Chapter 14: Veronica the SmartAss

AN: Watching the show recently (thank you Netflix and Wii—I'm now happy as a clam and will never be productive in life again!) made me realize that we need more of Veronica's internal dialogue, so as I have done in previous chapters, wherever you see italicized text , that will be what that is. Enjoy!

Oh, yeah, and BTW, for those of you who were puzzled by the ending of the last chapter…just see the comments for explanation. Don't worry—it will all be "explained" soon. Just be patient. ;)

Veronica was exhausted. Three days of the grueling torture these people called "FBI Intern Bootcamp" felt more like Seal training. No one told her to expect this kind of butt-kicking action this summer. As much of an action-sort-of-girl as she was, at this very moment; with abs throbbing, glutes aching, calves pulsing; Veronica Mars longed to be back in Alexandria with the rest of the "rejects" learning how to background checks and making latte runs.

"Ms Mars, could I see you in the office for a moment?" asked Special Agent Fuller, the big man in charge of this operation.

"Sure."

"Ms Mars, do you know why you were selected for this internship?"

Because I have a kick ass sense of style?

"I'm guessing not because of my stellar resume?"

"If you're as smart as I think you are, you realize by now that you're being here is, well…unexpected."

"To say the least."

Agent Fuller nodded, seeing that Veronica was indeed wise to the situation.

"Let's dispense with the formality and niceness. You and I both know that we had you pegged as the prime suspect in the Duncan Kane abduction case. Our agents could all but prove you helped him leave the country with his abducted daughter."

Veronica just stared.

"In fact, we have a half a file cabinet dedicated to you back in Alexandria, Veronica Mars. I'm surprised you aren't on the ten most wanted list."

Hmmm, how do I respond to this? Thank you?

"But it has always been my philosophy, Ms Mars, that some of this country's best assets are ones that have, in the past, been our biggest headaches. I have a list of agents that I have personally recruited and groomed that were headed down the road to criminal infamy. Not that I think that is you, per se', but you definitely have the potential to make my life hell in the future."

"And to think my dad is afraid I will never accomplish anything," Veronica said with a smile.

Agent Fuller's attempt to hide his own grin told Veronica she was right in assuming he did, in fact, have a sense of humor.

"With all that being said…I had to work like hell to convince my superiors that you would make a far greater asset than enemy. I put my ass on the line to get you here, Veronica Mars. I need to know right now if that's going to come back to bite me in the ass."

Well, now, we're getting down to it.

"I guess I'm not sure what you're asking," Veronica said coyly.

"You're here, right now, for a very specific reason. I'm sure we would have brought you in at some point anyway, but the reason you're here now is that we need your help."

"You need my help?"

"Since you already seem to be knee deep in the situation, I thought we could utilize your services on the case."

"And which case would that be?" asked Veronica, not sure she wanted to admit to herself what she already knew.

"You know a fellow by the name of Gorya Sorokin?"

Damn.

"Thought you might," replied Agent Fuller, reading the look of acknowledgement on her face.

"So what don't you know."

"Not much. In this case, we really don't know how you got involved with him…"

"Good. That's not really such an important detail."

"Uh huh, well, what is important is that he's pretty pissed off at you and your boyfriend and has turned his "family" eye upon you two."

"Yes. Seems so."

"Did you know he's had people following you?"

"Oh, those are actually my people, well, our people…I mean, Logan's people. He hired bodyguards."

"Yes, I know. But Sorokin's people have been following your people."

"Oh. I didn't know that."

"That's a first. Veronica Mars didn't know something."

So, you think you know me?

"Sorry, I've just studied your file. You seem to have the low down on everything going on around you. I'm just shocked you were unaware."

"I guess the truth is I've tried not to be aware. My father and Logan hid the fact that Sorokin had made threats against us until just before we left for Virginia. I'm sure there is more they are not telling me, but I guess I don't want to know."

"That doesn't sound like you…or the you I've read about, at least."

"People change."

"Hmm. Maybe."

"So, to put this in sort of a nutshell, you only gave me this internship so I can be bait to catch the Sorokin family?"

"Sorokin's small potatoes. His family is part of a much larger organization that we have been trying to bust into for years. If we can crack one of them, it would be the biggest break in ten years. But, for all intents and purposes, yes. You are bait to catch the Sorokins. In fact, Veronica…"

By all means, let's dispense formalities, Chuck. Why don't you call me V? My friends do. Or how about "Supafly" or "Sugarbritches"?

"…the whole reason you're in Quantico this week is because of that. This whole "bootcamp" is completely made up. We picked ten of you that we thought we could use a little this summer, just to make it look good, but really, you're the one getting trained here."

"So you really want me to get close, huh?"

"Very."

"Is that legal?"

"We're the FBI, Veronica. We decide what's legal."

"I'll have to let all my history teachers know that. I could've sworn they said Congress made the laws around here."

Did I say that out loud? I'm pretty sure I meant to internalize that.

"See, that's why I picked you, Veronica Mars. You're a diamond in the rough. A real smart ass. I like smart asses, because, first of all…you have to be smart. So are you in? Or did I just commit career suicide?"

….

Logan rushed to put the final touches on dinner. Veronica had been at Quantico all week for her boot camp, and he wanted to make her return home special. Tonight, there was a candlelit dinner on the terrace. Tomorrow: a spa day.

While the old Logan would have never mentioned how much he had missed her, the improving Logan couldn't wait to wrap her up in his arms and tell her. The really odd thing was how much Veronica had missed him. She thought that a week filled with butt-kicking training at the FBI would make Logan Echolls the farthest thing from her mind, but…she was wrong. Every night when she lay down, exhausted and sore, she wished he was there to hold her, to rub her aching muscles, and…listen to her tell the most amazing whale story anyone had ever heard. Logan would never believe what went down in Quantico this week. Veronica wasn't sure she did. As she climbed the small flight of stairs to their front door she thought she might fall up them. Just as she opened the door, Logan was standing there to great her.

"Oh, good," she sighed. "You can catch me before I fall face down at the door."

Looking worried, Logan scooped Veronica up and carried her inside, laying her on the couch.

"Are you okay?" he asked, searching her from head to toe for some sign of injury.

She laughed. And laughed. She couldn't control herself.

"What is so damn funny, Veronica?"

"You are. I mean, Logan, just a few years ago you were a psychotic jackass and now you're…"

"Less of a jackass?"

"Yes. And something entirely different. You're all domestic…and stuff."

"And stuff?"

Veronica looked into Logan's eyes. It was at that moment she knew for sure that they had both changed. It wasn't the same old dance they had been dancing for years now. It was completely different now. She reached a hand up to touch his scowling face. She slowly ran her palm down his cheek. Impulsively, she threw her arms around him and planted her lips on his. She pulled him on top of her and he gladly complied. Just before they ran out of air, he pulled up.

"Damn, Veronica. Dinner is getting cold."

She laughed again as he helped her up.

Ok, Veronica. Make up your mind. Do you want things to go all the way or not?

Veronica looked around at the space she had previously not regarded. The lights were low. The table was set beautifully with candles in the center. As had been the norm lately, the aroma in the air was mouth-watering.

"Wow, Logan, you kind of went all out, huh?"

"Well, I knew you probably had a really long week. Obviously…"

"Oh, if you only knew…"

"Well, I wanted to make sure you were pampered when you got back."

"Really, who are you?"

"Maybe I'm growing up, Ronnie."

"Logan Echolls doesn't grow up."

"Well, maybe I'll stop being Logan Echolls."

"Then who would you be?"

"Make up a name. Who cares?"

"But a Logan by any other name…"

"Would still be the same psychotic jackass you fell in love with all those years ago."

Veronica paused, looking at Logan. So the walls really were down now. He wasn't holding back. Maybe she could give a little, too.

Just a little.

"Well, thank God for that," she said and snapped his ass with the dish towel.

"Come on, let's eat."

Dinner was delicious. As it had been ever since they came to Virginia and Logan unveiled this new domestic side. Logan was becoming quite a chef. Veronica suspected he had been sneaking in Food Network viewing while she was at work. Her muscles ached and Logan seemed to sense it.

"How about a bubble bath before bed? We can talk about your week tomorrow."

Veronica found herself wondering what in the hell Logan had done. She couldn't help but let herself think he was making up for some massive screw up. Then she looked at his face as he smiled at her. All she saw was a sincere and honest love in his eyes. She swallowed hard. She would soon have to make the decision to quit holding back and let go with him or cut ties forever. She realized how hard Logan was trying to be what she needed and she had to make the decision to let him be that and let him in completely.

"Sounds amazing. Thank you, Logan."

She sat and soaked for what seemed like hours to Veronica. Candles, music, and lots of bubbles. It was perfect. There was a soft knock at the door.

"You ok? Need anything?"

"A glass of champagne and sponge bath, please, Jeeves."

"Well, I'm all out of champagne, miss, but I think I can handle the sponge bath."

"Well, I…uh…"

"Unless you were only joking," he said wryly.

She took a deep breath and decided to give a little.

"Well, if you're bored," she said teasingly.

He slowly eased down behind her, between the tub and the wall, and grabbed the sponge from beside the claw-footed tub. He slowly ran the sponge down her back as she leaned forward, wrapping her arms around her knees.

"Tough week, huh?' he asked, breaking the tension.

"Yes. Kinda had my ass kicked."

"You? You mean you kicked ass, right."

She laughed.

"Yeah, something like that."

"Seems like there's more."

"There is. But I am way too tired to talk about it tonight. There's all weekend for that."

"Maybe after your spa day tomorrow you'll feel like discussing it."

She raised up and turned her head towards him a little.

"Spa day?"

"Yeah. There's a little day spa Connie recommended nearby."

"And you made me an appointment?"

"Yeah. Thought you'd need it after this week."

Veronica was overcome with emotion. She flipped around and grabbed Logan's face with her soapy hands. She planted a firm kiss on him, dripping water all over him and the floor. When she pulled away sheepishly he took a deep breath. He slowly stood up as she turned back around to let the bubbles cover up her exposed body.

"Sorry, think I need a shower now," he smiled.

Veronica looked at him, puzzled, as he walked out of her bathroom. Suddenly, everything kind of clicked for her…the way she thought she heard him calling her name…the frequent showers.

"Holy, shit," she muttered.

She didn't realize what a huge sacrifice Logan had been making for her. She couldn't deny that part of her wanted to be with him, but she wanted to take things slower this time. She wondered how he could go so long without sex, but now she understood. He had been miserable. She would never know just how miserable. There had been times of tremendous physical pain to Logan on her behalf. He had been calling her name in his shower that evening. He had been….Oh my god…he had been…pleasing himself. She threw a towel around her naked soapy body and tiptoed down the hall to Logan's room. His bedroom door was closed this time. She knocked softly. When he didn't answer, she slowly and quietly opened the door. She heard the sound of the shower coming from behind his closed bathroom door. She tiptoed to the door and gently put her ear up to it. Sure enough, minutes later she heard moaning and low groans that she easily recognized as Logan's. They got louder and more frequent, and soon she heard her name among the moans. She realized he was close and she turned and hurried out of the room, closing the door quietly behind her. She ran back to her bathroom and closed the door. Her breath was rapid now. She caught herself in the mirror.

Okay, Veronica, this is it. He's been driving himself crazy just to follow your rules. If he doesn't love you—then you'll never know what love is. So what are you going to do?

She put her pajamas on and hopped into bed. A few minutes later she heard Logan softly knock on the door.

"Veronica?" he called softly. "You awake."

When she didn't answer he softly opened the door. He saw her lying on the bed, cuddled in her blanket, with eyes closed. He softly walked to her bedside and kissed her forehead.

"Goodnight, Love," he whispered and walked out, closing the door softly behind him.

"Goodnight, Logan," she whispered back.

She tossed and turned most of the night. As the sun began to rise, sleep finally overtook her. It was far too early when Logan knocked on her door.

"Gotta get up and get going if you're going to make that spa appointment, Ronnie."

She found a burst of energy and hopped out of bed. She had finally made her decision sometime before dawn.

Logan offered to drop her off at the spa, but Veronica insisted on driving herself.

"Well, I think I might do some outdoor activities today while you are out. Maybe try a little water skiing? Unless you want me to wait for…"

"No, no. You go have fun. I think I might do a little shopping after the spa. Just take your time and enjoy yourself."

"You, too."

"We'll talk all about my week later okay?"

"You want to go out tonight?"

"I was kinda hoping we could stay in."

"Okay."

"See ya later."

"Okay, later," he said, kissing her on the nose.

…

Veronica drove to the directions Logan programmed into the GPS. It was on South Washington Street, about three miles from their house. It was a quaint little place, and the looks were truly deceiving. Logan had purchased Veronica a 3-hour package which promised to be a stress buster. By the time she was done, she felt completely de-stressed and even relaxed, which would come in very handy for the rest of plans for the day. She asked one of the attendants to recommend a good place to buy some new lingerie.

"Well, if you're looking for just your average bra and panties, there's a Victoria Secret in Landmark Mall, but if you want a great little boutique, there's a great place on North Lee Street."

Veronica got directions and headed to a great little shop where she not only got the perfect little negligee for tonight, but got fitted for a bra. The fitting was so great, she actually bought 3 new bra and panty sets. They'd probably come in handy later. She found another shop nearby that sold candles and she picked up a few things. She stopped by a gourmet grocery store on the way back home and got a meal kit that required very little cooking, thankfully. Fortunately, Logan wasn't home yet and she hurried to make things ready for his arrival.

By the time Logan returned, the smell of delicious food radiated through the space, mingled with the warm sensual tones of the candles. Only the last rays of the day scattered the room, dancing among the flames of the candles. Logan's eyes, however, were drawn only to Veronica. She wore a floral print halter dress. Her bare shoulders glistened in the candlelight. His eyes made their way down to the hem of her dress which fell just on top of her knee. He let his eyes run down the length of her smooth, silky legs before moving them back up to her smiling face. Logan had to physically restrain himself from attacking her right there.

"Dinner will be ready in five, so hurry and shower."

Without asking a single question, he made his way to his bathroom and did as she ordered. She was pouring wine when he emerged clean and fresh.

"So?..."

"So…what?"

"So what is all this?"

"This…" she gestured with her hands at the table of food and candles all around the room, "…is to say thank you for being so sweet to me."

Logan put his arms on Veronica's waist and looked around the room where she had just gestured.

"Oh, yeah…you cooked, too," he smirked.

She smiled, pretending to be irritated.

He enveloped her in a kiss that nearly took both of their breath before she shoved him away.

"I'm hungry," she whined.

"Me, too," he replied with a grin.

"Sit down, Echolls," she commanded.

"Yes, ma'am" he said, saluting her.

The ate in relative quiet, only making small talk. Occasionally they laughed as Logan told her about his adventures in water skiing and how he wasn't all that great at it. When they were finished, Veronica gathered the plates and carried them into the kitchen. Logan followed, and as she turned around grinned one of those grins.

"So what's for dessert?"

Veronica swallowed hard and held her hands out and did a little spin.

Logan looked confused, so she spoke, "You're looking at it," she said, smiling. "That is, if you're interested."

"Oh, I'm interested, it's just that…"

"What?" Veronica asked, looking disappointed.

"I thought you wanted to take it slow."

"I did. I mean, I do, but…Logan, I'm ready. I want to be with you. All of you."

Logan moved closer and placed one hand around her waist and the other on her face, caressing her cheek.

"Are you sure?"

"Never been so sure," she smiled. She grabbed his hand and led him to her bedroom. She opened the door to reveal a roomful of candles. She pressed play on the CD player and music began to play softly.

"I'll be right back," she said.

Logan sat on her bed, almost unable to believe what was happening. He took a deep breath and pinched himself just to make sure he wasn't dreaming. A few minutes later, he looked up to find Veronica standing in the doorway of her bathroom. What sanity he had left escaped him as he looked at the woman before him.

"Ho…ly…shittttt….."