Drunk Logan
Chapter 23
A/N: I don't own The Perisher's or anything else, really.
Well, I do own the idea for the sex trapeze (I'm just kidding! Did you forget what story you were reading? There is no room here for a sex trapeze, geez.
A/N2: For those of you are Americans in the USof A sense, Happy 4th of JULY!!!! Yea!!! For those of you who aren't, I'm sorry, no fireworks for you. Although, I'm sure if you wanted to celebrate our Independence, your neighbors would understand the fireworks display. :-) Love ya!!! I'm off to firework it up myself. Shout out to all of our Men and Women stationed around the world.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"So, tell me, Logan. Am I Neptune's own incestuous little tramp?" She was joking, but the rigidity of her body showed how terrified she truly was.
He hated the way she was feeling about herself. He wanted to jump up and down and put her out of her misery, but he just couldn't. He was shell-shocked and didn't know if he could speak at all. Somehow, he finally found the strength, cleared his throat and opened his mouth to speak.
"With 99.6 percent accuracy, you are most certainly NOT...," the tears she'd been fighting to hold back began to flow freely when she knew his next words were going to be 'Keith Mars' daughter.'
Imagine her surprise when he finished his sentence with, "Neptune's own incestuous anything!" He gave her a shaky smile.
"What? What did you say?" Veronica wasn't sure what she'd heard. All she knew was that it didn't match the words that had been playing on a loop in her mind.
"I said that you are not an incestuous anything and you are most definitely Keith Mars' daughter." At her still shocked face he continued, "Veronica, you're a Mars."
He wasn't quite sure what he was expecting. Her collapsing on the ground, pouring out joyful sobs, had not been it. He rushed over to her and held her as all of the tension she'd been feeling about Duncan just melted away. Sure, there were still things to deal with, but the most important issue was out of the way.
She wasn't sure why she was making such a scene. She was happy. It should be a time of for jumping up and down, yelling at the top of her lungs, dancing through the house, jumping into the pool with all of her clothes on. Instead, she was once again, reduced to a blubbering, teary mess on Logan's shoulder.
When the tears finally began to slow, she pulled back an looked into his eyes. She was getting ready to thank him again for being her support through the storm, the wind beneath her wings, the Teller to her Penn, and some other sappy stuff when he spoke up.
"You know, we've really got to stop meeting like this. And don't think you're getting out of the shopping trip I'm going to have to take to replace all these shirts you're ruining!" They laughed. She sniffled and then took a long, deep breath.
"Logan, you have no idea of how relieved I am. There is a very small part of me, though, that wishes on some level, that Lilly and I had been sisters. But, that is a very small part of me. Every other part of me is screaming for joy.
He chuckled a little, but there was a tenseness to it that Veronica did not miss.
"What's wrong, Logan? You don't seem real happy." Veronica couldn't figure out what could be worrying him. This was only good news.
"N-Nothing." He'd been caught and he mentally kicked himself. He was happy for her, he just knew what this meant for him. "I, I just...You know. It's been a big cloud hanging over the last week and now it just hasn't really hit me yet. I'm very happy for you, Veronica." He was trying to be as chipper as possible.
"Yeah, me too!"
"So, uh, what are you going to do now?" Logan was afraid to ask, but he had to know.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, what are you going to do about Duncan? Are you going to tell him that you're not related?" His voice was a little shaky, but she didn't notice.
"Of course! I can imagine the Hell he's been in thinking that he slept with his own sister. I wouldn't want him to live the rest of his life with that hanging over his head. It just wouldn't be fair. Although, I'm not really looking forward to the conversation about how I know, but it's got to be done."
"Do you want me to go with you? When are you going to talk to him?" Logan wanted to know how much time he had left with Veronica. He figured that if he were there for the conversation it would keep Duncan and Veronica from reuniting immediately. He knew he was being a manipulative ass, but he wasn't ready to lose her yet. It would come soon enough, he just wanted a little longer with her.
"I'll talk to him at lunch tomorrow. I don't want to let this go for a moment longer than necessary. There are two huge problems hanging over my head right now. The sooner I can focus on one, the better. And, although I'd love to have you there for support, I think I need to talk to him on my own. I don't want him to feel like we've been plotting against him. I'll tell him that you know and it was an accident that either of us found out. If we both talk to him, he may feel like we're ganging up on him. I just want it to be as comfortable of a conversation as it can be." She laughed. "Not that it's going to be real comfy, but no need to add fuel to the fire."
"Yeah, you're probably right. We'll just have to work it out so that you aren't out of my sight or by yourself, okay? We still have problem number two hanging over our heads and we need to remember that." He felt sick to his stomach. Tonight was it. Tonight was the last time he would have with the possibility of more than friendship. After the conversation with Duncan, they would still be friends, but Logan's hopes for more would be dashed.
"Well, let's celebrate, Mars. What would you like to do on your first night knowing you haven't committed incest." He smirked and she burst out laughing.
"Wow, words that I never thought I'd hear...ever!" Veronica continued to giggle. "It sounds like some twisted joke."
"So, what will it be? Would you like to go to the movies, out for dinner, uh, bowling?" He was talking fast and was using his voice to mimic that of a game show announcer. "Hmmm. Skating? Sculpting? Beach? Skydiving? Hot air balloon ride?"
"Okay, okay, stop." She chuckled. "I know it's boring, but do you mind if we just stay around here and hang out. We can go out if you want, I'm just a little tired." The truth was she was tired, but she'd do anything he wanted as long as they were spending time together. He was fast becoming a second best friend for her. She was addicted to spending time with him and didn't really care what the circumstances were.
"No, that sounds great to me." He said softly and smiled down at her. He would rather be alone with her. He didn't really want to share her with anyone, let alone the outside world. Plus, his parents weren't home and Keith would be at the office for a couple more hours. They had alone time and he promised himself that he would cherish every minute of it.
A little while later, Keith called and told them that he had a lead on Troy in Mexico and would be heading down there to check it out. He made sure that they were keeping the security system on and that the guards were still there. He told Logan to take care of his little girl and that he hoped to be back very soon. Hopefully, he'd be introducing Troy to his first 'All-County Felons Prom.'
"Yeah, that'd be good." Logan chuckled.
Keith had a packed bag in his car for these types of occasions and would just take off from the office.
When they ended the phone call, Logan and Veronica made plates from the enchiladas Mrs. Navarro had made them, and went up to his room. They turned on some music, and decided to play cards. They were so busy talking and laughing that neither was paying much attention to the game. With the paternity issue solved and the security of the house, they felt more carefree than they had since initially finding Duncan's journal.
"Good thing we're not playing for real money. We're playing so badly that I'm sure we'd both figure out how to lose all of our money, even without a third player. The winner would be the one that sucked the least." Veronica observed and they both laughed again.
When the laughing they had died down, Logan nonchalantly asked her, "You know, we could always play strip poker." She looked up at his innocent eyes.
They laughed again. "Yeah, that's one way we could both lose everything! Nice try, Echolls."
"Well, can't blame me for trying." He snapped his fingers, "Shucks."
All the sudden Veronica stopped and turned her ear to the music and the song that was just beginning. "Oh, I love this song."
It was 'Sway' by The Perishers.
'I talk to you at though a friend,
I hope that's what you've come to be..'
Logan looked at her and decided that he didn't want to miss the opportunity of dancing with her. He stood up and held his hand out to her.
"Well, friend. I suggest that as part of our celebration, we dance to this song of yours." He shrugged. He was being as casual as he could while trying to hide the nervous teenage boy that was rearing to get out.
She took his hand and stood. "I think that is an excellent idea, Logan Echolls."
He placed his arms on her petite waist while she wrapped hers around his neck, and they began to move together. The playful attitude they had shared throughout the evening was gone the minute they touched. Their eyes met and locked.
Logan's stare was so intense and there was so much emotion in his eyes. Veronica felt like she was getting a glimpse into his soul and what she found there overwhelmed her.
There was so much that she wanted to tell Logan, but where could she start. She was grateful to him for everything he'd done for her. He had made her feel protected and safe when she was at her lowest. He'd given her someone, besides her father and herself, that she could completely rely upon. She had Wallace, but he didn't know her deep, dark secrets.
Logan and Veronica had seen the worst in each other and yet here she stood, wrapped in his arms, feeling more confident about him than she'd ever felt about anyone. She trusted him. She knew how horrible he could be, but after everything they'd shared, she trusted him with all that was her.
She never would have chosen to bare her emotional soul to him like she'd been forced to in the last 10 days, but it was worth it. To see the boy she once knew in him, and the man that he was becoming, was well worth it. She actually felt blessed to have gone through this with him.
She didn't feel like he had been there for her during these trials, she felt like he had been going through them right along with her. He may not have the physical bruises to show his active involvement, but she felt like he'd been the other half of her through the entire process. She knew it was ridiculous because he could have never known, never been affected by any of it. He did know, though, and he made himself an active participant in the pain, panic, fear, sorrow and healing.
As they continued to dance, their bodies moved closer and their embrace grew tighter. They hadn't broken their gaze when tears filled Veronica's eyes.
"What is it, Veronica?" Logan didn't know what was going on. She didn't look upset and nothing had happened. 'Why is she crying? What are the wheels in her mind wrapped around?'
"I-I, I" She stuttered out, then her eyes grew wide. She knew exactly what she wanted to say to him. 'Is it possible?'
"You what, Ronnie? Whatever it is, it's okay. You can tell me anything." His voice was so tender and the care that shown brightly in his gaze, made her melt.
"It's just, I think...No, I know...Well, I. There's something I want to tell you and my mouth isn't cooperating." She could feel it, she knew it.
'How hard can it be to tell him that you want to be with him. You need him. You don't want to wait for circumstances to change. It's not a passing fancy. Logan...I love you. I am so utterly, head over heels, you jump, I jump, off my rocker in love with you.'
"Argh, how did this happen?" She was shocked by her own admission that she had fallen in love with him.
"How did what happen?" Veronica was shocked when Logan spoke. She hadn't realized that she had spoken that question out loud.
Meanwhile, Logan had been watching the war behind her eyes. It was obvious that she was struggling with what she wanted to say.
"I, I'm. Logan...I'm...not alone." She let out a big sigh. 'Yeah, big chicken right here, Ladies and Gentlemen.'
"No, Veronica, you're not alone." Logan couldn't be happier. He was flying high. How could he not be? One of their biggest issues was trust. The fact that she trusted him enough to know that he was there for her was huge. "If I have anything to say about it, you never will be again."
The song ended and he gave her a warm squeeze. "Let's get ready for bed and then we'll put in a movie. Your choice, okay?" She nodded and they separated.
'I'll tell him tomorrow. After I deal with Duncan, I'll tell him.' Veronica thought as she walked toward her bedroom.
When they were both ready for bed, they met back in his room and Veronica started the movie. It wasn't even a question when they both climbed under the covers and immediately found each other. She automatically laid her head on his outstretched arm and his response was to wrap her into his embrace. She moaned contentedly and he kissed her head.
She was asleep five minutes later and Logan couldn't believe how beautiful she was. How had he ever thought that anyone compared to Veronica. Lilly may have been more developed, but Veronica's beauty was undeniable. She was beautiful, externally and internally.
"Lilly had nothing on you, Veronica. You are so beautiful." Logan whispered the words he wanted to tell her, but would never have the chance to after her talk with Duncan.
He had promised himself that he would cherish every minute of that night and he did. He watched her sleep, he told her how much she meant to him, what he'd thought of her when they'd first met. He told her how beautiful she was and how lucky he'd been that she had forgiven him. He told her how much he wished that they could stay just as they were forever and how he ached for the time they spent together.
Right before he passed out around three a.m., he told her that he didn't know how he'd ever be able to fill the void she was sure to leave in his heart.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The next morning, Veronica woke with a smile and a unending warmth. She opened her eyes and was looking directly into the sleeping face of the boy who had literally been the boy of her dreams.
"Mmmm. I remember this dream. It was a good one." Veronica sighed happily.
She looked at his mused hair and his toned arms and the slight smile that played on his face. The expression on his face was so soft and carefree. She thought back to that first night when she thought he was drunk. She was reminded of what she felt when she'd watched him then.
"I love you, Logan Echolls," she whispered. 'Yeah, now I'm brave...when he's dead to the world and there's no way for him to freak.'
She looked at the clock and knew she needed to start getting ready for school. She began to pull away from Logan, but his grip only tightened. Then, when she stopped moving, he snuggled further into her. In her new position, he was now nuzzling into her breasts. He moaned, kissed the top of her right breast and then snuggled in again.
Veronica knew she needed to get out of this before she forgot that he was asleep and didn't know what he was doing. 'Here I go again, thinking about all of the ways I could take advantage of a sleeping Logan.'
"Logan?" She said his name softly. When he didn't respond she said it a little louder and then shook him a bit.
"Huh?" He said gruffly while trying to wake up. He slowly opened his eyes and Veronica saw his eyebrows knit together as he tried to focus. When he finally focused and was awake enough to realize that he was staring straight at Veronica's tank top covered breast, he smiled sheepishly and moved his eyes up her body until he saw her blue eyes shining back at him.
"Oops," he said as he chuckled.
"Yeah, oops." Veronica said as she looked away, the blush apparent all over her face and neck. "It's time to get ready for school," she added as she tried to calm herself.
"Okay," he said as they began to untangle themselves. They got out of bed and started walking toward their own bathrooms. On her way out the door, Veronica heard Logan say something about the best sight he'd ever woken up to, but she let it slide and continued walking.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
RBDFAN: And, there's your answer:-) And, yes, Aaron and Troy. Poor V has to deal with two psychos.
lagurlroks: Thank you, thank you, thank you. Yes, I think I'm just slow. I always want to really read what you guys have to say and respond appropriately. Plus, I get excited by you guys' involvement in the story. I love it. And, Happy 4th to you, too! I've cleaned one bathroom, gotten mostly caught up on laundry, mowed the lawn, weed whacked (sp?), dusted the main part of the house and my bedroom, vacuumed on Monday and started to organize food. Still have to vacuum again, finish food prep, clean another bathroom, set up outside furniture, pick up dog poop (husband's job), paint one of the daughters' toe nails, empty dishwasher, finish laundry, cut up watermelon, fill pinata, put business files away, hide sex toys and buy more fireworks. Not that you care, but it's a nice little to-do list that I can refer back to when needed. :-)
Literati and naley: Weevil will make appearances, but they will be limited. I really try to hold firm to my opinion that all characters and their actions within the story should serve only to further the LoVe. Heeheehee! BTW, I don't think I've ever compared creepy Aaron to creepy Beav. I will have to consider this.
Emjay91: Well, I have to tell you...before VM, before JD and KB (mostly JD) and before LoVe, I have NEVER been as committed (some might call it obsessed) with a show like I am this one. I never knew that there were fan sites or fan fiction out there. I have stepped into a whole different reality! Thanks!
copperboom321: Welcome. So glad to hear from you. I'm glad you like it and hope you continue to enjoy it. Thanks!!!
sarca666: Yea!!! I love that you feel that way. I've been writing the story since the beginning of March and I am working on ch. 46 now. Posting these chapters has given me a chance to read things that were written months ago, now. It's been great. I actually stayed up really late Monday night (cough cough 3:30 am Tuesday morning cough cough) because I got caught up in my own story!! I've just forgotten a lot of the details of what I'd written and I'm really enjoying reading them. Oh, just wait...I can't tell you, but a lot is about to happen, very quickly. Knowing how you've responded so far, I think you might like what's to come.
Lorelei Candice Black: Well, here's your answer. TTTT WWWW FFFF OOO SSSSSS TTTT II CCCCC, BBB HH WWW'T TTT TT GGG HHH II TTT SSSS WWW. Whew! I've been waiting to get that one off of my chest. Love ya! Thanks for the review. Ok, so I can forgive you for being a VDer (snickers). As for your paternity questions, I served them up on a silver platter just for you in this chapter. :-)
shetlandlace: WELCOME to VM and fanfic. I am so honored to be your first. There are a lot of great stories out there. I've never been a writer, but was inspired to try because of some of those great stories. Thanks so much for the review.
ShmexyShmexyHinny: heeheehee, you're a greedy one, aren't you? Ah, that's all right. So am I when it comes to fanfic. As you wish...
2honest4myowngood: ah, I've always wanted to be crispy, flavorful and fruitilicious. Oh, wait...we were talking about the story, huh? Yeah, thanks. :-) Anyway, hope your babysitting adventures went ok. Thanks!! Oh, so yeah, the discussion with Duncan is coming. Thanks!!
SaraLyleth: Well, good thing. If you'd cracked on the first go, I would have been sorely disappointed in myself! I am so glad to have had the pleasure of creeping you out. It is a joy of mine. And, yes, Aaron is disgusting. The ego he must have to do something like that. I mean, really, who does that? Oh, btw, JD rescues me on a regular basis...in my dreams!!
09nerLoVer: Yes, my man Logan...Ready, Set, Save. Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
xosummerxo: Whew! The girl knows how to give a review! I love hearing what you like and what you're thinking about different aspects of the story. By now you know that Aaron was not waiting for her. I look at him as more of trying to seduce her, not like he would rape her...unless...well, we'll just have to wait and see. Thanks again. So, you are a sick little puppy, aren't you? You just want all the sick twists...I think I like ya!!!
LoveElle: Oh, I know!!! Why did Logan have to be a gentleman? I, too, would like them to just hurry up and get on with it. Unfortunately, Logan and Veronica do what they want. They never listen to me. I'm at a loss as to what to do with them, really. :-)
VMLoVeR87: yes, hero Logan is better than sliced bread! And, yes, Aaron is a total creep-oid. Of course, I am willing to admit that S1 reveal of Aaron as Lilly's murderer COMPLETELY shocked me! My sister had it nailed a couple of months earlier. Me, not so much!! Loved it though. Thanks! Hey, don't know what time zone you are in...it's still morning on the West Coast. Hopefully I got it to you in time! Sorry you got stuck working today!
Miss-Mars: Dun dun dun...dun dun...dun dun dun...dun...dun dun...dun dun dun dun...dun dun. Ok, if you didn't recognize the completely obvious harmony, that would be from the Jeopardy song. Don't you worry, though. I have it on good authority that things are going to pick up pretty quickly and "something" will happen. I don't make any promises as to what "something" or "somethings" as the case may be...is. winks
IluvVM: hey, I will have you know that MY author likes having her very own stalker. It makes her feel special! Anyway, hope you're enjoying still. Sorry I'm a ch late on review responses. I know that we share a special bond, you know with all of the love being spread around. lol Hey, so happy to have confused you. Anyway, this chapter gave you all of your answers. Ask and Ye Shall Receive.
jennaml2709: hey, I've got 3 kids and had 2 miscarriages. You don't get that kind of record from being a tease...I put out! Heeheehee!
AJzkitten69: all of the emotions I want you to feel, creepy, cold chill, yuckiness and pure, hard, lust. A good combination, don't you think?
EpicLoVeFan: Thank you, thank you and thank you!!! A bit more Logan/Wallace to come. Hope you enjoy!
VmarSAaddict: Well, thank you. This is actually my first fic for anything. I don't really consider myself much of a writer. I only started this story because I felt like all of the great writers out there weren't producing anymore...at least, not at the speed at which I wanted to consume the stories. I figured, it they weren't going to feed my obsession, I'd have to self-medicate. Once this story is finished, though, I plan to start working on another. I already have a lot of ideas floating around in my head and I think the premise of the story is a little different than what we've seen a lot of. It'll take a little while. I'd like to have a good 20 chapters of the new one written before I start posting. I figure, give myself about 6 weeks once I'm done with DL. By then, I should have enough of the new one to start posting...HOPEFULLY! Anyway, thanks!