Team LoVe

When Logan and Veronica show up at Casey's party, Logan is wearing dress pants and a dress shirt without the tie. He looks at Veronica and sees her looking at him. He gives her a questioning look and she thinks for a moment and then tells him, "That way your mother had of always looking polished and sophisticated even when she was wearing casual clothes..." Logan smiles a little as he thinks about his mother. He has seen pictures of her as a child and she seemed to always look like she was professionally posed even when she was playing in the sandbox. The tall young man looks at his wife in question and she finishes her thought, "You have that way with you too."

A frown creases his brow as he thinks about what Veronica is saying and then he slowly smiles. He loves that about her. She doesn't see the man who killed her best friend, beat him and tried to kill her when she looks at him; she sees him. He likes the thought that he carries himself like his mother. He takes her hand as they walk into the hotel together. Casey is hosting a party to kick off this new venture at Gant Publishing. Logan invested because he believes in his friend and he knows that Casey is determined to make his grandmother's company into one of the top publishing companies in the country. It is important that the most influential agents see his company is a complete and accomplished place for them to sign their writers.

Logan and Veronica know that they are there to do more than enjoy a great party. Logan is one of Casey's closest friends but more importantly, he is part of the writing community and has recently won a lot of accolades for his writing. Logan knows a lot of the people invited to the party. Tonight he and Veronica will be expected to mingle as many people want to meet the media shy couple.

Casey looks over and sees that the Echolls have arrived. Logan, as usual, looks effortlessly stylish. Veronica is wearing a simple tangerine sleeveless dress that has a scooped neck and shows off her wonderful tan. She is wearing a beautiful diamond necklace, earrings and bracelet. She looks beautiful and quietly elegant. Dick and John have both brought college girls to the party. Casey inwardly groans as he wonders how the women of his partners and friends from the publishing business are going to interact with girls who could be their daughters.

He watches from the greeting area as Logan and Veronica make their way around the room. Veronica is currently charming one of his senior editors. They are deep in a discussion about something and Terrance is obviously impressed by Veronica's part in the conversation. Logan is standing beside Veronica but is having a discussion with another writer who in contrast to Logan, looks very uncomfortable in his dress pants and shirt. Casey notices that it isn't long until the writer is happily discussing something with Logan. He is impressed how they are both masters of small talk and how well they socialize as a couple.

Later, his greeting duties done, Casey finds himself standing next to Veronica. Logan is across the room visiting with one of the board of directors for Gant Publishing. Excited about how well the movie Logan is involved in did in the theaters, Veronica shares that Logan is getting calls from more prominent producers about future screenplays. Casey is not surprised that Logan is drawing more interest now. "He has a real flair for writing. I know he will do well," the petite blonde comments. She fixes Casey with a gaze and he immediately tenses a little. She adds in a conversational tone, "Although writing another screenplay will cut into writing time for his first novel, wouldn't it?"

To his credit, Casey gives the barest of hesitations before he meets Veronica's gaze and asks, "How did you know?"

Smiling genuinely at the publishing CEO, she explains, "A while back he mentioned that he was thinking of writing a novel." After a short pause she adds, "He writes differently when he is working on his novel."

She doesn't elaborate on how he writes differently but Casey has no doubt Veronica noticed something. He shakes his head thinking about how scary observant she is. They have both been letting their gazes wander around the room as they have been standing together. He imagines that she sees so much more than him. He looks at her and asks, "Are you going to tell him you know?"

With a little smile she immediately shakes her head, "I went for years not finishing anything. Because, of course, when you finish something you can be judged. - Erica Jong ." She meets Casey's gaze and adds, "When he is ready to be judged, he will tell me." She looks back around the large ballroom.

Slowly Casey smiles. Logan is a very lucky man. Veronica knows him well. She believes in him and she is giving him space to grow and develop as a writer with no outside pressures. He wants that for himself. He wants someone who cares about him and is there for him. Of course having the passion that Logan and Veronica have would be great but he is not sure that is possible for most mortals.

He looks across the ballroom and sees Vanessa has just arrived and is walking towards him. She has been working long hours on a new case. Although she makes good money as an attorney, she is not well accepted by his Neptune friends. He understood their attitude towards Veronica given their past history but the little ways they have of making sure that Vanessa knows she doesn't truly belong is irritating to him. She doesn't spend money like they do because she has huge college loan debts and she is determined to pay them back as quickly as possible. She lives in a small apartment and she follows a strict budget. He admires her more for that instead of looking down on others who did not have the benefits you were given by the gift of birth. The truth is Vanessa reminds him of the women he met in the commune when he was in high school. They were grounded and real to him back at a time when everything except his grandmother seemed phony in his life. He guesses that is why he likes Vanessa so much. It has taken him a lot of years to find himself again after the deprogramming his parents put him through. He has never forgiven them for it and rarely sees them.

Veronica puts her hand on his arm and gently teases, "Hey, aren't you supposed to be celebrating the launch of your new venture?"

Casey looks over at Veronica and sees her looking at him. She has been watching him and has seen a little of the dark feelings he keeps buried. She isn't upset though, she is concerned about him. His smile is more genuine as he puts his hand over hers on his arm and shares, "Just some old memories. You are right though; tonight is a celebration."

Accepting that he doesn't want to talk about it and he is fine, she turns back to see Vanessa walking over to say hello. She calls out, "Well if it isn't the runner up in our dance competition..."

"You should take off your Veronica colored glasses girlfriend, cause you got owned," the brunette retorts causing Casey and Veronica to laugh.

The tall executive steps forward and greets his girlfriend with a sweet kiss. He says, "You look beautiful tonight!"

Veronica puts her finger to her chin and adds contemplatively, "Who would have thought that you would look good in yellow?"

Vanessa turns an annoyed gaze on her friend and comments, "No one likes an 'I told you so' Veronica."

Without batting an eye, Veronica rejoins, "No one likes a poor sport Vanessa. Now pay up."

Casey watches their interaction with amusement. They are both so 'in your face' with each other yet it is clear that they are good friends. Sighing Vanessa says dutifully, "You were right and I was wrong about this dress."

Putting her hand to her chest, Veronica gushes dramatically, "Oh that is so sweet of you to say!"

"I hate you," Vanessa deadpans as she tucks her arm into Casey's at his side.

Now openly laughing, the tiny blonde looks across the room and sees Dick, John and their dates are crossing the ballroom to see them. Veronica easily turns to the gentleman standing next to her and asks if he knows where she can get something to drink besides champagne. He predictably and immediately offers to escort her to the bar.

Casey and Vanessa listen as she introduces herself and accepts his arm as they walk across the room. He shakes his head at how good Veronica is at working a room. He meets Vanessa's gaze and explains, "He is one of the biggest literary agents on the West Coast. I have been trying to get him to sent some of his writers my way for years. I imagine Veronica is going to talk to him about re-considering my firm."

Shaking her head Vanessa comments, "Poor bastard, he won't even know what hit him."

Laughing Casey says, "Logan is really great at meeting people and persuading them to his side. I have watched him push his Foundation through against large odds using really just the force of his personality." He looks back at Vanessa and adds, "Logan has nothing on Veronica. She is a master manipulator. She does it without most people realizing they have been manipulated."

She nods her agreement and points out, "She would have made a great lawyer."

Leaning in to talk privately before Dick and John arrive, Casey whispers, "I am a little afraid of her." Vanessa smiles at his comment and greets the guys as they walk up.

A little later Casey is dancing with Veronica and Logan is dancing with Vanessa. Casey talks about looking forward to the next reunion. Frowning a little, Veronica mentions, "I doubt I will go."

Cajoling Casey says, "Imagine us at the next high school reunion." He waves his arm across the room continuing, "They may have guessed I would run my grandmother's company and you would be an FBI agent but no one will guess that Logan is working and a successful writer."

"There will probably be a bucket of blood," she points out, "Most hated girl dating the most popular guy. I would just be asking for it." Laughing, the CEO of the hour twirls his partner to the music. He meets Logan's gaze shaking his head letting him know that Veronica is in fine form.

Logan smiles back and then turns his attention Vanessa asking her how work is going. She moans a little and tells him work is very busy right now. She adds a little sarcastically how her night started off badly because she had to wear a dress she feels uncomfortable in because his wife would not let her out of the bet. Immediately smiling, Logan deadpans, "That doesn't sound like Veronica at all. Are you sure she understood how uncomfortable you feel?" She gives him an 'are you kidding me' look and Logan laughs. He relents and gently says, "She was right about this color of yellow looking good on you." He meets her gaze and adds sincerely, "You look lovely tonight."

Touched she meets his beautiful brown eyes and thanks him. Although he has the reputation as a ladies' man, Logan has never acted like she was anything but an acquaintance. She sees what women like in him; he is handsome, charming and sexy as hell. Casey has told her that when the guys are out together, women hit on Logan all the time and he is not interested. Logan during a faster part of the music spins her while keeping her steady on her heels. She laughs enjoying dancing with a skilled partner. At the next song, Logan changes partners with one of the literary agents leaving him with Vanessa while he dances with his spouse. She smiles at the agent inwardly appreciating how smoothly Logan gave her the opportunity to talk to a man who can help her boyfriend; Veronica is not the only one who can charm a man.

Casey brings Veronica back to their table. Dick, his date Samantha, John and his date Maria are there. John graciously introduces Veronica as Veronica Echolls. Maria excitedly asks if she is any relation to Aaron Echolls. Casey intervenes and genially tells the women that Veronica is married to Logan Echolls.

At that moment Logan steps into the group and wraps his arm around his wife's waist and asks, "Did I hear my name?"

Casey smiles and introduces Logan to the two girls who immediately tell them they loved his father's movies. Logan nods in acceptance and then looks down at his wife and asks, "Can I get you another drink?"

She looks up at him and meets his gaze agreeing, "I could use another."

He sees that she is relaxed so he leans down and kisses her forehead stating, "I will be right back." Before he leaves he asks the others if they want another drink. Both girls want another lemon drop so Dick agrees to go with Logan to get them.

Casey after the two men are gone starts a conversation about college and the girls share what they are thinking of majoring in. One of the girls has no idea so she is just taking basics. The other girl wants to be an accountant but she is not entirely sure yet. Each of them talk about how much they enjoyed high school and how they have both pledged to a sorority. John notices that Veronica doesn't have much to say but when the conversation hits a slow period, she asks one or both of the girls a question and they are happy to answer.

When Logan returns he hands a drink to Maria and one to Veronica. She takes a small sip and notices that it has no alcohol. She smiles her thanks and moves a little closer to him. Quickly assessing the situation, Logan asks Dick and John about surfing and if they are headed back to Australia. The two girls are very impressed that their dates are friends with Logan Echolls and the host of the expensive party Casey Gant, who is the CEO of Gant Publishing. They like that their dates are rich enough to travel to Australia to surf.

Veronica keeps her face perfectly bland and listens to two young girls impressed by John and Dick. Logan lean down and whispers in her ear, "I will make this up to you later."

That brings a genuine smile to her face and she looks up at her husband and quietly answers, "I'm fine. Although I do have a request for later."

Interested he leans closer and says, "I want to fulfill your every wish."

Leaning up she whispers her idea and Logan's arm reflexively pulls her closer and he says, "We could leave now." Laughing at him she is interrupted before she can answer by Dick commenting a little sarcastically on how they are still acting like newlyweds. Logan gives a final look to Veronica promising alone time later and graciously looks at the group stating, "Well I will admit I am considering taking Veronica home early tonight. She is asking to be ravished in that dress."

The two girls are impressed at Logan's attentive way with Veronica and his way of acknowledging he is attracted to her. Dick and John don't say anything but Casey teasingly deadpans, "I guess I should be grateful you even made it to my party."

Laughing at his friend Logan intones, "You should." He takes his wife's hand and lifts it to his mouth giving it a gentle kiss before saying, "Let's dance my love." The two girls swoon as Logan stands, gently pulls out her chair and assists her to stand before escorting her towards the dance floor. They dance closely but move well in coordination to the music. Logan teasingly twirls her at times and when the music slows, he pulls her very close and he gently nuzzles her temple as they dance. The partiers watching see a young couple very much in love. They don't see a couple trying to be the center of attention, drinking too much or partying hard. This grown up, married Logan is no longer a wild, uncontrolled, arrogant young man.

The evening goes well. Veronica avoids spending time with Dick and John by working the room. She visits with a mystery writer who picks her brain for sub plots for his next book while Logan visits with his friends. Logan notices that Veronica has found ways to separate prominent agents from the herd and spend some time alone talking or dancing with many of them. He has seen her work at functions for the Lynn Foundation and he knows that she has a real way of getting people to see her point of view while being genuine and charming.

Casey's senior editor makes his way over to talk to Casey and Logan. Terrence compliments Logan on being smart enough to marry Veronica. Dick and John stand looking disgruntled when the obviously impressed man talks about how Veronica was able to understand the process of editing when most people don't get it. Logan smiled and agrees, "I know she is too smart for me so once I got her to agree to marry me, I quickly sealed the deal before she could get away."

The senior editor smiles at Logan's comment and says, "Well I can see you are smart as well."

Logan smiles back at him and they start to discuss if editors should be writers or if that is a hindrance to the job. Terrence feels it is necessary to keep a distance from artistic license and Logan thinks it might be of some assistance to an editor to know what it takes to write.

The two girls looks shocked at the advanced conversation. When Veronica arrives with a drink for Logan and sweetly interrupts their discussion, the smitten editor tells Veronica what Logan said about their marriage. Logan easily adds, "And I am never going to let her go."

To everyone's surprise, Veronica smiles up at her husband and asks, "Where else would I want to be?"

He smiles back at her and then arrogantly agrees, "Where else indeed?"

She laughs and then turns to the senior editor and suggests, "I was thinking that you and I could take a walk by the buffet table."

He puts out his arm immediately and agrees, "I hear they have a chocolate fountain."

"Sounds yummy," she comments as she tucks her hand in his arm and walks off with him.

Logan watching his wife walk across the room, smiles and comments, "You have all just been rescued." The group sees that Veronica has smoothly removed the work driven young man from their midst. Logan teases Casey, "She will spend the rest of the night at the chocolate fountain. I hope everyone else has had their fill."

Amused, Casey informs his friend, "I ordered the largest fountain they offer."

Laughing Logan says, "I hope it is enough." The group goes back to the light hearted conversation with all the men except Logan taking turns dancing with the two young girls. After agreeing on a time to go surfing the next day, Logan wanders off to visit with his publicist and he asks her to dance.

Veronica meanwhile has been rescued by one of the senior partners who has asked her to dance. She is asking him questions about his life and he is enjoying talking to the smart young beautiful FBI agent. Dick and John see that Logan and Veronica are a good team. They have to admit that Veronica was very polite to them and their guests. She did not say one word out of line. Casey leaves them to mingle and he charmingly asks one of his senior partner's wives to dance.

Veronica knows that Dick and John were on their best behavior with her tonight because they are worried about their relationship with Logan. Still she will take the truce knowing it makes Logan happier. She has to admit that Logan must mean a lot to them for them to behave around her. In a way she is glad for Logan that he doesn't have to lose his friends because of their negative feelings towards her. She wants Logan to be happy and if she has to put up with Dick and John, she will do that without complaint.

An hour later Veronica is talking to the wife of one of the board of directors. She is a photographer and both women are enjoying the conversation on cameras. Veronica is listening to what type of camera she should buy and the advantages of it. She ponders what she is learning. Although she has a very nice camera, she can see that the newer models have some advantages she would definitely use especially on their next vacation or when they have children. Logan comes over and listens with interest to the conversation. He makes a mental note to contact her when he buys Veronica's birthday gift.

At a pause in the conversation, Logan looks down at his wife and suggests that they head home. He smiles very charmingly at the couple they are talking to and says, "I have an early morning tomorrow."

Logan escorts Veronica over to Casey to say their goodbyes and then they leave. Dick and John have already left with their dates electing to hit a frat party after teasing Casey and Logan that they are getting boring.

Logan thanks Veronica for making the evening with Dick and John pleasant and she sweetly says, "I put up with them through high school and college. It isn't any trouble now."

He questions, "You seem to get along well with Casey."

She looks up at Logan and tells him, "I can respect him." Squeezing Logan's arm she says, "Until he starting dating Vanessa, he was very lonely."

Nodding Logan says, "I know what you mean." He adds, "That is how I felt until we got back together."

Touched she shares, "I have always had family and of course, I immersed myself in work but being back with you has made me realize how lonely I was."

Now Logan is touched. A Veronica fully committed to their relationship is everything he ever wanted. He is so grateful, so happy, so hopeful of the future and so much in love with her. Right now is a very good time in his life.

She reaches up and plays with one of the buttons on his shirt. He waits for her to tell him what she is thinking about. After a few moments, she looks up at him and tells him that she doesn't think that Vanessa and Casey love each other. She clarifies, "I don't think they are in love."

Logan meets her gaze and shares, "I haven't talked to Casey about her but I think he cares about her."

"I want them to do more than settle," Veronica sighs and adds, "I guess I hope they find someone who they love like I love you. It makes life so much more to have that."

He leans down and gently kisses her and whispers in her ear, "Now about that request you made earlier..."

She tilts her head allowing him access to her sensitive neck and immediately says, "Yes, about that...'

The next morning, Logan and Veronica head to Neptune to have dinner with the family. Alicia is making her famous lamb roast and they are both excited to see them. They are going to listen to Daryl's game off the internet and hopefully celebrate a win.

Veronica has settled into her new role on the team and Mitch is happy to report to his superiors that Veronica has become a functioning member of the team and that tendency to work independently has become a non issue as she has learned to rely on the other members of the team. He tells them he is also impressed with her mind and ability to ferret out the smallest of details. Of course interrogations is a good fit for her and she continues to be driven. Off the record he reports that her recent marriage has turned out to be a strong source of support emotionally for her. She is marked again for promotion.

Logan is very excited that his career is going well. Now that he has written the screenplay for a successful movie his stock as a screen play writer has gone up. He wants to be known as Logan Echolls, the famous screen play writer not Logan Echolls, son of two famous and infamous actors.

Veronica arrives at work and is pumped to find out that she is going to get to interview their suspect in the early afternoon. She spends the morning with Phil and the team getting pointers on what to ask and how to approach the interview. At noon she telephones her new husband obviously excited at the upcoming interrogation. Before they sign off she tells Logan she may be late tonight as she will want to meet with the team after to analyze how the interview went. "I won't be available unless it is an emergency during the interview."

Logan tells her he understands and wishes her luck. He is excited for her. The team has been after this suspect for a while. They worked all their cases but Veronica had been putting extra time in on this suspect. She privately told Logan that he was a special kind of evil because he stalked, preyed on and then calmly ended the life of a woman who thought he understood her pain. What made it worse to her was while he was planning to kill his next victim, he went to work, was a husband and probably a father. She imagines him driving their children to piano lessons, cub scouts or football practice. Logan thinks about how his father was a successful actor and kept up the facade of a happily married man and father hiding the darkness underneath. He likes that Veronica is exposing the darkness and removing it from society. He knows that tone of voice. Hell he's been on the wrong end of it a few times. Veronica is going to go after this guy and she is going to take him down.

The next morning, Logan comes into their bedroom when he hears Veronica hit the snooze button for the third time. He leans down and gently kisses her awake. He teases, "Don't you have some interrogation film to look over?"

A satisfied smile goes over her face and she murmurs, "The DA says there is more than enough to charge him with five counts of first degree murder."

"Did he confess?" Logan asks.

Slowly shaking her head she tells him, "No he was careful but I did get a reaction out of him when I mentioned that he was never going to see his son play baseball or watch his daughter dance again." Shaking her head she says, "Surprisingly, I think he does love his wife and kids." Meeting his gaze she adds, "He wasn't at all upset that his victim's grandchildren would never see their grandmother again."

He leans down and kisses her again telling her, "I am glad you stopped him though."

Nodding she says, "You helped by letting me bounce ideas about the case off you." She leans up deepening his kiss for a second. She says, "Thank you."

Nuzzling her neck he tells her, "I made you breakfast."

Her face lights up in a happy smile, "You are the best! You know that, don't you?"

Teasingly he tells her, "Don't ever forget it!"

Laughing she gets out of bed and walks with him towards the kitchen.

One Saturday afternoon, Logan and Veronica are sitting in one of the small entertainment areas drinking coffee. They had a late night at a club celebrating Wallace's birthday the night before and both are content just to relax. It had really been fun to be with Wallace, Piz, Mac, and a few of the guys Wallace played basketball with, went to college with and works with. The young couple had just enjoyed the friendly bantering, good food, good booze and of course good music. They had both danced a lot. It was good to get out and cut loose for a night. They both needed it. Wallace had really enjoyed himself and he loved the new lap top Logan and Veronica bought him and Mac set up for him. All in all, a fun night.

Veronica says, "Connie is pregnant again."

Smiling Logan says, "That is great! She and Derek are such good parents. I am happy for them."

Nodding she smiles back at him and says, "I know. Derek says this is it for them though. Three is enough."

Logan agrees and asks, "When is Connie due?"

Veronica talks about her due date and how Derek is going to save his vacation to stay home with her and help after the baby is born.

There is a compatible silence and then Veronica says, "I have been thinking that I should make a doctor's appointment and get checked out to see if I can have children."

Surprised at the turn in the conversation, Logan questions, "Are you..." He pauses and tries again, "Is there a particular reason you want to know now?" It is a good question. When they were dating in college, she didn't even want to be tested to find out.

The tiny blonde is a little unsure. Not that Logan will be upset or of his reaction. No, she is unsure why she even wants to know. She doesn't want to have children right now. In fact she is not sure she ever wants to have children. She just wants to know. "Honestly I don't really know why I want to know," she starts. Her husband sees the honesty in her gaze. He is struck as always with her openness with him. She takes a deep breath and adds tentatively, "If I were with any man but you, I wouldn't find out."

A look of worry briefly passes over Logan's handsome face as he thinks about what her last statement could mean and what he thinks she does mean. Finally he looks at her and says, "I think that you should clarify what you mean. This is too important for misunderstandings."

She meets his gaze quickly and sees he is not upset. She likes how open and non threatening their conversations are now; no matter how emotional they give the other the benefit of the doubt. She carries on, "Firstly I wouldn't be married to anyone but you and..." Sweeping her mind for the best way to word what she wants to say, she pauses. Finally she finishes, "I guess that I never thought I would be happy to be married, I can 't rule out that I might be happy to have children some day."

She always loved how expressive Logan can be. When he is happy, his face lights up and his eyes sparkle and he spins. When he is upset his eyes darken and get cold. His whole body stiffens. Now he is looking at her like he does when she surprises him. He is looking at her with love but there is an element of wonder as well. "Sometimes Veronica you just blow me away," he finally tells her. He says, "I'll go with you V but know that whatever you find out doesn't matter. If you can have children great. If you can't and we decide we want them, we'll adopt. "

She nods her acceptance of what he says. Deep inside she knows it will be hard but she does know that whatever they find out, Logan will be good with it. It won't affect how he sees her. No matter how scarred she is emotionally and physically, Logan sees her. There is no greater gift than that in life.