Summary: AU Season 2. Over the summer it comes out that Veronica is in fact Jake Kane's biological daughter. Unhappy, she files for emancipation, transfers to Pan High School and is living with Keith Mars. She is reluctantly tested and agrees to donate the bone marrow Jake needs. After the surgery she has difficulty breathing and before she passes out calls to Lilly. Veronica after getting out of the hospital is quiet and depressed. She moves in with Jake Kane and keeps busy with a lot of activities. Duncan asks her to talk to him about whatever is bothering her. Veronica meets with Logan and Duncan and tells them about seeing Lilly when she was unconscious in the hospital. She tells Logan she wants to be his friend but can't right now because she still loves him. Veronica at the father/daughter banquet reveals to everyone that she and Connor Larkin have been dating. It is apparent that they are close. Logan attends the performance of Veronica's play. At the after party, they talk and decide to be friends. Diana, Logan's girlfriend is unhappy as Logan and Veronica become closer. Veronica and Connor break up. Veronica dates Casey and meets his parents. Veronica tells Jake Kane she is going to the bachelor's charity auction.... Now on with the story....

Logan walks towards Wallace and Veronica who are on the beach. Veronica is flying Wallace's plane and he is watching her. Back Up noticing Logan runs over and rubs against his legs. Logan bends over to pet him.

Wallace watching Logan pet Back Up says, "Hey."

Focused on petting Back Up Logan responds, "Wallace."

Logan stands and walks closer to Veronica. He watches as she flies Wallace's plane.

He crosses his arm and says, "I am surprised to see you up and about today."

Veronica smiles absently at Logan as she concentrates on the controller for Wallace's airplane. She questions him, "Why?"

Veronica turns sideways to watch the plane make a turn over the ocean.

"I thought you would be in bed recovering from your hangover," Logan states.

Frowning as she watches the plane turn back towards the shore, "What are you talking about? I didn't have anything to drink last night."

Logan answers a little sarcastically, "Then how do you explain your winning bid on Dick?"

Veronica smiles and says, "No, not drunk."

When Veronica doesn't elaborate, Logan presses, "Did you decide you couldn't win if you bid on Casey or something?"

Veronica briefly looks at Logan and then returns her attention back to the plane, "I never planned to bid on Casey."

Logan looks a little surprised. He looks over at Wallace who shrugs.

"You wanted to bid on Dick?" he clarifies.

Nodding definitively, Veronica says, "The whole time."

Veronica steps closer to Wallace. She hands him the controller. Now able to focus her attention on Logan she walks over and puts her hand on Logan's cheek and pats it. She says, "All part of the plan my friend."

Veronica calls Back Up and walks towards her car. She turns and walks backwards while she says, "I have to run. See you guys." She waves vaguely. She adds over her shoulder as she walks away, "See you at supper Wallace."

Veronica heads towards her car opening the passenger door. Back Up jumps in easily. Veronica walks around to her door, opens it and gets in.

Logan watches Veronica get in her car. He says aloud to Wallace, "Did she tell you why she bid on Dick?"

Wallace works the controller watching his airplane while he answers, "I asked her but she would not talk about it at all."

"I was shocked when she was announced as the winning bid for Dick last night. Madison wasn't paying enough attention and Veronica easily upped her bid." Logan says as he shakes his head.

Wallace muses, "I thought she must have missed the bid on Casey so she bid on Dick."

Logan says, "No, Dick was ahead of Casey at the auction."

Frowning in thought Wallace asks, "So she didn't even try to bid for Casey?"

"It looks that way. Is everything OK between them?" Logan asks his expression worried.

Wallace looks at Logan and then answers, "She doesn't mention him much. In fact she doesn't mention any of the guys she dates."

A little sarcastic Logan asks, "Aren't you supposed to be her BFF?"

Wallace shrugs and says, "We talk about most everything. I don't think she is serious about Casey or any of the other guys she sees."

Logan says, "Meg says Ronnie is only dating Casey now and she thinks it is quite serious."

"Yet she didn't bid on him at the auction and she doesn't seem to have a problem with his dating the winner of the bid." Wallace points out.

Logan remains silent watching Wallace work the controls of his airplane.

Wallace looks briefly at Logan. He sighs and says, "I think he got too serious about her. I think she is backing off."

Logan looks sharply at Wallace. He says, "Did she say that?"

Shaking his head, Wallace executes another turn over the water. He answers as he watches, "No. It's what I think she is doing. I have been out with her on a few of her dates. She doesn't care about Casey."

Logan looks at the ocean as he thinks about what Wallace said.

"Now she is going on a date with Dick. That is something I never thought I would say." Logan muses.

Wallace smirks and says, "Well knowing Veronica, it will be a very unusual date for Dick."

Logan smiles and says, "Dick is not worried about his date with Veronica. He was busy bragging that such a hottie wanted him."

Grimacing Wallace adds, "I never thought he was too smart. Was Madison mad?"

"Mad is too mild a word. She was livid." Logan recalls.

Wallace interjects, "Maybe that was the point."

Wallace continues, "Knowing Veronica there is more going on than bugging Madison. I know I am curious what she has planned."

Logan agrees, "There is never a dull moment with her."

Laughing Wallace adds, "Yeah. You're right about that."

Logan looks over at Wallace and says, "Hey, let's get some lunch."

Wallace lands his plane saying, "Sounds good."

****

Cassidy looks at his brother and says a little incredulously, "Aren't you even curious where Veronica is taking you?"

Shaking his head Dick boasts, "Nah. I am surprised she held out this long against the Dick charm."

Duncan and Meg grimace visibly. Cassidy doesn't look convinced. He says, "I don't know. You have said and done some really nasty things to her the last couple of years. She might be looking for payback."

Rubbing his chest suggestively Dick says, "I offered to give her a massage or draw her bath."

Frowning Duncan mutters, "Brother at the table."

Dick continues on, "It really doesn't matter what she has planned. She's hot."

Cassidy looks at Duncan and Meg who are sitting side by side at the lunch table. He says, "Do you guys know what she has planned for next weekend?"

Duncan shakes his head and Meg says, "Not a clue."

Madison tosses her hair and says loudly, "I can't believe that she is going after Dick. I guess he is the next 09er on her list." She adds rudely, "I thought she was dating Casey, like one guy could ever be enough for her."

Duncan frowning at Madison warns, "Don't…."

Meg interrupts, her voice sugary, "Are you worried that Dick will find it a huge letdown dating you after Veronica, Madison?"

Madison glares at Meg and opens her mouth to talk when she is interrupted by Logan. Logan stares at Madison in a menacing way. "Be careful Madison!" he warns.

Diana glares at Logan and says, "Why are you defending Veronica against your friends?"

Logan looks at Diana and says firmly, "Veronica is my friend and she is my best friend's sister."

Diana and Logan glare at each other.

Wallace walks up and says, "Hey Logan. Veronica asked me to return this to you and say Thanks." Wallace holds out a DVD.

Diana stands up from the table and leaves angrily. Wallace looks at her and back at the table, "Something I said?" he asks.

Logan just looks in the direction Diana went and shakes his head.

He looks back at Wallace and then reaches for the DVD. He puts it in his jacket pocket.

Cassidy asks before Wallace can leave, "Wallace, do you know what Veronica has planned for her date with Dick?"

Wallace shakes his head, "No. She hasn't said. Look I got to run. I have to go and see coach. I promised V I would return that and it is not good to let V down."

Wallace turns and walks away.

****

Veronica pulls her phone out of her purse and looks to see who is calling. She smiles and says, "Hey."

Logan sits on the edge of his bed. He answers, "Hello Ronnie: How's my favorite Kane?"

"Celeste will be hurt to know she's no longer number one in your eyes." Veronica answers.

Smiling, Logan answers, "Funny Ronnie!"

Veronica says, "Is there something I can do for you?"

Logan laughs and says in a throaty voice, "Well now that you ask….."

Giggling Veronica says, "Down boy."

Logan lays back on the bed and looks at the ceiling, "I just wanted to check on you; see how you are feeling; see if I needed to drive to UCLA and beat up a certain bad boyfriend of yours…… because, it would be no problem."

Veronica sighs and says, "Ahh… You saw the tabloids."

Logan says sincerely, "I'm sorry Ronnie! Maybe we could go out for ice cream and talk?"

"I am up for the ice cream but only so I can see you." she answers, "I'm not upset."

Logan questions, "You're not upset?"

Veronica shakes her head and answers, "Nope. We weren't exclusive. Casey is totally free to date other girls."

Logan pauses and then asks a little tentatively, "Meg seemed to think you liked Casey and you were serious."

Veronica smiles and says, "Meg's in love so we all have to be in love. You know Meg."

"So not serious?" he asks.

Veronica answers easily, "I got smarter. I ended this one before someone got hurt. I'm done dating until college."

Logan changing the subject says, "Speaking of colleges, do you know where you going yet?"

He hears Veronica switching the phone to her other ear. She says, "I've been accepted at Stanford, Yale and Hearst. Father wants me to go with Duncan to Yale and we can get a house together."

Happily Logan says, "Congratulations Ronnie."

"Thanks." Veronica adds, "What are you going to do?"

Logan pauses and says, "Actually I have an idea about that. I would like to talk to you about it."

"Sure." she agrees. "I've got soccer practice right after school. Then I am supposed to go over to Dad and Alicia's for supper. We could meet later or you could come with me to supper. I know they would love to see you."

His voice regretful, Logan answers, "No. I'm going out to dinner and a movie tonight with Diana and her friends."

Veronica questions, "What movie are you guys seeing?"

Logan answers, "Don't know yet!" He thinks for a few seconds and asks, "Hey what about tomorrow night?"

Veronica says, "I have a soccer game. It's the District championship." She adds, "Duncan's is the next night so I guess we will have to meet after that. Is that OK?"

"Sure. I'll call you." he tells her. He adds teasingly, "What time is your game? I will come and watch especially if you are wearing knee socks…."

Veronica giggles, "It's at seven pm at the coliseum…. And Logan?"

Logan his voice suspicious of what she is going to say, "Yes."

Veronica drops her voice so is it low and husky, "I'll be wearing knee socks, we all will……."

Veronica sing songs before Logan can respond, "See you there!"

Logan has time to say, "That's mean Ronnie," before Veronica laughing hard hangs up.

****
Logan sits with Duncan and Meg watching the game. He hasn't been to see her play this year. In fact he hasn't seen her play since middle school. She quit soccer and joined pep squad with Lilly. Then Lilly was killed and Veronica didn't play soccer or really do any school activities. Now she is a Kane and she's Duncan's half sister. She looked so sweet and virginal in the school play in the white nightgown. Then when she came out in the tight black outfit and sang, Logan had felt his heart skip more than a few beats. She had looked so hot!

Now she is running around in the short shorts and t shirt with those knee socks, playing soccer. Logan watches her thinking she might be even hotter now than when she was twelve. She bends over to pick up a ball and Logan is not sure but he may have groaned out loud. Then when she raised her arms to throw the ball in from the sidelines, exposing her flat abdomen, Logan felt an almost painful tightening in his jeans.

Logan knew this was a bad idea. He had a fight with Diana over his coming to see Veronica play. He probably shouldn't have come except he and Veronica are friends now and he wanted to support her.

Duncan and Meg had gone to her games and they had told Logan she was playing forward. Logan watches and sees she has transferred that tenacity she had for finding the truth into getting the ball in soccer. If the ball is in her area and she doesn't have it, she is all over the opposing team until she gets it. Logan thinks she must run miles out there.

At half time her face is red and tendrils of her hair have come loose from her pony tail. She has grass stains on her knees and hips from falling and sliding to get the ball. She is such a lightweight that the opposing team pushes her away easily but she is always back a second later fighting for the ball again. If they knock her down, she gets right back up. Logan watches as she sits on the bench listening to instructions from the coach and the trainer attends to a scrape on her lower back from when she was quite viciously knocked down.

Logan looks around the stadium and sees that quite a few Pan High students are there and they are vocal in cheering for Veronica. She is a popular player. Logan sees that she passes a lot and does not hog the ball.

Duncan and Meg have seen Logan's reaction to watching Veronica play. They can see he still wants her.

When Veronica gets knocked down, Jake Kane is obviously upset. Keith Mars just laughs as he has watched her play and knows she will get back up and make the other player pay. Logan was surprised to see Celeste there and see that she seems to genuinely want Veronica to do well. It seems the tides are really turning in their relationship. Alicia, Daryl and Wallace are there to cheer her on as well.

The score is tied at one at half time and it has been a hard fought game. Logan sees one of the girls brush Veronica's hair back into a tight pony tail and retie it in the elastic band while Veronica sits with her head down resting for the second half. She sat out part of the first half but Logan can see that she won't get much rest the second half as the score is so close and it is the championship game.

The second half remains close. Almost half way through, Veronica gets a pass from the center Tiffany and makes a nifty move going around the defender. She ends up having a clear shot on goal and crowd gets excited yelling at her to take it. Veronica brings her leg back to take the shot and instead makes a short pass to Tiffany who is wide open in front of the empty net. She punches it in and the Pan High fans go crazy yelling Tiffany's name. Veronica gets up as she was knocked down and she runs over to congratulate Tiffany who excitedly hugs her back.

Duncan high fives his father and Logan. They are all impressed that she passed that ball when she had a chance to score. She is announced as having an assist on the play and gets a good round of applause from the crowd.

There is a scary moment for Veronica's family and friends when she is knocked down and doesn't get back up immediately. The trainer runs out there and they can see he is working on her leg. After a couple of minutes, the coach bends down and picks her up and carries her off the field. The crowd cheers for her but Logan can see the coach's concern as he sets her on the player's bench. She is surrounded by her teammates that aren't playing so the fans in the stands can't really see what her injury is.

Duncan heads on down the stands to see what is happening with Veronica. While she is on the bench, the other team scores. Duncan comes back after seeing her injury and tells Mr. Mars and his father she has a nasty cut that is going to need stitches. It is bleeding and the trainer can't keep it closed with liquid stitches. Duncan tells them that Veronica is insisting he tape it and she will go for stitches after the game. He shakes his head and says, "So the trainer has taped her leg and then wrapped it under the shin pad. She's going back in."

The other team bolstered by their goal is pressing for another goal. After a couple of close calls, Veronica stands and walks gingerly on her leg on the side line. She runs up and down the sideline for the trainer and then grabs a number ready to go in. When the referee calls for substitution she runs in when her player comes off the field. The crowd cheers. She is favoring her leg but seems to be able to run.

Logan notes that the Pan High team plays better when Veronica is out there. He thinks it is because she is guarding one of the other team's best players and she doesn't let her take any shots. Plus when she has the ball she takes it into the other team's end and Veronica has the ball a lot. It just seems to go where she is.

The game ends tied so each coach picks five players for the shoot off. Veronica lines up for her team and is the final shooter. The crowd is tense when each player lines up to take her shot. The first two shots score and then the Pan High goalie stops the next shot. Pan High scores on their shot and are up by one. The goalies stop the third players for each team. The fourth player for the other team scores and the crowd goes wild as the game is tied.

Logan watches as Veronica and Tiffany talk before Tiffany's shot. Tiffany makes like she is going to shoot right and she shoots left and scores. Veronica excitedly runs over to hug her.

The player for the other team scores and the score is tied with Veronica's shot remaining. Duncan and Logan talk about the pressure she must feel and how she will be the hero or goat. Meg has all her fingers crossed and she hides her head in Duncan's chest. She moans, "I can't take this."

Duncan wraps his arm around her and smiles. Veronica lines up to take the shot. She lines up to shoot right and as she approaches the ball she looks like she is going to shoot left like Tiffany but she shoots low right. The goalie chooses the right way to dive but hesitated and the ball went in the goal just inside the post. Veronica raises her arms in victory and the Pan High fans rush the field.

Logan watches as the fans mob the players and Veronica is congratulated by her class mates. He sees that she has bled through the dressing on her leg. Veronica asks for a piggy back ride from one of the Pan High guys and he happily lets her ride on his back to the bench. Logan sees that Veronica belongs there and has friends. He thinks this is the high school experience she should have had except he turned everyone against her after Lilly was killed.

He heads out towards the parking lot. He promised Diana he would come over and see her after the game. Part of him wishes he could go to the after party and be with Veronica but he knows that can't happen. There has been too much between them and she can't trust him enough for them to be together. Still he is happy for her that her team won and she is so accepted at Pan High. He takes a last look at her as she is surrounded by her family and he smiles at the happiness on her face.

****

A few days later Logan dials and puts the phone to his ear.

Veronica looks at the display on her phone and smiles. She presses the answer button and says, "Hey."

Logan says, "Hey. How are you feeling?"

Her voice a little puzzled answers, "Good. Why?"

Smirking Logan says, "Well you took quite a pounding in the game the other night."

Veronica her voice exasperated tells him, "I'm fine."

Logan teases, "I forgot how you get all your aggressions out when you play soccer." He adds, "How is your leg? Duncan said you needed six stitches."

Veronica's voice is pouting, "I have to miss Taekwando for two weeks. Dad made Father take me to the ER for the stitches. He said it is his turn now."

"It was so funny!" Logan tells her, "Jake was upset that the other team kept knocking you down since you are so little and they seemed so big. But then he was half horrified and half proud when you knocked down some of their bigger players."

Logan pauses and then continues, "Actually you've toned it down a lot. You probably took more hits than you gave out. That must be a first!"

Annoyed Veronica tells him, "Shut it, Logan!"

Not put out at all Logan continues, "Are you rubbing it in to Duncan that your team won the championship and his only finished second?"

Veronica adopting a scandalized voice says, "I would never."

Logan laughs and comments, "So you did?"

Veronica admits, "Just a little."

They both laugh together.

Logan asks, "When is the state tournament?"

Veronica says, "In two weeks. The doctor says I'll be as good as new by them."

Logan says, "Good."

There is a comfortable pause and then Logan asks, "What are you doing tonight?"

Veronica taps her highlighter on her book. She answers, "Studying. What are you up to?"

Logan immediately returns, "Not studying. Do you have plans tonight?"

Shaking her head a little Veronica says, "Did you not hear the studying part?"

"Ronnie, your dad is loaded – you don't need a scholarship." Logan tells her.

Veronica opens the book to the proper chapter and says, "I guess I'm just not socialite material."

Logan offers, "I could teach you."

Veronica laughs and says, "What did you have in mind?"

"Coffee?" Logan tells her. He adds, "I want to talk to you about something."

Veronica hearing in Logan's voice that it is important says, "Sure. What time?"

Logan answers, "Now. I am outside your door."

Veronica slides into a booth at the Hut. Logan slides in the other side. They give their order to the hostess.

Logan watching her look around comments, "Your old stomping grounds."

Veronica nods and looks back at him.

Logan curious asks, "Do you miss working here?"

Veronica looks closely at Logan and says, "A little. I miss working with Dad a lot."

Logan's face softens in sympathy. He asks, "Are you still going to major in criminology in college?"

Veronica sees Logan is concerned. She smiles at him and says, "No. Actually I am thinking of majoring in photography with a minor in business or art."

Obviously surprised Logan asks, "Really?" He sits back and comments, "There have been a lot of changes for you this past year."

She reaches over and pats his arm. She is touched by his concern. "It's getting easier. Quit worrying."

Logan says, "I will probably always worry about you."

Veronica says, "Thanks."

Stopping at their table is Susan and Kim. They are stiff with disapproval. Kim says, "Logan and Veronica."

Logan easily says, "Kim, Susan."

Ignoring Veronica, Susan asks, "Where is Diane?"

Logan frowns and says, "Out with her parents."

Kim pointedly looks at Veronica who is smirking. She says, "You are out with Veronica?"

Veronica says, "You know when I went to Neptune High I had to see you and listen to your bitchiness. Now I go to Pan so I can tell you this...." Veronica waves them away going, "Shoo. Go away before I throw my water on you and you start to melt."

Logan holds in his laughter as he watches Veronica pick up her water when they don't leave fast enough. They both walk away obvious upset.

Veronica looks back at Logan and says as if they weren't interrupted, "What did you want to talk to me about?"

Logan deciding to let her bitchiness pass without comment says, "Next year." He leans forward and says, "I have a proposition for you."

Veronica leans forward as well saying, "I'm intrigued. Go on."

******

The next day at lunch Dick's phone rings. He answers and the table hears him say, "Veronica Kane, are you calling about our date?"

He listens and the table goes quiet waiting to hear what he is saying. Madison's face turns red and she looks like she is about to grab the phone from Dick.

He says, "You are sending a limo to pick me up? Wow I'm truly flattered!"

Dick listens and then says, "What am I supposed to wear on this mystery date?"

Dick's eyes widen and he says, "Sweet. Are you going to be wearing a bikini?"

Madison chokes and reaches for Dick's phone. He turns away from her and says, "Why can't I know where we are going?"

"Yes I know what surprise means." Dick says.

There is a short pause while Dick listens. Logan smirks at Madison's outrage. Logan decides Veronica probably called him during lunch knowing that Madison will hear.

Dick says, "What time will you be bringing me home from this date?"

Dick says, "Midnight. Wow Veronica you want to spend the whole day with the Dickster. No one blames you."

There is a pause and Dick listens. He smirks and says, "That is evil."

He listens again and says, "I like how you think. I'll be ready at 5 am."

He hangs up and looks at his phone for a few seconds before he turns back to the table and sits back down.

Madison immediately starts complaining about how early Veronica is picking Dick up and how she is keeping him all day.

Meg says mildly, "Madison you know how this works. Veronica had to get the date itinerary OK'd by the committee and there will be a photographer and reporter there with them all day."

Madison says, "She's a tramp and who knows what she is going to do on this date."

Logan frowns but before he can speak up Duncan says, "Madison you will watch what you say about my sister. I have been patient with your bitchiness so far but I will end you if you don't shut up about Veronica."

The 09er table looks at Duncan in shock. He stands up and puts his hand out for Meg's. She stands beside him. He looks at her and then over at Madison who is looking at him in shock. He says, "I'm not kidding Madison. Lay off Veronica or I will out you."

He walks off with Meg towards the school. There is an awkward silence after he leaves. No one doubts how serious Duncan is.

Madison gets up and walks off her head held high. Diana looks angrily at Dick and then Logan. She gets up and follows Madison into the school.

Logan looks over at Dick who leans in and says, "Veronica bet me that Madison will fuck my brains out on Friday night and probably get me totally smashed."

Surprised Logan looks at Dick. Dick carries on quietly, "She said to just lay back and enjoy it because the first few hours of the date on Saturday are travelling so I can sleep. She said we won't start the date until about 11 am."

Dick says finally, "She says I will owe her."

Logan looks at Dick and says, "It sounds like good advice to me. Why don't you get Meg to mention tomorrow that she went bikini shopping with Veronica?"

Dick laughs and says, "I will definitely talk to Meg."

He sobers and says, "I wonder where she is taking me that we will be travelling four hours and wearing bathing suits."

Logan shrugs and says, "It's a surprise."

Dick nods. He says, "It doesn't matter what we do. Seeing Veronica in a bathing suit all day has to be good."

Logan frowns but has to agree. They walk into the school together both heading towards their girlfriends to do damage control.

****

This story is coming to its conclusion. Thank you all for reading and giving me such good advice and encouragement. You know what to do now...... right?