Author's Note: Thank you everyone who read and reviewed, we really appreciate the feedback! Sadly after this chapter we only have one more. We also discussed a sequel, AngelPete87, and we have actually decided not to do one because we feel that it ends on a note where there's not many places to go from there is a HEA! No worries though we have decided to write another story together, which will be a lot different. It's still being discussed so we don't want to say too much in regards to it. Anyway we're glad you guys liked the MaDi and LoVe dates! Now we have the winding down of the holidays (just for real life ones to start up, oh the irony.) We hope you like it! Please review!

Thank you to: irma66, cainc3, hansongirl14, tigerlady1981, irislim, guest, cantarams, AngelPete87, BewitchingRedHead36, AliLorien, & Guest!

Enjoy!

Chapter 10: There is just one thing I need

"How did yesterday go with Dick?" Veronica asked as Mac and she walked into the woods.

The foursome had slept in in preparation for their big New Years Eve celebration taking place at the Montbleu Resort later that night. Somehow Dick and Logan had scored them tickets to the event hosted by the lovely – if not dirtier than a melted bus stop milkshake – Tara Reid. Neither Veronica nor Mac were too eager to see the actress, but the casino party was supposed to be pretty fun and it would be a good way to ring in the new year. Just all of them being together was enough. She and Mac were so blissfully happy with the men in their lives that they would have agreed to almost anything at this point.

"It was good…" Mac said uneasily.

Veronica frowned. "Then why are you wringing your hands as if something bad happened?" she asked, pointing to Mac's hands that were indeed doing just that.

Mac dropped her hands immediately and bit her lip. "It's just…it was amazing. I'm ready to go all the way with Dick…but…" she stuttered.

"But what?"

"Well I was thinking that tonight could be the night, but I don't want to lose my virginity in a hotel room," she finished reluctantly.

"Who said anything about losing your virginity in a hotel room?" Veronica asked, confused.

"Well, Dick got one for tonight. I think he figured you and Logan would want some alone time and he said it would ruin the mood if we knew that you guys were having sex at the same time we were," Mac blurted out sheepishly.

Veronica blinked rapidly and then turned back to the path. She concentrated on the snow-covered trees around them instead of what Mac had brought up. It was no secret that since Logan and she had reconciled sex had been on her mind. Now that Mac had actually voiced her plans with Dick, it was making Veronica reconsider the whole going slow plan. On the other hand she was nervous to ask Logan to stay in a hotel room with her. The slow down plan seemed to be working well for them. She didn't want to mess with that, but did want to sleep with Logan and make Mac happy by getting out of the cabin for a night.

"Alright, I'll talk to Dick and see if maybe Logan and I can have the room he booked for you guys so you can have the cabin," Veronica relented.

Mac grinned and moved to hug Veronica. "Thank you! It's just after the whole Cassidy thing—"

"Yeah, I know. It's fine. I'll talk to the guys," she said, waving her off friend's explanation.

They continued walking through the woods in silence until Veronica looked over at Mac in concern.

"Are you sure about this? I mean you don't have to do anything you aren't ready to do. Even for Dick; Dick can wait if you need him to," she said cautiously.

Mac nodded and gave her a gentle smile. "I like Dick and I'm ready to take this step with him. He was so amazing on our date. I didn't know he could be like that - caring and thoughtful. Either he has changed a lot or I never really knew him at all."

Veronica sighed, "Ok. Well, just so you know, if the cuddling is the best part he's not doing it right."

Mac giggled and they continued their walk.

When the girls came back to the cabin Veronica went straight to Logan's room and found him still asleep. She smiled to herself as she took off her sweater and shoes before crawling into bed with him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and burrowed her head into his back as she entangled her legs with his. Just as she felt herself dozing back to sleep she felt Logan jerk awake.

"Morning, bobcat," he said, yawning and turning over that so he could see her.

She grinned and kissed him lightly on the lips before pulling away. "It's afternoon actually," she corrected.

He smirked, "You always have to be right."

She smiled playfully and cuddled closer to him. He rolled onto his back and she adjusted so that her head rested on his chest. She was quiet for a few minutes as he caressed her hair. They were content just laying together, their breaths in sync.

Veronica wasn't sure how to bring up the idea of the hotel. She was nervous to ask Logan since things between them were going so well, but she had to do it for Mac.

"Logan…" she said, tilting her head up so she could look him in the eye.

"Veronica," he said matching her quiet tone.

"So…I've been thinking. Well um…so I talked to Mac and she and Dick want to…you know," she murmured, feeling embarrassed.

Logan laughed at the blush crawling up her face when she talked of their friends having sex.

"So what does that have to do with us? Do you wanna join them?" he teased.

Her face grew redder and she lightly slapped his bicep. "No! I think we should get a hotel room, you know give them some space so that they can do their…thing."

Logan shrugged, "Sure why not. Although I think Dick already booked a hotel for them."

"Yeah, but the last time Mac went to a hotel to have sex was with Cassidy…" she trailed off, feeling Logan stiffen under her.

"Right. Yeah, I'll ask Dick," he said, kissing her on the forehead.

She nodded and closed her eyes, listening to his heartbeat.

"Do you think he really likes her?" she asked quietly, curious to know what Logan thought. After all he hadn't thought that Dick was that in to Mac when they had first arrived in Tahoe.

"Yeah."

Logan paused for a minute gathering his thoughts and trying to decide how to convey to Veronica how Dick felt. "Honestly, I've never really seen him like this with any other girl. He's into her. I'm not sure that he realizes how into her he really is," Logan admitted.

Veronica smiled before she closed her eyes again, happy with his answer.

A few hours later Logan woke her up with a kiss to tell her to go pack an overnight bag and to get ready to go to the party.

Veronica and Mac get dolled up in the last nice outfits they brought with them. Mac wore the blue lingerie she bought a few days earlier when shopping with Veronica. Over it she wore a tight black dress and a pair of strappy heels. Veronica wore a white thick-strapped dress that was cut low into a V. She, like Mac, wore black strappy heels. Once they were ready they went downstairs to find the boys.

The casino they were going to was called Montbleu Resort. When they walked in neither Mac nor Veronica could speak for several minutes. There were three clubs inside the place; it was huge. The entire place was still decked out in Christmas decorations and everything looked really elaborate. There were so many things to do that the two couples felt overwhelmed and couldn't decide what to try first.

They knew that they would end their night in the nightclub called Blu so they made a loop around the resort so that they would have a chance to experience everything the resort had to offer. They began their night by taking silly pictures in a photo booth. After they all got copies of their pictures they made their way into a club to watch the go-go dancers.

Mac and Dick stopped to get a drink while Veronica and Logan wandered away to check out a local band playing in the next club. They were actually impressed with the music. When Mac and Dick caught up with them they all danced together for a few songs before the couples paired off for a slow song.

"I'm going to get something to drink," Veronica said when there was a break between bands.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Logan asked.

She shook her head and looked over at Dick and Mac who were coming toward them.

"I'm going to get something to drink. Do you guys want anything?" Veronica asked.

"Yeah, but you won't remember my order," Dick said, making Veronica roll her eyes. She kissed Logan and he told her what he wanted. Dick took Mac's order before he grabbed Veronica's hand to pull her to the bar with him.

"So, I've actually wanted to talk to you," Veronica said, putting on her 'bitch face' as they waited at the bar.

"Oh yeah? What about?" Dick asked, leaning against the counter.

"Don't fuck it up with Mac," she said bluntly.

Dick raised an eyebrow, but recovered quickly enough to respond. "I won't. I really like Mac, dude. Like a lot. More than anyone I've ever dated before or been with," he reassured her.

She nodded and looked back at the bartender, waiting for him to spot them.

"Don't fuck up with Logan again, Ronnie. He really loves you and, as his best friend, I should tell him to stay away from you because you are always screwing with his head. But I think you guys are good together," Dick said, surprising her.

Veronica's head snapped up to look at him in shock. "I'm not – I wouldn't – I mean not again," she stuttered.

Dick flashed some teeth and finally got the bartender's attention. They both ordered their drinks and then an awkward silence settled between them as they waited for the bartender to return.

Across the room Mac and Logan sat together uncomfortably.

"Thanks," Mac said suddenly, drawing Logan's attention.

"For?" Logan asked.

"I mean, thank you for taking the room with Veronica tonight. I really appreciate it," Mac said self-consciously.

Logan shrugged, "It's no problem. We don't mind."

"She's really trying you know to open up to you. I know it's hard for you, but she is," she added, looking over at him.

Logan smiled briefly, "Believe me I know. I've known her since we were twelve. I'd like to think I know her pretty well." He was quiet for a minute before opening his mouth again. "You know, Dick can be kinda…hard to deal with too. You like him right?"

Mac nodded adamantly, "Oh yeah. A lot. More than a lot."

Logan raised an eyebrow in surprise, but he let it go with a nod. He was happy for his friends. He wanted what was best for them, and if they liked each other he was content.

"Good. Dick deserves someone who won't screw with him," he said quietly.

Mac didn't respond, but she did smile at that. She was happy that her friends approved of her and Dick's relationship. She could see that on the surface they appeared to be an unlikely couple, but she was comforted by the fact that those closest to them understood.

Logan looked out into the mass of people, watching for Veronica's tiny body and bright white dress. He finally saw her approaching with Dick behind her. Once the drinks were delivered they went out to the large patio to watch the fire dancers.

The rest of the night they alternated between drinking, dancing, and doing various activities in the resort. With ten minutes to midnight they made their way to Blu as Tara Reid led the festivities. With one minute to go the crowd began the count down and watched the relocated disco ball start its decent. It wasn't quite Times Square but they were having fun.

Dick's arms encircled Mac from behind. He nudged her and then shot a look over at Logan and Veronica. Mac followed his gaze and a smile lit up her face at the sight of their friends. Logan's arms were around Veronica's waist and she held him tightly around his shoulders. They were staring intently into each other's eyes, oblivious to the world around them. Midnight hit and the crowd went wild. Mac watched as Logan kissed Veronica on the nose and whispered something before they engaged in a passionate kiss.

A loud crack drew Mac's attention away from her best friend and to the fireworks soaring over Lake Tahoe. She felt Dick's arms tighten around her and she turned in his arms to face him.

"Happy New Year, Cindy Mackenzie," Dick said, staring intensely into her eyes.

"Happy New Year, Dick," Mac replied, pulling him in for a midnight kiss.

Mac and Dick were pulled from their reverie when Logan and Veronica arrived with full champagne flutes and the group toasted the New Year's arrival together.

"So now that it's a New Year what do you guys wanna do?" Mac asked.

Veronica wiggled her eyebrows at her. Mac blushed but it was all the encouragement that she needed.

"On second thought, Dick do you wanna go back to the cabin?" Mac asked, nodding to the doorway.

Dick grinned, already knowing what was going to happen when they got back. "Let's go dude," he said, waving goodbye to Logan and Veronica, and then making his way to the valet to go get Logan's car.

"Are they staying here?" he asked, suddenly realizing that, in his eagerness, he didn't know if his friends had decided to stay or go with them.

"Yep," Mac said, popping the 'p.'

Dick smirked, "Told you we could get them together. Dude, we make an awesome team."

Mac laughed in reply and grabbed his hand as they waited for the valet. She didn't let go of his hand even when they got into the car and Dick was unable to stop grinning from ear to ear. He couldn't believe that this was happening. He had no clue how he had gotten someone as smart and special as Mac to have feelings for him. He felt lucky for the first time in years.

"Thanks again for coming on the trip," he said, breaking the silence as they drove through the hills.

"It's no problem," she said, shooting him an odd look.

"I've never really looked forward to starting a new year or making those stupid resolutions, but I am now…you know, now that you're here," he admitted quietly.

Mac blushed, "I feel the same way." She bit her lip and looked away, contemplating how to bring up what she so desperately wanted to.

"You know, I'm a little worried," she began, staring out the window.

"Worried? About what?" he asked curiously.

"You know, you have a lot more experience than I do… I mean I've never done this before. What if…what if – I mean, what if I'm not good enough for you?" she stuttered.

Dick snorted in response, completely missing the flash of disbelief in Mac's eyes.

"Good enough? Like any of the girls I've been with have been good enough. I mean, Madison just laid there and made me do all the work," he said edgily. "Pretty chicks are almost never good in bed."

Mac blinked rapidly and clamped her mouth shut. She wasn't sure what to make of his comment, but she did know she was seriously reconsidering making love to him tonight.

When they pulled into the driveway Mac opened the door quickly so she could get inside. She hurried to the door and unhappily waited for Dick to come unlock it. He tried to wrap his arm around her shoulders, but she shrugged him off.

"What's wrong?" he asked, staring down at her.

"Can you just open the door, please?" she snapped, tightening her arms around herself so she could keep warm.

He frowned, but did as she asked. When the door was open she hurried into the cabin, took off her coat and threw it on the couch. Then she undid her heels and hurried upstairs. Dick stood there for a moment before following her, confused by her actions.

"Dude, what's wrong?" he asked, coming into her room without knocking.

She glared over at him from her seated position on the bed.

"Nothing, just…" she trailed off and rubbed a hand across her face.

"Did I do something? Say something?" he asked, sitting down beside her. She was quiet for a long time until she finally responded.

"Dick…I like you a lot. I may even possibly be falling in love with you, but for that to happen I need you to think before you speak and take responsibility for your words."

"What did I say?" he asked, utterly bewildered. He had no clue what she was going on about.

"The comment about Madison and sleeping with pretty girls. I'm about to take a huge step here with you, both emotionally and physically, and then you go and say something like that. You essentially just told me that either I'm not pretty or I won't be good in bed." she snapped, feeling stupid for even telling him how she felt or what she thought.

He was quiet for a minute before nodding. "Holy shit, Mac I didn't mean that. I only said that because the other girls didn't mean anything. I've never done this before either. I've never made fucking love or whatever. I want tonight to be special for you, but I'm also…I'm nervous. So I just rambled. What if you regret it or I go too fast? What if I'm not everything you want me to be? What if I fuck it all up? I didn't mean to offend you. I just meant that none of those girls have been good enough because I didn't care about them like I care about you. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I think I could fall in love you with you too," he admitted quietly. He ran a hand through his hair, feeling completely like a girl.

Mac leaned over and kissed him gently. When he began to respond she pulled away and got off the bed. She went to stand in front of him and cupped his face in her hands.

"I've been really happy this last week and I want to start this year off right," she said before taking a step back and unzipping her dress. The black material pooled on the ground. Dick let out a strangled noise as he took in the sight of her wearing the lovely blue lingerie that matched her eyes.

"We'll be ok," she said softly. She took a step closer to him and smiled, watching as his eyes became darker with lust. She leaned down to kiss him and he immediately pulled her forward until her legs straddled his waist. They fell to the bed together and began moving in unison. Dick moved slowly, but deliberately as he removed his clothes and then her lingerie. When he finally entered her she couldn't help but think that nothing had ever been as perfect as that moment.

Back at Montbleu, Logan and Veronica wandered around the casino for a little while longer before they went up to the hotel room. Both of them were a bit nervous so they were relying on their age-old jokes and snark to relieve the tension.

"And here we are," Logan said, making a grand gesture as he opened the door to the suite.

Veronica took in the large hotel room with its California king bed and dim lightening.

"It's nice," she said, feeling awkward. She wasn't sure why she felt so uncomfortable. They had shared a bed plenty of times.

"You know, Veronica, just because Mac and Dick are fooling around doesn't mean I'm expecting anything. I'm ok with taking things slow physically if not emotionally," he said, moving to her and taking her hand.

She looked up at him nervously and then nodded, saying, "I want to have sex, don't get me wrong I just…I want it to be perfect. Again. I mean every time is perfect, but I just want it to be the right time. For us." She winced feeling embarrassed by what she had just said. She felt the need to slap herself to stop talking. "And I officially sound like an idiot," she mumbled, bringing a hand to her forehead and giving him a sheepish smile.

He grinned and leaned down to kiss her. She responded instantly, getting lost in the kiss like she always did. Everything seemed to fall away and it was just the two of them together. No one else mattered. He pulled away gently and pressed a kiss to her forehead before moving away.

"I'm pretty tired. How about we get ready for bed?" he said, letting his fingers ghost down her arm to finally land in her hand.

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say Don Juan, but I call dibs on the bathroom first," she said, giving him a meaningful look.

Logan smirked as he tossed Veronica her bag that a bellhop brought up earlier. She took a shower and changed while he hunted through the list of movies available, trying to find something they hadn't yet seen.

When she came out of the bathroom he took his turn and then they curled into bed with each other. Neither of them really watched the movie; both were too wrapped in each other. They spent the majority of the movie passionately kissing. It was fun and youthful and reminded Veronica of their early days together in junior year when all they did was make out everywhere in secret.

Veronica pulled away, needing to take a break and catch her breath before she ripped his clothes off. She ran a hand up and down his arm and gazed up at him with so much love in her eyes that he felt his heart clench.

"I love you," she whispered before placing a gentle kiss on his lips.

"Veronica—"

"I'm telling you because I need you to know – I want you to know. And I'm not drunk either if that's what you're going to say. I'm telling you this sober and without hesitation," she added hastily.

He was quiet for a minute before leaning down and pressing a chaste kiss to her lips.

"I didn't think you were drunk. I'm just shocked," he chuckled and moved over on the bed slightly to lie beside her. He was looking at her with wonderment. He'd waited forever for her to say that and now he wanted her to say it at least once more. She propped her head up with her hand and looked over at him, fear reflected in her eyes as she waited for him to continue after the big step she just took.

"Can you say it again?" he asked, reaching a hand out to her and moving her closer to him.

She grinned and all her fear instantly disappeared. "I love you," she said again.

"Again, please?" he said, leaning over and kissing her firmly on the mouth.

"I, Veronica Mars, love you, Logan Echolls," she said, kissing him fervently in response.

He buried his head in her shoulder and held on to her as tightly as he could. They stayed like that for a few minutes until Logan pulled away and rolled on to his back. He made sure she stayed firmly pressed to him, since he didn't want to let her go. Never again would he let her go.

"This right here - I don't think I've ever felt so close to you…not even after sex. I just mean…this is true intimacy," he admitted bashfully.

She looked up at him and kissed him again, wanting to convey that she agreed.

"We can do this, Veronica. We can do the communication; we can do the closeness," he said firmly.

"I know."

"I think we should move in together," he blurted out.

He felt her stiffen in response. He had expected that reaction from her; he knew that he'd sprung the idea of moving in together on her way too quickly, but that didn't mean he wanted to take it back.

"I know it's scary, but I believe we can do this. I love you so much. I will show you every day that you are the only one for me. And I will show you with actions, not just words. I'm ready to do this with you, for good. We're adults and I want to move out of the Grand. I've been thinking about that for a while now. And there's no one else I'd rather live with than you. I want to buy a place and I'd really like if you could move in with me. Even if we can't be together physically just yet, I think we should go into this like we're both in it forever," he rambled, hoping that he hadn't scared her away.

Veronica remained silent for a long time trying to take in what he'd just said. Slowly he felt the stiffness drain from her body. He had to give her credit for not jumping out of bed and running as fast and as far away from him as possible.

"I need to think about it," she whispered, looking up at him to show him how serious she was. She wasn't running anymore, but she did need time.

He nodded and tightened his hold on her. Eventually they fell asleep wrapped around the other.

(A/n: Just one more chapter! Please let us know what you think! The last chapter will be uploaded soon! Promise!)