Fic: Some Truths Hurt (V/Logan, all) R [23of ?]
Title: Some Truths Hurt
Author: jenwin23
Pairing/Character: all, LoVe
Word Count: 8,332 (a short one)
Rating: R
Spoilers: Season 1
Warnings: Slight violence, cussing, discussions about rape and possible incest.
This story so far recaplet: Cannon up until Echolls Family Christmas. Veronica copied Duncan’s laptop hard drive to get his journal. Connor and Veronica were dating for awhile, until she and Logan finally managed to work through their issues enough to get together. Veronica took a paternity test and is a Mars, Duncan wants to date her again, awkwardness ensues. LoVe investigates the rape and the truth is revealed (but is it the whole truth?). Lynn tried to commit suicide but Logan found her and got her to the hospital in time. Veronica is at Logan’s side, but he breaks up with her convinced that she would be better off away from him. Logan’s friends have a surprising response to the breakup, and stand by Veronica until LoVe gets back together. Lynn disappears and Logan asks V to find her, they track her to a rehab facility in Santa Barbara and have sex, but all is not well between them. Logan’s grandma is in town and tells him about his trust funds. Logan has been trying to win a second chance from Veronica, but she holds out until she admits she loves him and wants to be together. Unable to just say it she acts out at a party until Logan throws her over his shoulder and kidnaps her until they work through their issues. Meg has a secret admirer, Mac is going strong with Enbom, and Casey has hooked up with the new girl, Nadia. Caitlyn and Madison had a sex tape of Logan until V conspired with Logan’s friends to get it back.
Chapter 23
(Sunday)
Steering the boat from the top deck’s helm, Logan and Veronica sit facing into the rising sun as they take the boat back to Neptune. The wind rushes past them sweeping back Veronica’s hair. As they get closer to Neptune, Logan radios the marina and slows the yacht’s speed. He wraps an arm around Veronica and pulls her into a long kiss.
Veronica: (breathless) What was that for?
Logan: Just checking. The last time I brought you home after a weekend away you turned away from me.
She hugs him as they dock the yacht in the Echolls space.
Driving Veronica home, Logan kisses her at each red light.
Veronica: (grinning) Still just checking?
Logan: I like to be thorough.
She flushes slightly in memory of just how thorough he had been earlier that morning and yesterday.
Veronica: I know.
Arriving at the Mars’ apartment complex Logan parks then hops out to open Veronica’s door for her before walking her to her door. He waits as she unlocks it, leaning on the jam with a happy, relaxed smile.
Logan: Pick you up at 8?
Veronica: Why don’t we make it 7? I need to get some sleep tonight.
Logan’s smirks at her and she rolls her eyes in response, hiding a smile. Pushing the door open she turns back to plant a small peck on Logan but he sweeps her off her feet with a fervent kiss.
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Keith arrives home that afternoon to find Veronica sitting on the floor in the living room her books spread out around her and Backup on the couch behind her.
Keith: What’s wrong with this picture?
He takes his duffle bag back to his bedroom then comes back out and makes himself a sandwich. Sitting in the living room arm chair he studies Veronica. She seems happier.
Veronica: How was your trip?
Keith: Profitable.
Veronica: That’s what I like to hear.
Keith watches as her eyes light up with her smile, and he smiles in response.
Keith: I talked to Alicia this morning. How about a family dinner tonight, all of us?
Veronica: Rain check? I have plans for tonight.
Keith: You can finish your homework later.
Veronica: Um, as the parent I think you’re supposed to demand that I finish my homework before I go out.
Keith: Thanks for the tip, Doctor Spock.
Veronica: No problem.
Keith: Dinner?
Veronica: Can’t. Again with the lack of short term memory, should we see a doctor?
Keith: I think I’m well within my rights to demand some daddy/daughter time. I haven’t seen you all weekend.
Veronica: Because you were working. Why should I be punished?
Keith: Spending time with me is a punishment?
Veronica: It is when you take me to the batting cages or bowling alley.
Keith: I haven’t given up hope that my baby girl will one day actually hit a ball with a bat.
Keith wipes away an imaginary tear and shakes his head.
Veronica: I think that’s one dream that Wallace will have to fulfill for you, because it’s just not happening for me.
Keith smiles, happy to have their carefree banter back and happy that she seems to accept Alicia and her kids as part of their family. After the disaster of dating Rebecca, Keith hadn’t been sure Veronica would ever be ok with him with a woman who wasn’t her mother.
Veronica: I’m um, I have a date tonight.
Keith: A date? With who?
Veronica: (soft smile) Logan.
Keith: (casual) Oh yeah? You kids managed to work it out?
Veronica: Yeah.
Keith: I’m glad.
Veronica: (doubting but hopeful) You are?
Keith: I want you to be happy.
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At 7pm sharp Logan knocks on the Mars’s door with a bouquet of tulips and a wide grin. Keith answers the door and invites him in.
Keith: Logan. Good to see you again.
Logan: You too, Mr. Mars.
Keith: (calling loud) Veronica. You have a gentleman caller.
Logan: Ah, a Tennessee Williams reference. I see where Veronica gets it from.
Keith: It’s important to acknowledge the classics.
Logan: I prefer A Streetcar Named Desire or Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
Keith: (smiling) Where are you taking Veronica to tonight, Logan?
Logan: Dinner at The Marine Room.
Keith: It’s a school night.
Logan: I’ll have her home by 11:30.
Veronica emerges from her room wearing a green skirt and black sweater.
Veronica: Dad, are you done interrogating Logan? Can we go?
Keith: Of course honey. Nice to see you again Logan.
Logan: You too Mr. Mars.
As Logan walks Veronica to the car she peers at him suspiciously.
Logan: What?
Veronica: You seem relaxed.
Logan: And happy. I got back together with my girlfriend this weekend.
Veronica: Oh yeah? I didn’t know you had broken up, what with your calls to TMZ to clear things up.
Logan: (smiling hugely) Accuracy in the media is important Veronica.
Veronica: Humm. What were you and my Dad talking about?
Logan: Tennessee Williams.
Veronica: Right.
Logan: We were. Good ol’ Tennessee and your curfew.
Veronica: That’s it?
Logan: Yep.
Veronica: Why do I think I’m missing something?
Logan shrugs.
After dinner Logan drives down to La Jolla Shores and pulls out a blanket and picnic basket.
Veronica: More food?
Logan: Dessert. This being our first date I have to pull out all the stops. Gotta make sure I earn a second date.
Veronica: (smiles) Chocolate?
Logan: Among other things.
Veronica: Well done. (southern accent) Pa will be so proud.
They sit on the nearly empty beach sampling the chocolates Logan had brought as long with a cheesecake with several different flavored slices. They easily fall back into their old patterns teasing and sharpening their wits on each other. Veronica fills Logan in on Meg’s secret admirer, then glares at Logan playfully when she notices his eyes shift away when she wonders who it could be.
Veronica: You know.
Logan: (magnanimous) I know many things Veronica, you’ll have to be more specific.
Veronica: You know who Meg’s secret admirer is. (eyes narrow) It’s one of your friends.
Logan: What makes you say that Ellery Queen?
Veronica: You don’t usually pay attention to anyone outside your circle Logan. That means it’s someone you’re close to.
Logan: (daring her) Prove it.
Veronica: Oh I will.
Driving home later that night, Logan parks the Xterra and lifts their joined hands to kiss hers.
Veronica: What are we going to do about Madison and Caitlyn?
Logan: I got this one, don’t worry about it.
Veronica: Will you be breaking any laws? Should I save up money for bail?
Logan: Aw, thanks Sugarpuss, but don’t worry, I’m the victim here, the law is on my side.
Veronica: Seriously, what are you going to do?
Logan: (studying her fingers, tracing them with his) Well, Caitlyn is already out, so I can’t really do much more there, so I’ll have to take away something else she values.
Veronica: Her hair extensions?
Logan: (smirks) Access to mommy and daddy’s money.
Veronica: And Madison?
Logan: She’s out.
Veronica: (smile fading) All hail the king of the 09ers. Hear ye, hear ye.
Logan: (squeezes her hand) That’s just the beginning.
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(Monday)
Logan meets Veronica in the parking lot and reaches for her hand, then stops awkwardly, stuffing both hands in his pockets and fidgeting. She watches amused, and blows out an exaggerated sigh before taking his hand and scissor locking their fingers together. Logan grins.
Veronica: We’re taking it slow Logan, not taking it back to 6th grade.
They walk into school with hundreds of heads turning to watch them as they go. The whispers grow more excited as Logan walks Veronica to her locker to get her books then takes her hand and pulls her down the hall to his. Logan Echolls and Veronica Mars are back together.
At Logan’s locker Dick falls to his knees in front of them loudly thanking god that the ordeal is over. Veronica tries not to look amused and makes an effort to not insult Dick or kick him while he’s at her feet. Lulling him into a false sense of security. Logan frowns as he notes how she shifts her eyes away from Duncan when he comes over. Having Veronica and Duncan this awkward around each other was going to be hard on him, but he really couldn’t blame her. When Veronica sees Mac she kisses Logan quickly on the lips before leaving.
Veronica: Gotta go.
Catching up to Mac.
Veronica: Are we on for tomorrow?
Mac nods and laughs.
Veronica: (rubbing her hands together) Excellent.
Logan leans back, the picture of contentment, watching Veronica talk to Mac and Rams socks him in the shoulder.
Rams: Man you are so whipped.
Logan: I know, isn’t it great?
Rams: I hope you’re at least getting some.
Logan: (frowning) Don’t talk about Veronica like that.
Duncan is startled by Rams’ question and studies Logan’s face as he responds. Logan turns to Dick and tries to get his support for his plan to make Madison pay. Dick isn’t convinced.
Logan: Don’t tell me you still want to date her?
Dick: Just cut her out for awhile, why you gotta go so far?
Logan: What do you want me to do, send her a mean note in class? Not pass her the ball at recess? She tried to sell a sex tape of me Dick.
Rams: (to Dick) Dude. She’s a bitch. She deserves what she gets.
Dick: We grew up together…
He trails off as all the guys notice a pissed off Madison approaching. She stops in front of them.
Madison: (she glares at Dick, then turns to Logan, simpering) Hi Logan. You should wear green all the time, it’s your color. (when he just stares at her impassively she turns to Dick) I want my CDs and DVDs back Dick. God, just because your Dad probably took your credit card away, doesn’t mean you can steal from me. Why I ever dated you, I don’t know. You are so immature and childish and…
Dick: Shut it Madison. I’m done listening to you. I didn’t take your stuff. I was with you the whole time. Remember? Or are you too dumb?
Madison sputters and huffs.
Madison: How dare you speak to me like that? We are so over. (bitchy look) And I’ll make sure none of my friends even consider looking at you. You’ll have to go to Veronica’s friends to get laid. (smiles) Remember to wear a condom. Cheap whores usually have diseases.
Logan: That’s enough. You’re out.
Madison: (gasping) What? Why?
Logan: Let’s see. You treat my friend like shit, and he takes it. But you talk about Veronica after I’ve made it clear that I won’t tolerate it and you’ve gone too far. You’re a heinous bitch, I never liked you to begin with. I only put up with your for Dick’s sake. And now that he’s done with you, and he is, there is no reason to suffer your presence anymore.
She looks horrified.
Madison: Logan, no.
Logan: Oh, and Madison? Thanks for keeping the video Caitlyn gave to you. I have it now so it’s safe and sound.
Madison: (begging) I was going to give it to you, I was, she said she had it and wanted to sell it because her parents wouldn’t buy her the new Prada bag, but I convinced her to give it to me, to keep it safe.
Dick: Yeah right Madison. You had the tape for days and you kept it. You were going to use it to get something you wanted. Now get the fuck away, you’re polluting our air with your smelly perfume.
Madison’s face falls and then she tosses her hair over her shoulder and looks at Dick.
Madison: You’ll be back. I was the best thing that ever happened to you.
The guys all laugh, including Dick.
Logan: (to Dick) So?
Dick: I’m in. I’m so in.
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Van Clemmons pulls Logan out of his second period creative writing class to discuss his next community service.
Clemmons: Mr. Echolls. I’m glad to see that you’ve completed almost 15 community service hours. (looking at Logan’s file) And you exceeded the goal for yearbook ads sold.
Logan: Sure did, Big guy. I just had to apply myself.
Clemmons: You’re very intelligent Logan, all your teachers agree.
Logan: Wow. Stop, I’m blushing.
Clemmons: (deadpan) I doubt that.
Logan: Are we done? I’m missing the one class I actually enjoy.
Clemmons: I have another matter to discuss with you.
Logan: Oh joy! Must be my lucky day.
Clemmons: Your sarcasm is not required. I assume you are familiar with our school’s theatre program.
Logan: Why would I be?
Clemmons: Both your parents are actors…
Logan: Professional. Not involved in school plays.
Clemmons: Well, perhaps we can change that.
Logan: (incredulous) You want my Dad to…have a role in our school play?
Clemmons: No, but with you directing the spring play perhaps your father and mother will attend.
Logan: Why would I direct the school play?
Clemmons: Because the staff advisor just broke her leg and will be unable to fulfill all her duties, and I’ve heard that the play is a mess.
Logan: Not my problem.
Clemmons: If you were willing to make it your problem Mr. Echolls, I would be willing to consider all your community service hours completed.
Logan: And if I don’t?
Clemmons: (sitting back) I’m sure I could find you another service assignment. Perhaps helping in the school cafeteria. Or a school beautification project, you know picking up trash.
Logan: (faux enthusiasm) Directing the play sounds like a fantastic idea.
Clemmons: Glad to hear it. The play runs for three days, April 14-16. Rehearsals are 4 days a week.
Logan: (unhappy) Great.
Clemmons: I’ll be checking in with you to make sure things are going well.
Logan: Even better.
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Walking to Journalism Veronica hears laughter and turns her head to see Boris wearing a purple t-shirt that says “Veronica Mars Tazed Me” with the picture of a stick figure girl standing over another stick figure. Seeing her he runs up to her.
Boris: Hey Veronica.
Veronica: (still walking) Hi Boris. Nice shirt.
Boris: Oh, (laughs) yeah. I um I hope you’re not mad about what I said at the party. I was drunk. I didn’t mean it.
She looks at him with her nose wrinkled, and continues down the hallway as people point and laugh. Logan is waiting outside the Journalism classroom for her and scowls as he sees her with Boris.
Logan: Boris. Glad to see there’s no permanent damage.
Boris: No. I’m good.
Veronica: Boris was just apologizing to me for the party.
Logan: That’s nice of you Boris. Thanks for walking Veronica here safely. I can take it from here.
Logan and Veronica move into the classroom and both look put out.
Logan: You have a new fan.
Veronica: I guess. Who knew Boris was into pain?
Logan: If he steps out of line…
Veronica: He’s harmless.
She grabs his arm and smiles distractingly as she pulls him into the classroom.
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Meg and Veronica walk from PE to Meg’s locker before lunch to find a box and envelope stuck to Meg’s locker door.
Veronica: Your secret admirer strikes again.
Meg: (opening the box) Ooh, chocolate covered strawberries!
She eats one and offers the box to Veronica, who takes one covered in dark chocolate.
Meg: Yummy.
She opens the envelope to find a $250 spa certificate. The note says “You deserve to be pampered, this one’s on me.”
Veronica: Nice.
Meg: (grabbing Veronica’s arm) Come with me. We can get facials and massages together.
Veronica: I think you’re supposed to pamper yourself not me, Meg.
Meg: Come on, it’ll be more fun if you come with me. I hate going to this kind of thing alone and making small talk to some haughty French woman who tells you your pores are large enough to rival a sink hole in Florida.
Veronica: (straight faced) Well since you make it sound so fun….
Meg: (tilting her head, pouting) Come on Veronica. It’ll be fun if we do it together.
Veronica: I’m kinda busy this week.
Meg: (begging) Please!
Veronica: (giving in with a sigh) I could do it tomorrow, or we could go on Friday.
Meg: The dance is on Friday. (squeals) Yea, I’ll make us appointments for after school tomorrow.
Veronica: (doubtful) Sounds like…fun?
Meg: Now about the dance…..
Veronica groans.
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Elsewhere, Keith is working the insurance fraud case still, and is following a guy on foot. As he walks down a sidewalk he passes two guys who are watching him from a car on the opposite side of the street.
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Logan buys Thai for lunch that day and sits at Veronica’s table with Veronica, Meg, Mac, Enbom and Wallace. Logan relates to the group that he’s the not so proud new director of the school play.
Veronica: Aw, sweetie. Look at you. Getting involved in school activities. It’s like hell has frozen over completely and the ice capades are in town.
Logan: Once again, thanks for your support.
Logan had told Veronica all about his misfortune during Journalism, but apparently she had been saving up her snark until she had an appreciative audience.
Veronica: (tilting her head and tapping her chin) Tell me again why you got community service? Oh, right you felt the need to punch somebody.
Logan: Be glad I didn’t punch Boris today.
John Enbom: Aw, man, I heard about that.
Wallace: Could be a future career for you V, Mistress Veronica, dominatrix.
Veronica: No thanks.
Meg: (to Logan) What are you going to do?
Veronica: Nothing.
Logan: I think she’s asking about the play Sugarpuss.
He kisses Veronica’s cheek then her ear until she pushes him away. Meg nods and bites her lip to keep from laughing.
Veronica: What is the play anyway?
Logan: (blank) I forgot to ask.
Veronica: Meg?
Meg: Much adu about nothing.
Finding out Meg isn’t even in the play this time Logan pleads with her to come help him. Meg tries to demur, but Logan ropes her in.
Veronica: (looking calculating) Before you agree Meg, you should get Logan to tell you who...
The rest of her words are inaudible because to stop her from saying he knew who Meg’s secret admirer was Logan presses his lips to Veronica’s tightly until she opens her mouth to protest and he seals his mouth over hers in a deep kiss. By the time they break the kiss, their table is empty.
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Walking out to their cars after school, Logan has his arm slung around Veronica. Weevil walks up to them.
Weevil: You finally wore her down, huh? (to Veronica) Thought you’d be smarter than this.
Logan: It’s not your business.
Veronica: (warning) Logan. Weevil.
Weevil: You hurt her again and I’ll make it my business.
Logan shrugs. Weevil nods at Veronica, then walks away.
Veronica: No fighting.
Logan: Did you see any fists?
Veronica: Not yet.
Logan: Oh ye, of little faith.
Veronica: Listen to you, getting into the proper vernacular for your play. (smiles gleefully) You should show your solidarity with the actors by only speaking in iambic pentameter.
Logan: Should I be worried that you seem to take pleasure in my pain and suffering?
Veronica: Not your pain, pookie, just your annoyance. I get all the pleasure without having to do the work.
They stop next to her car and she leans against it within the circle of Logan’s arms as he leans his hands on the roof closing her in a protective bubble.
Logan: (smirking as his eyes heat up) I’m more than willing to do the work. And when I do it we both get pleasure.
She tries to frown at him, but smiles as his mouth brushes over her cheek before kissing a line down her neck.
Veronica: Don’t you have somewhere to be?
Logan: (kissing her lips) Not for another 17 minutes yet.
Veronica: Oh yeah? Better put them to good use.
He does.
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Cut to Keith in his car, driving up the 101 talking to his contact. He says he has taken pictures of the man in the neck brace with a former lawyer who was disbarred for representing a fake accident ring. Keith looks in his rearview mirror and asks his contact if anyone else is working the case. The man replies that no one else is.
Keith hangs up then pulls into a resort parking lot and leaves his car for the valet. The other car follows. The two guys from the other car park and then split up to look for Keith. He comes out from his hiding place, breaks into their car, and looks in the glove compartment. He then gets his keys back from the valet, saying he's at the wrong hotel. Back in the car in the surface streets Keith calls Rogers at the Sheriff’s office to run the name he found, which is Russian.
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Mars Investigations office. Veronica receives a call on her cell phone from Leo. The animal hospital made three outgoing calls between 4:00 and 4:10pm. Veronica jots down the names then pulls up the Private Eyz website to run them. She writes down the addresses and leaves the office. The first two addresses are occupied but not by Tom Cruz. She pulls into the third address and waits. Seeing a dog and the owner exit the house, going out for a walk, she pulls out her camera and snaps a few pictures.
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Scene opens in a nice if somewhat fussy living room. Dick and Enbom are sitting awkwardly on the couch side by side. The camera pans around to reveal Madison’s mother and father.
Mr. Sinclair: Perhaps you boys had better tell us why you’re here.
Mrs. Sinclair: (resigned) If it’s something Madison has done, we’ll pay for the damages.
Mr. Sinclair: We always do.
Dick: Yeah. Ok. Um…
Enbom: Look, we’re just here to give you a heads up. Madison, well if she keeps going she could end up in trouble.
Mr. Sinclair: What kind of trouble?
Dick: You know that Madison and I dated for a long time, and well this last time we broke up...
Enbom: There is no easy way to say this. Madison has a shopping problem. I don’t know if it’s officially an addiction, you’d have to talk to a psychiatrist for that, but she buys stuff all the time.
Mrs. Sinclair: We know. We pay her credit card bills.
Dick: But you don’t see mine.
Enbom: She took my card and maxed it out. My mom caught on when she saw the bill.
Mr. Sinclair: (pulls out his check book) How much?
Mrs. Sinclair: I’m so sorry. I can’t believe she actually stole your card.
Enbom: There’s more.
Mr. Sinclair: More?
Mrs. Sinclair: Oh no.
Dick: She…when she wants something, she…
Enbom: (pats Dick on the back) I got this man. (turning back to the Sinclairs) She’s trading sex to get guys to buy her stuff.
Mr. Sinclair is stunned to silence and Mrs. Sinclair looks embarrassed.
Enbom: She wanted some new bag…
Mrs. Sinclair: (whispering) The Prada purse.
Mr. Sinclair: Does it matter what it was?
Enbom: She tried to get me to buy it for her, when I said no, she had a fit and then the next day flat out said she’d only sleep with me if I bought her the purse. It wasn’t the first time, but it was the first time she was so blatant about it.
Mr. Sinclair: And you Dick? I assume you have similar tales?
Dick: Yeah. Jewlery, nice dinners out, fancy dresses and shoes.
Mr. Sinclair: And my daughter got you to buy these items for her by offering you sexual favors.
Dick: Yeah.
Enbom: Sorry. But we thought you should know. If she hooked up with the wrong crowd…
Mr. Sinclair: Thank you for coming.
As Dick and Enbom leave they can hear the Sinclairs arguing. Mrs. Sinclair says it’s their fault for never disciplining Madison. Mr. Sinclair says it doesn’t matter how they got to this point, but how they proceed from here.
Dick: Well that was fun.
Enbom: She brought it on herself. Besides it’s not really a lie. Logan’s right, the best scam is to stick as close to the truth as possible.
Dick: I did buy her those ugly shoes.
Enbom: And I bought her the damn bag.
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Mars Investigations. Veronica is on the phone with Katerina, and tells her that they found Tom Cruz. She's about to give Katerina Tom’s address, when Keith walks in and disconnects the call.
He tells Veronica that Katerina's real name is Yelena Sukarenko and shows her pictures of the two men who were following him. They are her brothers and part of the Russian mob in Chicago. Anthony Thomas Cruz worked for their father and then turned him in, landing him in jail. He's not a long lost love. He's in the witness protection program. Veronica is shocked. The phone rings. Veronica stares at the phone, then her dad.
A few minutes later, the phone is rings again. Keith tells Veronica to answer and do what they agreed on. Veronica does and says she spilled hot coffee on herself and had to run to the bathroom. She gives an address and hangs up. Veronica is upset and wants to know what will happen now. Keith says he'll take it from here.
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