Fic: Secrets (Behind the Scenes) (L/V) (NC-17) (part 6)
Title: Secrets (Behind the Scenes) part 6
Author: synful_trixx
Pairing/Character: Logan/Veronica (Logan POV)
Rating: NC-17
Summary: It started with a secret that turned into two and spiralled her life out of her control.
Spoilers/Warnings: Eventually there will be spoilers for season two, but not as of yet. Spoilers for the complete first season. The fic will eventually be NC-17 for sexual content.
Word Count: 4386
Any Author's Notes: This part is from Logan’s POV. The next part will be from Lilly’s POV. Then back to Veronica. Totally a departure from the norm for me. I don't do dialogue! Thanks to tsapphire13 & cinaya19 for the beta!
Previous Parts
The beach was definitely uneventful. Lots of throwing a ball for Backup, a few soft kisses, and plenty of handholding. I followed her back to her place, intent on dropping Back-up off and heading off to a movie. Her parents greeting us at the door kind of nixed that idea.
The look they were giving her made my blood run cold. This definitely wasn’t good. If I had to wager a guess, I’d say the shit was definitely about to hit the fan.
I should have known what was coming, but it still surprised me when she turned towards me with an apologetic smile. “The gig is up. Time for you to go home,” Veronica leaned up and kissed me on the mouth, lightly, almost chaste. The flashback to another time, homecoming, when Lilly used me in front of her parents, kissed me to piss them off, burned wildly through my brain.
“I’m not someone you can use to piss off your parents,” I kept my voice hard; I’d seen the evidence lately of her turning into Lilly Version 2.0 but this? This was almost unforgivable.
“I know. I’m sorry, but we’ve been fighting all week and as you can tell by the looks on their faces apparently now is the time they want to talk. We’ll do a movie night when this gets all sorted out.” She promised, but I could hear the hesitancy in her voice.
I nodded once, staring intently at her, trying to figure her out, but she cut that short too, pushing me towards the door, propelling me out of the house before gently closing it behind me.
My cell phone was out and in my hand before I made it to the Xterra, dialling the long ago memorized number without thinking. “We need to talk, meet me at the Beach.” I hung up without waiting for a reply.
This had to stop, she had to stop, I’m pretty sure I can’t take much more of this. Driving on autopilot is never a good idea, as evidenced by the six accidents I almost got in on my way to the beach. Lilly was waiting when I got there, leaning casually against the SUV.
“We’ve got to stop meeting like this lover.” Her voice carried to me on the breeze. Frustrating Lilly Kane, in all her glory.
“We’re not lovers and you know it. Now what the fuck is going on with Veronica? I can’t take this hot cold shit anymore Lill’,” my voice broke in the middle of the sentence. Veronica Mars was getting to me.
“She told her parents that she knows,” her voice was soft and I instantly felt contrite.
“The paternity issue?” I couldn’t help but ask, needing clarification before I dug myself a deeper hole.
“What else is there Logan? It’s all she thinks about,” Lilly’s voice was slightly sad. That bitter sadness that had been plaguing her every time we talked. She turned and headed down the beach, closer to the water. I followed. “She tricked her dad into doing a paternity test, told him it was some health project from school.” Lilly’s words stopped me in my tracks.
“And the answer?” I held my breath as I waited for a response, the response could mean everything, or nothing. I wasn’t sure of my standing around Veronica Mars, or with her.
“We’re not sure yet, the results haven’t come in yet, she’s waiting patiently like the good girl she is,” Lilly turned to face me and I noticed the sadness on her face.
“Why do all this Lilly? I realise you like to manipulate people, get them where you want them… but why her?” I had to know, had to know how badly she was manipulating all of us.
“If she’s my sister she has the right to know, and if she’s not, she still has the right to know,” was her only response, still in that soft bittersweet tone.
“C’mon Lilly, you and I both know you don’t do anything without a damn good reason. Give me the reason,” I pleaded. God I hated when she reduced me to this.
“You’re right. The fabulous Lilly Kane always has a reason, but… you don’t need to know yet…” she trailed off before turning back towards me. Her feet carried her closer to me, her arms wrapping around my middle as she pressed herself against me. I was too frozen in shock to do anything but stand there.
“Do you ever miss it Logan?” I stared down at her quizzically, unsure of what the actual question was. I wrapped my arms around her, trying to give her comfort. Lilly Kane should never be melancholy. “Us? When things weren’t complicated?” Ahhh, the fifty thousand dollar question.
“Sometimes, and then I remember,” soft voice, gentle hands, as I answered.
“Remember?” She asked hesitantly, pressing closer.
“How miserable I was.” I disentangled myself from her clinging limbs and took a step back. “What’s this about Lilly? Wanting to take a trip down memory lane?” I kept my voice hard; Lilly wasn’t getting whatever it was she wanted from me this time.
“No. We can’t go back. This is how it has to be now,” she smiled sadly before making her way towards my Xterra.
“Don’t you have your own car?” I questioned.
“Yep! But I left something in your glove compartment,” she answered sweetly, which is just about the time I remembered the letter. The letter I’d written to Veronica on the day of the car wash. I closed my eyes and prayed for the best, but knew to expect the worst.
“Got it! Sunglasses! I’ve been looking for these and couldn’t remember where I’d put them,” came her perky voice from inside the Xterra. I opened my eyes and sure enough she had a pair of green sunglasses in her hand.
“That’s what you get for leaving your shit all over the place,” I snarked back at her, relief surging through me, Lilly should not have her hands on that letter. Not now. Not ever.
“Just play it cool Logan, let her set the pace. You’re on the right track but if you run her to ground she’s gonna come up fighting,” she smirked for a moment before heading over to her own SUV. “Besides, what’s the fun if things come easy?” She trilled a laugh and she was gone, out of the parking lot in a squeal of tires.
Goddamn Lilly Kane.
~~~
I’d over slept this morning, missed her by a swish of a blonde ponytail disappearing into her homeroom. Damn early rising Mars woman. We’d talked last night on the phone at least, her car was in the shop, so I get the pleasure of driving her home.
I avoided homeroom, instead making a few phone calls. Enough with this passive aggressive, being Duncan Kane shit. Obviously that isn’t working for me, so, time to take some advice. I’m going to be me. In all my possessive, asshole glory, let’s see her run away from that.
~~~
Having to make up the test I’d missed first period during lunch totally sucked. Once again I’d missed Veronica. I have a fool proof plan to make up for that, all I have to do is find the little blonde minx. I’m starting to feel like some type of stalker, only catching glimpses of her before she disappears around a corner.
I finally manage to catch up with her at her locker at the end of the day. I snuck up behind her, sliding my arm around her shoulder, placing a soft kiss on the back of her neck. I softly whispered in her ear, “how about we skip the movie and go to the beach? We’ll go to your place, get your suit, and we’ll go swim in the ocean like dolphins,” I grinned into the nape of her neck.
“You just want to go surfing with the boys!” She laughed out before turning in my arms, placing a kiss on my cheek.
“Guilty as charged Sugar puss.” The laughter just seemed to bubble out of me; sometimes Veronica was just so cheeky.
“No deal. You promised me movies.” God her lip is fucking adorable pouting like that; I can’t help but give in and give her whatever she wants, except I’m not going too. I have other plans. Little does she know.
“Okay. Movies at your place, dinner with your family, and then, maybe, just maybe if I’m a good boy, a walk on the beach?” I tried to mimic her head tilt batting my eyelashes for good measure, trying to charm her, fool her, and keep her from looking too closely at my motives.
“You’re such a ham! As for the good boy part, I much prefer you when you act like yourself.” She puckered her lips and blew me a raspberry. Waiting patiently while she finished in her locker before slinging an arm around her shoulders. Time to head for the start of our plans.
“C’mon Veronica, you know I try to be a good boy for you,” voice high, attempting a falsetto, I grinned when she laughed at my antics. Logan Echolls, comic relief, definitely a new role for me. Neither of us was watching where she was going and she bumped into some kid. Walter or… something. Damn new kids.
She stopped to apologise words stumbling out of her mouth as her cheeks turned a becoming shade of pink. Inconvenient interruption, if she’d just let me lead her away now that she’s apologized there could be make out time in the car before the movie, but no, little Miss Veronica Mars has to actually be nice.
“Don’t worry ‘bout it superfly. No big, no bruises, no broken bones.” Definitely street thug, and he shouldn’t be smiling that way at my Veronica. Definitely going to keep my eye on this one. I continued to tug on Veronica’s hand, trying to get her attention.
“Veronica Mars.” Veronica held out her hand and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. This wasn’t a job interview for god’s sakes.
“Wallace Fennel.” They shook hands and I felt the scowl crawl over my face. They shouldn’t be touching either. Yep, I’d definitely have to keep an eye on these two. “As you can probably tell it’s my first day here. I’m not quite sure what to make of the place. I’ve gotten lost more times than I can count today.” He laughed self-depreciatively before shaking his head.
“Look for us tomorrow at lunch. We’ll be in the quad, I’ll give you a tour.” She smiled, all teeth and creases in her cheeks, and that adorable little wrinkle she gets between her eyebrows when she smiles really wide. I grumbled a bit beneath my breath and scowled harder, muttering when she laughed outright at the look on my face. Bitch. “This is Logan, since he’s too rude to introduce himself. Logan Echolls.” I watched recognition slide across Wallace’s face, and sighed, another adoring fan of dear old dad. “Of the Hollywood Echolls.” Cute doesn’t even begin to describe her lifestyles of the rich and famous voice.
Wallace laughed; I scowled more, tugging on her hand again, but I wasn’t talking, talking meant encouragement, and car! Making out! Never let it be said I didn’t have a mission, purpose, one track mind. “But I’ve got to be going, tomorrow, lunch, quad! Don’t forget!” She waved as I dragged her away.
“It wouldn’t kill you to be friendly once in awhile you know. He wouldn’t have given you cooties.” Her voice came out stern, and I knew I was in trouble, no matter how much she smiled at me. Time to smooth the ruffled feathers, another Logan Echolls specialty.
“For you? I’ll be friendly tomorrow, but today! Today we have plans!” Laughing and swinging her up and around twice before setting her on her feet, light and easy Logan, I have to keep reminding myself, nice and easy. “Get your cute little ass in the car, we have movies, and the sooner we get the movies and dinner over with, the sooner we get to the beach!” Or you know the super secret surprise I have planned for you. I opened the door to the Xterra and helped her in quickly, smiling at her laughter. Moving quickly around the car to get in the drivers side. By the time I managed to get myself seated her laughter had died and she was staring at me something akin to horror on her face.
“You okay Veronica?” What the hell could have happened in the twenty seconds it took me to get around the car? Obviously something to put that look on her face, ah the secrets of Veronica Mars. One day I will definitely puzzle you out.
“I’m fine,” Hesitating for a moment before she continued; confirming the next thing she said was a lie. “I just remembered I have an essay due for AP English, I’ll work on it tonight.” She smiled but her heart wasn’t in it.
“That look came from an essay? I was sure you’d been told the world was ending tomorrow,” trying to lighten the mood, but I knew, knew something big had just happened, and I’d missed it. I seem to do that a lot. Miss things where Veronica was concerned.
Veronica stared at me as I started the car, eyes scanning over my face like I was the one hiding something. “See something you like?” I smirked to lighten the question. Turning to face her for a moment before putting the vehicle in gear and pulling out of the parking lot.
“Yes. As a matter of fact I do.” She smiled before continuing. “See that cute guy over there, the one with the blonde highlights? He’s totally hot.” I couldn’t help myself; I had to look for the guy I was going to kill tomorrow. Sheepishness sweeping across my face as she burst into laughter.
“You, you think you’re so cute don’t you,” my voice came out gruffer than I’d intended, so I leaned over to place a light kiss on her lips, to distract her. Honest it was just to distract her. I focused on the road as I formulated a way to hint at the fact we weren’t watching movies this evening. “You sure I can’t convince you to change our plans? Do something other than movies before we have dinner with your parents?” I smiled, secretive.
“Not the beach, what else did you have in mind?” Smiling a secretive smile herself. Veronica Mars would definitely keep me on my toes.
“You’ll see Veronica. You’ll see.” I kept my voice mysterious, hoping to intrigue that clever mind of hers. Turn about is fair play, if she’s gonna keep me on my toes, damned straight I was gonna keep her on hers.
We made it all the way to the boardwalk before she started asking questions. I’m surprised she’d made it that long. I got out of the car and quickly moved to open her door and help her out.
“Where are we going?” neck craned to see the festival behind us.
“Here.” We’d stopped in front of a nondescript building, no signs, no address, just a front door.
“Logan?” Veronica’s voice was full of curiosity. Plan A completed.
Opening the door and ushering her inside, I watched her reaction. The shop was small and intimate, a front desk, a vase of fresh flowers. The walls were white, the carpet was grey, it didn’t look anything like what it was. I smiled slightly at the confusion that was still plastered across her face.
Sandy came out from the back, stepping gracefully behind the desk. She smiled the secretive smile I knew so well before addressing me, “Mr. Echolls, you’re early. We weren’t expecting you until eight thirty.”
“Some of our plans fell through Sandy, could you possibly fit us in now?” I smirked cheekily, eight thirty indeed. She knew when my appointment is, good thing she’s a good actress.
“As a matter of fact we can. Yours was the last appointment of the day. This way we can take care of you and then call it a day,” she smiled as she stood up, turning towards Veronica and extending her hand. “Cassandra Cruise,” she paused for a moment before smiling, “no relation to Tom Cruise.” They shook hands, but Veronica’s confused expression didn’t lesson. I was getting her good. Thank god for the Echolls wealth and influence, otherwise I’d be stuck with dinner and a movie.
Grabbing Veronica’s arm I lead her through the partition in the back wall, an optical illusion to make it look like a solid wall. Stepping into the back room, pure hard wood floors, and mirrors, hundreds of mirrors. Kinky sex den, if only Sandy wasn’t here.
“Ballroom dancing, the dance of love, elegance, and style.” I grinned at her continuing confusion. Veronica Mars was definitely on her toes now. “Mom’s having a soiree next month, formal, traditional dancing, I would be honoured if you would consider the invitation of attending as my guest.” Bowing lower over her hand before smirking at her. “And this way, I won’t step on your toes and squash them into mush.”
Veronica is beautiful when she laughs, but gorgeous when she can’t seem to help herself. There were definite advantages to being the comic relief.
“You’re not afraid I’d step on your toes?” her voice held just as much curiosity as her face, so expressive, so easy to read.
“Nope. You weigh about as much as a mouse, if you step on my toes the worst you’ll do is get closer to me,” I grinned, laughing when she lightly smacked my arm.
Sandy called us over and our first lesson together started. This was only the beginning of my master plan. Veronica Mars was going to fall head over heals in love with me, whether she liked it or not.
~~~
The dancing lesson had been a rousing success; we’d made plans for dozens more. Couldn’t have me embarrassing myself at my mother’s party. Okay so it wasn’t really my mother’s party. It was mine, well, Veronica and mine to be exact…sort of. Mom had gotten it into her head that dating Veronica the local Sheriffs daughter would be good press; I still wasn’t sure how to break that part to Veronica yet. Chances are she wouldn’t take it well.
We’d made it all the way back to her house with a minimum of groping, fondling and kissing. Go team Us. We stumbled through the front door laughing our heads off and Veronica had frozen on the threshold. I nearly knocked us both off our feet, but I managed to keep my balance by wrapping my arms around her, unable to resist placing a soft kiss on her shoulder. She’s still frozen in place, staring at her mother with a white envelope in her hands. Ah. The paternity test.
“Move it, babe, traffic jams are so passé.” I smiled against her shoulder, trying to lighten the moment; this is going to be difficult enough without having her break down on me. She moved slowly towards her mother, heading towards the envelope, and the truth.
“Thanks Mom. Logan and I are going to be in my room. I’ll leave the door open,” Veronica’s voice was terse, but she still grabbed my hand and dragged me down the hallway to her room. She glanced out before shutting the door over, not all the way, following through on what she’d told her mother, but just enough to keep prying eyes out.
“Logan? I need you to be very, very quiet for a few minutes. This is important.” She wasn’t looking at me, wouldn’t look up from the envelope clutched in her hands, and I can’t let go. I’m holding her close, nodding slightly, because I know, I know how important this letter is to her.
Tearing into the letter like it’s a million dollar cheque and I have to fight myself, fight not to say anything, not to let on that I knew.
“Um…” I tried to keep my voice uncertain, maybe I’d inherited something useful from my parents after all. “Why did you need a paternity test Veronica? Something you’re not telling me?” Her body was pressed to mine, and I’m not letting go, not until this is all over. She’s leaning into me so I know she doesn’t mind overly much.
“My mom had an affair with another man. Well, technically, the affair was with my father.” The words came out on a breathless rush; once the floodgates opened she couldn’t seem to stop them. “She was with Jake Kane. They’d been together on and off since high school, sweethearts. He was married to Celeste, but still kept my mom around, and then she met my dad. There wasn’t enough time between them. She wasn’t sure… and my dad didn’t care, so…” she trailed off into uncertainty. I maintained my stillness, not wanting to frighten her, not wanting to scare her off.
“That’s why Duncan broke up with you? Because he thought…” I let the question hang in the air, letting her supply the answers.
“Lilly told me, the day of the car wash, she’d over heard Celeste and Duncan talking, she felt I had the right to know.” I could feel the small tremors wracking her slight frame. Shock, Veronica Mars was in shock.
“So, are you disappointed?” I tried to keep my voice light, but I know my uncertainty came through loud and clear.
“What? That I’m not a Kane?” Veronica questioned, seeking clarification.
“Well yes, are you disappointed that you’re not a Kane? And… you and Duncan aren’t related, where does that…” I trailed off again, uncertain, this whole conversation could ruin everything, could send her running back to Duncan. Turning her around in my arms I met her gaze, letting my fear show very clearly, I want her aware of what this is doing to me.
“No, I’m not disappointed that I’m not a Kane. I’m relieved, the thought of… Duncan and I doing… and what it would have meant,” she shuddered visibly; I could feel the tremors shake through my body as well. I tightened my arms around her, offering her the only comfort I could. “I just…had to know.” After a brief hesitation she hugged me back, standing up on tiptoes to place a gentle kiss on my lips. “As for where that leaves us… right where we are. He broke up with me Logan, this doesn’t change anything.” Relief flashed across my face at her smile. I wasn’t losing her.
Kissing Veronica never got old; her lips were so soft and hesitant under my own. I nibbled lightly at her lower lip before pulling away, yelling loud enough to wake the dead and spinning her up into my arms, twirling her around and finally setting her down on her feet.
“Veronica? You’ve never said, I mean, you’ve said you wanted to see what this could be, but you’ve never said, and I just want to, I mean if you’re…” Why the hell is this so hard? Just ask her Echolls, grow a pair and be a man.
Taking a deep fortifying breath, I slid to one knee in front of her. I looked up at her slight choking sound, meeting her shocked gaze with as level a stare as I could manage.
I reached into my pocket pulling out the note I’d written to myself after Lilly had left me at the beach. “I had to write this down, cause I’m more liable to forget myself in the heat of the moment.” I unfolded the sheet of paper, scanning the contents before finally turning back to gaze up into her shocked face.
“Veronica Mars, we’ve been ‘seeing’ each other for a few weeks now. There have been ups, there have been downs, there’s been misdirection, and I don’t want that to happen here. So I’m going to say this plainly so that even a four year old could understand. Veronica Mars,” I paused dramatically, drawing the suspense out. I can clearly see what she thought I was doing. Is she nuts? We’re only sixteen! “Would you be my girlfriend? I unfolded my hands and held my hand palm up, my sixth grade science club pin prominently displayed. So freaking cheesy.
Laughter floated around us as she released it, uncontrollable laughter. “I’m not wearing that skeezy pin, and we’ll see about the girlfriend bit.” She grinned and winked when I let my disappointment show.
Veronica Mars is definitely a marshmallow, one that will soon be soft and gooey in my hands.
“Hey, I figured you at least deserved a cheesy proposal.” I grinned, unable to help myself, not when she didn’t say no outright. “Besides, I want to be able to say you’re mine, do you know how many guys I had to tell to back off this month? Even Casey wanted to ask you on a date!” I grumbled, god damn her and her adorable cuteness.
Taking my hand gently in hers, she met my eyes for a moment before she said in her most serious voice. “So if I’m your girlfriend, does this mean you’re going to help me with getting revenge on Dick?”
Cheeky little minx, my startled laughter spilled out before I could stop it. “Of course! I’d already planned on it.” Couldn’t let her know I was planning revenge whether she was with me or not. Hands rubbing together in glee, I put on my best evil face.
“You know, honey,” her voice took on a slightly sarcastic lilt that never failed to make my cock harden in my pants, “with my evil genius and your brute strength? We’ll be unstoppable.” She grinned wider when I laughed outright, falling off my knee and sliding to the floor. I wrapped my hand around her ankle, tugging gently, harder as she resisted, bringing her down to my level. Well, closer to my level, since she landed on top of me.
Her giggles ringing in the air, I placed a soft kiss on her still smiling mouth. “I’m counting on it Veronica, I’m counting on it.”
Author: synful_trixx
Pairing/Character: Logan/Veronica (Logan POV)
Rating: NC-17
Summary: It started with a secret that turned into two and spiralled her life out of her control.
Spoilers/Warnings: Eventually there will be spoilers for season two, but not as of yet. Spoilers for the complete first season. The fic will eventually be NC-17 for sexual content.
Word Count: 4386
Any Author's Notes: This part is from Logan’s POV. The next part will be from Lilly’s POV. Then back to Veronica. Totally a departure from the norm for me. I don't do dialogue! Thanks to tsapphire13 & cinaya19 for the beta!
Previous Parts
The beach was definitely uneventful. Lots of throwing a ball for Backup, a few soft kisses, and plenty of handholding. I followed her back to her place, intent on dropping Back-up off and heading off to a movie. Her parents greeting us at the door kind of nixed that idea.
The look they were giving her made my blood run cold. This definitely wasn’t good. If I had to wager a guess, I’d say the shit was definitely about to hit the fan.
I should have known what was coming, but it still surprised me when she turned towards me with an apologetic smile. “The gig is up. Time for you to go home,” Veronica leaned up and kissed me on the mouth, lightly, almost chaste. The flashback to another time, homecoming, when Lilly used me in front of her parents, kissed me to piss them off, burned wildly through my brain.
“I’m not someone you can use to piss off your parents,” I kept my voice hard; I’d seen the evidence lately of her turning into Lilly Version 2.0 but this? This was almost unforgivable.
“I know. I’m sorry, but we’ve been fighting all week and as you can tell by the looks on their faces apparently now is the time they want to talk. We’ll do a movie night when this gets all sorted out.” She promised, but I could hear the hesitancy in her voice.
I nodded once, staring intently at her, trying to figure her out, but she cut that short too, pushing me towards the door, propelling me out of the house before gently closing it behind me.
My cell phone was out and in my hand before I made it to the Xterra, dialling the long ago memorized number without thinking. “We need to talk, meet me at the Beach.” I hung up without waiting for a reply.
This had to stop, she had to stop, I’m pretty sure I can’t take much more of this. Driving on autopilot is never a good idea, as evidenced by the six accidents I almost got in on my way to the beach. Lilly was waiting when I got there, leaning casually against the SUV.
“We’ve got to stop meeting like this lover.” Her voice carried to me on the breeze. Frustrating Lilly Kane, in all her glory.
“We’re not lovers and you know it. Now what the fuck is going on with Veronica? I can’t take this hot cold shit anymore Lill’,” my voice broke in the middle of the sentence. Veronica Mars was getting to me.
“She told her parents that she knows,” her voice was soft and I instantly felt contrite.
“The paternity issue?” I couldn’t help but ask, needing clarification before I dug myself a deeper hole.
“What else is there Logan? It’s all she thinks about,” Lilly’s voice was slightly sad. That bitter sadness that had been plaguing her every time we talked. She turned and headed down the beach, closer to the water. I followed. “She tricked her dad into doing a paternity test, told him it was some health project from school.” Lilly’s words stopped me in my tracks.
“And the answer?” I held my breath as I waited for a response, the response could mean everything, or nothing. I wasn’t sure of my standing around Veronica Mars, or with her.
“We’re not sure yet, the results haven’t come in yet, she’s waiting patiently like the good girl she is,” Lilly turned to face me and I noticed the sadness on her face.
“Why do all this Lilly? I realise you like to manipulate people, get them where you want them… but why her?” I had to know, had to know how badly she was manipulating all of us.
“If she’s my sister she has the right to know, and if she’s not, she still has the right to know,” was her only response, still in that soft bittersweet tone.
“C’mon Lilly, you and I both know you don’t do anything without a damn good reason. Give me the reason,” I pleaded. God I hated when she reduced me to this.
“You’re right. The fabulous Lilly Kane always has a reason, but… you don’t need to know yet…” she trailed off before turning back towards me. Her feet carried her closer to me, her arms wrapping around my middle as she pressed herself against me. I was too frozen in shock to do anything but stand there.
“Do you ever miss it Logan?” I stared down at her quizzically, unsure of what the actual question was. I wrapped my arms around her, trying to give her comfort. Lilly Kane should never be melancholy. “Us? When things weren’t complicated?” Ahhh, the fifty thousand dollar question.
“Sometimes, and then I remember,” soft voice, gentle hands, as I answered.
“Remember?” She asked hesitantly, pressing closer.
“How miserable I was.” I disentangled myself from her clinging limbs and took a step back. “What’s this about Lilly? Wanting to take a trip down memory lane?” I kept my voice hard; Lilly wasn’t getting whatever it was she wanted from me this time.
“No. We can’t go back. This is how it has to be now,” she smiled sadly before making her way towards my Xterra.
“Don’t you have your own car?” I questioned.
“Yep! But I left something in your glove compartment,” she answered sweetly, which is just about the time I remembered the letter. The letter I’d written to Veronica on the day of the car wash. I closed my eyes and prayed for the best, but knew to expect the worst.
“Got it! Sunglasses! I’ve been looking for these and couldn’t remember where I’d put them,” came her perky voice from inside the Xterra. I opened my eyes and sure enough she had a pair of green sunglasses in her hand.
“That’s what you get for leaving your shit all over the place,” I snarked back at her, relief surging through me, Lilly should not have her hands on that letter. Not now. Not ever.
“Just play it cool Logan, let her set the pace. You’re on the right track but if you run her to ground she’s gonna come up fighting,” she smirked for a moment before heading over to her own SUV. “Besides, what’s the fun if things come easy?” She trilled a laugh and she was gone, out of the parking lot in a squeal of tires.
Goddamn Lilly Kane.
~~~
I’d over slept this morning, missed her by a swish of a blonde ponytail disappearing into her homeroom. Damn early rising Mars woman. We’d talked last night on the phone at least, her car was in the shop, so I get the pleasure of driving her home.
I avoided homeroom, instead making a few phone calls. Enough with this passive aggressive, being Duncan Kane shit. Obviously that isn’t working for me, so, time to take some advice. I’m going to be me. In all my possessive, asshole glory, let’s see her run away from that.
~~~
Having to make up the test I’d missed first period during lunch totally sucked. Once again I’d missed Veronica. I have a fool proof plan to make up for that, all I have to do is find the little blonde minx. I’m starting to feel like some type of stalker, only catching glimpses of her before she disappears around a corner.
I finally manage to catch up with her at her locker at the end of the day. I snuck up behind her, sliding my arm around her shoulder, placing a soft kiss on the back of her neck. I softly whispered in her ear, “how about we skip the movie and go to the beach? We’ll go to your place, get your suit, and we’ll go swim in the ocean like dolphins,” I grinned into the nape of her neck.
“You just want to go surfing with the boys!” She laughed out before turning in my arms, placing a kiss on my cheek.
“Guilty as charged Sugar puss.” The laughter just seemed to bubble out of me; sometimes Veronica was just so cheeky.
“No deal. You promised me movies.” God her lip is fucking adorable pouting like that; I can’t help but give in and give her whatever she wants, except I’m not going too. I have other plans. Little does she know.
“Okay. Movies at your place, dinner with your family, and then, maybe, just maybe if I’m a good boy, a walk on the beach?” I tried to mimic her head tilt batting my eyelashes for good measure, trying to charm her, fool her, and keep her from looking too closely at my motives.
“You’re such a ham! As for the good boy part, I much prefer you when you act like yourself.” She puckered her lips and blew me a raspberry. Waiting patiently while she finished in her locker before slinging an arm around her shoulders. Time to head for the start of our plans.
“C’mon Veronica, you know I try to be a good boy for you,” voice high, attempting a falsetto, I grinned when she laughed at my antics. Logan Echolls, comic relief, definitely a new role for me. Neither of us was watching where she was going and she bumped into some kid. Walter or… something. Damn new kids.
She stopped to apologise words stumbling out of her mouth as her cheeks turned a becoming shade of pink. Inconvenient interruption, if she’d just let me lead her away now that she’s apologized there could be make out time in the car before the movie, but no, little Miss Veronica Mars has to actually be nice.
“Don’t worry ‘bout it superfly. No big, no bruises, no broken bones.” Definitely street thug, and he shouldn’t be smiling that way at my Veronica. Definitely going to keep my eye on this one. I continued to tug on Veronica’s hand, trying to get her attention.
“Veronica Mars.” Veronica held out her hand and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. This wasn’t a job interview for god’s sakes.
“Wallace Fennel.” They shook hands and I felt the scowl crawl over my face. They shouldn’t be touching either. Yep, I’d definitely have to keep an eye on these two. “As you can probably tell it’s my first day here. I’m not quite sure what to make of the place. I’ve gotten lost more times than I can count today.” He laughed self-depreciatively before shaking his head.
“Look for us tomorrow at lunch. We’ll be in the quad, I’ll give you a tour.” She smiled, all teeth and creases in her cheeks, and that adorable little wrinkle she gets between her eyebrows when she smiles really wide. I grumbled a bit beneath my breath and scowled harder, muttering when she laughed outright at the look on my face. Bitch. “This is Logan, since he’s too rude to introduce himself. Logan Echolls.” I watched recognition slide across Wallace’s face, and sighed, another adoring fan of dear old dad. “Of the Hollywood Echolls.” Cute doesn’t even begin to describe her lifestyles of the rich and famous voice.
Wallace laughed; I scowled more, tugging on her hand again, but I wasn’t talking, talking meant encouragement, and car! Making out! Never let it be said I didn’t have a mission, purpose, one track mind. “But I’ve got to be going, tomorrow, lunch, quad! Don’t forget!” She waved as I dragged her away.
“It wouldn’t kill you to be friendly once in awhile you know. He wouldn’t have given you cooties.” Her voice came out stern, and I knew I was in trouble, no matter how much she smiled at me. Time to smooth the ruffled feathers, another Logan Echolls specialty.
“For you? I’ll be friendly tomorrow, but today! Today we have plans!” Laughing and swinging her up and around twice before setting her on her feet, light and easy Logan, I have to keep reminding myself, nice and easy. “Get your cute little ass in the car, we have movies, and the sooner we get the movies and dinner over with, the sooner we get to the beach!” Or you know the super secret surprise I have planned for you. I opened the door to the Xterra and helped her in quickly, smiling at her laughter. Moving quickly around the car to get in the drivers side. By the time I managed to get myself seated her laughter had died and she was staring at me something akin to horror on her face.
“You okay Veronica?” What the hell could have happened in the twenty seconds it took me to get around the car? Obviously something to put that look on her face, ah the secrets of Veronica Mars. One day I will definitely puzzle you out.
“I’m fine,” Hesitating for a moment before she continued; confirming the next thing she said was a lie. “I just remembered I have an essay due for AP English, I’ll work on it tonight.” She smiled but her heart wasn’t in it.
“That look came from an essay? I was sure you’d been told the world was ending tomorrow,” trying to lighten the mood, but I knew, knew something big had just happened, and I’d missed it. I seem to do that a lot. Miss things where Veronica was concerned.
Veronica stared at me as I started the car, eyes scanning over my face like I was the one hiding something. “See something you like?” I smirked to lighten the question. Turning to face her for a moment before putting the vehicle in gear and pulling out of the parking lot.
“Yes. As a matter of fact I do.” She smiled before continuing. “See that cute guy over there, the one with the blonde highlights? He’s totally hot.” I couldn’t help myself; I had to look for the guy I was going to kill tomorrow. Sheepishness sweeping across my face as she burst into laughter.
“You, you think you’re so cute don’t you,” my voice came out gruffer than I’d intended, so I leaned over to place a light kiss on her lips, to distract her. Honest it was just to distract her. I focused on the road as I formulated a way to hint at the fact we weren’t watching movies this evening. “You sure I can’t convince you to change our plans? Do something other than movies before we have dinner with your parents?” I smiled, secretive.
“Not the beach, what else did you have in mind?” Smiling a secretive smile herself. Veronica Mars would definitely keep me on my toes.
“You’ll see Veronica. You’ll see.” I kept my voice mysterious, hoping to intrigue that clever mind of hers. Turn about is fair play, if she’s gonna keep me on my toes, damned straight I was gonna keep her on hers.
We made it all the way to the boardwalk before she started asking questions. I’m surprised she’d made it that long. I got out of the car and quickly moved to open her door and help her out.
“Where are we going?” neck craned to see the festival behind us.
“Here.” We’d stopped in front of a nondescript building, no signs, no address, just a front door.
“Logan?” Veronica’s voice was full of curiosity. Plan A completed.
Opening the door and ushering her inside, I watched her reaction. The shop was small and intimate, a front desk, a vase of fresh flowers. The walls were white, the carpet was grey, it didn’t look anything like what it was. I smiled slightly at the confusion that was still plastered across her face.
Sandy came out from the back, stepping gracefully behind the desk. She smiled the secretive smile I knew so well before addressing me, “Mr. Echolls, you’re early. We weren’t expecting you until eight thirty.”
“Some of our plans fell through Sandy, could you possibly fit us in now?” I smirked cheekily, eight thirty indeed. She knew when my appointment is, good thing she’s a good actress.
“As a matter of fact we can. Yours was the last appointment of the day. This way we can take care of you and then call it a day,” she smiled as she stood up, turning towards Veronica and extending her hand. “Cassandra Cruise,” she paused for a moment before smiling, “no relation to Tom Cruise.” They shook hands, but Veronica’s confused expression didn’t lesson. I was getting her good. Thank god for the Echolls wealth and influence, otherwise I’d be stuck with dinner and a movie.
Grabbing Veronica’s arm I lead her through the partition in the back wall, an optical illusion to make it look like a solid wall. Stepping into the back room, pure hard wood floors, and mirrors, hundreds of mirrors. Kinky sex den, if only Sandy wasn’t here.
“Ballroom dancing, the dance of love, elegance, and style.” I grinned at her continuing confusion. Veronica Mars was definitely on her toes now. “Mom’s having a soiree next month, formal, traditional dancing, I would be honoured if you would consider the invitation of attending as my guest.” Bowing lower over her hand before smirking at her. “And this way, I won’t step on your toes and squash them into mush.”
Veronica is beautiful when she laughs, but gorgeous when she can’t seem to help herself. There were definite advantages to being the comic relief.
“You’re not afraid I’d step on your toes?” her voice held just as much curiosity as her face, so expressive, so easy to read.
“Nope. You weigh about as much as a mouse, if you step on my toes the worst you’ll do is get closer to me,” I grinned, laughing when she lightly smacked my arm.
Sandy called us over and our first lesson together started. This was only the beginning of my master plan. Veronica Mars was going to fall head over heals in love with me, whether she liked it or not.
~~~
The dancing lesson had been a rousing success; we’d made plans for dozens more. Couldn’t have me embarrassing myself at my mother’s party. Okay so it wasn’t really my mother’s party. It was mine, well, Veronica and mine to be exact…sort of. Mom had gotten it into her head that dating Veronica the local Sheriffs daughter would be good press; I still wasn’t sure how to break that part to Veronica yet. Chances are she wouldn’t take it well.
We’d made it all the way back to her house with a minimum of groping, fondling and kissing. Go team Us. We stumbled through the front door laughing our heads off and Veronica had frozen on the threshold. I nearly knocked us both off our feet, but I managed to keep my balance by wrapping my arms around her, unable to resist placing a soft kiss on her shoulder. She’s still frozen in place, staring at her mother with a white envelope in her hands. Ah. The paternity test.
“Move it, babe, traffic jams are so passé.” I smiled against her shoulder, trying to lighten the moment; this is going to be difficult enough without having her break down on me. She moved slowly towards her mother, heading towards the envelope, and the truth.
“Thanks Mom. Logan and I are going to be in my room. I’ll leave the door open,” Veronica’s voice was terse, but she still grabbed my hand and dragged me down the hallway to her room. She glanced out before shutting the door over, not all the way, following through on what she’d told her mother, but just enough to keep prying eyes out.
“Logan? I need you to be very, very quiet for a few minutes. This is important.” She wasn’t looking at me, wouldn’t look up from the envelope clutched in her hands, and I can’t let go. I’m holding her close, nodding slightly, because I know, I know how important this letter is to her.
Tearing into the letter like it’s a million dollar cheque and I have to fight myself, fight not to say anything, not to let on that I knew.
“Um…” I tried to keep my voice uncertain, maybe I’d inherited something useful from my parents after all. “Why did you need a paternity test Veronica? Something you’re not telling me?” Her body was pressed to mine, and I’m not letting go, not until this is all over. She’s leaning into me so I know she doesn’t mind overly much.
“My mom had an affair with another man. Well, technically, the affair was with my father.” The words came out on a breathless rush; once the floodgates opened she couldn’t seem to stop them. “She was with Jake Kane. They’d been together on and off since high school, sweethearts. He was married to Celeste, but still kept my mom around, and then she met my dad. There wasn’t enough time between them. She wasn’t sure… and my dad didn’t care, so…” she trailed off into uncertainty. I maintained my stillness, not wanting to frighten her, not wanting to scare her off.
“That’s why Duncan broke up with you? Because he thought…” I let the question hang in the air, letting her supply the answers.
“Lilly told me, the day of the car wash, she’d over heard Celeste and Duncan talking, she felt I had the right to know.” I could feel the small tremors wracking her slight frame. Shock, Veronica Mars was in shock.
“So, are you disappointed?” I tried to keep my voice light, but I know my uncertainty came through loud and clear.
“What? That I’m not a Kane?” Veronica questioned, seeking clarification.
“Well yes, are you disappointed that you’re not a Kane? And… you and Duncan aren’t related, where does that…” I trailed off again, uncertain, this whole conversation could ruin everything, could send her running back to Duncan. Turning her around in my arms I met her gaze, letting my fear show very clearly, I want her aware of what this is doing to me.
“No, I’m not disappointed that I’m not a Kane. I’m relieved, the thought of… Duncan and I doing… and what it would have meant,” she shuddered visibly; I could feel the tremors shake through my body as well. I tightened my arms around her, offering her the only comfort I could. “I just…had to know.” After a brief hesitation she hugged me back, standing up on tiptoes to place a gentle kiss on my lips. “As for where that leaves us… right where we are. He broke up with me Logan, this doesn’t change anything.” Relief flashed across my face at her smile. I wasn’t losing her.
Kissing Veronica never got old; her lips were so soft and hesitant under my own. I nibbled lightly at her lower lip before pulling away, yelling loud enough to wake the dead and spinning her up into my arms, twirling her around and finally setting her down on her feet.
“Veronica? You’ve never said, I mean, you’ve said you wanted to see what this could be, but you’ve never said, and I just want to, I mean if you’re…” Why the hell is this so hard? Just ask her Echolls, grow a pair and be a man.
Taking a deep fortifying breath, I slid to one knee in front of her. I looked up at her slight choking sound, meeting her shocked gaze with as level a stare as I could manage.
I reached into my pocket pulling out the note I’d written to myself after Lilly had left me at the beach. “I had to write this down, cause I’m more liable to forget myself in the heat of the moment.” I unfolded the sheet of paper, scanning the contents before finally turning back to gaze up into her shocked face.
“Veronica Mars, we’ve been ‘seeing’ each other for a few weeks now. There have been ups, there have been downs, there’s been misdirection, and I don’t want that to happen here. So I’m going to say this plainly so that even a four year old could understand. Veronica Mars,” I paused dramatically, drawing the suspense out. I can clearly see what she thought I was doing. Is she nuts? We’re only sixteen! “Would you be my girlfriend? I unfolded my hands and held my hand palm up, my sixth grade science club pin prominently displayed. So freaking cheesy.
Laughter floated around us as she released it, uncontrollable laughter. “I’m not wearing that skeezy pin, and we’ll see about the girlfriend bit.” She grinned and winked when I let my disappointment show.
Veronica Mars is definitely a marshmallow, one that will soon be soft and gooey in my hands.
“Hey, I figured you at least deserved a cheesy proposal.” I grinned, unable to help myself, not when she didn’t say no outright. “Besides, I want to be able to say you’re mine, do you know how many guys I had to tell to back off this month? Even Casey wanted to ask you on a date!” I grumbled, god damn her and her adorable cuteness.
Taking my hand gently in hers, she met my eyes for a moment before she said in her most serious voice. “So if I’m your girlfriend, does this mean you’re going to help me with getting revenge on Dick?”
Cheeky little minx, my startled laughter spilled out before I could stop it. “Of course! I’d already planned on it.” Couldn’t let her know I was planning revenge whether she was with me or not. Hands rubbing together in glee, I put on my best evil face.
“You know, honey,” her voice took on a slightly sarcastic lilt that never failed to make my cock harden in my pants, “with my evil genius and your brute strength? We’ll be unstoppable.” She grinned wider when I laughed outright, falling off my knee and sliding to the floor. I wrapped my hand around her ankle, tugging gently, harder as she resisted, bringing her down to my level. Well, closer to my level, since she landed on top of me.
Her giggles ringing in the air, I placed a soft kiss on her still smiling mouth. “I’m counting on it Veronica, I’m counting on it.”