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. In the hospital, 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. Logan frustrated meets with Veronica at a burger bar to discuss how to handle all the rumors about them. To Logan's chagrin a tabloid publishes a picture of him and Veronica at the restaurant. Now the rumors at school are even worse. Now back to the story.......
A few days later, Lynn Echolls calls Veronica and asks her if she wants to go to a fundraiser with her. It is a fashion show in LA. She tells Veronica she is the co chairperson for the fundraiser and that they will stay at the apartment in LA overnight. She has already OK'd it with Keith. Veronica agrees to go with her.
Lynn happily tells Veronica she will pick her up Saturday morning and she will be back home on Sunday night.
Lynn forgets to mention that Logan is coming and that they are both going to be models.
When there is a knock on her apartment door early Saturday morning, Veronica is expecting the driver to be there. She is surprised to see Logan. She says questioningly, "Logan, what are you doing here?"
Logan frowns slightly and explains, "Ronnie I have to go to this show every year. It is a big fundraiser for the foundation that Mom is co chairperson on." Logan reaches down and takes her suitcase. Veronica walks ahead of Logan to the car. She says over her shoulder, "Well good. I will have someone to sit with if your mom gets busy."
Logan looks at her in surprise. He smiles to himself. Obvious his mother has not told her that they are both models in the show. He smirks as he follows her to the car and hands her suitcase to the driver. This should be interesting he thinks to himself.
After Veronica greets Lynn, Logan pulls her to the middle of the limo and turns on a movie for them to watch. He tells Veronica that his mother will be on the telephone the whole trip making sure everything is ready for the show. Veronica settles in beside Logan and watches the movie.
Lynn looks over and sees Logan and Veronica sitting together watching the movie. From time to time they make quiet comments to each other. Half way through the movie, Veronica leans gently into Logan and he shifts putting his arm around her so they are both more comfortable.
Lynn likes how well they are getting along. She can't wait to see Logan's reaction to the outfits she picked for Veronica to model and the dress she bought for her to wear at the ball after. Lynn smiles in anticipation and turns her attention back to her phone and dials.
When they get to the hotel, Lynn tells Logan and Veronica to go on to the show area and sign in. Her attention already on all the things she has to do, she absently tells them she will meet them later.
Veronica watches her walk away and looks over at Logan with a puzzled expression on her face. Logan shrugs and nods towards the hallway beside the elevator. Logan watches Veronica as she looks around the large hall. It is decorated for the show and the stage and walkway are already set up. Veronica is looking at all the workers, hotel employees and volunteers in wonder.
Logan gently takes Veronica's arm and walks with her to the back stage area. He is recognized immediately. A thin, middle aged woman wearing a blue business skirt suit firmly ushers Logan over to the area where the males are getting the final fittings for the outfits they are going to model. She comes back and looks at Veronica appraising. She says, "What is your name?"
Logan looks back and sees a look of shock on Veronica's face. He laughs. He sees her try and tell Belinda that she is not a model. He knows that Belinda will not listen and Veronica will soon find herself in final fittings and then hair and make up. Logan smiles as he heads behind the curtained area. He usually dislikes this part of the event but he might just enjoy himself today.
***
Veronica cannot believe this woman thinks she is a model. She finds herself ushered behind the curtain to an area where another woman with a clipboard marks her name off. Veronica finds herself being measured and then she is being undressed. The woman fitting her is pleased with her saying 'Yes, you will be perfect."
She puts a plaid miniskirt on Veronica. It is very short. The white button up shirt is longer and hangs open at the bottom to show off the skirt and the top has a matching plaid tie loosely around her neck. Veronica tries to tell the woman that she would never wear this to school and the woman ignores her. The second outfit is a pair of low rise black jeans with a see through gauzy shiny silver blouse and a back halter top under the blouse. The last outfit is a prom dress. It is gorgeous. It is deep blue and fits like a dream. It clings to her in all the right places and when she walks shines in the light. It has a modest halter bust line and leaves her back bare. Veronica could see herself wearing this outfit. She is undressed and put in a housecoat and sent to hair and make up.
Veronica wearing her short housecoat is sitting in front of the make up mirror looking at her reflection in amazement. It doesn't even look like her. Her eyes look smoky and sexy and her lips look plump. Her hair makes her look young and chic. The man doing her hair had commented on how sexy she looked with short hair. The girl doing her make up had been friendly and had commented on how beautiful her eyes were and how she doesn't have to do much to her to make her look hot.
Veronica looks at all of the other models. There are girls of all ages, even babies. Veronica realizes that Logan must have done these shows since he was very young. She is taken to a practice runway and shown how to walk and turn. They watch her practice and pronounce her ready. They send her to the back area to wait her turn. It is chaos there. The models are dressed and their makeup and hair is checked. Then they wait in line for the final check by the designer. Then they get their turn on the runway. When you get off the runway, you are undressed and your next outfit is put on you. Then you wait in line again. It goes like clockwork.
All too soon Veronica is waiting her turn to go on the runway. The children and parents are done. She feels exposed in the short skirt and bare midriff. The girl in front of Veronica sees her nervousness and smiles at her. She introduces herself as Nicole. Nicole is a tall blond woman with long blond hair. She tells Veronica this is her fourth show. Smiling she points out the show is for a good cause. She tosses her long blond hair and tells Veronica how she felt self conscious the first year but now just tries to enjoy herself. Putting her hand gently on Veronica's shoulder, Nicole advises her to just have fun. She says, "How often do you get to wear designer clothes and walk down a runway?" Veronica thinks about it and decides to just take her advice and have fun.
When Logan hears Veronica's name he looks up from his dresser and sees her step up behind the curtain. His breath stops in his chest. He feels his body tighten in response to her outfit. She is wearing a version of a Catholic schoolgirl outfit but it would definitely be banned in any school he is aware of. The skirt is very short and her midriff is exposed. God she is even wearing knee socks. She leaves his sight. He goes over and looks past the side curtain. As he suspected she is walking down the runway with attitude. He hears a lot of clapping for her outfit and he imagines that most of the clapping is coming from the males in the audience. Logan heads back to his spot in line. He is going to kill his mother for this. He is not sure he can even walk down the runway now he is so aroused. He hears the other models talking about her asking who she is.
Logan walks up to the curtain when his name is called. He is wearing board shorts and an open shirt. He walks out and down the runway. He listens to them describe him as the son of Aaron and Lynn Echolls and then his outfit is described. He stops at the bottom of the runway waiting for pictures and then heads back up the runway. He thinks one down, two to go.
Veronica was in the middle of getting dressed in her second outfit when all activity stops. She hears Logan's name and looks up. She can see why all the women stopped to look. He is wearing board shorts but his shirt is open exposing his six pack abs and muscled chest. He walks with confidence. His hair is gelled up and he looks great. Veronica feels like she is having a little trouble breathing. Why is it so hot in here?
Lynn looks over and sees Veronica's expression. She smiles smugly. Logan had looked like he was going to swallow his tongue when Veronica walked out. If Lynn was not mistaken, Veronica looked like she might drool. 'Yes', she thinks to herself, 'this was working out very well.'
Logan hears Veronica's name again and is almost afraid to look up. He does and sees her tight jeans, see through blouse and halter top. He almost groans. She is so sexy in that outfit. It is clear to him now that his mother is the devil.
Logan's second outfit is tight jeans and a polo shirt. The shirt stretches across his chest and the jeans hug his butt nicely. Veronica closes her eyes at the sight.
When Veronica goes up to walk the runway in her third outfit she finds she is paired with Logan. He is wearing a black tux and his tie matches her outfit. It is supposed to look like they are going to the prom together. He looks down at her and says, "You look beautiful Ronnie."
Veronica smiles at him and tells him he looks very handsome. Veronica says, "I'm not sure what to do at the bottom of the runway with a partner."
Logan says, "Just follow my lead Ronnie. I won't leave you hanging."
Logan steps out of the curtain first and stands while his name is announced and the announcer describes his tux. He walks partway down the runway and poses.
When Veronica's name is announced she steps out and waits at the top of the runway. Logan walks up to her and puts out his arm. Veronica puts her hand on top of his arm and they walk together down the runway.
When they get to the bottom of the runway, Logan drops his arm and Veronica turns and lets the audience look at the back of her dress. Logan takes her hand and kisses it. He looks up at her as he kisses her hand. Veronica blushes adorably and the crowd awes. He pulls her hand through the crook of his arm and covers it with his as they walk back up the isle. They get a large round of applause.
Lynn and Aaron smile at Logan's showmanship. Logan turns Veronica to face the audience at the end. He pulls her close to his side. There is a brief moment where he looks down at her and she is looking up at him. The sexual tension is there and then puts his hand on her bare back as they leave.
The designer had wanted a tall leggy model to be paired with Logan but Lynn had insisted on Veronica. The designer had to admit they made a striking couple and their chemistry together was top notch.
***
The next day the newspapers had pictures of many of the famous people. There was a picture of Aaron and Lynn dancing together as well as other board members. There was a picture of Logan kissing Veronica's hand and one of them dancing together at the dance. The caption read Logan Echolls enjoys the event with his girlfriend Veronica Mars.
****
Monday morning, Logan walks in to first period and sits in his usual chair next to Duncan. Duncan looks briefly at him but goes right back to his books.
Meg walks in and sits in her desk at the front of the room. Veronica walks in after Meg is settled. She hesitates by her usual chair. After a brief pause, she walks down the row and stands next to Logan but on the side away from Duncan.
Logan looks up at her and smiles. She leans over, puts her hand on his cheek and kisses him. Veronica smiles at Logan and then sits down in the desk next to him. She gets out her books and looks up as the teacher stands to start the class.
To everyone else in the class it looked like any other girl greeting her boyfriend except it is Logan Echolls and Veronica Mars.
Logan is looking at Veronica in surprise. They had parted as friends on Sunday and there had been a lot of sexual tension but he is sure that he would remember if he started dating her. Logan opens his book to the proper page as the teacher starts to talk. He glances over at Duncan and Duncan glares at him. Logan shakes his head back at Duncan and turns his attention back to the teacher. Logan looks over at Veronica and she is paying attention to the lecture. He wonders what the hell she is up to.
At the end of class Duncan had gotten up as soon as the bell rang and left for his next class. Meg had watched him go. She had looked back at Logan and Veronica.
Logan had watched Duncan leave and then looked over at Veronica. She was busy putting her books in her book bag. Logan stood and waited for Veronica. They had the next class together. She stood up next to him and stepped close to him. She says, "I missed you this morning. I woke up late and barely made it to first period on time." She lifts her face to look at him. Logan looks down at her with puzzled eyes but leans down to nuzzle her ear. He whispers, "I assume you are going to explain this."
Veronica smiles up at Logan and whispers, "Maybe I just can't resist you anymore."
Logan looks at her and laughs. He takes her hand and pulls her out of the room past all the students listening and watching. He says, "Who could blame you?"
Logan walks beside Veronica down the hallway holding her hand. They get a lot of attention as they walk towards their next class. Veronica tells Logan a cute story about Back Up and a bird. Logan listens and smiles. His attention is focused on her. She looks happy as they walk together. To everyone watching they seemed to be a couple in love and oblivious to others around them.
At lunch, Logan finds Veronica at her locker. She tells Logan that she has to go to the computer lab with Mac. He says, "I don't think so Ronnie. You are not leaving me to face the masses alone."
Veronica laughs at Logan and says "I think you can handle them."
Making a face, he whines, "I don't want to."
He leans on the locker next to hers. Watching her put her books in her locker, he finally says quietly, "Besides, I still don't know what is going on."
Veronica looks at Logan and smirks. He sees her teasing expression and knows she is going to zing him.
She doesn't disappoint as she observes, "So what else is new?"
He puts his hand behind her head and tilts her face up to his. He says teasingly, "Is that anyway to talk to your boyfriend?"
Veronica looks up at Logan and her gaze locks with his deep brown eyes. The moment deepens as the tension between them increases. Logan lowers his head and touches his lips to hers. Her lips part and Logan deepens the kiss. Veronica's eyes close. Logan's other arm wraps around her small waist pulling her to face him in his arms. Veronica's arms go around his shoulders and she presses herself closer. They both get lost in the kiss.
A shove to Logan's shoulder breaks the kiss. Logan looks up. He sees Luke and Casey walking towards the Quad. Luke laughs, "Lunch is here Romeo."
Logan frowns at them and then looks back at Veronica. He is still holding her in his arms. He looks down at her and her eyes are a deep blue. Her eyes are wide with shock. Her hair is mussed by his hand and her lips are red from kissing him. He lets go of her. She pulls away. She gets her afternoon books out of her locker and closes it. She says, "I'll see you in English."
Logan nods and watches her walk away towards the computer room. He is still shocked by his response to their kiss. Who would have thought she could kiss like that?
***
Lunch in the Quad was a nightmare for Logan. Casey and Luke teased him about his lip lock with Veronica. Since he didn't know how to answer any of their questions he decided not to answer them at all.
Duncan wasn't speaking to him and Meg wasn't there at lunch. Eating his lunch feeling uncomfortable with Duncan's obvious anger, Logan thinks Veronica had better have a good explanation for this. He decides to meet with her after school to find out what is going on.
Derek arrives at the 09er table and sits down morosely. He says, "Mrs. Moore says my English paper red flagged as plagiarized. I have been dropped from AP English and my parents were called in. I may be suspended from school and I am off academics team. There is going to be an investigation. I told them I wrote the paper but no one believes me. I don't get how can how a paper I wrote can get a red flag." He pauses and says, "There is no way I can win valedictorian and I may not get into Harvard now."
Logan listens as everyone tells him he will get off and that no 09er has ever been caught cheating. They all speculate that Mrs. Moore will be fired. Logan realizes that they all think he cheated but he should not be punished because he is from a wealthy family. Poor Derek has been working for Valedictorian since elementary school. Both his brothers and his father were Valedictorian at Neptune High.
Logan looks at the upset 09er and thinks about Veronica spending time in the computer lab with Mac. Could they pull this off?
***
In English, Veronica is sitting beside Meg when Logan walks in. He leans down and whispers, "My car after school," in her ear. She smiles up at him and he drops a light kiss on her lips before he heads to the back of the room to sit beside Duncan. To everyone watching it appears like he is saying something romantic or sweet to her. She is a good actress. She smiled like he was special to her. The teacher walks in and starts the class before Duncan can say anything.
****
This chapter is long so I had to separate it. I'll post the rest soon. Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think worked and what I could do better.