3% Continued
Title: 3%
Author: Snuffybaby
Disclaimer: RT owns the VM universe
Rating: PG
Word Count: 10,490
Pairing: LoVe; mentions of Parker/Logan
Spoilers: Season 3 up to 316 “Un-American Graffiti”
Summary: AU - set during 312 “There’s Got to be a Morning After Pill.” What if the answer to Keith’s question had been different?
Author’s Note: You know I was going to do it. And thanks to Inigo at vmtranscripts.com for the lovely transcripts.
--
Logan stood outside Veronica’s class, waiting for it to finish. He arched an eyebrow when he saw a slew of deputies arrive with the Sheriff. He pushed away from the wall so that he was standing upright when Keith passed. “Mr. Mars.”
“Logan,” he responded somberly. “Waiting on Veronica?”
“We have some things to discuss.”
Keith nodded. “Class is about to end early.” He headed into the lecture room.
It didn’t take long before Keith was leaving again. This time, he was escorting the T.A. out with his hands cuffed behind his back. Keith passed Foyle off to Saks and stopped to talk with his daughter. “You’re going to have to come in to make a statement.”
“I know,” she nodded, her arms crossed. She was offended that Tim had almost slipped by them. “I can’t believe he played us all.”
“There was no reason to suspect him.” Keith gave her shoulder a quick squeeze. “Come by the station,” he gave Logan a quick glance, “later. I think you and Logan have an important conversation to finish first.”
Veronica nodded and waved him goodbye before looking at Logan. “Your place?”
“I’ll drive. I’m not giving you the chance to run.”
--
The ride over to the Neptune Grand had been silent. The ride up the elevator to the presidential suite was equally silent. But the minute the door to the presidential suite closed, silence was lost.
“How long?” Logan pivoted on his heel to look at her.
“How long have I known? How long have I suspected? Or how long have I been pregnant?” Veronica asked patiently.
“All of the above,” he said impatiently.
She bit her lip. “Two weeks. Two weeks. Three months.”
“Did you know before you broke up with me?” he asked grimly.
“I found out the day after.” She paced into the room and sat down on the sofa.
Logan took a seat at the other end, leaving a large cushion of space between them. He ran his hand through his hair. “You couldn’t tell me this before?”
“Before what?”
“I don’t know. Before everything.”
Veronica took a deep, bracing breath. “Logan, I don’t expect anything from you. The only reason I said I wasn’t cool about you asking Parker out was because I wanted to make sure you had all the facts. Now that you do, if you still want to ask her out, then go ahead. You have my blessing. Good luck and all that.”
“You think that I’d still want to date her after I found out you’re having my baby?” he said incredulously.
“I’m not trying to trap you or anything. This baby doesn’t mean anything different… for us.”
“You mean you still hate me,” he said bitterly.
Veronica sighed. “I don’t hate you.”
He snorted. “The silent treatment and keeping me out of my kid’s life say otherwise.”
“I’m not trying to keep you out of our baby’s life. You can be as involved as you want.” Her heckles were beginning to rise. She had planned on keeping a calm, level head, but Logan had a way of putting her on the defensive. It was as if all he had to do with flip a switch and she would have her shields up and weapons armed.
“Just not with you.”
She shook her head. “Logan, we’re not together anymore.”
“Yeah, you keep saying that.” He flicked at some imaginary lint on the arm of the couch. He pushed to his feet. “So how is this going to work?”
“How is what going to work?” She nibbled at her lip in confusion.
“Do I get visitation rights? Do I go with you to your check-ups? Am I allowed in the delivery room with you? Name vetoing?”
Veronica was speechless. She wasn’t sure how to respond. She didn’t think Logan would ask all these questions so soon. She licked her lips. “I’ll keep you up to date with everything to do with the baby. You can come to all my doctor appointments and if you really want to be in the delivery room you’ll have to fight it out with my dad.”
“And after the baby’s born?”
“We’ll work something out.”
Logan sat on the coffee table in front of her. “And money? How much money do you need?”
“Logan, you don’t-”
“I’m providing for my baby.”
--
Keith arrived home to find Veronica setting out dinner.
“You got a confession?” she asked.
He raised his arms as if to show off his muscles. “I am that good.”
“So it’s true what they say. There’s a new sheriff in town?”
“Until the special election, anyway.” He took a stool at the counter. “So, how did your little chat with Logan go?”
“Good?” she offered. At his look, she expanded, “He’s okay, I guess. He wanted to know his involvement, so I told him he could be as involved as he wanted to be. He’s going to go to the doctor’s with me from now on. He said he wanted to pay for the appointments and anything else to do with the baby.”
“Veronica-”
“I know, but he was adamant. We’re… working things out. Dealing with details.”
“So are you guys back together?”
She stared at the stove for a minute before answering. “No.” She grabbed a plate and started dishing out potatoes.
Knowing that Logan was taking responsibility, Keith would leave it at that for now. “What are you making?”
“Meat and potatoes. I read somewhere that’s what real men eat.”
--
Wallace and Mac sat with Veronica in her living room.
“So, how’d he take it?” Mac asked.
Veronica shrugged, hugging a pillow to her. “Pretty good.”
“What does that mean?” Wallace demanded.
“He wanted to know how involved he could be. Offered to pay for everything.” Veronica mumbled the next part. “He’s moving out of the Grand.”
Mac blinked. “He’s what?”
“Why?”
“He thought it was the responsible thing to do. Instead of spending all that money on a hotel suite, he’s going to finally use the insurance from his house and buy a new one. And he’s hiring a few maids. He’ll have more room… and Dick will have a separate entrance so he won’t be exposed to the baby as much.”
Mac raised an eyebrow. “He’s planning on moving Dick in with him.”
“Dick’s practically Logan’s child already. Besides, Logan figured he could save some money by charging Dick rent.” Veronica nibbled at her thumbnail. “And having a house would mean that there’d be a room for me.”
“You’re moving in with him?” Wallace’s eyes were wide.
“Maybe. I don’t know.” She’d been thinking over the idea; weighing the pros and cons. “What do you guys think?”
“Won’t it be a little awkward?” Mac asked. “I mean, you’re not dating anymore.”
“Are you?” Wallace knew deep down that Veronica still loved Logan. She had been hurt by the Madison thing and wasn’t willing to risk being hurt further… not by Logan. Not by anyone.
“No, we’re not together.”
“But he wants to be,” Mac finished wisely.
“And having a baby together kind of guarantees that he’ll be in your life forever.”
“He really loves you. You can tell… with how he’s taking his impending fatherhood. I doubt he’d be so accepting and helpful with anyone else. He wants this baby because it’s part of you… and he’ll take whatever he can get.”
Wallace studied Veronica, watching her process the information. He could tell she was absorbing all this, weighing their opinions against her own doubt. So far, she seemed receptive. He decided to go for broke. “You love him, don’t you?”
Her blue eyes whipped up in surprise to meet his.
He could almost see the debate of whether to lie or tell the truth battling it out in her eyes. “Don’t lie to us. We already know you do.”
She sagged, pouting. “What if I do?”
“Maybe you should let him back into your life.”
“He is in my life. He’s going with me to the doctor next week.”
Mac shook her head. “He’s in the baby’s life, not yours.”
“Take him back, Veronica. Put both of you out of your misery already.”
--
Dick climbed out of the car and stared at the structure in front of him. “So what, I get my pick of rooms?”
Logan chuckled at the idea. “You get the pool house.”
“What?” He spun around and looked at the adjoining building. He was satisfied that it seemed sufficiently large.
“That’s the garage. The pool house is around back.” Logan led the way around the main building to the back where there was a kidney shaped pool and then a more modestly sized pool house.
“It’s a shack, dude,” Dick complained.
“It’s fully furnished. Kitchen, bath, bedroom and liquor cabinet.” Logan rolled his eyes, “It’s bigger than the suite we’re staying in, you’ll have complete privacy and a maid to pick up after you and deliver your meals. What more do you want?”
The blonde’s hand gestured at the main building. “Why can’t I get a room in the house? It’s not like there’s not room.”
“Because if I give you keys to my house, you’ll be having nightly house parties.”
“So?”
“I’m not letting you invite strangers into my house.”
“I’ve done it before.”
“Things are different now.”
“Different how? We used to have keggers at your parents’ place all the time.”
“I’m going to be a father soon.”
Dick’s mouth dropped. “No shit?”
Logan tucked his hands in his pockets.
“You knocked someone up?” Dick frowned, “Wait. I thought you subscribed to no glove, no love.”
“Dick, condoms only work like ninety-seven percent of the time.”
“What?” he said in surprise. “Do they put that on the box?”
“They do.”
Dick shrugged at the information. “So who’d you knock up?” His eyes widened when he figured it out. “No way!”
“What?” Logan frowned.
“You knocked Ronnie up?” His thought process jumped a few steps from shocked to suspicious. “Are you sure it’s yours?”
“Dick.”
The warning tone in Logan’s voice was enough to make Dick to hold his hands up in surrender. “I’m just checking, man. Girls tell me almost monthly that I’ve knocked ‘em up. But no one’s come back to me with a paternity test.” Bright enough to know that Logan didn’t want to talk about it anymore, he waved at the pool house. “Fine, I’ll take the shack. Better than staying at the Grand alone.”
Logan nodded and headed toward his new house, planning on checking out the decorator’s progress.
“Dude,” Dick called, following after him, “does this mean you and Ronnie are getting married?”
--
Veronica and Logan spent the new couple months settling into their ‘friendship.’ She helped him pick paint colors for his house and decorate the nursery that he was setting up. He went with her to the doctor and made sure she took her prenatal vitamins daily. He ensured that she ate healthily, since she still wasn’t showing and it hadn’t quite sunk in that someone was growing inside her.
Although Veronica maintained that they weren’t a couple, she and Logan spent a lot of time together. He walked her to class and had meals with her when she was on campus. And whenever she was bored, Logan would go out with her or she would hang out at his place. On nights when Keith worked, Veronica would stay over at Logan’s because the apartment had become eerily quiet when she was home alone. She had gotten used to having someone around all the time.
Logan was waiting for Veronica after her Violence in Early Adolescence class. When she appeared from the class, he handed a foam cup to her. “Smoothie? Your favorite.”
She accepted the cup. “Danke.”
“How was class?”
“Interesting enough,” she shrugged.
“But you know everything already?”
She shrugged again, “Something like that.”
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Helps when you know a living example.”
“Logan…” About to scold him, she decided to change the subject instead. “How was Poly Sci?”
“I got to use my new highlighter.” A yellow neon pen waved in his hand.
“I’m so proud,” she said dryly.
“Lunch?”
She leaned into him, shaking her head. “Can we go to your place? I’m sleepy.”
Logan smiled softly. “Kid’s really good to you.”
“What?”
“No morning sickness. No major mood swings. Just sleepiness. Gets you out of everything.”
“Does not.”
“Wallace wanted a wingman for that sappy chick movie last week? You were tired, so he got Piz to go instead. Mac wanted a chick to go hiking with her and Bronson’s bunch, but you were tired and Parker went instead.”
Veronica yawned. “It’s not my fault I’m tired all the time.”
“Of course not.” He guided her to his car. “Let’s get you home before you fall asleep on your feet.”
--
“Hello?”
Mac frowned, “What are you doing answering Veronica’s phone?”
“She’s sleeping. I didn’t want it to wake her up,” Logan whispered on the other end.
“Again? She’s like napping queen. Well, tell her Parker’s birthday party is this weekend and she better be up for it.”
“I’ll pass on the message.”
“You’re coming, right?”
“As long as the tiny blond one doesn’t keep me away.”
“See you Saturday.” Mac hung up and tossed her cell on her bed.
“Veronica’s asleep again?” Parker asked.
“Apparently.”
“She’s been sleeping a lot lately.”
Veronica hadn’t told anyone else that she was pregnant, so Mac and Wallace didn’t feel it was necessary to share the news. Mac shrugged, “She’s fine.”
“Who answered her phone?”
“Logan.”
“Are they back together?”
“No.” Although Mac thought that they practically were, spending as much time together as they did.
“They spend a lot of time together.”
Mac’s eyes narrowed. “Are you fishing for information on Logan?”
Parker bit her lip. “A little.”
“Weren’t you the one that was against going out with him because you were afraid of what Veronica might think?” Mac waited for the nod. “Are you regretting your decision?”
“A little.” At Mac’s no-nonsense look, Parker sighed, “A lot.” She sat down beside Mac. “It’s just… there’ve been a lot of guys hanging around, but they aren’t as funny as Logan… or as sensitive.”
“And he knows what happened to you, so you know he won’t pressure you?”
“There’s just something about him. He made me feel safe.”
“Parker, you hardly know him.”
“Doesn’t change how I feel,” she commented wistfully.
--
Veronica woke up, smiling to see that Logan had fallen asleep with her. Her soft shifting disturbed his sleep.
“Hey.”
“You know you don’t have to nap with me.” She turned on to her side to face him, clutching the pillow beneath her head.
He did the same. “I wasn’t planning to, but this bed is awfully comfy.”
“It should be. You spent a whole day picking it out.”
“Mac called. Parker’s big birthday bash is on Saturday. Our presence has been requested.”
She turned on to her back and stretched. “Okay.”
“That’s it? No protests?”
Veronica smiled. “It’s just going to be at their dorm. If I get tired I can just nap at Wallace’s until you’re ready to leave. Besides, it’s Parker’s nineteenth.”
“Right.”
“What time is it?” She snuggled back into the pillow.
“Just before six.”
“Food.” She suddenly shot out of bed.
Logan groaned and followed her down the stairs. “Carlita’s probably not finished making dinner yet.”
Veronica found Logan’s maid in the kitchen making pasta and greeted her happily as she sat down and waited for dinner to be ready.
“Good evening, Mr. Logan, Miss. Veronica.” She began setting placemats and silverware at the counter.
“Dinner smells wonderful,” Veronica sighed in delight.
“Two minutes, Miss. Veronica.” She went to bustling around the kitchen, grabbing bowls and serving utensils.
“Is Dick in the pool house?” Logan asked, going into the fridge to grab drinks.
“Mr. Richard is not in.”
Veronica scrunched her nose. “‘Mr. Richard’?”
“He no like ‘Mr. Dick’ or ‘Mr. Casablancas,’” Calita explained.
“Right.” Veronica grabbed the bowl of pasta that was set in front of her greedily. “Thanks, Carlita.”
Logan set a glass of milk in front of her.
“No chocolate?” she pouted.
He smiled before setting a bottle of Quick next to the glass.
--
Veronica found Wallace and Piz at Benes Hall. She walked up behind them on their way to their room and surprised them.
Wallace felt the arm looping through his and stopped, looking over his shoulder. “Uh-oh.”
“Relax! I’m here to invite you to a party. Saturday night, rocking good time.” Veronica kept her arm looped around Wallace’s as they continued to walk.
“The catch?”
“No catch. It’s Parker’s birthday party. So it’s not far.”
“And?” He knew his best friend well enough to know that she always had an ulterior motive.
“Thought I could borrow your room key that night… you know, just in case I want to duck out early and my escort wants to stay.”
“Where is Logan anyway?” Wallace asked, still glancing down the hall, waiting to spot the tall white boy.
“He’s in class. I told him to meet me at the student union.” She looked to Piz, then back at Wallace. “So, Saturday?”
“Okay, cool. I’m in. But I think Piz has to go to-”
“No,” Piz quickly interrupted. “Piz is in. It sounds like fun. I mean… maybe we could go pre-gaming before and you could come by the room.”
Veronica smiled and shrugged. “Maybe. Logan’s my ride, so we’ll see what he’s up to.” She checked her watch and swore, “Shoot. Got to go. Can’t keep Mac waiting or she’s apt to mail bomb me. Gotta boogie.” And she was gone.
Wallace watched as Piz unlocked the door to their dorm. “I thought you were going to Yoyo Taco on Saturday.”
“Yo La Tengo,” Piz corrected. “Yeah, but, you know, this sounds more fun.”
Wallace slammed the door, shaking his head.
“What?”
“You’re like one of those guys who stands behind the players at the poker table and pretends he’s playing.”
“Sorry, I’ve never been to Vegas, so what exactly-”
“Look. Every once in a while, you gotta go all in.”
“Right. Will do.”
“Excellent.”
“I don’t know what that means, though.”
“It means we’re going out tonight. You’re going to talk to some girl who knows you’re alive.” He paused in thought, “Wait, actually, that’s not what it means, but it’s a start.”
Piz considered his roommate’s words for a moment. “Are Logan and Veronica back together?”
Wallace snorted and rolled his eyes. “Theirs is a relationship that is too complicated for words.”
--
Logan was surprised when he spotted Veronica’s car in his driveway. She usually called before coming over. Entering the house, he called her name. When he got no response, he assumed she was asleep upstairs.
He found her curled up in bed, clutching a pillow and sobbing. “Veronica?” He crouched in front of her. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
She wiped the tears from her face. “It’s nothing. My dad’s angry about something. It’s not a big deal. I just can’t stop crying.” She hiccupped. “It’s these stupid hormones.”
He climbed under the covers with her, pulling her into his arms. “Your dad loves you no matter what you do. There’s no reason to cry.”
“He was just so disappointed.” Veronica sobbed, “I hate disappointing him.”
“Then it’s good that you’re not a disappointment to him.” He winced at her slap. “Look, it was one thing. And whatever it was, you’re never going to do it again. Your dad will get over it and everything will go back to normal.” He kissed her forehead. “Your dad loves you. You’re the most precious thing in the world to him.”
Veronica sighed against him. There was just something about Logan that always made her feel safe, comforted… and loved. Her tears slowed and her eyes fell shut, sleep overtaking her.
Logan felt her body relax into sleep. He dropped another kiss on her forehead and whispered, “I love you too.” Lying there, holding her, Logan drifted off.
--
By the end of the day, Veronica cleared the air with her dad about the fake IDs she’d made for Wallace and Piz. She apologized and promised never to use her powers for evil ever again.
Keith smiled and then handed her a key. Wallace had stopped by to drop off the key to his dorm just in case they didn’t run into each other at Parker’s party. Wallace and Piz were going early to help Mac and Parker set up.
Keith answered the door to find Logan standing on the other side. “Logan.”
“Mr. Mars.” He spotted the remains of their dinner on the kitchen counter. “I’m not early, am I?”
Veronica waved him in. “We’re just finishing up. It’ll take me two seconds to change.” She took the last two bites of her dinner and rushed to her room to change and chew.
Helpful as ever, Logan helped Keith clear the counter and start the dishes. “So, is Veronica alright?”
Keith raised an eyebrow in concern.
The young man shrugged. “She came by earlier. Cried herself to sleep worrying about something.”
Keith sighed in regret. “I guess I was a little harsh earlier.”
“But everything’s good now?”
“Yeah. We’re fine.”
“Good.”
They finished the dishes in silence.
--
The instant Veronica and Logan arrived in the hall of Mac and Parker’s dorm, they knew they were in the right spot. Dozens of college students were partying-it-up with dance music and alcohol. It didn’t take long before Veronica and Logan were sent in separate directions when people greeted them and then dragged them off.
Mac had taken Veronica’s hand and pulled her over to a couch. “How are you feeling?”
“Great.” Veronica settled into the cushions. “Can’t really complain. A little more tired than usual, which is extremely odd, but I can handle it.” She plumped the pillow at her back. “So, this is our social foxhole for the next sixty minutes of battle. Defend it at all costs.”
Mac smirked, “I thought you were excited about the party.”
“Mac, look at this face,” she pointed at herself. “Is this the face of a partier?”
Mac couldn’t help but laugh at the blank stare that Veronica had plastered on her face. “I guess not.”
“V, you made it.” Wallace stopped by to say ‘hi.’ “I thought you’d come up with an excuse to stay home.” His gaze strayed to her belly. “The little guy not willing to assist you tonight?”
Veronica’s eyes narrowed. “Have you been talking to Logan?”
“We have on occasion chatted.”
“It’s Parker’s nineteenth birthday. I couldn’t not show.” Veronica glanced around the room. “Where is Parker, anyway?”
--
Parker managed to escape her well wishers as soon as she spotted Logan. She slipped her arm through his and smiled. “You made it.”
Logan returned the greeted. “Happy nineteenth.”
“I didn’t think you’d come,” she admitted. “I haven’t seen you around lately.”
“Well, the tiny blond one needed a ride, so I said I’d be her chauffeur for the night,” Logan nodded toward the sofa that Veronica, Mac and Wallace had congregated.
Parker blinked in concern. “Something wrong with Veronica’s car?”
He shrugged. “She hasn’t been much of a night driver lately. Wouldn’t want her falling asleep at the wheel.”
“Well, I’m glad you could both come.”
Trying to make conversation, Logan asked, “How have you been?”
“Good,” Parker nodded. She took the plunge. “I’ve missed you.”
“Parker-”
“No, let me finish. I’ve been thinking about it and I’d really like us to go out… you know, as a couple. I’ll speak with Veronica about it. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.”
“Parker,” Logan tried again, “you’re a great person. But you were right before. I shouldn’t have tried anything… not with one of Veronica’s friends.”
Parker’s happy mood evaporated. “Because you’re still in love with her?”
“Because a part of me will always be with her. You deserve someone that can give you everything.” He pulled his arm away from hers. “I’m sorry.”
She watched him walk away, disappointed.
--
Veronica was distracted by the arrival of Max.
“Hey, Veronica,” the tech geek greeted. He looked at the others seated on the couch and added, “Wallace and friend.”
“Hi, Max.” Veronica gestured to the brunette to her right. “Mac, this is Max. Max, Mac.” She hopped to her feet. “Bathroom break. Max, sit, defend, decide which one of you’s changing their name. I’ll be back.”
Wallace followed her, a little worried. “You okay?”
She nodded, “I’m fine. Stop being a worrywart. I’ve already got two of those.” She shoved him toward the party. “Go, have fun.” She scampered off and ducked into the ladies’ room.
Wallace felt a presence beside him. He turned and saw Mac standing beside him. “Yeah?”
“Look over there.” Mac nodded toward Logan and Parker.
“She does not look happy.”
--
Piz’s eyes kept scanning the hallway, trying to spot a certain blond head that he was anxious to see. He noticed Logan and Parker with their arms looped together down another hallway. After a few minutes and shifting in the crowd, he finally spotted Wallace and he went to join him. “Meet anyone interesting?”
Mac had gone to rejoin Max on the couch, so Wallace turned to his roommate, eyebrow raised. “What did I say about going all in?”
Piz shrugged. “I’ve been talking to people.”
“Guys.” He shook his head. “For someone who can fill hours of silence by talking to himself on the radio, I would think that you could manage to talk to actual people.”
“There were a few girls,” Piz protested.
“But?”
“They weren’t too interesting.”
Wallace smirked, “Seriously. Find someone that knows you’re alive.”
Like a moth to a flame, Piz’s eyes were drawn to the blond beauty that was returning from the ladies’. “Hey, Veronica.”
“Piz,” she acknowledged. She gave Wallace a suspicious look. “You weren’t standing there checking on me, were you? I told you to go have fun.”
“Just making sure you didn’t decide to duck out and take a nap in the bathroom,” he smirked. “I know how much you’ve been enjoying your naps lately.”
“Go,” she shooed. “Mac and Max will keep me company.” She glanced at the pair sitting on the couch. She tilted her head. “You don’t think Mac and Max would… you know… do you?”
Wallace studied the pair interacting. “Isn’t Mac still with Bronson?”
“He’s a sweetie,” Veronica commented. “It’s too bad he couldn’t make it tonight.”
“You think Mac might find Max more interesting?”
“They do have a lot in common.” Veronica allowed Wallace to walk with her back to the couch. “Now, go.” She settled in with Max and Mac to her right. “I’ve got company and you’ve got skirts to chase.”
Mac shook her head as she noticed Piz walk away, a little dejected. “You should go easier on that guy.”
Veronica obliviously asked, “What, Wallace? It’s not like I need him to baby-sit me.”
“I meant Piz.”
“What about Piz?”
“He likes you,” Max pointed out the obvious. Even he - with his limited knowledge of relationships - could tell that Piz was crushing on Veronica.
“What? He does not.”
“You should just put him out of his misery.” Mac took a sip of her beverage. “Nicely, of course.”
Veronica’s mouth dropped. “Piz doesn’t like me.”
--
Logan ran into Dick. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Just got ditched by two hotties that I was trying to hook up with on MySpace.”
“Two?”
Dick shrugged, “I figured I might need a backup.”
“And now you’re left with none.” Logan lifted his drink in salute before taking a sip.
“How are things with Ronnie?” He couldn’t let Logan go without a dig.
“Good.”
Dick nodded, commiserating, “Still going through a dry spell? I thought pregnant ladies were supposed to be extra horny.” He thought for a moment. “What about that Parker chick? She’s been sniffing around you for a couple weeks now.”
Logan crushed the empty cup in his hand. “Not interested.”
“Still hung up on the Ronster.”
“You better not let Veronica hear you call her that.”
--
Piz managed to find his way back to Veronica’s side.
When she noticed him, she waved him over and told him to take a seat. “I owe you an apology.”
He looked at her startled. “You do?”
“I do. You’ve been so sweet to me and I really like hanging out with you. You’re great. I’ve just… I’ve been so focused on my own romantic drama, I’ve kind of been blind to everything else. Basically, what I’m saying is that I think you’re head may have been in one place and mine’s been in ano-” She was cut off when he suddenly cupped her face and kissed her. She was too startled to react.
When Piz pulled back, he stared at her for a moment. He realized that she hadn’t responded to him at all. He nodded, dejected. “Just friends. I get it.” In a partial daze, he stood and walked away.
Veronica watched him leave, still unsure how to react. Shaking herself out of her own daze, she spotted Logan walking in the other direction. She stood. “Logan.”
He stopped and turned on his heel. “Yeah.”
“Do you feel like leaving?” she asked softly, hoping against hope that he did.
“What, you’re not going to stay and cuddle with your boy toy?” he asked bitterly. “I figured that now you and Piznarski are together, you’ll want to spend some quality time together.”
“What are you talking about?” she hissed, annoyed by his anger.
“I saw you, Veronica,” he hissed back, stepping closer to her, so that they were only inches apart.
“What did you see?” she spat angrily. “Me telling Piz that I don’t have feelings for him? Or him kissing me before I could stop him?”
His eyes burned into hers, trying to gauge whether she was telling the truth or not. Before he knew it, he’d bent his head, pulled her up against him and was kissing her.
Only when the sounds of hooting and hollering broke through, did they pull apart. Logan dropped his forehead to hers. “I love you.”
Veronica took his hand. “I love you too.” She nudged him with her shoulder. “Why do you think I’ve been spending so much time with you?”
He closed his eyes, basking in her presence. “You never said anything.” He held her against him.
“I didn’t think I needed to.”
“I’m an idiot.”
She leant up and kissed his cheek. “We’re both idiots.”
--
The End
Author: Snuffybaby
Disclaimer: RT owns the VM universe
Rating: PG
Word Count: 10,490
Pairing: LoVe; mentions of Parker/Logan
Spoilers: Season 3 up to 316 “Un-American Graffiti”
Summary: AU - set during 312 “There’s Got to be a Morning After Pill.” What if the answer to Keith’s question had been different?
Author’s Note: You know I was going to do it. And thanks to Inigo at vmtranscripts.com for the lovely transcripts.
--
Logan stood outside Veronica’s class, waiting for it to finish. He arched an eyebrow when he saw a slew of deputies arrive with the Sheriff. He pushed away from the wall so that he was standing upright when Keith passed. “Mr. Mars.”
“Logan,” he responded somberly. “Waiting on Veronica?”
“We have some things to discuss.”
Keith nodded. “Class is about to end early.” He headed into the lecture room.
It didn’t take long before Keith was leaving again. This time, he was escorting the T.A. out with his hands cuffed behind his back. Keith passed Foyle off to Saks and stopped to talk with his daughter. “You’re going to have to come in to make a statement.”
“I know,” she nodded, her arms crossed. She was offended that Tim had almost slipped by them. “I can’t believe he played us all.”
“There was no reason to suspect him.” Keith gave her shoulder a quick squeeze. “Come by the station,” he gave Logan a quick glance, “later. I think you and Logan have an important conversation to finish first.”
Veronica nodded and waved him goodbye before looking at Logan. “Your place?”
“I’ll drive. I’m not giving you the chance to run.”
--
The ride over to the Neptune Grand had been silent. The ride up the elevator to the presidential suite was equally silent. But the minute the door to the presidential suite closed, silence was lost.
“How long?” Logan pivoted on his heel to look at her.
“How long have I known? How long have I suspected? Or how long have I been pregnant?” Veronica asked patiently.
“All of the above,” he said impatiently.
She bit her lip. “Two weeks. Two weeks. Three months.”
“Did you know before you broke up with me?” he asked grimly.
“I found out the day after.” She paced into the room and sat down on the sofa.
Logan took a seat at the other end, leaving a large cushion of space between them. He ran his hand through his hair. “You couldn’t tell me this before?”
“Before what?”
“I don’t know. Before everything.”
Veronica took a deep, bracing breath. “Logan, I don’t expect anything from you. The only reason I said I wasn’t cool about you asking Parker out was because I wanted to make sure you had all the facts. Now that you do, if you still want to ask her out, then go ahead. You have my blessing. Good luck and all that.”
“You think that I’d still want to date her after I found out you’re having my baby?” he said incredulously.
“I’m not trying to trap you or anything. This baby doesn’t mean anything different… for us.”
“You mean you still hate me,” he said bitterly.
Veronica sighed. “I don’t hate you.”
He snorted. “The silent treatment and keeping me out of my kid’s life say otherwise.”
“I’m not trying to keep you out of our baby’s life. You can be as involved as you want.” Her heckles were beginning to rise. She had planned on keeping a calm, level head, but Logan had a way of putting her on the defensive. It was as if all he had to do with flip a switch and she would have her shields up and weapons armed.
“Just not with you.”
She shook her head. “Logan, we’re not together anymore.”
“Yeah, you keep saying that.” He flicked at some imaginary lint on the arm of the couch. He pushed to his feet. “So how is this going to work?”
“How is what going to work?” She nibbled at her lip in confusion.
“Do I get visitation rights? Do I go with you to your check-ups? Am I allowed in the delivery room with you? Name vetoing?”
Veronica was speechless. She wasn’t sure how to respond. She didn’t think Logan would ask all these questions so soon. She licked her lips. “I’ll keep you up to date with everything to do with the baby. You can come to all my doctor appointments and if you really want to be in the delivery room you’ll have to fight it out with my dad.”
“And after the baby’s born?”
“We’ll work something out.”
Logan sat on the coffee table in front of her. “And money? How much money do you need?”
“Logan, you don’t-”
“I’m providing for my baby.”
--
Keith arrived home to find Veronica setting out dinner.
“You got a confession?” she asked.
He raised his arms as if to show off his muscles. “I am that good.”
“So it’s true what they say. There’s a new sheriff in town?”
“Until the special election, anyway.” He took a stool at the counter. “So, how did your little chat with Logan go?”
“Good?” she offered. At his look, she expanded, “He’s okay, I guess. He wanted to know his involvement, so I told him he could be as involved as he wanted to be. He’s going to go to the doctor’s with me from now on. He said he wanted to pay for the appointments and anything else to do with the baby.”
“Veronica-”
“I know, but he was adamant. We’re… working things out. Dealing with details.”
“So are you guys back together?”
She stared at the stove for a minute before answering. “No.” She grabbed a plate and started dishing out potatoes.
Knowing that Logan was taking responsibility, Keith would leave it at that for now. “What are you making?”
“Meat and potatoes. I read somewhere that’s what real men eat.”
--
Wallace and Mac sat with Veronica in her living room.
“So, how’d he take it?” Mac asked.
Veronica shrugged, hugging a pillow to her. “Pretty good.”
“What does that mean?” Wallace demanded.
“He wanted to know how involved he could be. Offered to pay for everything.” Veronica mumbled the next part. “He’s moving out of the Grand.”
Mac blinked. “He’s what?”
“Why?”
“He thought it was the responsible thing to do. Instead of spending all that money on a hotel suite, he’s going to finally use the insurance from his house and buy a new one. And he’s hiring a few maids. He’ll have more room… and Dick will have a separate entrance so he won’t be exposed to the baby as much.”
Mac raised an eyebrow. “He’s planning on moving Dick in with him.”
“Dick’s practically Logan’s child already. Besides, Logan figured he could save some money by charging Dick rent.” Veronica nibbled at her thumbnail. “And having a house would mean that there’d be a room for me.”
“You’re moving in with him?” Wallace’s eyes were wide.
“Maybe. I don’t know.” She’d been thinking over the idea; weighing the pros and cons. “What do you guys think?”
“Won’t it be a little awkward?” Mac asked. “I mean, you’re not dating anymore.”
“Are you?” Wallace knew deep down that Veronica still loved Logan. She had been hurt by the Madison thing and wasn’t willing to risk being hurt further… not by Logan. Not by anyone.
“No, we’re not together.”
“But he wants to be,” Mac finished wisely.
“And having a baby together kind of guarantees that he’ll be in your life forever.”
“He really loves you. You can tell… with how he’s taking his impending fatherhood. I doubt he’d be so accepting and helpful with anyone else. He wants this baby because it’s part of you… and he’ll take whatever he can get.”
Wallace studied Veronica, watching her process the information. He could tell she was absorbing all this, weighing their opinions against her own doubt. So far, she seemed receptive. He decided to go for broke. “You love him, don’t you?”
Her blue eyes whipped up in surprise to meet his.
He could almost see the debate of whether to lie or tell the truth battling it out in her eyes. “Don’t lie to us. We already know you do.”
She sagged, pouting. “What if I do?”
“Maybe you should let him back into your life.”
“He is in my life. He’s going with me to the doctor next week.”
Mac shook her head. “He’s in the baby’s life, not yours.”
“Take him back, Veronica. Put both of you out of your misery already.”
--
Dick climbed out of the car and stared at the structure in front of him. “So what, I get my pick of rooms?”
Logan chuckled at the idea. “You get the pool house.”
“What?” He spun around and looked at the adjoining building. He was satisfied that it seemed sufficiently large.
“That’s the garage. The pool house is around back.” Logan led the way around the main building to the back where there was a kidney shaped pool and then a more modestly sized pool house.
“It’s a shack, dude,” Dick complained.
“It’s fully furnished. Kitchen, bath, bedroom and liquor cabinet.” Logan rolled his eyes, “It’s bigger than the suite we’re staying in, you’ll have complete privacy and a maid to pick up after you and deliver your meals. What more do you want?”
The blonde’s hand gestured at the main building. “Why can’t I get a room in the house? It’s not like there’s not room.”
“Because if I give you keys to my house, you’ll be having nightly house parties.”
“So?”
“I’m not letting you invite strangers into my house.”
“I’ve done it before.”
“Things are different now.”
“Different how? We used to have keggers at your parents’ place all the time.”
“I’m going to be a father soon.”
Dick’s mouth dropped. “No shit?”
Logan tucked his hands in his pockets.
“You knocked someone up?” Dick frowned, “Wait. I thought you subscribed to no glove, no love.”
“Dick, condoms only work like ninety-seven percent of the time.”
“What?” he said in surprise. “Do they put that on the box?”
“They do.”
Dick shrugged at the information. “So who’d you knock up?” His eyes widened when he figured it out. “No way!”
“What?” Logan frowned.
“You knocked Ronnie up?” His thought process jumped a few steps from shocked to suspicious. “Are you sure it’s yours?”
“Dick.”
The warning tone in Logan’s voice was enough to make Dick to hold his hands up in surrender. “I’m just checking, man. Girls tell me almost monthly that I’ve knocked ‘em up. But no one’s come back to me with a paternity test.” Bright enough to know that Logan didn’t want to talk about it anymore, he waved at the pool house. “Fine, I’ll take the shack. Better than staying at the Grand alone.”
Logan nodded and headed toward his new house, planning on checking out the decorator’s progress.
“Dude,” Dick called, following after him, “does this mean you and Ronnie are getting married?”
--
Veronica and Logan spent the new couple months settling into their ‘friendship.’ She helped him pick paint colors for his house and decorate the nursery that he was setting up. He went with her to the doctor and made sure she took her prenatal vitamins daily. He ensured that she ate healthily, since she still wasn’t showing and it hadn’t quite sunk in that someone was growing inside her.
Although Veronica maintained that they weren’t a couple, she and Logan spent a lot of time together. He walked her to class and had meals with her when she was on campus. And whenever she was bored, Logan would go out with her or she would hang out at his place. On nights when Keith worked, Veronica would stay over at Logan’s because the apartment had become eerily quiet when she was home alone. She had gotten used to having someone around all the time.
Logan was waiting for Veronica after her Violence in Early Adolescence class. When she appeared from the class, he handed a foam cup to her. “Smoothie? Your favorite.”
She accepted the cup. “Danke.”
“How was class?”
“Interesting enough,” she shrugged.
“But you know everything already?”
She shrugged again, “Something like that.”
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Helps when you know a living example.”
“Logan…” About to scold him, she decided to change the subject instead. “How was Poly Sci?”
“I got to use my new highlighter.” A yellow neon pen waved in his hand.
“I’m so proud,” she said dryly.
“Lunch?”
She leaned into him, shaking her head. “Can we go to your place? I’m sleepy.”
Logan smiled softly. “Kid’s really good to you.”
“What?”
“No morning sickness. No major mood swings. Just sleepiness. Gets you out of everything.”
“Does not.”
“Wallace wanted a wingman for that sappy chick movie last week? You were tired, so he got Piz to go instead. Mac wanted a chick to go hiking with her and Bronson’s bunch, but you were tired and Parker went instead.”
Veronica yawned. “It’s not my fault I’m tired all the time.”
“Of course not.” He guided her to his car. “Let’s get you home before you fall asleep on your feet.”
--
“Hello?”
Mac frowned, “What are you doing answering Veronica’s phone?”
“She’s sleeping. I didn’t want it to wake her up,” Logan whispered on the other end.
“Again? She’s like napping queen. Well, tell her Parker’s birthday party is this weekend and she better be up for it.”
“I’ll pass on the message.”
“You’re coming, right?”
“As long as the tiny blond one doesn’t keep me away.”
“See you Saturday.” Mac hung up and tossed her cell on her bed.
“Veronica’s asleep again?” Parker asked.
“Apparently.”
“She’s been sleeping a lot lately.”
Veronica hadn’t told anyone else that she was pregnant, so Mac and Wallace didn’t feel it was necessary to share the news. Mac shrugged, “She’s fine.”
“Who answered her phone?”
“Logan.”
“Are they back together?”
“No.” Although Mac thought that they practically were, spending as much time together as they did.
“They spend a lot of time together.”
Mac’s eyes narrowed. “Are you fishing for information on Logan?”
Parker bit her lip. “A little.”
“Weren’t you the one that was against going out with him because you were afraid of what Veronica might think?” Mac waited for the nod. “Are you regretting your decision?”
“A little.” At Mac’s no-nonsense look, Parker sighed, “A lot.” She sat down beside Mac. “It’s just… there’ve been a lot of guys hanging around, but they aren’t as funny as Logan… or as sensitive.”
“And he knows what happened to you, so you know he won’t pressure you?”
“There’s just something about him. He made me feel safe.”
“Parker, you hardly know him.”
“Doesn’t change how I feel,” she commented wistfully.
--
Veronica woke up, smiling to see that Logan had fallen asleep with her. Her soft shifting disturbed his sleep.
“Hey.”
“You know you don’t have to nap with me.” She turned on to her side to face him, clutching the pillow beneath her head.
He did the same. “I wasn’t planning to, but this bed is awfully comfy.”
“It should be. You spent a whole day picking it out.”
“Mac called. Parker’s big birthday bash is on Saturday. Our presence has been requested.”
She turned on to her back and stretched. “Okay.”
“That’s it? No protests?”
Veronica smiled. “It’s just going to be at their dorm. If I get tired I can just nap at Wallace’s until you’re ready to leave. Besides, it’s Parker’s nineteenth.”
“Right.”
“What time is it?” She snuggled back into the pillow.
“Just before six.”
“Food.” She suddenly shot out of bed.
Logan groaned and followed her down the stairs. “Carlita’s probably not finished making dinner yet.”
Veronica found Logan’s maid in the kitchen making pasta and greeted her happily as she sat down and waited for dinner to be ready.
“Good evening, Mr. Logan, Miss. Veronica.” She began setting placemats and silverware at the counter.
“Dinner smells wonderful,” Veronica sighed in delight.
“Two minutes, Miss. Veronica.” She went to bustling around the kitchen, grabbing bowls and serving utensils.
“Is Dick in the pool house?” Logan asked, going into the fridge to grab drinks.
“Mr. Richard is not in.”
Veronica scrunched her nose. “‘Mr. Richard’?”
“He no like ‘Mr. Dick’ or ‘Mr. Casablancas,’” Calita explained.
“Right.” Veronica grabbed the bowl of pasta that was set in front of her greedily. “Thanks, Carlita.”
Logan set a glass of milk in front of her.
“No chocolate?” she pouted.
He smiled before setting a bottle of Quick next to the glass.
--
Veronica found Wallace and Piz at Benes Hall. She walked up behind them on their way to their room and surprised them.
Wallace felt the arm looping through his and stopped, looking over his shoulder. “Uh-oh.”
“Relax! I’m here to invite you to a party. Saturday night, rocking good time.” Veronica kept her arm looped around Wallace’s as they continued to walk.
“The catch?”
“No catch. It’s Parker’s birthday party. So it’s not far.”
“And?” He knew his best friend well enough to know that she always had an ulterior motive.
“Thought I could borrow your room key that night… you know, just in case I want to duck out early and my escort wants to stay.”
“Where is Logan anyway?” Wallace asked, still glancing down the hall, waiting to spot the tall white boy.
“He’s in class. I told him to meet me at the student union.” She looked to Piz, then back at Wallace. “So, Saturday?”
“Okay, cool. I’m in. But I think Piz has to go to-”
“No,” Piz quickly interrupted. “Piz is in. It sounds like fun. I mean… maybe we could go pre-gaming before and you could come by the room.”
Veronica smiled and shrugged. “Maybe. Logan’s my ride, so we’ll see what he’s up to.” She checked her watch and swore, “Shoot. Got to go. Can’t keep Mac waiting or she’s apt to mail bomb me. Gotta boogie.” And she was gone.
Wallace watched as Piz unlocked the door to their dorm. “I thought you were going to Yoyo Taco on Saturday.”
“Yo La Tengo,” Piz corrected. “Yeah, but, you know, this sounds more fun.”
Wallace slammed the door, shaking his head.
“What?”
“You’re like one of those guys who stands behind the players at the poker table and pretends he’s playing.”
“Sorry, I’ve never been to Vegas, so what exactly-”
“Look. Every once in a while, you gotta go all in.”
“Right. Will do.”
“Excellent.”
“I don’t know what that means, though.”
“It means we’re going out tonight. You’re going to talk to some girl who knows you’re alive.” He paused in thought, “Wait, actually, that’s not what it means, but it’s a start.”
Piz considered his roommate’s words for a moment. “Are Logan and Veronica back together?”
Wallace snorted and rolled his eyes. “Theirs is a relationship that is too complicated for words.”
--
Logan was surprised when he spotted Veronica’s car in his driveway. She usually called before coming over. Entering the house, he called her name. When he got no response, he assumed she was asleep upstairs.
He found her curled up in bed, clutching a pillow and sobbing. “Veronica?” He crouched in front of her. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
She wiped the tears from her face. “It’s nothing. My dad’s angry about something. It’s not a big deal. I just can’t stop crying.” She hiccupped. “It’s these stupid hormones.”
He climbed under the covers with her, pulling her into his arms. “Your dad loves you no matter what you do. There’s no reason to cry.”
“He was just so disappointed.” Veronica sobbed, “I hate disappointing him.”
“Then it’s good that you’re not a disappointment to him.” He winced at her slap. “Look, it was one thing. And whatever it was, you’re never going to do it again. Your dad will get over it and everything will go back to normal.” He kissed her forehead. “Your dad loves you. You’re the most precious thing in the world to him.”
Veronica sighed against him. There was just something about Logan that always made her feel safe, comforted… and loved. Her tears slowed and her eyes fell shut, sleep overtaking her.
Logan felt her body relax into sleep. He dropped another kiss on her forehead and whispered, “I love you too.” Lying there, holding her, Logan drifted off.
--
By the end of the day, Veronica cleared the air with her dad about the fake IDs she’d made for Wallace and Piz. She apologized and promised never to use her powers for evil ever again.
Keith smiled and then handed her a key. Wallace had stopped by to drop off the key to his dorm just in case they didn’t run into each other at Parker’s party. Wallace and Piz were going early to help Mac and Parker set up.
Keith answered the door to find Logan standing on the other side. “Logan.”
“Mr. Mars.” He spotted the remains of their dinner on the kitchen counter. “I’m not early, am I?”
Veronica waved him in. “We’re just finishing up. It’ll take me two seconds to change.” She took the last two bites of her dinner and rushed to her room to change and chew.
Helpful as ever, Logan helped Keith clear the counter and start the dishes. “So, is Veronica alright?”
Keith raised an eyebrow in concern.
The young man shrugged. “She came by earlier. Cried herself to sleep worrying about something.”
Keith sighed in regret. “I guess I was a little harsh earlier.”
“But everything’s good now?”
“Yeah. We’re fine.”
“Good.”
They finished the dishes in silence.
--
The instant Veronica and Logan arrived in the hall of Mac and Parker’s dorm, they knew they were in the right spot. Dozens of college students were partying-it-up with dance music and alcohol. It didn’t take long before Veronica and Logan were sent in separate directions when people greeted them and then dragged them off.
Mac had taken Veronica’s hand and pulled her over to a couch. “How are you feeling?”
“Great.” Veronica settled into the cushions. “Can’t really complain. A little more tired than usual, which is extremely odd, but I can handle it.” She plumped the pillow at her back. “So, this is our social foxhole for the next sixty minutes of battle. Defend it at all costs.”
Mac smirked, “I thought you were excited about the party.”
“Mac, look at this face,” she pointed at herself. “Is this the face of a partier?”
Mac couldn’t help but laugh at the blank stare that Veronica had plastered on her face. “I guess not.”
“V, you made it.” Wallace stopped by to say ‘hi.’ “I thought you’d come up with an excuse to stay home.” His gaze strayed to her belly. “The little guy not willing to assist you tonight?”
Veronica’s eyes narrowed. “Have you been talking to Logan?”
“We have on occasion chatted.”
“It’s Parker’s nineteenth birthday. I couldn’t not show.” Veronica glanced around the room. “Where is Parker, anyway?”
--
Parker managed to escape her well wishers as soon as she spotted Logan. She slipped her arm through his and smiled. “You made it.”
Logan returned the greeted. “Happy nineteenth.”
“I didn’t think you’d come,” she admitted. “I haven’t seen you around lately.”
“Well, the tiny blond one needed a ride, so I said I’d be her chauffeur for the night,” Logan nodded toward the sofa that Veronica, Mac and Wallace had congregated.
Parker blinked in concern. “Something wrong with Veronica’s car?”
He shrugged. “She hasn’t been much of a night driver lately. Wouldn’t want her falling asleep at the wheel.”
“Well, I’m glad you could both come.”
Trying to make conversation, Logan asked, “How have you been?”
“Good,” Parker nodded. She took the plunge. “I’ve missed you.”
“Parker-”
“No, let me finish. I’ve been thinking about it and I’d really like us to go out… you know, as a couple. I’ll speak with Veronica about it. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.”
“Parker,” Logan tried again, “you’re a great person. But you were right before. I shouldn’t have tried anything… not with one of Veronica’s friends.”
Parker’s happy mood evaporated. “Because you’re still in love with her?”
“Because a part of me will always be with her. You deserve someone that can give you everything.” He pulled his arm away from hers. “I’m sorry.”
She watched him walk away, disappointed.
--
Veronica was distracted by the arrival of Max.
“Hey, Veronica,” the tech geek greeted. He looked at the others seated on the couch and added, “Wallace and friend.”
“Hi, Max.” Veronica gestured to the brunette to her right. “Mac, this is Max. Max, Mac.” She hopped to her feet. “Bathroom break. Max, sit, defend, decide which one of you’s changing their name. I’ll be back.”
Wallace followed her, a little worried. “You okay?”
She nodded, “I’m fine. Stop being a worrywart. I’ve already got two of those.” She shoved him toward the party. “Go, have fun.” She scampered off and ducked into the ladies’ room.
Wallace felt a presence beside him. He turned and saw Mac standing beside him. “Yeah?”
“Look over there.” Mac nodded toward Logan and Parker.
“She does not look happy.”
--
Piz’s eyes kept scanning the hallway, trying to spot a certain blond head that he was anxious to see. He noticed Logan and Parker with their arms looped together down another hallway. After a few minutes and shifting in the crowd, he finally spotted Wallace and he went to join him. “Meet anyone interesting?”
Mac had gone to rejoin Max on the couch, so Wallace turned to his roommate, eyebrow raised. “What did I say about going all in?”
Piz shrugged. “I’ve been talking to people.”
“Guys.” He shook his head. “For someone who can fill hours of silence by talking to himself on the radio, I would think that you could manage to talk to actual people.”
“There were a few girls,” Piz protested.
“But?”
“They weren’t too interesting.”
Wallace smirked, “Seriously. Find someone that knows you’re alive.”
Like a moth to a flame, Piz’s eyes were drawn to the blond beauty that was returning from the ladies’. “Hey, Veronica.”
“Piz,” she acknowledged. She gave Wallace a suspicious look. “You weren’t standing there checking on me, were you? I told you to go have fun.”
“Just making sure you didn’t decide to duck out and take a nap in the bathroom,” he smirked. “I know how much you’ve been enjoying your naps lately.”
“Go,” she shooed. “Mac and Max will keep me company.” She glanced at the pair sitting on the couch. She tilted her head. “You don’t think Mac and Max would… you know… do you?”
Wallace studied the pair interacting. “Isn’t Mac still with Bronson?”
“He’s a sweetie,” Veronica commented. “It’s too bad he couldn’t make it tonight.”
“You think Mac might find Max more interesting?”
“They do have a lot in common.” Veronica allowed Wallace to walk with her back to the couch. “Now, go.” She settled in with Max and Mac to her right. “I’ve got company and you’ve got skirts to chase.”
Mac shook her head as she noticed Piz walk away, a little dejected. “You should go easier on that guy.”
Veronica obliviously asked, “What, Wallace? It’s not like I need him to baby-sit me.”
“I meant Piz.”
“What about Piz?”
“He likes you,” Max pointed out the obvious. Even he - with his limited knowledge of relationships - could tell that Piz was crushing on Veronica.
“What? He does not.”
“You should just put him out of his misery.” Mac took a sip of her beverage. “Nicely, of course.”
Veronica’s mouth dropped. “Piz doesn’t like me.”
--
Logan ran into Dick. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Just got ditched by two hotties that I was trying to hook up with on MySpace.”
“Two?”
Dick shrugged, “I figured I might need a backup.”
“And now you’re left with none.” Logan lifted his drink in salute before taking a sip.
“How are things with Ronnie?” He couldn’t let Logan go without a dig.
“Good.”
Dick nodded, commiserating, “Still going through a dry spell? I thought pregnant ladies were supposed to be extra horny.” He thought for a moment. “What about that Parker chick? She’s been sniffing around you for a couple weeks now.”
Logan crushed the empty cup in his hand. “Not interested.”
“Still hung up on the Ronster.”
“You better not let Veronica hear you call her that.”
--
Piz managed to find his way back to Veronica’s side.
When she noticed him, she waved him over and told him to take a seat. “I owe you an apology.”
He looked at her startled. “You do?”
“I do. You’ve been so sweet to me and I really like hanging out with you. You’re great. I’ve just… I’ve been so focused on my own romantic drama, I’ve kind of been blind to everything else. Basically, what I’m saying is that I think you’re head may have been in one place and mine’s been in ano-” She was cut off when he suddenly cupped her face and kissed her. She was too startled to react.
When Piz pulled back, he stared at her for a moment. He realized that she hadn’t responded to him at all. He nodded, dejected. “Just friends. I get it.” In a partial daze, he stood and walked away.
Veronica watched him leave, still unsure how to react. Shaking herself out of her own daze, she spotted Logan walking in the other direction. She stood. “Logan.”
He stopped and turned on his heel. “Yeah.”
“Do you feel like leaving?” she asked softly, hoping against hope that he did.
“What, you’re not going to stay and cuddle with your boy toy?” he asked bitterly. “I figured that now you and Piznarski are together, you’ll want to spend some quality time together.”
“What are you talking about?” she hissed, annoyed by his anger.
“I saw you, Veronica,” he hissed back, stepping closer to her, so that they were only inches apart.
“What did you see?” she spat angrily. “Me telling Piz that I don’t have feelings for him? Or him kissing me before I could stop him?”
His eyes burned into hers, trying to gauge whether she was telling the truth or not. Before he knew it, he’d bent his head, pulled her up against him and was kissing her.
Only when the sounds of hooting and hollering broke through, did they pull apart. Logan dropped his forehead to hers. “I love you.”
Veronica took his hand. “I love you too.” She nudged him with her shoulder. “Why do you think I’ve been spending so much time with you?”
He closed his eyes, basking in her presence. “You never said anything.” He held her against him.
“I didn’t think I needed to.”
“I’m an idiot.”
She leant up and kissed his cheek. “We’re both idiots.”
--
The End