M2r5hM2ll0ws: Would that be too mean?
V3nd3tta: Why would it be?
M2r5hM2ll0ws: I dunno
V3nd3tta: She'd be doing the right thing

Why she's discussing the hypothetical direction of her online writing instead of studying for her PSAT, she can't understand. It's not as if it's a published novel.

M2r5hM2ll0ws: So it's not like...mean?
V3nd3tta: I don't think so

Veronica sighs. Her hesitancy is getting way too out of hand. Why should she be bothered about what she does to a fictional character - a character whom she created and therefore has every right to ruin?

Her screen lights up once more.

V3nd3tta: Besides, I'm sure the guys would like to know that Macy is cheating on them.

Actually, it's not Macy, it's Cassie. But wait, why does it matter again? They could all be named Macy for all she cares.

M2r5hM2ll0ws: It's Cassie, you know. The new girl.

She types before she thinks.

V3nd3tta: My apologies. I have this strange tendency to not remember much of fictional women I've never met.

Oh, the jerk that he is for making her smile.


"Hey."

She whips around at his voice. Keep your enemies closer - she'd never not recognize that soft baritone.

"What do you - " Her words stop short at the sight of her house keys dangling in Logan's hand. She snatches them instantly, fiercely. She wills herself not to blush. How could she even lose sight of something so dangerous?

"Hey, relax. It's not like I'm gonna make a house call, Ronnie."

She rolls her eyes. Of course he says that.

"You gotta try harder than that for this stuff," he adds with a wink and a thumb pointed to his own chest.

Cocky, arrogant, and - well - sexy. That's Logan Echolls for you.

She should be upset, really, but something about him today sounds just a tad more sincere than usual.

Veronica shakes her head. The last time she trusted him, life went to hell. Can't let him fool her twice.

"Too bad, Logan." She leans up to him in an exaggerated arc till her lips linger by his ear. "I thought you'd take the hint."

She pulls back with a smirk. Two can play at this game.

Ready to claim her victory, she meets his eyes.

She catches her breath.

That haze in his gaze? Not a joke.

Oh, no.

"Seriously, Logan, you can't wash yourself clean enough tonight if you stay there a second longer." The haughty female voice cuts the silence. The two former friends shake their faces till the intangible fog dissipates.

Did she just have a moment with Logan Echolls?

"Stay far away from Mars if you hope to get into my bed tonight." Caitlin's giggle sounds as false as her rack. She hooks a suggestive arm around his elbow and nudges him to go.

Veronica looks down. She never did like being within a two yard radius of that empty golden head.

"Go. I'll catch up later."

What did he say?

Veronica looks up just in time to see a pouty Caitlin strut away. Logan is still standing a mere two feet away.

"Listen, Ronnie, I - "

"Watch out," she blurts.

The knot in his brows answers her back.

"If I were you," she lowers her voice to a whisper, "I'd check those sheets and trash cans a little more thoroughly next time."

She cocks her head ever-so-slightly in the direction of the long-haired blond.

His brow unfurled in seeming comprehension.

He nods; she nods.

And with the tiniest shadow of a smile, he walks away.


V3nd3tta: I'm not sure why you're hesitating
M2r5hM2ll0ws: Well, it's going to cause damage and all that, you know.
V3nd3tta: Damage?

For once, she wishes she could gesticulate online.

M2r5hM2ll0ws: Yeah, like, collateral damage
V3nd3tta: Collateral
M2r5hM2ll0ws: I dunno how to say it
V3nd3tta: I wouldn't either

She huffs.

V3nd3tta: Why would it be wrong to expose someone who's cheating?
M2r5hM2ll0ws: Nothing
V3nd3tta: Real nothing or girl nothing?
M2r5hM2ll0ws: Harhar, like you would know
V3nd3tta: Hey, even faceless, what part of me here doesn't say 'used to charming the ladies'?

Veronica smiles. There's always a sense of familiarity with her new cyberpal. It's as if he could take any liberty and still be as beguiling as chocolate truffle.

V3nd3tta: Why would it be?
M2r5hM2ll0ws: Be what?
V3nd3tta: wrong
M2r5hM2ll0ws: Like I said, collateral damage
V3nd3tta: Does he have a horrible home life or something
M2r5hM2ll0ws: Don't even joke about that
V3nd3tta: Sorry

The sting in her eyes feel way too much like tears to be comfortable.

V3nd3tta: Hey, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have joked about that.

Veronica sighs.

M2r5hM2ll0ws: She has a boyfriend
V3nd3tta: Cassie?
M2r5hM2ll0ws: Yes
V3nd3tta: And you don't want him to get hurt in the process of exposing her because it's not his fault in the first place
M2r5hM2ll0ws: Exactly

For a moment, she thinks he's logged off.

V3nd3tta: But why would you spare the boyfriend? Is he a nice guy?
M2r5hM2ll0ws: Well, actually, no.
V3nd3tta: So?
M2r5hM2ll0ws: Well, it's hardly fair to hurt someone for a wrong he's never committed.
V3nd3tta: Because we all get hurt enough by life as it is

She blinks, fast and hard.

M2r5hM2ll0ws: And by the people whom we need and love the most.

A handful of seconds tick by in the silence of the night.

V3nd3tta: That ever happened to you?
M2r5hM2ll0ws: No comment

He falls silent again.

V3nd3tta: You know what, maybe Cassie's boyfriend does deserve it.
M2r5hM2ll0ws: Why?
V3nd3tta: Any level-headed guy would steer clear from someone who is such an obvious slut
M2r5hM2ll0ws: I'd have to agree
V3nd3tta: So...what's staying your omnipotent hand?
M2r5hM2ll0ws: Maybe I want to give him a second chance? A warning?

She can't believe she just said - well, typed - that thought.

V3nd3tta: You care for him
M2r5hM2ll0ws: Who?
V3nd3tta: Cassie's boyfriend
M2r5hM2ll0ws: No! Why would I?
V3nd3tta: Cuz, well, you seem awefully keen to not treat him too ill
M2r5hM2ll0ws: I'm not, okay? I'm just fair, not fond.
V3nd3tta: Lol. Okay.
M2r5hM2ll0ws: What's so funny?
V3nd3tta: Not funny. Cute.
M2r5hM2ll0ws: What?
V3nd3tta: You
M2r5hM2ll0ws: Excuse me?

Did he just talk to her like a kid?

V3nd3tta: There's nothing to be ashamed about, you know. Authors all tend to harbor affections towards the characters they write.
M2r5hM2ll0ws: I don't care for him!
V3nd3tta: But you care enough to not hurt him unfairly.
M2r5hM2ll0ws: No, I don't. You don't even know me well enough to tell.

Two idle seconds pass.

V3nd3tta: You know what, you're right. I don't know you well enough to judge. My bad.
M2r5hM2ll0ws: Apology accepted
V3nd3tta: But just think about it...why are we even having this conversation?
M2r5hM2ll0ws: Because I don't want to write a lousy story?
V3nd3tta: Lol. Fair enough.
M2r5hM2ll0ws: Why? What are you trying to say?
V3nd3tta: Nothing, nothing.
M2r5hM2ll0ws: That's a girl nothing if I've ever heard one.
V3nd3tta: LOL
M2r5hM2ll0ws: Well?

She can't help the triumphant smile on her lips.

V3nd3tta: Well, you win. Goodnight. I look forward to your next chapter.
M2r5hM2ll0ws: Thank you for stating the obvious.
V3nd3tta: Lol. Sleep well :)
M2r5hM2ll0ws: I will :)

And for the first time since October, she does.


A/N: Thank you to everyone who waited patiently through my month-long trip/hiatus. I'm sorry this chapter might be more short and serious. Everything's mapped out and going somewhere, I promise. Credits to Bondopoulos for the 'pirateprincess' username for Caitlin Ford. I'm running out of usernames, actually. Any suggestions? Thank you for reading my humble story :)