Blurring Lines continued
Title: Blurring Lines
Author: Snuffybaby
Disclaimer: RT owns the VM uni
Rating: PG
Word Count: 9,971
Pairings: LoVe; minor mentions of V/D and L/L
Spoilers: Up to 222 “Not Pictured”
Summary: AU - set near the beginning of Season 1; what would Neptune be like if Lilly had survived the attack.
Author’s Note: I started this the summer after Season 1, basically two years ago, and I’ve finally gotten around to finishing it. I’ve posted it in two parts - first part I wrote two years ago, second part two days ago. There might be a difference in style… maybe… I don’t know. Also, I forgot where I had planned to go with this story, so… whatever. Enjoy.
--
Veronica had changed into one of Logan’s old t-shirts and a pair of his boxers, and was now lounging across his bed watching Jane Austen’s Emma on his plasma TV.
Logan, having changed into a similar outfit, returned from the kitchen with a bowl of popcorn. He sat down, dragged her against him and placed the bowl in her lap. “So, are we having fun?”
“You missed the first twenty minutes.”
“I’ve seen it before.”
“Really?” She looked at him skeptically.
“Kate Beckinsale is hot.”
“And here I thought you were only interested in blonds.”
“My tastes are wide and varying.”
“Should I be worried?” She shifted, so she could look at him.
“There’s nothing for you to be worried about. I’ve always been a one-woman man. The rest is purely for entertainment.”
She turned back toward the screen. “Well, be careful your ‘entertainment’ doesn’t get you in trouble.”
“Don’t tell me you’re jealous.”
“Of course not.”
“You’re lying.” He squeezed her sides in emphasis.
She had a moue on her lips. “I might be a little jealous.”
“You have no reason to be.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you.”
“Fine, I’ll believe you.”
He wasn’t convinced. Moving quickly, he had her pinned to the bed beneath him. Having her full attention, he said softly, “I would never hurt you.”
“You can’t guarantee that,” she blinked up at him. “We can’t know what little thing might end up hurting us. You can’t promise me that.”
“I won’t ever cheat on you.”
“You cheated on Lilly.”
“I kissed Yolanda once.”
“You don’t considering kissing another girl cheating?”
“It is, but I knew Lilly was going to break up with me anyway. Why shouldn’t I have at least given her a real reason to do it?”
Veronica looked up at him stunned. “You knew?”
“Of course I knew. I always knew.”
She bit her lip. “But you couldn’t have known for sure.”
Logan rolled to his back beside her. “I’ve known Lilly almost as long as I’ve known Duncan. I know her and the games she likes to play. She would have broken up with me no matter what I did… or didn’t do.” He rolled his eyes and sneered, “She was getting bored.”
Veronica shifted so that she was pressed up against his side. “I don’t think Lilly ever meant to hurt you.”
“No, but she did.” He let out a bitter laugh. “I guess you’re right. That promise is impossible to keep.”
“Maybe we can promise each other something else.”
“Like what?”
She thought for a moment. “Maybe we can promise that if we feel hurt - by anything - that we’ll tell each other, so that we can make it better.”
He kissed her forehead. “I can keep that promise.”
She smiled up at him. “I can too.”
--
“Do you know what I love about you?” Lilly announced when she joined Veronica in the hall before class on Monday morning. She slung an arm around her young friend’s shoulder. “You aren’t afraid to trust people.”
Veronica frowned, stopping at her locker. “What are you talking about?”
“I heard that you’re allowing your little boy toy to go to TJ for the weekend with all his bad little buddies.”
“Logan’s going to Tijuana this weekend? He hasn’t said anything.” She spun her combination into the lock. “Besides, why should I say ‘no’?”
“Drugs, sex and alcohol?” Lilly offered.
Veronica shook her head. “If Logan does go, it’s for the gambling and the drinking. He doesn’t do drugs and he won’t cheat on me.”
“Like I said - trusting.”
She turned to study her best friend. “Are you trying to make me jealous? Maybe even have me forbid Logan from going on his trip?”
“The boy needs to be kept on a leash, Veronica. Trust me, I know.”
Veronica smiled wicked, “If I remember correctly, you’re the one that needed the leash. And you didn’t enjoy it; constantly tried to gnaw loose.”
Lilly grinned, amused at the hit. “You know me so well. I’ll catch you later.”
Turning back to her locker, Veronica was about to grab a book when an arm suddenly wrapped around her waist, causing her to squeal in surprise. “Logan!”
He kissed the side of her neck. “I was worried to she-demon would never leave.”
“Be nice.”
“I’m the model of all that is good and kind,” Logan mocked.
“That’s why you waited until she was gone?”
“Exactly.” He took her hand, tugging gently. “Walk you to class?”
--
At lunch, for the first time in over a year, Lilly and Logan were seated at the same table. Sitting on opposite sides of Veronica, they spent the lunch period throwing veiled remarks at one another. Veronica simply smiled and enjoyed the fact that the two were talking again.
When Logan left to get Veronica a drink, Lilly asked her, “Have you asked him about TJ?”
“No,” Veronica shrugged, “if he wants to go, I’m not going to stop him.”
The older girl studied her. “You really trust him, don’t you? Even after everything you know about him.”
“We talked about it, Lilly. He promised not to cheat on me and I know he’s not stupid enough to do drugs. Besides, what do I know about him except that he was a great boyfriend to you and he was always my friend?”
“He wasn’t that great a boyfriend,” Lilly muttered.
“That’s just because you bore easily.”
Lilly’s lips spread into a sly smile. “I do like variety.”
“And you can’t keep your knees together,” Logan intoned. He set a Skist in front of Veronica, already popped and with a straw.
Lilly’s eyes sparkled. “Can’t you think of any better insults? Your repertoire is getting old and stale.”
He smirked as he sat. “Kind of like your tricks between the sheets? Oh, wait. You don’t need sheets, do you?”
Veronica put a hand over Lilly’s mouth. “Before your insults get anymore graphic, can we please change the subject?”
“I’m a witty conversationalist,” he preened, “pick any topic.”
“How about Tijuana?” Lilly demanded. “Let’s talk about that.”
“You want to go?” Logan raised an eyebrow. He knew what she was trying to do. “I think Troy and Luke are planning on making a trip. I’m sure they’d love it if you’d join them.”
“You’re not going?” her eyes narrowed suspiciously. “You, Logan Echolls, a party-pooper?”
“I didn’t want to risk getting caught crossing the border with steroids.”
“What?” Veronica asked in surprise.
Logan shrugged. “Luke owes his trainer a favor.”
“For his acne and shrunken testicles?”
“No, sweetie,” he kissed her cheek, “for the training sessions.”
Veronica nibbled her lip worriedly. “You really should convince Luke not to do it.”
“Does Troy know?” Lilly asked curiously.
“Troy’s got a history of drug dealing. He’ll probably help Luke and then fleece him.” He saw his girlfriend’s look and sighed, “Fine, I’ll get Dick and Cassidy to look after Luke… and I’ll take care of Troy.” He’d already been planning on teaching Vandegraff a lesson for betraying Luke.
Lilly shook her head. “I’ll take care of Troy.”
There was something to be said about 09er solidarity.
They always took care of their own.
Even when they were on opposite sides of their own battle.
--
By the next Monday, rumors were floating that Troy was arrested at the border for trafficking. When he showed up to class, murmurs of confusion and curiosity filled the air. Troy, made anxious by all the weird stares, asked Luke, “What the hell is going on, man?”
Luke shook his head in ignorance. “No idea.”
Casey smirked and informed the pair, “Apparently, you’re a drug trafficker.”
“What?” Troy chuckled nervously. “That’s ridiculous.”
Luke swallowed in fear, trying to hide his guilt.
Casey shrugged, “That’s the word.”
Dick and Cassidy sidled up to the group.
“Awesome weekend in TJ.” Dick slammed his knuckles against Troy’s. “We should make it a weekly event. You know, without having your car stolen and stranding us at the border.” He spotted Logan making his way up the hall. “Logan, man, you missed an awesome trip!”
His arm slung loosely over his girlfriend’s shoulder, Logan shrugged, “You know how it is. Got to spend time with my lady.”
“Ronnie’s got you by the balls already, huh?” Dick winced as several hands smacked him on the head at once. “Geez, chill, people! It was a joke.”
Veronica rolled her eyes before she spotted the approaching authority figures. “Look, it’s Clemmons and Deputy Saks.”
Clemmons and Saks stopped by Troy’s locker. Everyone stepped back to get out of the line of fire. No one wanted to be found guilty by association.
“Mr. Vandegraff, please open your locker.” Clemmons looked grimly at the young man that had only just recently transferred into the school.
Veronica had crouched down and was petting the detection dog. “Hey, Buster. How are you, boy?”
The dog panted happily at the attention, nuzzling against her familiar hand.
“Hey, Veronica,” Saks greeted, while waiting for Troy to open his locker.
“Saks,” she smiled up at him.
Clemmons cleared his throat to focus their attention on the task at hand. Saks came to attention and Veronica gave Buster one last pat before getting out of their way.
The Vice Principal shifted Troy’s books around when the locker was finally opened. He hadn’t found anything suspicious, but when Buster started barking, he began flipping through the textbooks. He hit the jackpot when he opened the large physics textbook. The center of the pages had been cut out to create a recess for the baggy of steroids that was hidden inside.
Troy’s smile froze on his face. “Those aren’t mine.”
Clemmons flipped the book to the front cover to reveal Troy’s name. “I believe this is your handwriting.”
“I’m being set up.” Troy maintained his innocence.
Saks pulled out his handcuffs and arrested Troy in front of the entire student body. He was escorted to the squad car under protest.
Luke looked after them in shock, his mouth agape.
Lilly walked passed, giving Logan a smirk.
He acknowledged with a small nod.
--
Luke was straining under the weight of heavy barbells. His face had turned red with his effort to keep the weight off his chest.
“I love the effort. I mean, look at this guy, he’s really working.” Hank Zigman paced around the bench. “You’re pushing through the pain, man.” He stopped by Luke’s head. “Nobody’s kicking sand in your face. But you look a little tired there, tiger, so I’ll tell you what. Tell me where my package is and I’ll help you lighten that load.”
“It was in a friend’s car. He stole it,” Luke said through the pain of his over exerted muscles. “The Sheriff has it now.”
Hank frowned, “A friend stole it?”
“Ask anyone at school. Troy was caught with steroids in his locker this morning.”
“Where does this Troy live?”
--
“So?” Lilly met up with Veronica. “What happened with Troy?”
“From what I could tell,” Veronica informed, “his dad was not happy, but he worked out a deal with Dad. Troy’s being sent to a Catholic boarding school in Albuquerque. Almost like being sent to military school, not much better than being sent to Juvie. It didn’t help things when Mr. Vandegraff learned that Troy got his car stolen.”
“Don’t you mean ‘stolen’?” Lilly smirked, making air quotes.
“Mr. Vandegraff doesn’t know that,” Veronica smirked. “Besides, he’s not going to get it back. Not after Weevil’s uncle already chopped it.”
“You’re not worried that the car theft will get back to us?”
“Not really. If Angel is questioned, he’ll be identifying Troy as the man that gave him the car.”
“Veronica Mars, you’ve got a mean streak in you,” Lilly giggled.
“You’re the one that came up with the idea to take the car.”
“You’re the one that actually managed to follow through with my plan.” Lilly giggled. Silence fell for a moment. “So, what do you think Troy will do when he can’t find his car parked at the border?”
Veronica’s only response was to shrug.
--
Hank Zigman had gotten a tip that Troy would be at the US Boarder Grille and Diner that day. He sat at the counter waiting for the boy to show. Spotting the drug dealing thief, his idea of repayment was satisfied when he dragged the boy out to the parking lot and proceeded to use his body as a punching bag. Several bruises and broken bones later, Hank climbed into his Hummer and headed across the boarder into Mexico. Cruising on his good mood, he made it back to the boarder in no time.
His rosy mood ended there when the customs agent stepped down, a flyer with Zigman’s face in his hand. “Mr. Zigman! You want to go ahead and turn over your contraband?” Stopping just feet away from the window, he ordered, “Step out of the car, please.”
--
Luke looked at his friends. “How did you know that Troy was going to steal the drugs?”
Logan sneered. “Please, Troy’s a drug dealer. It was obvious that he was going to jump at the opportunity.”
“Well, why didn’t you say anything?” Luke pouted.
“A lesson, my friend. You shouldn’t deal drugs,” he responded sagely. At the nudge to his ribs from his girlfriend, he added, “Plus Girl Wonder over there wanted bragging rights.”
Lilly grinned and took a bow. “Thank you, thank you. No applause necessary.” She paused and thought a moment. “Well, maybe a little applause. I am a genius after all.”
“I think the genius actually goes to Veronica,” Logan smiled proudly. “She was the one that actually figured out where he hid the drugs and how to dispose of his dad’s car.”
Veronica shrugged modestly, “It was nothing. After speaking with Dick and Cassidy, there was only one place he was alone. Plus Weevil owed me a favor, not that he minded earning a couple bucks on the side.”
“So, we took a short trip, picked up the drugs and the car, and came back to frame Troy.” Lilly high-fived Veronica.
“Can you really consider it framing Troy, when he actually was planning on trafficking?” Logan asked curiously.
“Whatever it was, we did it. And now Troy is getting his just desserts.”
--
Walking hand-in-hand down the beach, Veronica smiled up at her boyfriend. “So, you and Lilly seem to be getting along again.”
“What can I say? Plotting revenge really brings people together.”
“So, you two are okay?” She really wanted her best friend and her boyfriend to be friends again and finally end the stupid feud that kept the school separated.
“Yeah, we’re okay. If you haven’t noticed, lines are no long draw. The populace is beginning to mingle again, and there are no more lynch mobs to hang would-be betrayers.” He leant and kissed her nose. “And it’s all due to you.”
“I just want everybody to be friends again.”
“And so we are… with a little reluctance from both sides.”
“You’re getting there.”
Logan’s expression went grim.
“What?” she frowned up at him, cupping his cheek. “What is it?”
“Duncan’s still not our biggest fan.”
She thought for a moment. “Duncan’s never been one to hold a grudge. And with Lilly hanging out with us again, I’m sure it won’t be long before he gets over himself.”
“It would be nice to have my best friend back.”
She leaned her head against his shoulder. “It’s been a long, weird year. Things will go back to normal eventually.”
“But I’ll still have you by my side, won’t I?”
She clung to his arm and teased, “You couldn’t get rid of me if you tried.”
--
Veronica stormed passed all her classmates milling around in the quad before finally reaching her boyfriend. Shaking the plastic wrapped graduation garb in her hands, she complained, “They gave me the wrong cap and gown.”
Standing from the table, Logan pulled his own cap off and looked inside it. “Yeah, how exactly can you tell?”
“It’s got someone else’s name on it,” Veronica pointed out.
Dick came up to join them and grinned. “Guess who’s going commando?”
Duncan, lounging against the table, asked, “Must we?”
Huffing, she asked, “Does anyone know Wallace Fennel?”
“I do,” Duncan nodded, “he’s in my PE class. Awesome baller. I think he works at Sac-n-Pac.”
“‘Awesome baller.’ That doesn’t really help me. Can you point him out?”
“You didn’t hear what happened to him?” Dick said grimly. “Sac-n-Pac got held up when he was working. The robber forced him into the walk-in cooler.” He paused for dramatic effect, “He got frostbite.”
Duncan nodded, “Yeah, dude lost three fingers.”
Veronica was appalled. “Oh my god, that’s awful.” Her arms crossed in annoyance when the two boys burst into laughter.
Logan couldn’t help but grin. “Aw, sweetie, I love you, but you have to be the most gullible girl I’ve ever met.” He kissed her sweetly on the forehead.
Veronica pouted, “I’m trusting. Sue me.”
“There he is,” Duncan pointed, “that’s Wallace.”
As Veronica wandered off in search of her cap and gown, and Dick moved on to announce his state of undress to the world, Logan looked to Duncan, “So, is Lilly coming back for this big event?”
“Like Celeste would let her miss it,” Duncan snorted. He nodded in the direction that Veronica had gone. “She’s over there. Probably waiting to sneak up on Veronica.”
“Your dad must be so proud that she’s at Vassar.” Logan could just imagine the trouble that Lilly was getting into with a whole new crowd to have fun with.
“He’s just happy Celeste doesn’t spend all her time complaining about Lilly and her wild ways. Instead, she’s focused on me and where I’m going for college.”
“Where are you headed?”
“Not Yale,” Duncan chuckled, “much to Dad’s disappointment. I might end up at Hearst, but I haven’t really decided yet.”
“And Shelly?”
“Yeah, she’s not going to college.”
“She’s going to live off her parents’ money for the rest of her life?”
“Her trust fund.” Duncan shrugged, “I’m probably going to end things with her soon.”
“Before you go off and conquer the world,” Logan smirked.
“Something like that.” Duncan looked at his best friend, “You?”
“Veronica’s going to Stanford-”
“Her dream school.”
“I’d follow her there, but she won’t let me. I figured I’d just stay here and go to Hearst.”
“You got into Hearst?” Duncan asked skeptically.
“Yes, I got into Hearst,” Logan sneered.
“You’re going to be almost five hundred miles apart,” Duncan remarked. “Going to do the long distance thing?”
“Either that or I waste my ‘potential’ - as Veronica likes to call it - in community college to stick close to my girlfriend.”
Duncan patted Logan’s shoulder. “Have fun at community college.”
Logan smirked, but didn’t comment. Instead he made his way over to Veronica. “Let’s go,” he hurried her, rushing her along toward the gymnasium. “Lady Valedictorian can’t be late.”
Lilly said dryly, “Hello to you too, Logan.”
He aimed half a smile at her but didn’t respond.
Veronica looped her arm through his. “Where’s your gown?”
“DK’s holding it for me.”
“I’ll catch you guys later at the after party,” Lilly called as she stopped to greet more people she hadn’t seen in almost a year.
Alone now, Veronica smiled up at her boyfriend. “Did you enjoy high school?”
He shrugged, “Didn’t suck… much.”
“Really? I thought high school was fun.”
He grinned at her. “Of course you would.”
They stopped in the sea of green where all the graduates had gathered. Logan ripped open the plastic package for her and helped her put on her gown.
After he placed the cap on her head, she looked down at herself. “How do I look?”
“Like you’re not wearing pants.”
She laughed, “That’s because I’m not wearing pants.”
He took her hand. “Let’s go find you those fancy Valedictorian ribbons you’re supposed to wear.”
“Wait, you should put on your gown too.” She pulled out her camera. “We have to take pictures.”
“But if we don’t get your ribbons, how are people supposed to know that you’re better than them?” He pulled back laughing as he managed to invade her slap. He located Duncan and garbed himself to Veronica’s satisfaction. “Well?”
She reached up and adjusted his tassel for him and smiled. “I’m so proud of you.” She pecked him on the lips. “So’s your mom.” Another peck. “And my parents, too.”
“Logan! Veronica! Smile!” Meg managed to snap a series of photos in succession before the couple knew what happened. She hugged them quickly and then continued on her way to get more photos of her fellow classmates.
“That felt like a drive by,” he muttered, blinking the effects of the blinding flashes away.
“She’s just excited.” Veronica led him to Mrs. Donaldson to get her ribbons. “This is the last time we’ll all be in school together. This might even be the last time we see some of these people. Aren’t you the least bit nostalgic?”
“As long as I can keep seeing you, I’ll be fine.”
She sighed sadly as she hugged him. “I’m going to miss not having you around during school.”
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, guiding her towards the crowd lining up. “Yeah, about that…”
--
The End
Author: Snuffybaby
Disclaimer: RT owns the VM uni
Rating: PG
Word Count: 9,971
Pairings: LoVe; minor mentions of V/D and L/L
Spoilers: Up to 222 “Not Pictured”
Summary: AU - set near the beginning of Season 1; what would Neptune be like if Lilly had survived the attack.
Author’s Note: I started this the summer after Season 1, basically two years ago, and I’ve finally gotten around to finishing it. I’ve posted it in two parts - first part I wrote two years ago, second part two days ago. There might be a difference in style… maybe… I don’t know. Also, I forgot where I had planned to go with this story, so… whatever. Enjoy.
--
Veronica had changed into one of Logan’s old t-shirts and a pair of his boxers, and was now lounging across his bed watching Jane Austen’s Emma on his plasma TV.
Logan, having changed into a similar outfit, returned from the kitchen with a bowl of popcorn. He sat down, dragged her against him and placed the bowl in her lap. “So, are we having fun?”
“You missed the first twenty minutes.”
“I’ve seen it before.”
“Really?” She looked at him skeptically.
“Kate Beckinsale is hot.”
“And here I thought you were only interested in blonds.”
“My tastes are wide and varying.”
“Should I be worried?” She shifted, so she could look at him.
“There’s nothing for you to be worried about. I’ve always been a one-woman man. The rest is purely for entertainment.”
She turned back toward the screen. “Well, be careful your ‘entertainment’ doesn’t get you in trouble.”
“Don’t tell me you’re jealous.”
“Of course not.”
“You’re lying.” He squeezed her sides in emphasis.
She had a moue on her lips. “I might be a little jealous.”
“You have no reason to be.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you.”
“Fine, I’ll believe you.”
He wasn’t convinced. Moving quickly, he had her pinned to the bed beneath him. Having her full attention, he said softly, “I would never hurt you.”
“You can’t guarantee that,” she blinked up at him. “We can’t know what little thing might end up hurting us. You can’t promise me that.”
“I won’t ever cheat on you.”
“You cheated on Lilly.”
“I kissed Yolanda once.”
“You don’t considering kissing another girl cheating?”
“It is, but I knew Lilly was going to break up with me anyway. Why shouldn’t I have at least given her a real reason to do it?”
Veronica looked up at him stunned. “You knew?”
“Of course I knew. I always knew.”
She bit her lip. “But you couldn’t have known for sure.”
Logan rolled to his back beside her. “I’ve known Lilly almost as long as I’ve known Duncan. I know her and the games she likes to play. She would have broken up with me no matter what I did… or didn’t do.” He rolled his eyes and sneered, “She was getting bored.”
Veronica shifted so that she was pressed up against his side. “I don’t think Lilly ever meant to hurt you.”
“No, but she did.” He let out a bitter laugh. “I guess you’re right. That promise is impossible to keep.”
“Maybe we can promise each other something else.”
“Like what?”
She thought for a moment. “Maybe we can promise that if we feel hurt - by anything - that we’ll tell each other, so that we can make it better.”
He kissed her forehead. “I can keep that promise.”
She smiled up at him. “I can too.”
--
“Do you know what I love about you?” Lilly announced when she joined Veronica in the hall before class on Monday morning. She slung an arm around her young friend’s shoulder. “You aren’t afraid to trust people.”
Veronica frowned, stopping at her locker. “What are you talking about?”
“I heard that you’re allowing your little boy toy to go to TJ for the weekend with all his bad little buddies.”
“Logan’s going to Tijuana this weekend? He hasn’t said anything.” She spun her combination into the lock. “Besides, why should I say ‘no’?”
“Drugs, sex and alcohol?” Lilly offered.
Veronica shook her head. “If Logan does go, it’s for the gambling and the drinking. He doesn’t do drugs and he won’t cheat on me.”
“Like I said - trusting.”
She turned to study her best friend. “Are you trying to make me jealous? Maybe even have me forbid Logan from going on his trip?”
“The boy needs to be kept on a leash, Veronica. Trust me, I know.”
Veronica smiled wicked, “If I remember correctly, you’re the one that needed the leash. And you didn’t enjoy it; constantly tried to gnaw loose.”
Lilly grinned, amused at the hit. “You know me so well. I’ll catch you later.”
Turning back to her locker, Veronica was about to grab a book when an arm suddenly wrapped around her waist, causing her to squeal in surprise. “Logan!”
He kissed the side of her neck. “I was worried to she-demon would never leave.”
“Be nice.”
“I’m the model of all that is good and kind,” Logan mocked.
“That’s why you waited until she was gone?”
“Exactly.” He took her hand, tugging gently. “Walk you to class?”
--
At lunch, for the first time in over a year, Lilly and Logan were seated at the same table. Sitting on opposite sides of Veronica, they spent the lunch period throwing veiled remarks at one another. Veronica simply smiled and enjoyed the fact that the two were talking again.
When Logan left to get Veronica a drink, Lilly asked her, “Have you asked him about TJ?”
“No,” Veronica shrugged, “if he wants to go, I’m not going to stop him.”
The older girl studied her. “You really trust him, don’t you? Even after everything you know about him.”
“We talked about it, Lilly. He promised not to cheat on me and I know he’s not stupid enough to do drugs. Besides, what do I know about him except that he was a great boyfriend to you and he was always my friend?”
“He wasn’t that great a boyfriend,” Lilly muttered.
“That’s just because you bore easily.”
Lilly’s lips spread into a sly smile. “I do like variety.”
“And you can’t keep your knees together,” Logan intoned. He set a Skist in front of Veronica, already popped and with a straw.
Lilly’s eyes sparkled. “Can’t you think of any better insults? Your repertoire is getting old and stale.”
He smirked as he sat. “Kind of like your tricks between the sheets? Oh, wait. You don’t need sheets, do you?”
Veronica put a hand over Lilly’s mouth. “Before your insults get anymore graphic, can we please change the subject?”
“I’m a witty conversationalist,” he preened, “pick any topic.”
“How about Tijuana?” Lilly demanded. “Let’s talk about that.”
“You want to go?” Logan raised an eyebrow. He knew what she was trying to do. “I think Troy and Luke are planning on making a trip. I’m sure they’d love it if you’d join them.”
“You’re not going?” her eyes narrowed suspiciously. “You, Logan Echolls, a party-pooper?”
“I didn’t want to risk getting caught crossing the border with steroids.”
“What?” Veronica asked in surprise.
Logan shrugged. “Luke owes his trainer a favor.”
“For his acne and shrunken testicles?”
“No, sweetie,” he kissed her cheek, “for the training sessions.”
Veronica nibbled her lip worriedly. “You really should convince Luke not to do it.”
“Does Troy know?” Lilly asked curiously.
“Troy’s got a history of drug dealing. He’ll probably help Luke and then fleece him.” He saw his girlfriend’s look and sighed, “Fine, I’ll get Dick and Cassidy to look after Luke… and I’ll take care of Troy.” He’d already been planning on teaching Vandegraff a lesson for betraying Luke.
Lilly shook her head. “I’ll take care of Troy.”
There was something to be said about 09er solidarity.
They always took care of their own.
Even when they were on opposite sides of their own battle.
--
By the next Monday, rumors were floating that Troy was arrested at the border for trafficking. When he showed up to class, murmurs of confusion and curiosity filled the air. Troy, made anxious by all the weird stares, asked Luke, “What the hell is going on, man?”
Luke shook his head in ignorance. “No idea.”
Casey smirked and informed the pair, “Apparently, you’re a drug trafficker.”
“What?” Troy chuckled nervously. “That’s ridiculous.”
Luke swallowed in fear, trying to hide his guilt.
Casey shrugged, “That’s the word.”
Dick and Cassidy sidled up to the group.
“Awesome weekend in TJ.” Dick slammed his knuckles against Troy’s. “We should make it a weekly event. You know, without having your car stolen and stranding us at the border.” He spotted Logan making his way up the hall. “Logan, man, you missed an awesome trip!”
His arm slung loosely over his girlfriend’s shoulder, Logan shrugged, “You know how it is. Got to spend time with my lady.”
“Ronnie’s got you by the balls already, huh?” Dick winced as several hands smacked him on the head at once. “Geez, chill, people! It was a joke.”
Veronica rolled her eyes before she spotted the approaching authority figures. “Look, it’s Clemmons and Deputy Saks.”
Clemmons and Saks stopped by Troy’s locker. Everyone stepped back to get out of the line of fire. No one wanted to be found guilty by association.
“Mr. Vandegraff, please open your locker.” Clemmons looked grimly at the young man that had only just recently transferred into the school.
Veronica had crouched down and was petting the detection dog. “Hey, Buster. How are you, boy?”
The dog panted happily at the attention, nuzzling against her familiar hand.
“Hey, Veronica,” Saks greeted, while waiting for Troy to open his locker.
“Saks,” she smiled up at him.
Clemmons cleared his throat to focus their attention on the task at hand. Saks came to attention and Veronica gave Buster one last pat before getting out of their way.
The Vice Principal shifted Troy’s books around when the locker was finally opened. He hadn’t found anything suspicious, but when Buster started barking, he began flipping through the textbooks. He hit the jackpot when he opened the large physics textbook. The center of the pages had been cut out to create a recess for the baggy of steroids that was hidden inside.
Troy’s smile froze on his face. “Those aren’t mine.”
Clemmons flipped the book to the front cover to reveal Troy’s name. “I believe this is your handwriting.”
“I’m being set up.” Troy maintained his innocence.
Saks pulled out his handcuffs and arrested Troy in front of the entire student body. He was escorted to the squad car under protest.
Luke looked after them in shock, his mouth agape.
Lilly walked passed, giving Logan a smirk.
He acknowledged with a small nod.
--
Luke was straining under the weight of heavy barbells. His face had turned red with his effort to keep the weight off his chest.
“I love the effort. I mean, look at this guy, he’s really working.” Hank Zigman paced around the bench. “You’re pushing through the pain, man.” He stopped by Luke’s head. “Nobody’s kicking sand in your face. But you look a little tired there, tiger, so I’ll tell you what. Tell me where my package is and I’ll help you lighten that load.”
“It was in a friend’s car. He stole it,” Luke said through the pain of his over exerted muscles. “The Sheriff has it now.”
Hank frowned, “A friend stole it?”
“Ask anyone at school. Troy was caught with steroids in his locker this morning.”
“Where does this Troy live?”
--
“So?” Lilly met up with Veronica. “What happened with Troy?”
“From what I could tell,” Veronica informed, “his dad was not happy, but he worked out a deal with Dad. Troy’s being sent to a Catholic boarding school in Albuquerque. Almost like being sent to military school, not much better than being sent to Juvie. It didn’t help things when Mr. Vandegraff learned that Troy got his car stolen.”
“Don’t you mean ‘stolen’?” Lilly smirked, making air quotes.
“Mr. Vandegraff doesn’t know that,” Veronica smirked. “Besides, he’s not going to get it back. Not after Weevil’s uncle already chopped it.”
“You’re not worried that the car theft will get back to us?”
“Not really. If Angel is questioned, he’ll be identifying Troy as the man that gave him the car.”
“Veronica Mars, you’ve got a mean streak in you,” Lilly giggled.
“You’re the one that came up with the idea to take the car.”
“You’re the one that actually managed to follow through with my plan.” Lilly giggled. Silence fell for a moment. “So, what do you think Troy will do when he can’t find his car parked at the border?”
Veronica’s only response was to shrug.
--
Hank Zigman had gotten a tip that Troy would be at the US Boarder Grille and Diner that day. He sat at the counter waiting for the boy to show. Spotting the drug dealing thief, his idea of repayment was satisfied when he dragged the boy out to the parking lot and proceeded to use his body as a punching bag. Several bruises and broken bones later, Hank climbed into his Hummer and headed across the boarder into Mexico. Cruising on his good mood, he made it back to the boarder in no time.
His rosy mood ended there when the customs agent stepped down, a flyer with Zigman’s face in his hand. “Mr. Zigman! You want to go ahead and turn over your contraband?” Stopping just feet away from the window, he ordered, “Step out of the car, please.”
--
Luke looked at his friends. “How did you know that Troy was going to steal the drugs?”
Logan sneered. “Please, Troy’s a drug dealer. It was obvious that he was going to jump at the opportunity.”
“Well, why didn’t you say anything?” Luke pouted.
“A lesson, my friend. You shouldn’t deal drugs,” he responded sagely. At the nudge to his ribs from his girlfriend, he added, “Plus Girl Wonder over there wanted bragging rights.”
Lilly grinned and took a bow. “Thank you, thank you. No applause necessary.” She paused and thought a moment. “Well, maybe a little applause. I am a genius after all.”
“I think the genius actually goes to Veronica,” Logan smiled proudly. “She was the one that actually figured out where he hid the drugs and how to dispose of his dad’s car.”
Veronica shrugged modestly, “It was nothing. After speaking with Dick and Cassidy, there was only one place he was alone. Plus Weevil owed me a favor, not that he minded earning a couple bucks on the side.”
“So, we took a short trip, picked up the drugs and the car, and came back to frame Troy.” Lilly high-fived Veronica.
“Can you really consider it framing Troy, when he actually was planning on trafficking?” Logan asked curiously.
“Whatever it was, we did it. And now Troy is getting his just desserts.”
--
Walking hand-in-hand down the beach, Veronica smiled up at her boyfriend. “So, you and Lilly seem to be getting along again.”
“What can I say? Plotting revenge really brings people together.”
“So, you two are okay?” She really wanted her best friend and her boyfriend to be friends again and finally end the stupid feud that kept the school separated.
“Yeah, we’re okay. If you haven’t noticed, lines are no long draw. The populace is beginning to mingle again, and there are no more lynch mobs to hang would-be betrayers.” He leant and kissed her nose. “And it’s all due to you.”
“I just want everybody to be friends again.”
“And so we are… with a little reluctance from both sides.”
“You’re getting there.”
Logan’s expression went grim.
“What?” she frowned up at him, cupping his cheek. “What is it?”
“Duncan’s still not our biggest fan.”
She thought for a moment. “Duncan’s never been one to hold a grudge. And with Lilly hanging out with us again, I’m sure it won’t be long before he gets over himself.”
“It would be nice to have my best friend back.”
She leaned her head against his shoulder. “It’s been a long, weird year. Things will go back to normal eventually.”
“But I’ll still have you by my side, won’t I?”
She clung to his arm and teased, “You couldn’t get rid of me if you tried.”
--
Veronica stormed passed all her classmates milling around in the quad before finally reaching her boyfriend. Shaking the plastic wrapped graduation garb in her hands, she complained, “They gave me the wrong cap and gown.”
Standing from the table, Logan pulled his own cap off and looked inside it. “Yeah, how exactly can you tell?”
“It’s got someone else’s name on it,” Veronica pointed out.
Dick came up to join them and grinned. “Guess who’s going commando?”
Duncan, lounging against the table, asked, “Must we?”
Huffing, she asked, “Does anyone know Wallace Fennel?”
“I do,” Duncan nodded, “he’s in my PE class. Awesome baller. I think he works at Sac-n-Pac.”
“‘Awesome baller.’ That doesn’t really help me. Can you point him out?”
“You didn’t hear what happened to him?” Dick said grimly. “Sac-n-Pac got held up when he was working. The robber forced him into the walk-in cooler.” He paused for dramatic effect, “He got frostbite.”
Duncan nodded, “Yeah, dude lost three fingers.”
Veronica was appalled. “Oh my god, that’s awful.” Her arms crossed in annoyance when the two boys burst into laughter.
Logan couldn’t help but grin. “Aw, sweetie, I love you, but you have to be the most gullible girl I’ve ever met.” He kissed her sweetly on the forehead.
Veronica pouted, “I’m trusting. Sue me.”
“There he is,” Duncan pointed, “that’s Wallace.”
As Veronica wandered off in search of her cap and gown, and Dick moved on to announce his state of undress to the world, Logan looked to Duncan, “So, is Lilly coming back for this big event?”
“Like Celeste would let her miss it,” Duncan snorted. He nodded in the direction that Veronica had gone. “She’s over there. Probably waiting to sneak up on Veronica.”
“Your dad must be so proud that she’s at Vassar.” Logan could just imagine the trouble that Lilly was getting into with a whole new crowd to have fun with.
“He’s just happy Celeste doesn’t spend all her time complaining about Lilly and her wild ways. Instead, she’s focused on me and where I’m going for college.”
“Where are you headed?”
“Not Yale,” Duncan chuckled, “much to Dad’s disappointment. I might end up at Hearst, but I haven’t really decided yet.”
“And Shelly?”
“Yeah, she’s not going to college.”
“She’s going to live off her parents’ money for the rest of her life?”
“Her trust fund.” Duncan shrugged, “I’m probably going to end things with her soon.”
“Before you go off and conquer the world,” Logan smirked.
“Something like that.” Duncan looked at his best friend, “You?”
“Veronica’s going to Stanford-”
“Her dream school.”
“I’d follow her there, but she won’t let me. I figured I’d just stay here and go to Hearst.”
“You got into Hearst?” Duncan asked skeptically.
“Yes, I got into Hearst,” Logan sneered.
“You’re going to be almost five hundred miles apart,” Duncan remarked. “Going to do the long distance thing?”
“Either that or I waste my ‘potential’ - as Veronica likes to call it - in community college to stick close to my girlfriend.”
Duncan patted Logan’s shoulder. “Have fun at community college.”
Logan smirked, but didn’t comment. Instead he made his way over to Veronica. “Let’s go,” he hurried her, rushing her along toward the gymnasium. “Lady Valedictorian can’t be late.”
Lilly said dryly, “Hello to you too, Logan.”
He aimed half a smile at her but didn’t respond.
Veronica looped her arm through his. “Where’s your gown?”
“DK’s holding it for me.”
“I’ll catch you guys later at the after party,” Lilly called as she stopped to greet more people she hadn’t seen in almost a year.
Alone now, Veronica smiled up at her boyfriend. “Did you enjoy high school?”
He shrugged, “Didn’t suck… much.”
“Really? I thought high school was fun.”
He grinned at her. “Of course you would.”
They stopped in the sea of green where all the graduates had gathered. Logan ripped open the plastic package for her and helped her put on her gown.
After he placed the cap on her head, she looked down at herself. “How do I look?”
“Like you’re not wearing pants.”
She laughed, “That’s because I’m not wearing pants.”
He took her hand. “Let’s go find you those fancy Valedictorian ribbons you’re supposed to wear.”
“Wait, you should put on your gown too.” She pulled out her camera. “We have to take pictures.”
“But if we don’t get your ribbons, how are people supposed to know that you’re better than them?” He pulled back laughing as he managed to invade her slap. He located Duncan and garbed himself to Veronica’s satisfaction. “Well?”
She reached up and adjusted his tassel for him and smiled. “I’m so proud of you.” She pecked him on the lips. “So’s your mom.” Another peck. “And my parents, too.”
“Logan! Veronica! Smile!” Meg managed to snap a series of photos in succession before the couple knew what happened. She hugged them quickly and then continued on her way to get more photos of her fellow classmates.
“That felt like a drive by,” he muttered, blinking the effects of the blinding flashes away.
“She’s just excited.” Veronica led him to Mrs. Donaldson to get her ribbons. “This is the last time we’ll all be in school together. This might even be the last time we see some of these people. Aren’t you the least bit nostalgic?”
“As long as I can keep seeing you, I’ll be fine.”
She sighed sadly as she hugged him. “I’m going to miss not having you around during school.”
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, guiding her towards the crowd lining up. “Yeah, about that…”
--
The End