Drunk Logan
Chapter 37
A/N: The tide is about to change. Disclaimer: I don't own canon-type moments from their "after party"...don't want to give it away, but you'll know which scene I'm talking about. Also, not sure of when I'll post next. I'm going to be busy tomorrow afternoon and into the night. I may skip answering reviews again so that I can post tomorrow a.m.
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Things began to settle down at school after Madison was outed. She was banished by the 09ers, and even Dick didn't stick by her. Veronica felt slightly bad because she knew what it was like to have all of your friends turn their backs on you. Yet, when she thought about what Madison did and the fact that she used Logan to do it, Veronica knew that Madison deserved everything she got.
The only things Veronica really had to worry about were getting caught up on school work, what she was going to wear to the Halloween party and the fact that the Echolls', more specifically Aaron would be returning from the publicity tour soon.
Luckily, her father and her would be in their own apartment soon. Although she'd miss the constant contact with Logan, she wouldn't miss the interaction with Aaron. In fact, she almost wanted to avoid Aaron as much as she wanted to be with Logan...and that was saying a lot.
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Aaron and Lynn got home on Friday night, but it was late enough that everyone else was already in bed. Veronica would have to deal with Aaron for a while on Saturday, but her and Logan would be going to Dick's party that night. Then, Keith and Veronica would be moving into their own place the following week.
When Saturday morning rolled around, Veronica was up earlier than anyone else. Logan was a naturally late sleeper, Aaron and Lynn were sleeping in after their late flight and Keith was getting his first chance in a long time, to sleep in. He'd been working so hard with the FBI and the local authorities on Veronica's case, that he'd barely gotten much sleep.
Veronica was enjoying the quiet while sitting by the pool and dangling her legs in the water. Her eyes were closed and she laid her head back so that she could feel the sun on her entire face. She hadn't heard anyone come out of the house, but heard a voice just as someone stood blocking the sun from her face.
"Veronica, how are you doing?" Veronica spun around and tried to focus her eyes on Lynn's figure. She smiled at Lynn and the loving voice that Veronica had been so accustomed to when she used to hang out at Logan's.
"I'm good, Lynn. How are you? How was your trip?" Veronica was surprised when Lynn sat next to her and hung her legs in the pool, also. Lynn usually wasn't the 'kick-it by the side of the pool' type. She loved to be in and around the pool. Normally, though, she would be laying on one of the chaise lounges, not sitting unceremoniously on the side of the pool.
"It was good, you know as good as a publicity tour can be. Of course, it wasn't so good somewhere in the middle when we got a call from Logan about you." She raised a sympathetic eyebrow at the girl she'd always loved like a part of the family.
Veronica looked back at her bashfully. "Yeah, that wasn't fun."
"Look, I know that you and your dad are very close and that you and Logan have shared a lot recently, but it can be different talking to a woman about these things. If you'd like to talk about it, I'm here." Lynn didn't want to push too much, but she really wanted Veronica to have a woman to talk to about her experiences.
Lynn had experienced a lot in her life. Not only did she live with an abusive man, but being an actress, she'd had to deal with her own sleazy guys over the years. She'd handled some of the situations with more grace than others, but she'd been marked by them all. She knew that, although Veronica was a strong young woman, her experience with Troy would stay with her for a very long time. She also knew that the way women spoke to each other about their experiences was very different than the way a woman would speak to a man about those same experiences.
Veronica could see how genuine Lynn was being, but she didn't know what to say. She wasn't much of one to open up, at least not anymore. She used to be an open book. Over the last year, she'd become very adept at keep everything bottled up inside.
She had kept things from her dad as a way to make things easier on him. She knew that he worried about her and that he carried a lot of guilt about their current financial and social status.
With other people, she had learned that she couldn't count on them. If she slipped up and let someone in, that person could turn around the following day and use that information against her. She didn't allow herself to be vulnerable to that kind of betrayal again.
It had been so long since she'd had a female to really talk to. Lilly and her mother had been her confidants and she hadn't had either in a very long time. Wallace was great, but there were a lot of things she hadn't opened up to him about.
"That's really nice, Lynn. I guess I just don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything. I just wanted you to know that I am here for you if you ever need to vent a little." Lynn was being so patient and loving. Veronica wasn't really much of a people pleaser anymore, but at that moment, she felt like she needed to talk to Lynn in order to make Lynn feel better. She knew that Lynn wanted to help her and Veronica wanted Lynn to feel like she had.
Veronica figured she could just tell Lynn the facts of what had happened, just like she'd told her dad and the FBI. When she started speaking, though, she began to pour out her heart. She was surprised at some of the things coming out of her own mouth. The facts became secondary to her description of her feelings during the events that unfolded during her kidnapping.
She told Lynn everything from her hopes about the border patrol stopping them and her devastation when they didn't; to how truly scared and vulnerable she felt when she had to undress in front of Troy before the wedding. She even, through a massive blush, told her about picturing Logan waiting for her at the altar, then chanting his name as Troy attempted to seduce her. Then, about Logan swooping in and saving her from what she dreaded most.
Veronica didn't know when it had happened, but Lynn had wrapped an arm around her and had placed her other hand on top of her hand.
She was whispering and tears rolled down her cheeks when she told Lynn about the lingerie and the way Troy spoke to her and looked at her; the way he touched her. She hadn't told anyone those things. They, of course, knew the facts, but she hadn't told them about what his touch had actually felt like and the fear that his whispering words had incited in her.
Veronica was pouring out her heart to Lynn while sitting in the early morning breeze and she couldn't stop. She couldn't believe how hard it was to make herself stop talking...stop crying. Yes, Veronica Mars was a complete mess by the time she was done telling Lynn about what she'd gone through.
When Logan came into the living room, he saw his two favorite women sitting next to each other by the pool. He smiled at the scene until he noticed that Lynn had both of her arms wrapped tightly around Veronica, while she stroked the girl's blonde locks. Logan could see Veronica's body shaking, like she was sobbing in his mother's arms.
When he moved to open the door, his mother looked up. She held her hand out to stop him and he did just that. It wasn't necessarily his mother's hand that stopped him, but the look on her face and the tears in her own eyes as she held his girlfriend's small form.
He continued to watch them with deep concern and intrigue as to what they could be talking about. Had something happened that Logan didn't know about? His thoughts went to his father, but he knew that his dad was still asleep. Whatever had happened, it had seriously affected both of the ladies by the pool.
His desire was to go and fix it, to take care of Veronica, but he didn't. He respected the situation and waited them out, never taking his eyes off of them. He watched as Veronica's breathing slowed a little, as she wiped her eyes dry and as his mom gave her an extra squeeze. The two walked into the house and for the first time, Veronica noticed Logan standing there.
Although, she knew she was a mess and she was a little embarrassed that she'd been blubbering only a moment ago, she was happy to see him. He brought a comfort to her that she'd never known before. When she saw him, she just wanted to curl up in him and have his strong arms wrapped around her.
She walked over to him and that is exactly what happened. She took a deep breath and felt like she was home. With Logan, she was safe and loved and protected.
"So, I guess now is as good of a time as any to tell my mom that we're dating." Logan said loud enough for Lynn to hear him. Veronica laughed at his antics of 'breaking the news' to his mom.
Lynn let out a little squeal. "Are you kidding? Oh, my prayers have finally been answered."
Logan and Veronica laughed at her reaction. Lynn looked at Logan with a serious face.
"Don't you let this one go, Logan. We've finally trapped her in our web and I want to keep her." She smiled softly at Veronica.
"Well, I'd better get upstairs and get dressed. I'll see you two before you go to the party tonight, okay?" They nodded and watched as she left with a huge smile on her face.
"Everything okay?" Logan had concern written all over his face.
"Yeah, just some girl talk. I'm fine, though. It was nice having a woman to talk to again. It's been a long time." Veronica said quietly.
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There was a knock on Veronica's bedroom door on Saturday night when she was getting dressed for the party.
"Who is it?" She called out as she was finishing her hair.
"It's Logan. You ready?" He was very anxious to see her. He had tried to find out what she was going to the party as, but she'd been reluctant to tell him. She wanted it to be a surprise. He, in turn, decided that he was going to keep his outfit a secret, too. He didn't really have a reason, only that they would reveal themselves to each other at the same time.
"Almost! So, what are you wearing?" She yelled back.
"Nope, a deal's a deal. You show me yours, I'll show you mine." He smirked until he heard the distinct sound of a throat clearing behind him. He closed his eyes and grimaced, then turned slowly and opened his eyes to see one Keith Mars standing with his arms crossed over his chest and a raised eyebrow. Keith knew what the boy was talking about, he'd heard some of their arguments about revealing their outfit choices to each other. It was still fun to mess with him.
Logan's face was one of nervous embarrassment and Keith tried to cover his chuckle with a cough.
"Uh, um, Mr. Mars. Hi. I, um, I was talking about our costumes, not...anything else." He swallowed audibly.
"Yes, Logan, I know. Still fun to make you sweat, a little." He chuckled as he continued down the hall. "By the way, nice makeup."
Keith's loud laughter could be heard through the halls of the house as Logan blew out a breath and chuckled to himself.
"What's got dad's funny bone?" Logan heard through the door.
"Oh, nothing. He's just enjoying scaring the crap out of me. I'm pretty sure it's one of his favorite pastimes."
"Hey, just be happy that he hasn't brought out the gun cleaning kit over coffee with you or something." She giggled at her father's charades. She knew that he was harmless to anyone who wasn't a true threat to her. He did love to scare the boys, though.
Veronica was taking one last look in the floor-length mirror. She was ready to open the door, but just wanted to make sure she had all of the final touches done. As she stared at herself, she hoped that Logan would like it.
Veronica had really agonized over what to wear to the party. It wasn't the same agony she went through before when she was getting dressed for an 09er party. She wasn't just concerned about what would make her look good, or what Lilly thought made her look hot.
This time she felt like she was entering the lion's den. She was going to be on guard the entire night, starting with her outfit.
She wasn't one to dress up for Halloween, anyway. During her pep squad days, she would have dressed up, but not since she'd had her eyes opened to the ways of the world. She was committed to going to the party and dressing up. She had told Logan that she would go and she wanted to go for him. She also felt that if she went to the party and didn't fully participate, she'd be making some sort of statement. Veronica wasn't trying to make a statement, she just wanted Logan to have a good time with his friends and his girlfriend.
The key, she thought, was finding a way to participate in the festivities without leaving her vulnerable to even more 09er harassment. Satisfied that her costume would be pretty harmless when it came to the 09ers, but hoping that it would spark some recognition with Logan, she had finally settled on a choice.
"Veronica, come on already. I'm dying out here." Logan whined, like a child who'd been kept from his favorite toy for too long.
"Keep your shirt on, I'm coming." Veronica swung the door open wide and gaped at the sight in front of her.
"I guess I was too late," Veronica smirked as she looked at a shirtless Logan, who was looking her up and down.
"Okay, no one is going to believe that we didn't plan this," Logan said as he laughed at the two of them. "But, I gotta tell you. My memory didn't even do this justice."
Logan growled, "You are hot!"
"Well, the shirtless Logan look." Veronica said as she pointed at his chest. "A very good choice, if I say so myself."
She was trying not to blush at the fact that they were openly talking about how attracted they were to each other.
"You like that, huh?" He moved to nuzzle her neck, but she stopped him.
"Uh, I don't want that green and orange stuff all over my face." Veronica was referring to the face paint that he wore.
Logan had pulled back just enough to whisper into her hair, "and where would you like it, Miss Mars?" He smirked at her and she couldn't contain the blush that finally took over her entire face and neck.
"Let's get going before you get yourself into trouble," Veronica said as she tugged him along.
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When Veronica and Logan walked into the party, they instantly became the center of attention. It wasn't because of anything they had done, just the mere fact that they had shown up and were dressed in coordinating costumes.
Everyone looked at them and saw the soccer player and the soccer fan. That is, everyone, but Duncan. Duncan saw what no one else did.
Duncan saw Veronica dressed in her old soccer uniform complete with pigtails and knee socks. He saw the 12-year old girl that Logan had referred to as 'hot'. Logan was obviously dressed as a soccer fan. The boy had colored his hair and painted his face with the green and orange colors that made up Veronica's uniform colors. He was without a shirt, but had painted a big '12' on his chest, which had been Veronica's number.
As he watched them, Duncan was still shocked that they were a couple, yet he wasn't shocked at all. They seemed to fit so perfectly together.
Logan was his best friend, but they were so different. It didn't seem possible that the Veronica who had been so perfectly suited for Duncan, was now perfectly matched with Logan. He released a long breath and then gave them a tight smile before walking out of the room.
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Logan and Veronica stayed at the party for a while, but not long. It wasn't because people were being rude to them and it wasn't because Veronica was so uncomfortable that she wanted to go home.
"Logan, it was your idea to come to this party. You want to leave now? Only an hour after we got here?" Veronica didn't know what had gotten into him. He seemed to be having a fine time.
"Yeah, I want to leave now." She narrowed her eyes at him. He didn't seem upset, but he seemed anxious...excited? She didn't know.
Logan saw the confusion written across her face and chuckled a little. "I just decided that I'd rather be with just you. I figured we could sneak into the pool house without anyone knowing we were home yet. Maybe catch some of that 'Fright Night' programming. No one's expecting us for several hours yet." He shrugged and looked at her sheepishly.
"Really?" Logan saw the doubt in her eyes.
"Yeah, really? Why not?"
"Well, it's just odd that you'd want to leave a party with all of your friends to go veg out with just me. It's a little quiet for your style, don't you think?" Veronica remembered Logan's love for parties. Even when he and Lilly were going out and he was certain that he'd be getting sex at the end of the night, they would still stay at the party as long as possible. Worse case scenario, they would disappear into one of the guest rooms, but be back, partying with their friends again an hour later.
Logan smiled as he wrapped her in his arms. "That's because I've never had a better way to spend my time. Being with you, though, is better than any party, better than any drug I could take...just better."
Veronica's features softened. "I could totally get used to this."
"Then get used to it, cause you're stuck with me!" Logan smirked down at her. "Now, get a move on. We're wasting time."
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They were in the pool house and had gotten cleaned up. Logan was happy to get all of the war paint off of him and certainly didn't mind when Veronica helped by using a washcloth to clean his chest and arms. He had to make himself calm down several times after his imagination transported him into a shower scene where Veronica continued to caress away the offending paint.
They made themselves comfortable on the bed while they watched some b-rated horror flicks. The movies were so ridiculous that they actually started to make bets on who the next victim would be and how they would die. They had determined that if a couple was having sex...that was the mark of death. They might as well kill themselves right then and there because they were definitely the next to go. The bet would consist of which one of the couple would be killed first. Would it be while they were separated? Maybe when one of them went into the bathroom, while the other relaxed in post-coital bliss.
It was a silly game, but they were silly movies, not scary at all. At one point, when Veronica was being especially obnoxious while celebrating her victory in choosing the latest victim, Logan pounced on her. He pretended that he was stabbing her, which had been one of the movie favorites. In reality, he was tickling her mercilessly.
Veronica flipped over onto her back in an attempt to fight off her attacker and she attacked back. After several minutes of horseplay, they were both exhausted and panting for air. They were laying on their backs with their arms spread, looking at the ceiling.
"What's that?" It was Veronica whose intereste had piqued.
"What's what?"
"That white wire coming from the fan and that," she said pointing to the center of the fan.
They both stood on the bed and took a closer look at the fan. Their eyes followed the white wire to the wall where it disappeared behind a book case.
Looking at each other with confusion, they went over to the bookcase and slid it apart, revealing a bank of tv monitors and electronic equipment.
"What the-" Logan started to say, but stopped when he saw Veronica reaching forward and pushing a button on the system. The monitors came to life and they were shocked and a little confused about what they saw on the screens. Veronica moved back toward the bed and Logan watched as she came into view on the monitor.
"Oh my Gosh." Veronica gasped. "You didn't know about this, did you?"
"No, no way. I swear." He was pleading with her to believe him.
"I believe you, Logan. I didn't think you did, especially if your reaction was any indication." Veronica walked back to him and pushed another button.
"Aw, that's you." Veronica said as they viewed a young Logan standing on the beach and waving to the camera. He grabbed his surfboard and ran out to the water with three other boys around his age.
"Hey, this was my first surfing competition. It was held at Gold Coast. I actually came in second...which wasn't bad considering it was my first competition." Logan shrugged. He was smiling as he remembered that day. It was a great day. His mom and dad were there to support him and he did really well in the competition. It was one of the few days that he ever felt like his dad was actually proud of him. They all got along really well that day.
"Look at how cute you..." Veronica was cut off when the image blinked and then a new image came on the screen.
"Oh, oh, oh, Aaron. Yes, yes, harder, harder," came a distinctly familiar female voice.
The camera angle changed and Logan and Veronica saw Madison Sinclair's face appear on the screen.
"Logan!" Veronica gasped.
"Holy shit!" It was the only response that Logan could muster at the moment.
"That was before she colored her hair. This has to be at least six months old." Veronica knew she was stating the obvious, but continued anyway. "Logan, your dad had sex with a minor...and then recorded it. He could get into major trouble for this, this is sick."
"I know, I know." Logan wrapped Veronica in his arms, instinctively wanting to protect her. From what, he didn't know.
"What are we going to do about this, Logan?" Veronica knew what she wanted to do, but this was Logan's dad and she wanted to get an idea of what he was thinking.
"I don't know...we've got to do something, though. I think," he paused not knowing if he was going to be suggesting the right thing, "I think we should tell your dad about this. He'd know what to do."
That was exactly what Veronica had been thinking.
"Somebody in here?" Logan and Veronica looked at each other with wide eyes just before they saw the owner of the voice come into the room.
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Oopsies! Was that a cliffie?
Adja: Well, although I am not the Richard fan that you are, I hate Madison with a burning passion. And, when the stories are written good and show a redemptive side of Dick, then I can get into them. Oh, Logan cuddling? Absolutely hot!
AJzkitten69: I'm so glad I could help you get a good night's sleep. So sorry I couldn't give you the whole anvil route, but I hope you like the extra jabs.
alecygoodness22: ok, so you got a little more indepth than I did. She is taken care of, just not with as much detail as you would have written. :-) Remember, I usually only develop characters and write them if they further the LoVe. Otherwise, I don't have much use for them. I know, I know. Hard-Butt!
beatlestephchick: True...as long as they deal with there problems a little better than in canon. :-)
copperboom321: Well, I hope you liked the way V dealt with Madison. There's a little of our old Veronica. Oh, and don't feel bad for Dick. I'd feel bad if he was still with Madison. :-)
hulahula551: ok, that scene from "A Trip To The Dentist" is truly a classic. RT totally hit the nail on the head there and I absolutely wanted to pay homage.
jennaml2709: Really! Is there any redeeming quality about Madison? I can't think of a single one.
lagurlroks: Well, unlike canon, I really feel like the characters should have a chance to learn and grow. With everything these two kids have been through, they trust each other more than they did in canon. I hope you enjoyed the outcome with Madison.
Literati and naley forever: I guess I can forgive you for your brevity...for now. As long as you make up for it next time. lol Oh, and just as a matter of record, I firmly believe that the scene from "A Trip To The Dentist" when Logan stands with V against all of his friends has got to be one of VM's best scenes EVER.
Lorelei Candice Black: Why, thank you. (blushing, bats eyes...giggles)
LoVeElle: I agreed with everything you said. Madison is a total bottom-dweller and this chapter takes an extra little shot at her. You know, kick her while she's down. That's my motto. :-) And, yes, when I write for Logan and Veronica, I actually allow them to learn from their mistakes and grow...unlike RT. & Yes, I'm pretty sure that Madison is just plain evil. Too funny that you knew it was that little witch immediately. Just goes to show how horrible she is.
Mel7: yeah, see I believe that there is a way to write them where they have problems to deal with, but don't have massive issues within...in other words, they don't have to break up or run out on each other all of the time.
RBDFAN: Na, Na-Na, Na, Na...Na! (BTW, hope you enjoyed your vacation!)
SaraLyleth: Well, apparently it wasn't just you talking and Veronica was listening to you. Now, where we differ is Dick. I have always had my issues with him stemming back to V's rape. The only time/place I can really like him is in fics where he goes through some serious redemption. I do agree with you on the Logan/Keith thing, too. Logan may have done some stupid and mean stuff to V, but it was always right in her face. There was no hiding it. If he was going to beat up her car, she knew who had done it. Unlike the other shady things she had to deal with in her relationships. Not that he's perfect, but by the 3rd Season, you'd think Papa Mars would have gotten a little attached. How many times was Logan there to save V's butt?
ShmexyShmexyHinny: Obviously NEVER! Because she is a moron! Oh, and the code makes perfect sense. :-) You just have to WANT it. Lol
Vmfan387: Thank you. So glad you enjoyed it/them. And, you were right. Veronica should and does know that Logan wouldn't hurt her.
VMLoVeR87: So glad you found the story again. Hey, at least you got to catch up, huh? And, yes to all of the things you said about Madison. Ultimately, I blame her for a lack of S4...heeheehee
XoSethCohenxO: So, I see you have fallen under my spell. Can you feel the effects working on you as you read this?
xosummerxo: Yes, we had to get back at Madison. Another jab at her coming. Hope you're finding the story easier.
XXspuffster101XX: Look at you all right on the money. And, no I didn't get as detailed in the canon MOTW's, but I did take an additional shot at Madison in this chapter. Hope you enjoyed it.