Drunk Logan
Chapter 33

A/N: Like I said before, we are in a bit of a rest in the story. But, come on. They need a break after what they've been through. LoVe you all. Thanks!!! Tell me what you think.

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Sunday morning, they decided that Logan would drive his SUV to Mars Investigations, then get into the car with Veronica and her dad. That way, when they were finished looking at apartments, Keith could do some work at the office and Logan and Veronica could go to Duncan's.

"So, what are you kids going to do at Duncan's?" It had been a while since Veronica had hung out at the Kane mansion and Keith wondered if her rekindled friendship with Logan had something to do with it. He was a little surprised that Veronica was willing to go there after everything that had happened between her and Duncan and the Kane's and Mars'.

"Well, actually, we've got to tell Duncan that we're dating before we show up at school tomorrow and 'announce' ourselves." Veronica wasn't sure how her dad would take the news. This was the first time she'd actually come out and told him that they were dating.

"I am shocked!" Keith exclaimed loudly. The car grew quiet and Veronica couldn't exactly read the look on her dads face. It definitely wasn't one of shock.

"Was that sarcasm?" It was Logan who called him on it.

"Absolutely not. I am truly shocked that you two finally stopped dancing around the subject and got together." He chuckled.

"Laugh it up, funny man." Veronica scolded her father as Logan began to laugh loudly in the backseat.

"Yeah, and you're not much better," she shot at Logan. Then she rolled her eyes and let the laughter bubble out of her.

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The three of them arrived at the first apartment building and Veronica was confused. They'd pulled up in front of an apartment building that was nice. That's the only word that came to Veronica's mind. It wasn't something that an 09er would live it, it wasn't upper-level living, but it was nice. Not run down. One thing she was sure of, it was out of their league.

"Dad, why are we here?"

"What do you mean, why are we here? Remember, we're apartment hunting, honey? Did Troy hit you over the head, too?" Veronica was unamused.

"Dad, yes I remember that we are apartment hunting, but why are we HERE? At this apartment building?" She was really narrowed in on him. 'Why is he being so obstinate?"

"Well, Veronica, we're here to look at an apartment. Hence the apartment hunting." He said it as if it was the most obvious answer in the world.

"O-kay," she said real slowly. "Dad, we can't afford this place. I mean, look, it's got secured entry,"she said as she pointed out the intercom system and key pad located next to the door. "It even looks like the kind of place with a security guard. What's going on?" Keith could tell that she wasn't in the mood for any more of his vague answers. She was getting pretty worked up.

"Look, honey. I just figured that we needed something with security. You are alone when I'm off chasing bail jumpers. Even though it's not that often, it still leaves you too vulnerable for my taste."

"But, dad, how can we afford that? We can barely pay our bills as it is now." She was bewildered. They had truly been part of the struggling lower-class. It's not as if they had been faking it. If they'd been able to get themselves into a better lifestyle, they would have done it already.

"I know, honey. Here's the deal. I want us to be in a building with security. How we're going to pay for it is simple. First, Troy's parents actually offered a reward for Troy's SAFE return. They wrote me a check for $20,000." At Veronica's shocked expression, he continued. "I think they knew I was looking for him and just didn't want him to come back dead." They all laughed at that.

"Anyway, that check will go a long way toward paying the rent, plus I've decided to expand the territory that I go after bail jumpers. I've only been going after bail jumpers from California, but I'm going to expand that to the entire Southwest. Now, that means that I will be gone about 10 days out of the month instead of the four or five that we're used to. I know that it's a little bit more of a sacrifice for our time together, but it will help provide the additional income we need. Plus, I'll have the peace of mind of knowing that you are in a safer environment when I am gone. And, it looks like there's a new Sheriff in town," he looked back toward Logan. "I'm sure he won't let you get too lonely while I'm gone."

Veronica was astonished at how much thought he'd put into his plan. They'd barely been back in town for a couple of days and in that short time, she knew how busy he'd been with the investigation.

"Are you sure about this, Dad? Because, you know, I have Backup and my taser." It was an incredible sacrifice for her dad. He already worked really hard and now he would be on the go twice as much as he had been before.

"I'm sure. Hey, don't worry, the money from Troy's parents will keep us in good for a while. Let's just do this so that I feel better, okay?" He hated that she felt like she needed to worry about their money situation. She was a teenager, she shouldn't have to shoulder those responsibilities. Unfortunately, with the changes that had happened within their family and to their social status in the last year, they'd had to expand their roles. He'd had to rely on her more than he would have liked. She had taken on the role beautifully, but he still felt guilty for it.
"Alright, then. Let's do this thing." Veronica conceded.

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They spent the day looking at apartments and Veronica thought that they were all great. They were all larger and more modern than the old apartment. They were obviously better maintained and they had security. A few of them even had a view of the ocean and they were all closer to school. She really couldn't complain.

"Well, I know my vote doesn't count, but the third place was definitely my favorite," Logan said with a cheeky grin.

"Grrr, definitely my least favorite! I hated her." Keith had a deep scowl on his face, while Veronica broke out in raucous laughter.

"You hated her or the apartment?" Logan was giggling through his words.

"What's the difference?" Keith grumbled.

Still laughing, Veronica answered him, "Well, one difference...is that the manager, not the apartment is the one who thought that the apartment was for Logan and I."

"Yeah, but the best part is when you told her, 'over my dead body.' The look on her face was hilarious. She was blind-sided." They all burst into laughter.

"But, dad, did you really have to start pointing out all of the places in the apartment that would work well for your gun safe? I think the lady thought you were crazy." Keith had to admit that it had been pretty funny.

The lady was actually thinking that his baby girl was going to be shacking up with her teenaged boyfriend. He wasn't kidding when he told her that it would happen over his dead body. He could laugh about it now, but it definitely didn't make the apartment she was offering any more appealing.

"Yeah, no offense, Logan. If my 17-year old daughter were shacking up with anyone, I'd want it to be you. Really, this is from my heart," he said as he clutched his chest dramatically. "In fact, I just love you so much, I think that I'll just walk right here, with you." Keith used the opportunity to butt between the kids and sling his arm over both of their shoulders.

"Yeah, I like this. Isn't it great that we are just so close?" He squeezed them to him and had a huge grin on his face.

After they had a good laugh, they agreed to think about the apartments and talk about it later. Keith wanted to get into a new place as soon as possible.

"We'll see you at home, Keith."
"Sounds, good. Good luck with Duncan, you two." Veronica and Logan got into his SUV, while Keith continued into his office.

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Logan stopped the SUV in front of the Kane mansion. He looked over to Veronica, who was looking a little pale and staring at the house through the windshield. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I just want this over with. I don't know how he's going to react. I would have been nervous even before his attempt to get back together with me." She was so nervous that her heart was beating rapidly and her palms were sweating.

"Hey," Logan put his hand on her chin and made her look at him. "No matter what happens in there, this is about you and me, okay? I'm still going to be here, with you. I love you, Ronnie. Although I'm not jumping with excitement about doing this or hurting Duncan, I am happy to be getting it done so that you and I are totally free to be with each other. No distractions, nothing hanging over our heads. Plus, this is a much better scenario than him finding out some other way, from someone else or in front of other people. At least this way, he doesn't feel like he's being put on the spot in front of the school."

"Yeah, you're right. I know you're right! I love you, too. Thank you for being here with me." Logan leaned over and gave her a small kiss, which quickly turned passionate. When the kiss ended, Veronica's heart was pounding in her chest, her breathing was labored and she was sure her body temperature had risen several degrees. This time, though, it wasn't out of nerves. It was the affect that Logan had on her. All of her concerns about Duncan melted away and she knew she was safe with Logan. No matter what was thrown at them, Logan was an amazing strength for her to take from.

In that regard, he actually reminded her a lot of her dad. They both had a hidden internal strength. Logan's had not been harnessed and he was not as good at controlling and directing that strength, but given the chance, he would learn.

Veronica smiled at him and sighed contentedly. "Wow, if that's what I get every time I admit you're right about something, then consider me eternally in the wrong." They both laughed, knowing that 95 percent of the time, she'd never admit to being wrong. This just happened to be one of those rare moments.

Logan squeezed her hand, "Wait there, okay?" He got out of the SUV and ran to her door. He opened it and held out his hand for her to take.

"Why thank you, kind Sir." She jested.

"Anything for my lady." He kissed her hand.

They walked up to the front door and rang the bell. When Duncan answered the door, he looked a little shocked, but relieved to see Veronica standing there. Logan had called him to let him know that she was okay, but it wasn't the same as seeing her in the flesh.

Duncan immediately rushed forward and engulfed Veronica in a bone-breaking hug. Her eyes got huge at his reaction. 'Boy, this is going to make things even more difficult.'

Logan didn't know what to do. He understood where Duncan was coming from. Veronica had given all of them a major scare. Having said that, he did not like Duncan holding her like that. He didn't want anyone holding her like that, let alone a guy who was in love with her.

"Uh, hey, Duncan." Logan tried to do anything to bring the attention onto himself and away from Veronica.

"Hey, Logan. What's going on you guys?" Duncan said as he pulled back. "I mean, not that it's not great to see you in one piece. Logan, you said that you had something to talk to me about?"

"Yeah, do you want to go into the house or talk right here, or what?"

"Oh, yeah, sorry. Let's go into the den." They proceeded into the den, where the housekeeper asked for their drink orders and then left to fill them.

"So?" Duncan looked at them expectantly.

"Well, Duncan. First of all, I just want to let you know what a great friend you've been to me for these last several years."

"O-kay. You're making me a little nervous. " Duncan didn't know where this conversation was going, but with an opening line like that, he wasn't expecting anything good.

"You know how I thought that you and Veronica had gotten back together and you told me that she was actually in love with someone else?"

"Yeah." Duncan drew it out a bit, still unsure of where things were headed. Although, it seemed to be centered around Veronica's dating life.

"Well, apparently I am that someone. And, the truth is, is that I love her too, man. I'm sorry to spring this on you. We didn't want to hurt you, but we wanted to tell you alone, before we make our appearance at school tomorrow." Logan and Veronica watched Duncan for a reaction.

When he said and did nothing, they began to get nervous.

"Duncan?" Veronica finally said.

"Hmm?" he said as he looked up at them with wide eyes and a dazed look on his face.

"Are you alright?" She'd not seen him like this...although it did seem to fit with his post-Lilly behavior change. He just seemed to glide along throughout the day. Nothing really fazed him.

"Wow," Duncan said in a monotone voice, and then said nothing.

"Wow?" Logan repeated when Duncan did not continue.
"Uh, yeah." He was silent again for a moment and then took in a deep breath and looked into Veronica's eyes.

"You know, I've been thinking about what you said the other day about it being a long time and how you had to move on." He paused for a moment, still looking into Veronica's eyes, almost pleadingly. It was like he wanted her to deny it and take it all back.

"Yeah," Veronica urged him on softly and she saw the flash of disappointment that engulfed his features for a brief moment. Then, regaining his stoic expression once again, he continued his thought.

"I understand that now. I know it's been over a year since I broke up with you and I couldn't have expected you to just never move on. It doesn't even surprise me that you found someone. You're amazing and if it hadn't been for what happened after Lilly, I'm sure that you would have had guys lining up for you. Even though we're not together like I wanted, I am glad that you're happy. I'm a little surprised that the guy that actually did get in line for your affections was my best friend. You guys have hated each other more than anyone I've ever seen. I knew, though, that the tide was changing. First, with you two spending time together and trying to be 'friends', then with Logan being directly involved in the search for you, things were definitely off." He turned his attention toward Logan.

"Which reminds me, why didn't you say anything when I told you that she told me she was in love with someone else?" He wasn't angry, just curious.

"Well, actually, at the time, I was confused. Her and I weren't together then. We liked each other, but I thought that she had gotten back together with you and she thought that I was dating someone else. Things were messed up. Then, the day she went missing and you told me that you didn't get back together, it didn't completely register. I heard you say that she was in love with someone else, but it didn't hit me until later. I was just so worried about her and focused on finding her. Later, when I had a calm moment, I remembered what you said and figured out that she must have been talking about me." He wanted his friend to believe him. He hadn't purposefully kept anything from Duncan. He'd never hurt him intentionally.

"I wasn't trying to lie to you, I just didn't have time to process it all and then work things out with you at the time. I had one focus, which was finding Ronnie." He saw the surprise cross his friend's face when he used her nickname.

"Well, Veronica. I told you before that I'd like to be friends again, that I just needed a little bit of time to let all of this sink in. That's still the case. I love you both. You are two of the best friends I've ever had. Of course I'm going to understand what you see in each other and how you can love each other. It makes perfect sense to me." He sighed. "It doesn't make it any easier, though. I'm still going to need some time. Don't get upset if I'm not ready to hang out in the quad with you immediately, okay?"

They both nodded. He had rendered them speechless and they were left to simple gestures. He was taking the news much better than they'd thought, but his hurt was still evident.
'Our DK, always the diplomat.' Logan thought as they got up to leave.

"I'll see you guys later. Oh...and Veronica?" She turned back around to look at him. "I'm so glad that you're okay. I was really worried. We all were. " He gave her a tight smile.

"I'm just sorry that we brought him into your life." His smile had disappeared.

"Thank you, Duncan. I'm glad to be home. And, don't worry. There is no way you could have known what Troy was capable of."

"Yeah, okay. Uh, one more thing, guys. You may want to use some cover-up on that hickey of hers, if you don't want her dad to kill Logan." He chuckled a little.

Veronica saw that Logan was about to correct Duncan and stopped him with a hand on his arm.

"Yeah, you're right." She turned to Logan, who looked confused. "Remind me to do that before Dad gets home, okay?" Her smile communicated her desire for him to play along. He fell in step quickly.

"Ah, man. And you know how much pride I take in displaying my work." He snapped his fingers together. "Oh, well. See ya later, DK."

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When they had gotten to the Xterra and were out of earshot, Logan turned to Veronica. "What was that about? Why didn't you tell him that I didn't give you the hickey?" He wasn't angry, he was more worried about her.

"I just...it's private. I don't want people to know about the things that happened when I was with Troy. I'm sure they have good enough imaginations. They can just make up their own stories. I don't really want to give them more ammunition." She was speaking quietly and Logan could tell that it was really bothering her.

"Hey, none of this was your fault. Remember that, okay?" He wanted her to know that he didn't blame her and that if others did, it was just their pettiness.

"I know. I do. It's still just embarrassing and private. I don't want the details out there. All I need is people picturing me in the lingerie he dressed me in." Her face was slightly flushed.

"HEY! There is no way. I'm the only one who gets to picture you in anything like that. I'd have to kick their collective ass." He got the response that he was looking for when she started giggling.

"Of, course. Your mind would go there, my very own cave man." She caressed his face an leaned in for a kiss.

"Let's get out of here. I don't think Duncan seeing us make out in his driveway is really what he meant about taking some time to deal with all of this." He smirked.
"Yeah, you're probably right. Take me home or lose me forever!" Veronica scolded.

"As you wish."

They drove home, holding hands and enjoying the freedom that they had. The most important people in their lives knew about them now. Her dad, Wallace and Duncan were the only ones that they had to be concerned about. They were excited about telling Lynn, knowing that she would welcome the relationship with open arms and they didn't really care what anyone else at school thought.

Things were looking up for them.

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Disclaimer: "Take me home, or lose me forever," is from Top Gun and "As you wish," from The Princess Bride.

ShmexyShmexyHinny: Qwoeity[peout. Served up on a silver platter...or a white background.

Oh, and as for the rest of the fic, here's a biggie. KKKKK WWWW BB PPP II A CCCC BB AAAAA. WOW! Massive spoiler, right there folks! I promise.

XoSethCohenxO: I'm so glad to hear from you and happy that you've enjoyed the story to this point. Okay, I'll try to answer all of your questions. We will see more Aaron before the fic is through, but I think it is only a chapter, maybe spread over two. There isn't a whole lot of time spent on him. Ah, yes...my next story. It will not be a sequel to DL, but it will be written similarly. Let me explain. I love S1 and I love much of the way the show was built. Like DL, the next one will begin at the start of their junior year in school, however will have a few major differences in it. I like to take what S1 did in canon and just twist those events. Thank you so much for your review and your interest in the story.

xosummerxo: I hope you were able to go back and read that he destroyed V's room at his house. Let me know. If it's not clear, then I may need to rewrite it a bit. Thanks!!!!

Lorelei Candice Black: Ah. I don't really know what to tell you...without giving away too much. Let me just say this...Keith will still have a big part in the story a few chapters from now. And, to answer your earlier question. We will see a bit more of Aaron, but he'll only appear in 1 or 2 chapters.

lagurlroks: Totally agree with everything you said. LoVe S1 fics and I love them revealing themselves to their classmates. And, fair warning...there will be another appearance by (whispering) Aaron.

LoVeElle: I can not tell you how many times I've had to ask my friend about things that happened in canon. There are some fanfics I've read so many times that it does start to get confusing!! And, look at you...so right about DK. I'm glad you enjoyed the fluff fest. It is difficult to write and the reviews really start to drop off when there isn't constant action and angst. When I wrote these couple of chapters, I just really felt like I had to immerse the characters in a bit of reality. You know, school, parents, friends, etc.

Oh, and thank you for asking. We had a great day at the beach. And, yes. I've never had a beta and I still don't, but I just happened to meet someone online who really liked the story and so I will bounce ideas off of her. She actually can't wait for me to finish up DL and move on to the new story, she's so excited about it. It's going to take a bit. I'm thinking a 6 wk break from posting anything. That way I will have a good start on the new story. Oh, and yes. I love when Logan tells Keith that about the V showering. I can totally see it happening.

XXspuffster101XX: Hey, I understood the whole SPF thing and I thought it was funny even before you corrected yourself. I'm glad you were able to enjoy the chapter and yes, yes, yes, to all of the Logan is: comments. :-) Well, I don't know if you'll like the outcome of the Troy situation or not. It's not bad, but not great either. Please don't drive up here...my children need their mama. Heeheehee. When all else fails, use the children.

Sagebeth: Thank you so much for your advice. I do love reading what you all have to say and most of you have been with me for most or all of the ride. I look forward to seeing how you'll react to the newest chapter and to continuing our dialogue. You are right, though. I don't think that people are so interested in my responses that they want me to hold off on posting the chapter. At least, as a reader...I know I'd like the ch. ASAP.

sarca666: ok, so I moved it into M for the purposes of Ch. 30 and other things that "might" be coming. Although, with the drop in reviews this time...I don't know if people don't like my chapter 31 or if some people just didn't follow it to M. I guess we'll see, huh:-)

alecygoodness22: Well, feedback is my crack...so I guess we're even!

RedBrick: Thank you so much. Please enjoy this little break in angst and action. It's like a flight attendant. "Please take and deep breath and get your heart rate back to its original speed." Heehee

SaraLyleth: Well, what can I say. I agreed with everything you said. That is the same reasoning I used when building those scenes.

Miss-Mars: Wow! You are a masochist, aren't you? Everyone else is begging for the torture to end, but no. Here you are wanting more. I'd be concerned, very concerned. :-)

VMLoVeR87: Thank you!!

LoVeBrucas: Thank you, thank you, thank you. That is one of my biggest pet peeves. The getting hooked on a story just to end up wondering if it will ever be finished or even updated. That is why I killed myself to get through this fic and why I'm going to wait until I have a big head start on my next fic prior to beginning to post it. Thanks again! BTW, not that I don't understand major real life issues. Our real life always comes first, but I started posting this fic and I made a commitment to myself and the readers to see it through in a timely manner.

Elektra Bauer: You were in the hospital? Did I know this? I hope everything is alright! Thank you for your commitment to the fic...although, you may want to think about how you're going to handle bathroom breaks over the next 2 weeks.

Mel7: Thank you so much. I look forward to hearing from you.

09nerLoVer: I'm glad that you see that bond forming. I was really working for that.

IluvVM: yes, there will be more drama...after a bit of a rest. Yes, there will be more Aaron, although he only appears in another one or maybe 2 chapters. Thanks!!

LoVeNaleyJamLiterati23: ok, this is ch. 33, there are 47 chapters total. So 2 weeks left of daily updates. You'll be back in time to get caught up and grab the ending. Have fun!

Jump In A Hole: I guess a thank you will do...if that's all you're willing to give up. :-) AND, THANK YOU!!! You, my dear, are FABULOUS! You know, I have a major crush for Logan, so any story I write, will not only include him, but feature him. I love V, too, but sometimes, she's just lucky to get to share scenes with him. How do you think it'd go over if I wrote a fic that consisted of just Logan and his thoughts, Logan shirtless, Logan swimming, Logan surfing, etc, etc. I'm sure I could get a good 30 or 40 chapters out of just Logan. Hahahaha

sofy2409: Don't worry. I won't tell your boyfriend about what you said! But, you know what. I love very romantic stuff, too. I just have never written it before. So, there are definitely some M scenes in this fic...it just really took a lot for me to get there. Don't worry, there will be more.

AJzkitten69: Yea! Another convert! I tried to convert my best friend...it didn't turn out as well. Therefore, I'm currently drugging her with mind-altering substances so that I can bend her to my will. Hmmmm. All in a day's work!

hulahula551: Yes! I'm glad you are seeing the father/son bond. I was really trying to build that.

Adja: oops! I think that Ryan Hansen is already married. You may want to check that out before you make too many plans. Thanks!!

copperboom321: Thank you so much. There is no bigger compliment than to say that my story really represents the real VM

RBDFAN: See, still allowing your heart a rest. Aren't I so thoughtful?

Literati and naley forever: Thank you. I'm glad you're sticking with me through the slower-paced chapters.