Story so far: Logan and Duncan overhear Veronica at Lilly's graveside. They learn she has cancer and is dying. They also learn she can prove Abel Kunz didn't kill Lilly. Logan ends up rushing into Veronica's room begging her not to go to Lilly and to stay because he needs her. Logan once Veronica's heart rate rises professes he knows she is going to get better. She does and while she is recuperating at home, Logan does some soul searching and decides he needs to make changes. Logan worried about how Veronica is taking that Duncan and Meg are dating talks to her in the hallway at school. The rumors have them dating. Now back to the story.......

Logan looks in horror at the tabloid. He wonders why these things keep happening to him. He looks again at the picture of Veronica and him. They are exiting the restaurant. He is holding the door open for her. It looks like he has his arm around her. She is looking up at him and he is looking down at her. They are both laughing.

Logan remembers that she had pushed the door that said pull. He had reached over and pulled it open. She had to step closer to him for the door to open. He had said something sarcastic about her being the future valedictorian of their class and they had both laughed. It was a moment between almost friends but the picture made it look like they were dating. Logan wants to scream in frustration.

****

Logan had called Veronica and told her that he wanted to talk to her about the rumors that they were dating. Veronica had asked Logan why he didn't just ask someone else to the dance and then the rumors about her and Logan would stop.

Logan explained that everyone would think he dumped her or she dumped him already and the rumors would be awful. Veronica had been silent for a few seconds and then had said, "It's not like you don't date a lot of different girls Logan. I would just be one of the many."

Logan says sincerely, "I just don't want people talking about you like that."

Veronica snorts and interjects, "Like that would hurt my reputation."

Logan sighs audibly. He says quietly, "I have been trying to make sure that my actions don't hurt other people Ronnie. I just would like to find a way to make the rumors about us die a quiet, bloodless death."

Veronica complains, "I don't get why people would think you would date me anyways. You made it obvious you don't like me and we don't even talk."

Logan is quiet for a few seconds and then rather sheepishly tells Veronica that he and Duncan told people to lay off her or they would answer to them.

Veronica ithinks for a few second and then questions, "I still don't get why they would think we are dating."

Logan says quietly, "I am not sure either but it is the rumor going around the school."

Logan pauses for a few seconds and then says in mild frustration, "I am not saying this properly over the phone. Look Ronnie, are you hungry?"

Veronica had been shocked silent for a few seconds and then she had tentatively said, "I could eat."

Logan a little relieved questions, "Can we talk in person? Are you able to eat greasy, probably unhealthy food?"

Veronica laughs immediately understanding where Logan wants to go. She says, "I haven't been to George's in a long time. It sounds good. When do you want to meet?"

Logan relaxes thinking how quickly she had picked up where he wanted to go. He quizzes, "How about in an hour?"

Veronica says, "See you then."

Logan hangs up his phone and heads off to his room to shower. He and Veronica have not really talked for a long time.

Maybe today he can apologize to her. Maybe if their talk goes well, he can ask her if they can work on their friendship. Logan thinks about how he has given her space and how she is getting stronger. She is gaining weight back and seems to have much better color in her face.

It would be nice if all their conversations weren't so stilted and uncomfortable like they are now. His psychiatrist feels like he should apologize and ask forgiveness even if there is very little chance he will get it. She definitely deserves an apology but Logan doesn't know if she will ever accept it.

On his way out the door to meet Veronica, Logan finds his mother and tells her he is going to meet Veronica at George's. She smiles and says, "That greasy burger joint you all liked so much?"

Logan laughing tells her, "Yes. It is a casual place to meet and I haven't had a burger there in a while."

He gets serious and confides in his mother that he is going to apologize to Veronica and ask her if they could work on being friends again some day. He tells his mom he doesn't deserve her friendship but she does deserve his apology.

Mrs. Echolls looks at her son and says, "I am so proud of you Logan! I know this is hard for you." She hugs him and he hugs her back.

He says, "I'm not expecting anything Mom. It is just time for it."

He walks towards the door and she says, "Good luck honey."

She hears his thanks as he walks out the door.

Lynn Echolls looks after her son as he drives out the front gate. She opens her phone and presses a button. She says, "Logan is going to George's Burger Bar. He is meeting a petite blond girl. I need a picture of them looking like a couple." She hangs up with a smile on her face.

***

Logan gets out of his vehicle and heads into the restaurant. He doesn't see Veronica's car so he decides to get a table. He thinks about the conversation he is about to have with Veronica. He knows he doesn't deserve her forgiveness. He also knows he can never make it up to her. He just wants her to know he knows what he did was wrong and he is sorry. He looks back on how far down he allowed himself to sink. He is ashamed of his choices in the past. He likes the improvements he has made in his life. He is feeling better about himself. Logan knows he has a long way to go but he is pleased at his progress so far. He likes learning about the stock market. He seems to have a natural flair for it. He can see a future for himself and it makes him feel hopeful.

Logan looks up and sees Veronica enter the restaurant. She is wearing low rise tight jeans and a t shirt. His heart skips. She looks damn good.!

Spotting him she smiles a little tentatively. She walks over to the table.

Logan stands and motions Veronica to sit across from him. He sits down once she is settled and says sincerely, "Ronnie, thanks for coming."

Veronica looks at Logan and says teasingly, "Well I haven't had a George's burger in a long time."

The waitress approaches and asks them what they want to drink. After giving their order, Veronica looks around and says, "This place hasn't changed, has it?"

She looks at the menu and says, "Wow, even the menu is the same."

Logan says, "I doubt it ever will change. Do you know what you want?"

The waitress arrives with their drinks and takes their order. After she leaves, Logan leans on the table and says, "Ronnie, I wanted to talk to you about what happened after Lilly died. I think the first thing I should say is I am so sorry. I know that I was an ass and I was so very wrong."

Veronica looks at Logan. She can see his is sincere but she is not sure what to think about having a discussion with him about all their issues. She says slowly, "I am not sure that I want to talk about this."

Logan looks at Veronica and says sadly, "We won't talk about it if you don't want to. I just think you deserve an apology. If you are ever ready to hear my apology, just call me and let me know."

Veronica looks at Logan carefully. She can see he is sincere. His willingness to defer to what she wants impresses her.

He looks at her and says, "I want to talk to you about the rumors about us at school. Maybe we could catch up on each other's gossip before we delve into the rumor mill at good old Neptune High?"

Veronica shrugs and says uneasily, "Sure."

Logan asks, "What happened with your cancer?"

Veronica leans forward and says, "Well I finished all the chemotherapy treatments. So far the cancer is still in remission. I still see my doctor every month and get my blood tested. I will get a scan every three months."

Logan nods in understanding. He clarifies, "Actually I meant that I would like to know the whole story if you don't mind telling me. When did you find out you had cancer? What were you feeling?"

Veronica looks at Logan in surprise. Most people ask but don't really want to know. She starts telling him about the first symptoms and going to her doctor. She tells him about getting the call to come in for further testing and how nervous it made her. She tells him about her initial shock and her confidence she would be OK.

While she is telling him about getting weaker and weaker and how she began to feel like maybe she wouldn't beat the cancer, their food arrives. Logan absently hands Veronica the ketchup and hot sauce for her fries and burger as she prepares her burger. He holds out his burger for her pickles. Hesitating only a brief period, Veronica puts her pickles on his burger and half smiles at him.

Logan is obviously thinking about what she has said and is not thinking about how they have hated each other for the last year and a bit. He is acting like he did when they used to come here and talk. She always gave him her pickles and he let her have some of his fries.

As Veronica takes the first bite of her burger she thinks about how Logan is truly listening to what she has to say. He is asking questions only to clarify and seems to really want to hear everything.

Logan's voice breaks her out of her thoughts. "How is your burger?"

Veronica looks at Logan and says, "Almost like I remember. I can't taste as well as I used to before all the chemo."

Logan immediately concerned says, "Did you want to go somewhere else?"

Veronica shakes her head and says, "No, this is good."

Logan continues, "So you were telling me about when the chemotherapy wasn't working." He takes a bite of his burger and looks at her.

Veronica swallows her bite and continues on with her story. When she gets to how tough school was when she was sick, Logan shakes his head. He says, "God Ronnie. Why didn't you tell anyone you were sick?"

Veronica looks down at her plate for a minute. She says quietly, "I didn't want to give you..." She stops and then says, "them more ammunition. I told the people who really care about me." She looks down at her plate as she finishes.

Logan looks at her bent head and feels the familiar pain in his gut. God he was such a jackass! He looks at his plate and he says, "Veronica, I don't know when I became so abusive. I crossed the line with you. I can't even begin to tell you how sorry I am."

He looks up and sees her looking at him. He says, "I am not proud of who I became and how I acted. I just hope you can see that I have really changed." Logan trails off.

There is an uncomfortable pause. Logan clears his throat and says, "You were talking about school and how hard it was."

Veronica sits quietly looking at Logan. She can see he is genuinely regretful of how he acted. She can see the changes in him now. He is definitely quieter and more respectful. He hasn't gotten into any trouble and his marks are good. She can see it is not an act. She is just not sure how much she wants to trust him.

Veronica decides to just let things go for right now. She continues with her story, "Well as the cancer took over more and more of my body. I just got so tired of it. I was tired of being sick and tired of fighting." She continues on and tells him about wanting it to be over, wanting to get away from the pain.

Logan says, "You wanted to go and see Lilly."

Veronica looks at him in shock. "How did you know that?" she whispers.

Logan admits, "DK and I overheard you talking to Lilly at her grave the week before you went into the hospital."

Veronica's mouth drops open a little. "You were there?"

Quietly Logan answers, "Yes. We heard you telling Lilly that you thought the cancer had spread to your head. You said you weren't afraid to die because she would be there to meet you and you said you felt bad about leaving your dad."

Veronica doesn't know what to say or think. She sits quietly looking at Logan. Logan looks around the restaurant and then says, "I went to see you at the hospital."

Shocked, Veronica questions, "You came to see me?"

Logan clarifies, "I looked through the window of your room. Your dad wouldn't let me in to see you. Your friends told him about what I had done to you.

Veronica looks at Logan and then nods in understanding.

Logan continues, his voice breaking a little, "You were lying there so pale, so weak, so still." He looks down at his plate and the reaches for his drink. He takes a sip of his water.

"Ronnie," he asks, "How much do you remember about that night?"

Veronica shakes her head and says, "Very little. The nurses gave me medicine to take away the pain. My dad says I went into a coma."

Logan nods and says, "At one point, you opened your eyes and looked at the ceiling like you were seeing something, someone. Your heart rate started to slow on the monitor."

Veronica looks at Logan in surprise and says "I don't remember that. What happened?"

Logan looks down at his food and says, "Well your heart rate came back up and you seemed to sleep better."

He looks at her food and changes the subject, "Did you want dessert?"

Veronica shakes her head and says, "I'm good thanks."

Veronica is looking sharply at Logan. She can see there is something he is not telling her. She mentally files it away to ask her dad. She says going along with the subject change, "So I hear you have been entering some surfing competitions."

Logan looks at her and smiles a little, "Yeah. I thought I might as well try it out."

Veronica adds teasingly, "I hear you have been doing well."

Logan says curiously, "Who have you been talking to?"

Smiling Veronica answers, "Your mom. She says you are really talented." Veronica draws out the word really.

Logan laughs and says, "Well she is a little biased so I would take what she says with a grain of salt."

Veronica says sincerely, "Well I'm glad for you."

Logan feeling his breath catch at her sweetness says, "Thanks."

Veronica looking at Logan curiously observes, "I was surprised to see you in AP classes when I came back to school."

Logan nods understanding her underlying question. He smirks, "Yeah. I am not known for academic prowess."

Veronica smiles at Logan's sarcasm.

Logan continues on with his explanation, "I want to go to college so I thought I better get my grades up. Miss James says that the AP courses will prepare me for college so I thought I would try them."

Veronica says mildly, "Well you seem to be doing fine in them."

Logan teases her a little saying, "I don't think you need to worry about competition for valedictorian but I am enjoying them."

Veronica looks at Logan and says, "Your mom tells me you are thinking of becoming a stock broker."

Logan nods and says easily "My dad hooked me up with his stock broker and I have been going once a week to learn from him."

Veronica asks, "Do you like it?"

Logan's face lights up as he tells her about how much he has learned and how he seems to have a natural flair for it. Veronica watches as he waves his hands in animation as he talks about some of the things he is learning. It is hard to reconcile this Logan she has talked to today with the Logan who ridiculed and pranked her the last year and a half. He really does seem to have changed.

"Anyways," Logan says, "I have so much to learn. Mr. Scott says I should go to college and get my degree."

Veronica says quietly, "I am glad that you found something you like."

Logan asks, "What are you thinking of taking in college?"

Veronica answers slowly as she thinks about it, "I am not sure when I will even go to college. A lot will depend on whether I stay in remission."

There is silence for a minute. Logan thinks about how the cancer could come back and his chest tightens in pain. He is brought back by her voice. "Also, my medical bills are huge so there may not be money for college. I may work a year before I go."

Logan says, "Maybe you will get a scholarship."

Veronica says although her voice is hopeful, "Maybe I will." With her illness her grades have dropped and she is not really in the running for valedictorian any more.

The waitress comes and takes away their plates. Logan asks her to bring them coffee. He looks at Veronica and says, "What do you think we should do about the rumors we are dating."

Veronica says, "I find that if you ignore them, they will go away."

Logan says firmly, "Look Veronica. I have already hurt you enough. I don't want people to be talking about you like you were one of my conquests or I used you or something like that."

Veronica frowns slightly at Logan. She says, "I don't see how you are going to stop the rumors."

Logan considers this for a moment and says, "Well I don't think I can stop them. I just want to control them a little."

Veronica shakes her head slightly as if to say it isn't possible but she asks, "What do you mean?"

Logan points out, "If you were to start dating someone else and I stayed single then no one would think I used you."

Veronica frowns at his suggestion. She is surprised he is willing to be the one who doesn't have a date. She says, "You don't want to have to wait for me to find a date Logan. That probably won't happen until I go away to college."

Logan is looking at her oddly. Veronica seeing the look says, "What?"

Logan says quietly, "You haven't been paying attention Veronica. The guys are all talking about how hot you look."

Veronica looks surprised. She flushes a little in embarrassment. She says awkwardly, "You don't have to say that Logan."

Logan snorts and says, "I think the chemotherapy affected your brain Ronnie. You have always been hot but your short hair makes you look sexy."

Veronica's eyes widen and she blushes and looks down.

Logan is shocked that Veronica has no idea how the guys look at her. Logan remembers that she felt no one noticed her next to Lilly. After Lilly died no one wanted to date her because she was ostracized. Logan did not really think about how that made her feel as a woman. To be honest, even if he had thought about it, he wouldn't have cared. God he has so much to answer for.

Her voice brings Logan out of his thoughts, "It is too much for a guy to take on my cancer."

Frowning, he questions, "What do you mean Ronnie?"

Veronica looks down at her hands. She explains, "I'm messy right now Logan. I need blood work, scans and I don't know month to month if I am going to stay cancer free. It is a lot to ask of anyone. It's better if I wait until I know I am cancer free to bring anyone else into it."

Logan puts his hand over hers on the table and says, "A guy would be lucky to date you Ronnie."

Veronica is surprised and pauses not knowing what to say. She finally murmurs, "Thanks."

The waitress comes back with their coffee. Veronica busies herself adding the cream and sugar.

Logan brings himself out of his thoughts when Veronica begins to talk. "You don't need to worry about me Logan. I am used to being talked about. Just go about your life and I will go about mine. The gossip will die down."

Logan says, "Maybe you are right. I wish that they would find something else to gossip about than my love life or lack thereof."

Veronica looks at Logan and pauses. She is unsure whether she should ask him about it. The gossip has been that Logan has not been dating anyone. She finally asks, "You haven't been dating?"

Logan puts both hands around his coffee cup. He answers, "Not for a few months. I have other priorities right now."

It is Veronica's turn to wonder what Logan is thinking about himself. She knows he knows he is hot. Lynn told her that Logan has been going to a psychiatrist for a few months and it seems to be helping him. She says he doesn't like himself and he is working on becoming a better person. She is very proud of him and how far he has come along. Veronica can see the changes. She wonders what brought them on.

Logan is right in that he is the subject of a lot of gossip at school. There has been a lot of speculation on why he is not dating, the changes in his demeanor and his attention to his grades. Now that everyone is talking about them as a couple, people are speculating that Logan was really shook up about Veronica's illness. The latest talk is that he realized he loved her and he almost lost her. It made him rethink his life. Although Veronica doesn't believe Logan changed for her, she knows something happened.

Veronica looks at Logan and sees that he is paying their waitress for their meal. After the waitress leaves, Veronica thanks Logan for dinner and tells him not to worry about the gossip. She isn't going to.

Logan smiles at her and tells her she is welcome for dinner. He looks down at her as they stand and says, "I know it is my own fault for being such a jackass but I do miss talking to you."

Veronica quietly says, her voice unsure, "This was ..... nice."

Logan smirks a little at her difficulty coming up with an adjective to describe this meeting. He would probably go with awkward, weird, confusing or disconcerting. He says, "Call me if you ever feel like talking Ronnie."

Veronica smiles at Logan and says, "Thanks. I'll remember that."

They stand and walk together towards the exit.

They had parted in the parking lot and Logan had gone home after. He had told his mom that Veronica wasn't ready to listen to his apology and that they had decided to just ignore the rumors and they would eventually go away. He told her he had a nice time talking to Veronica and that he hoped it had been a small step in repairing their relationship. His mother was pleased for him and had told him the she and his dad were going to LA for a few days. He had swam in the pool and then played his play station for a while before going to bed.

He had not talked to Veronica the rest of the weekend. He was not prepared for the fallout that was coming on Monday.

Thanks for reading this story. If you have advice or questions, you know what to do.....