It was brought to my attention that google translate is not 100% accurate (WTF!?) so I updated the title ;D
Logan had just grabbed a few donuts from the kitchen and was walking them back to Veronica, who happened to be lying in his bed in a wonderful state of undress, when he saw Dick come in.
"How'd it go, man?" All he got in return was a low grunt as Dick shuffled his way to his room and locked the door.
"That well, then," Logan confirmed with noone.
"Hey babe," he said cautiously, entering the room with breakfast treats displayed. "Maybe you should give Mac a call today, see how she's doing."
"Why would I need to do that?" Veronica asked slowly. "Did something else happen? What aren't you telling me?" She look worried.
"I don't know, I think her and Dick might've had a fight or something. I really don't know anything for sure so please don't make me be a bad friend to Dick and tell you all his shit, just give Mac a call and make sure she's good, ok?"
"Yeah. I can do that. But if he hurt her even you can't protect him from me, you know that right?"
"Yeah, I know babe."
Mac didn't answer the phone the first two times Veronica called, but gave in and picked up on the third one since she knew the detective would just show up at her house if she was ignored any longer.
"Mac? How you doing?"
"Mmmmm… ok," she said unconvincingly, "why?"
"Because I was thinking I should pick up some eggplant lasagna for us and come over to watch bad movies while I totally do not in any way pry into whatever it is that is making you feel so… 'ok'. Oh, and I can bring some wine too?" Mac considered. There was no way she would be able to escape a detailed explanation of what was going on in spite of Veronica's promise not to pry, but truthfully she wasn't sure she wanted to. She felt shitty, and confused, and really isn't that what girl friends were there for? To listen to your relationship woes over comfort food and booze?
"Yeah ok. Come on over."
Veronica picked up dinner and was at Mac's apartment early in the evening with a selection of bad movies. They had barely finished eating before Mac had let the entire drama with Dick unfold for her friend's ears, Veronica's face switching from shocked, to sad, to horrified, to shocked, and so on. Still, Mac was glad to have it off her chest. She didn't realize how much keeping the entire situation a secret had really burdened her. Unfortunately, her relief was short lived.
"Woah Mac, I just can't believe that. You really slept with Dick? I mean, we all make stupid mistakes but… Have you been to the doctor yet? Did he give you anything?!"
"Jesus Veronica he didn't give me anything." Mac rolled her eyes. "It just sucks. I mean I just don't get it."
"What's not to get? Dick's an idiot who will say anything to get a girl in bed and then won't stick around to deal with the aftermath. Are you seriously surprised?" Veronica looked at Mac in confusion.
Mac groaned and leaned into the couch. "It wasn't like that. He just freaked out. I mean, he tried to apologize and even said he wanted to be with me but I just can't… I mean I don't know…" she sighed. "I just don't know if I can forgive him for that."
"Are you serious Mac? We are talking about Dick, right? Dick Casablancas? The same one who was a complete ass to you all through college and high school? The same one that…." Veronica trailed off, looking angry.
"Are you serious Veronica? Why did you even come here, to just make me feel shittier about a shitty situation?"
"Of course not Mac, I just…"
"Just what? Just forgot that your current boyfriend smashed in the headlights of your car in high school? Not to mention Piz's face. And have I ever once given you grief about continuously choosing to be with him?" Mac took a deep breath. "And I know you hate Dick for what happened at Shelly's party, but seriously Veronica, Dick unknowingly drugged you. Logan knowingly drugged Duncan with the same thing. And you can just be in love with Logan and can't even stand to be around Dick?" She paused, regaining her composure. "Look, I'm sorry and I'm not saying you should forgive Dick because all of that was really, really bad. I'm just saying maybe you could forgive me for having feelings for him."
Veronica sat for a moment, processing Mac's words. "I'm really sorry Mac. You're right, I didn't come here to try and make you feel shittier. You are allowed to have feelings for whoever you have feelings for, and you shouldn't have to apologize for it, especially not to your best friend." She reached out and grabbed Mac's hand. "Look, my issues with Dick do not need to be your issues. Whatever you decide to do I will totally be here to support you. And however it turns out, I'm your friend and I am totally on your side."
Mac pulled her into a quick hug. "Thanks," she whispered while tears threatened to break out. "I think… I just don't want to think about it anymore tonight. Maybe it's time for that movie? Something dumb with absolutely no romantic subplot."
"You got it, Q."
Two days later Dick opened the door to find a petite blonde waiting outside. "Sorry Ronnie, Logan's not here." He started to shut the door.
"Yeah, I know Dick…. I'm here about Mac," she finished softly.
Dick stiffened and walked backwards slowly, covering his manlier parts with his hands. "Seriously Ronnie, if you try to tase me or some shit I will totally have you arrested, I don't give a shit if you and Logan are together or what." He tried to sound commanding but Veronica could see the true fear in his eyes.
"Relax Dick, I'm not here to tase you. Yet." She lifted both her hands to show they were empty while stepping halfway inside the house. "But I am not happy with you Dick. Mac is really upset, and when my friends are upset… well I can get a little pissed off. I have no idea why she would ever want to talk to you again but… she isn't really happy right now." Veronica sighed.
"I don't know what you expect me to do about it, I mean she won't even talk to me. She totally hates me." His look of fear was slowly exchanged for one of utter defeat.
"She doesn't hate you Dick…" Veronica said quietly. "If there is a chance in hell you might hurt her again you need to just walk away and let her deal with it. But… if there isn't… you need to talk to her, tell her that."
"Yeah, what did I just say? I told her, she doesn't care."
"Tell her again. And again after that if you have to. I'm telling you, she does care. So fix it." She turned towards the door to exit, but glanced behind her before pulling the door shut. "And by the way, if you think your stupid threats would stop me from hurting you, you're even dumber than I thought." The door clicked behind her while Dick stood trying to figure out whether he was pissed or thrilled.
Dick had left three voicemails asking her to go for dinner, meet for coffee, to just call him back, before Mac could finally decide how to respond.
Sorry, work has been crazy. Raincheck, she texted.
Not exactly the response he wanted, but at least it was a response. He tried tempting her with her favorite lunch joint, a concert he knew she would love, and even a group hangout with Ronnie and Logan, all of which she managed an excuse for.
Most guys would have given up, taken the hint. But Dick was clinging to the hope Veronica had handed him, the hope that Mac still cared but just needed some time. The fact that she responded to him was a sure sign that she hadn't completely written him off, even if it took awhile and was always in the negative.
Also weighing on him was Logan's upcoming departure. He wouldn't ship out for almost a month, but Dick was going to miss his friend and he didn't have much to look forward to unless you counted stalking Mac. One night it hit him - time for a going away party!
Parties always cheered him up, even if it was short lived. Besides, Mac couldn't avoid a going away bash for Logan, right? That would be such clear and utter avoidance Dick would have to assume she wasn't going to change her mind, and at least he would know it was time to back off.
When he mentioned the party idea to Logan his friend was surprised. "Really dude? You know I only give a shit about like, 4 people? Maybe? Do we really need a party? I'm not even leaving for awhile."
"Yeah man, I know, I just… she would come right? I mean, don't you think Mac would come if we had a party?"
"Mmmm." Logan said, unable to deny his friend a little assistance. "Alright."