappointed and walks away from Duncan.

Meg: Come find me if you decide you want to let me in on whatever the big secret is.

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Las Vegas hotel. Keith opens the door and Cheyenne walks in. She wants to get right down to it, but he asks her to talk about Abel Koontz. She is not happy to hear that and he has to convince her not to leave by telling her that a girl died and the wrong man is behind bars while a killer is still free. He tells her that he is a private investigator from California. He says he's been looking for her for a year and he knows she was with Abel Koontz at the time of Lilly Kane's murder. Cheyenne says she doesn't know what he's talking about.

Keith says there is a phone record. Abel called her at the same time every week, but by the time Keith traced the number back to her, she had moved several times. Cheyenne says she packed up her whole life trying to get away from that and is angry that Keith found her. Cheyenne says that Abel confessed, for whatever reason and that if she comes forward, she'll be the most famous working girl on the planet. She says she has a five-year-old son who thinks she's a stewardess. Keith says a girl was murdered and doesn't Cheyenne think the one who killed her should be in jail?

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Chester's party. Mac and Veronica are talking about how much money they've made with the Get the Dirt business.

Veronica: I can't believe we've had over 200 clients so far.

Mac: 227 as of today.

Veronica sees Meg walking past and stops her.

Veronica: Meg! We were just talking about the business.

Mac: Hi Meg.

Meg: Yeah. It's been great for me. Easier than babysitting and more lucrative. I've managed to save up almost $3000 just from this. (smiles) I really can't thank you enough for including me.

Veronica: You're helping me, remember? I'd have been swamped trying to do it all on my own.

Mac: I feel a Power-of-Three joke coming on.

Veronica: Power-of-Three?

Meg: I'm surprised you don't know that show Veronica. Charmed? About three sisters who are witches.

Veronica: (teasing) Are you calling me a witch Meg?

Meg: You know I'm not. Though you are dressed appropriately.

Veronica is wearing her black lace dress she bought in Cabo.

Mac: And you do have several of our fellow students convinced that your powers border on the mystical.

Veronica: Me? You're the one who can make good credit disappear and traffic violations appear out of the thin air. And this is a sun dress, hardly approved Wiccan wear.

Meg: Wow, Mac. What else can you do? Sounds like you're a good friend to know.

Veronica: She is. And you are too.

Mac: What would Meg's magical power be?

Veronica: Kindness in the face of evil?

Meg smiles as does Mac.

Meg: I don't know about that. But Veronica's is easy enough. (She pauses, to add dramatically in a British accent) Vengeance.

Veronica: Is that a compliment?

Meg: Justice then.

Mac: And she's a tamer of bad, bad boys.

Meg: (smiling but looks sad) Yes. Veronica Mars. Converting bad, rich boys into just bad enough to still be interesting boys.

Veronica: Boy. Just the one. And speaking of bad. You won't believe what those dumbasses are up to now.

Meg: Logan and Duncan?

Veronica looks pained and all three girls look across the party to where Logan and Duncan are holding court, separate from each other. Duncan tries to get Logan's attention as Logan walks into the kitchen for a refill, even calling out his name, but Logan doesn't stop.

Meg: I wish someone would tell me what is going on.

Veronica: I…I will if Duncan won't. You deserve to know. Just not tonight. OK? Logan is pretty drunk I need to keep an eye on him.

Meg nods, Mac looks curious but doesn't ask. As far as she is concerned the secrets she knows about Veronica are already enough.

Veronica: So back to the boys.

She explains about the bet.

Mac: Bastards.

Veronica: Yeah. So each of the guys had to bet on either Rams or Chester for getting the most girls.

Meg: Rams.

Veronica: (smiling) Yeah. I think so too, but who knows?

Meg: So you don't know if John or Logan bet?

Veronica: Nope, but I'd guess they did or if they didn't they only didn't in case we found out.

Mac: Bastard-coated bastards with bastard fillings.

Meg and Veronica smile.

Veronica: So, what should we do about this little situation?

Mac: We consult the book of shadows.

-------------

Some time later, Veronica is standing with Wallace, Shakira, and a few of Wallace's jock friends.

Shakira: You Neptune kids sure know how to party in style.

Wallace: (acting cocky) That's right. I only take you to the best parties.

Shakira: That costume party last month was crazy.

Kevin: Man, you guys got invited to that? I heard it was off the hook.

Wallace: Veronica here is like my get in free pass.

Veronica: (dryly) Great. Glad to know I have value to you.

Kevin: One thing is for sure, the 09ers don't scrimp on alcohol. Grey Goose, Patron, and more beer than a capacity arena crowd could drink, all available for anyone here.

Veronica: You new to the 09er party scene Kevin? Let me offer you one piece of advice. Don't pass out here. If you feel like you're not going to make it, find a bush down the street and crawl under it. You do not want to find out what they do to people who can't hold their liquor.

Shakira Promptly takes Wallace's beer from him.

Wallace: Hey. I was drinking that. And I'm not drunk.

Kevin: Thanks Veronica. That's probably sound advice.

Veronica: Probably? Ask Cassidy here. Hi Cassidy.

Beaver had been walking past when Veronica's use of his name stopped him.

Beaver: Hey Veronica. What did you want to ask me?

Veronica: I just wanted you to back me up on the folly of passing out around these guys.

Beaver: (looks amused) Yeah. My advice? Don't do it; not only do they humiliate you, they take pictures and retell the story anytime things get boring.

Wallace: Man, your brother didn't stop them? That sucks.

Veronica: Oh, Cassidy, have you met Wallace and Shakira?

Wallace: Yeah. Beaver is in my PE class.

Shakira: Beaver?

Veronica: It's Cassidy. Beaver was a nickname.

Shakira: OK. That makes more sense. How's it going Cassidy?

Kevin: Hey Beav…Or I guess it's Cassidy now.

Beaver: Yeah. Thanks to Veronica.

Veronica: No thanks required. Harassing your brother is one of my only pleasures at school.

Wallace and Beaver smile.

Shakira: Which one is your brother?

Beaver points to Dick doing a keg stand.

Shakira: You two don't look much alike.

Beaver: (ducking his head) No.

Veronica: Cassidy got all the brains in the family.

Beaver smiles gratefully at Veronica and watches as Dick's friends cheer as he passes a count of 50.

---------------

Cut to Logan walking down a dark upstairs hallway coming from Chester's room where he had used his friend's bathroom rather than wait in line. Logan sees Meg in the bathroom queue and stops to frown at her.

Logan: Meg. I need to talk to you.

He motions for her to follow him but she shakes her head.

Meg: Sorry Logan, I'm in line.

Logan: I can fix that. Come on.

He curls his hand around he upper arm and pulls her back the way he had just come. In Chester's room, Meg looks vaguely uncomfortable and Logan is also awkward. He points to the bathroom and Meg enters before shrieking.

Meg: Gross. Doesn't Chester ever clean this? Or think to hire someone to do it?

Logan: (shrugs with a smile) Uh, his Mom revoked maid service after he got some speeding tickets a few months ago. Sorry.

Meg looks doubtful but closes the door. She exits a few minutes later holding up her wet hands.

Meg: I am not touching anything in there that I don't have to. That was nasty.

Logan: Yeah. Uh. Sit down.

Meg: Wow. So someone is finally going to let me in on the big secret. I should sit before I fall over in shock.

Logan: (nonplussed) Was that sarcasm? From Meg Manning? Maybe I should sit.

Meg: (sitting down on the bed, after looking at it to make sure it was reasonably clean) OK. So what is this all about?

Logan: (frowning) How are things? (awkward) With you and Duncan, I mean? OK?

Meg: Fine, I guess.

Logan: What does that mean?

Meg: He doesn't talk much, so it shouldn't be a surprise that he isn't talking about this.

Logan: (really uncomfortable) Yeah, ok. It's Duncan. I'm asking about everything else. Are things…ok?

Meg: Things? Like what?

Logan: (frustrated) Look. Just be careful with Duncan. Or better yet stay away from him. He's…not right. He was my friend but…

Meg: (interrupting) Was? Is it that serious? And what do you mean be careful? How is he not right?

Logan: OK. Veronica told you want happened to her right?

Meg: (frowning hugely) Yeah. And she said Duncan was responsible, but I don't see how. Is that what this is about?

Logan: You can't tell anyone. I mean it.

Meg: Yeah. OK. Veronica is my friend too Logan. I'm not going to blab it around school that she was…(Meg trails off)

Logan: That she was drugged and raped at a party? That…(breaks off and looks down) look. I should talk to Veronica about this before I tell you. But, in the meantime, just be careful ok? Maybe stay away from him for a few days.

Meg: You make it sound like you think he might hurt me.

Logan just looks back at her, his worry and seriousness clear.

Logan: You've been a good friend to Veronica. And to me. I don't want you to get hurt. Duncan…he isn't who you think he is. Just be careful.

With that Logan quickly leaves the room, leaving Meg standing alone and more concerned than before.

Back in the thick of the party, Logan quickly grabs up a bottle of tequila and gulps down several swallows straight from the bottle.

------------

Scene opens on Mike playing the guitar sitting on a kitchen chair in the backyard, surrounded by appreciative girls. Veronica is standing outside the crowd and looks over at an extremely drunk Logan. She smiles sadly. Taking a deep breath she forces her smile to be more cheerful as she approaches him. Logan keeps talking to Rams and Luke about a surf competition, but immediately slides an arm around Veronica, pulling her close. The conversation continues with the guys trying to include Veronica, but she only gives minimal responses. Checking her watch for the second time in a few minutes she sees it's after midnight. Deciding that they've been there long enough she angles her head up towards Logan. But before she can suggest that they leave, he captures her mouth in a long kiss.

Rams and Luke smile and move away as Veronica's hands fist in Logan's t-shirt as the kiss continues, one of his hands sliding into her hair and the other curving around her butt. Her heart is racing as Logan slips one leg between hers and pulls her closer still setting off the familiar throbbing in her body. Breaking the kiss to gasp in several deep breaths, both of them have forgotten they are surrounded by other partygoers.

Meg is standing with several of the other cheerleaders on the patio. She looks at Veronica and Logan with a smile then searches the crowd coming to rest on Duncan standing several yards away from the couple. As she watches, Nadia approaches Duncan and says something. Duncan looks up to see Logan and Veronica caught up in each other, Logan's mouth pressed into Veronica's neck. Duncan frowns and looks back to Nadia who takes his hand and leads him towards the pool house. Meg scowls and follows Duncan and Nadia wondering if he was cheating on her and that was why Logan and Veronica were so worried.

Across the backyard Mike begins playing 'Take my breath away' from Top Gun. Veronica smiles mischievously at Logan who smiles back automatically. She rises up on her tip toes and presses her body close to Logan as she whispers in his ear.

Veronica: Hey Logan, you big stud.

Logan looks amused and slides his hand to the small of her back to hold her tightly against him.

Logan: That's me, Sugarpuss.

Veronica: Take me to bed or lose me forever.

Logan: Whatever you say, Sugarpuss.

She drops back to her heels, but instead of leading her out of the party, Logan pulls her towards the pool house.

Logan pushes open the door to the pool house bedroom practically lifting Veronica off her feet as they twirl into the room.

Veronica: (giggles) I meant take me home, Logan. Not take me to the nearest available bedroom.

Logan: You should have been more specific.

His eyes race over the room, making sure the plantation type white shutters are pulled closed as he flips the door lock.

Logan: Too late now.

He spins her around and presses her against the door, their mouths meeting hungrily. His hands drop down her body, thumbs skimming over her breasts quickly, before continuing down her legs then back up, pushing the fabric of her dress up as he goes. Gripping the back of her thighs he lifts her completely off her feet and pulls her up his body until his erection is pressed firmly into her pelvis. Veronica breaks the kiss, grabbing onto his shoulders for stability.

Veronica: (biting her lip, still tasting the tequila from his mouth on her tongue) This position seems familiar. This outfit too.

Both flashback to the yacht party in Cabo when Logan hadn't even managed to get them to the bed.

Logan: (grinning, his eyes hazy with alcohol and desire he carries her over to sit on the high four post bed) I hate to repeat myself.

The clock radio in the room is on and the song switches to 'Crash into me' by the Dave Matthews Band. Logan steps slightly back from Veronica and takes a minute to look down her body starting from her flushed face down the black lace covered curves to her bare thighs, her dress pushed up. Her heart begins to pound more furiously under his perusal. His eyes rise back up her body to hold her gaze.

Logan: The only repeating here will be you calling out my name.

His breath is thick with alcohol and Veronica can tell he's drunker than she'd seen him in a long time. Logan smiles wolfishly, as he quickly pulls her dress up and over her head revealing a nude colored front clasp bra and black lace panties. His hands make quick work of her bra as he presses wet, messy kisses into her neck and down her chest. Forcing her to lie back on the bed he leans over her, caressing her breasts with both hands watching her face for her response. Veronica feels her stomach flutter and the familiar heat building in her veins. She pulls him down to her, meshing their mouths together even as she pants out short breaths.

Veronica: (moaning) Logan.

His hands tug on her nipples lightly, tracing around the lower curve of her breast before he shifts down her body to take one tight peak into his mouth. Veronica writhes under him, wrapping her legs around his waist and moving her hips against his in demand. When her hands push at his shoulders separating him from her chest, she immediately pulls his t-shirt off, before pushing herself up off the bed with her arms behind her. His shirt dispensed with, her small hands move to the button of his jeans but Logan captures her hands before she can shove them down his legs, pulling them behind her back, holding them there.

Veronica: (protesting) Logan.

Logan: Not yet my little tease. I'm going to make you pay for earlier. Then I'm going to fuck you until you…

He doesn't get to finish his thought because Veronica pushes forward pressing her quivering lips against his. Logan abandons his verbal seduction, sweeping his tongue into her mouth in a passionate kiss. They separate both breathing deeply. Logan pushes Veronica back onto the bed stretching her arms above her head, arching her back slightly. He squeezes her wrists, silently commanding her to leave them there. Veronica's chest is rising and falling rapidly, but she nods, lifting her head to see as his hands skim up her sides, his mouth following.

She is making her customary small sounds of pleasure as Logan takes his time.

Veronica: Logan, please.

Logan: (looking up at her) I like that. I like it when you beg for me.

His rolls her nipples as he says the words and Veronica bites her lip, tossing her head from side to side trying not to moan or beg him, trying to make him work harder for it.

Logan: (Whispering) We both know you'll do 'll it take?

Logan sucks hard on one nipple causing her back to arch in involuntary response, but she manages to not cry out. Logan grins, his curved lips still pressed to her breast. Deliberately slow, he nibbles across her chest to her other breast, taking the time to run his nose up her breast plate, taking in her scent. Veronica swallows hard closes her eyes in anticipation as she feels one of his hands at the apex of the thighs pulling the crotch of her panties to the side. All her muscles clench in anticipation, her toes curling, her legs still wrapped around him. She feels his fingers slide in between her folds, circling her clit, as his mouth closes over her breast again. His thumb rubs against her clit as his teeth rasp over her nipple then his teeth close over the stiff peak as he abrades her clit with his thumb nail.

Veronica: (raspy) Oh God!

Her hips jerk upwards and her chest shutters as her lungs work for air.

Logan: Humm. Getting closer.

He circles her clit with his fingers, making her thrash her head back and forth as the waves of pleasure buffet her. Logan continues to toy with her breast then moves to her neck, scraping his teeth over her tender skin.

Veronica: (whimpering) Logan. Logan. I, oh God.

Logan is not unaffected and his erection is pressing into the back of his hand as it moves between her legs.

Logan: (desperate) Give me what I want.

Veronica: (begging) Please Logan. Please. I need you. I need…Oh god!

Logan doesn't waste time savoring his triumph at the moment. He frees his erection and plunges into her waiting flesh. Her cry of approval blends with the song on the radio but neither spare a thought about being caught, they are both too focused on each other and the pleasure coursing through their bodies.

Logan's firm hands on her hips pull her to meet his thrusts, their flesh slapping together in a familiar cadence. Feeling her body tighten and tense around him with each thrust, Logan slides his hands up her back and pulls her into a sitting position, his hips still pistoning into her. She opens her eyes to see him looking at her, their eyes remaining open as they press their mouths together, their lips bumping together and then apart as their bodies gyrate.

Veronica: Logan please. I need to…I have too…please.

Logan: (groaning) Fuck Veronica. Fuck baby. Come for me now.

Her hands frame his face holding him close for a desperate kiss before latching onto his shoulders, her nails digging into his flesh. Her head drops to rest on his shoulder as her orgasm rips through her, feeling like her chest is exploding from the burst of energy as it sweeps through her body. Logan grunts, feeling her body close on his erection. He slides a hand under her bottom and pulls her into his last few thrusts before his body gives over to his own release.

Logan moves only far enough away from her to slip from her body before slumping face down on the bed next to her spent form. A few minutes pass with just the sound of their breathing and the radio playing.

Veronica: Wow. I should get you frustrated and drunk more often if that is the result.

Logan turns his head to see her and smiles at her, his eyes clearer now that he had burned off some of the alcohol.

After another minute Veronica sits up and slides down off the bed. Logan turns to follow her movements as she picks up her dress and bra from the floor then looks around for her flip flops. She looks quizzical, only seeing one. Holding her clothes to her chest she bends down to see that it ended up under the long low dresser against the wall. Standing back up to walk the few steps to the dresser she feels Logan pressed against her back with his hands curved around her hips.

Logan: What are you doing?

Veronica: (looking up over her shoulder at him) Getting dressed.

Logan: Why?

His hands inch forward curling around her inner thighs pulling her legs a few inches apart.

Veronica: (questioningly) Logan.

Logan: (low) You don't need to be dressed.

His fingers slide over the lace of her panties, teasing her still engorged flesh.

Veronica: (hesitant, breathing shallow audible breaths) I don't?

Logan: No. We're not done yet.

Veronica leans back against him allowing him to pull her clothes away from her, one of his hands closing over her breast again. Her hands slide back and clutch at his thighs as he pushes her panties down and off her legs.

Veronica: Oh. Well, why didn't you say so in the first place?

She turns in his arms, kicking off the scrap of lace and pushing his pants down and free of his legs.

Logan: I apologize. Should I provide you with an agenda for our next meeting?

Veronica: I do like to be prepared.

She pushes him back towards the bed but Logan redirects them to the dresser and the wall mounted mirror above it. He turns her around so her back is to him, both seeing their reflections.

Logan: I've been thinking about being inside you all damn night. You're not getting away from me this quickly.

Veronica watches as enthralled as ever with the vision of his hands sliding over her body, manipulating her flesh.

Veronica: Logan.

She's not sure what she wants to say, but she suddenly feels vulnerable and the problems that they'd been avoiding that night seem to close in around her. Logan sees the shadows in her eyes and closes his arms around her waist.

Logan: Shh. Just focus on me. Me and you. Here and now.

She nods and forces her body to relax in his hold.

Logan: Hop up.

Veronica's confused face is reflected in the mirror. Logan raps his knuckles on the dresser. When his hands lift her at her waist she pulls her legs up to be kneeling on the dresser. He kisses her neck then speaks low into her throat.

Logan: Spread your legs for me.

Her eyes meet his in the mirror. She looks uncomfortable. He runs his hands up and down her thighs easily, neither pushing nor pulling at her, just touching her with his large warm hands.

Logan: Come on baby. I want to watch as I touch you.

Feeling the heat and tension coil low in her belly again Veronica complies sliding her knees a few inches apart.

Logan: More.

His hands cup her breasts caressing the swollen mounds tenderly. She moves her legs slightly farther apart.

Logan: Good. You're beautiful. Look at yourself Veronica. Do you see how beautiful you are?

She shakes her head.

Veronica: You make me feel beautiful.

Logan: Then let me see you.

His hands skim down her torso, her skin and muscles contracting under his touch. He moves his hands to her ankles, sliding them up the back of her calves. She rises up a bit on her knees in response, and he grips her legs firmly spreading her wider for him until she can't go any farther.

Logan: So beautiful.

He releases her legs, his hands resettling over the crease where her legs meet her hips.

Veronica: (quietly demanding) Logan. Touch me.

Logan: Lean back into me. I got you.

She leans back into his chest seeing her own wet curls in the mirror as Logan murmurs his approval.

Logan: Perfect.

He moves his hand between her legs, parting her moist folds with the fingers of one hand. With the other he slowly probes her flesh with his index finger brushing the single digit from her taunt opening to her pulsing clit. He keeps his touch light taking in her pink glistening flesh open to his avid gaze.

Veronica: (breathing hard) Who's the tease now?

Logan responds with action, his thumb and index finger rolling the sensitive nub back and forth.

Logan: Better?

Veronica: Y-Yes.

Logan takes in her facial expression as her eyes close and her head drops back against his shoulder as he builds her up. Her hips are flexing forward slightly against his hand, increasing the pressure. His eyes drift down to her pert pink tipped breasts with her small nipples and he closes his hand around one breast squeezing the soft flesh, earning a sigh of pleasure from Veronica. Her eyes open and she looks at his hand on her chest before meeting his eyes in the mirror.

Veronica: I love seeing your hands on me.

Logan feels a lightening bolt of arousal shoot through him at her words and her heavy lidded look of lust, and feels his slowly firming erection shoot to attention.

Logan: I do too baby.

Logan moves his hand across to her other breast pulling on her nipple with long tugs in time to his fingers movement on her clit. Changing the position of his hand between her legs he slips two fingers into her sheath as his lips drift over her neck. She gasps in pleasure her legs and stomach muscles quivering in delight and building anticipation. When he presses his thumb to her clit again she moans loudly.

Veronica: Logan!

Logan: You like that huh?

He does it again and her back arches hard, forcing her breasts up and out. Her hips grind harder against his busy hand, but he keeps the pace slow and steady, drawing out her pleasure.

Her eyes are open and on his hands when he releases her breast and slides it down to curve over her tummy. He pulls her backwards on the dresser until only her knees and a bit of her calves are actually on the dresser top. Veronica grabs onto his wrist with one hand the other bracing on the dresser as she looks at him questioningly.

Logan: I want to be inside you. I want to be inside you when you come.

She nods and knowing his intent leans a bit forward as Logan positions his erection at her entrance. Logan slides the thick head of his cock into her, her body immediately clenching down on him. Her soft 'ooh' of pleasure makes him grin even as he takes a deep breath to calm himself, maintaining control. He slowly slides into her, the angle making them both crazy as he fills her tight passage. He moves in and out shallowly at first putting pressure on her g-spot then slides all the way inside, his hips pressed firmly against her bottom. Instead of thrusting, he grinds his hips into, moving in a circular pattern as his hands cup and squeeze her breasts.

He can feel her body quickening and pulls out a few inches then strokes back into her feeling her inner muscles squeeze and tighten on him. He does it again, and rolls both her nipples, one in each hand, as he slides home, easing her over the edge into ecstasy.

In a heartbeat Logan pulls out of Veronica and transfers her to the bed, climbing up on the mattress behind her. Lost in sensation, she isn't really aware of what is going on other than responding to Logan's touch and he pulls her onto her knees, lifting her bottom into the air and holding her steady with his strong hands before he slams into her body in a hard fast plunge.

Beyond words, her small cries are her only response as he pounds into her. His corresponding grunts echo in the small room and Veronica wishes she could see his face now, when he was out of control. Regaining some strength in her limbs she settles more comfortably onto her forearms, and rocks her body backwards to meet his thrusts. This angle is even tighter and Logan mutters his approval interspersed with grunts.

Logan: Veronica. Fuck. Baby. So good.

Logan's leans over her body, covering her with his larger form, trailing kisses down her spine. Feeling her body spasm around his, he captures her breasts in his hands and pulls her back firmly to meet his forward rhythm.

He comes first this time, the feeling of his cock jerking insider her body, sending her over the edge with him.

Lying on the bed, Logan pulls Veronica into his arms, both lying sideways facing each other. Their eyes meet as her hand slides up his side.

Veronica: I love you.

Logan: I love you too.

Veronica: (sassy) I wasn't done. I love you but do you think next time, I could touch you too?

Logan: (smiles as a small laugh shakes his chest) Whatever you want Sugarpuss. Whatever you want.

Veronica: Good.

Within minutes they are dressed and leave the room, shutting off the light as they go. Holding hands they return to the party.

Standing in the pool house kitchenette, Meg's face is pinched as she watches Logan and Veronica exit the room.

------------

Outside the party. Duncan storms up to his SUV and tries to yank the car door open. It's locked so he searches his pockets for the keys, but realizes he locked them in the car. He tries the door handle a few more times before losing it and begins to punch and kick the vehicle. He grabs a shovel from a nearby wheelbarrow sitting alongside a newly landscaped area and smashes the driver side window. He continues to pound the car with his shovel and yells. Meg comes out and tells him to stop. She looks afraid and asks if Duncan's rage is about Veronica. He doesn't even notice that she's there and continues pounding on the vehicle. Meg accuses him of still being in love with Veronica. Receiving no response from Duncan, Meg demands an answer but he keeps yelling and pounding on the vehicle. Meg looks agitated and hurt.

Meg: Well, not that you'd care. But we're done. I can't do this anymore.

She turns and stumbles away as Duncan collapses against the SUV.

---------

In the backyard, Veronica is happy and loose, her tension now dissipated. She is talking to Wallace, Dick, and Mac. They are all laughing and smiling as Dick and Veronica obviously snipe back and forth at each other. Logan is standing with several of the junior and senior Tritons, but he keeps a close watch over Veronica. Seeing Noah Dawson talking with Madison, Logan nods to his friends and walks towards the duplicitous pair. Standing in front of them, Logan can hear Madison's insipid ass kissing, but dismisses her immediately.

Logan: Take off Madison. I need to talk to richie rich here.

Madison: Sure, Logan. I'll see you later, ok?

She leaves.

Logan: What's your role in all this?

Noah: (casual) All what?

Logan: Your sister's plot against me. What do you get out of it?

Noah is silent but looks over at Veronica.

Logan: (tightly) You can't have her.

Noah: Perhaps not now.

Logan: So that's what this is about? You want to fuck my girlfriend?

Noah: You do her a disservice. My interest has nothing to do with you. (pause) In the beginning, I was intrigued. She's an interesting person. Complex. The more I learned the more fascinated I became.

Logan: (seething) She's not interested in you.

Noah: No. (easy, accepting) She told me that. And I believe her. She's loyal to you.

Logan: (angry) And that only makes you want her more.

Noah: You know when I came to this school I was told again and again by your (mocking) faithful followers that you and Duncan Kane ruled the school, that I would have to take a backseat.

Logan waits.

Noah: Watching the three of you is an interesting study in human dynamics. From what I've heard, and people here love to talk, Veronica was Duncan's. They were the bubblegum sweet Prince and Princess that high school dreams are made of. Now she's with you. And he's moved on to a version of who she used to be.

Logan: (frowning, startled) Meg?

Logan searches the crowd and sees Meg standing next to one of her friends, the one who was in their History class with them. Sarah. Meg looked anxious and like she had been crying. Logan frowns then sees Aaron and Cristina come over and walk to the front door with Meg. Cristina wraps an arm around her and appears to be soothing Meg.

Noah: (raising one eyebrow) You don't see it? Meg Manning is sweet, kind to everyone, innocent. (tone darkening with disdain) Beautiful and complacent. She moves along on the surface of things, floating untouched on top of the shit pile that is humanity with her moral center intact. That is a close approximation of who Veronica was before, isn't it?

Logan had never thought of it that way. Was Duncan replacing Veronica in his life with a version of her? The closest he could get? Logan's face is tense as he stares blindly at where Meg had been, searching memories and impressions of the two girls.

Noah: I'm curious. Did Veronica forgive you right away? Did you simply apologize and she forgave you? Because if she did she is not the bitch she thinks she is.

Logan: (absently annoyed, still comparing Meg to who Veronica had been in his mind) No. I had to work at it. We had to work at it.

Noah: But she still forgave you. Perhaps she is not so different from who she was before.

There is silence as Logan looks from Veronica to the door Meg had disappeared through. Noah is watching Veronica.

Noah: By and large, people don't change. But she did. That is out of the ordinary.

Logan: We're not rats in some social experiment.

Logan turns back towards Noah, and frowns at him, the threat clear.

Logan: Stay away from Veronica. And tell your freaky sister to stay away from both of us.

Noah: (not concerned) Maybe I could have her if I waited for you to make her angry, waited for you to break up again. I could befriend her, amuse her, flatter her. (meets Logan's eyes) Seduce her. (his smile is sly) But for once I think that I don't want that. I want her to pick me. I want her to knowingly choose me. No tricks. No games. (still casual, nonchalant) May the best man win.

Logan is scowling as Noah moves away.

------------

Inside a car parked outside Mac's house. Mac and Enbom are making out. She has her hands on either side of his neck and his hand trails up to her cheek. Mac pauses.

Mac: I should go, because my parents are probably watching us through the window.

She looks over her shoulder and Enbom's eyes follow her gaze.

John Enbom: (whispers) Your Dad is probably impressed with your virtue.

She smiles. He goes to kiss her again but she continues the theme, looking back again.

Mac: And that telescope is mounted on a rifle he borrowed from Veronica's Dad.

Enbom stares out at where Sam Mackenzie is imagined to be and after a pause, holds up his hand, fingers spread wide.

John Enbom: (whispers to the imaginary Sam Mackenzie) Five more minutes.

Mac smiles.

John Enbom: He should feel lucky. I mean, you could be out here with some pretty-boy jerk just looking to get laid.

He swoops down again but she pulls back.

Mac: Wait. What are you saying? You're not pretty? 'Cause considering your extracurricular activities, betting, crushing the hearts of young girls, getting wasted with your friends, you might not be smart either. (makes a thinking face) And I'm pretty sure I'd require any boyfriend of mine to have some redeeming quality.

Enbom stares down at her for a moment, suddenly serious.

John Enbom: You found out.

Mac: Did you think I wouldn't?

John Enbom: I don't know. I didn't really think about it at all.

Mac: Yeah. Thinking before acting might save you some trouble. You should try it out. See how it goes.

John Enbom: It's just a silly prank. A bet between us guys.

Mac: If it was about how many pushups you could do, or any bet that only involved you guys, sure. But this kind of bet is the reason I wasn't sure I wanted to get to know you in the beginning.

John Enbom: I'm sorry. It seemed harmless.

Mac: If you had thought about it at all you would have known it wasn't harmless to those girls.

John Enbom: Yeah. I guess you're right.

Mac levels a stare at him.

John Enbom: You're right.

He looks sheepish.

John Enbom: You're right. You're smart, you're beautiful. Hopefully you're forgiving?

Mac relaxes and tilts her face into his hand as he smoothes her hair back and curls his hand around her cheek.

John Enbom: So, should I send flowers or candy?

Mac: Huh?

John Enbom: Well I messed up, right? (Shrugs)

Mac: Yeah. But I'm not the one you idiots need to make amends to.

John Enbom: But your opinion is the only one I care about. Well OK, I don't want Veronica or Meg to think badly of me either. Or my parents. But other than that, people can go suck it.

Mac can't help but smile.

John Enbom: So flowers or candy?

Mac: What would the flowers or candy be saying? I'm sorry? I was wrong? Forgive my boneheaded ways?

John Enbom: Ah, (looking down, then back up to meet her eyes) I'd like them to say that I think I'm falling in love with you.

Mac freezes. Literally stops breathing for a long moment her face frozen. Then her mouth falls open.

Mac: What?

John Enbom: I think I'm in love with you.

Mac: Wait. Whoa. I…I…

Mac looks up at him, her eyes stunned. Recovering, she laughs and brings her hand up to the back of his neck.

Mac: The things guys will say to get past second base.

Enbom briefly looks disappointed, then smiles.

John Enbom: I think we've moved much further afield than second base Mac. Should we recap the game so far?

She giggles, actually giggles and lets him pull her into a kiss. They sink down into the seat, Enbom's body over Mac's. They continue to make out.

-----------

Instead of trying to cajole Logan out of his bad mood at the party, Veronica drives them back to her place. She lets Logan think he convinced her to make out with him for a few minutes before she has to head inside. She crawls into his lap in the passenger seat, still having refused to let him drive, then giggles as he lists several reasons she should stay in the car with him. Growing frustrated, Logan glares at her.

Logan: What's so damn funny?

Veronica: Aw. Are you in a bad mood, sweetie? I thought that you'd be in a good mood for the rest of the night. Considering.

Logan: (softening) I was in a good mood. Until…

She holds her hand up to cover his mouth, shaking her head.

Veronica: I already got the recap. How about I give you a recap?

Logan waits silently, still not happy that she appears so chipper when he wants to scream and hit something. Or someone. Preferably Noah Dawson.

Veronica: It's like this. My Dad's been trying to track down this entertainment lawyer for the last year. He got a tip this morning that the guy was in Vegas. (grins) Dad's there now.

Logan: And you couldn't have told me this earlier?

Veronica: (acting aggrieved) And ruin your surprise?

Logan stays the night but they just sleep. At least until morning when Logan wakes Veronica up by pulling the tank top she'd slept in over her head and kissing her awake.

----------

(Saturday)

Once they finally make it out of bed Logan takes Backup out for a walk while Veronica showers and gets dressed. She races around trying to gather up the papers his Grandma had sent detailing Leanne's account and Jake's payments that she hasn't managed to fully read yet. Gathering up her papers, phone, and computer she is ready half an hour later. From there they go to Logan's house where he rushes through shaving, showering, and getting dressed. With one final stop at Mystic Mocha for coffee and breakfast they are on the road.

After an hour of driving, Veronica can't ignore Logan's bad mood any longer.

Veronica: (long sigh) What's wrong?

Logan: Nothing.

Veronica: The dark cloud over your head is raining on my good mood. Now. What's wrong?

Logan: Take your pick.

Veronica: (sad, and sympathetic) Logan.

Logan: Let's see. What was new this week? My best friend is a rapist. He's dating the second most innocent girl I've ever known. Some bitch is after me, while her brother is after you. My Dad is a pervert who secretly recorded himself fucking a bunch of bimbos in our house. My Mom is in rehab, and who knows what her plans are for when she gets out. How's that to start with? I can keep going.

Veronica: Logan. I know. It's not easy. None of this is easy. (sad face, shrugs) There's not really anything I can say, other than I'm sorry and we're in this together.

Logan still looks upset, but takes her hand in his, holding it as he drives up the 5 towards Los Angeles. They drive silently for some time.

Veronica: Logan. I didn't ask yesterday. And you didn't say. Were there (blows out a breath then takes one in) Were there tapes of us?

Logan is silent for a beat, then smiles shaking his head. He glances at her quickly then back at the road.

Logan: No. The recorder must have to be switched on in order to work. Thank God.

Veronica: (still uneasy) Yeah.

Flashback

Logan is in the pool house. His eyes are glassy and there is a liquor bottle in his hand. He has a pile of tapes on one side of the table and small stack of DVDs on the other. He dutifully writes the dates listed on the tapes' labels and the name of the woman if he knows it on each DVD with a sharpie. One by one he transfers the tapes to DVDs only watching long enough to identify the woman, then turning away. The stack of tapes gets smaller and Logan replaces them in the hidden drawers carefully in order.

Seeing something behind a row of tapes in one drawer he jerks the drawer free and sets it on the ground. Hidden behind the tapes were three more tapes rubber banded together. On each label is a name a few dates. Logan looks sick and his hand tightens on the tapes, his knuckles whitening. He slams out of the pool house taking the tapes with him.

End Flashback

She smiles shakily back at him.

Logan: So. What's in the reports?

Glad for the change in subject Veronica tells him about the account Leanne had kept in her mother's maiden name all these years. Leanne's mother had died when Veronica was only a few months old, leaving everything she had to her only daughter.

Veronica: My Mom kept the bank account open, with Jake making electronic transfers each month. (pause, solemn tone) He made the first payment three months after I was born. The payments continued every month since then, like clockwork. Before Mom left she made a big withdrawal, fifty thousand dollars. That's how she disappeared. Living off cash from an account not in her name, maybe even bought a fake ID somewhere along the way.

Logan: You OK?

Veronica: Yeah. (his steady look makes her reconsider) No. Not really. All those years and my Dad didn't know? I sure didn't. I mean my Mom must have dropped me off at the Kanes' a thousand times. No wonder Celeste always hated me.

Logan: Celeste is a bitch. I doubt she really likes anyone, including herself.

Veronica: Well, as much as I hate to admit it, I can't really blame her.

They share a sympathetic look.

Logan: She could have left Veronica. If she was so unhappy. As you've pointed out several times to me, we make choices and we have to live with the consequences.

Veronica: Yeah. I guess. So anyway, my Mom came back to town in September, I only know that because Celeste showed up at my Dad's office to ask him to follow Jake. I still don't know why she did that. She knew about the affair, she wasn't leaving Jake, so why hire my Dad? Did she want him to know? Even then I still don't know why.

Logan: And Celeste Kane doesn't do anything without a reason.

Veronica: Exactly. After that visit my Mom arranged for transfers out of the account. From what Grandma Hatchet found out a lawyer was given power of attorney over the account and arranges the wire transfers every two weeks.

Logan: So when do we visit the lawyer?

Veronica: (smiles) As soon as I do some more research.

----------

They make good time on the drive north, traffic being light on a Saturday morning. Climbing up the foothills outside Santa Barbara, Veronica smiles wistfully.

Veronica: It's a beautiful day.

Logan: (incredulous) What?

Veronica: It is. Look around. Blue skies, green fields, it's not even that hot today. Beautiful. We should take the time to appreciate stuff like this more.

Logan: (one brow arched) Blue skies and grassy fields?

Veronica: Yes. (grins) Even the air smells sweet.

Logan: Was your muffin laced with pot? What's with the happy, it's a wonderful world attitude today? You sound more like Meg that yourself.

He frowns remembering what Noah said about Meg being the older version of Veronica.

Veronica: Stop the car.

Logan: What?

Veronica: Stop. Pull over here.

Logan complies, but looks at her waiting for an explanation. Veronica twists in her seat and looks behind them at a road that shoots off from the main road they were traveling on.

Veronica: Where do you think that road goes to?

Logan: (shrugs) Dunno. A ranch maybe?

Veronica: Remember where this is, I want to stop here on the way back.

Logan: You gonna tell me why?

She bites her lip, smiling, and shakes her head at him.

Veronica: Nope.

Logan: (faux joy) Oh goodie! Another surprise?

Veronica: Yep. Now drop the 'tude Echolls. You always enjoy my surprises.

Logan smiles and pulls back onto the road.

Logan: Funny you should mention that. I have a surprise for you today too.

Veronica: (exaggerated sweet tone) Aww. That's so sweet.

Logan: Seriously. You're freaking me out now.

Veronica: Well, calm down. Reality is about to descend and destroy my calm.

The rehab facility gates come into view just ahead of them.

They stare resolutely ahead as a single shutterbug snaps their picture as they pass through the gates. Logan parks and shuts off the engine, taking a deep breath. Veronica is similarly tense, neither knowing what to expect from their mothers today.

Veronica: Logan.

Logan: (still looking straight ahead) Yeah?

Veronica: I know you want me to be more open to talking about sex. And us.

He turns his head to look at her, surprise evident on his face.

Veronica: Last night.

Logan: Yeah.

Veronica: (smiling) Last night was pretty fantastic.

A slow smile spreads over Logan's face.

Veronica: You want to know what I like. I told you before, but I like you when you're like that.

Logan had been too drunk to be overly careful of her, and she preferred that in most cases. He didn't intend it but when he was too solicitous of her lack of experience and what had happened to her it just reminder her of things she would rather not think about.

Logan: Good to know.

They climb out of the vehicle. Walking into the building the photographer manages to get a shot of them holding hands with a long lens camera.

--------------

Driving away from the rehab center, both teenagers are quiet.

Veronica: How's your Mom?

Logan: She actually seems OK. Good even. I guess it all depends on what happens once she gets out.

Veronica: Is she still planning on leaving your Dad?

Logan: That's what she says.

A few minute passes.

Logan: How about your Mom?

Veronica: Do you realize how ridiculous this is? That our moms are both in rehab at the same time.

Logan: Same time, same place, same problem. We have plenty in common.

Veronica: Great. Couldn't we have a favorite food or hobby in common?

Logan: We have that too. You love to eat, I love to watch you eat. And for hobbies, I think we both like to do the same activities. (sexy smile) At least when we're together.

Veronica: (smiling in appreciation of his wit) You're so smart.

Logan: The smartest.

Veronica: Humm. We'll see about that. (sighs) I'm not sure my Mom is really that interested in getting sober. She seems ok. Not jittery and jonesing for a drink like before. But she keeps saying she doesn't have a problem that she was just…

Logan: Just?

Veronica: I dunno. She never seems to finish the sentence. I get the feeling she's hiding something from me. Something major.

Logan: More major than being in love with Jake Kane?

Veronica: Yeah.

About five minutes later they come up on the road Veronica had stopped them at earlier.

Logan: OK, here it is. What now?

Veronica: Turn. (she turns around to look behind them) Is anyone following us?

Logan: Like who?

Veronica: (rolls her eyes) Like a photographer.

Logan: Oh. No. I think he stayed behind. (bitter) Must be someone else famous in rehab this week.

Logan turns down the road and slows down waiting for Veronica's directions. Seeing a small turnout, she commands him to stop. She looks around the field next to her side of the car, turning to look back to see if the road is still in view. It isn't. She turns back to him with a grin.

Veronica: I hope you can handle some more it's a wonderful world attitude from me today.

Logan: I might be able to.

Veronica: Do you still have that blanket in the back?

Logan: (cautious) Yeah.

Veronica: (grins) OK. Let's go.

Logan: (Climbing out of the car) Go where?

She just grins. He opens the back hatch on the Xterra and pulls out a blanket that he kept there for impromptu visits to the beach. Closing the hatch he grabs her hand in his.

Logan: Where are we going? There's nothing here.

Veronica: I know. Now come on.

She tugs on his hand but he doesn't budge. She looks up at him playfully.

Veronica: (head tilt) Come on.

Logan: (slowly) Where?

Veronica: (enigmatically) Back to nature.

Logan shakes his head and gives up, letting her pull him towards the barbed wire fence. She accesses it and puts one foot on the wire next to an old weather beaten wood post. He stops her.

Logan: No.

Veronica: (pouting) Yes.

Logan: No. Not like that.

He lays the blanket over the barbed wire then lifts Veronica up and swings her legs over. Setting her down, he presses his hand on the top of the post and vaults over the fence smoothly. She takes his hand and they walk into the field making a path through the chest high grass and wildflower growth. After walking for a few minutes Veronica stops and spins around, inspecting their surroundings.

Veronica: OK. We're here.

Logan: (mildly frustrated, but still amused) Where?

Veronica: (arms stretched out she spins again in a circle with her head tilted towards the sky) Here.

She takes the blanket from his hands and tries to lay it down on the ground. The tall grass doesn't give way and she has the stomp around in a circle to crush it down before the blanket lies relatively flat. Logan watches the whole process with amusement.

Logan: Now what?

Veronica: (Her tone says it is obvious) Now we sit.

She sinks down, sitting with her legs crossed before rolling her eyes at him and lying down. She wiggles to get comfortable, finishing the job of crushing the grass under the blanket. Logan looks at her lying on the ground then looks around the field again, before sitting down next to her.

Logan: OK.

She doesn't respond. Her eyes closed, she takes a deep breath in order to smell the grass, flowers, earth, and a slight smell of salt and water from the ocean on the horizon.

Logan: Are we communing with nature?

Veronica: We would be if you would shut up and try it.

He sighs but lies down next to her, closing his eyes. Hers peep open to see that he is following her example and she smiles before shutting them again. The sun is warm on their skin and clothes, heating them so that their muscles relax. A slight breeze ruffles the grass making a nice symphony of sound around them. As Logan relaxes and focuses on his senses he can hear more sounds. The birds in a nearby tree, the sound of the wind, the chirp of some kind of bug. The earthy smell of the place is pleasant even if the lumpy grass under his back is not. He reaches over to take her hand and turns his head to meet her eyes.

Logan: You're right, this is nice.

She smiles. Slow and sincere.

Veronica: Shhh!

They lay quietly side by side, just relaxing in the warm sun for several minutes. Smiling peacefully, Veronica rolls onto her side, snuggling into Logan. Her hand trails down his chest and slips under the hem of his shirt to caress his stomach lightly. She continues, tracing her hand up his side, over his abs, finally up over his pecs, trailing fingertips over his nipples. Logan tilts his head to look down at her.

Logan: (teasing) Is this my surprise?

Veronica: It could be.

Logan: You're right. I do enjoy your surprises.

She smiles and sits up swinging one leg over his body to straddle his hips. Pressing her hands into the ground on either side of his head she leans down to kiss him.

The kiss is slow and sweet, relaxed instead of demanding. Their lips slide together, their tongues gliding over each others, savoring and exploring. She breaks the kiss to sit up and pull her shirt off. Logan's eyes inspect her skin, his hands sliding up over denim clad legs.

Logan: This is yet another example of when you wearing a skirt would be helpful.

She smiles and leans back down to kiss his neck.

Veronica: Are you complaining?

Logan: Just making a simple observation.

Logan takes hold of her shoulders and rolls them over, keeping his weight off of her. Rising up to his knees between her legs he pulls his shirt off before making quick work of her jeans' button and zipper. Pulling her Keds off her feet, he tugs the tight jeans down her legs. Sliding his hands with deliberate slowness up her legs Logan runs his fingers along the edge of her plain, white cotton panties. When the tips of his fingers slip under the fabric she grasps his hand and stills it.

Veronica: No. Take them off. (slight grimace) When they're on I chafe. Especially when it's lace.

Logan: Like last night. (frowning) Why didn't you say something?

She sits up reaching behind her back to release the clasp on her bra before cupping his face in her hands.

Veronica: Well, as much as I claim an astute and extensive vocabulary, I seem to be limited to only a few words when you're touching me.

She takes his hands and places them at her waist, indicating that he should finish undressing her. Lifting her butt to assist him Logan has her naked in a second. Taking off his own jeans quickly he lies back over her receptive body.

Logan kisses her again and again, long drugging kisses that leave her body feeling boneless and languorous. The sun is warm on his back and the parts of her skin not covered by his body, and the tall grass surrounds them in a cocoon, making them feel like this is a moment lost in time. Her hands run over his back and shoulders, as Logan finally relinquishes her mouth to drift down to her neck suckling the supple skin at the base of her neck that makes her moan and turn to liquid heat every time. Sliding down farther he caresses her skin with hands and mouth, drawing soft sighs from her swollen mouth.

Her heart beats a rapid cadence against her chest, sputtering when he tickles her sides, forcing an involuntary laugh to escape. Glaring playfully at him she rolls them over so she is on top again and pins his hands down with hers, knowing he is letting her, but enjoying having the power anyway. She repeats his moves, kissing down his neck and chest, paying special attention to his nipples, but instead of tickling him, she traces her fingers over sinew and bone, enjoying the texture of his skin, how different it was from her own.

Logan: (hoarsely) Veronica.

She meets his eyes.

Logan: I love you.

Veronica: (softly) I love you too. So much it scares me sometimes.

He cups one hand around her cheek and jaw.

Logan: You don't have to be scared. I'll always be with you.

She smiles, but there is a sad and uncertain quality to it.

Veronica: I hope so.

He opens his mouth to protest, but she shushes him with a finger pressed to his lips.

Veronica: Life is uncertain. We've learned that well enough. But we'll always have our time together. Perfect memories like right here, right now.

Logan looks unhappy, but knows there is no way to prove her wrong other than being together each day, day after day.

Sitting up he wraps his arms around her and kisses her passionately. His hands caress over her body, earning several gasps and moans. The feel of her soft skin against his enough to make Logan's heart race.

Sealing their mouths together in another kiss, she pushes him back down on the ground and lifts up before sliding down onto his rigid length. Settling down over him she grinds her hips against him as his hands come up to cup and squeeze her breasts. The sun makes a halo in her hair and Logan stares up at her rapturously as she rides him.

--------------

Neptune. Newspaper office. Keith and Cheyenne talk to Lloyd, Keith's friend who is a newspaper editor, trying to convince him to break the story that Abel Koontz is not Lilly Kane's murderer.

Lloyd doesn't believe that Cheyenne is a credible witness but Keith gives him a folder and tells him to look it over before he decides. He tells Lloyd to read it and if he thinks there's merit to talk to Cheyenne.

--------------

Cut back to Logan and Veronica, lying naked together as the sun tracks across the sky, alone in the field with only nature surrounding them.

Logan: We should get going.

Veronica: Do we have to?

Logan: We still have my surprise to get to.

Veronica: Oh?

Logan: Well you mentioned last week that I was due a reward for my gallantry.

Veronica: Was that only last week? I guess you're right.

They drive back down the 101 into LA. Logan merges onto the 405 before exiting at a sign that directs them to Beverly Hills. Veronica looks at him curiously, but holds her tongue. When they drive down Rodeo Drive she levels a serious flat look at him.

Veronica: No.

Logan: Yes.

Veronica: No. Absolutely not.

Logan: You promised me a reward. My reward is you agreeing to lift the ban on me buying you stuff.

Veronica: No.

Logan: Fine. Then I'll use a wish.

Veronica: (annoyed) Logan, why do you want…

Logan: Because I do. I like buying you stuff. It's my money, my choice how to spend it. I don't punish you for not having money, why should I be penalized for being fortunate?

Veronica: There is all kinds of problems with that logic. For instance how am I penalizing you by not letting you waste your money?

Logan: Well, for instance, spending my money on you makes me happy. Conversely, not being able to spend money on you makes me unhappy. Besides this purchase is more for me than you.

Veronica: How?

Logan: You'll see.

Logan swings the Xterra off the streets and into a parking garage. He steps out of the car, handing the valet the key as another attendant helps Veronica out and helpfully points out a piece of grass still stuck to her shirt, causing her to blush. She glares at Logan's grinning face.

Veronica: You are so annoying.

Logan: I know. (whispering in her ear) But I make up for it in other ways.

Taking her hand he leads her down the wide, too clean sidewalks, seeing his intended destination, Veronica digs her heels in and tries to stop their progress.

Veronica: Logan.

Logan: Are you denying my wish?

She blows out a frustrated sigh and allows him to pull her towards La Perla.

Veronica: How about we negotiate?

Logan: What's your offer?

Veronica: We go to Victoria's Secret instead.

Logan: No.

Veronica: Logan, be reasonable.

Her tone stops him and he looks like he's considering her offer.

Logan: (conversational) Why is it whenever I want to do something you don't, I'm unreasonable?

Veronica: I'm not sure. That's just the way it works.

Logan: You were the one complaining about chafing earlier (she blushes and looks around to see if anyone overheard them). Good lace doesn't chafe. Or so I've been told. Counteroffer. We get a few things here, then go to Victoria's Secret.

Veronica: How many things were you planning on buying?

Logan: Several.

Veronica: Two things here.

Logan: Five.

Veronica: Three.

Logan: Seven.

Veronica: I don't think you understand how this negotiating thing works. You're supposed to meet me in the middle.

Logan: And I don't think you understand how wishes work. You get everything you wish for, no negotiations at all.

Veronica: (frowning) Fine.

Logan: Good.

Veronica: Jerk.

Logan: Sore loser.

He kisses her then leads her into the store.

They end up visiting both stores, but Logan buys more than seven things in La Perla.

Veronica: I can't believe you bought crotchless panties. I am not wearing them.

Logan: I did say this was more a gift for me than you. If you want a gift we can always visit F-street or the Hustler store to get a cock ring.

Veronica: I'm not even going to ask what that is or how that would be a gift for me.

Logan laughs, his mood much recovered from the morning.

------------

Driving out of LA, they continue to tease each other, enjoying being young and in love. Veronica's phone rings intruding into their cocoon. She frowns down at the display, seeing a number with an unfamiliar area code then realizing it was an east coast number.

Veronica: (to Logan) It's from New York.

They had called several of Logan's old friends in New York earlier that week, but nobody had been able to shed much light on Nadia. She was a society darling, the apple of her father's eye. That relationship was sometimes described enviously and sometimes as creepy. She was active in several charities, enjoyed equestrian sports, and had been class president at her former school. Mostly though, she kept to herself.

Differing explanations were offered for this, either she was stuck up, a bitch, too busy with activities, or more satisfied spending time with her family. The only hint they got to any hidden depravity besides allusions of a too familiar relationship with both her brother and her father was from an exboyfriend, Vance Hargrove. He didn't want to say much, just advised them to steer clear of her before hanging up abruptly.

Veronica: (answering on speaker phone, motioning for Logan to stay quiet) Hello?

Female voice: I'm calling for Veronica Mars. You left a message for me asking about Nadia Dawson?

Veronica: Yes. Thanks for calling me back. Who are you?

Amanda Hearst: Amanda Hearst.

Veronica: (friendly but serious) Hi Amanda.

Amanda Hearst: Can I ask why you're calling about Nadia?

Veronica: She's attending my school now, and well, I have some questions.

Amanda Hearst: Your school. You're from Neptune? Wait, Veronica Mars? You're dating Logan.

Veronica: Yes.

Amanda Hearst: Well, that explains why you're asking questions.

Veronica: It sounds like you might have some answers.

Amanda Hearst: My advice? Watch your back.

Logan and Veronica share a worried look.

Veronica: Like watch my back because she'll spread rumors about me around school?

Amanda Hearst: To start with. If you get in her way she'll destroy your reputation, then your life. If you don't get the hell out her way, then she gets really nasty.

Veronica: Nasty how?

Amanda Hearst: We went to the same school her freshman year, my junior. She wanted a guy who was already taken. She destroyed his girlfriend. She transferred to a school in Europe to get away from Nadia.

Veronica: Wow.

Amanda Hearst: That's not all. Last summer…

Veronica: When Logan was there.

Amanda Hearst: Yes. Nadia set her sights on him, but he wanted Kyra.

Veronica: I know this, he told me.

Amanda Hearst: I'm sure Nadia tried to steal him, but I guess it didn't work. After he left town she went after Kyra. But Kyra shrugged it off like it was not big deal. At least until the accident.

Veronica: What accident?

Amanda Hearst: Kyra was hit by a car.

Veronica: What does that have to do with Nadia?

Amanda Hearst: Well, if you believe Kyra and the initial police report, Nadia pushed her into traffic. Kyra almost died.

Veronica: You're serious. If the police thought Nadia did it, why didn't they arrest her?

Amanda Hearst: Money talks. Edward Dawson swept in, bought off the witnesses, and made it all disappear.

Veronica: But Kyra's family is wealthy too.

Amanda Hearst: Yes. But the Dawsons have NewsCorp behind them. Even the New York City Police don't want to be on the bad side of the largest media conglomerate on the planet. So, my advice? Get as far away from her as possible. She's crazy. I heard she told some people that she and Logan were about to get together. You do not want to be in her way.

Logan and Veronica share another worried look.

Veronica Voiceover: Great. Independent confirmation that Nadia is crazy and obsessed with Logan. And apparently not above attempted murder.

------------

--AN

So you review and I give you sexin' and a bunch of other stuff. Horny LoVe makes a reappearance. Oddly enough LoVe seem to be on my same hormonal cycle. Is that TMI? It was kinda weird to cut from LoVe having sex to Keith. Awkward!~

The story is wrapping up fast. I just need to keep all the details and reveals straight and make sure they all get into the story where they should!

I didn't mean to imply that I would drop the Nadia/Noah storyline, just that it won't be terribly detailed. I'll finish it out, but it won't be another full fledged mystery. Speaking of which I need a few small cases for V to solve. Gotta remember that.

OK. The chasm of opinion on whether it was a rape of not continues. Feel how you want. You know my opinion by now.

Regarding the tapes. I haven't watched the episode in awhile so I can't remember was there an actual hole where the tapes Lilly took should have been? If so that's just dumb. Veronica found the tapes over a year after Lilly took them, so what? Aaron just left a hole there all that time? Didn't push the tapes together to add more room to his drawers? And as for their being a time gap, duh, of course there were time gaps, Aaron works sometimes right? And takes vacations? So that's not conclusive at all. And, my last complaint about the tapes in canon…the recorder in the wall looked like a full size VHS recorder, but the tapes V found in Lilly's vent were small from a video recorder, and frankly these people are rich as hell, they didn't have digital recorders? It was 2003 not 1993.

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