Who Am I 10/? PG-13 Logan/Veronica
Title: Who Am I 10/? PG-13
Author: Brandee
Pairing/Character:Logan/Veronica
Word Count:3,426
Rating:PG-13
Summary: AU Lilly lived but things still changed drastically...
Spoilers: Season 1
Warnings: Nothing to harsh.. A few words..
A/N: My beta? Dude, she's amazing!
(Chapter 1), (Chapter 2), ( Chapter 3)(Chapter 4)(Chapter 5)( Chapter 6)>)(Chapter 7) Chapter 8) Chapter 9)
Veronica had watched the last few weeks go by in a blur as she tried to figure out what normal was for her now. Logan had found a video game rival in Mac and that delighted Veronica. The three of them ate lunch together everyday and sometimes Corny would join, on those days Logan was more annoyed than amused but it was still nice to have a table full of people. She had noticed that Weevil had kept a safe distance from her but still kept a look out when he saw her near more than one 09er at a time.
She had watched the 09ers fight amongst themselves more than once and she couldn’t help but laugh at them. The grapevine told her that Madison and Lilly were ready to scratch each other’s eyes out and that Dick was quickly getting on everyone’s nerves. Corny had told them that Dick had wanted to throw a huge party on the beach, but the plan had been quickly stopped by Casey when they learned it was the same day as the Sheriff’s office annual cook out which would be held on the same beach. Veronica was bummed that the party had been called off; just the thought of seeing her dad arrest a boat load of 09ers would have made her day.
On the home front, her mother’s drinking had only gotten worse. Her parent’s fights kept her up at night as her father tried to understand what was going on. Her mother usually denied her drinking which seemed to hurt her father more each day. Veronica found herself closer to her dad as they dealt with the situation. He was more open with her about it now, and although neither of them really understood; all they could do was hope her mother got better.
As she stared down at the fries on her plate she realized Logan and Mac’s voices were getting louder. She quickly came out of her daze and looked up to see Mac rolling her eyes.
“A rematch? This would be the fourth rematch!” Mac exclaimed. “Just admit you can’t beat me!”
“Why don’t you admit you’re googling up cheats or something?” Logan frowned. “You’ve been on one of those nerd sites learning how to beat the game!”
Mac chuckled, “And what’s stopping you from hitting Google?”
“I play fair!” Logan defended.
“So do I.” Mac smiled, “I’m just better.”
“Ok you two back to your corners.” Veronica smiled.
“He started it.” Mac mumbled.
“Did not!”
Veronica laughed at her two friends as her eyes caught Weevil walking toward them. His chocolate eyes were fixed on her and when she smiled gently at him he smirked and stopped in place. He nodded his head at her and when she gave him a questioning glance he nodded once more.
“I believe I’m being summoned.” Veronica spoke still looking in Weevil’s direction.
Logan glared over at Weevil, “What could he possibly want?”
“Guess I better find out.” Veronica smiled scooting out of her seat.
“Veronica is that a good idea?” Logan questioned. “Mixing with his kind?”
Veronica rolled her eyes, “Grow up Logan.”
“Your words sting Veronica.”
“Good.”
“You know you still haven’t explained why Weevil Navarro has taken a sudden interest in you.” Logan spoke shaking his head.
Veronica detected the disgust in his voice and decided to ignore it. Instead she smiled brightly at Logan and spoke, her voice sugary sweet.
“Because I’m adorable?”
“No, that can’t be it.” Logan smirked.
“Oh I know then! Maybe it’s those juicy little rumors people are spreading?” Veronica questioned. “Now if you’ll excuse me…” She sighed as she turned from Logan and Mac and headed in Weevil’s direction. She passed Lilly’s table and saw her former best friend shoot her an evil glare. Veronica ignored her as she made her way to where Weevil was standing.
“Took you long enough.” He mumbled when Veronica was finally standing in front of him.
“Maybe because people were asking questions?” Veronica spoke looking back at Logan, “And I couldn’t exactly tell him the truth.”
“Yeah, yeah, you’re lying to your boy; you want a sympathy card for that?” Weevil questioned.
“Only if it’s Hallmark.” Veronica smirked tiling her head, “Care to tell me what’s going on?”
“Not sure if I should.” Weevil spoke narrowing his eyes, “It concerns Echolls.”
“Logan? What’s going on?” Veronica asked concerned.
“My boys heard Lilly and one of those preps talking the other day.” He spoke gesturing toward the 09er table.
“Who was she talking to?”
“Doesn’t matter, their all the same anyway,” Weevil shrugged. “Lilly’s got plans for your boy.” Weevil spoke, “Guess she’s bored or something, you know how she is.”
“Plans?” Veronica questioned, “What kind of plans?”
“No clue, my boys ain’t real good with details.” He frowned, “Just said she was gonna really get him. She ain’t happy about you and him.”
Veronica sighed, “So why is she going after Logan? Why not me?”
“Hey you know Lilly better than I do.” Weevil spoke putting his hands up. “Look I’m just tellin’ you because I might need a favor one day, and now? You owe me.” Weevil smirked.
“What kind of favor could you need from me?” Veronica asked clearly confused.
“For a smart girl you sure are blonde.” Weevil groaned, “Now what could I want from the Sheriff’s daughter?” He questioned, “Ponder that one V.”
“V?”
“You got a long name.” Weevil shrugged, “Anyway you might wanta take care of your boy.”
“Any idea how to do that?” Veronica whispered biting her lip.
“Hey I just deliver the news, I ain’t gonna do all the work for you too.”
“Fine.” Veronica nodded as she lowered her head, “Thanks for the info.”
“Like I said, now you owe me.”
“What? You think I can get you a get out of jail free card?” Veronica questioned with a eye roll.
“If me and my boys ever need it? Yeah.” Weevil nodded.
“Great, I’ll just pull it out of my magic wand.” Veronica sneered.
“Hey I don’t care what you pull out, long as you got it on you at all times.”
Veronica shook her head in disbelief and watched as Weevil’s grin became larger. She had no idea why he had decided to become her protector but she wasn’t going to argue. She needed someone like Weevil now that the 09ers were constantly trying to punish her and Logan. Weevil was smarter than people realized, she could see that just in the few times she had talked to him. He read people well and he could tell when trouble was real and when it was just rumor. Having him around was a good thing she decided, even if it did mean she’d owe him for eternity.
“Better get back to your boy.” Weevil spoke again, “I think he’s tryin’ to stare a hole through me.”
“For the record, he’s not my boy.” Veronica sighed, “He’s my friend, and his name? It’s Logan.”
“For the record? I don’t care.” Weevil spoke with a shrug as he turned and left Veronica standing alone. She let out a flustered groan as she turned and all but stomped back to her table.
Logan and Mac were staring at her as she slumped down on the seat beside Logan and started digging in her bag. She took out her cell phone and smiled as she realized she knew exactly what to do with Lilly.
“Oh Veronica?” Logan spoke slowly drawing out her name. “Ignoring us shows very bad manners.”
”What? Huh? Oh sorry.” She muttered as she turned to look at Logan, “One second.” She spoke as she quickly typed out a message on her cell phone, holding it so that Logan couldn’t read what it said. She looked at the words and read them in her mind once before she hit send.
L & E 4-ever! Whatever you plan to do to Logan? Don’t. I know your other secret Lilly, and it’s a good one. Veronica.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Veronica looked at her reflection in the bathroom mirror as she carefully applied her peach tinted lip gloss. She tossed the lip gloss back in her back and then glanced to see a shiny pink tube looking up at her. With a frown she pulled the grapefruit flavored lip gloss from her bag and stared at it. She had forgotten that she had borrowed it from Lilly the day of the carwash, the day Lilly almost died. She wrinkled her nose as she tossed the lip gloss in the trash and then turned back to close her bag as the bathroom door flew open.
Veronica saw Lilly storm in and she gripped the sink with her hand. Her stomach flip flopped and her legs felt weak as she realized what was happening. Lilly’s eyes blazed with anger as she glared at Veronica. Veronica bit her lip; standing up to Lilly had seemed much easier when she was just typing letters into a text message.
“You’re weirdo friend told me I could find you in here.” Lilly snarled as she stuck her cell phone out in front of her, “Care to explain that little message Veronica?”
Veronica sucked in a deep breath as she thought about how to answer. Only one thing came to mind. What would Logan do? Veronica forced a nervous smile as she stared back at Lilly. She could be strong, she could stand up to Lilly without shaking or backing down she told herself. She was the new Veronica, she could handle this. Her smile grew less nervous as it turned into a smirk and her blue eyes suddenly danced as the words hit her mind.
“Well the L was for Lilly, but that’s a given. The E obviously stands for Eli, although I’m sure there’s other E’s on that not so little list you keep, and well forever? That speaks for its self doesn’t it?” Veronica smirked. “As for the rest of it? Leave Logan alone or your little secret will come spilling out of these lips.” She finished as she pointed at her own lips with her index finger.
“How’d you find out?” Lilly growled. “That was top secret.”
“I have my ways.” Veronica shrugged nonchalantly. “Let’s just say a little birdie whispered it in my ear.”
“Well, well, Logan has taught you well.” Lilly smirked. “Look at you Veronica Mars, all grown up and standing up for yourself.”
“I’m serious Lilly; I know you’re planning something against Logan. Leave him alone, you want to ruin me? Go for it, but you’ve done enough to Logan!”
“So you’re like his protector now? Does he know about your little guard dog act Veronica? What are you going to do nip at all our ankles until we beg for mercy?” Lilly laughed.
“Make jokes Lilly, but I’m very serious.”
“What makes you think I’m planning some elaborate scheme against Logan? Really Veronica, don’t you think I have better things to do?”
“I don’t know Lilly, since you’ve got to keep your nose clean until the trial is over maybe you’re bored.” Veronica suggested. “Just find something else to do, because I will spill everything about you and Weevil.”
Lilly laughed loudly, “Oh really? And have you told Logan about me and Eli?” She questioned crossing her arms against her chest, “See I know Logan, and since Eli is still very much alive, I’m guessing no.”
“You’re point?”
“You tell everyone about this supposed quickie I had with Eli and Logan will know that you, his perfect little princess, had been keeping all kinds of secrets from him.” Lilly smirked, “Think he’ll be all BFF then ‘Ronica?”
Veronica lowered her head her eyes falling to stare at her feet.
“Yeah that’s what I thought.” Lilly spoke her voice full of malice.
Veronica took a deep breath and reminded herself to stay calm, “I’ll take that chance.” She shrugged. “Just leave him alone Lilly. Don’t you think you’ve done enough to him? You slept with his father, cheated on him numerous times and you’ve hurt his mother in ways that I can’t even imagine. So just stop it with the stupid pranks. He hates you, you hate him, let it go with that.”
“My, my, my, if I didn’t know better I’d say Veronica Mars is in love.” Lilly chirped. “Logan must really be better than I remember. Then again when you have nothing to compare him to, he is amazing.” With a wicked smirk Lilly took a step closer to Veronica, “His father on the other hand? Mind blowing.”
“Honestly Lilly, you’re like a blonde Cruella De Vil.” Veronica frowned shaking her head as she stared at her former best friend. “Aaron tried to kill you!”
“Yeah well that part sucked,” Lilly shrugged. “But he’ll get his; I’ll make sure of that.” Her voice was full of anger as she spoke and for a moment Veronica thought she saw hurt in Lilly’s eyes.
“Then why don’t you spend your time on that instead of trying to make our lives miserable?” Veronica questioned grabbing her bag and slinging it over her shoulder.
“Our lives? How quaint.” Lilly cooed her voice dripping with sarcasm, “Next thing you know Lynn will be helping you pick out China patterns.” She snorted. “Fine, you keep quiet about Eli and that little plan you’ve been blabbering about will totally disappear.”
There was something different in Lilly’s voice as she managed to choke out the final words. Veronica stared at her in amazement. Had she just defeated Lilly Kane? It was almost more than she could believe as she removed a strand of hair from her eyes and pushed past Lilly and walked toward the door. She couldn’t believe she had just won the round all by herself. With a satisfying grin on her face she looked back to see Lilly red faced and furious. This wasn’t over Veronica told herself as she headed out of the bathroom, in fact she was pretty sure things were about to get really ugly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Logan watched as Veronica fumbled with the radio in his Xterra. She turned station after station until she finally let out a deep sigh. “Where’s your CD’s?” She questioned.
“You’re wound a little tight today.” He observed. “Could it have anything to do with your talk with Lilly in the bathroom?”
Veronica withdrew her hand from the radio and opened her mouth to speak. She saw the questioning look on Logan’s face and she let out a nervous breath. “How’d you know about that?” She asked the words coming out slowly.
“I hear all, and see all,” Logan smirked but Veronica’s eyes remained fixed on him so he shrugged, “It also helped that Mac told me Lilly went in the bathroom looking for you.”
“Ah, ratted out by the new friend.” She sighed, “So I talked to Lilly, it’s not a big deal.”
Logan reached over and grabbed her hand and quickly turned it over. With a smile he looked up at her, “Well I detect a strong pulse, which means Lilly didn’t kill you.” With a laugh he continued, “And I don’t see any scratches or bruises so I’m assuming there was no blood shed.”
“You’re point?” Veronica questioned eyeing him.
“You survived your one on one with Lilly. I would expect a little more pep out of you, so what gives?”
Veronica lowered her head, “Just tired, my parents had a huge argument last night and I didn’t sleep much.”
Veronica saw Logan’s eyes soften. In that moment she wanted to confide everything to him. More than just her problems at home, but the things she was keeping from him. She hated not being able to open up to him about Lilly and Weevil. He deserved to know what Lilly had done, but what good would it really do? She knew he’d just go after Weevil and hate Lilly more than he already did. Instead she decided it was best to talk about the other things that were bothering her. Her mother’s drinking and how it was hurting her family. That was where her real pain was right now, not Lilly and her pettiness.
Logan touched her hand gently and frowned, “Parents suck.” He spoke.
“I love my parents Logan.” Veronica spoke, “I just don’t understand why my mom is drinking.”
“Yeah, I’m not sure why my father turned out to be a psychotic, cradle robbing, freak either but why waste time on things that make no sense?”
Logan turned his eyes back to the road and listened as Veronica talked, “It just sucks you know, wondering if she’ll be drunk when I walk in the door everyday. I can’t help it, when I open the door the first thing I think is will she be passed out or just totally messed up.”
“I understand, my mom loves her pills.” Logan sighed, “Can’t say I blame her, it’s the only way she’s been able to deal with my father all these years.” Logan frowned, “But lately she’s been better, guess dad was the problem after all.”
“Yeah but this is different.” Veronica whispered her voice low as she turned away from Logan to look out the window, “There’s no reason, she’s just this way.”
“Yeah.” Logan spoke not sure what else to say. He had never been good at in depth conversations that involved feelings. That was one of the things he liked about Lilly, she never really talked about anything important. She went with the flow and never got caught up in her emotions. At the time he thought it was a good thing, but now he wasn’t really sure. He glanced over to see Veronica fumbling with the radio again and he frowned. She was so complicated when it came to things like this. She felt things, really felt them and it seemed she needed to share those feelings more often then not. He wasn’t sure what to say to her but he knew he needed to find something that would help her. He knew he couldn’t give her the advice he would have given his old friends. Get drunk and tear something up, just wasn’t very good advice given the circumstances.
“Am I boring you?” Veronica questioned. “I’m sorry, I… I shouldn’t be talking about this.” She spoke shaking her head.
“No it’s ok.” Logan spoke forcing a smile. “I’m just not good with the whole emotions thing. Actually I’m pretty sure I don’t even have em’” He chuckled lightly.
“Oh please.” Veronica snorted, “You’re full of emotions.”
“Think so huh?” Logan asked he stopped his vehicle in front of Veronica’s house.
“Logan, you really need to give yourself a little credit.” Veronica smiled. “You’re not some emotionless person, you care about people and believe it or not that’s a good thing.”
“Yeah it’s worked great for me so far.” Logan muttered.
Veronica smiled gently, “You’re a good person Logan, the only person I’ve really had lately.”
“Ok this sentimental stuff? Yeah it’s not working.” Logan mumbled as he dropped his head.
“Aww am I making Logan Echolls blush?” Veronica smirked.
“No….” Logan spoke his mouth growing into a small smirk. “Logan Echolls does not blush.”
“Does too.” Veronica giggled. “You can’t handle being called sweet.” She spoke, “Hot yes, sweet no.”
“That’s because I know I’m hot.” Logan smiled, “The mirror doesn’t lie Tink.”
Veronica shook her head in amusement, “I should go, but this conversation is so not over.”
“Oh yes it is.” Logan argued.
“Nope!” Veronica spoke as she opened the door and hopped out of the Xterra. “Not done.” She smiled as she turned and headed toward her house. She turned back once more to see Logan smile and wave and she laughed gently as she made her way to the door. She opened it slowly hoping her mother was actually sober for once. Closing it behind her she dropped her bag on the floor and looked up see her mother and father sitting on the couch looking at her.
Veronica’s smile faded as she saw her mother’s swollen blood shot eyes. Her father’s eyes were dark and his face seemed grim. Veronica looked nervously at both of them waiting for someone to speak. Something was wrong; she could feel it from the stares that pierced through her.
“What’s going on?” Veronica asked carefully, “Dad?” She swallowed.
“Veronica honey, come sit down,” Keith choked out his voice hoarse, “We need to talk.”
Author: Brandee
Pairing/Character:Logan/Veronica
Word Count:3,426
Rating:PG-13
Summary: AU Lilly lived but things still changed drastically...
Spoilers: Season 1
Warnings: Nothing to harsh.. A few words..
A/N: My beta? Dude, she's amazing!
(Chapter 1), (Chapter 2), ( Chapter 3)(Chapter 4)(Chapter 5)( Chapter 6)>)(Chapter 7) Chapter 8) Chapter 9)
Veronica had watched the last few weeks go by in a blur as she tried to figure out what normal was for her now. Logan had found a video game rival in Mac and that delighted Veronica. The three of them ate lunch together everyday and sometimes Corny would join, on those days Logan was more annoyed than amused but it was still nice to have a table full of people. She had noticed that Weevil had kept a safe distance from her but still kept a look out when he saw her near more than one 09er at a time.
She had watched the 09ers fight amongst themselves more than once and she couldn’t help but laugh at them. The grapevine told her that Madison and Lilly were ready to scratch each other’s eyes out and that Dick was quickly getting on everyone’s nerves. Corny had told them that Dick had wanted to throw a huge party on the beach, but the plan had been quickly stopped by Casey when they learned it was the same day as the Sheriff’s office annual cook out which would be held on the same beach. Veronica was bummed that the party had been called off; just the thought of seeing her dad arrest a boat load of 09ers would have made her day.
On the home front, her mother’s drinking had only gotten worse. Her parent’s fights kept her up at night as her father tried to understand what was going on. Her mother usually denied her drinking which seemed to hurt her father more each day. Veronica found herself closer to her dad as they dealt with the situation. He was more open with her about it now, and although neither of them really understood; all they could do was hope her mother got better.
As she stared down at the fries on her plate she realized Logan and Mac’s voices were getting louder. She quickly came out of her daze and looked up to see Mac rolling her eyes.
“A rematch? This would be the fourth rematch!” Mac exclaimed. “Just admit you can’t beat me!”
“Why don’t you admit you’re googling up cheats or something?” Logan frowned. “You’ve been on one of those nerd sites learning how to beat the game!”
Mac chuckled, “And what’s stopping you from hitting Google?”
“I play fair!” Logan defended.
“So do I.” Mac smiled, “I’m just better.”
“Ok you two back to your corners.” Veronica smiled.
“He started it.” Mac mumbled.
“Did not!”
Veronica laughed at her two friends as her eyes caught Weevil walking toward them. His chocolate eyes were fixed on her and when she smiled gently at him he smirked and stopped in place. He nodded his head at her and when she gave him a questioning glance he nodded once more.
“I believe I’m being summoned.” Veronica spoke still looking in Weevil’s direction.
Logan glared over at Weevil, “What could he possibly want?”
“Guess I better find out.” Veronica smiled scooting out of her seat.
“Veronica is that a good idea?” Logan questioned. “Mixing with his kind?”
Veronica rolled her eyes, “Grow up Logan.”
“Your words sting Veronica.”
“Good.”
“You know you still haven’t explained why Weevil Navarro has taken a sudden interest in you.” Logan spoke shaking his head.
Veronica detected the disgust in his voice and decided to ignore it. Instead she smiled brightly at Logan and spoke, her voice sugary sweet.
“Because I’m adorable?”
“No, that can’t be it.” Logan smirked.
“Oh I know then! Maybe it’s those juicy little rumors people are spreading?” Veronica questioned. “Now if you’ll excuse me…” She sighed as she turned from Logan and Mac and headed in Weevil’s direction. She passed Lilly’s table and saw her former best friend shoot her an evil glare. Veronica ignored her as she made her way to where Weevil was standing.
“Took you long enough.” He mumbled when Veronica was finally standing in front of him.
“Maybe because people were asking questions?” Veronica spoke looking back at Logan, “And I couldn’t exactly tell him the truth.”
“Yeah, yeah, you’re lying to your boy; you want a sympathy card for that?” Weevil questioned.
“Only if it’s Hallmark.” Veronica smirked tiling her head, “Care to tell me what’s going on?”
“Not sure if I should.” Weevil spoke narrowing his eyes, “It concerns Echolls.”
“Logan? What’s going on?” Veronica asked concerned.
“My boys heard Lilly and one of those preps talking the other day.” He spoke gesturing toward the 09er table.
“Who was she talking to?”
“Doesn’t matter, their all the same anyway,” Weevil shrugged. “Lilly’s got plans for your boy.” Weevil spoke, “Guess she’s bored or something, you know how she is.”
“Plans?” Veronica questioned, “What kind of plans?”
“No clue, my boys ain’t real good with details.” He frowned, “Just said she was gonna really get him. She ain’t happy about you and him.”
Veronica sighed, “So why is she going after Logan? Why not me?”
“Hey you know Lilly better than I do.” Weevil spoke putting his hands up. “Look I’m just tellin’ you because I might need a favor one day, and now? You owe me.” Weevil smirked.
“What kind of favor could you need from me?” Veronica asked clearly confused.
“For a smart girl you sure are blonde.” Weevil groaned, “Now what could I want from the Sheriff’s daughter?” He questioned, “Ponder that one V.”
“V?”
“You got a long name.” Weevil shrugged, “Anyway you might wanta take care of your boy.”
“Any idea how to do that?” Veronica whispered biting her lip.
“Hey I just deliver the news, I ain’t gonna do all the work for you too.”
“Fine.” Veronica nodded as she lowered her head, “Thanks for the info.”
“Like I said, now you owe me.”
“What? You think I can get you a get out of jail free card?” Veronica questioned with a eye roll.
“If me and my boys ever need it? Yeah.” Weevil nodded.
“Great, I’ll just pull it out of my magic wand.” Veronica sneered.
“Hey I don’t care what you pull out, long as you got it on you at all times.”
Veronica shook her head in disbelief and watched as Weevil’s grin became larger. She had no idea why he had decided to become her protector but she wasn’t going to argue. She needed someone like Weevil now that the 09ers were constantly trying to punish her and Logan. Weevil was smarter than people realized, she could see that just in the few times she had talked to him. He read people well and he could tell when trouble was real and when it was just rumor. Having him around was a good thing she decided, even if it did mean she’d owe him for eternity.
“Better get back to your boy.” Weevil spoke again, “I think he’s tryin’ to stare a hole through me.”
“For the record, he’s not my boy.” Veronica sighed, “He’s my friend, and his name? It’s Logan.”
“For the record? I don’t care.” Weevil spoke with a shrug as he turned and left Veronica standing alone. She let out a flustered groan as she turned and all but stomped back to her table.
Logan and Mac were staring at her as she slumped down on the seat beside Logan and started digging in her bag. She took out her cell phone and smiled as she realized she knew exactly what to do with Lilly.
“Oh Veronica?” Logan spoke slowly drawing out her name. “Ignoring us shows very bad manners.”
”What? Huh? Oh sorry.” She muttered as she turned to look at Logan, “One second.” She spoke as she quickly typed out a message on her cell phone, holding it so that Logan couldn’t read what it said. She looked at the words and read them in her mind once before she hit send.
L & E 4-ever! Whatever you plan to do to Logan? Don’t. I know your other secret Lilly, and it’s a good one. Veronica.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Veronica looked at her reflection in the bathroom mirror as she carefully applied her peach tinted lip gloss. She tossed the lip gloss back in her back and then glanced to see a shiny pink tube looking up at her. With a frown she pulled the grapefruit flavored lip gloss from her bag and stared at it. She had forgotten that she had borrowed it from Lilly the day of the carwash, the day Lilly almost died. She wrinkled her nose as she tossed the lip gloss in the trash and then turned back to close her bag as the bathroom door flew open.
Veronica saw Lilly storm in and she gripped the sink with her hand. Her stomach flip flopped and her legs felt weak as she realized what was happening. Lilly’s eyes blazed with anger as she glared at Veronica. Veronica bit her lip; standing up to Lilly had seemed much easier when she was just typing letters into a text message.
“You’re weirdo friend told me I could find you in here.” Lilly snarled as she stuck her cell phone out in front of her, “Care to explain that little message Veronica?”
Veronica sucked in a deep breath as she thought about how to answer. Only one thing came to mind. What would Logan do? Veronica forced a nervous smile as she stared back at Lilly. She could be strong, she could stand up to Lilly without shaking or backing down she told herself. She was the new Veronica, she could handle this. Her smile grew less nervous as it turned into a smirk and her blue eyes suddenly danced as the words hit her mind.
“Well the L was for Lilly, but that’s a given. The E obviously stands for Eli, although I’m sure there’s other E’s on that not so little list you keep, and well forever? That speaks for its self doesn’t it?” Veronica smirked. “As for the rest of it? Leave Logan alone or your little secret will come spilling out of these lips.” She finished as she pointed at her own lips with her index finger.
“How’d you find out?” Lilly growled. “That was top secret.”
“I have my ways.” Veronica shrugged nonchalantly. “Let’s just say a little birdie whispered it in my ear.”
“Well, well, Logan has taught you well.” Lilly smirked. “Look at you Veronica Mars, all grown up and standing up for yourself.”
“I’m serious Lilly; I know you’re planning something against Logan. Leave him alone, you want to ruin me? Go for it, but you’ve done enough to Logan!”
“So you’re like his protector now? Does he know about your little guard dog act Veronica? What are you going to do nip at all our ankles until we beg for mercy?” Lilly laughed.
“Make jokes Lilly, but I’m very serious.”
“What makes you think I’m planning some elaborate scheme against Logan? Really Veronica, don’t you think I have better things to do?”
“I don’t know Lilly, since you’ve got to keep your nose clean until the trial is over maybe you’re bored.” Veronica suggested. “Just find something else to do, because I will spill everything about you and Weevil.”
Lilly laughed loudly, “Oh really? And have you told Logan about me and Eli?” She questioned crossing her arms against her chest, “See I know Logan, and since Eli is still very much alive, I’m guessing no.”
“You’re point?”
“You tell everyone about this supposed quickie I had with Eli and Logan will know that you, his perfect little princess, had been keeping all kinds of secrets from him.” Lilly smirked, “Think he’ll be all BFF then ‘Ronica?”
Veronica lowered her head her eyes falling to stare at her feet.
“Yeah that’s what I thought.” Lilly spoke her voice full of malice.
Veronica took a deep breath and reminded herself to stay calm, “I’ll take that chance.” She shrugged. “Just leave him alone Lilly. Don’t you think you’ve done enough to him? You slept with his father, cheated on him numerous times and you’ve hurt his mother in ways that I can’t even imagine. So just stop it with the stupid pranks. He hates you, you hate him, let it go with that.”
“My, my, my, if I didn’t know better I’d say Veronica Mars is in love.” Lilly chirped. “Logan must really be better than I remember. Then again when you have nothing to compare him to, he is amazing.” With a wicked smirk Lilly took a step closer to Veronica, “His father on the other hand? Mind blowing.”
“Honestly Lilly, you’re like a blonde Cruella De Vil.” Veronica frowned shaking her head as she stared at her former best friend. “Aaron tried to kill you!”
“Yeah well that part sucked,” Lilly shrugged. “But he’ll get his; I’ll make sure of that.” Her voice was full of anger as she spoke and for a moment Veronica thought she saw hurt in Lilly’s eyes.
“Then why don’t you spend your time on that instead of trying to make our lives miserable?” Veronica questioned grabbing her bag and slinging it over her shoulder.
“Our lives? How quaint.” Lilly cooed her voice dripping with sarcasm, “Next thing you know Lynn will be helping you pick out China patterns.” She snorted. “Fine, you keep quiet about Eli and that little plan you’ve been blabbering about will totally disappear.”
There was something different in Lilly’s voice as she managed to choke out the final words. Veronica stared at her in amazement. Had she just defeated Lilly Kane? It was almost more than she could believe as she removed a strand of hair from her eyes and pushed past Lilly and walked toward the door. She couldn’t believe she had just won the round all by herself. With a satisfying grin on her face she looked back to see Lilly red faced and furious. This wasn’t over Veronica told herself as she headed out of the bathroom, in fact she was pretty sure things were about to get really ugly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Logan watched as Veronica fumbled with the radio in his Xterra. She turned station after station until she finally let out a deep sigh. “Where’s your CD’s?” She questioned.
“You’re wound a little tight today.” He observed. “Could it have anything to do with your talk with Lilly in the bathroom?”
Veronica withdrew her hand from the radio and opened her mouth to speak. She saw the questioning look on Logan’s face and she let out a nervous breath. “How’d you know about that?” She asked the words coming out slowly.
“I hear all, and see all,” Logan smirked but Veronica’s eyes remained fixed on him so he shrugged, “It also helped that Mac told me Lilly went in the bathroom looking for you.”
“Ah, ratted out by the new friend.” She sighed, “So I talked to Lilly, it’s not a big deal.”
Logan reached over and grabbed her hand and quickly turned it over. With a smile he looked up at her, “Well I detect a strong pulse, which means Lilly didn’t kill you.” With a laugh he continued, “And I don’t see any scratches or bruises so I’m assuming there was no blood shed.”
“You’re point?” Veronica questioned eyeing him.
“You survived your one on one with Lilly. I would expect a little more pep out of you, so what gives?”
Veronica lowered her head, “Just tired, my parents had a huge argument last night and I didn’t sleep much.”
Veronica saw Logan’s eyes soften. In that moment she wanted to confide everything to him. More than just her problems at home, but the things she was keeping from him. She hated not being able to open up to him about Lilly and Weevil. He deserved to know what Lilly had done, but what good would it really do? She knew he’d just go after Weevil and hate Lilly more than he already did. Instead she decided it was best to talk about the other things that were bothering her. Her mother’s drinking and how it was hurting her family. That was where her real pain was right now, not Lilly and her pettiness.
Logan touched her hand gently and frowned, “Parents suck.” He spoke.
“I love my parents Logan.” Veronica spoke, “I just don’t understand why my mom is drinking.”
“Yeah, I’m not sure why my father turned out to be a psychotic, cradle robbing, freak either but why waste time on things that make no sense?”
Logan turned his eyes back to the road and listened as Veronica talked, “It just sucks you know, wondering if she’ll be drunk when I walk in the door everyday. I can’t help it, when I open the door the first thing I think is will she be passed out or just totally messed up.”
“I understand, my mom loves her pills.” Logan sighed, “Can’t say I blame her, it’s the only way she’s been able to deal with my father all these years.” Logan frowned, “But lately she’s been better, guess dad was the problem after all.”
“Yeah but this is different.” Veronica whispered her voice low as she turned away from Logan to look out the window, “There’s no reason, she’s just this way.”
“Yeah.” Logan spoke not sure what else to say. He had never been good at in depth conversations that involved feelings. That was one of the things he liked about Lilly, she never really talked about anything important. She went with the flow and never got caught up in her emotions. At the time he thought it was a good thing, but now he wasn’t really sure. He glanced over to see Veronica fumbling with the radio again and he frowned. She was so complicated when it came to things like this. She felt things, really felt them and it seemed she needed to share those feelings more often then not. He wasn’t sure what to say to her but he knew he needed to find something that would help her. He knew he couldn’t give her the advice he would have given his old friends. Get drunk and tear something up, just wasn’t very good advice given the circumstances.
“Am I boring you?” Veronica questioned. “I’m sorry, I… I shouldn’t be talking about this.” She spoke shaking her head.
“No it’s ok.” Logan spoke forcing a smile. “I’m just not good with the whole emotions thing. Actually I’m pretty sure I don’t even have em’” He chuckled lightly.
“Oh please.” Veronica snorted, “You’re full of emotions.”
“Think so huh?” Logan asked he stopped his vehicle in front of Veronica’s house.
“Logan, you really need to give yourself a little credit.” Veronica smiled. “You’re not some emotionless person, you care about people and believe it or not that’s a good thing.”
“Yeah it’s worked great for me so far.” Logan muttered.
Veronica smiled gently, “You’re a good person Logan, the only person I’ve really had lately.”
“Ok this sentimental stuff? Yeah it’s not working.” Logan mumbled as he dropped his head.
“Aww am I making Logan Echolls blush?” Veronica smirked.
“No….” Logan spoke his mouth growing into a small smirk. “Logan Echolls does not blush.”
“Does too.” Veronica giggled. “You can’t handle being called sweet.” She spoke, “Hot yes, sweet no.”
“That’s because I know I’m hot.” Logan smiled, “The mirror doesn’t lie Tink.”
Veronica shook her head in amusement, “I should go, but this conversation is so not over.”
“Oh yes it is.” Logan argued.
“Nope!” Veronica spoke as she opened the door and hopped out of the Xterra. “Not done.” She smiled as she turned and headed toward her house. She turned back once more to see Logan smile and wave and she laughed gently as she made her way to the door. She opened it slowly hoping her mother was actually sober for once. Closing it behind her she dropped her bag on the floor and looked up see her mother and father sitting on the couch looking at her.
Veronica’s smile faded as she saw her mother’s swollen blood shot eyes. Her father’s eyes were dark and his face seemed grim. Veronica looked nervously at both of them waiting for someone to speak. Something was wrong; she could feel it from the stares that pierced through her.
“What’s going on?” Veronica asked carefully, “Dad?” She swallowed.
“Veronica honey, come sit down,” Keith choked out his voice hoarse, “We need to talk.”