Drunk Logan
Chapter 22

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The drive to school on Monday was pretty quiet. They were both tense, not knowing what to expect. Veronica's nerves worsened as they got closer to the school and she was trying to think of anything that would take her mind off of it and maybe buy them some time.

"So, I was reading more information on the application that we sent to the DNA testing center. Apparently, we can get the results online three to five business days after they get the samples. If they received the package on Tuesday, which they should have, then the results should be posted as early as tomorrow or Wednesday."

She looked over and saw Logan beaming back at her. She chuckled and asked him, "What is that," she pointed to his huge, goofy smile, "about?"

"Nothing, I'm just glad something good came out of this Troy stuff. He served as an excellent distraction." She laughed. "Just think, if that hadn't happened, you would have spent all week worrying about the test results and driving yourself crazy about the implications of the those results and how you would react, etc, etc, etc."

"That's true. I just never took you for a silver lining type of guy, Logan." She was still laughing and shaking her head at his thought process.

What Logan didn't tell her was that he had an entirely different reason for the big smile. She had said "WE can get the results online..." She didn't say, "I". Step by step, she was becoming more invested in them and whatever their relationship would be. It showed a greater trust than he'd known from her in a long time. He couldn't be happier, but he didn't want to alert her to the fact that she was falling into his web. He wanted her to be completely vested in them before he let on to what was happening.

"You ready?" He asked her as they pulled into a parking spot.

"No, but it'll have to do. No turning back now." She gave him a weak smile and he squeezed her hand.

They got out and began walking toward the school. They stood close, but not too close, and they didn't touch at all. All eyes were on them, but no one said a word. When they walked through the doors of the school, they received the same reaction.

"What's going on?" Veronica whispered to Logan when they arrived at her locker. Before he could answer, Dick came strolling up to them and she squared her shoulders, ready for anything he had to say.

"Dude, Logan, what's going on man?" He said loudly, then added a little more quietly, "Veronica." He nodded his head toward her in greeting and she stood shell-shocked, her mouth gaping like a guppy.
"You missed some great waves this weekend." He was conversing easily, like they weren't in some alternate reality.

"Yeah, I figured they were probably pretty good. The weather was great." Logan wasn't regretting the waves he had missed, just making conversation.

"Hey, anyway, I gotta head out. Madison's waiting for me. See you guys at lunch." He yelled as he jogged off, presumably toward Madison.

"Okay, Logan, what was that?" Veronica turned on him.

"Well, I made a couple of calls on Saturday, after our little talk. I didn't tell you about it because I wasn't sure if it had worked. So far, if Dick is any measure, it worked pretty well." He shrugged.

"What did you tell them?" She wasn't upset that he had kept it from her, she understood his reasoning. She probably would have done the same thing, if she'd been in his position.

"I just told them that I had screwed up when I turned on you and that I've snapped out of it. I kind of told them that if they wanted to stay friends with me, they would lay off of you." He had more than kind of told them. He'd actually threatened them in every conceivable way, but she didn't need to know that.

"Wow." She stood, staring into space.

"Wow? That's it?" He was obviously joking with her, but feigned appalled.

"Wow...Yeah, that's all I got. I'm totally speechless. Thank you, Logan." She smiled up at him when she heard the one and only.

"Yo, Supafly! What's going on, girl? Where you been?" He hugged her.

"Ah, my BFF. Oh, Wallace, I meant to call you several times. Some stuff came up, though. I will fill you in on all of it, but first, I need to tell you something."

"Okay, Shoot." He spared a glance over at Logan, who seemed to be standing closer to Veronica than he'd ever seen. It was almost as if he was actually standing with Veronica, but that was impossible.

"Well, remember Logan, here?" She tilted her head toward the taller boy.

"Uh, crowbar-wielding, Obligatory Psychotic Jackass, Logan Echolls? Uh, yeah, he seems familiar. What's going on?" He was utterly confused about what Logan Echolls had to do with anything that involved his best friend.

"Yeah, that's the one. Well, it seems that he and I have buried the hatchet, in a manner of speaking...and not in each other's backs." She gave him a half smile and shrugged. "Seems we are friends again." She had no idea how to say it so that Wallace would understand. She barely understood.
Before Wallace could protest and list all of Logan's sins against Veronica, he spoke up.

"Look, Wallace, I've been an ass. I admit it and I'm sorry. Veronica and I have spent a lot of time lately mending our friendship and I'm doing everything I can to make up the last year to her. You were here for her when no one else was and I thank you for that. You had her back when I should have. I understand your apprehension, all I'm asking for is a chance." Logan waited for the punch to the face he was sure was going to come. He watched Wallace look at Veronica's hopeful expression, then he watched as the boy's anger began to melt away.

Wallace shook his head and blew out a deep breath. "Okay, man, you've got one chance. Don't screw it up or I swear you'll regret it with every fiber of your being. This better not be some sick, twisted joke."

"It's not, I swear. Thanks, Man." Logan held out his fist. After a short moment, Wallace hit it with his own fist.

The bell rang and they all had to get to class. "So, I'll see you at lunch?" Veronica asked Wallace.

"Absolutely, same time, same place, right?" He questioned as he glanced toward Logan. At her nod, he added, "Good, then you can tell me what's really been going on."

"Sounds good." She watched him walk off, then turned to Logan. "So, I'll see you later?" She didn't want to put any specifications on when they needed to meet up. He had his friends, she had hers (at least her one).

"Not so fast, Missy. I'm walking you to class." He raised his eyebrow at her.

"You don't have to do that."

"Yes, I do. Have you forgotten? There is still a psycho ex-boyfriend stalker of yours on the loose. No need to take my eyes off of you again. Do you need to go to the bathroom before class? I don't want you having to go during class. And, I don't want you walking to your next class until I come to get you. Do you understand? If you are missing when I come to find you, I'll know immediately that something is wrong."

She was shocked at how much planning he'd done and how serious he was. Normally she would have argued, he was being a bit of a Neanderthal, but all she could do was nod in agreement.

"Alrighty, then, Miss Mars. Let's go."

The morning went as planned. Then, when Logan was walking Veronica to lunch she said, "Look, I don't even know how to ask you this because I don't want to assume anything and I don't want to hurt you." He looked at her with a frown on his face.

"Well, you've got my undivided attention. Proceed."
"I just, well, I don't know where you were going to sit at lunch today, but I was hoping to get a few minutes alone with Wallace. I don't want to assume that you were going to sit with us, which I'd love. I just haven't spent any time with Wallace in over a week after having practically dropped off of the face of the earth. I feel like we need a little time to reconnect. It really has nothing to do with you, you know how much I love spending time with you. And, maybe you weren't even planning on sitting with me and I've just gone and assumed all of this..." She was rambling quickly and Logan wasn't sure if she would ever give him a chance to talk, so he interrupted her.

"Look, Veronica." She stopped talking when he spoke and pulled her to a stop in the hall. "I was going to sit with you because I love spending time with you, too. I do understand your reasoning and I'm not hurt...as long as this isn't an every day thing. If things go as I plan, then Wallace, you and I should all be getting very chummy soon enough." He smirked at her.

"Don't worry about it. It will give me a chance to catch up with my friends, too. Although, after all of the questions I'm going to be answering, I may never forgive you." They laughed.

"Okay, same rules apply. You do not leave my sight...AND, if I see you being led away from the quad by anyone at all, be prepared. I will hunt you down like a dog until I find you!" He was being playful, but they both knew how much truth was in his statement.

"Thank you. I know you will." She smiled softly at him and they continued on to their lunch tables.

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Veronica spent the entire lunch hour filling Wallace in on the events that had happened since the previous Tuesday. Logan watched from across the quad as she moved her sleeves up and twisted her shirt to show Wallace the remains of her bruises. He could see a seething look of disgust take over Wallace's face. It was a feeling Logan knew all too well, courtesy of the same little blonde.

He watched as she continued to talk and saw the surprise written across the boy's face as he returned Logan's gaze. Logan wished he could be there, listening to her description of events and getting the chance to defend or apologize for whatever part he'd played in those events.

When the bell rang, Logan sprang to his feet and was at their table before they even stood. He looked at Wallace with apprehension as the boy rose to his feet and stood in front of Logan.

"You know, I gotta tell you. I'm sorry about this morning, Logan. Had I known everything that V just told me, I wouldn't have given you a hard time. Thank you for taking care of her. I am totally in your court after everything I just heard." He patted Logan on the shoulder.

"Well, you know how it is. Ronnie is a difficult person to not take care of." Veronica and Wallace shot him shocked looks. "Uh, you know...when you're not being a jackass." They all laughed.

"I told Wallace about everything that happened on Tuesday with Troy and everything since then. I told him that you were also there for me on Monday when I got some life-altering news, but that I am still processing it and I'm not ready to discuss it. He will be the first, well second, well next to know." They busted out laughing.

"Whoa, V! Don't get too mushy there. I'd hate to have to step back from our relationship due intimacy issues. I don't know if I have them, but you've had enough for the both of us and I don't know what I'd do if you went too soft."

"Har-dee-har-har! Yeah, laugh it up guys." Veronica rolled her eyes and started walking to class.

They split up, Wallace heading to his class and Logan and Veronica heading to Journalism.

"Hey, I heard a rumor about this, but what's going on with you two?" They turned to see Duncan standing behind them. His words were light, but the look on his face showed a much deeper interest in their answer.

It was the first time Veronica had seen Duncan since finding his journal. Logan noticed all of the color drain from her face and the way she swayed a little like she might faint.

"Let's sit down, then we'll talk, okay?" Logan was still wanting to avoid Duncan as much as possible, knowing that they weren't ready to speak to him. They needed to know what the test results were before they could have any sort of a real conversation with him.

"Ronnie and I have decided to be friends again." Logan said after they were seated at the table in the center of the Journalism room.

"Really? Huh. That's, uh, good." Duncan had no idea what to make of all this, especially after they had both missed so much of the last week of school.

"Yeah, we ended up working on Lilly's video together and were able to mend some fences." Logan said as he squeezed Veronica's leg under the table, letting her know that everything would be okay. She gave him an imperceptible smile.

"Well, that's...great. Congratulations." They were all relieved when the teacher started talking and handing out assignments for the week.

The rest of the school day went as the morning had. Logan would drop off and pick up Veronica at each class.

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When they walked into Logan's house, they were met by his parent's. They all said hello and Lynn and Aaron inquired as to the first day back at school. Also, they checked on how Veronica was feeling and let her know that her dad was working the case, but she could reach him via cell phone, if needed.

"The water's great, you kids going to do some swimming?" Aaron was asking them both, but looked only at Veronica.
"No, we've got to get to our homework. We've still got catching up to do." Logan answered before Veronica could even process the question. "We'll see you at dinner," he called as he dragged Veronica to his bedroom.

"They will be leaving again tomorrow. It's publicity in Europe, so they should be gone for a little while. Hopefully long enough for your dad to catch Troy, and you guys to move back home." Logan told her after he'd closed his bedroom door.

"Are you trying to get rid of me, Echolls? Am I that bad of a roommate?" She knew exactly what he meant, but was toying with him.

"Ha ha, funny girl. Now, get to work." He said as he took her bag from her and set it on his bed. He walked over to the desk and opened one of his books. He would keep her close to him at all times, if he could. The sooner, though, that she was out of his house, the sooner she was safe from Troy and away from his father's lecherous looks.

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Tuesday morning worked exactly like Monday had, except for all the tension and uncertainty they'd had about going to school. They knew what to expect on Tuesday and it wasn't so bad. The day had also gone much like Monday, with the exception of Logan sitting with Veronica and Wallace for lunch.

When they got to Logan's house, they said their goodbye's to Aaron and Lynn, then went to Logan's room.

They'd been having a great day. They'd been talking and laughing, and although Logan was still on the lookout for Troy, they seemed to have a pretty good day. That changed the moment they logged onto the DNA testing center's website and Veronica entered in her personal information. They were completely silent while waiting to see if the test results were posted.

The screen refreshed and there they were. One click of the mouse and she would know. She moved the arrow over the link for the results and then stopped. She took her shaky hand away from the computer and stood up. She paced around the room for a minute and blew out a big breath. She looked at Logan, who was looking at her like she was a wild animal that he had to treat with care.

They stared at each other, each waiting for the other to do or say something until Logan finally broke the tension.

"Are you okay? Do you still want to do this?" He said, almost hoping that she would say no. He had thought about these results since she'd mentioned them the morning before. He wasn't sure what he was hoping.

If she ended up being a Kane, that would mean that she did have sex with her brother, unknowingly of course. But, it would still be horrible for her. She may not remember the night she lost her virginity, but she remembered all of the months prior. The months that she'd loved, kissed and held Duncan.
On the other hand, if she weren't a Kane, that would mean a whole other kind of heartbreak. Logan's heartbreak. He now knew that the only reason his best friend had broken up with her was because he was told she was his sister.

Logan knew that Duncan had been head over heels in love with Veronica pretty much since they'd met. He'd also seen the way Duncan looked longingly at her, but he'd chosen to ignore it. If it came back that Duncan and Veronica were not related, Logan was sure Duncan would want Veronica back.

The thought made him sick every time he imagined it. He remembered how great they were together and how cute they were. They weren't like Lilly and Logan, public displays of humiliation served up for lunch in the middle of the quad.

Duncan and Veronica had been sweet and caring toward each other. They had respected each other in front of others. Logan knew that he couldn't compete with Duncan and that, if he and Veronica weren't related, it would only be a matter of time before they were back together.

It was difficult, but Logan knew that he would rather they weren't related. Although Logan would be miserable, Veronica would be so much happier. That's what mattered. Logan had spent a year making her miserable, he would spend the rest of their time together trying his hardest to make her happy. Even if that meant seeing her back with Duncan.

Logan had made a promise to himself and Veronica. He would not be deserting her again, no matter what. He was in for the duration, even if it killed him.

She was wringing her hands together and looking at him with wide eyes.

"I can't look, Logan, will you?"

"You sure?"

"Yes, I can't sit still long enough to wait for them to come up. Even if I could, my mind is bouncing all over and I wouldn't be able to decipher what they were saying anyway.

"Okay, here we go then," Logan said as he clicked on the link.

The screen refreshed again and Veronica watched as Logan read the results. She had to hold back the tears when she saw his eyes stop and the blood drain from his face. He sat staring at the screen for another moment, then turned his dark eyes on her.

"Well, who's my daddy?" The joke fell flat as she wiped away a couple of tears. She knew by the look on Logan's face that it wasn't good news.

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Reviewers: OK, so I totally ran out of time today. I'm posting this without my normal responses to your reviews. I'll catch up next time, but it usually takes me a solid hour to respond. So, in order to get the ch out, I figured I would forego the responses right now. Sorry and thanks for all of your reviews. Welcome to the couple of newbies. :-)