Fic: Secrets (part 21) (Logan/Veronica) (NC-17)
This is it boys and girls! The end of Secrets! Please remember that there is still Logan's POV and Lilly's POV to come... so this isn't the end... other things will become clear soon enough.
Title: Secrets (Part 21)
Author: synful_trixx
Pairing/Character: Logan/Veronica
Rating: NC-17 (Eventually)
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 (again) be NC-17 for sexual content.
Word Count: 2737
Any Author's Notes: I've re-watched the finale about 500 times so far, and I couldn't get this out of my head. Totally a departure from the norm for me. I don't do dialogue! Thanks to cinaminsweet for the beta!
Previous Parts
Waking up next to Logan is always an experience. Waking up with Logan the morning after with the hangover from hell was something entirely different. Through the pounding in my head, the queasiness in my stomach, it was still kind of sweet. Logan was… understanding.
I couldn’t breathe, I’m sure that’s what woke me up. My lungs were slowly being squeezed to the point of death. The tight pain across my chest jerking me from the sleep of the unconscious, my eyes jerking wide open as I scrambled out of the bed towards the bathroom, falling to my knees in my haste.
“Straight ahead Veronica, the bathroom light’s already on.” Logan’s sleep muffled voice came from behind me as I struggled to my feet to make it to the bathroom in time.
Bare minutes into my retching, Logan’s hands came around me, pulling my hair away from my face, holding it in a loose pony tail as he rubbed soothing circles across my back. I was pale and shaky; sweat beading across my forehead and upper lip as I struggled to contain my heaving stomach.
When I finished Logan handed me a wrapped toothbrush and a glass of water. He waited patiently not saying a word as I brushed the foul taste out of my mouth, then handed me two aspirin. He took my hand and led me back to the bed, gently laying me down before spooning behind me.
Logan’s fingers brushed my hair off my face, his lips close to my ear. “Feel better now?” I shivered at the feel of his breath brushing over the tiny hairs behind my ear.
“Not really. I’m never drinking again.” My voice was quiet, slightly choked as I groaned into my pillow.
Chuckling behind me, Logan’s arms tightened, before he placed a soft kiss at the nape of my neck. “It’s not really you Veronica.”
I stiffened in his hold, I couldn’t help it, “And what am I Logan?” My voice sounded slightly angry, I couldn’t help it.
“Marshmallows and promises.” He rolled me over to face him, placing a tender kiss on my lips. “You’ve always been marshmallows and promises, Mars. You’re not Lilly, you’re not this girl you’ve been pretending to be the past few weeks.” I stiffened more against him, but softened when he pressed his lips to mine again. “Just be you Veronica, I’ll be happy no matter who you are.” He smiled gently at me and I felt myself relaxing even more into his arms.
“And if I am more like Lilly?” I couldn’t help but ask, Lilly’s words from the night before coming back to me.
“Then you’re more like Lilly.” Logan shrugged before smiling goofily down at me. “I’ll take you any way I can get you, red satin and all.” Logan’s lips came down on mine, more demanding now, seeking entrance, and I gave in willingly.
I pulled away after a few moments. “You know we’ll have to talk eventually right?” I questioned. Things were too unsettled between us.
“Of course.” Logan mumbled against my lips. “Just not now.” His hand slid up my torso cupping one breast in his palm. I moaned into his lips unable to help myself.
I know, I know, total cop out. Skipping out on the good parts. But there’s so much more to this story, more than just sex, love, manipulation and secrets.
Yah, I don’t believe that either. It all started with a secret. Two secrets really, secrets that changed everything, changed the dynamic of our group, the shape of my life, the shape of my personality.
I wasn’t sure who I was anymore. Was I Veronica Mars? Or was I a cross between Veronica Mars and Lilly Kane? I guess everyone goes through that as they grow up. That change from youth to adulthood, the struggle to find themselves. My version of the struggle came complete with soap opera storylines, angst, intrigue, and secrets.
It all came back to secrets.
Monday at school started the same as every other Monday at school, with one exception. Logan and I walked through the doors of Neptune High holding hands. It wasn’t a big thing; it wasn’t a major life altering change. Holding hands didn’t have the power to change the universe.
Lilly nodded knowingly to us as we passed her, smiling that secretive smile she was so good at. The one that said, I have a secret, a good one.
“What are we doing after school?” Logan’s voice startled me, my eyes whipped from Lilly’s smiling face to Logan’s Cheshire grin.
“Want to go to the beach?” I suggested, spinning my lock, and opening my locker. I had to let go of his hand, which didn’t feel right at all. Logan being in tune with me placed his now free hand at the small of my back.
“Want to try surfing?” He laughed at my look of disdain. “I’m kidding. Why don’t I ask Dad if we can borrow the boat? Get a few of us together and go for a cruise?” He smiled softly, placing a kiss on my forehead as I shut my locker and turned towards him.
“Sounds good. Who?” We linked hands again and started moving towards his locker.
“Duncan and Meg, Lilly,” he paused for a moment, thinking, “maybe Dick and the Beav?” Definitely not a well-rounded group.
“Sure sounds good. You talk to the rest I’ll talk to Lilly and we’ll give it a go.” I grinned when his smile turned lascivious.
“Give it a go huh? How about we skip inviting anyone else and we’ll work on that ourselves?” Before I knew what was happening, Logan had me pressed up against his locker, mouth hard on mine as he kissed me breathless.
“Break it up you two!” Lilly’s voice cut through the haze Logan and I were in. He slowly lifted his mouth from mine, never breaking eye contact. “All right, that’s enough, you’re turning me on.” Lilly’s laugh cut through the tension, and Logan and I smiled.
“Then our nefarious plan is working.” I winked at Lilly over Logan’s shoulder, before extricating myself from his arms. “Remember to ask everyone.” I laughed when Logan groaned and banged his head against the locker. “Be a good boy.” I gently kissed his cheek before turning back to Lilly.
We linked arms and started walking towards homeroom. “So spill Veronica Mars.”
“Up for a boat trip after school?” I deliberately played dumb; sometimes it worked, but usually not on Lilly.
“I’m always up for boating, don’t play dumb Veronica Mars.” Lilly laughed. “Logan. You. Alone all night in a bedroom, spill.” Lilly and I stopped just outside of our homeroom.
“Not here.” My voice was quiet as I looked around. “We’ll talk later. Alone.” I smiled slightly before leaning closer. “I’ve got a secret. A good one.” I grinned when Lilly laughed.
“I’m sure you do Veronica Mars. Or at least you better.” We were still laughing when we stepped through the doors.
Everything was set and ready to go. Mr. Echolls had let Logan take the boat, we’d stocked up on provisions on the way to the dock, and we were ready.
Everyone was supposed to meet us at the Dock. I hadn’t realised that Lilly was bringing someone else.
“You ready?” Logan’s voice broke into my reverie. I couldn’t help but wonder if this was such a good idea. Duncan and I… we weren’t friends anymore. I wasn’t sure if we could be friends anymore, even if I did know the real reason he’d broken up with me. Things couldn’t be anything but strange.
“Ready as I’ll ever be.” I smiled at Logan, trying to reassure him. I knew it wasn’t working when he immediately took my hand and gave it a squeeze.
“Everything’s going to be fine Veronica. You’ll see.” He leaned in and gently placed a kiss on my forehead. “Let’s go.” We both got out of the Xterra and made our way towards the boat, where Lilly and a guy were standing, the other 09ers standing well away from them.
I saw why when they turned toward us and I was faced with Weevil.
He smiled slightly at my shocked expression, ducking his head before grinning outright. I turned towards Lilly taking in her pleased expression, her devious smile, the way she casually brushed against Weevil’s arm every few seconds. They weren’t holding hands, but it was obvious they were more than friends.
Logan went to open his mouth and I squeezed his hand hard, making him look at me. I shook my head slightly, asking him without words to not say anything. I wanted to see how this played out. I wanted to know what Lilly was up too. I couldn’t help but remember her tear-stained face, red-rimmed eyes, and runny nose from the night before.
Logan nodded slightly, letting me know he’d understood. “Ready to get this show on the road?” His voice was jovial as he clapped his hands together.
“We’re not getting on the boat with him.” Dick’s voice came out loud and clear. Glaring at Weevil.
Weevil’s mouth opened to reply but I beat him to it. “Dick.” One word and Dick froze, turning to face me. “Let’s go.” I gave him my best steely look. Watching as he took a deep breath and got on the boat. Everyone else followed suit. I noticed Duncan and Meg for the first time. I remembered her now; she was on the cheerleading squad. They looked cute together.
Logan took my hand and led me onto the boat, Weevil and Lilly getting on behind us. This was definitely going to be an interesting boat ride.
You may wonder what a boat ride between friends, and semi friends, and not so much friends might have to do with the story. I wasn’t sure at that point what was happening.
I should have known that Lilly had a plan all along. It started with a game.
To say things had been tense since we got on the boat would have been an understatement. Lilly kept trying to lighten the mood, passing drinks around and being Lilly. Logan had turned up the music to ear splitting, as we cruised out into the harbour. Dick was still glaring at Weevil, and Weevil, for his part, hadn’t said one word.
“Okay this is fun.” Lilly’s voice broke into my thoughts, and I turned to stare at her. A small sarcastic smile lit her features. “Anyone want to start pulling teeth to make the day complete?” She asked with false cheer.
I couldn’t help but laugh out loud, the tension easing slightly. Lilly always had a way of diffusing any situation or making it worse.
“Let’s play a game!” Lilly clapped her hands, bringing the cooler closer to us, passing out coolers.
I was hesitant to take mine. Alcohol these days was definitely not my friend.
“Everyone’s played I never, I assume?” Lilly’s voice had that lilt to it. The one that shouted she was up to something.
We all agreed that we knew how to play the game, and Lilly started us off.
“I’ve never kissed my best friend.” Lilly and I laughed as we both took a drink. We could see the boys around us practically salivating at the thought.
“When?” Logan’s voice was close to my ear. I hadn’t realised he’d dropped anchor and come to join us.
“You were there, remember? Homecoming? You dared Lilly to kiss someone in the limo…” I trailed off as I saw comprehension dawn on his face.
“Ahhh, a little girl on girl, never gets old.” He smiled before quickly pecking me on the lips.
“I’ve never had sex where anyone could see.” I took a drink and watched as everyone but Meg and Duncan drank with me.
“And where was that Veronica Mars, you vixen!” Lilly’s voice came sweet and bubbly as I blushed to the roots of my hair.
“Logan’s Xterra with the door open.” Logan’s cheek rubbed against mine as he pressed our faces together. “Logan was in such a hurry he didn’t even close the door.” I laughed as he pinched my arm.
“Weevil and I outside of the party on Friday.” Lilly laughed as Dick choked on his cooler.
“The backseat of Lilly’s SUV at the beach party a month or so ago.” Weevil’s voice sounded amused as he moved closer to Lilly. He’d finally spoken, and ah, such words to start with. I could feel my face get even hotter. I’d been the one to catch them that time.
We went a few more rounds, getting drunk with every question asked. We were all picking stupid silly things that we all had done, or that we’d all known the others had done.
“I’ve never told someone a secret that wasn’t true.” Lilly’s voice broke slightly on the last words, her eyes meeting mine as she slowly raised her cooler to her lips and drinking.
“Explain.” My voice was slightly breathy as I stared at Lilly. Which secret hadn’t been true, why had she lied at all?
“Your mom and my dad did date, in high school. It ended there. There was no affair. The pictures that Celeste showed Donut were from their high school prom. She told me the truth, even if she lied to Duncan.” I could see the truth in Lilly’s eyes. She’d lied to me.
“I’ve never lied for my own personal gain.” My voice was slightly choked, the game now only between Lilly and I as the others watched on in bemusement. I felt my eyes widen comically as Lilly took another drink. “When?” I asked, my heart fluttering in my chest.
“The same lie. I had my reasons, not all of them were for personal gain though. I wanted you to stop mourning Donut, wanted you to smile again.” Lilly smiled tremulously.
Logan’s voice came harsh against my ear, breaking me out of the trance I was in. “I’ve never put my best friend’s happiness before my own.” Logan, Lilly, and Duncan all drank, as I sat there dumfounded.
I looked back and forth between them; confusion apparent in my eyes, before I had a chance to question Duncan’s voice spoke up.
“I’ve never believed the lies my parents told me.” Duncan raised his glass to his lips and drank, as did Logan, Lilly, Meg, Beaver, and Dick.
I’m starting to think this was a conspiracy on all their parts. I couldn’t get my mind over the shock that Lilly had lied about the secret. Why had she lied, there had to be a reason. There was always a reason.
“I’ve never set my best friend up with my ex-boyfriend.” Lilly drank, and everything was coming clearer.
“I’ve never set my ex-girlfriend up with my best friend.” Duncan drank.
I felt like a spectator in a ping-pong match.
“I’ve never taken my ex-girlfriend’s advice on how to land her best friend.” Logan’s hand came up and I felt the bottle meet his lips next to my face.
“I’ve never not wanted my best friend to be happy.” Lilly, Duncan, and then Logan all drank.
“I’ve never been involved in a conspiracy.” I spoke softly, and raised my glass to my lips. Lilly’s face was blank as she drank. I watched Logan’s hand lift, Duncan raise his glass, and Weevil hesitate before taking a large swallow of his drink as well.
“I’ve never not loved Veronica Mars.” Logan’s voice next to my ear, but I watched as Lilly and Duncan both drank.
Sometimes a secret is a secret for a reason, and sometimes you just have to come clean. Let the truth be known and let it have its reign. I’d been royally played by the master. Lilly had gotten the end that she’d wanted. I wasn’t sure why I’d been played so well.
But there you have it. The story of Logan Echolls and Veronica Mars, how we came to be, and how we came to stay.
A story started by a secret, and finished by the truth.
That day on the boat, I can remember so clearly, was the beginning of everything. The end to the secrets, but the beginning of Veronica Mars, version 2.0.
Title: Secrets (Part 21)
Author: synful_trixx
Pairing/Character: Logan/Veronica
Rating: NC-17 (Eventually)
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 (again) be NC-17 for sexual content.
Word Count: 2737
Any Author's Notes: I've re-watched the finale about 500 times so far, and I couldn't get this out of my head. Totally a departure from the norm for me. I don't do dialogue! Thanks to cinaminsweet for the beta!
Previous Parts
Waking up next to Logan is always an experience. Waking up with Logan the morning after with the hangover from hell was something entirely different. Through the pounding in my head, the queasiness in my stomach, it was still kind of sweet. Logan was… understanding.
I couldn’t breathe, I’m sure that’s what woke me up. My lungs were slowly being squeezed to the point of death. The tight pain across my chest jerking me from the sleep of the unconscious, my eyes jerking wide open as I scrambled out of the bed towards the bathroom, falling to my knees in my haste.
“Straight ahead Veronica, the bathroom light’s already on.” Logan’s sleep muffled voice came from behind me as I struggled to my feet to make it to the bathroom in time.
Bare minutes into my retching, Logan’s hands came around me, pulling my hair away from my face, holding it in a loose pony tail as he rubbed soothing circles across my back. I was pale and shaky; sweat beading across my forehead and upper lip as I struggled to contain my heaving stomach.
When I finished Logan handed me a wrapped toothbrush and a glass of water. He waited patiently not saying a word as I brushed the foul taste out of my mouth, then handed me two aspirin. He took my hand and led me back to the bed, gently laying me down before spooning behind me.
Logan’s fingers brushed my hair off my face, his lips close to my ear. “Feel better now?” I shivered at the feel of his breath brushing over the tiny hairs behind my ear.
“Not really. I’m never drinking again.” My voice was quiet, slightly choked as I groaned into my pillow.
Chuckling behind me, Logan’s arms tightened, before he placed a soft kiss at the nape of my neck. “It’s not really you Veronica.”
I stiffened in his hold, I couldn’t help it, “And what am I Logan?” My voice sounded slightly angry, I couldn’t help it.
“Marshmallows and promises.” He rolled me over to face him, placing a tender kiss on my lips. “You’ve always been marshmallows and promises, Mars. You’re not Lilly, you’re not this girl you’ve been pretending to be the past few weeks.” I stiffened more against him, but softened when he pressed his lips to mine again. “Just be you Veronica, I’ll be happy no matter who you are.” He smiled gently at me and I felt myself relaxing even more into his arms.
“And if I am more like Lilly?” I couldn’t help but ask, Lilly’s words from the night before coming back to me.
“Then you’re more like Lilly.” Logan shrugged before smiling goofily down at me. “I’ll take you any way I can get you, red satin and all.” Logan’s lips came down on mine, more demanding now, seeking entrance, and I gave in willingly.
I pulled away after a few moments. “You know we’ll have to talk eventually right?” I questioned. Things were too unsettled between us.
“Of course.” Logan mumbled against my lips. “Just not now.” His hand slid up my torso cupping one breast in his palm. I moaned into his lips unable to help myself.
I know, I know, total cop out. Skipping out on the good parts. But there’s so much more to this story, more than just sex, love, manipulation and secrets.
Yah, I don’t believe that either. It all started with a secret. Two secrets really, secrets that changed everything, changed the dynamic of our group, the shape of my life, the shape of my personality.
I wasn’t sure who I was anymore. Was I Veronica Mars? Or was I a cross between Veronica Mars and Lilly Kane? I guess everyone goes through that as they grow up. That change from youth to adulthood, the struggle to find themselves. My version of the struggle came complete with soap opera storylines, angst, intrigue, and secrets.
It all came back to secrets.
Monday at school started the same as every other Monday at school, with one exception. Logan and I walked through the doors of Neptune High holding hands. It wasn’t a big thing; it wasn’t a major life altering change. Holding hands didn’t have the power to change the universe.
Lilly nodded knowingly to us as we passed her, smiling that secretive smile she was so good at. The one that said, I have a secret, a good one.
“What are we doing after school?” Logan’s voice startled me, my eyes whipped from Lilly’s smiling face to Logan’s Cheshire grin.
“Want to go to the beach?” I suggested, spinning my lock, and opening my locker. I had to let go of his hand, which didn’t feel right at all. Logan being in tune with me placed his now free hand at the small of my back.
“Want to try surfing?” He laughed at my look of disdain. “I’m kidding. Why don’t I ask Dad if we can borrow the boat? Get a few of us together and go for a cruise?” He smiled softly, placing a kiss on my forehead as I shut my locker and turned towards him.
“Sounds good. Who?” We linked hands again and started moving towards his locker.
“Duncan and Meg, Lilly,” he paused for a moment, thinking, “maybe Dick and the Beav?” Definitely not a well-rounded group.
“Sure sounds good. You talk to the rest I’ll talk to Lilly and we’ll give it a go.” I grinned when his smile turned lascivious.
“Give it a go huh? How about we skip inviting anyone else and we’ll work on that ourselves?” Before I knew what was happening, Logan had me pressed up against his locker, mouth hard on mine as he kissed me breathless.
“Break it up you two!” Lilly’s voice cut through the haze Logan and I were in. He slowly lifted his mouth from mine, never breaking eye contact. “All right, that’s enough, you’re turning me on.” Lilly’s laugh cut through the tension, and Logan and I smiled.
“Then our nefarious plan is working.” I winked at Lilly over Logan’s shoulder, before extricating myself from his arms. “Remember to ask everyone.” I laughed when Logan groaned and banged his head against the locker. “Be a good boy.” I gently kissed his cheek before turning back to Lilly.
We linked arms and started walking towards homeroom. “So spill Veronica Mars.”
“Up for a boat trip after school?” I deliberately played dumb; sometimes it worked, but usually not on Lilly.
“I’m always up for boating, don’t play dumb Veronica Mars.” Lilly laughed. “Logan. You. Alone all night in a bedroom, spill.” Lilly and I stopped just outside of our homeroom.
“Not here.” My voice was quiet as I looked around. “We’ll talk later. Alone.” I smiled slightly before leaning closer. “I’ve got a secret. A good one.” I grinned when Lilly laughed.
“I’m sure you do Veronica Mars. Or at least you better.” We were still laughing when we stepped through the doors.
Everything was set and ready to go. Mr. Echolls had let Logan take the boat, we’d stocked up on provisions on the way to the dock, and we were ready.
Everyone was supposed to meet us at the Dock. I hadn’t realised that Lilly was bringing someone else.
“You ready?” Logan’s voice broke into my reverie. I couldn’t help but wonder if this was such a good idea. Duncan and I… we weren’t friends anymore. I wasn’t sure if we could be friends anymore, even if I did know the real reason he’d broken up with me. Things couldn’t be anything but strange.
“Ready as I’ll ever be.” I smiled at Logan, trying to reassure him. I knew it wasn’t working when he immediately took my hand and gave it a squeeze.
“Everything’s going to be fine Veronica. You’ll see.” He leaned in and gently placed a kiss on my forehead. “Let’s go.” We both got out of the Xterra and made our way towards the boat, where Lilly and a guy were standing, the other 09ers standing well away from them.
I saw why when they turned toward us and I was faced with Weevil.
He smiled slightly at my shocked expression, ducking his head before grinning outright. I turned towards Lilly taking in her pleased expression, her devious smile, the way she casually brushed against Weevil’s arm every few seconds. They weren’t holding hands, but it was obvious they were more than friends.
Logan went to open his mouth and I squeezed his hand hard, making him look at me. I shook my head slightly, asking him without words to not say anything. I wanted to see how this played out. I wanted to know what Lilly was up too. I couldn’t help but remember her tear-stained face, red-rimmed eyes, and runny nose from the night before.
Logan nodded slightly, letting me know he’d understood. “Ready to get this show on the road?” His voice was jovial as he clapped his hands together.
“We’re not getting on the boat with him.” Dick’s voice came out loud and clear. Glaring at Weevil.
Weevil’s mouth opened to reply but I beat him to it. “Dick.” One word and Dick froze, turning to face me. “Let’s go.” I gave him my best steely look. Watching as he took a deep breath and got on the boat. Everyone else followed suit. I noticed Duncan and Meg for the first time. I remembered her now; she was on the cheerleading squad. They looked cute together.
Logan took my hand and led me onto the boat, Weevil and Lilly getting on behind us. This was definitely going to be an interesting boat ride.
You may wonder what a boat ride between friends, and semi friends, and not so much friends might have to do with the story. I wasn’t sure at that point what was happening.
I should have known that Lilly had a plan all along. It started with a game.
To say things had been tense since we got on the boat would have been an understatement. Lilly kept trying to lighten the mood, passing drinks around and being Lilly. Logan had turned up the music to ear splitting, as we cruised out into the harbour. Dick was still glaring at Weevil, and Weevil, for his part, hadn’t said one word.
“Okay this is fun.” Lilly’s voice broke into my thoughts, and I turned to stare at her. A small sarcastic smile lit her features. “Anyone want to start pulling teeth to make the day complete?” She asked with false cheer.
I couldn’t help but laugh out loud, the tension easing slightly. Lilly always had a way of diffusing any situation or making it worse.
“Let’s play a game!” Lilly clapped her hands, bringing the cooler closer to us, passing out coolers.
I was hesitant to take mine. Alcohol these days was definitely not my friend.
“Everyone’s played I never, I assume?” Lilly’s voice had that lilt to it. The one that shouted she was up to something.
We all agreed that we knew how to play the game, and Lilly started us off.
“I’ve never kissed my best friend.” Lilly and I laughed as we both took a drink. We could see the boys around us practically salivating at the thought.
“When?” Logan’s voice was close to my ear. I hadn’t realised he’d dropped anchor and come to join us.
“You were there, remember? Homecoming? You dared Lilly to kiss someone in the limo…” I trailed off as I saw comprehension dawn on his face.
“Ahhh, a little girl on girl, never gets old.” He smiled before quickly pecking me on the lips.
“I’ve never had sex where anyone could see.” I took a drink and watched as everyone but Meg and Duncan drank with me.
“And where was that Veronica Mars, you vixen!” Lilly’s voice came sweet and bubbly as I blushed to the roots of my hair.
“Logan’s Xterra with the door open.” Logan’s cheek rubbed against mine as he pressed our faces together. “Logan was in such a hurry he didn’t even close the door.” I laughed as he pinched my arm.
“Weevil and I outside of the party on Friday.” Lilly laughed as Dick choked on his cooler.
“The backseat of Lilly’s SUV at the beach party a month or so ago.” Weevil’s voice sounded amused as he moved closer to Lilly. He’d finally spoken, and ah, such words to start with. I could feel my face get even hotter. I’d been the one to catch them that time.
We went a few more rounds, getting drunk with every question asked. We were all picking stupid silly things that we all had done, or that we’d all known the others had done.
“I’ve never told someone a secret that wasn’t true.” Lilly’s voice broke slightly on the last words, her eyes meeting mine as she slowly raised her cooler to her lips and drinking.
“Explain.” My voice was slightly breathy as I stared at Lilly. Which secret hadn’t been true, why had she lied at all?
“Your mom and my dad did date, in high school. It ended there. There was no affair. The pictures that Celeste showed Donut were from their high school prom. She told me the truth, even if she lied to Duncan.” I could see the truth in Lilly’s eyes. She’d lied to me.
“I’ve never lied for my own personal gain.” My voice was slightly choked, the game now only between Lilly and I as the others watched on in bemusement. I felt my eyes widen comically as Lilly took another drink. “When?” I asked, my heart fluttering in my chest.
“The same lie. I had my reasons, not all of them were for personal gain though. I wanted you to stop mourning Donut, wanted you to smile again.” Lilly smiled tremulously.
Logan’s voice came harsh against my ear, breaking me out of the trance I was in. “I’ve never put my best friend’s happiness before my own.” Logan, Lilly, and Duncan all drank, as I sat there dumfounded.
I looked back and forth between them; confusion apparent in my eyes, before I had a chance to question Duncan’s voice spoke up.
“I’ve never believed the lies my parents told me.” Duncan raised his glass to his lips and drank, as did Logan, Lilly, Meg, Beaver, and Dick.
I’m starting to think this was a conspiracy on all their parts. I couldn’t get my mind over the shock that Lilly had lied about the secret. Why had she lied, there had to be a reason. There was always a reason.
“I’ve never set my best friend up with my ex-boyfriend.” Lilly drank, and everything was coming clearer.
“I’ve never set my ex-girlfriend up with my best friend.” Duncan drank.
I felt like a spectator in a ping-pong match.
“I’ve never taken my ex-girlfriend’s advice on how to land her best friend.” Logan’s hand came up and I felt the bottle meet his lips next to my face.
“I’ve never not wanted my best friend to be happy.” Lilly, Duncan, and then Logan all drank.
“I’ve never been involved in a conspiracy.” I spoke softly, and raised my glass to my lips. Lilly’s face was blank as she drank. I watched Logan’s hand lift, Duncan raise his glass, and Weevil hesitate before taking a large swallow of his drink as well.
“I’ve never not loved Veronica Mars.” Logan’s voice next to my ear, but I watched as Lilly and Duncan both drank.
Sometimes a secret is a secret for a reason, and sometimes you just have to come clean. Let the truth be known and let it have its reign. I’d been royally played by the master. Lilly had gotten the end that she’d wanted. I wasn’t sure why I’d been played so well.
But there you have it. The story of Logan Echolls and Veronica Mars, how we came to be, and how we came to stay.
A story started by a secret, and finished by the truth.
That day on the boat, I can remember so clearly, was the beginning of everything. The end to the secrets, but the beginning of Veronica Mars, version 2.0.