Author's Note: We want to thank everyone so much for reading, reviewing, favoriting, following, and just generally checking the story out. Sadly we'll be finishing the story off soon, in a few chapters. We're sad about it too. So we hope you like this chapter! We're glad and were very excited about the responses from last chapter with V's big speech and we're glad that many of you thought her explanations were true to character. It was needed after all the angst. So coming up now is the MaDi date and more LoVe! Please let us know what you think! Also anyone who has a chance should go check out Cirque, it's awesome! Anyway hope you guys like it!

Thank you to: Drish29 (X8!), hansongirl14, BeWitchingRedhead36, Lunky, AliLorien, degfas, bjq, Dani, Guest, cantarams, irislim, JosieLynn, AngelPete87, Czomom, LovePjandBrucaslover, The Scarlet Letter, Guest, Guest, Jandjsalmon, Lady Mischief, Kerali, irma66, viki, kaykuls24, cainc3, & Wolfe80!

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Chapter 9: I don't want a lot for Christmas

"How do I look?" Mac asked nervously. She was standing in the middle of her room trying to get Veronica's attention. Veronica was sprawled across the bed working on her computer. She had come in to help Mac get ready for her date, but after Mac shot down all of her suggestions Veronica gave up and retreated behind her computer.

Veronica was amazed at how familiar the atmosphere in the room was. She felt like she had gone back in time to freshman year of high school and she was helping Lilly get ready for one of her dates. Lilly would twirl around to show off her amazingness and make Veronica tell her that she looked beautiful. Veronica didn't mind; she had always enjoyed hanging out with Lilly regardless of what they did. With Mac it was so different and yet very much the same. Mac too asked Veronica for her opinion. And, like Lilly, she eventually shooed Veronica away. But Mac didn't want Veronica to just tell her what she wanted to hear. She wanted Veronica to be honest.

"You look great." Veronica said, feeling nostalgic. She hoped they had many more evenings like this together. It reminded Veronica of normal. It was refreshing.

"Are you sure? You don't think it's too—"

"You look great - I promise." Veronica said, closing her computer and sliding off the bed.

Mac nodded and fidgeted nervously with the hem of her shirt. She wore a pair of nice, light blue jeans and a blouse she had fortuitously packed at the last second. The blouse was a navy, silk V-neck shirt that showed off her cleavage. She paired it with a black winter jacket and a pair of black boots. She had put on a bit of make up and some understated jewelry. She really did look perfect.

There was a soft knock on the door and Mac shot Veronica a nervous look. Veronica urged her forward and Mac walked to answer the door while trying to remain calm.

"Hi," Dick greeted with a wide grin.

"Hi," Mac replied, trying to keep her voice even so she didn't sound as nervous as she felt.

"You look hot," he declared, letting his eyes roam her body. She rolled her eyes and took his arm, leading him out of the room. They grabbed their outdoor things and then left the house calling 'goodbye' to Veronica and Logan.

Logan had begrudgingly let them use his car for the day. Dick opened the door for Mac and then climbed into the driver's side.

"So where are we going?" she asked eagerly as they began to drive.

"It's a surprise."

"Don't I even get a hint?"

Dick chuckled and shook his head. "No way, dude, it's a surprise. But prepare to be impressed," he said in a grandiose voice.

Mac grinned to herself and looked out the window, excited to see where they were going. They drove for a while occasionally exchanging conversation. She enjoyed watching the scenery pass them and commenting on it. Finally they pulled into a parking lot and Dick turned off the car.

"We're here!" he announced before sliding out of the car and running around and opening her door.

He took her hand and led her to the doors of a large building and Mac finally realized that they were at a skating rink. She wanted to jump for joy. She'd only been ice skating a few times, but she really loved it. The other night when they watched a Christmas movie Mac had commented about how much being in the snow had made her want to go skating again. She was touched that Dick not only remembered but wanted to take her as well. She had to fight the urge to jump on him and kiss him. She was overwhelmed by his unexpected thoughtfulness and skipped ahead of him to open the door and rush in. All at once her happy balloon popped as she found the door locked. She hadn't noticed how empty the parking lot was until that moment.

"Dick, I don't think it's open," she said, feeling suddenly glum. She wasn't going to get to ice skate with Dick like in one of those cheesy Christmas flicks after all.

"I rented it out, dude. It's ours for the afternoon!" he said, grinning at her and pulling a set of keys from his pocket.

"No way! Seriously? You didn't have to do that," she said automatically. She wasn't used to people spending large amounts of money on her. It wasn't that her family was poor; they were regular, middle-class people. But the thought of someone renting out an entire skating rink just for her was unfathomable. She thought that people only did that in movies.

"Yeah I did," he said, pushing open the door and stepping inside. Dick had taken care of everything. The rink manager was even there to get them skates and make sure they had what they needed to get onto the ice.

Mac and Dick skated around the rink for hours enjoying themselves. They took turns pulling each other along the ice and laughing about it. Dick tried to hold her up only to drag them both down when he fell. Mac didn't think she'd laughed so hard in her entire life, and Dick was just happy to see her smile. He didn't think he'd ever seen anything so beautiful.

After Mac and Dick left the cabin Veronica went to find Logan. They had an entire day to themselves and Veronica wanted to make sure that Logan knew that she planned to keep her word from last night.

"Hey," she said when she found him playing videogames downstairs. He glanced over at her and nodded.

"Hey," he said, turning back to the screen and fighting the demons.

She watching him quietly until his game ended and then he finally turned to her.

"So Dick and Mac left us alone," he commented, throwing the controller down.

"I noticed. What do you wanna do?" she asked.

He smirked at her and she noticed the leer in his gaze. She reddened instantly and turned away trying to hide her blush.

"We could stay here…get in the hot tub. Maybe go over our anatomy together," he suggested, leaning into her and giving her a wolfish smile.

"I thought we decided on driving around the lake, you know building our friendship foundation and all that jazz," she said, giving him a pointed look.

He sighed heavily and let his head drop to the back of the couch. "Oh right! I guess I did agree to that, huh."

She nodded and scooted closer. "Come on, it'll be fun," she said, nudging him.

He grinned and then sat up. "Alright. Let's go," he said. The doorbell rang at that moment, indicating that the rental car that he had arranged had arrived.

About an hour later they found themselves driving around the lake. They decided to stop at Lower Eagle Falls to check out the view. When they'd stopped earlier for a coffee the barista had suggested visiting the falls and lunch at Sunnyside.

They parked and got out at Lower Eagle Falls and began to follow the path for their small hike.

"So how do you feel about last night?" he asked curiously, taking her hand as they hiked through the woods.

"What do you mean?" she wondered, glancing at him.

"I mean how do you feel about it?"

"Didn't we already cover this portion of the test?" she snarked.

He shot her a look and she sighed.

"I told you; I'm glad we talked about it. I don't have any regrets if that's what you're asking."

"Good."

"What about you? Do you have any regrets?" she asked, tentatively stepping over a root.

He smirked and let his mind replay the previous night's conversation. "Not in the literal sense," he said, turning so she couldn't see his face.

She frowned, "What does that mean?"

"Just that, I know we should take things slow but—"

"But I've missed you," she blurted out, cutting him off.

He nodded and glanced over at her to gauge her reaction. "I've missed you too." He paused to gather his thoughts and then went on. "It was never really our pace that was the problem. I mean we've always gotten A pluses in our physical relationship; it's the emotional part that I'm worried about."

"What about the emotional part? I said I would work on it," Veronica said. She dropped his hand and stopped walking so that they could properly talk.

He stopped when she did and they turned to each other. They took a moment to regard one another, both wondering if this would result in yet another fight.

"I know that, but—"

"Listen Logan, I meant everything I said last night. Even this morning in the harsh light of day I still am committed to us. I know you don't believe me yet, but you will, ok?" she said, taking his hand and giving it a squeeze.

"Ok," he said with a nod. He tightened his hold on her hand as they ventured forward into the thick woods.

"Thank you so much for today! I had so much fun." Mac said when they arrived back to the cabin, her voice full of awe. She made her way to the front door, carrying her purse and the vegan takeout she'd been unable to finish because she was so full.

After their ice skating experience Dick had surprised her again by taking her to a vegan restaurant. Even though he complained about two thirds of the menu and he ordered something that she ended up eating, she was overjoyed that he was willing to take her out to places that he wasn't comfortable going to.

One of the biggest fears she had about dating Dick was that he'd only be willing to do things that he wanted to do. She was worried he wouldn't ever take an interest in things she liked to do, like go to vegan restaurants and museums. The fact that he took her ice skating and then to a vegan restaurant proved that he was making an effort; she was relieved and grateful.

Despite the effort Dick had made that day, Mac still felt the need to discuss with him the other big issue she had with dating him. She was trying to figure out just how to start the conversation when he interrupted her thoughts.

"So you wanna go into the hot tub? I think Veronica and Logan are gone," he suggested, taking her takeout from her and putting it in the fridge.

She nodded and they separated, each heading up to their room to change into their bathing suit. By the time Mac arrived downstairs Dick had already started the hot tub and was settled in. She got in hesitantly, still feeling a bit self-conscious about being almost naked in front of him. He had seen dozens of girls naked and she couldn't help but think of it every time they were together. On top of that, she was still nervous about how she should bring up her feelings regarding monogamy. She needed to talk to him about it if he wanted to go further. She knew that she was ready to move forward, but she didn't want to waste her time if he wasn't that into her.

She eased herself into the hot tub and Dick scooted next to her. He draped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his side.

"So I had a lot of fun today," he said, looking into her bright blue eyes.

"Me too," she said with a smile. He seemed so happy. Her stomach twisted into knots as she thought of a way to bring up what she wanted to say, hoping it wouldn't ruin their magical day.

Dick bent down and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips. She immediately melted into him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders to pull him closer. She was enjoying his lips on hers when, despite her protest, he pulled away. He gave her a nervous look and Mac immediately felt on edge. She knew he was going to say something that she didn't like and she wanted to beat him to it. She needed to talk to him about the monogamy before she lost her nerve.

"Dick—"

"Mac—"

They both blushed and gestured for the other to go on.

"You first."

"No you."

They stared at each other and then finally, when it became apparent Mac wasn't going to speak, Dick decided to take the plunge.

"So I've been thinking…" he began, clearing his throat and looking away nervously.

"About what?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady. Please say something stupid, please say something stupid, she begged mentally.

"Monogamy," he said, finally breaking her mental prayer.

"Monogamy?" she said, shocked. This wasn't going to go well.

"Yeah, see I think we should just be together…if you want. I know what I said the other night but I am starting to think I was wrong…I mean I'd like, like a monogamous relationship," he stuttered.

"Like we don't date anyone else?" she asked, sure that she had entered a bizarre alternate universe. She was trying to make sure she was making sense of his rambling. Dick Casablancas wanted to exclusively date her?

"Yeah, I mean I know what I said before, but…well, I take it back," he said, nodding vehemently.

"Really?" she smiled. "That doesn't sound too bad."

"Good," he said, leaning down to kiss her again.

They began to make out again, but suddenly Dick broke away as if he just realized something. "I don't want to freak you out with sex either. I know you probably want to take things slow, dude."

She laughed and kissed him again before answering. "I don't want you to overthink things. Let's just go at a pace that fits us," she said before placing her lips back on his - right where they belonged.

After taking their time enjoying the view of the falls and sitting and talking for a while, Logan and Veronica decided to go get some lunch. They decided to stop at Sunnyside since it was recommended by the barista for it's beautiful view of the lake.

As they ate, Logan watched Veronica and couldn't help but be surprisingly glad they had broken up. The break up itself had been terrible, but if it let them be able to see each other 'warts and all' and still want to be together it had all been worth it. If a break up was what they needed to move forward then so be it. She was clearly making an effort to open up to him, especially after her giant speech the night before. He smiled, watching as she went on about school and how she wasn't sure if she was on the right path. He was surprised at her openness and he reveled in the fact she was asking for his opinion on things.

"What would make you happy, Veronica?" he asked after she stopped talking.

"Professor Landry told me about a internship with the FBI that he wants to recommend me for."

"Do you want to work for the FBI?" he asked curiously.

She shrugged, "You know how I am with following rules." She bit her lip and sighed. "Honestly, I really like working with my dad. As much as I know he wants me to leave Neptune, I think he knows that we make a great team. Neptune never has any shortage of murder and mayhem so we will always be busy. I actually talked to him this morning. We are working on some theories regarding the Dean's murder."

Logan set his fork down and looked at her. "I thought the Dean committed suicide, Veronica," he said, suddenly not hungry.

"That's a little too cut and dry for Neptune don't you think, Logan?" she replied, not noticing his distress.

"I can't believe you! How can you jump into another case right after what happened before break? How could your father let you? Murder? This is serious, Veronica," Logan was trying to keep himself calm but was losing the battle.

Veronica was taken aback at the turn of Logan's attitude. "This is what we do Logan. My dad and I aren't ever going to win a popularity contest in Neptune but what we do is important. Listen, I promise to be careful. Besides, we are just tossing around theories at this point."

"Yes, well that's how it always starts, isn't it?" Logan responded. "First it's just theories and paperwork and the next thing I know you'll be held at gunpoint, trapped in a trunk somewhere or worse," Logan was surprised to see that his hands were shaking. Veronica must have noticed too because she reached across the table and covered his hands with her own.

"I am telling you this because I am trying to be open with you about what I am doing. I want to show you that I will be cautious. I promise Logan - no more tunnel vision…no more taking unnecessary risks. For the time being I practically have a desk job. My fieldwork will be limited to taking salacious pictures from the parking lot of the Camelot."

"Really?" he finally responded when he had taken in everything she just said. "Will you be satisfied with that?"

"Even if I'm not that is the way it's going to be for a while. At least until I graduate. We have been through enough Logan. The cost is too high." She looked into his eyes willing for him to believe her. When he didn't look entirely convinced she continued. "I swear – no bugged Fichus trees, no trips to Fitzpatrick territory. I've already done all that. I came, I saw, I kicked its ass. I'm officially on hiatus."

The look in his eyes told her that she almost had him. She decided to stop trying to ply him with movie lines and just be honest. "Look I can't promise that I won't ever be in danger again. If, in a few years, I become a PI fulltime with my dad we will have to figure things out. I understand how you feel, but if being a PI is what I choose to do with my life you will have to respect that. I will always fight for what is right; but I will work hard not to hide things from you. Logan, this week has been so perfect in a lot of ways. My spa day with Mac involved actual girl talk. And earlier today, when I was helping Mac get ready for her date, I realized how amazing it felt to be normal. It felt like how things were before Lilly died. I want that…for us and for myself. I will take it easy for now; I promise."

Logan and Veronica smirked at each other and then she leaned across the table to kiss him lightly on the lips.

"Are you trying to distract me or was that because I am being a good boy?" he teased, surprised that she was being so touchy feely with him.

"I don't think being a 'good boy' is in your genes," she said happily before letting go of his hand and pressing her palm to his cheek. "I just wanted to," she added, grinning at him.

He grinned back despite himself, amazed that they were trying again. Hopefully this time it would work out; hopefully it could be like how it should've from the beginning.

Once they were done with their lunch, Veronica and Logan decided to make their way to Tahoe City. They stopped at a few boutiques along the way and made fun of the little souvenirs and kitschy items. Neither of them could remember the last time they had both been so relaxed; it was invigorating.

After the boutiques they found a little path that followed along the edge of the Truckee River. They held hands and walked until it was dark and time to go home.

"This was nice. Do you think it'll still be like this when we go back home?" she asked, cuddling close to him as they walked back along the path toward the car.

He chuckled, "We live in Neptune, remember? Nice isn't in our vocabulary."

"I mean do you think this will be enough? Do you think everything will be this…functional?" she questioned.

"Do you want functional?"

"Yes, I think I do. It's the unknown and that's scary, but I do want it," she admitted, surprising even herself with that bit of information. She had thought of this but she'd never said it out loud.

He kissed her on the top of the head and pulled her closer, enjoying how open she was being.

"I know exactly what you mean," he agreed, looking down at her. She smiled shyly at him and rested her head on his shoulder as they continued walking back to the car.

Once they got home they noticed that Mac and Dick were making out in the hot tub and decided to retreat into Logan's room to watch movies. Neither of them noticed when they fell asleep tangled together while snuggled under the covers.

Mac felt like her entire body was on fire as Dick's hands ghosted across her body. She finally broke away, breathing fast, and noticed that there were more lights on inside the house than when they had gone outside.

"Do you want to move this upstairs? I think Logan and Veronica are home," she said breathlessly.

He nodded and helped her out of the hot tub. They hurried upstairs wrapped in their towels. Mac stopped in her room to change and then she joined Dick in his room. They got on the bed together and continued to explore each other's bodies. Dick's hands danced at the edge of her t-shirt, and Mac couldn't seem to keep her hands off of Dick. He pulled back and gazed down at her eagerly.

"Can I try something?" he asked, touching her flushed face.

"What is it?" she asked, anxious to know what he wanted to do. "I'm nervous," she blurted out. "I don't know what I am doing. I'm not like the girls you are used to."

"Mac, I want you more than anything in the whole world. Just you. Trust me, you'll like it," he said, moving to push off her shirt. She felt momentarily embarrassed when gaze fell upon her naked torso, but when he whispered about how beautiful she was she felt her fears drift away. He let his hands roam across her body and then pulled off her pants. He leaned back to look at her in all of her naked glory. Mac watched through hooded eyes as he lowered his lips to the junction between her thighs and soon she was seeing stars.

(A/n: Only a few more chapters to go! what did you guys think? Please review!)