Fic: These Empty Hands, Part 1 of ? (L/V, Troy/V, L/Hannah, Wallace, Mac, etc.)
Title: These Empty Hands, Part 1 of ?
Author: rubie_so_ho
Word Count: 6,140
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Hints of L/V; Troy/Veronica, Logan/Hannah, Wallace/Jane, Mac/Beaver
Summary: Troy returns to Neptune as Veronica does him a favor...meanwhile, Logan is charming Nip/Schmuck's daughter.
Spoilers: up to 2x13. Also, slight spoiler of 2x16
Disclaimer: they belong to Rob T.!
Notes: This is my first fic. I've been reading VM fanfic for a few weeks now, and I just started writing today. I haven't written in years...let me know how it goes.
Logan exasperatedly slid into his usual lunch table spot with the usual 09er crew. Rubbing his temples furiously with his fingers, he squinted up at the midday sun. Man, why can’t senior year just be over?
His mood brought on a whole other barrage of questions…
Why can’t this shit with Felix’s murder be over?
Why haven’t Weevil and I found the real killer?
When is Nip/Schmuck going to break? When I defile his only daughter?
“Whoa! Dude! Check out what the cat dragged in!” Dick Casablancas’s voice cut into Logan’s thoughts. Logan, Luke, and a newly-arrived Beaver swiveled their heads around in concert, looking in the direction where Dick was excitedly pointing.
Luke, dropping his sandwich onto his tray, looked incredulous. “Troy…?” He shifted nervously in his seat, thinking back to the steroid fiasco from junior year.
In the near distance, Troy Vandegraff stood, looking high and low, his eyes not settling on the 09er lunch crew practically right in front of him.
Dick mustered a low whistle. “I didn’t think he’d show his face here again, after what he did to Luke…”
“Naw, man…it’s cool. I fucked up too.” Luke sighed quietly. “I totally fucked up. I’m just lucky ’roid rage Charlie didn’t get to me. Well, lucky and completely indebted to Miss Veronica Mars for the rest of my life…”
“Yeah, like you owe Nancy Drew jack.” Dick spat.
This whole exchange found Logan quiet and pensive. What is Vandegraff doing here? I thought he took off to the East Coast, leaving the whole TJ mess, and a certain blonde PI, behind…
“Troy!” Dick shouted. “Vandegraff!” Logan rolled his eyes…This is going to be interesting.
Troy stopped scanning when he heard his name called. Seeing the crew, he smiled a large, conspicuous smile and sauntered over. “Hey! Fellas! What’s the haps?”
So, you’re going to act like nothing happened, like you never left, huh Troy? Logan thought. He didn’t particularly have anything against Troy, nor did he really know him. He vaguely recalled overhearing Veronica, long after the fact, telling Duncan the story behind Troy’s mysterious departure. Something about “drug dealing…let Luke take the heat…Catholic school… Shawna…” but he couldn’t recall any details. He simply recalled the shortness in Veronica’s speech, and remembered thinking she sounded a little annoyed.
“Dude, how was Albuquerque? Are you in college now?” Dick asked.
“Yeah…Albuquerque didn’t so much happen.” Troy quickly moved on. “Yeah. College. I’m enrolled at Hearst.” His eyes quickly shifted to Luke. “Hey Luke…how have you been?” Troy sounded guilty, but was clearly attempting to be friendly.
“Good. Hearst, huh?” Luke said softly, wanting to avoid any conversation about the steroid mess.
“Yeah,” Troy exhaled slowly, looking somewhat relieved. “It’s great. I’m a political science major. I just rushed Sigma Nu.”
“Aww yeah, frat life…how are the honeys? I heard Hearst tail is prime.” Dick said, eagerly. “What’s the scene?”
Troy chuckled at Dick’s very Dick-like response. “Yeah. Hearst girls are pretty. But then again, SoCal girls are the best all-round. Nothing like stuck-up Boston girls…” Troy lifted his head up to peer around again. Logan noted to himself that Troy looked distracted.
“What brings you here, Troy?” Logan piped up finally.
“Hey, Logan…I was really sorry to hear about your dad…” Troy trailed off. He quickly recovered, seeing Logan slump. “but anyway…business meeting.”
“Business meeting?” the boys echoed, bewildered.
“Ha. Yeah…and speaking of which, there she is.” The boys followed Troy’s gaze as he looked across the lunch yard. Their eyes caught the sight of a short blonde, bobbing through the crowd, pigtails swinging, making a beeline to where Wallace Fennel sat alone.
Veronica,Logan thought, and began to seethe.
“So I’ll…uh…catch you guys later…” Troy hurried in the direction the guys were all dumbfoundedly looking. He spun around before crossing the divide. “It was a pleasure as always fellas. But business calls.” He winked, and spun back around, walking…practically skipping, towards his “meeting.”
“What the?! What’s he doing talking to her?” Dick said loudly. “Doesn’t he know she’s damaged goods now?”
“Ahem.” Logan cleared his throat.
“But seriously, dude. She’s like, rich guy kryptonite.”
“Logan!” a sweet voice called out. Logan turned around. Ahh, Princess herself. He smiled brightly, albeit a bit phonily. “Heyyy Princess,” he drawled. Dick raised his eyebrows, and Beaver snickered. Catching his friend’s reactions, Logan shot them a sharp look, and they lowered their heads in mock-shame.
It is such a shame that she’s such a sweetheart. And pretty. Too bad I’ll be taking Daddy dearest down soon.
Hannah bounded up and slid onto the bench next to Logan. He snaked his arm around her tiny waist and laid a chaste kiss on her cheek. He was surprised that his friends were so quiet…and, shockingly, good…around Hannah. They did not know of his plan, but he chalked their saintly behavior up to the fact that they likely wanted their friend to get laid, and not by their stepmother.
Hannah smiled sweetly up at him and sighed. He could tell she was elated to be next to him, to be seen with him. He returned the smile and momentarily forgot about Troy and his business meeting.
+++
Veronica Mars dropped into the seat across from Wallace. “Hello, my fine basketball-phenom-friend. What’s on the menu this fine day?” She looked up ahead and noticed the sun peeking out from the clouds in the February sky.
Wallace shrugged. “Why are you in such a good mood today, supafly?”
“I don’t know,” Veronica crinkled her nose a little at Wallace’s lackadaisical mood. “I just feel like something good’s about to happen. I mean, after all the bad stuff that’s been going on…”
“…like your boyfriend skipping town with Meg’s baby? Like Jackie’s dad getting busted for mass murder? Like our parents breaking up? Like…”
“…I just feel like it can go nowhere but up!” Veronica smiled a very un-Veronica-like smile. She looked…hopeful. She looked…goofy. Wallace shook his head and laughed at his friend’s dreamy look.
“Girl…” he began, chuckling… he stopped short, and drew in a fast breath. Veronica barely noticed. She was trying to figure out where her good mood appeared from.
“Oh girl, I think it can go down. Fast. Think Titanic-like proportions.”
Veronica looked up at her friend, out of her trance. “Huh?” She turned her head, following where Wallace’s eyes were fixed. And she saw him. Troy Vandegraff.
“Oh boy.”
He bounced over, like an eager little puppy. “Miss Sassy herself!” He grinned.
Veronica sighed quietly, but smiled. When Troy re-entered her life a week ago, it was a shock. But to see him waltz back into Neptune High, like he was cock of the walk… it still took her aback. When she promised to help him, to solve his case, she did not expect that he would show up at the school where he’d pissed off some of the elite upper echelon. But - Troy wasn’t exactly predictable.
She looked uneasily over at Wallace, grimacing. She knew she was going to get shit from him for not telling him about Troy. Wallace looked like he’d been smacked in the head with a basketball.
“Hey Fennel! I have been keeping up with your stats - you have had two amazing seasons. I’d love to catch a game sometime!” Troy acted like nothing changed. Veronica found this somewhat annoying, but on the other hand, somewhat endearing. It was like he was in a perpetual perky mood. She started to recall hints of what she saw in him. Before she learned he was a drug dealer. Before he duped her, and Luke, and Duncan… Before he ran back to the East Coast, and to Shawna.
“So, I thought we could have our little business meeting…now. Here.” Troy’s gaze turned serious when his eyes alighted on Veronica’s. She saw in his eyes that he finally noticed she hadn’t said a word yet. Her lips tightened in a thin line and she gestured for him to sit down.
Wallace looked at her knowingly and smirked. Of course she was helping one of her ex-boyfriends. It was her calling card, her m.o. He jumped up and said abruptly, “well kids, I’m off…I’m meeting my special lady friend, showing her how to shoot some hoops!” He faked a jump-shot in the air, spun around, and was off.
Veronica called out “Say hi to Janey for me!” she winced at the sound of her voice. She sounded like a bitchy older sister. Thoughts of Trina Echolls briefly floated into her brain.
She was snapped back to reality by Troy. “Earth to Mars! So, what’s the dirt?”
She interrupted him. “Why did you come here Troy? Couldn’t we have met at my apartment, or my dad’s office, after school?” She had a slightly steely look to her. Troy laid his hand on her arm, and said brightly “I just wanted to revisit some old haunts. See some old friends. See if high school girls are still hot.”
She rolled her eyes, but began to relax. She laughed a little. “So what’s the verdict? Still hot?” She put her hand on one hip and batted her eyes.
“Oh, you have no idea.” He seemed to nudge closer.
She didn’t mind the proximity; she actually welcomed it. She had not really been this close physically to any boy since Duncan left. She shifted her eyes a little when Duncan came to mind. She missed him but there were things left unsaid, problems left unsolved… Duncan was never one for confrontation - unless he was being accused of murder. As much as she’d enjoyed the first few months of their renewed relationship, she felt as though things were never complete. Duncan never spoke up. He never argued. He sometimes did not even seem to feel. Part of her was ready, now that he was gone and she could not hear from him, to admit that Duncan still had the problem of standing idly by. Until he had a daughter.
She smiled at Troy and coughed a little. “Okay. Your case.” They began to talk in hushed tones over her opened laptop. She showed him documents she pulled up from hacking into Hearst’s system. He nodded at her every explanation and sighed a few times. He looked happy just to be in her presence, and to see the look on his face, she thought he could have been looking at an angel.
“You. Are. My lifesaver.” He breathed.
“Well, the case isn’t solved yet, but…I’m getting there. I’ll clear your name, Troy.”
He touched her arm again. “Veronica, how can I ever thank you? I mean, especially all I did to you… I lied to you. I used Luke. I lied to Duncan. I…”
“Troy. I know you’re a different person now. I can’t say I trust you one hundred percent but… I know you mean well. I do.” The kindness Troy had shown her once popping back into her life was astounding. He’d professed his apologies every day for the past seven days, and had offered to go to the moon and back for her helping him with his case.
They had run into each other when Veronica had accompanied Wallace to Hearst’s basketball recruitment weekend. While Wallace schmoozed with the ballers and swooning sorority girls, Troy had told her of his predicament, swore that he was a changed man, began his litany of apologies, and begged for her help.
She’d been feeling generous, it was true. Her thoughts seemed to echo her best friend’s; she had been helping Logan to clear his name for the past few months; she helped keep a promise to her boyfriend’s now-dead ex girlfriend; she had even cleared Jackie’s name following the money box debacle at winter carnival.
Veronica Mars, she’s a marshmallow. Ah, Wallace was right.
Veronica smiled softly at Troy. “Well, you can make it up to me by hanging out with me, Wallace, and Jackie this weekend. I think we’re going to a party over at Beaver’s.”
“You. Are going to Dick’s?” Troy looked at her with incredulity pooling around his blue eyes.
She ducked her head and groaned. “Ugh. Yes. But only because of Beaver, and because Beaver is dating my friend Mac.”
“Beaver has a girlfriend?”
“Oh my friend, you’ve been gone much too long. Think you’ll mind slumming with a bunch of high school kids?”
“I think I’ll manage.” Troy looked up suddenly. “Hmm.” He sounded confused, and a little curious.
“What?” Veronica asked, looking a little confused herself.
“I didn’t realize we had an audience.”
+++
Veronica looked to where Troy was squinting. She began to giggle a little, inwardly. Staring back at them were Dick, Beaver, Luke, and Logan. Sitting next to Logan was a sweet-looking blonde. Hmm. She looks young. So that is Hannah Griffith.
She had learned through Weevil that Logan had begun his little scheme to force Nip/Schmuck to recant his story about the night on the Coronado Bridge. Veronica had sighed, shaking her head at Weevil. “No good will come of this.” But she felt like the situation was out of her hands. She could not stop Logan from using Nip/Schmuck’s daughter. She pitied the poor girl. I know what it’s like to fall for Logan Echolls. And I know what it’s like when it all comes crashing down.
Despite her frustration at the situation, she decided not to let her anger show. She hoped for Logan’s sake that he would clear his name, but at the same time, a little part of her hoped his hare-brained scheme would bite him in the ass.
+++
Veronica narrowed her eyes at the 09ers and Troy stifled a chuckle. Realizing they were caught, the boys looked around, sheepishly. Beaver hopped up from the table in search of Mac while Dick suddenly became engrossed in his macaroni and cheese. Luke began flipping through his biology book. Logan turned his attention toward the blonde to his right, trying to ignore the blonde across the lunch yard. He stole a glance back at Veronica Mars, and their eyes locked for a moment. She looked down, quickly, and then over at Troy, laughing along with him, but not sure what he was laughing at.
Logan inwardly seethed, but pasted a huge grin on his face, and turning to Hannah said “let’s get out of here. I’ll get you ice cream.” Despite her protestations for leaving school, Hannah slipped her hand into his as he pulled them through the crowd.
Veronica stopped her laughing short and stared after them. Oh Logan, don’t be stupid. At the same moment, she felt a quick, sharp stabbing pain in her gut. She looked down at herself, expecting to see a needle, or a knife. Nothing was there. She pushed the feeling out of her mind, and looked at Troy. “I have to get to class.”
“Okay, my super-fine super-sleuth. I’ll call you before the party…?”
“Saturday.”
“Saturday.” Troy jumped up and playfully tugged one pigtail. “Talk to you then.” He chuckled and ducked into the throng of students heading back in for fifth period.
+++
The next day Veronica stood in front of her locker, at 3 p.m., pulling books out one by one, sighing at the amount of homework she had to do that weekend. Homework Schmomework. I’m a senior, why do I care about this shit anymore? Oh yes, the words “Kane Scholarship” run through my head every minute on the minute. Hmph. She leaned her head against the edge of the locker frame. Her eyes were drooping and she felt a nap coming on.
“I’d ask you if Troy tired you out, but that would be inappropriate, wouldn’t it?”
She squeezed her eyes shut, hoping that Logan’s voice was just in her head. She opened them, and turned a little to look at him, keeping her head on the locker. She blinked a few times until he came into focus. He was inches away from her face. She peered up at him.
“I’d ask you whether Dr. Griffith’s daughter wears day-of-the-week underwear, but I know that’d be inappropriate.”
“Actually, I don’t think she wears any,” he snarked.
“Dude, she’s like, fifteen.” She rolled her eyes at him.
“Mm. Daddy likes.”
Veronica sighed loudly and shoved the rest of her books into her shoulder bag. She slammed her locker shut. “Well, Senor Echolls, I’m out. Hasta la vista. Vavaya con dios.” She swerved past him, moving toward the exit. She stopped for a moment, and turned back slowly. Logan was still leaning against the lockers. Geez, why does he always have to look good? Even when he’s annoying the shit out of me? She kicked the toe of his shoe with hers, lightly. “Hey.”
He raised his eyebrows at her. “Hey.”
“Be careful, okay? Try not to play with fire.” She winced when she realized the irony of that statement. Brief visions of the inside of a refrigerator sent a shudder through her, chilling her to the core.
Logan saw her reaction to her own statement. He felt a pang of long-ago-buried guilt. Ah, the sins of the father. Instead of a snappy comeback, he patted her on the shoulder. Wow, I haven’t touched her since the day with the Fitzpatricks. It’s nothing, but… “I’ll be careful, Ronnie.”
Her eyes flashed up at him. Hearing that nickname pushed her out of her trance. She gritted her teeth, but relaxed upon seeing his face. He looked concerned; he looked hurt…and something else. She saw something she hadn’t seen in a long time…
…all I want to do is protect you.
…I want you to trust me.
…you’re all I care about.
Instead of biting his head off for calling her Ronnie, she nodded curtly. She turned on her heel and headed for the parking lot, leaving Logan leaning back against the locker, looking bewildered.
+++
Veronica was finishing applying her favorite eyeliner when she heard Wallace at the door, talking with her father. She bit her lip upon hearing Keith enquire as to Alicia. She could hear Wallace hemming and hawing. She knew that in all honesty, Wallace did not even know what was up with his mother. Ever since he returned from Chicago, they hadn’t spoken much. She resented him for leaving with his father, and resented Keith for not driving his father away.
Veronica quickly stepped into the living room, hoping to quash all talking about Alicia. Keith looked at her, and the corners of his eyes crinkled. “You look beautiful, honey. Why so dolled up? Isn’t it just a party?”
She started to speak, but Wallace interrupted. “Oh yeah, but she’s got college dudes to impress now.”
Oh Jesus, Wallace. Way to go. She hadn’t told her dad about Troy.
“College boys?” Keith echoed, with a look of concern painted on his face.
“Huh? Wallace is crazy. As Weevil would say, this boy is muy loco. We’re out Dad, see ya!” Veronica grabbed Wallace’s arm and dragged him out the door. She could faintly hear Keith’s voice behind her… “College boys?”
“Dude. No. For real.” She glared at Wallace.
“Uh oh. Is spy daddy gonna take away your spy toys?” Wallace grinned, but ducked before Veronica could smack the back of his head. He bobbed back and forth. “I am too fast for your little white ass, BFF.”
“Okay Muggsy. Let’s go.”
+++
After picking up Jane - Jackie had bailed because she was still getting unwarranted flak for her father’s arrest - the threesome headed over to Chez Casablancas.
By the time they arrived, Veronica already felt like a third wheel. Even in the car, Jane and Wallace were touchy feely, and they’d cooed at each other all the way into the 09 zip. When Wallace parked, Veronica immediately bounded out of the vehicle. She rushed to the front door, eager to see anyone else. Hell, I’ll even settle for Dick. This shit is unbearable...
She popped her head through the massive front doors and quickly peered around. Looking to her right, she saw Troy leaning against the foyer wall, talking to Luke. They looked deep in conversation. She tentatively headed over, making sure she wasn’t interrupting. Both boys noticed her and seemed to relax in her presence. She assumed they’d been talking about what had happened over a year ago…and hoped they’d made up. What Troy had done was shitty, but Luke had also been incredibly stupid for associating himself with the Roid-head from the gym.
“Hey guys.”
“Hey V.” Troy brightened when he saw her. Luke grinned to himself. Wow, she’s such a bad-boy magnet. Luke straightened up, and excused himself. “I’ll see you guys later.”
Veronica bumped hips with Troy playfully. “Let’s have some fun. I need some fun. Now.” Troy looked at her hopefully. “No, Mr. Vandegraff. Not that kind of fun. I need a drink.”
“Haha. Well, right after you, my lady,” Troy bowed. Veronica led the way, moving toward the sound of people laughing and talking loudly over blaring gangsta rap. Standing on the edge of the Casablancas family room, she took in the entire scene. Dick was running after Gia, who (finally) looked like she wanted nothing to do with him. Madison Sinclair and her pep squad followers were in a corner, whispering and pointing at people all over the room. Casey Gant was leaned up against the mantelpiece, talking to a pretty sophomore.
Veronica searched and searched till her eyes landed on Mac and Beaver. They were sitting close on the loveseat, sipping from plastic cups, looking googly-eyed at each other. Veronica said exasperatedly, “seriously. What is up with all the couples?”
Troy laughed at her. “Well, considering this is the first time in a long time that you’re actually single, I’m guessing it’s getting to you.”
Veronica gave him a sidways glance. “How did you…?”
“I heard.”
“So you know about…”
“Leo. Logan. Duncan again…”
“Duncan and Meg?”
“Yeah.” He looked sorrowfully at her.
“I’m okay. Really. It’s just…different. I thought things were going back to normal, but…”
“Things are never normal.”
“Yeah.”
Troy put his hand on the small of her back. She smiled warmly at him, but noticed that she felt…nothing. I used to think he was so cute! Maybe it’s because of all he did…but really, he’s totally won me over this week. What is wrong with me?
She stared at the floor for a split second. It’s not Duncan. It’s…
Mac’s voice rung out over the crowd, interrupting Veronica’s thoughts. “V. Mars! Sup!” Veronica swallowed, and nodded to Troy in Mac and Beaver’s direction. They stepped in tandem down into the family room, and Beaver greeted them. “Hey guys - drinks?” Veronica trusted the Beav to get her a drink, so she nodded. Troy moved to help him.
Veronica and Mac sank into the loveseat together. Mac wiggled her eyebrows at Veronica. “Troy is really cute. You guys look adorable together.” Veronica waved her hands frantically in front of Mac’s face. “Mackie. We are SO not together. We’re just friends. I’ve been helping him…”
“Learn the female anatomy in Braille?”
“Mac, you’ve been hanging out in the Casablancas house too long. You okay?” She rubbed Mac’s head.
“I’m great. I really like hanging out with Beaver…so much so that I have learned to avoid Little Dick.”
“Good deal. I’m really happy for you guys. Beaver’s really great, Mac.” Mac grinned at her. She looked like a kid with candy. “He IS great.”
Mac stopped at that. She knew that Veronica had been weird about couples lately. There were her and Beaver, Wallace and Jane, and now Logan and that naïve little sophomore. And somehow she knew the Logan/Hannah pairing was the one weirding her friend out the most.
Suddenly, plastic cups appeared before the girls, and Troy and Beaver followed. The four sat close and started to drink and laugh.
+++
Logan sauntered into Dick’s house, pulling Hannah close behind him. He had not wished to bring her, but Dick opened his big mouth at lunch a few days prior, and Hannah seemed so excited to go to a senior party. As they entered the house, Hannah looked around in wonder. Wow, she really is young. And naïve. He was split on her wide-eyed with wonder demeanor. Sometimes he found it very endearing, and sweet, but most of the time he was shocked that someone this innocent and clueless existed in the Inferno known as Neptune. She was kind, and fun, but something about her reminded him of someone he’d known long ago.
But that girl is gone.
He thinks back to a slight girl with long blond hair, in a yellow cotton sundress. She’s dipping her tiny feet into his pool, as he stares at her from the chaise lounge in wonder. She’s beautiful, but she’s shy. She’s sweet, and funny, but there is nothing that really stands out about her. She’s innocent and calm, and every look across her face is nothing but genuine. She’s an open book. He watches as his best friend walks out to the pool, and, bending down, wraps his arms around this tiny, sweet girl. They kiss chastely and whisper in one another’s ears.
Logan knew, even back then, that he didn’t want a girl like this. He needed a girl with passion; a girl who would shout at the wind without being afraid of the world around her. He had this girl once. Her name was Lilly.
After Lilly died, he didn’t think he’d find a girl with fire or passion again. He was complacent, seemingly pleased with hooking up with every little trust fund baby thrown his way.
And then, one day, the girl in the yellow cotton sundress transformed.
She was mean.
She was bitter.
She was out for revenge.
And he hated her. Or thought he did.
But that mean, bitter, bitchy girl had fire. She had heart. Everything about her was sharp - her piercing blue eyes, her razor-like wit, her convictions… And she was passionate. She grasped at life by its shoulders and shook it.
This girl…was better than the Lilly Kanes of the world. Lilly was brash and flashy, but the transformed girl was…amazing.
Yes, Logan knew that after Veronica, he’d never want a sweet and innocent girl ever again.
He smiled at Hannah, and led her into the Casablancas’s den, where he saw Dick and Casey macking on some younger girls. He slung his arm around Hannah’s shoulders and was content, at the moment, to just enjoy the evening with his new “girlfriend” and his buddies.
+++
“Whoa there Nelly.” Wallace peered around the corner into the Casablancas’s family room. He saw his BFF standing on a couch dancing with Mac. “Veronica Mars? Couch dancing?” Jane pulled him into the room. “Let’s join her!”
Wallace knew she had to be drunk. Oh boy, here we go.
As he approached the girls, he caught sight of Troy. Troy looked a little rough. He caught Wallace by the shoulder and took him aside. “Fennel. Seriously. She has had way too much to drink. I swear - swear - it wasn’t my doing. She just started and didn’t want to stop. I keep trying to suggest that she go home, but she’s having none of that.” Troy looked like a worried father, and Wallace patted him on the back. “It’s okay, man, we will try to handle this.”
He looked up at his best friend dancing with Mac, her arms wrapped tightly around Mac’s waist. Wallace didn’t doubt that if she let go, she would go the way of Humpty Dumpty.
“Hey, V…”
“Wallace!” She snapped forward, as if she had been blind to his presence until that very moment. “Oh goooodness, Mr. Fennel. You look lovely. Wanna dance?” Jane giggled as Veronica slurred her words.
“Raincheck, V. We gotta get you home.”
“But…I’m having fun. I’m dancing with Cindy MacCinderpants and the Beav.” She gasped, in realization. “Wallace…Wally…and the BEAV!” she collapsed onto the loveseat in a wild fit of laughter. “Where are June and Ward?” She looked around with seriousness imprinted on her face, as though she were truly looking for June and Ward Cleaver.
“Hardy har har Mars. Let’s go.” He tried pulling her up, but to no avail. She was tiny, but with God-knows-how-much alcohol in her, she was like dead weight.
“Troy - help me out?” Troy jumped to attention and put one of her arms around his neck. Wallace did the same on the opposite side. They successfully got to the front door, while Veronica babbled all the way. “Mm, T.V., you smell good. What is that smell? You smell like berries.” “Wally, my man, who makes your spirit boxes? Who loves ya, babeeee?” She giggled like a small child. Wallace found this somewhat amusing, but was mostly annoyed. Just as they opened the front door, Veronica mumbled, “Jacket.”
“Huh?” Both boys wondered aloud.
“My jacket’s in the den of sin.”
“Den of sin?”
“Or. Just den.”
Wallace let go of her one arm, forgetting that she was heavy as a stone. Troy grabbed her around her middle, and for a moment, they were face to face. “Mm. Troy. Hiya.” She garbled into his neck. He smiled into her hair, and suddenly threw her over his shoulder. She erupted into giggles as Wallace shook his head. “I’ll go get your jacket.”
“You’ll never find it! Troy, follow him!” Troy obeyed, like the lost little puppy he was, with Veronica still slung over his shoulder.
Wallace turned back as he was walking into the den and cracked a smile at Troy. “You sure got your hands full.”
“Indeed, my friend. Indeed.” He hoisted Veronica up a little higher, and the movement caused her to hiccup. She continued to giggle.
“Well, at least she’s not a sad dru….” Wallace trailed off as he entered the den.
“Well well well. What do we have here?” Dick slurred, looking smarmy. Wallace looked around. Dick was wedged in between Logan and Luke on the leather couch, and to Logan’s right was a thin blonde. He realized it must be Dr. Griffith’s daughter, as Veronica had mentioned.
“Hey guys…we’re just looking for…”
“My jacket. My green leather jacket.” Veronica intoned from behind Troy’s back. Wallace had forgotten for a split moment that they were behind him.
“Well, Miss Mars. Aren’t you in a precarious position?” Dick mumbled, stumbling off the couch and towards Troy and Veronica.
Logan looked at the entire scene with a look of pure bewilderment. He said nothing. Hannah was nuzzling into his shoulder, dozing in and out of sleep. It was past for Miss Princess's bedtime.
Veronica peered at the boys from behind Troy’s back, upside down. “Hey Dickie!” She said cheerily.
Wow, she must be drunk, thought Logan. She looks happy to see Dick.
Dick poised himself to smack Veronica’s denim-clad ass, which was high in the air over Troy’s shoulder. Logan quickly stood up and grabbed Dick’s arm, pushing him back. “Okay, Dickie, I think that’s enough.” He turned back and realized he was face-to-face with Troy. “Hey, man.”
“Hey,” Troy said, nervously.
Wallace had looked around the room for the jacket, but found nothing. “I’m gonna look in the family room and grab Jane. Meet you outside?” Troy nodded.
“Hey, um, Logan…can you help me get Veronica out to the car?” Troy asked, pleadingly. He looked tired and rough around the edges. Logan softened a little, feeling badly for Troy. He had a feeling he’d been babysitting a drunk Veronica for a few hours now.
Logan glanced back at Hannah, whose eyelids were fluttering in and out of a dozing state. “Hannah? Hannah?” She came to, quickly. “Yeah, Logan?” “I’ll be right back.” She nodded and laid her head back down on the couch cushion. He turned back toward Troy and noticed Veronica peering around Troy’s back. She was no longer giggling, or slurring words together. She was looking inquisitively at the young girl curled up on the couch, her brow furrowed. She raised one eyebrow at Logan and then quickly jabbed Troy in the side. “Yo, Vandegraff? We gettin’ this show on the road?”
“I thought you’d never ask.” He looked back at Logan, who gestured them to the door. Once outside, Troy turned to Logan. “I need to grab my car. It’s around back. Would you mind standing here with her for just a second?” Troy realized right away that Logan wouldn’t mind at all. He saw the way Logan was looking at Veronica, filled with concern, a little bit of anger, and…something else.
Logan nodded soundly, and Troy set Veronica down slowly until she was standing between he and Logan, with her back to Logan. Troy walked away quietly, looking back after his first few steps down the Casablancas’s driveway. He then looked straight ahead and didn’t look back.
Logan placed his hand on Veronica’s waist to steady her, for as soon as Troy left, she began to wobble to the right. “Okay there, P.I. Jane. You just have to stay still for one minute.” Veronica moaned softly, and began to fall backward. Logan caught her quickly, wrapping his hands around her tiny waist. He propped her up against his chest, and straightened her up. She seemingly chose that moment to snap to attention, and she quickly swirled around in his arms, so that she was facing him, or rather, his chest. She rested her head against his chest for a moment, sighing loudly. She did not say anything at first. After another beat, she looked up into his face, craning her neck far back. Logan chuckled under his breath at her, as she looked as though she would bend all the way back. He brought his hand to lay squarely on her back, and he pulled her close.
She smelled like rum and lipgloss. The same scent of lipgloss from… the day in the bathroom.
She blinked at him. Her eyes looked kind of watery. She suddenly became conscious of him, aware of his proximity. She placed a hand on his chest, and pushed a little, but gently. “I hate you.”
Ah, there’s the Veronica Mars I’ve seen of late. “You really didn’t have to remind me, Mars.”
“No, I really really hate you.” She tried to narrow her eyes at him, to shoot him an evil stare.
Dear God, she’s trying so hard.
Despite her efforts, a tear slipped down her one cheek.
In a matter of seconds, she had gone from bubbly drunk to sad party girl.
She looked down at her own hand, still on Logan’s chest. She bit down on her bottom lip, not wanting to look at him, not wanting him to see her tears. These tears aren’t for you, Logan. They’re for me.
They stood there, in awkward balance, when Troy’s car swung around the corner. At that moment, Jane and Wallace bounded out. Wallace barely gave Veronica and Logan a second look. He threw Veronica’s jacket into Troy’s backseat and waved to all of them. Logan shook his head, smirking. Wallace looked back at Logan, and for a moment, they come to an understanding without saying a word. Logan knows Wallace trusts him at that moment, and he bows his head with gratitude.
Troy ran around the side of car, opening the door for Logan to place Veronica inside. As Logan prodded Veronica towards the car seat, she muttered softly, almost to herself, “have fun with your little girlfriend.” “Girlfriend? Not so much.” Logan mumbled, into his chest.
He reached around her to pull the seat belt out and snap it safely around her. His head bent close to hers as he fumbled with the buckle. Troy remained behind him, outside of the car.
“Logan, I…” she whispered, into his ear.
I know, you hate me.
“I love you.”
He practically hit his head on the roof of Troy’s car. Logan stumbled back, not sure of what to do, say, or think. Troy, seeing Veronica was buckled in, shut the door and chucked Logan amiably on the shoulder. He had not heard the drunk girl’s mumblings.
“Well Logan, I’ll be getting Miss V. to Bedfordshire. Keith will be happy to see her home somewhat close to her curfew.”
“Yeah. Good.” These were the only words Logan could muster. He stood there, motionless.
Troy didn’t notice, and hopped into the driver’s seat. He waved to Logan.
Veronica pressed the side of her head against the window, not thinking or speaking. As Troy pulled away from the Casablancas residence, she glanced up for a split second at Logan, and for that moment within a moment, she was coherent. And then, they were gone.
Logan stood before the house, and looked down at his empty hands.
Author: rubie_so_ho
Word Count: 6,140
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Hints of L/V; Troy/Veronica, Logan/Hannah, Wallace/Jane, Mac/Beaver
Summary: Troy returns to Neptune as Veronica does him a favor...meanwhile, Logan is charming Nip/Schmuck's daughter.
Spoilers: up to 2x13. Also, slight spoiler of 2x16
Disclaimer: they belong to Rob T.!
Notes: This is my first fic. I've been reading VM fanfic for a few weeks now, and I just started writing today. I haven't written in years...let me know how it goes.
Logan exasperatedly slid into his usual lunch table spot with the usual 09er crew. Rubbing his temples furiously with his fingers, he squinted up at the midday sun. Man, why can’t senior year just be over?
His mood brought on a whole other barrage of questions…
Why can’t this shit with Felix’s murder be over?
Why haven’t Weevil and I found the real killer?
When is Nip/Schmuck going to break? When I defile his only daughter?
“Whoa! Dude! Check out what the cat dragged in!” Dick Casablancas’s voice cut into Logan’s thoughts. Logan, Luke, and a newly-arrived Beaver swiveled their heads around in concert, looking in the direction where Dick was excitedly pointing.
Luke, dropping his sandwich onto his tray, looked incredulous. “Troy…?” He shifted nervously in his seat, thinking back to the steroid fiasco from junior year.
In the near distance, Troy Vandegraff stood, looking high and low, his eyes not settling on the 09er lunch crew practically right in front of him.
Dick mustered a low whistle. “I didn’t think he’d show his face here again, after what he did to Luke…”
“Naw, man…it’s cool. I fucked up too.” Luke sighed quietly. “I totally fucked up. I’m just lucky ’roid rage Charlie didn’t get to me. Well, lucky and completely indebted to Miss Veronica Mars for the rest of my life…”
“Yeah, like you owe Nancy Drew jack.” Dick spat.
This whole exchange found Logan quiet and pensive. What is Vandegraff doing here? I thought he took off to the East Coast, leaving the whole TJ mess, and a certain blonde PI, behind…
“Troy!” Dick shouted. “Vandegraff!” Logan rolled his eyes…This is going to be interesting.
Troy stopped scanning when he heard his name called. Seeing the crew, he smiled a large, conspicuous smile and sauntered over. “Hey! Fellas! What’s the haps?”
So, you’re going to act like nothing happened, like you never left, huh Troy? Logan thought. He didn’t particularly have anything against Troy, nor did he really know him. He vaguely recalled overhearing Veronica, long after the fact, telling Duncan the story behind Troy’s mysterious departure. Something about “drug dealing…let Luke take the heat…Catholic school… Shawna…” but he couldn’t recall any details. He simply recalled the shortness in Veronica’s speech, and remembered thinking she sounded a little annoyed.
“Dude, how was Albuquerque? Are you in college now?” Dick asked.
“Yeah…Albuquerque didn’t so much happen.” Troy quickly moved on. “Yeah. College. I’m enrolled at Hearst.” His eyes quickly shifted to Luke. “Hey Luke…how have you been?” Troy sounded guilty, but was clearly attempting to be friendly.
“Good. Hearst, huh?” Luke said softly, wanting to avoid any conversation about the steroid mess.
“Yeah,” Troy exhaled slowly, looking somewhat relieved. “It’s great. I’m a political science major. I just rushed Sigma Nu.”
“Aww yeah, frat life…how are the honeys? I heard Hearst tail is prime.” Dick said, eagerly. “What’s the scene?”
Troy chuckled at Dick’s very Dick-like response. “Yeah. Hearst girls are pretty. But then again, SoCal girls are the best all-round. Nothing like stuck-up Boston girls…” Troy lifted his head up to peer around again. Logan noted to himself that Troy looked distracted.
“What brings you here, Troy?” Logan piped up finally.
“Hey, Logan…I was really sorry to hear about your dad…” Troy trailed off. He quickly recovered, seeing Logan slump. “but anyway…business meeting.”
“Business meeting?” the boys echoed, bewildered.
“Ha. Yeah…and speaking of which, there she is.” The boys followed Troy’s gaze as he looked across the lunch yard. Their eyes caught the sight of a short blonde, bobbing through the crowd, pigtails swinging, making a beeline to where Wallace Fennel sat alone.
Veronica,Logan thought, and began to seethe.
“So I’ll…uh…catch you guys later…” Troy hurried in the direction the guys were all dumbfoundedly looking. He spun around before crossing the divide. “It was a pleasure as always fellas. But business calls.” He winked, and spun back around, walking…practically skipping, towards his “meeting.”
“What the?! What’s he doing talking to her?” Dick said loudly. “Doesn’t he know she’s damaged goods now?”
“Ahem.” Logan cleared his throat.
“But seriously, dude. She’s like, rich guy kryptonite.”
“Logan!” a sweet voice called out. Logan turned around. Ahh, Princess herself. He smiled brightly, albeit a bit phonily. “Heyyy Princess,” he drawled. Dick raised his eyebrows, and Beaver snickered. Catching his friend’s reactions, Logan shot them a sharp look, and they lowered their heads in mock-shame.
It is such a shame that she’s such a sweetheart. And pretty. Too bad I’ll be taking Daddy dearest down soon.
Hannah bounded up and slid onto the bench next to Logan. He snaked his arm around her tiny waist and laid a chaste kiss on her cheek. He was surprised that his friends were so quiet…and, shockingly, good…around Hannah. They did not know of his plan, but he chalked their saintly behavior up to the fact that they likely wanted their friend to get laid, and not by their stepmother.
Hannah smiled sweetly up at him and sighed. He could tell she was elated to be next to him, to be seen with him. He returned the smile and momentarily forgot about Troy and his business meeting.
+++
Veronica Mars dropped into the seat across from Wallace. “Hello, my fine basketball-phenom-friend. What’s on the menu this fine day?” She looked up ahead and noticed the sun peeking out from the clouds in the February sky.
Wallace shrugged. “Why are you in such a good mood today, supafly?”
“I don’t know,” Veronica crinkled her nose a little at Wallace’s lackadaisical mood. “I just feel like something good’s about to happen. I mean, after all the bad stuff that’s been going on…”
“…like your boyfriend skipping town with Meg’s baby? Like Jackie’s dad getting busted for mass murder? Like our parents breaking up? Like…”
“…I just feel like it can go nowhere but up!” Veronica smiled a very un-Veronica-like smile. She looked…hopeful. She looked…goofy. Wallace shook his head and laughed at his friend’s dreamy look.
“Girl…” he began, chuckling… he stopped short, and drew in a fast breath. Veronica barely noticed. She was trying to figure out where her good mood appeared from.
“Oh girl, I think it can go down. Fast. Think Titanic-like proportions.”
Veronica looked up at her friend, out of her trance. “Huh?” She turned her head, following where Wallace’s eyes were fixed. And she saw him. Troy Vandegraff.
“Oh boy.”
He bounced over, like an eager little puppy. “Miss Sassy herself!” He grinned.
Veronica sighed quietly, but smiled. When Troy re-entered her life a week ago, it was a shock. But to see him waltz back into Neptune High, like he was cock of the walk… it still took her aback. When she promised to help him, to solve his case, she did not expect that he would show up at the school where he’d pissed off some of the elite upper echelon. But - Troy wasn’t exactly predictable.
She looked uneasily over at Wallace, grimacing. She knew she was going to get shit from him for not telling him about Troy. Wallace looked like he’d been smacked in the head with a basketball.
“Hey Fennel! I have been keeping up with your stats - you have had two amazing seasons. I’d love to catch a game sometime!” Troy acted like nothing changed. Veronica found this somewhat annoying, but on the other hand, somewhat endearing. It was like he was in a perpetual perky mood. She started to recall hints of what she saw in him. Before she learned he was a drug dealer. Before he duped her, and Luke, and Duncan… Before he ran back to the East Coast, and to Shawna.
“So, I thought we could have our little business meeting…now. Here.” Troy’s gaze turned serious when his eyes alighted on Veronica’s. She saw in his eyes that he finally noticed she hadn’t said a word yet. Her lips tightened in a thin line and she gestured for him to sit down.
Wallace looked at her knowingly and smirked. Of course she was helping one of her ex-boyfriends. It was her calling card, her m.o. He jumped up and said abruptly, “well kids, I’m off…I’m meeting my special lady friend, showing her how to shoot some hoops!” He faked a jump-shot in the air, spun around, and was off.
Veronica called out “Say hi to Janey for me!” she winced at the sound of her voice. She sounded like a bitchy older sister. Thoughts of Trina Echolls briefly floated into her brain.
She was snapped back to reality by Troy. “Earth to Mars! So, what’s the dirt?”
She interrupted him. “Why did you come here Troy? Couldn’t we have met at my apartment, or my dad’s office, after school?” She had a slightly steely look to her. Troy laid his hand on her arm, and said brightly “I just wanted to revisit some old haunts. See some old friends. See if high school girls are still hot.”
She rolled her eyes, but began to relax. She laughed a little. “So what’s the verdict? Still hot?” She put her hand on one hip and batted her eyes.
“Oh, you have no idea.” He seemed to nudge closer.
She didn’t mind the proximity; she actually welcomed it. She had not really been this close physically to any boy since Duncan left. She shifted her eyes a little when Duncan came to mind. She missed him but there were things left unsaid, problems left unsolved… Duncan was never one for confrontation - unless he was being accused of murder. As much as she’d enjoyed the first few months of their renewed relationship, she felt as though things were never complete. Duncan never spoke up. He never argued. He sometimes did not even seem to feel. Part of her was ready, now that he was gone and she could not hear from him, to admit that Duncan still had the problem of standing idly by. Until he had a daughter.
She smiled at Troy and coughed a little. “Okay. Your case.” They began to talk in hushed tones over her opened laptop. She showed him documents she pulled up from hacking into Hearst’s system. He nodded at her every explanation and sighed a few times. He looked happy just to be in her presence, and to see the look on his face, she thought he could have been looking at an angel.
“You. Are. My lifesaver.” He breathed.
“Well, the case isn’t solved yet, but…I’m getting there. I’ll clear your name, Troy.”
He touched her arm again. “Veronica, how can I ever thank you? I mean, especially all I did to you… I lied to you. I used Luke. I lied to Duncan. I…”
“Troy. I know you’re a different person now. I can’t say I trust you one hundred percent but… I know you mean well. I do.” The kindness Troy had shown her once popping back into her life was astounding. He’d professed his apologies every day for the past seven days, and had offered to go to the moon and back for her helping him with his case.
They had run into each other when Veronica had accompanied Wallace to Hearst’s basketball recruitment weekend. While Wallace schmoozed with the ballers and swooning sorority girls, Troy had told her of his predicament, swore that he was a changed man, began his litany of apologies, and begged for her help.
She’d been feeling generous, it was true. Her thoughts seemed to echo her best friend’s; she had been helping Logan to clear his name for the past few months; she helped keep a promise to her boyfriend’s now-dead ex girlfriend; she had even cleared Jackie’s name following the money box debacle at winter carnival.
Veronica Mars, she’s a marshmallow. Ah, Wallace was right.
Veronica smiled softly at Troy. “Well, you can make it up to me by hanging out with me, Wallace, and Jackie this weekend. I think we’re going to a party over at Beaver’s.”
“You. Are going to Dick’s?” Troy looked at her with incredulity pooling around his blue eyes.
She ducked her head and groaned. “Ugh. Yes. But only because of Beaver, and because Beaver is dating my friend Mac.”
“Beaver has a girlfriend?”
“Oh my friend, you’ve been gone much too long. Think you’ll mind slumming with a bunch of high school kids?”
“I think I’ll manage.” Troy looked up suddenly. “Hmm.” He sounded confused, and a little curious.
“What?” Veronica asked, looking a little confused herself.
“I didn’t realize we had an audience.”
+++
Veronica looked to where Troy was squinting. She began to giggle a little, inwardly. Staring back at them were Dick, Beaver, Luke, and Logan. Sitting next to Logan was a sweet-looking blonde. Hmm. She looks young. So that is Hannah Griffith.
She had learned through Weevil that Logan had begun his little scheme to force Nip/Schmuck to recant his story about the night on the Coronado Bridge. Veronica had sighed, shaking her head at Weevil. “No good will come of this.” But she felt like the situation was out of her hands. She could not stop Logan from using Nip/Schmuck’s daughter. She pitied the poor girl. I know what it’s like to fall for Logan Echolls. And I know what it’s like when it all comes crashing down.
Despite her frustration at the situation, she decided not to let her anger show. She hoped for Logan’s sake that he would clear his name, but at the same time, a little part of her hoped his hare-brained scheme would bite him in the ass.
+++
Veronica narrowed her eyes at the 09ers and Troy stifled a chuckle. Realizing they were caught, the boys looked around, sheepishly. Beaver hopped up from the table in search of Mac while Dick suddenly became engrossed in his macaroni and cheese. Luke began flipping through his biology book. Logan turned his attention toward the blonde to his right, trying to ignore the blonde across the lunch yard. He stole a glance back at Veronica Mars, and their eyes locked for a moment. She looked down, quickly, and then over at Troy, laughing along with him, but not sure what he was laughing at.
Logan inwardly seethed, but pasted a huge grin on his face, and turning to Hannah said “let’s get out of here. I’ll get you ice cream.” Despite her protestations for leaving school, Hannah slipped her hand into his as he pulled them through the crowd.
Veronica stopped her laughing short and stared after them. Oh Logan, don’t be stupid. At the same moment, she felt a quick, sharp stabbing pain in her gut. She looked down at herself, expecting to see a needle, or a knife. Nothing was there. She pushed the feeling out of her mind, and looked at Troy. “I have to get to class.”
“Okay, my super-fine super-sleuth. I’ll call you before the party…?”
“Saturday.”
“Saturday.” Troy jumped up and playfully tugged one pigtail. “Talk to you then.” He chuckled and ducked into the throng of students heading back in for fifth period.
+++
The next day Veronica stood in front of her locker, at 3 p.m., pulling books out one by one, sighing at the amount of homework she had to do that weekend. Homework Schmomework. I’m a senior, why do I care about this shit anymore? Oh yes, the words “Kane Scholarship” run through my head every minute on the minute. Hmph. She leaned her head against the edge of the locker frame. Her eyes were drooping and she felt a nap coming on.
“I’d ask you if Troy tired you out, but that would be inappropriate, wouldn’t it?”
She squeezed her eyes shut, hoping that Logan’s voice was just in her head. She opened them, and turned a little to look at him, keeping her head on the locker. She blinked a few times until he came into focus. He was inches away from her face. She peered up at him.
“I’d ask you whether Dr. Griffith’s daughter wears day-of-the-week underwear, but I know that’d be inappropriate.”
“Actually, I don’t think she wears any,” he snarked.
“Dude, she’s like, fifteen.” She rolled her eyes at him.
“Mm. Daddy likes.”
Veronica sighed loudly and shoved the rest of her books into her shoulder bag. She slammed her locker shut. “Well, Senor Echolls, I’m out. Hasta la vista. Vavaya con dios.” She swerved past him, moving toward the exit. She stopped for a moment, and turned back slowly. Logan was still leaning against the lockers. Geez, why does he always have to look good? Even when he’s annoying the shit out of me? She kicked the toe of his shoe with hers, lightly. “Hey.”
He raised his eyebrows at her. “Hey.”
“Be careful, okay? Try not to play with fire.” She winced when she realized the irony of that statement. Brief visions of the inside of a refrigerator sent a shudder through her, chilling her to the core.
Logan saw her reaction to her own statement. He felt a pang of long-ago-buried guilt. Ah, the sins of the father. Instead of a snappy comeback, he patted her on the shoulder. Wow, I haven’t touched her since the day with the Fitzpatricks. It’s nothing, but… “I’ll be careful, Ronnie.”
Her eyes flashed up at him. Hearing that nickname pushed her out of her trance. She gritted her teeth, but relaxed upon seeing his face. He looked concerned; he looked hurt…and something else. She saw something she hadn’t seen in a long time…
…all I want to do is protect you.
…I want you to trust me.
…you’re all I care about.
Instead of biting his head off for calling her Ronnie, she nodded curtly. She turned on her heel and headed for the parking lot, leaving Logan leaning back against the locker, looking bewildered.
+++
Veronica was finishing applying her favorite eyeliner when she heard Wallace at the door, talking with her father. She bit her lip upon hearing Keith enquire as to Alicia. She could hear Wallace hemming and hawing. She knew that in all honesty, Wallace did not even know what was up with his mother. Ever since he returned from Chicago, they hadn’t spoken much. She resented him for leaving with his father, and resented Keith for not driving his father away.
Veronica quickly stepped into the living room, hoping to quash all talking about Alicia. Keith looked at her, and the corners of his eyes crinkled. “You look beautiful, honey. Why so dolled up? Isn’t it just a party?”
She started to speak, but Wallace interrupted. “Oh yeah, but she’s got college dudes to impress now.”
Oh Jesus, Wallace. Way to go. She hadn’t told her dad about Troy.
“College boys?” Keith echoed, with a look of concern painted on his face.
“Huh? Wallace is crazy. As Weevil would say, this boy is muy loco. We’re out Dad, see ya!” Veronica grabbed Wallace’s arm and dragged him out the door. She could faintly hear Keith’s voice behind her… “College boys?”
“Dude. No. For real.” She glared at Wallace.
“Uh oh. Is spy daddy gonna take away your spy toys?” Wallace grinned, but ducked before Veronica could smack the back of his head. He bobbed back and forth. “I am too fast for your little white ass, BFF.”
“Okay Muggsy. Let’s go.”
+++
After picking up Jane - Jackie had bailed because she was still getting unwarranted flak for her father’s arrest - the threesome headed over to Chez Casablancas.
By the time they arrived, Veronica already felt like a third wheel. Even in the car, Jane and Wallace were touchy feely, and they’d cooed at each other all the way into the 09 zip. When Wallace parked, Veronica immediately bounded out of the vehicle. She rushed to the front door, eager to see anyone else. Hell, I’ll even settle for Dick. This shit is unbearable...
She popped her head through the massive front doors and quickly peered around. Looking to her right, she saw Troy leaning against the foyer wall, talking to Luke. They looked deep in conversation. She tentatively headed over, making sure she wasn’t interrupting. Both boys noticed her and seemed to relax in her presence. She assumed they’d been talking about what had happened over a year ago…and hoped they’d made up. What Troy had done was shitty, but Luke had also been incredibly stupid for associating himself with the Roid-head from the gym.
“Hey guys.”
“Hey V.” Troy brightened when he saw her. Luke grinned to himself. Wow, she’s such a bad-boy magnet. Luke straightened up, and excused himself. “I’ll see you guys later.”
Veronica bumped hips with Troy playfully. “Let’s have some fun. I need some fun. Now.” Troy looked at her hopefully. “No, Mr. Vandegraff. Not that kind of fun. I need a drink.”
“Haha. Well, right after you, my lady,” Troy bowed. Veronica led the way, moving toward the sound of people laughing and talking loudly over blaring gangsta rap. Standing on the edge of the Casablancas family room, she took in the entire scene. Dick was running after Gia, who (finally) looked like she wanted nothing to do with him. Madison Sinclair and her pep squad followers were in a corner, whispering and pointing at people all over the room. Casey Gant was leaned up against the mantelpiece, talking to a pretty sophomore.
Veronica searched and searched till her eyes landed on Mac and Beaver. They were sitting close on the loveseat, sipping from plastic cups, looking googly-eyed at each other. Veronica said exasperatedly, “seriously. What is up with all the couples?”
Troy laughed at her. “Well, considering this is the first time in a long time that you’re actually single, I’m guessing it’s getting to you.”
Veronica gave him a sidways glance. “How did you…?”
“I heard.”
“So you know about…”
“Leo. Logan. Duncan again…”
“Duncan and Meg?”
“Yeah.” He looked sorrowfully at her.
“I’m okay. Really. It’s just…different. I thought things were going back to normal, but…”
“Things are never normal.”
“Yeah.”
Troy put his hand on the small of her back. She smiled warmly at him, but noticed that she felt…nothing. I used to think he was so cute! Maybe it’s because of all he did…but really, he’s totally won me over this week. What is wrong with me?
She stared at the floor for a split second. It’s not Duncan. It’s…
Mac’s voice rung out over the crowd, interrupting Veronica’s thoughts. “V. Mars! Sup!” Veronica swallowed, and nodded to Troy in Mac and Beaver’s direction. They stepped in tandem down into the family room, and Beaver greeted them. “Hey guys - drinks?” Veronica trusted the Beav to get her a drink, so she nodded. Troy moved to help him.
Veronica and Mac sank into the loveseat together. Mac wiggled her eyebrows at Veronica. “Troy is really cute. You guys look adorable together.” Veronica waved her hands frantically in front of Mac’s face. “Mackie. We are SO not together. We’re just friends. I’ve been helping him…”
“Learn the female anatomy in Braille?”
“Mac, you’ve been hanging out in the Casablancas house too long. You okay?” She rubbed Mac’s head.
“I’m great. I really like hanging out with Beaver…so much so that I have learned to avoid Little Dick.”
“Good deal. I’m really happy for you guys. Beaver’s really great, Mac.” Mac grinned at her. She looked like a kid with candy. “He IS great.”
Mac stopped at that. She knew that Veronica had been weird about couples lately. There were her and Beaver, Wallace and Jane, and now Logan and that naïve little sophomore. And somehow she knew the Logan/Hannah pairing was the one weirding her friend out the most.
Suddenly, plastic cups appeared before the girls, and Troy and Beaver followed. The four sat close and started to drink and laugh.
+++
Logan sauntered into Dick’s house, pulling Hannah close behind him. He had not wished to bring her, but Dick opened his big mouth at lunch a few days prior, and Hannah seemed so excited to go to a senior party. As they entered the house, Hannah looked around in wonder. Wow, she really is young. And naïve. He was split on her wide-eyed with wonder demeanor. Sometimes he found it very endearing, and sweet, but most of the time he was shocked that someone this innocent and clueless existed in the Inferno known as Neptune. She was kind, and fun, but something about her reminded him of someone he’d known long ago.
But that girl is gone.
He thinks back to a slight girl with long blond hair, in a yellow cotton sundress. She’s dipping her tiny feet into his pool, as he stares at her from the chaise lounge in wonder. She’s beautiful, but she’s shy. She’s sweet, and funny, but there is nothing that really stands out about her. She’s innocent and calm, and every look across her face is nothing but genuine. She’s an open book. He watches as his best friend walks out to the pool, and, bending down, wraps his arms around this tiny, sweet girl. They kiss chastely and whisper in one another’s ears.
Logan knew, even back then, that he didn’t want a girl like this. He needed a girl with passion; a girl who would shout at the wind without being afraid of the world around her. He had this girl once. Her name was Lilly.
After Lilly died, he didn’t think he’d find a girl with fire or passion again. He was complacent, seemingly pleased with hooking up with every little trust fund baby thrown his way.
And then, one day, the girl in the yellow cotton sundress transformed.
She was mean.
She was bitter.
She was out for revenge.
And he hated her. Or thought he did.
But that mean, bitter, bitchy girl had fire. She had heart. Everything about her was sharp - her piercing blue eyes, her razor-like wit, her convictions… And she was passionate. She grasped at life by its shoulders and shook it.
This girl…was better than the Lilly Kanes of the world. Lilly was brash and flashy, but the transformed girl was…amazing.
Yes, Logan knew that after Veronica, he’d never want a sweet and innocent girl ever again.
He smiled at Hannah, and led her into the Casablancas’s den, where he saw Dick and Casey macking on some younger girls. He slung his arm around Hannah’s shoulders and was content, at the moment, to just enjoy the evening with his new “girlfriend” and his buddies.
+++
“Whoa there Nelly.” Wallace peered around the corner into the Casablancas’s family room. He saw his BFF standing on a couch dancing with Mac. “Veronica Mars? Couch dancing?” Jane pulled him into the room. “Let’s join her!”
Wallace knew she had to be drunk. Oh boy, here we go.
As he approached the girls, he caught sight of Troy. Troy looked a little rough. He caught Wallace by the shoulder and took him aside. “Fennel. Seriously. She has had way too much to drink. I swear - swear - it wasn’t my doing. She just started and didn’t want to stop. I keep trying to suggest that she go home, but she’s having none of that.” Troy looked like a worried father, and Wallace patted him on the back. “It’s okay, man, we will try to handle this.”
He looked up at his best friend dancing with Mac, her arms wrapped tightly around Mac’s waist. Wallace didn’t doubt that if she let go, she would go the way of Humpty Dumpty.
“Hey, V…”
“Wallace!” She snapped forward, as if she had been blind to his presence until that very moment. “Oh goooodness, Mr. Fennel. You look lovely. Wanna dance?” Jane giggled as Veronica slurred her words.
“Raincheck, V. We gotta get you home.”
“But…I’m having fun. I’m dancing with Cindy MacCinderpants and the Beav.” She gasped, in realization. “Wallace…Wally…and the BEAV!” she collapsed onto the loveseat in a wild fit of laughter. “Where are June and Ward?” She looked around with seriousness imprinted on her face, as though she were truly looking for June and Ward Cleaver.
“Hardy har har Mars. Let’s go.” He tried pulling her up, but to no avail. She was tiny, but with God-knows-how-much alcohol in her, she was like dead weight.
“Troy - help me out?” Troy jumped to attention and put one of her arms around his neck. Wallace did the same on the opposite side. They successfully got to the front door, while Veronica babbled all the way. “Mm, T.V., you smell good. What is that smell? You smell like berries.” “Wally, my man, who makes your spirit boxes? Who loves ya, babeeee?” She giggled like a small child. Wallace found this somewhat amusing, but was mostly annoyed. Just as they opened the front door, Veronica mumbled, “Jacket.”
“Huh?” Both boys wondered aloud.
“My jacket’s in the den of sin.”
“Den of sin?”
“Or. Just den.”
Wallace let go of her one arm, forgetting that she was heavy as a stone. Troy grabbed her around her middle, and for a moment, they were face to face. “Mm. Troy. Hiya.” She garbled into his neck. He smiled into her hair, and suddenly threw her over his shoulder. She erupted into giggles as Wallace shook his head. “I’ll go get your jacket.”
“You’ll never find it! Troy, follow him!” Troy obeyed, like the lost little puppy he was, with Veronica still slung over his shoulder.
Wallace turned back as he was walking into the den and cracked a smile at Troy. “You sure got your hands full.”
“Indeed, my friend. Indeed.” He hoisted Veronica up a little higher, and the movement caused her to hiccup. She continued to giggle.
“Well, at least she’s not a sad dru….” Wallace trailed off as he entered the den.
“Well well well. What do we have here?” Dick slurred, looking smarmy. Wallace looked around. Dick was wedged in between Logan and Luke on the leather couch, and to Logan’s right was a thin blonde. He realized it must be Dr. Griffith’s daughter, as Veronica had mentioned.
“Hey guys…we’re just looking for…”
“My jacket. My green leather jacket.” Veronica intoned from behind Troy’s back. Wallace had forgotten for a split moment that they were behind him.
“Well, Miss Mars. Aren’t you in a precarious position?” Dick mumbled, stumbling off the couch and towards Troy and Veronica.
Logan looked at the entire scene with a look of pure bewilderment. He said nothing. Hannah was nuzzling into his shoulder, dozing in and out of sleep. It was past for Miss Princess's bedtime.
Veronica peered at the boys from behind Troy’s back, upside down. “Hey Dickie!” She said cheerily.
Wow, she must be drunk, thought Logan. She looks happy to see Dick.
Dick poised himself to smack Veronica’s denim-clad ass, which was high in the air over Troy’s shoulder. Logan quickly stood up and grabbed Dick’s arm, pushing him back. “Okay, Dickie, I think that’s enough.” He turned back and realized he was face-to-face with Troy. “Hey, man.”
“Hey,” Troy said, nervously.
Wallace had looked around the room for the jacket, but found nothing. “I’m gonna look in the family room and grab Jane. Meet you outside?” Troy nodded.
“Hey, um, Logan…can you help me get Veronica out to the car?” Troy asked, pleadingly. He looked tired and rough around the edges. Logan softened a little, feeling badly for Troy. He had a feeling he’d been babysitting a drunk Veronica for a few hours now.
Logan glanced back at Hannah, whose eyelids were fluttering in and out of a dozing state. “Hannah? Hannah?” She came to, quickly. “Yeah, Logan?” “I’ll be right back.” She nodded and laid her head back down on the couch cushion. He turned back toward Troy and noticed Veronica peering around Troy’s back. She was no longer giggling, or slurring words together. She was looking inquisitively at the young girl curled up on the couch, her brow furrowed. She raised one eyebrow at Logan and then quickly jabbed Troy in the side. “Yo, Vandegraff? We gettin’ this show on the road?”
“I thought you’d never ask.” He looked back at Logan, who gestured them to the door. Once outside, Troy turned to Logan. “I need to grab my car. It’s around back. Would you mind standing here with her for just a second?” Troy realized right away that Logan wouldn’t mind at all. He saw the way Logan was looking at Veronica, filled with concern, a little bit of anger, and…something else.
Logan nodded soundly, and Troy set Veronica down slowly until she was standing between he and Logan, with her back to Logan. Troy walked away quietly, looking back after his first few steps down the Casablancas’s driveway. He then looked straight ahead and didn’t look back.
Logan placed his hand on Veronica’s waist to steady her, for as soon as Troy left, she began to wobble to the right. “Okay there, P.I. Jane. You just have to stay still for one minute.” Veronica moaned softly, and began to fall backward. Logan caught her quickly, wrapping his hands around her tiny waist. He propped her up against his chest, and straightened her up. She seemingly chose that moment to snap to attention, and she quickly swirled around in his arms, so that she was facing him, or rather, his chest. She rested her head against his chest for a moment, sighing loudly. She did not say anything at first. After another beat, she looked up into his face, craning her neck far back. Logan chuckled under his breath at her, as she looked as though she would bend all the way back. He brought his hand to lay squarely on her back, and he pulled her close.
She smelled like rum and lipgloss. The same scent of lipgloss from… the day in the bathroom.
She blinked at him. Her eyes looked kind of watery. She suddenly became conscious of him, aware of his proximity. She placed a hand on his chest, and pushed a little, but gently. “I hate you.”
Ah, there’s the Veronica Mars I’ve seen of late. “You really didn’t have to remind me, Mars.”
“No, I really really hate you.” She tried to narrow her eyes at him, to shoot him an evil stare.
Dear God, she’s trying so hard.
Despite her efforts, a tear slipped down her one cheek.
In a matter of seconds, she had gone from bubbly drunk to sad party girl.
She looked down at her own hand, still on Logan’s chest. She bit down on her bottom lip, not wanting to look at him, not wanting him to see her tears. These tears aren’t for you, Logan. They’re for me.
They stood there, in awkward balance, when Troy’s car swung around the corner. At that moment, Jane and Wallace bounded out. Wallace barely gave Veronica and Logan a second look. He threw Veronica’s jacket into Troy’s backseat and waved to all of them. Logan shook his head, smirking. Wallace looked back at Logan, and for a moment, they come to an understanding without saying a word. Logan knows Wallace trusts him at that moment, and he bows his head with gratitude.
Troy ran around the side of car, opening the door for Logan to place Veronica inside. As Logan prodded Veronica towards the car seat, she muttered softly, almost to herself, “have fun with your little girlfriend.” “Girlfriend? Not so much.” Logan mumbled, into his chest.
He reached around her to pull the seat belt out and snap it safely around her. His head bent close to hers as he fumbled with the buckle. Troy remained behind him, outside of the car.
“Logan, I…” she whispered, into his ear.
I know, you hate me.
“I love you.”
He practically hit his head on the roof of Troy’s car. Logan stumbled back, not sure of what to do, say, or think. Troy, seeing Veronica was buckled in, shut the door and chucked Logan amiably on the shoulder. He had not heard the drunk girl’s mumblings.
“Well Logan, I’ll be getting Miss V. to Bedfordshire. Keith will be happy to see her home somewhat close to her curfew.”
“Yeah. Good.” These were the only words Logan could muster. He stood there, motionless.
Troy didn’t notice, and hopped into the driver’s seat. He waved to Logan.
Veronica pressed the side of her head against the window, not thinking or speaking. As Troy pulled away from the Casablancas residence, she glanced up for a split second at Logan, and for that moment within a moment, she was coherent. And then, they were gone.
Logan stood before the house, and looked down at his empty hands.