Story Title: They're Baaack.

Chapter Title: There's A Fire In Your Eyes(Part 1)

Word Count: 3344

Disclaimer: I have no ownership ove V Mars. If I did I would have a huge college fund, my actor buddy would definitely be in a few eppies and I'd get her a movie deal, and for everyone who knew a Doha Madani in OM back in Palm Bay, PARTY ON A YACHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chapter 5- There's a Fire In Your Eyes

Previously...

Okay, time for a recap. My dad's running for Sheriff, he'll probably win. Leo is suspended. Most of the rich people that used to like Lamb don't. I'm dating Logan Echolls again. The bus crash is back at square one, and I have no clue how to start to find out who raped me.

This is going to be fun! Oh wait, I still have to tell my dad and Wallace I'm dating Logan, and endure those promised interrogations.

"Hey dad..." I begin.

"Yeah, sweetie?" my dad answers, his gaze moving from the screen in front of him.

"I need to tell you something. See, I'm kind of...The thing is...Logan and I are dating again," I finally tell him.

Remember what I said about being slick like Bond? When it comes to my dad, throw it out the window.

"Excuse me? Logan Echolls? The boy who broke our lamp? The same Logan that I pinned to the wall this summer? The same boy that smashed your headlights with a crowbar?"

In his defense, that last part was when he blamed me for my best friend/his (ex)girlfriend's murder. And I did stick a bong in his locker. Corny's still laughing about that one.

"The one and only."

"Can I do anything to stop you?"

"You do realize I'm your daughter right?"

"Not a chance in hell, huh?"

"Nail on the head."

"I still don't like him. And he better be good to you."

"Bygones. Ever heard of them? From what I've heard they like to be themselves."

He sighed. I rolled my eyes. A normal father-daughter conversation about said daughter's boyfriend.

"All witty remarks aside," dad began, "can you trust him?"

He had to ask the ever-loaded question didn't he? Do I trust Logan? Yes. In my own pathologically suspcious way, I do. Maybe not as much as Mike, or Wallace, or JB, but I do trust him. But what my dad was really asking was, "Can you trust him to save your ass when you screw up?"

"Yeah, oddly, I do," I answer.

Well he did knock out a Federal Agent. And, you know, fling his body over me to save me from a possible gun shot, or piece of glass in my eye. That's gotta count for something right?

"Okay. That's all I need to know," he said, rising.

He kissed my forehead and went inside his room. After a few minutes of channel surfing, I decided that nothing was on and I head into my room, right before my phone rings. Wallace.

I must be some sort of bird and stones magnet. Think he'll forgive me?

Judges conclude: Of course he will. He's Wallace Fennel.

"Hey Wallace, what is up, my balla?" I answer.

"Girl, are you like God or something? Do you know all?" Wallace's amusement rang in my ears.

"Nah, God wouldn't approve of my methods. Or so Sean has implied."

"Butler's son?"

"Yup, that's the dude. So I guess this means you've seen the press conference?"

"Yes, I have superfly. Now please tell me someone is running against Lamb. The man who refrences The Wizard of Oz movie at any given time."

"Hey, maybe that can be your Balla name. The Wizard. I mean, Magic is so done. And my dad's running."

"How on Earth did you convince him to do that?"

"I didn't. Woody Goodman did. I just told him it was a great way to embarass Lamb. Silence him and all. Hey, do you realize how lame a town has to be when the Mayor is Mayor Good-Man?"

"He's running? Good. Maybe he can let someone else run the Sharks and get some good pitching in."

"You are never to speak with my father again. Your a Jumpshot man, not a Shortstop."

"That's Batter to you, Missy. I get homeruns all day long. What's new in hell?"

"Oh, not much. Meg and Duncan are back together. I think I set my best friend up with Mac by accident. And, oh, Logan and I are back together too."

I can be slick. Just not around Dad. Wonder if Fraude could handle those issues. Well, it'd be nothing compared to everything else.

Silence. I hate silence.

"I don't like him," Wallace finally said.

"Do you and my father meet behind my back or something?" I snap.

"He made your life hell for a year and a half. He smashed your headlights."

Am I never going to live that one down?

"Water. Bridges. Kenny Rogers seems to like them."

"V, are you sure about this?"

"Yes I am Wizard. I have to go. Solving crimes and revealing adultery doesn't leave much time for homework."

"You send them sexy widows my way."

"Will do. Catchya later."

I hang up. After a bit of Algebra II Honors work, an essay, and little Econ work, I snuggle into my nice warm bed.

The Next Morning.

I woke up at around 5 am. It seems that I can't sleep for long amounts of time unless a monotone is involved. I grab some clean clothes from my closet and head to the shower. After blow drying, getting dressed for school, and eating, it's still only 6:40.

An hour before I have to leave. What's an easy way to kill time in Neptune? Most kids my age get drunk or do something tawdry and meaningless. Me? I walk my lovable, yet deadly, pitbull on the beach. My life is truly a non-stop Nelly video.

After my quick walk, I head back home and drop off said pitbull, only to see a big canary parked next to my father's Sedan. I laugh as I pull up to Logan's Xterra. He gets out and kisses me as Backup growls at him.

"Hey, I adore this lovely lady as much as you do," Logan protests. "How about we share her? That way, she'll never have a moment alone to get herself killed."

Backup seems to have liked this answer, because he walks over to the door and looks at me to let him inside.

"Don't I get say in this?" I rebel as I unlock the door.

Logan looks at Backup and then back up at me(Get it? Backup and - Forget it). "Nope. Too bad, so sad."

I hit him on the shoulder as he leans back in for a kiss and lock the door behind my traitor dog. I walk over to the Le Baron, take out my bag, and lock it. Logan runs around and opens my door for me, bowing elegantly.

"Okay, where's the real Logan? Duck taped in a closet I presume?" I mock his chivalry.

"Naw, that's so over done," he teases me back as he heads to his side. Once he buckles his seat belt, he elaborates. "Stuffed him in a huge doggy carrier and sent him on a one-way trip to Verona. Maybe the Monagues and Capulets can do something to him."

"Creative. I like that in a man. But I would have chosen Denmark. So many crazy princes."

"Yes, but with all the sappy romance, it will drive Logan crazy."

"Well I don't know. He did call us epic."

We were silently smirking at each other.

How did Logan know Shakespeare was my favorite? I may have mentioned it once back in the eighth grade when I made it my mission to read everything he's every written in a year. Is it just me or is he really trying to prove himself?

"I can't sit with you at lunch today," he tells me.

Okay, scratch that. He was just buttering me up.

"I've got my first FBLA meeting today, and we hold it at lunch. Sorry, sugarpuss."

He focuses carefully on slipping into the parking spot, and I know he's waiting for a reaction.

"That's fine. I have a meeting to go to today at lunch to. At least that's what my guidance counsler said this morning when she called my cell phone," I reply, smirking on the inside.

LUNCH TIME

Since most of my extra-curricular activities cannot be divulged under state law, my guidance counselor strongly suggested I indulge in a little resume packing. So as of now, Veronica Mars is a Future Business Leader of America. JB and Mike told me they were joining, so I told her I'd consider it.

I walked into the room to see Mr. Pope trying to commence the meeting. I slide in between JB and Logan, both of whom look pretty shocked.

"Uh, sure you're not looking for the Future Bootlickers of America?" Dick comments.

Since Mike is apparently sick today, Dick probably thought it was safe to say, because Logan would just glare at him. Guess he forgot about JB's wrath. That was until JB sent a few Hornets his way.

Ah, Hornets. Papers folded with staples in them. They hurt like hell if they have the right angle and hit you the right way. And JB is all about Phsyics.

Dick yelps a little and I laugh. He sends a death glare my way, and his father and Mr. Pope are too busy discussing something to notice.

"So who are we exploiting now?" I ask JB and Logan.

"The workers," they say in unison. Logan leans in to kiss me on my head and JB looks away.

"No PDA in front of me. I may just be inclined to give Emmett permission to dismember a very valuable body part of yours Logan," JB whispers before Mr. Pope tells us to be quiet.

As Dick Sr. makes his presentation, JB sends a note my way.

Are the Grayson triplets, like twelve? Passing notes is soooo 7th grade.

Despite myself, I open it and multi-task listening and holding a written conversation.

Hey, give me stick of gum to chew and I'll do all three. I am the marvelous V Mars.

Hey, do you think your friend Mac may be interested?

This is weird. JB may be a computer dork, but he's never had trouble getting dates. I mean, blond hair, blue eyes, brains, and a subtle beauty, come on. Right? In fact, back when I was in the "IN" crowd, people use to ask me if he was interested. We weren't as close as the Fab Four, but I hung out with the Grayson brothers more than any other 09er. Besides Logan of course.

I wouldn't know. She did mention that your equipment was really cool, but I think she meant the computers. Mac isn't one for dirty jokes.

Ha. Ha. You're a White Riot. But really, I mean, usually the girls I date only care about my families Net Worth and my amazing good looks. Not that I'm complaining, but still.

Oh my god! That is like, so cute!

How do you manage to do the Valley Girl thing in writing? I mean, should I drive you to a support group?

It's a gift. But if you are really asking about you're chances, I think your good. Mac seemed interested.

Good. Don't tell Mike or Emmett, or anybody about this. Last thing I need is someone riding me about this.

LipsZipped. Hey, are you as shocked as I am that Logan's actually paying attention? Oh, is Mike really sick, or just waiting out his snorefest classes?

I barely noticed Logan. Whoa. Okay, I've got the Finsterwallies. And, as for the latter. You know Mike.

We really should have stopped reading Maniac Magee at the 12th time, dare or no dare.

What, like you could ever let a dare go? Lilly once told me about the reason you never eat gummi bears.

Three and a half bags was nothing! It was the soda to wash it away with that did the trick.

Riiiiiight.

I crumble the paper and focus more on Mr. Casablancas' slides. We leave and Logan and I make out before next period behind some lockers. He looks at his watch.

"I have to get something out of my car. See you in Journalism?" he asks, breaking away.

I nod and out of nowhere Cassidy Casablancas shows up. He asks for help in proving that his step-mother is cheating on his dad. I tell him my fee, and he gives me her schedule.

As I step into Journalism, seconds before the bell rang, I see Mike talking to Logan and JB. I smile.

Mike always knows when I could use him the most. After the two conversations I had last night, and how I still haven't gotten very far in my investigations, it's good to have someone that I don't have to talk to, to feel at ease.

I take our "idependant study" time to look over Kendall's schedule.

Ten o'clock, brunch with the girls. Twelve o'clock, pilates class with Lorenzo and three o'clock, spa reservation for shiatsu massage, organic enzyme facial and, I'm willing to wager, a sunshine colonic. Ah, maybe I should consider a career as a Neptune trophy wife.

Just then, Sacks walks into the room and heads straight towards me, Mr. Clemmons leaning in the doorway.

"Sheriff wants to ask you some questions," he tells me, in a not so low voice.

"My answer was final. I will not go to prom with him," I snap, glancing back down at the paper.

"Now," Sacks demands.

Nice going Sacks. You've just angered three teenage boys, and a fourth in less than two minutes since JB is texting behind Mike.

"What are you taking her in for?" Mike asks, in his piss-me-off-you-die voice. He steps up next to me, Logan on my other side already.

"Just some questions," Sacks tells them, backing down slightly.

Never mess with a Grayson. Oh my, Deputy, don't soil yourself.

"Deputy Sacks, take me away!" I mock, holding out my wrists.

He comes over to take me by the shoulder, Logan send him eye daggers the entire time. He starts to pull me by my shoulder, so I ever so subtly put out my foot. He face plants. We laugh.

Holding my hands up, I say rather loudly, "Sorry, but you shouldn't stand so close." I walk straight past Clemmons and Sacks into the hall, and I hear my three boys telling Clemmons their skipping the rest of their classes.

I walk to the front of the school and walk over to Logan's car, until someone grabs my shoulders.

"In the cop car Veronica," the officer of the law demands. I roll my eyes.

"Um, yeah, it's Miss Mars to you. And, since I didn't committ a crime, and since you aren't arresting me, I can meet you at the station," I remind him. "My dad was the sheriff for two years Sacks. I know the drill."

"Lamb specifically asked that I escort you."

"That's too damn bad because she's going with us," I hear Logan growl from behind me.

Mike and JB grab me and take me to their car, Logan suggesting that they should use his instead.

"Lamb knows us, and our parents, and we've never been brought down to the station for comitting a crime. It's better if she comes with us," JB explained to him. "You call her dad and I'll call our parents."

Mike was already placing me in the back seat, so I couldn't protest. My dad wouldn't be home, or answer his cellphone anyway. Dead beat Dad in Arizona.

You know, most girls would be glad to see three guys fawning over her and making sure she was okay. Me? I find it extremely annoying, and a great way to piss someone off.

"You don't need to do this. Big girl here. Besides, how will Emmett get home?" I ask, knowing JB always drives.

"I slipped the spare car key in his locker," Mike answered.

That's right. Mike had a spare key to JB's car, and vice versa. Since JB was the calm one, he'd head out first, leaving Mike to do the slight detour.

I stayed silent. JB told his parents to meet us. I hated how they seemed to think they were my big brothers most of the time. It really pissed me off.

Have I ever mentioned, that no matter how much I love the guys, they always know how to make me mad without trying? It's a thing with us. Finally!

I get out of the car, slamming the door behind me, and head into the Sheriff's department. I can hear Lamb, riping Sacks a new one.

I walk into the interrogation room. Lamb and I snark for a bit, before he asks me if I've seen a Mr. David "Curly" Moran before. I look at the picture and gasp. I have seen this guy. For like a second.

On my way to the gas station, I had to stop by the Bus Crash Shrine. I had known those people. I'd been in the same class as them for years. I had to let them know I'd give their deaths justice. He'd been there. He was trying to light and candle, but the wind kept blowing out his lighter. I helped.

After a few minutes, Lamb accused me of wearing a tacky earring, and told me this guy had my name Magic Markered on his hand. That was when the Grayson's lawyer came in and told Lamb off. I walk out and see Mr. and Mrs. Grayson, talking to all three of their sons, and Logan, standing in the background.

Remind me to thank JB for bringing n the silent killer. He wants to hurt Lamb. It's in his eyes.

They all walk up and ask me a million different questions at once.

"Whoa, whoa whoa, I need air please!" I snap, feeling slightly light headed. "Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Grayson for the lawyer, I'm not sure if he'll be needed. Guys, thank you for taking me down here, and all, and skipping your classes, but I really just want to go home and get some sleep so I can sort this out tomorrow."

Who knew a girl could be so dimplomatic? I even managed to pull the, I'm too tired to explain act and got away with it. Not a task that would have been acomplished had my father been here.

The Graysons hug me, and Logan insists on driving me home, despite Emmett's protests. He gives in and Logan steers me to his car.

I've never been so happy to see that monstrosity before in my life. Mike and JB would have interrogated me, and their parents would have gone over legal tactics. I'm glad that Logan and I just got back together. I'm banking on the fact that he won't push me.

"You want to talk about it?" Logan breaks the silence.

"Not really," I say.

"Are you in deep trouble, or is Lamb just being an idiot as usual?"

"Not sure. Have to do some digging. Most likely the latter."

"Digging? Veronica this could be dangerous. Are you sure you should be doing this?"

Would it matter? I'd do it anyway Logan. You know that.

"Yes. I am. It's what I do. Who I am. Nothing could stop me from finding out now."

Bow down to my beta, LoVer159, you guys. As for the Party On The Yacht thing, you would have had to have known me back in 4th grade, Oddessy Of The Mind Competition, Palm Bay Elementary. If you DO know me from back then, PM me dude! I miss you guys!

I love the Grayson brother's reaction to this. I love it. They are soooo rockin! The conclusion to Cheatty Cheatty Bang Bang is in the next chappie, which I have just finished.

Magic Pie Says hit the Go button, and while you're writing your review, what the heck, add me to your Favorites list!