Title: The Steps (3?)

Author: Kayla

Rating: R

Word Count: 1,000

Character/Pairing: Dick/Veronica

Summary: Step One: Stop being an asshat to her. Step Two: Ask Logan how he ever got her to date him. Step Three: Get her to say my name without disgust.

Spoilers: Through 2x18 (I Am God)

A/N: The italics are "I Won't Be Left" by Tegan and Sara.

NOTE: POV was changed to first person.

Tuesday

9:42pm:

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this," Veronica complains from the passenger's seat.

"Dude, come on, we've been at the hospital like all day… sitting in, like, the world's most uncomfortable chairs. And you know I have to make an appearance. It's in the 09ers' code or something."

She should know this shit, she used to be one.

"So even though your brother is in the hospital, you feel like partying? Wow, Dick. I don't even know what to say to that."

"Do you remember, beginning of sophomore year, when Duncan had to go to the hospital? Some weird shit was going on. He was, like, throwing up and saying weird shit. Lilly came to the party that night. And you did too. It's the code, Ronnie," I explained. She seems to have given up whining as she fiddles with the radio. "What are you doing?" I ask, because no one is allowed to touch my stereo.

"Finding a station, and don't say I'm not allowed to touch it, because, just yesterday, I had your car for a whole day," she smirks. "Imagine the things I did, Dick."

Instead, I imagine what I could be doing…with her…right now…in the backseat. I'm not sure she'd like to hear. Scratch that, she'd probably taser my ass if I told her.

"Where is this party anyway?" she demands to know.

Fuck. I knew she'd eventually ask that. What the fuck am I thinking? Taking Veronica Mars to Logan's party. Maybe Veronica's like a drug, you know? Like every time I'm around her, I start doing crazy shit. Like taking her to her ex's party. Logan's so going to kick my ass…if Veronica doesn't do it first.

"Logan's," I mumble, hoping she won't hear.

"Dick!" she cries. And dammit, I kind of wish she was saying it in ecstasy.

"What?" I say, trying to act innocent.

"You know what. Logan's party. It's bad enough you're making me go to some 09er bullshit. But Logan's?"

"Veronica, any 09er party we go to, Logan would most likely be there. This just happens to be at his house." It's a damn good point, and I give myself two more points for saying it.

She laughs, shakes her head, and looks at me. "Fine. I'll just sit in the car."

"Veronica, come one. It'll be like two seconds. Seriously," I say, because, for some reason, I want her to walk in with me.

She looks like she's considering it. She smiles and, fuck, why am I doing this to myself? I cannot get Veronica Mars…ever. She's like that fucking level ten of Halo that can never be gotten. "Two seconds. Dick, that's all," she says, trying to act all stern and shit. Whatever, dude, she is totally smiling.

Tuesday:

10:01pm:

"We're here," I say as I open the door.

"Thank you Captain Obvious."

"Wow, Veronica, that was weak." I grin and playfully slap her shoulder.

She looks at me with shock written on her face. It's creepy the way this almost feels normal. I know she thinks so too. Or I hope she does. Normal. She likes normal, so I'm shooting for that.

I walk into the Neptune Grand with Veronica by my side, and fuck yeah, I'm nervous. As I enter, I pray there aren't any large objects Logan can throw at my head. Dude, just play it cool. Logan will not care.

What-the-fuck-ever. He totally will.

I open the suite door and let Veronica go first. As we walk in, people stop dancing and start staring. Fuck. She looks at me from over her shoulder and gives me a weary smile.

Okay, maybe it'll be all right.

We ignore the people and go the bar. I ask if she wants anything, but she reminds me she's the designated driver.

Some chick song comes on and I ask if she wants to dance. "Umm, no," she answers simply.

"Come on Ronnie," I beg. Begging? For a dance? What the fuck?

"You're seriously trying to make a scene," she says. "Give me a reason and I'll dance."

That's easy. "So you have something to do with your hands other than twirling your thumbs. And hey, I mean that in the least perverted way…for me anyway." She grins and I take it as a good sign. "And we can totally leave after." I win, because that so got her attention. She looks unsure, but walks to the middle of the living room where everyone's dancing.

"One dance and we're out of here, Dick," she warns.

I smile and wrap my arms around her waist. I'm really not sure if it's okay, but she doesn't pull away. Which surprises both of us.

I won't mistake you for problems with me
I won't let my moods ruin this you'll see
I won't take everything good and move it away
I won't be left dancing along to songs from the past

She wraps her arms around my neck. And, holy fuck, is this really happening? 'Dick, wake up,' my head screams, because this has to be a dream. She looks at me and smirks. "What?" she asks. "You're looking at me weird."

"I'm an ass."

"Yeah, so?" She looks confused so you elaborate.

Would you stay home and keep our memories warm with me
Would you give all your love for a run at the past with me