thanks to everyone who has reviewed, favorited, or alerted!

In the beginning of this chapter you will get Wallace's take on the conversation with Duncan as he explains it to Logan.

And then…you've got a little bit of Dick related comedy, a little bit of fluffy LoVe and then something big happens.

i dont own veronica mars, but it is on my christmas wish list.

Logan

"Man Logan, I swear I've never seen anything like it. It was like he wasn't even human anymore. He didn't show hardly any emotion and then at one point the anger broke through for like 5 seconds and all you could see was rage. I thought we were going to have to run for our lives."

It was obvious that he was shaken by the incident and I instantly felt bad for having sent them. "So I guess its safe to say that the meeting didn't go well."

Veronica broke in before Wallace could answer me, she was still clutching me tightly but had moved so she could speak. "No Logan, I think it went ok, we got what we needed. It was just a very frightening situation at the end, its like he isn't Duncan anymore."

"Actually V, I think we got more than we needed."

Both Veronica and I looked back at Wallace. "What do you mean?" She asked

"I mean that now we know what we are dealing with. He's certifiable, I think you were right earlier, Lilly isn't safe with him anymore, we need to get her away from him. And Logan, Mac was right about him."

"What about?" I don't know why I asked, I already knew.

"He's overly obsessed with V. You should have heard the way he talked to her...and the way he looked at her…I wanted to reach over and gauge out his eyes out so he couldn't stare at her like that anymore."

"What did he say to her!" I didn't want to look at her, I didn't want to scare her, because I knew that my rage was evident on my face. "Tell. Me. everything."

"Well, when we asked him what he wanted in exchange for keeping his mouth shut, he said he wanted two things. He told us he wants Meg to move to Australia and take part time custody of Lilly. Apparently he wants to be able to have a 'more normal life,' his words not mine, I think he's even more of a douche now than I did before just for that. But he said he wouldn't tell us the second part until we told him everything, he referred to it as 'I'll show you mine and you'll show me yours.' I thought V was gonna puke, he totally wasn't talking about information…Oh and he does know everyone is involved, that is except V and Dick, he truly believes she had no idea. That's part of why he got so mad, because the second part of what he wanted… you're not gonna like at all…."

"Just tell me Wallace, I need to know and I don't think Ronnie wants to be the one to tell me." I looked down at her and kissed her forehead. She'd calmed down a little, she seemed to be less freaked out and more mad than anything now. But I was fuming, I just needed to hear what had been said and then get on with the night, do something to take our minds off of it all.

"Wallace please just tell him, I want to get this over with." And there she goes reading my mind again.

"Ok...dude, he wants her." Wallace said while pointing at Veronica. "He said he wanted her to go back to Australia with him, that she could go to school there and even bring her dad. He said he would take care of her…But you would have been proud man, she said no like immediately. She told him she wasn't going anywhere with him, so he asked her why she wouldn't come since she didn't have anything keeping her here. And you were right, he thought you guys had broken up, because when she told him she wouldn't leave you…well... that was when the rage broke through. He said he couldn't believe she would stay with you after you had lied, helped Meg, and caused their break up. Because she's 'Veronica Mars for gods sake and she doesn't let anything slide.'" He stopped for a second and looked at V again. "Are you sure you want me to tell him the rest?"

"Yeah Wallace, he needs to know."

"Well, she told him that she had changed, that she wasn't running anymore and that she loved you. She totally stood up for you. But then.."

"But then 'what' Wallace?" This wasn't good, I could already tell.

"She may have gone a little too far…she told him that they would have broken up anyways even if he hadn't left and that she didn't love him. And dude, he was pissed, he was so mad he didn't even move, he just sat there like a fucking robot. And then he told her she was wrong, that she doesn't love you and you can't make her happy. He told her that she loves him, she's just forgotten and he said that the lies would break you guys up again. She told him that he was wrong, that she loves you with all her heart and that nothing would ever change that. You would have been proud of her Logan, she stood up and told him we were leaving and that we would be in touch about Meg. As we left he just told her she was wrong again. Then we ran all the way back up here, we didn't even use the elevator. I thought those stairs were gonna kill a brotha." When Wallace was finished I just sat there, I was so fucking mad at myself.

"I cant believe I sent you to talk to him, I should have known better. Wallace I don't know how to thank you, if you hadn't been there….who knows what he would have done. I don't know what I would have done if he had hurt her."

"Logan, it was my pleasure, she's my bff, I would never have let him hurt her. But for the record, I don't think she should be around him ever again, he's too unpredictable."

"No Wallace you're right." I looked at Veronica. "You're gonna stay away from him ok, promise me you will."

She looked at Wallace and then at me. "You don't have to tell me twice, I'm not going anywhere near that lunatic ever again. I just want to get Lilly away from him and get Meg somewhere safe so we can all go back to normal again. And Wallace?"

"Yeah supafly?"

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it."

I looked at Veronica again, she was everything to me, I loved her more than life itself and I really didn't know what I would do if something ever happened to her. I decided then that I would make sure after all of this was over that he would never come near her again. But this time…I would do it the right way. This time I wouldn't lie to her, I would let her help for once. She could choose the punishment, I would just make sure it stuck.

"What do you want to do V? You've had a long day. Do you wanna call it a night early or do you want to watch a movie? Anything you want to do, it's your choice."

"Um...well, you could feed me, that would be phenomenal."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Why didn't I think of that myself?"

"Wallace, why don't you order us all some Italian and then we can watch a movie or two."

"Will do man, will do. Hey, is it cool if I crash here again tonight? I mean…I know you'll be here all night…but just in case."

"You're more than welcome to stay Wallace, you can take Dick's room if you want. And believe me, your presence is greatly appreciated."

Wallace got up to grab his phone and Veronica climbed off of me and started to walk over to my room.

"What are you doing sugarpuss?"

"Can I borrow some clothes? Something I can wear to bed."

I gave her a look as to say, 'you wont need any clothes to wear to bed honey,' and once again she read my mind. "So I can be comfortable now Logan. Not for later."

I didn't even need to look at Wallace to see the grossed out look on his face, I could practically feel it. God I loved this girl! "Yeah babe, whatever you want you can have."

Wallace had come back to the couch after ordering the food and V was still in my room getting changed. I looked over at him and he already knew what I wanted to ask him. "Yeah man, it was that bad."

"I was hoping maybe everything I'd heard had been wrong and that he was still the same Duncan."

"No man he's not, the old Duncan is gone and honestly, I wasn't kidding when I said he's obsessed with her. You should have seen the way he looked at her, it was like she was a banana and he wanted to peel her. I thought I was going to have to throw her over my shoulder and run."

"Ugh, this is not good. She's not to be alone until this is over, someone needs to stay with her at all times. Actually that goes for everyone, we operate on the buddy system now, ok?"

"I never thought I would ever say this to you…but you're right. I'm on your side now, just tell me what to do and I'll do it."

"Thanks Wallace, your faith in me means a lot."

"Well your love for her means a lot to all of us, just don't fuck it up this time."

I couldn't help the laugh that escaped at his statement. "Wow, I just had that dejavu feeling."

"What?"

"Another very smart friend of V'eronicas said almost that exact same thing to me about 18 months ago."

"Yeah, well Mac is a very smart girl….and just to remind you…you did fuck up. So don't do it again."

"Don't worry Wallace, I'd rather die than live a life without her. Hey, how did you know it was Mac?"

"Could you see Meg using the "f" word."

"No, I guess not." And then I laughed. "I don't think she even likes to say Dick's name, just for the sole purpose that his name is Dick."

We were both laughing when Veronica came back in the room and curled up with me on the couch. When the food got there we all ate and started to watch the South Park Movie for like the 900th time.

I knew things were going to get worse before they got better, but somehow sitting with Wallace and Veronica, and for once actually being on good terms with Wallace...I saw through to a future I hadn't seen before and had scarcely dared to dream about and I was looking forward to it.

Mac

Miami

Around Midnight

Mac was lying in bed trying not to laugh.

Dick was holding her extra tight, her back to his front with his arm draped over her and she loved that feeling. Yeah, it was new to her, but she was beginning to think she wouldn't be able to ever sleep without him again. She just felt so right with him and he knew that was weird… but then, when did she ever do anything normal?

When Meg had shown them to the guest rooms she was shocked when Mac said that they only needed one, Meg just looked at her confused. Mac actually had to tell her straight out that she intended to sleep in the same bed as Dick. Meg had blushed and Dick had gotten a huge grin on his face. Meg let her disbelief go after that, only a girl that was willing would allow Dick Casablancas to share a bed with her.

But the reason Mac was trying not to laugh as she laid there with Dick sleeping behind her… well it was because of Dick's reaction when he realized that CW would be sleeping in the room right next door.

He was so freaked out that he didn't even touch her until they got inside the room and closed the door. And then when they got in to bed…he just slid up next to her, pulled her to him and fell asleep.

Mac never thought she would ever see the day that Dick didn't at least try to cop a feel.

But apparently Mac had discovered the answer to one of the world's most sought after secrets.

One that many girls over the years have been trying to find the answer to and Mac was the one to uncover it.

She had discovered the one thing that could actually shut down Dick Casablancas' libido, it was Clarence Weidman.

Neptune

Logan's bedroom.

Around 3AM

I've always loved to watch her sleep.

Don't get me wrong I know it's a little creepy. But she always looks so calm and happy when she sleeps and right now that is a much needed sight.

I hadn't been joking the night before when I'd mentioned marrying her, she'd thought it was a joke but it wasn't. I would propose to her right now if I thought she'd say yes. Hell, I would marry her right now if thought she'd say yes.

But I didn't want to push her, she wasn't ready and I knew that, so I would gladly wait forever. But I really just wanted to hear her say yes, just so I would know that someday she would be all mine and nobody else's.

When she abruptly opened her eyes I was brought back to reality. "Were you watching me sleep again Logan?"

"If I said no would you believe me?"

"No, I know you better than that. What's up babe? You only watch me sleep when you have something on your mind. What's going on beside the obvious?"

I laid back down and pulled her to me so that the top of her body was resting on my chest with her head right below my chin and her leg immediately curled around mine.

"I was just thinking about last night."

She started to lightly glide her fingers over my chest. "Were you thinking about another repeat?"

Ugh, it always killed me when she touched me like that. "No…I mean, yeah! Of course! But, that wasn't what I meant."

She shifted slightly and I shuddered as her bare skin moved over mine, she pulled her head up and I moved a strand of hair out of her face. "What do you mean Logan?"

"Well I know you thought I was kidding…but."

"Oh my god, is this about the marriage thing?"

"Yeah, don't freak out ok, I'm not expecting you to elope with me tonight. Its just that we've never really discussed it and well, considering recent events…I think it might be time."

She smiled at me, sat straight up and shifted her body around so that she was looking straight at me and then moved her legs so she was sitting Indian style. I took her cue and sat up as well facing her, maybe this was going to be easier than I thought.

I didn't ignore the interesting situation we were in, there I was finally having this talk with her and we were both butt naked. Some how not the way I'd ever imagined it. But believe me when I say that I never give up a chance to see Veronica sans clothes, it truly is a beautiful sight.

"So Logan, lets talk then. You start." She was smiling as she said it, that was a good sign.

"So how do you feel about marriage Ronnie?'

"Well I think it is a big choice and not to be taken lightly. I think alot of people take it for granted and I think that you and I have seen enough marital disasters to know that it isn't one of those split second decisions."

"I agree. So...do you see yourself getting married someday?"

"If the situation was right… yes."

"Ok, so lets talk 'what if.'"

"So 'hypothetical' situation then?" She used the air quotes when she said 'hypothetical' and it was insanely cute.

"Yeah."

"Ok, shoot."

"How would you feel about marriage, if it was me you would be marrying?"

"Well, I would definitely be on board with that, someday that is, 'hypothetically' of course."

"Of course. So like what would be a good time range for us to get married? 'Hypothetically.'" Now we were both using the air quotes every time we said 'hypothetically'.

"Well obviously after college, maybe after grad school if we choose to go down that road. So I would say 4 to 7 years 'hypothetically.'"

I smiled, she wasn't just talking 'hypothetically,' she was giving me real, honest to god answers.

"So what if I was to 'hypothetically' propose to you right now? What would you say?"

"Well 'hypothetically' I wouldn't be ready to plan anything."

"Yeah, but what would you say? Would you 'hypothetically' say yes, or no?"

"Well I guess I would 'hypothetically' say yes."

My smile was way to big to hide and I knew it, but she was still smiling too.

"So you would say yes 'hypothetically,' and we would just have a long engagement. We would get married when you were ready and not a moment sooner."

"Exactly, 'hypothetically' that is exactly what would happen."

"Good to know."

"Is that a 'hypothetical' good to know or a 'real' good to know?"

"Both, I love you Ronnie."

"I love you too Logan." She smiled at me mischievously. "So how about a 'non-hypothetical' repeat of last night."

"I thought you'd never ask."

Dick

Miami Airport

8AM

I'd woken Mac up when the alarm had gone off at four, we needed to be up by five so we could get ready and be at the airport for our 8 o'clock flight. She'd just groaned and pulled my arm around her tighter and just laid there still feeling like a freak for the previous night.

CW was pretty much the only thing on Earth that actually scared me.

Well, him and zombies that is.

Why zombies you ask? Well first of all they're dead, not very fun and second, they like decay and shit, and that's gross. But 3rd and most importantly, they eat people, and that really freaks me out.

Cannibalism is gross, and I'm not even sure it counts as cannibalism but still.

Dead people, that eat other people, and turn them into other dead people that eat people, that's enough to freak me out for a week.

But I guess that they aren't real so they don't really count in the 'on Earth' column. So that pretty much makes CW the only thing on Earth that scares me and that's kind of sad.

But anyways back to me and Mac.

The only thing I could think of all night was that he was in the next room, probably with a gun, or two, or three. Aaah!

So I was to afraid to try for some naked time, I mean like what if she screamed, she's a screamer you know. But what if he thought she was in trouble and he like burst in and shot me. That would suck! I mean I would die happy at least, but still not my idea of a fun night.

So anyways I kept my hands to myself and then when I woke her up and she groaned I just couldn't take it anymore.

I thought I was going to die with her pressed up against me like that, so you better believe I almost screamed with delight when I heard the door to his room open and close and then the sound of footsteps followed by the front door closing.

I immediately spun her around and she woke up instantly. At first she looked confused and maybe a little mad, but then she realized what was going on and she smiled.

That was when I realized that I might love this girl. Obviously I'm not gonna tell her that, at least not yet. But it's the thought that counts right?

So after we had some naked fun time, we got up, got ready and then Meg drove us to the airport in her car.

Now here we are sitting in the terminal waiting to board and the only thing I can think about is the short brunette sitting next to me.

I wonder if she'd be willing to become a repeat member of the mile high club?

Wallace

A few hours later

Neptune

When Mac called to say they had just landed in Neptune and were taking Meg directly to CW's house, Logan and V were still asleep. At least I think they were asleep, they could have been…. Um no we're gonna say they were sleeping.

Well anyways, since they were 'sleeping' and I had about 30 minutes of alone time I decided to watch some TV and I turned immediately to the news. I know it tends to surprise people but I actually do like to know what is happening in the world. Its good to be knowledgeable, but it also helps when you'e friends with Veronica Mars. Sometimes its hard to sound smart or witty around her, so having a good grasp on current events can give you a little leg up.

So anyways, as I sat there waiting I watched the weather, sports and some public interest story about bees. WTF. Who cares about bees? And then I fell asleep with the TV on. I laid there peacefully until Mac and Dick got home and Dick decided to announce his entrance by doing a belly flop onto the couch and landing right on top of me, I wasn't happy.

So anyways the reason for this little snippet…this is why the TV was on and why it was turned to the news.

I mean it is Dick and Logan's suite so the news is one of the channels that is rarely used.

Veronica

45 minutes later

Neptune Grand

"I so love you right now Dick Casablancas!" After I said it everybody just froze, in shock I assumed. "What?" They were all staring at me like, 'holy shit did V really just say she loved Dick?' and I couldn't help but laugh a little inside. "He brought food guys, I'd love Don Lamb if he came back from the grave all ooey and gooey as long as he was bringing me food."

The shocked looks disappeared, but I saw Dick shudder when I said back from the grave and food. I wondered what that was all about, I needed to remember to ask him later.

We all sat down on the couch to eat with Mac and Dick on one end, Wallace to their right and Logan and I on the opposite end, my legs on his lap and we talked a little about what had gone on in the other's absence.

Mac and Dick weren't happy about the Duncan situation, Dick was actually really pissed. He seemed to be getting almost protective of me and the weird thing was that I liked it. Of course I would never admit that to him…or anyone… but still it was true, I guess we were becoming friends again.

Actually this entire group, the five of us felt really good. I could see us all hanging out like this for years to come. Of course we would need to find Wallace a girl, I'd get the power of veto obviously, but still he wouldn't want to always be the odd man out.

I guess you could say it was beginning to feel like a little family to me, just the 5 of us with an option for a 6th.

So anyways, there we were, eating and laughing, just enjoying everyone else's presence when a special report came on the TV, which was on and turned to the news of all things.

But anyways it was on and that's all that matters right now, because that special report ripped us all out of our happy little moment.

"This is a CNN Special Report. We have just been notified that once again the small community of Neptune California has been hit by tragedy. The body of a 19 year old female was discovered early this morning in the courtyard of Neptune High. The victim has been identified as that of USC student and 2006 Neptune High graduate Madison Sinclair. We will be continuing coverage of this situation as any new information comes to us. If you have any information in relation to this case please notify the Neptune police."

Oh. My. God.

So what did you think? Review please!

ok so I have to admit i still love this chapter. it is by far one of my favorite chapters that i have written for this fic. so i hope you enjoyed reading it as much as i enjoyed writing it.