FIC: FATE (D/V, L/V, and Claire) NC-17
Title: Fate (chapter 9 )
Author: Firefly2000
Pairing: D/V, L/V
Word count: 2417
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Set seven years after graduation.
Spoilers: Season one
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters.
Logan felt someone tugging on his shirt and he jumped up quickly. Claire was standing by the bed looking at him. She seemed a little upset.
“Hi sweetie.” Logan said. He scooted off the bed and picked her up. Carrying her into the kitchen, he sat her on the bar.
“Are you hungry?” He asked softly.
“Why were you in the bed with mommy? Only daddy sleeps in the bed with her. Is mommy OK?” Logan winced. It broke his heart that Claire had to be worried about Veronica’s health as well as her own.
“She’s fine sweetheart. She’s just a little tired. Please don’t worry about mommy. I promise to take care of her.” Logan straightened her rumpled hair with his fingers.
Claire gave him a little smile and her fear seemed to dissolve.
“Could Daisy have a snack too?”
Logan grinned. “As long as it’s not crayons because mommy will choke us.”
Claire covered her mouth and giggled.
“What will it be then?” Logan opened the fridge and began rummaging around. “White grapes?” He looked over his shoulder at her. Claire smiled and nodded quickly.
“Daisy likes grapes and so do I.”
“Let’s take these outside and see if we can get Daisy to learn a trick, other than crayon-eating.” Logan picked Claire up and walked out the door into the backyard.
Soon all the animals were around them waiting patiently for their turn to get a grape. Logan heard the back door open and turned around to see if it was Veronica.
He smiled at her as she sat down beside him. Her hair was mussed and her makeup was smudged, but he thought she was gorgeous.
“Hey beautiful.” He said as he put his hand on her back and rubbed it gently.
Veronica yawned and wiped her eyes as she tried to focus. The sun was so bright it made her head hurt.
Logan pulled his sunglasses out of his shirt pocket and slipped them on her face. “Perfect,” he smiled.
“I don’t think so.” She began straightening her hair. “I look as though all Claire’s animals licked my head.”
“Is that what the slimy stuff is?” Logan smirked.
Veronica rolled her eyes. Even behind the dark sunglasses, he knew what she was doing. The rolling of the eyes was her trademark. Along with the head tilt and the hair flip.
“You have to be a smart ass don’t you?” She slid the sunglasses down and looked at him over the rim.
“You would think I’d been abducted if I started being nice all the time.”
“You’re probably right about that.” She said as she looked over at Claire sitting in the grass with Daisy. “I’m afraid of losing her Logan,” She said suddenly. She could feel him looking at her, but she couldn’t face him.
“That will never happen, Veronica. Claire is going to be fine. Fate owes me this one.”
“I’m worried that Trina will be a match. She’s not one for being very giving.”
“Trina talked to me last night about it. She wants to do anything and everything she can to help Claire. I know this may come as a shock, but I actually believe her.”
“Maybe she’s been abducted.” Veronica said with a sad smile.
“That’s possible. She does eat weird foods. She’s into wheat-grass. It makes me want to gag just thinking about it.” He shuddered and Veronica laughed at his silliness. She had missed being silly. Life had been anything but fun for her lately. Veronica’s cell phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Hi Honey. Is Claire ready for our date?” Duncan asked.
“Oh crap, Duncan! I forgot that it’s date night. I’ll have her ready by the time you get here.” Veronica jumped up and motioned to Claire.
“Don’t worry. We’re just going to dinner and a movie. You have plenty of time. McDonald’s doesn’t take reservations you know?”
“I thought you had Claire talked into sushi?” Veronica grinned when Claire wrinkled her nose and shook her head.
“That’ll be the day. If they don’t have it in Happy Meals, she wrinkles that nose up.”
“Well, let me go get the little connoisseur ready.”
“I’ll see you soon. I love you.”
“I love you too.” Veronica replied.
She felt Logan’s eyes on her the minute she said it. She could see his hurt expression from the corner of her eye. Hanging up the phone, she tried to avoid eye contact with him.
“You need to get ready. Its date night and I completely forgot.” Veronica took Claire by the hand to go inside.
“So, you guys are going on a date?” Logan asked.
“Just me and Daddy.” Claire giggled.
Veronica looked at Logan. The hurt in his eyes was gut- wrenching.
“Go in and get your bath started sweetie.” Veronica said to Claire as she looked into Logan’s sad eyes.
“OK.” Claire said as she ran into the house.
“Logan?” Veronica questioned softly, as she walked over to him.
“It’s OK.” He gulped a little and drew in a shaky breath.
“They do this every Saturday night. It means the world to Claire.” Veronica reached out and squeezed Logan’s arm gently. “You can create your own rituals with her.”
He looked into her eyes and shook his head. “The hard part was hearing you say ‘I love you’ to him.”
“You don’t expect me to love him?” She asked with frustration.
He looked away and blinked a few times. She could see his eyes glistening. She knew that he was hurting, but she was unwilling and unable to make this easy for him. Too much time had passed. Too much damage had occurred. She was willing to extend an olive branch though.
“I have to get her ready to go and then I’m ordering Chinese. You’re welcome to stay, keep me company if you want.” She walked into the house and didn’t look back. She was upset with him for being so possessive of her. He had given up that right years ago, but she had to admit that he was trying.
Veronica helped Claire get bathed and dressed. They were just finishing when Duncan came in the front door. Claire squealed and ran to the foyer.
Veronica leaned against the wall and watched Duncan complete his weekly ritual, presenting Claire with a bouquet of flowers. Her eyes grew wide as she looked at the flowers and smiled.
“What are these daddy?” She asked as she sniffed them.
“They are called daffodils,” Duncan said as he slid one out of the bouquet and walked over to Veronica. He handed it to her and kissed her on the forehead. “You look tired.” He whispered so that Claire couldn’t hear him.
“I’m fine.” She assured him.
Logan could only stand and watch. He tried to put on a happy face. However, he knew that he was failing miserably.
“Did you see my flowers?” Claire beamed up at Logan. He knelt down and looked at them and then at her. She was glowing with happiness.
“They are the most beautiful flowers I’ve ever seen,” he said.
“You should have seen the ones last week,” Claire gushed. “Mommy, where is the picture?”
Veronica handed a photo album to Claire.
“See!” She opened the album. She was holding a bouquet of peonies. Claire then flipped through several more pages. She had a different bouquet of flowers in each picture.
It was heartbreaking for Logan to realize just how much Claire loved Duncan. He knew that his road to gaining her love and trust was going to be a long one. He didn’t necessarily want Claire to stop loving Duncan, but he hated the fact that she called him ‘daddy.’ Logan knew that he didn’t deserve the title, yet. However, knowing that she used it solely for Duncan was killing him. He feared that she might never be willing to call him ‘daddy.’
Veronica pulled out her camera and took a picture of Claire with her new bouquet. “You two should get going or else you’ll be watching a late movie,” Veronica warned as she looked at her watch.
“Yeah, you’re right,” Duncan sighed as he kissed her on the cheek. He scooped Claire up and spun her around. “Ready to go, my dear?”
She giggled and nodded happily. “Mommy, will you put my flowers in water?” She asked as she handed the bouquet to Veronica.
“I sure will.” Veronica kissed Claire and Duncan on the cheek. “You two be careful. Don’t take any wooden nickels,” she chuckled.
Claire quirked her eyebrow and looked at Duncan. “What is mommy talking about?”
Duncan laughed and shook his head. “It was mommy’s pitiful attempt at humor.”
“Ha Ha,” Veronica said dryly.
“Have fun Claire.” Logan said with a forced smile. She wiggled and Duncan sat her down. She ran over to Logan and he knelt down for her. Before he knew what was happening, she hugged him. That tiny gesture meant the world to him. He felt his heart melting as she pulled back and kissed him on the cheek.
“Thank you for the kangaroo,” she whispered. “I’m going to name him Logan.”
Logan felt himself tearing up at her heartfelt gesture. “Thank you Claire,” he said softly.
Veronica’s heart swelled watching them. She had dreamed of Logan coming home and being a part of their lives. She had to remind herself that this could change. Logan could suddenly run away again. If that happened, she wouldn’t be the only one left devastated this time. Claire would suffer as well.
“Are you ready to go princess? Chez McDonald’s awaits.” Duncan used his best French accent.
Claire giggled and looked at Logan. “Daddy’s so funny,” she said.
“Eat some french-fries for me.” Logan stood up and watched her jump into Duncan’s arms again. It wasn’t easy to watch them walk out the door but somehow he made it through.
“She will grow closer to you with every second you spend together Logan.” Veronica said as they stood in the doorway and waved as Duncan and Claire drove away.
“I know she will.” Logan watched until the car had disappeared from view. He turned to Veronica and smiled. “I bought that house.” Logan pointed to the house across the street.
“What?” She gasped.
“Are you mad?” Suddenly he was keenly aware of his desire to stay on her good side.
“You have a house across town.”
“Yeah right, I’m not going to live there. I hate that place and I certainly don’t want Claire going there.”
“I don’t think you’ll be happy in that house. You’re used to the lap of luxury.” Veronica didn’t know how to feel about the news. On one hand, she felt relieved. Buying a house meant that he did plan to stay in Neptune. On the other hand, she was worried. She was afraid that Logan was trying to taunt Duncan with this decision. Logan knew that his move wouldn’t go over well with Duncan.
“You make me sound like a spoiled brat,” Logan grumbled.
“Oh please,” she scoffed. “You are spoiled Logan. You have never wanted for anything. You’ve never worked, or struggled to make ends meet. You don’t know how it feels to want for things. Everything has been handed to you on a silver platter.”
Logan grabbed Veronica’s shoulders and glared into her eyes. “I have wanted for things in my life Veronica. The things that I wanted for couldn’t be bought though.” He released her shoulders and leaned against the doorway. He felt his sadness creep in once more. He wanted her to understand how much losing her was hurting him.
“No, money doesn’t fix everything does it?” Veronica’s voice cracked with emotion as she looked away.
“It sure hasn’t fixed my problems,” Logan sighed.
“What problems do you have other than you total lack of commitment?”
“Are you trying to hurt my feelings or piss me off?” Logan pushed himself away from the doorway and walked into the foyer.
“Take your pick, Logan.” The icy tone in her voice caused him to shiver.
“Why do you insist on pushing my buttons like this?” He turned around to face her.
She walked over and stood in front of him. She forced a blank expression onto her face. Veronica was determined to see this through. The days of letting Logan rule her heart and mind were gone. Letting herself believe him would lead to heartbreak. Veronica wasn’t worried about her heart though. She was worried about Claire’s.
“If I hit the right one. You’ll go away, just like always.” She said with determination.
“Do you really want me to go away?” Logan looked into her eyes. The fear in his face and his voice was palpable as he awaited her answer.
“I won’t let you hurt us. We aren’t your toys to play with as you see fit and to toss away when boredom hits. Things aren’t rosy here Logan, or haven’t you noticed?” She fisted her hands as her fear of falling apart increased.
“I want to be here for you and Claire. Why can’t you just believe me Veronica?” His heart was pounding with fear. She seemed so unreachable, it terrified him.
Veronica rolled her eyes and then gritted her teeth with anger and frustration. “Are you dense enough to think that you’ll earn my trust, simply by showing up after seven years?”
“No, I told you that I’m here to stay Veronica. I promised…I promise.” He tried to touch her but she winced. “You love me. I know you do.” He whispered with desperation.
She gave him a hard look. “I love Duncan and Claire.”
Logan swallowed audibly and blinked back tears. “You love me too. I know you do.” He reached out again and she backed away from his touch. His hand shook as it froze in mid-air. “Please baby,” he whispered as a single tear fell.
Veronica looked at Logan’s outstretched hand. She had to work to push down her emotions. “I will always care about you Logan.”
Logan lunged forward and grabbed her by the arms, shaking her gently. “You love me Dammit.” His eyes were pleading with her to admit her feelings.
Veronica pulled away from him and walked across the room. “If you think that I’ll leave Duncan, you’re wrong.”
“I have to go.” Logan ran out the door and to his car as tears streamed down his face.
“I’ve lost her forever.” He sobbed as he jerked his car door open.
Author: Firefly2000
Pairing: D/V, L/V
Word count: 2417
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Set seven years after graduation.
Spoilers: Season one
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters.
Logan felt someone tugging on his shirt and he jumped up quickly. Claire was standing by the bed looking at him. She seemed a little upset.
“Hi sweetie.” Logan said. He scooted off the bed and picked her up. Carrying her into the kitchen, he sat her on the bar.
“Are you hungry?” He asked softly.
“Why were you in the bed with mommy? Only daddy sleeps in the bed with her. Is mommy OK?” Logan winced. It broke his heart that Claire had to be worried about Veronica’s health as well as her own.
“She’s fine sweetheart. She’s just a little tired. Please don’t worry about mommy. I promise to take care of her.” Logan straightened her rumpled hair with his fingers.
Claire gave him a little smile and her fear seemed to dissolve.
“Could Daisy have a snack too?”
Logan grinned. “As long as it’s not crayons because mommy will choke us.”
Claire covered her mouth and giggled.
“What will it be then?” Logan opened the fridge and began rummaging around. “White grapes?” He looked over his shoulder at her. Claire smiled and nodded quickly.
“Daisy likes grapes and so do I.”
“Let’s take these outside and see if we can get Daisy to learn a trick, other than crayon-eating.” Logan picked Claire up and walked out the door into the backyard.
Soon all the animals were around them waiting patiently for their turn to get a grape. Logan heard the back door open and turned around to see if it was Veronica.
He smiled at her as she sat down beside him. Her hair was mussed and her makeup was smudged, but he thought she was gorgeous.
“Hey beautiful.” He said as he put his hand on her back and rubbed it gently.
Veronica yawned and wiped her eyes as she tried to focus. The sun was so bright it made her head hurt.
Logan pulled his sunglasses out of his shirt pocket and slipped them on her face. “Perfect,” he smiled.
“I don’t think so.” She began straightening her hair. “I look as though all Claire’s animals licked my head.”
“Is that what the slimy stuff is?” Logan smirked.
Veronica rolled her eyes. Even behind the dark sunglasses, he knew what she was doing. The rolling of the eyes was her trademark. Along with the head tilt and the hair flip.
“You have to be a smart ass don’t you?” She slid the sunglasses down and looked at him over the rim.
“You would think I’d been abducted if I started being nice all the time.”
“You’re probably right about that.” She said as she looked over at Claire sitting in the grass with Daisy. “I’m afraid of losing her Logan,” She said suddenly. She could feel him looking at her, but she couldn’t face him.
“That will never happen, Veronica. Claire is going to be fine. Fate owes me this one.”
“I’m worried that Trina will be a match. She’s not one for being very giving.”
“Trina talked to me last night about it. She wants to do anything and everything she can to help Claire. I know this may come as a shock, but I actually believe her.”
“Maybe she’s been abducted.” Veronica said with a sad smile.
“That’s possible. She does eat weird foods. She’s into wheat-grass. It makes me want to gag just thinking about it.” He shuddered and Veronica laughed at his silliness. She had missed being silly. Life had been anything but fun for her lately. Veronica’s cell phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Hi Honey. Is Claire ready for our date?” Duncan asked.
“Oh crap, Duncan! I forgot that it’s date night. I’ll have her ready by the time you get here.” Veronica jumped up and motioned to Claire.
“Don’t worry. We’re just going to dinner and a movie. You have plenty of time. McDonald’s doesn’t take reservations you know?”
“I thought you had Claire talked into sushi?” Veronica grinned when Claire wrinkled her nose and shook her head.
“That’ll be the day. If they don’t have it in Happy Meals, she wrinkles that nose up.”
“Well, let me go get the little connoisseur ready.”
“I’ll see you soon. I love you.”
“I love you too.” Veronica replied.
She felt Logan’s eyes on her the minute she said it. She could see his hurt expression from the corner of her eye. Hanging up the phone, she tried to avoid eye contact with him.
“You need to get ready. Its date night and I completely forgot.” Veronica took Claire by the hand to go inside.
“So, you guys are going on a date?” Logan asked.
“Just me and Daddy.” Claire giggled.
Veronica looked at Logan. The hurt in his eyes was gut- wrenching.
“Go in and get your bath started sweetie.” Veronica said to Claire as she looked into Logan’s sad eyes.
“OK.” Claire said as she ran into the house.
“Logan?” Veronica questioned softly, as she walked over to him.
“It’s OK.” He gulped a little and drew in a shaky breath.
“They do this every Saturday night. It means the world to Claire.” Veronica reached out and squeezed Logan’s arm gently. “You can create your own rituals with her.”
He looked into her eyes and shook his head. “The hard part was hearing you say ‘I love you’ to him.”
“You don’t expect me to love him?” She asked with frustration.
He looked away and blinked a few times. She could see his eyes glistening. She knew that he was hurting, but she was unwilling and unable to make this easy for him. Too much time had passed. Too much damage had occurred. She was willing to extend an olive branch though.
“I have to get her ready to go and then I’m ordering Chinese. You’re welcome to stay, keep me company if you want.” She walked into the house and didn’t look back. She was upset with him for being so possessive of her. He had given up that right years ago, but she had to admit that he was trying.
Veronica helped Claire get bathed and dressed. They were just finishing when Duncan came in the front door. Claire squealed and ran to the foyer.
Veronica leaned against the wall and watched Duncan complete his weekly ritual, presenting Claire with a bouquet of flowers. Her eyes grew wide as she looked at the flowers and smiled.
“What are these daddy?” She asked as she sniffed them.
“They are called daffodils,” Duncan said as he slid one out of the bouquet and walked over to Veronica. He handed it to her and kissed her on the forehead. “You look tired.” He whispered so that Claire couldn’t hear him.
“I’m fine.” She assured him.
Logan could only stand and watch. He tried to put on a happy face. However, he knew that he was failing miserably.
“Did you see my flowers?” Claire beamed up at Logan. He knelt down and looked at them and then at her. She was glowing with happiness.
“They are the most beautiful flowers I’ve ever seen,” he said.
“You should have seen the ones last week,” Claire gushed. “Mommy, where is the picture?”
Veronica handed a photo album to Claire.
“See!” She opened the album. She was holding a bouquet of peonies. Claire then flipped through several more pages. She had a different bouquet of flowers in each picture.
It was heartbreaking for Logan to realize just how much Claire loved Duncan. He knew that his road to gaining her love and trust was going to be a long one. He didn’t necessarily want Claire to stop loving Duncan, but he hated the fact that she called him ‘daddy.’ Logan knew that he didn’t deserve the title, yet. However, knowing that she used it solely for Duncan was killing him. He feared that she might never be willing to call him ‘daddy.’
Veronica pulled out her camera and took a picture of Claire with her new bouquet. “You two should get going or else you’ll be watching a late movie,” Veronica warned as she looked at her watch.
“Yeah, you’re right,” Duncan sighed as he kissed her on the cheek. He scooped Claire up and spun her around. “Ready to go, my dear?”
She giggled and nodded happily. “Mommy, will you put my flowers in water?” She asked as she handed the bouquet to Veronica.
“I sure will.” Veronica kissed Claire and Duncan on the cheek. “You two be careful. Don’t take any wooden nickels,” she chuckled.
Claire quirked her eyebrow and looked at Duncan. “What is mommy talking about?”
Duncan laughed and shook his head. “It was mommy’s pitiful attempt at humor.”
“Ha Ha,” Veronica said dryly.
“Have fun Claire.” Logan said with a forced smile. She wiggled and Duncan sat her down. She ran over to Logan and he knelt down for her. Before he knew what was happening, she hugged him. That tiny gesture meant the world to him. He felt his heart melting as she pulled back and kissed him on the cheek.
“Thank you for the kangaroo,” she whispered. “I’m going to name him Logan.”
Logan felt himself tearing up at her heartfelt gesture. “Thank you Claire,” he said softly.
Veronica’s heart swelled watching them. She had dreamed of Logan coming home and being a part of their lives. She had to remind herself that this could change. Logan could suddenly run away again. If that happened, she wouldn’t be the only one left devastated this time. Claire would suffer as well.
“Are you ready to go princess? Chez McDonald’s awaits.” Duncan used his best French accent.
Claire giggled and looked at Logan. “Daddy’s so funny,” she said.
“Eat some french-fries for me.” Logan stood up and watched her jump into Duncan’s arms again. It wasn’t easy to watch them walk out the door but somehow he made it through.
“She will grow closer to you with every second you spend together Logan.” Veronica said as they stood in the doorway and waved as Duncan and Claire drove away.
“I know she will.” Logan watched until the car had disappeared from view. He turned to Veronica and smiled. “I bought that house.” Logan pointed to the house across the street.
“What?” She gasped.
“Are you mad?” Suddenly he was keenly aware of his desire to stay on her good side.
“You have a house across town.”
“Yeah right, I’m not going to live there. I hate that place and I certainly don’t want Claire going there.”
“I don’t think you’ll be happy in that house. You’re used to the lap of luxury.” Veronica didn’t know how to feel about the news. On one hand, she felt relieved. Buying a house meant that he did plan to stay in Neptune. On the other hand, she was worried. She was afraid that Logan was trying to taunt Duncan with this decision. Logan knew that his move wouldn’t go over well with Duncan.
“You make me sound like a spoiled brat,” Logan grumbled.
“Oh please,” she scoffed. “You are spoiled Logan. You have never wanted for anything. You’ve never worked, or struggled to make ends meet. You don’t know how it feels to want for things. Everything has been handed to you on a silver platter.”
Logan grabbed Veronica’s shoulders and glared into her eyes. “I have wanted for things in my life Veronica. The things that I wanted for couldn’t be bought though.” He released her shoulders and leaned against the doorway. He felt his sadness creep in once more. He wanted her to understand how much losing her was hurting him.
“No, money doesn’t fix everything does it?” Veronica’s voice cracked with emotion as she looked away.
“It sure hasn’t fixed my problems,” Logan sighed.
“What problems do you have other than you total lack of commitment?”
“Are you trying to hurt my feelings or piss me off?” Logan pushed himself away from the doorway and walked into the foyer.
“Take your pick, Logan.” The icy tone in her voice caused him to shiver.
“Why do you insist on pushing my buttons like this?” He turned around to face her.
She walked over and stood in front of him. She forced a blank expression onto her face. Veronica was determined to see this through. The days of letting Logan rule her heart and mind were gone. Letting herself believe him would lead to heartbreak. Veronica wasn’t worried about her heart though. She was worried about Claire’s.
“If I hit the right one. You’ll go away, just like always.” She said with determination.
“Do you really want me to go away?” Logan looked into her eyes. The fear in his face and his voice was palpable as he awaited her answer.
“I won’t let you hurt us. We aren’t your toys to play with as you see fit and to toss away when boredom hits. Things aren’t rosy here Logan, or haven’t you noticed?” She fisted her hands as her fear of falling apart increased.
“I want to be here for you and Claire. Why can’t you just believe me Veronica?” His heart was pounding with fear. She seemed so unreachable, it terrified him.
Veronica rolled her eyes and then gritted her teeth with anger and frustration. “Are you dense enough to think that you’ll earn my trust, simply by showing up after seven years?”
“No, I told you that I’m here to stay Veronica. I promised…I promise.” He tried to touch her but she winced. “You love me. I know you do.” He whispered with desperation.
She gave him a hard look. “I love Duncan and Claire.”
Logan swallowed audibly and blinked back tears. “You love me too. I know you do.” He reached out again and she backed away from his touch. His hand shook as it froze in mid-air. “Please baby,” he whispered as a single tear fell.
Veronica looked at Logan’s outstretched hand. She had to work to push down her emotions. “I will always care about you Logan.”
Logan lunged forward and grabbed her by the arms, shaking her gently. “You love me Dammit.” His eyes were pleading with her to admit her feelings.
Veronica pulled away from him and walked across the room. “If you think that I’ll leave Duncan, you’re wrong.”
“I have to go.” Logan ran out the door and to his car as tears streamed down his face.
“I’ve lost her forever.” He sobbed as he jerked his car door open.