Fic: Full Circle, part 22.5/22.5 COMPLETE! - gertinator
Title: Full Circle, part 22.5/22.5
Author: gertinator
Pairing/Character: Logan/Veronica
Word Count: 2721
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Epic. V and Logan find their way back to each other and solve a mystery, too.
Spoilers/Warnings: a little AU but mostly intact including 2.22. The mystery is about a serial killer and some parts may be graphic.
A/N: This was written for the loveathons Epic Challenge. The last prompts, wishbone and unicorn. And yes, that means I have used them all! And this grand finale is dedicated to the lovely and patient afrocurl.
part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 | part 6 | part 7 | part 8 | part 9 | part 10 | part 11 | part 12 | part 13 | part 14 | part 15 | part 16 | part 17 | part 18 | part 19 | part 20 | part 21 | part 22
Part 22.5 epilogue
It was going to be a traditional Marfennel Thanksgiving, with a very large bird and all of the trimmings. The whole family was gathering, along with several "orphans" who had been added to the guest list. Namely Logan and Gina. And of course, Felicia. Alicia had purchase a tiny Cornish hen for Felicia to feast on so she wouldn't feel left out, feeling no shame at all when Logan accused her of plumping up his feline.
Logan was a little nervous about the big family event about to take place. "I've never done this before," he explained to Veronica. "Not for real. I've played the part, in the Echolls family facade, but I've never done it for real..." He wasn't just nervous about the meal, though, and all it meant. He was nervous because he had decided the time was right and he was going to finally pop the question. After all, the thing he was most thankful for in his life was Veronica.
"You'll be fine, honey. Dad already loves you and the rest will just fall in place. Relax." Veronica pulled Logan into a hug, stroking his back and giving him a kiss on the cheek. "I'm going to go see how Dad and Alicia are doing in the kitchen. Why don't you turn the game on and wait for Wallace? Since you are a Thanksgiving virgin, we won't make you slave over the hot stove."
She gave him another reassuring kiss and then a pat on the ass to get him moving. And just because it was always nice to have an excuse to grope his hot little ass.
********
The meal was beautiful. Keith and Alicia had gone all out, providing enough food for twenty people. Or three Veronicas, as Keith joked. Veronica had set the table with the best china and linens, and there were even candles in the centerpiece. It felt like a momentous special occasion. They had a lot to be thankful for this year, including the fact that Veronica and Logan had managed to escape the Killer Barber entirely intact. Logan's shiny pink scar was even fading to a less noticeable tone, and he had his full range of movement back.
Keith sat at the head of the table, regal as the family patriarch. He had everyone join hands and then gave thanks for all of the gifts he had been given, including having all of his kids with him. He gave Veronica a loving smile, and then included Wallace, Darrell, Logan and Gina as his surrogate children.
"I'm so glad to have all of you here with me this year," Keith said, as they released each others' hands and began to eat. "Neptune was starting to get lonely with just me and Alicia, and the occasional visit from Wallace." Keith winked at Wallace, who grinned in return.
"I know you always wanted a little slugger, Dad. But this looks like you are going for the whole damn team," Veronica quipped, looking around at the packed table.
"It's true, the family does seem to keep growing." Keith laughed heartily. "We are truly blessed. We might be able to form the Fighting Mars Baseball club someday really soon. I've got my fingers crossed."
"Maybe we'll finally get blessed with some grand-kids to fill out the ranks..." suggested Alicia with a wink, glancing at Veronica and Wallace, who both studiously avoided making eye contact.
"Hey, I gave you Felicia," Logan joked. "She's not much of a slugger, but I've done my duty."
"That covers me, too, then," said Veronica quickly, giving Logan a high five. "Guess that means you're up to bring on the rugrat, Wallace." She was surprised to see Gina blush and smile.
At Veronica's widened eyes, Gina shrugged and mumbled, "Maybe someday."
The meal stretched out through amiable gorging, until all parties were sitting bloated in their chairs, moaning in slothful pleasure.
"That was one fiiiiiine meal," Wallace commented, patting his stomach. Darrell echoed the sentiment.
"The best," Logan agreed. Far better than any catered Echolls fare. And the company was far superior as well. For the first time in his life, he really felt like he had a family and he belonged. It was an amazing feeling.
Wallace and Darrell and Gina began quibbling over the wishbone, an annual right of the feast. Usually Veronica was part of the traditional battle, but this year she stayed silent, watching with a grin.
"Rock-paper-scissors to determine the winner?" Wallace suggested. "V, you want in? We can tournament it."
Veronica smiled, took Logan's hand. "No, I think I'm good. I don't wanna push my luck."
Logan smiled. The time was almost right. He knew it was right, too, because the panic that had choked him previously was completely gone. He felt calm and steady, like everything was exactly the way it should be. Or maybe that was tryptophan from the turkey making him feel so good.
Logan looked at the blonde to his right, getting a shiver up his spine just at the sight of her. Nope, not the tryptophan, definitely Veronica. His smile widened. This was gonna be so good. This was the first day of the rest of his life, with the "diminutive detective" firmly at his side.
**********
The evening was winding down and everyone was getting sleepy. Keith and Alicia were stretched out on the couch in a snuggle, Wallace and Gina had doubled up in the recliner and Darrell had given up the pretense of watching TV and gone into his room for a nap.
Logan decided that the time was right, while everyone was relaxed and sedated on turkey hormones. He pulled out a small box that he had carefully wrapped in shiny red paper.
"This is for you, Veronica," he said. "Because I am most thankful for you." He grinned slyly, smirking. Underneath, he was a ball of nerves, but he was determined not to let it show.
Veronica opened the package and held up a stuffed unicorn. Its t-shirt read 'I'm horny for you.' "Um?" she said, examining Logan. He was clearly trying to play it cool, but he seemed to be really wigging out. Far more than the gift of a sexual innuendo novelty animal warranted. Even if it was in front of her Dad. And hello? Odd gift, especially for Thanksgiving.
"They didn't - I saw it, and it's not an 'I love you beary much' bear... but this seemed more like us, anyway..." He smirked wider, his confidence starting to shine through. She'd get the joke any minute now. He hoped. A little rivulet of sweat trickled down his back, and he repeated to himself. Cool, stay cool. She's Veronica Mars, she'll get it.
"I'm horny for you?" Veronica read aloud, giggling.
Veronica heard Wallace groan, and mutter, "TMI, dude. TMI. I'm gonna go see if there is any pie left." He got up and left the room. Keith seemed to suddenly understand what was going on and he motioned the others out of the room as well, putting a finger to his lips as Alicia started to ask a question.
Veronica eyed Logan. There was definitely something going on. He seemed to be holding his breath, waiting for her to get the punch line. An old memory tickled at the back of her mind. Happier times, his house... She smiled. "Was it at least won through a demonstration of ring tossing ability?" Logan grinned. He had been starting to worry that she wouldn't remember that day so long ago.
"Well." Logan blushed a little, then continued, hesitantly, teasing. "There is a ring involved. I'm hoping you won't toss it..."
Veronica stared at him, comprehension dawning. She looked down at the stuffed unicorn in her lap. There was a flash of diamond sparkle coming from the horn. Her eyes widened. "Logan?" She pulled the ring off the unicorn's horn and placed it on her ring finger. It was a perfect fit. She gazed down at her hand, twisting and rubbing the ring, totally hypnotized.
"Um." Logan gave a little cough to get her attention. "Dying here. Is that a yes?" he asked wryly.
"Was there a question?" asked Veronica, eyebrow raised. She was trying very hard to hold in her grin.
Logan shook his head, smirk firmly in place. "You love to torment me, don't you?"
Veronica smiled. "It's what I do best."
"God, I love you, woman." Logan got down on his knee in front of Veronica. He took her left hand in his, fingering the ring and grinning up at her. "Veronica Mars, will you make me the happiest man alive and agree to torment me forever as my wife?"
Veronica threw her arms around him. "I love you, too, Logan! I promise I will torment you forever and ever!" Logan laughed, pulling her onto the floor and into his lap. He covered his mouth with hers and tried to show without words just how much she meant to him. Veronica got the message loud and clear, and sent back a similar one of her own.
"The unicorn apparently speaks the truth," joked Wallace, as the family trailed back into the room. Darrell was blinking groggily, having been rudely awaked for the important family moment, and Gina was practically bouncing with glee. Keith had a bottle of sparkling cider in his hand, and Alicia carried a tray of glasses.
Keith held the bottle out to Logan. "Care to do the honors, son?" Keith pulled him into a bear hug. "Welcome to the family, Logan. I couldn't ask for a better son-in-law."
Logan tried to memorize every detail of the moment, his eyes damp with some of the happiest tears of his life. Then he shook the bottle a little and popped the cork, pouring fizzing cider into glasses for everyone.
Veronica raised a glass. "To the Marfennecholls!!" she toasted. Everyone cheered.
"Hmm. We may have to negotiate on a name..." whispered Logan, wrapping his arms around her. "That's quite a mouthful."
"That's okay," Veronica whispered back with a wink. "I can fit a lot in my mouth."
Logan's cock gave a little twitch of agreement, and he planted a kiss on her neck. "Minx. I plan on testing that theory later on tonight."
"We've got the rest of our lives for me to prove it," she breathed, nipping at his ear. "The rest of our lives."
"I love you," Logan said, squeezing her tight and pulling her be-ringed hand up for a kiss. "So much."
"Love you, too." There was indeed much to be thankful for in the Marfennecholls household.
**********
"So now that you've quit your job, V, whatcha gonna do with your life?" Veronica had told Anderson not to hold her place in the FBI. For now, she and Logan were going to try to make a home in Neptune. Or maybe a nearby seaside town. They had been casually looking at real estate without yet committing to anything. "You're not gonna spend all of your time sitting on the couch watching chick flicks with Echolls, are you?" Wallace loved to needle Logan about his recent change in favorite movie genres.
"I am secure enough in my manhood to admit that I enjoy certain romantic comedies. It shows how highly evolved I am." Logan stuck out his tongue at Wallace. Wallace made a face back which involved crossed eyes and wiggly fingers.
"I don't know," Veronica sighed, rolling her eyes at the two goofballs seated on either side of her on the couch. It was a problem she had been trying not to think too much about. "For now, I suppose I'll work for Dad. I can consult for some of the nearby police agencies, too. Maybe help on the movie." Logan had offered both Keith and Veronica jobs consulting for the Rita Ares film. He wanted it to have the same realistic feel as the books, and he didn't trust anyone in Hollywood to do it like a Mars.
"So, I had this idea..." Logan began, looking nervously between Wallace and Veronica. Really, it hinged on Veronica, but he was hoping Wallace would help her see the sense. "I've just been holding my Dad's money in trust, and I thought it would be nice to use it to... to make amends somehow."
"Make amends? How are you planning on doing that?" Veronica was curious. Aaron certainly had plenty to make amends for, but the people most affected by his crimes wouldn't benefit from money. Lilly was already dead, and she, Logan, and Keith had moved on. Duncan was god knows where, and Celeste and Jake were living in an ivory tower in Silicon Valley somewhere. Who was left to make amends to?
"I was thinking about starting a foundation." Logan looked down at his hands, which were twisting nervously in his lap. "We could be a team. I don't have it all figured out yet, but somehow, if we could use all of our skills to help out people in need, people who don't have any other place to turn..." He looked up hopefully. "I mean, between all of us," he waved vaguely to include Keith and Mac and their other friends. "We've got quite a lot of skills, a lot of connections. And we are good at solving problems."
"Hmmm, Logan." Veronica was touched by the idea, but still, couldn't help but playfully tease him. "This is sounding awfully familiar." She changed her voice, to tone out deeply, "If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire... The A-Team." She giggled. "How much TV Land have you been watching?"
Logan smiled at the comparison. He remembered how he had joked with Trina about having his own A-team before, but how they had never actually helped anyone. He wanted to change that. What was the point of having a load of money if you didn't use it to do things, things that would otherwise not get done?
Logan had turned his life completely around, but he would never have been able to do it without the help of Veronica, Keith, Trina, Dr. Jan, Pete, Belle... all of his friends from rehab. All of the people who had supported him and helped him keep going. He wanted to give back a little.
"I guess since I'm the token black guy, I get to be B.A. I pity da fool..." growled Wallace, flexing his muscles and trying to imitate Mr. T. "Awesome! I need to go get me some bling." He punched Veronica's shoulder. "And since you are the token girl, you gotta be Amy." He smirked.
"Amy? Amy?! Amy's boring! I wanna be..." Veronica contemplated for a minute. "I think I should be Hannibal. I'm always the one who comes up with the plans." She grinned. "Yep, I'm definitely Hannibal. I love it when a plan comes together."
"I'm Hannibal," Logan whined. "This was my idea." He forgot for a moment the serious nature of his plan for the foundation, and got caught in the casting. "George Peppard and I have a lot in common."
"No way are you Hannibal." Wallace shook his head and patted Logan on the shoulder consolingly. "I'm afraid that's gonna have to be V. You're more like..." Wallace thought for a moment. He and Veronica shared a glance and then they said together, "Murdock!"
"I am not Murdock! I don't have an invisible dog, and you don't have to break me out of a psychiatric ward." Logan pouted as Veronica and Wallace high-fived and laughed hysterically. "If Veronica is Hannibal, then I at least get to be Face." He fluttered his lashes and tried to look charming.
Veronica tilted her head at Wallace and rolled her eyes, but then shrugged and agreed. "Alright, you're Face." If they really followed through on this idea, then Logan would be the face of the operation and she would provide the brains. She wasn't about to tell Wallace that she would be more likely to look to Weevil for the brawn. It was sweet that he thought he could intimate people.
When she thought about it, it actually wasn't a bad plan over all. She giggled. "And Lamb is Colonel Lynch, always trying to get us for the crimes we didn't commit." The three laughed together.
"So are we going van shopping this afternoon?" asked Wallace, still chuckling. "Maybe we can get some grenade launchers, too?"
"Seriously, though." Logan broke in, still smiling. The joking was all fine and good, but he really wanted this to happen. "What do you say, Veronica? We can start with just me and you as employees, and we'll bring everyone else in as needed on contract. We'll hire Mars Investigations to supplement whatever gets to be too much of a work load for you."
Veronica turned to Logan, taking in his eager look. "You really want this, don't you? Who exactly are you planning on helping?"
"Come on, Ronnie. Remember how much work there was for you when we were in high school? All of the kids who needed someone, but were too intimidated to go to a real PI? And what about..." This was really the heart of his idea, but Logan knew he had to tread lightly. He took a deep breath, then continued.
"What about the girls who are raped, who need real attorneys and real investigation, not just a half trained school counselor and an asshole at the police department? But maybe they can't afford them..." He took another breath and looked in her eyes, trying to ignore the ache in his chest. "What about the kids whose parents are the enemy, who need someone with power to back them so they can be safe?"
"You are really an idealist, aren't you, sweetie?" Veronica leaned in to give Logan a gentle kiss, trying to keep it chaste so Wallace wouldn't complain too much. The gagging sounds she heard to her right indicated he still thought it was too much, and she pulled back quickly. Though not too quickly. Wallace could suffer a little. He liked to suck face wit Gina in public, the hypocrite.
"I never used to be..." Logan said. "But my view of the world has improved considerably lately." He thought of something. "We can't be the A-team, though. We are going to use Aaron's money, but this is about us, not him. I don't want him to get any credit." He was adamant on that. This wasn't one of his Dad's face-saving philanthropic piles of bullshit. This was about actually helping people who needed help.
"What are we going to call ourselves, then?" asked Veronica with a smile.
"The V-team, of course," Wallace suggested, and bumped knuckles with Logan. "That's what we've been all along."
******************The end... for now...******************
A/N: So I planned to add other stuff to this, including a Rita Ares excerpt, but I decided to save all those goodies for the sequel. For those of you curious about the rain stick, I didn't actually use anyone's suggestion. BUT, the idea I had was in response to something synful_trixx said. SO I've written her into a future Rita Ares bit. Also missqteeone suggested naming a vibrator "The Rain Stick" and um, yeah. I'm gonna have to use that one. I've already written the scene. So both of these lovely ladies will have cameos in the sequel. Sorry I didn't fit you in here, but the dang story just wanted to be over. You know what I mean?
A/N2: I decided I need prompts for the sequel. They were sometimes the bane of my existence, but they also truly inspired me. (Hello, snow globe? It brought Cassidy in, and I might have never done that on my own.) So if you feel inspired, please give me a comment with a prompt. Feel free to be creative, just don't be too evil, okay?
Thanks for reading, everyone! It's been truly fun! (And you know, Round 4 of the Pirate Pride Awards is taking nominations. *hint hint*)
*smoochies*
Author: gertinator
Pairing/Character: Logan/Veronica
Word Count: 2721
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Epic. V and Logan find their way back to each other and solve a mystery, too.
Spoilers/Warnings: a little AU but mostly intact including 2.22. The mystery is about a serial killer and some parts may be graphic.
A/N: This was written for the loveathons Epic Challenge. The last prompts, wishbone and unicorn. And yes, that means I have used them all! And this grand finale is dedicated to the lovely and patient afrocurl.
part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 | part 6 | part 7 | part 8 | part 9 | part 10 | part 11 | part 12 | part 13 | part 14 | part 15 | part 16 | part 17 | part 18 | part 19 | part 20 | part 21 | part 22
Part 22.5 epilogue
It was going to be a traditional Marfennel Thanksgiving, with a very large bird and all of the trimmings. The whole family was gathering, along with several "orphans" who had been added to the guest list. Namely Logan and Gina. And of course, Felicia. Alicia had purchase a tiny Cornish hen for Felicia to feast on so she wouldn't feel left out, feeling no shame at all when Logan accused her of plumping up his feline.
Logan was a little nervous about the big family event about to take place. "I've never done this before," he explained to Veronica. "Not for real. I've played the part, in the Echolls family facade, but I've never done it for real..." He wasn't just nervous about the meal, though, and all it meant. He was nervous because he had decided the time was right and he was going to finally pop the question. After all, the thing he was most thankful for in his life was Veronica.
"You'll be fine, honey. Dad already loves you and the rest will just fall in place. Relax." Veronica pulled Logan into a hug, stroking his back and giving him a kiss on the cheek. "I'm going to go see how Dad and Alicia are doing in the kitchen. Why don't you turn the game on and wait for Wallace? Since you are a Thanksgiving virgin, we won't make you slave over the hot stove."
She gave him another reassuring kiss and then a pat on the ass to get him moving. And just because it was always nice to have an excuse to grope his hot little ass.
********
The meal was beautiful. Keith and Alicia had gone all out, providing enough food for twenty people. Or three Veronicas, as Keith joked. Veronica had set the table with the best china and linens, and there were even candles in the centerpiece. It felt like a momentous special occasion. They had a lot to be thankful for this year, including the fact that Veronica and Logan had managed to escape the Killer Barber entirely intact. Logan's shiny pink scar was even fading to a less noticeable tone, and he had his full range of movement back.
Keith sat at the head of the table, regal as the family patriarch. He had everyone join hands and then gave thanks for all of the gifts he had been given, including having all of his kids with him. He gave Veronica a loving smile, and then included Wallace, Darrell, Logan and Gina as his surrogate children.
"I'm so glad to have all of you here with me this year," Keith said, as they released each others' hands and began to eat. "Neptune was starting to get lonely with just me and Alicia, and the occasional visit from Wallace." Keith winked at Wallace, who grinned in return.
"I know you always wanted a little slugger, Dad. But this looks like you are going for the whole damn team," Veronica quipped, looking around at the packed table.
"It's true, the family does seem to keep growing." Keith laughed heartily. "We are truly blessed. We might be able to form the Fighting Mars Baseball club someday really soon. I've got my fingers crossed."
"Maybe we'll finally get blessed with some grand-kids to fill out the ranks..." suggested Alicia with a wink, glancing at Veronica and Wallace, who both studiously avoided making eye contact.
"Hey, I gave you Felicia," Logan joked. "She's not much of a slugger, but I've done my duty."
"That covers me, too, then," said Veronica quickly, giving Logan a high five. "Guess that means you're up to bring on the rugrat, Wallace." She was surprised to see Gina blush and smile.
At Veronica's widened eyes, Gina shrugged and mumbled, "Maybe someday."
The meal stretched out through amiable gorging, until all parties were sitting bloated in their chairs, moaning in slothful pleasure.
"That was one fiiiiiine meal," Wallace commented, patting his stomach. Darrell echoed the sentiment.
"The best," Logan agreed. Far better than any catered Echolls fare. And the company was far superior as well. For the first time in his life, he really felt like he had a family and he belonged. It was an amazing feeling.
Wallace and Darrell and Gina began quibbling over the wishbone, an annual right of the feast. Usually Veronica was part of the traditional battle, but this year she stayed silent, watching with a grin.
"Rock-paper-scissors to determine the winner?" Wallace suggested. "V, you want in? We can tournament it."
Veronica smiled, took Logan's hand. "No, I think I'm good. I don't wanna push my luck."
Logan smiled. The time was almost right. He knew it was right, too, because the panic that had choked him previously was completely gone. He felt calm and steady, like everything was exactly the way it should be. Or maybe that was tryptophan from the turkey making him feel so good.
Logan looked at the blonde to his right, getting a shiver up his spine just at the sight of her. Nope, not the tryptophan, definitely Veronica. His smile widened. This was gonna be so good. This was the first day of the rest of his life, with the "diminutive detective" firmly at his side.
**********
The evening was winding down and everyone was getting sleepy. Keith and Alicia were stretched out on the couch in a snuggle, Wallace and Gina had doubled up in the recliner and Darrell had given up the pretense of watching TV and gone into his room for a nap.
Logan decided that the time was right, while everyone was relaxed and sedated on turkey hormones. He pulled out a small box that he had carefully wrapped in shiny red paper.
"This is for you, Veronica," he said. "Because I am most thankful for you." He grinned slyly, smirking. Underneath, he was a ball of nerves, but he was determined not to let it show.
Veronica opened the package and held up a stuffed unicorn. Its t-shirt read 'I'm horny for you.' "Um?" she said, examining Logan. He was clearly trying to play it cool, but he seemed to be really wigging out. Far more than the gift of a sexual innuendo novelty animal warranted. Even if it was in front of her Dad. And hello? Odd gift, especially for Thanksgiving.
"They didn't - I saw it, and it's not an 'I love you beary much' bear... but this seemed more like us, anyway..." He smirked wider, his confidence starting to shine through. She'd get the joke any minute now. He hoped. A little rivulet of sweat trickled down his back, and he repeated to himself. Cool, stay cool. She's Veronica Mars, she'll get it.
"I'm horny for you?" Veronica read aloud, giggling.
Veronica heard Wallace groan, and mutter, "TMI, dude. TMI. I'm gonna go see if there is any pie left." He got up and left the room. Keith seemed to suddenly understand what was going on and he motioned the others out of the room as well, putting a finger to his lips as Alicia started to ask a question.
Veronica eyed Logan. There was definitely something going on. He seemed to be holding his breath, waiting for her to get the punch line. An old memory tickled at the back of her mind. Happier times, his house... She smiled. "Was it at least won through a demonstration of ring tossing ability?" Logan grinned. He had been starting to worry that she wouldn't remember that day so long ago.
"Well." Logan blushed a little, then continued, hesitantly, teasing. "There is a ring involved. I'm hoping you won't toss it..."
Veronica stared at him, comprehension dawning. She looked down at the stuffed unicorn in her lap. There was a flash of diamond sparkle coming from the horn. Her eyes widened. "Logan?" She pulled the ring off the unicorn's horn and placed it on her ring finger. It was a perfect fit. She gazed down at her hand, twisting and rubbing the ring, totally hypnotized.
"Um." Logan gave a little cough to get her attention. "Dying here. Is that a yes?" he asked wryly.
"Was there a question?" asked Veronica, eyebrow raised. She was trying very hard to hold in her grin.
Logan shook his head, smirk firmly in place. "You love to torment me, don't you?"
Veronica smiled. "It's what I do best."
"God, I love you, woman." Logan got down on his knee in front of Veronica. He took her left hand in his, fingering the ring and grinning up at her. "Veronica Mars, will you make me the happiest man alive and agree to torment me forever as my wife?"
Veronica threw her arms around him. "I love you, too, Logan! I promise I will torment you forever and ever!" Logan laughed, pulling her onto the floor and into his lap. He covered his mouth with hers and tried to show without words just how much she meant to him. Veronica got the message loud and clear, and sent back a similar one of her own.
"The unicorn apparently speaks the truth," joked Wallace, as the family trailed back into the room. Darrell was blinking groggily, having been rudely awaked for the important family moment, and Gina was practically bouncing with glee. Keith had a bottle of sparkling cider in his hand, and Alicia carried a tray of glasses.
Keith held the bottle out to Logan. "Care to do the honors, son?" Keith pulled him into a bear hug. "Welcome to the family, Logan. I couldn't ask for a better son-in-law."
Logan tried to memorize every detail of the moment, his eyes damp with some of the happiest tears of his life. Then he shook the bottle a little and popped the cork, pouring fizzing cider into glasses for everyone.
Veronica raised a glass. "To the Marfennecholls!!" she toasted. Everyone cheered.
"Hmm. We may have to negotiate on a name..." whispered Logan, wrapping his arms around her. "That's quite a mouthful."
"That's okay," Veronica whispered back with a wink. "I can fit a lot in my mouth."
Logan's cock gave a little twitch of agreement, and he planted a kiss on her neck. "Minx. I plan on testing that theory later on tonight."
"We've got the rest of our lives for me to prove it," she breathed, nipping at his ear. "The rest of our lives."
"I love you," Logan said, squeezing her tight and pulling her be-ringed hand up for a kiss. "So much."
"Love you, too." There was indeed much to be thankful for in the Marfennecholls household.
**********
"So now that you've quit your job, V, whatcha gonna do with your life?" Veronica had told Anderson not to hold her place in the FBI. For now, she and Logan were going to try to make a home in Neptune. Or maybe a nearby seaside town. They had been casually looking at real estate without yet committing to anything. "You're not gonna spend all of your time sitting on the couch watching chick flicks with Echolls, are you?" Wallace loved to needle Logan about his recent change in favorite movie genres.
"I am secure enough in my manhood to admit that I enjoy certain romantic comedies. It shows how highly evolved I am." Logan stuck out his tongue at Wallace. Wallace made a face back which involved crossed eyes and wiggly fingers.
"I don't know," Veronica sighed, rolling her eyes at the two goofballs seated on either side of her on the couch. It was a problem she had been trying not to think too much about. "For now, I suppose I'll work for Dad. I can consult for some of the nearby police agencies, too. Maybe help on the movie." Logan had offered both Keith and Veronica jobs consulting for the Rita Ares film. He wanted it to have the same realistic feel as the books, and he didn't trust anyone in Hollywood to do it like a Mars.
"So, I had this idea..." Logan began, looking nervously between Wallace and Veronica. Really, it hinged on Veronica, but he was hoping Wallace would help her see the sense. "I've just been holding my Dad's money in trust, and I thought it would be nice to use it to... to make amends somehow."
"Make amends? How are you planning on doing that?" Veronica was curious. Aaron certainly had plenty to make amends for, but the people most affected by his crimes wouldn't benefit from money. Lilly was already dead, and she, Logan, and Keith had moved on. Duncan was god knows where, and Celeste and Jake were living in an ivory tower in Silicon Valley somewhere. Who was left to make amends to?
"I was thinking about starting a foundation." Logan looked down at his hands, which were twisting nervously in his lap. "We could be a team. I don't have it all figured out yet, but somehow, if we could use all of our skills to help out people in need, people who don't have any other place to turn..." He looked up hopefully. "I mean, between all of us," he waved vaguely to include Keith and Mac and their other friends. "We've got quite a lot of skills, a lot of connections. And we are good at solving problems."
"Hmmm, Logan." Veronica was touched by the idea, but still, couldn't help but playfully tease him. "This is sounding awfully familiar." She changed her voice, to tone out deeply, "If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire... The A-Team." She giggled. "How much TV Land have you been watching?"
Logan smiled at the comparison. He remembered how he had joked with Trina about having his own A-team before, but how they had never actually helped anyone. He wanted to change that. What was the point of having a load of money if you didn't use it to do things, things that would otherwise not get done?
Logan had turned his life completely around, but he would never have been able to do it without the help of Veronica, Keith, Trina, Dr. Jan, Pete, Belle... all of his friends from rehab. All of the people who had supported him and helped him keep going. He wanted to give back a little.
"I guess since I'm the token black guy, I get to be B.A. I pity da fool..." growled Wallace, flexing his muscles and trying to imitate Mr. T. "Awesome! I need to go get me some bling." He punched Veronica's shoulder. "And since you are the token girl, you gotta be Amy." He smirked.
"Amy? Amy?! Amy's boring! I wanna be..." Veronica contemplated for a minute. "I think I should be Hannibal. I'm always the one who comes up with the plans." She grinned. "Yep, I'm definitely Hannibal. I love it when a plan comes together."
"I'm Hannibal," Logan whined. "This was my idea." He forgot for a moment the serious nature of his plan for the foundation, and got caught in the casting. "George Peppard and I have a lot in common."
"No way are you Hannibal." Wallace shook his head and patted Logan on the shoulder consolingly. "I'm afraid that's gonna have to be V. You're more like..." Wallace thought for a moment. He and Veronica shared a glance and then they said together, "Murdock!"
"I am not Murdock! I don't have an invisible dog, and you don't have to break me out of a psychiatric ward." Logan pouted as Veronica and Wallace high-fived and laughed hysterically. "If Veronica is Hannibal, then I at least get to be Face." He fluttered his lashes and tried to look charming.
Veronica tilted her head at Wallace and rolled her eyes, but then shrugged and agreed. "Alright, you're Face." If they really followed through on this idea, then Logan would be the face of the operation and she would provide the brains. She wasn't about to tell Wallace that she would be more likely to look to Weevil for the brawn. It was sweet that he thought he could intimate people.
When she thought about it, it actually wasn't a bad plan over all. She giggled. "And Lamb is Colonel Lynch, always trying to get us for the crimes we didn't commit." The three laughed together.
"So are we going van shopping this afternoon?" asked Wallace, still chuckling. "Maybe we can get some grenade launchers, too?"
"Seriously, though." Logan broke in, still smiling. The joking was all fine and good, but he really wanted this to happen. "What do you say, Veronica? We can start with just me and you as employees, and we'll bring everyone else in as needed on contract. We'll hire Mars Investigations to supplement whatever gets to be too much of a work load for you."
Veronica turned to Logan, taking in his eager look. "You really want this, don't you? Who exactly are you planning on helping?"
"Come on, Ronnie. Remember how much work there was for you when we were in high school? All of the kids who needed someone, but were too intimidated to go to a real PI? And what about..." This was really the heart of his idea, but Logan knew he had to tread lightly. He took a deep breath, then continued.
"What about the girls who are raped, who need real attorneys and real investigation, not just a half trained school counselor and an asshole at the police department? But maybe they can't afford them..." He took another breath and looked in her eyes, trying to ignore the ache in his chest. "What about the kids whose parents are the enemy, who need someone with power to back them so they can be safe?"
"You are really an idealist, aren't you, sweetie?" Veronica leaned in to give Logan a gentle kiss, trying to keep it chaste so Wallace wouldn't complain too much. The gagging sounds she heard to her right indicated he still thought it was too much, and she pulled back quickly. Though not too quickly. Wallace could suffer a little. He liked to suck face wit Gina in public, the hypocrite.
"I never used to be..." Logan said. "But my view of the world has improved considerably lately." He thought of something. "We can't be the A-team, though. We are going to use Aaron's money, but this is about us, not him. I don't want him to get any credit." He was adamant on that. This wasn't one of his Dad's face-saving philanthropic piles of bullshit. This was about actually helping people who needed help.
"What are we going to call ourselves, then?" asked Veronica with a smile.
"The V-team, of course," Wallace suggested, and bumped knuckles with Logan. "That's what we've been all along."
******************The end... for now...******************
A/N: So I planned to add other stuff to this, including a Rita Ares excerpt, but I decided to save all those goodies for the sequel. For those of you curious about the rain stick, I didn't actually use anyone's suggestion. BUT, the idea I had was in response to something synful_trixx said. SO I've written her into a future Rita Ares bit. Also missqteeone suggested naming a vibrator "The Rain Stick" and um, yeah. I'm gonna have to use that one. I've already written the scene. So both of these lovely ladies will have cameos in the sequel. Sorry I didn't fit you in here, but the dang story just wanted to be over. You know what I mean?
A/N2: I decided I need prompts for the sequel. They were sometimes the bane of my existence, but they also truly inspired me. (Hello, snow globe? It brought Cassidy in, and I might have never done that on my own.) So if you feel inspired, please give me a comment with a prompt. Feel free to be creative, just don't be too evil, okay?
Thanks for reading, everyone! It's been truly fun! (And you know, Round 4 of the Pirate Pride Awards is taking nominations. *hint hint*)
*smoochies*