Disclaimer: Still not mine. But I promise to take good care of them while I play (and play hard, since it is Spring Break).

As always, thanks to the reviewers, some of you are asking questions that keep me thinking so that is good.

This story so far recaplet: Canon 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. LoVe breaks up, Lynn disappears, LoVe work together to find Lynn in a rehab center in Santa Barbara. Logan finally removes his head from his ass, but V isn’t ready to try again. After some creative courtship methods, LoVe gets back together. Mac is dating Enbom. Casey has hooked up with the new girl, Nadia, who has ulterior motives and an unhealthy interest in Logan. Duncan and Meg are dating, and Veronica is worried. V finally tells Logan about the paternity issue with Duncan, and tells Meg to be careful. Logan and Veronica don’t see eye to eye on Duncan, but they manage to disagree and not break up. Alicia and Keith are going strong. Veronica busts a rogue ATF agent, Dick had a birthday party, LoVe has a bunch of sex. Logan visits Lynn in rehab and they discuss his abuse. The prank calls Veronica has been getting for weeks turn out to be from Leanne. LoVe heads to Barstow to find Leanne, who blows the Kanes alibis out of the water. With Leanne in rehab, LoVe returns to Neptune for midterms. Veronica is paid to uncover that Hamilton Cho’s father was trying to sabotage Sabrina during the tests so his son could win the Kane Scholarship. Veronica calls in the Tritons to save the day. Jake stops Veronica to ask that she take another paternity test, Veronica refuses, instead pursuing the settlement documents between the Kanes and Able Koontz. Veronica gives Logan 16 wishes for his belated 16th birthday present. Keith finds out about Veronica’s investigation, and father and daughter agree to work together. Veronica continues her efforts to uncover the payments from Jake to her mom. Logan and the guys head south for Spring Break and Mac and V join them a few days later. Mac is thinking about having sex with Enbom.

Last week for the new poll in my profile, simple question…who was Lilly really?

Chapter 29

(Wednesday continued)

Scene opens in a large dance club. The darkness is broken with bright flashes of light. Hip hop music plays loudly from several large speakers and the crowd bounces along to the beat. Three separate bars flank the large venue with a stage in the front of the room housing the DJ and space for some sort of entertainment. Veronica, Mac, Marisa and her friends make their way into the club winding through the crowd. A male hand reaches out and squeezes Marisa’s butt. She whirls to see who it is only to find that Veronica has already twisted the guy’s hand back towards his wrist in a painful hold that drops him to his knees. Marisa laughs as the guy’s friends look stunned.

Groper guy: (grimacing) S-sorry. Sorry. Please let go.

Veronica: Maybe you’ll think first next time.

Groper guy: Yeah. Sure.

Veronica frowns.

Marisa I dunno. He doesn’t sound very sincere.

Veronica: He really doesn’t.

Groper guy: I am. Sorry. Really. Your ass is just really nice. (he stops and looks at Veronica tilting his head to try to see her ass) Yours too.

All the girls laugh now, even Veronica looks amused at his drunken attempts at apology.

Groper guy’s friend: He’s sorry. And he’ll remember this. We all will. Any guy would remember being schooled by a hot blonde pixie.

Veronica releases the groper and rolls her eyes. The girls continue moving through the club towards the back bar where the text Veronica had received from Logan had said the guys would be. As they get closer Crazy in Love comes on and Marisa grabs Veronica’s hand and drags her towards the dance floor with all her friends following. Mac sidesteps and points towards the bar where she can see John, Dick and a few other guys standing. She makes her way over to the group, standing close to John with her back against the bar.

John Enbom: You made it.

Mac: It was a close call, but I survived. (he quirks an eyebrow, amusement evident in his face) First, Logan’s cousin tried to put lip liner on me, then Veronica almost broke some guy’s wrist for trying to cop a feel.

Dick: (upset) Man, I missed it. I love it when Ronnie goes all warrior princess on dudes. Ghostworld, you want a drink? I’m buying.

John Enbom: Her name is Mac. Try it once and awhile Dick.

Mac: It’s alright. I don’t actually mind.

Dick: See dude. She’s cool. Chill out. (to Mac) Drink?

Mac: Just a soda for now. It’s too hot in here.

Dick looks disappointed but shrugs and orders anyway adding on a round of Coronas for the guys. Handing Mac and John their drinks he turns back to the larger group of guys he was talking to earlier. Some are guys from their school that Mac recognizes, Chester, Rams and Luke, but there are a few new guys she doesn’t know.

John Enbom: So some guy tried to feel up Veronica? I’m glad Logan didn’t see that. I really don’t want to have to fight tonight.

Mac explains that it wasn’t Veronica’s ass in question.

On the dance floor the girls are dancing in a loose circle laughing and looking around at the people around them. A few of the girls are on the hunt and the others are just checking out people’s outfits and dance moves. Logan emerges out of the crowd and moves in behind Veronica his hands clasping around her waist as he leans in to say something in her ear. She smiles brilliantly and reaches one hand up to cup around his neck as her head tilts back so they can kiss. Marisa and her friends all smile and look happy for the couple as they finally break the kiss but continue to dance together.

Back at the bar one of the guys Mac doesn’t recognize nods towards Logan on the dance floor and turns to Dick.

New Guy/Sean: Looks like Echolls finally found something he likes.

Another guy Mac doesn’t know turns to look to see who he means.

Scott (Logan’s cousin): Huh? (turning to look) Oh.

New Guy: I guess he’s into tiny blonds. (shrugs) She’s got curves in all the right spots but she’s little light on top. Nice legs though.

Dick: (frowning) Dude.

New Guy/Sean: (continuing despite the looks of caution thrown at him from Dick, Luke and Scott) We’re all here trying to get chicks and they just throw themselves at him. Tall, STACKED, blondes and exotic brunettes, but nada. (seeing the looks on the others’ faces now) That girl is hot at all but I thought he’d be more of a boob guy.

Dick: Dude. Seriously. Shut it.

Luke: That’s Veronica.

New Guy/Sean: Who’s Veronica?

Scott: Logan’s girlfriend. If he hears you talking about her like that you’ll be eating through a straw for the rest of the week.

New Guy: I thought she wasn’t getting in until Wednesday. (to Dick) And you said her name was Ronnie.

Luke: VeRONica.

Dick: Yeah. And it is Wednesday. Week’s half over.

New Guy/Sean: (exaggerated) Sorry. She’s cute I guess. She sure knows how to move.

His eyes follow the sway of Veronica’s hips as she dances.

Rams: Alright. Let me explain this to you. (he wraps an arm around Sean’s shoulders and squeezes him painfully) Logan is very protective of Veronica. You should act as if she is… (thinking how to word it) your mother. Your very unsexy mother. Or your innocent baby sister. You don’t say suggestive things to her. You don’t check her out. Just try to be nice, or better yet just say hi then stay far, far away.

Dick and Luke both nod. Sean looks to be in pain.

Chester: That’s good advice.

Sean nods and Rams releases his grip. Mac is listening to the whole conversation and looks out to Veronica and Logan on the dance floor with a smile.

Mac: (to John) So, I guess Logan really is the faithful type. Who’d have thought?

John smiles.

On the dance floor Logan and Veronica move together in a sexy dance, pressed flush against each other, hands running up and down arms, backs, and hips, occasionally dipping lower. They keep time with the music for several songs before slowing down, Veronica’s arms stretched up to circle Logan’s neck, their faces close together, lost in each other’s eyes, merely swaying side to side, staring into each other’s eyes between kisses.

After a few more songs the whole group leaves the dance floor to rejoin their friends. The new guy, Sean, who Mac learned was staying in the same hotel as them and had met the guys earlier this week, made his second mistake of the night by trying to hit on Marisa.

Sean: Hi (smile) I’m Sean.

Marisa: (smiling) Marisa.

Sean: I like your dress.

Marisa: Oh, thanks.

Sean: It would look awfully nice on the floor next to my bed...

Marisa’s smile fades into a frown as her eyes shift to her twin brother.

Scott: (annoyed) Alright. That’s it. We need to have another little talk.

Sean: (defensive) What? Is she your girlfriend? (to Marisa) Cause if he is honey you need to dump his ass and get even with him by screwing me. He’s been around this week.

Marisa: (glaring at her brother and Sean) Ok. 1 (to Scott) We need to talk. 2 (to Logan who is smiling and enjoying the drama) You are to blame for this. He only sluts around when he’s with you.

Logan: Me?

Marisa: You’re a bad influence. Now behave or I’ll have a little talk with Veronica. 3 (to Sean) He’s my brother not my boyfriend. That makes Logan my cousin. And that means you should not be trying lame pickup lines on me. Besides. I’d love to, but I have to watch the Notebook for the 47th time.

Veronica giggles and holds up 6 fingers. Mac holds up 5 not understanding the movie reference and Marisa’s friends all give her 7s.

Sean: Huh?

All the guys look confused.

Flashback to earlier that night.

The girls including Mac and Veronica are in their hotel suite which looks like a department store exploded in it. Makeup, clothes and shoes are scattered everywhere. Mac stands in the corner looking concerned as one girl tries to curl her eye lashes and another appears to be gluing a caterpillar onto her eyelid (fake eyelashes). Veronica is flopped down on a bed talking to Marisa who is straightening her naturally wavy hair.

Veronica: (looking up to see Mac) Mac! Come over here.

Mac: No.

Marisa: Yes.

Veronica: Come on. I promise no blue eye shadow this time.

Mac: (glaring) You’d better not.

Veronica: (hand up in surrender) Pinky swear.

Mac gingerly crosses the room trying not to step on anything.

Marisa: (accessing Mac) I bet you look fantastic in blue eye shadow. You have the eyes for it.

Mac: Thanks?

Veronica: Mac’s not much for the girly things.

Marisa: But it’s so much fun!

Mac: Not really.

Veronica: She doesn’t need much makeup anyway so it doesn’t matter.

Marisa: (moving in close to Mac’s face much to Mac’s wide eyed alarm) You really don’t. You have great skin. Maybe just some mascara and eyeliner and something for your mouth.

Veronica: (grinning) What do you think Mac?

Mac: No.

Marisa: (frowning) No isn’t a thought. It’s a refusal to consider the possibilities.

Mac: (glaring at Veronica) The only possibility I’m open to is…

Marisa: (squealing exaggeratedly while winking at Veronica) Oh yea! Girls! She’s open to a makeover!

Veronica laughs as the other girls look up at Marisa’s overstated glee then at Mac’s terrified face.

Toni: Leave her alone Marisa, she looks ready to bolt out of here. And how are we going to explain to her boyfriend that we lost her after only an hour?

Mac: (still cautious) You’re joking. (deadpan) Very funny.

Marisa: (smiling) I’m not actually. You’re pretty but with just a little makeup you could be…more. (shrugs) Think about it. Imagine how your boyfriend would look at you.

Veronica: Mac’s still getting used to calling him her boyfriend. I think she still flinches every time she tries to say it.

Mac: I do not.

Veronica: Oh yeah? Prove it.

Mac: No. We’re not twelve.

Marisa: (giggling) Come on, I double dog dare you!

They all laugh.

Later after Marisa has talked Mac into letting her put on some makeup and Veronica is applying her own, the girls let them in on their vacation contest.

Marisa: Ok. So you two have to play our little game with us.

When Mac looks alarmed again, Toni laughs and tosses a bikini top at her.

Toni: Calm down. It’s fun.

Marisa: And painless.

Toni: At least for us. And it’s entertaining.

Mac: Ok.

Veronica: I’m listening.

Marisa: So there are a lot of really bad pickup lines here.

Toni: Lots.

The other girls nod and look amused.

Marisa: So whenever a guy gives you one you have to respond with “I’d love to but”…and something that you made up. But it has to be a really lame or bizarre reason.

Toni: My favorite is that I’m teaching my ferret to yodel.

Other girl/Anne: Mine is that I have to wash my hair in another country.

Other girl: I have to write to my boyfriend in prison.

Veronica: So whatever they say, you just have to say “I’d love to but” and your line?

Marisa: Yep. (huge smile) Then at the end of the week we vote for who had the best line.

Mac: What do they win?

Marisa: Eternal bragging rights and a free weekend stay in the hotel.

Toni: We got a free certificate from the manager after one of the waiters dumped a margarita and a bowl of guacamole on Anne.

Anne shudders in remembrance.

Marisa: So, are you in?

Veronica: Sure.

Mac: Yeah. It’s not like anyone is going to be hitting on me anyway.

Veronica rolls her eyes and Marisa looks at Mac curiously.

End Flashback.

Scott: We’re still having that talk.

He pulls Sean away from the group. Logan smiles at his cousin and then turns back to the bar nodding to get the bartender’s attention. He grins down at Veronica and manages to subtly keep her protected within their larger group so no one outside can see her well or reach out to touch. Marisa had complained up a storm to him and Scott earlier in the week that the guys in Cabo were way too grabby. She had lectured them to never behave like that until their ears were ringing.

Logan: What do you want to drink?

Veronica: Lemon drop.

Mac: Ooh. I want to try one of those.

John Enbom: Sure why not.

Logan: A round?

Marisa and her friends nod.

Dick: Tequila for me.

The bartender arrives and shakes Logan’s hand. They had made friends with him earlier and made sure they were given the VIP treatment by tipping very well.

Logan: Seven lemon drops and eight patron shots.

Bartender: Coming right up. You want that on your tab?

Logan: Yeah.

The drinks arrive and they all cheers to spring break before downing the shots. The group settles in drinking, dancing and occasionally either trying to pickup someone or having someone try to pick them up.

Guy: Say, is your dress felt?

Toni: No.

Guy: Would you like it to be?

Toni: I’d love to but…I have to download the Who’s entire discology on itunes

Guy: Are you a cheerleader?

Veronica: No, why?

Guy: Cause if you were we could go back to my room and practice your routine to go, fuck, win.

Veronica: I’d love to but…I have to finish my paper on the Socio-Economic Study of Outward Migration of doves from Canada.

Guy: The word of the day is "legs." Let's go back to my place and spread the word.

Girl: I’d love to but…I have to pair up all my socks.

Mac notices that most of the girls in the club have tattoos on their lower backs. She points it out to Veronica.

Mac: (facetiously) Looks like we missed the fad. Wanna find a tattoo parlor later tonight?

Veronica: (clapping) Yeah! I think I could totally rock a tramp stamp. I’d just have to hide it from my dad. (dropping her false cheer) For the rest of my life.

Logan: I think tattoo can be sexy.

Veronica: (one eyebrow quirked) You want a tramp stamp?

John Enbom: Well…

He smirks at Logan.

Mac: Both of you have the reputation to support it.

Veronica: Hey!

Logan: Yeah, hey!

John Enbom: You can’t deny it Logan. At least for Veronica it was all just rumors.

Veronica: Rumors that you all started.

John Enbom: Right. I apologized for that already, didn’t I?

Mac: Yes.

Logan: I still think a tattoo is sexy on a girl. (sexy look at Veronica) Maybe somewhere only I would see it?

Veronica: Not gonna happen.

Mac: Why is it called a tramp stamp anyway?

John Enbom: Cause so many girls got them. And if you see one you pretty much know you at least have a shot.

Mac: Humm.

John Enbom: Would you ever get a tattoo?

Mac: I don’t know. I doubt it. I’ve heard that it hurts. A lot.

Later there is another wet t-shirt contest on the stage and the guys hoot and holler to cheer the first participants on. The girls shrug and cheer too but Mac and Veronica wonder what would make someone want to show their breasts to hundreds of people as someone pours cold water on you.

Veronica: How come there is no wet t-shirt contest for guys?

Logan: Cold water? Public humiliation?

Marisa: Yeah, where is our entertainment?

Veronica: Rams should do it.

Logan: You want to see Rams naked instead of me?

Veronica: No. Really no. But you can’t go up there, cause then I’d have to kill you.

Logan: Why Rams?

Veronica: Cause he’s single, ripped, and is just enough of an asshole to pull it off.

Logan: You might be on to something. (turning his head to yell at Rams) Rams. Get up there. Give the girls something to look at.

Rams: You think?

John Enbom: Yeah.

Veronica: Do it.

Logan: Come on man.

The whole group begins encouraging him and smiling he changes shirts with Luke so he has on a white t-shirt instead of the dark orange he was wearing. Pushing his way through the crowd he talks to one of the stage managers and convinces him to allow him on stage.

Announcer: Alright we have another addition. Rams? (Rams nods) Alright. Everybody give Rams a big round of applause.

The crowd sounds change from lower male voices to more female cheering as Rams steps up and does a little dance. As the stage hands pour water on him he continues to dance and the girls on stage dance with him, grinding all around him. The crowd cheers them on.

Rams: Alright!

Dick: Dude. I gotta get in on that.

He rushes towards the stage as a few more girls are brought up and get doused in water as Rams continues to dance with several mostly naked girls. Dick appears on stage and takes the mic from the announcer.

Dick: Who’s ready to party?!

The announcer takes the mic back from him and shrugs.

Announcer: Another entry. What’s your name?

Dick: Dick.

Announcer: His name is Dick folks.

The crowd laughs as Dick shakes the water off his hair like a dog and strips off his shirt entirely, waving it around his head like a cowboy’s lasso before throwing it into the crowd. Turning his back to the club and he shakes ass in a booty dance he must have learned from watching videos on MTV. Soon he too is surrounded by girls on stage. Back by the bar, the group from Neptune laughs and loudly cheer their friends on.

Later Mac and Veronica are coming back from the bathroom when they are stopped by some guys. One of the guys, who is cute in a slightly geeky kind of way, approaches Mac.

Cute Geeky Guy: Let’s rearrange the alphabet and put U and I together.

Mac: (blinking at the stupidity of the line, she hesitates then speaks) I’d love to but I have to practice my Clingon before Comic-con.

Another guy smiles at Veronica, then delivers his line with absolute aplomb.

Guy: God intended us all to be naked, so how about you come back to my place and get biblical?

Veronica: (perturbed) I’d love to but I’m a pre-op trannie and I have to get home to take my hormone pills.

He steps back startled then looks her up and down and smiles.

Guy: Come on princess, don’t be like that.

Veronica: Not interested.

Veronica pulls Mac away from them but the cute geeky guy follows after them.

Cute Geeky Guy: You watch Star Trek? That’s so cool. Which series is your favorite? I like Star Trek The Next Generation.

Mac: Uh…

Veronica: Sorry pal. She’s taken.

Cute Geeky Guy: Wait, um are you really going to Comic-con? Maybe we could meet up? Let me just give you my number. Your choice if you call me or not.

Mac: Oh, I don’t know.

Veronica: (seeing Mac’s confusion) Give it to me.

She takes his number and puts it in Mac’s phone.

Cute Geeky Guy: What’s your name? Just in case you do call.

Mac: Mac.

Cute Geeky Guy: Wyatt.

Veronica: Nice to meet you Wyatt. A piece of advice? Lose the pickup lines. Just ask a girl her name and if she responds, offer her a drink. Got it?

Cute Geeky Guy: (smiling) Yeah.

Mac and Veronica walk away.

Back with the group, the girls laugh that Mac’s line actually reeled her guy in rather than push him away. Enbom smiles and announces that he’s got a keeper. The guys laugh at Veronica’s line, even Logan though he tries even harder to stay with Veronica for the rest of the night.

Guy: I’m lost. Can I have directions to your hotel?

Girl: I’d love to but…. I’m saving myself for Hulk Hogan.

Guy: Is your daddy a thief? Because he stole some diamonds and put them in your sparkling eyes.

Marisa: I’d love to but….I have to write up the cost benefit analysis of selling my virginity on ebay.

As the night winds down the crowd gets sloppier and people look worse for the wear. Rams and Dick both manage to end up with girls from the wet t-shirt contest, and Luke is deep in conversation with a girl from ASU who plays softball. Marisa is annoyed with her brother who keeps interrupting whenever she wants to talk to a guy. Finally she says good night to them and she and her friends leave for another club promising to meet up tomorrow. Logan, Veronica, Mac and Enbom have all been drinking and are nicely tipsy but not falling down drunk. They dance for a few more songs then decide to call it a night. Leaving the club the sudden relative quiet is odd and their ears are ringing. Veronica begins to walk back towards the hotel but after a few blocks Logan pulls her to a stop and nods to Enbom.

Logan: Alright. This is our stop.

Veronica looks around, not seeing what Logan might want to do on the quiet block of closed restaurants and shops.

Veronica: What?

Mac: (smiling) Ok. Good night Veronica.

John Enbom: See ya man.

Mac and Enbom keep walking, and Veronica turns to Logan with suspicion in her eyes.

Veronica: What did you do now?

Logan: (smiling) It’s another surprise.

Veronica: (groaning in protest) Logan.

Logan: Don’t complain, you don’t even know what it is yet. Now, come on.

He tugs her towards the beach and they slip off their shoes and walk hand in hand down the moon lit beach. After several hundred yards Logan pulls her directly towards the water.

Veronica: I’m not getting in Logan.

Logan: I know.

Veronica: Are you going to clue me in at all here?

Logan: (grinning) In just a minute.

Veronica: You obviously told Mac and Enbom.

Logan: Yeah.

Veronica: But not me.

Logan: It’s your surprise. So, not telling you is kinda key. (kiss)

Veronica: (smiling) Jerk.

Logan: (smiling again) Look up.

Veronica: What?

He turns her to face the water and in the distance she can see a large yacht, as she watches a good sized inflatable dinghy crests the small waves and comes to shore right in front of them.

Logan: Hey Mick.

Veronica: Mick? You brought the yacht down?

Logan: Yep. Good surprise?

Veronica: (hugging him and kissing his face all over) The best.

Logan: You said you missed it, so... (shrugs)

Veronica kisses him more fully now, holding tightly to his shoulders to show her appreciation for his thoughtfulness.

Logan: Come on.

He rolls up his pant legs up and picks up Veronica setting her in the boat so she doesn’t get wet. Veronica greets Mick then sits down in the boat as they crest over breaking waves to get back to the yacht.

Logan: Only Mac and Enbom know it’s here, so we have it all to ourselves until tomorrow evening. I thought we’d have a party.

Veronica: Sounds good to me.

Logan: Which part?

Veronica: All of it.

Onboard Mick quickly goes to tell Captain Jack that their passengers are onboard and that they can head farther out to sea. Logan takes Veronica up to the top deck sitting down as the yacht heads west. Veronica moves over to the rail leaning over it with her arms locked looking at the shore lights get smaller and smaller. The wind buffets her dress and the glimpses of her thighs and butt pull Logan in. He moves in close behind her his hands running up and down her body.

Logan: There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you all night.

Veronica: (looking over her shoulder at him) What’s that?

Logan: Are you wearing a bra?

Smirking, she shakes her head. He smiles back at her as his hands slide up her thighs under her dress’s loose skirt.

Veronica: Whatcha doing?

He pushes her underwear, soft cotton, clear of her hips letting them fall to her feet.

Logan: Giving you a matching set.

She smiles feeling his hands caress her stomach, still under her dress.

Veronica: How thoughtful of you.

Logan: Oh, my thoughts are always full of you. And your underwear.

Veronica: (laughing) I’ll bet.

She continues to stand at the rail with her back to him as his hands wander over her body. He lifts the elastic empire waist of the dress up to be above her breasts so his hands have free access to the bare mounds as well as the rest of her. He keeps it slow, soft caresses instead of driving urgency, enjoying her soft sounds of contentment for a few minutes. Finally he nudges her knees apart his hand moving into her wet curls slipping easily into her folds.

Veronica: Logan, Mick or Jack could see us.

Logan: They won’t see anything. They’re downstairs. And they know better.

Veronica: Are you sure?

His fingers tease over her clit, spreading her wetness around and causing her breathing to speed up.

Logan: I promise.

She relaxes against him expecting his fingers to push inside of her at any moment but both of his hands continue to wander, one squeezing in at a spot just above her hip bone that mysteriously makes her horny as hell that she has tried to hide from Logan so far. It was already too easy for him to manipulate her physically. Her hips gentle rocking motion presses her ass rhythmically against his straining erection but still he teases her, his hands cupping and stroking over her breasts, nipping lightly at stiffened nipples, his mouth smoothing wet kisses up and down her neck.

Veronica: (trying to turn around and dislodge his hands) Logan. Let’s go to the bedroom.

Logan: Not yet.

With both hands at her breasts he pinches her nipples sharply as his teeth nip at her neck causing her nerve endings to riot. Rolling her nipples roughly a few more times before his hands move down her body, his words obliterate all thought in her head.

Logan: I want to fuck you so badly Veronica. I have all night. Dancing with you is torture, feeling your body move with mine, all I can think about is sinking into you, feeling you close around me, knowing that I’m the only one who gets you. The only one who makes you scream and beg for it.

As he’s talking, seducing her with words, his hands pull up the back of her dress baring her bottom before unfastening his pants revealing that he is also without underwear that night. Before she even realizes what is happening he is inside her. Thrusting in with one forceful upward movement she feels him filling her completely.

Veronica: (crying out in pleasure) Logan!

Logan: I want you here. Under the stars. We’ll have plenty of time in the bedroom later.

Pumping into her with long thrusts Logan’s hands slide from her hips up her stomach feeling her muscles quiver and shake as his fingers trail heat over her wind chilled flesh before settling over her breasts. His touch was rough as he rolled her erect nipples between thumb and forefinger hearing her quick breaths turn into gasps of pleasure. Releasing the peaked points he cupped her breasts using his hold on her to pull her back more forcefully into his thrusts, his own ragged breaths tickling her ear.

Logan: Say my name Veronica.

Veronica: Logan.

Logan: Scream it.

His command is accompanied by one hand moving to her clit pressing down on the nub sharply.

Veronica: (loudly) Logan!

Logan: Again. I love to hear you say my name.

Veronica: (whimpering as her body nears orgasm) Logan.

Logan: Do you want me to make you come Veronica?

He slows down keeping her from her release.

Veronica: (begging) Yes.

Logan: I’m just going to make you come again.

He slams into her rolling her clit in his fingers as he does.

Veronica: Yes!

Plunging into her with a few more hard deep thrust’s her body trips over into orgasm, her cries of joy floating on the night air. Logan pulls out of her, discarding his shirt and shoving his pants down to his ankles before kicking them off. He turns her away from the rail and settles her into his lap, facing him, on the bench seat. Her eyes dilated and her body nearly fluid with the blissful peace she felt after a climax, he pulls her close to him kissing her deeply.

Logan: I want to see you this time. All of you.

She kisses him again then follows his indirect request and lifts her dress over her head. Looking her over possessively, he lifts her up onto her knees with his hands cupping her buttocks before pulling her down onto his waiting cock. She sighs as he fills her again, her engorged flesh surrounding his shaft tightly. She rocks her hips against him in a small circular pattern getting pleasure from each swirling contact. Logan, still cupping her bottom firmly allowed her to keep up her movements even as he began pulling her down tightly onto his erection in short hard stabs.

Logan: That’s it. Fuck, baby. That’s it.

Veronica: Logan, oh God, Logan, I think I’m close.

Logan: Not yet, baby.

Pulling her arms from around his neck he pushes her shoulders back so she is arching backwards, placing her hands on his knees, stretching her body before him so he can get the full visual stimulation of watching their bodies joined, watching her face as waves of pleasure roll over her, and one of his favorites, watching her breasts bounce and jiggle before him in time with his thrusts. With his hands back on her hips, his fingers cupping under her butt, he pulls her down to meet his thrusts more insistently now, popping against her cervix with each movement, causing her moans to increase.

Veronica: Logan, Logan, please. I need to, I need you.

Feeling his orgasm hit, her jerks up into her one more time pressing down on her clit with his thumb propelling her over the edge again.

Veronica wakes up the next morning to a bright sun filled room. Logan lies next to her sprawled out on his stomach hiding his eyes from the sun with his head buried in his arm. The single sheet covering them is low over his back, his tan skin a contrast with the cool white fabric. Veronica smiles, happy and relaxed, and pads quickly over to the bathroom, still not fully comfortable wandering around naked, even now. Returning to the room, she sees that Logan has shifted in his sleep, one arm out stretched to where she was lying, and the sheet is now lower, revealing the top half of his buttocks. Veronica smiles and slides back under the sheet crawling over his body to lie on Logan’s back, after she admires his firm ass with both her eyes and her hands.

Veronica Voiceover: I guess I’m an ass girl.

Kissing up his spine, she stops under his left shoulder blade, running her fingers with ghost like softness over a series of small silver scars there. Her smile falls and she looks upset and confused. Shifting back a small distance her eyes study the rest of his back looking for and finding the evidence she already knew was there. Too many small scars to count were visible, but only if you were looking, most had tanned over and from a distance blended so as not to be noticeable. Her jaw tightens and her eyes are glassy as she leans forward to kiss several of the larger marks. When she feels him stir, beginning to wake up from her touch, she blinks her eyes rapidly and forces her face back into the semblance of a happy smile.

Veronica: (whispered into his ear)Good morning.

Logan: (sleep roughened voice) Any morning I wake up with you is a good morning.

Her lips gentle into a sincere smile, as she pushes up on her hands and knees over him allowing him to roll over without dislodging her. Lying on his back, she resettles herself over his chest, feeling his morning erection stir between their bodies.

Veronica: I love you.

Logan: (perplexed at her unexpected emotionality that morning) I love you too. But is there any particular reason you love me now?

Veronica: (smiling teasingly) Oh I have lots of reasons. Do you have time to hear them all?

Logan: (smiling back) My schedule is clear.

Veronica: Well. I love that you brought the yacht down. (kiss) I love that you kept it secret so we can have some time together, just us. (longer kiss, shifting her hips suggestively) I love that you got Marisa here, and that you knew I felt weird about me and Mac being the only girls here without me telling you. (several small kisses and nibbles) I love that even though you wanted to act like a neanderthal last night and not let me out of your sight, you reigned yourself in and managed too only act like a possessive boyfriend instead of a crazy possessed boyfriend.

Logan: I tried.

Veronica: And I appreciate that. And I love, (she begins kissing down his neck) love, love that you have this fantastic (reaching his chest) this fantastic body now, that I get to enjoy.

She kisses across his pecs, enjoying the different textures of his skin, taking her time to trace a finger tip around his small brown nipples before using her mouth. Logan’s hands push the sheet off of her body, his hands squeezing her soft flesh as they move from her thighs over her butt to her back, capturing her neck in a firm hold and pulling her up to meet his mouth in a searing kiss.

Veronica: (breathing hard) And I love that you are so fantastic and generous in bed. (sitting up with a slight frown) Though I don’t like to think about how you got that way.

Logan: (cautious) Veronica.

She dips down to kiss him again.

Veronica: I know. But since we’re trying to be honest.

Logan: Trying?

Veronica: (smiling) You know what I mean.

Logan: I do.

She continues kissing his body, tracking her fingers over the firm muscles, even enjoying the small amount of chest hair he had. She follows the trail of hair down the center line of his abs, pausing to comment.

Veronica: This really is a trail to happiness.

Logan laughs loving her like this, so relaxed and easy, the stress and complications of their lives not following them at the moment. She slides down farther to be sitting lower on his legs, then stops to look up at him, making sure he sees her face, her expressing lacking any discomfort, as she descends down over his erection to take the tip into her mouth. Propped up on his elbows, Logan watches, fascinated with the visual as her tousled blond head moves slowly over him. The simple sight of her sweet pink lips wrapped around his cock almost more than he could take. She doesn’t try to take all of him into her mouth, not sure how that would work anyway, and instead swirls her tongue around the tip, sucking lightly. Looking up to see his eyes roll back in his head she applies more pressure and moves her mouth up and down slowly, maintaining the pressure as she cupped his balls with one small hand tugging on them gently.

Logan: Fuck Veronica. I love you baby.

She continues for a few minutes until Logan flips them over abruptly, Veronica landing underneath him, startled with the sudden change, her eyes rising to see his face, understanding when she sees the naked desire and demand there. He kisses her hard, his tongue pushing into her mouth at the same time that he thrusts into her welcoming body. Logan sets a hard and fast pace pounding into her. Veronica wraps her legs loosely around him, enjoying his loss of control.

They spend the day together on the yacht, eating a late breakfast, swimming and playing the warm waters of the Pacific, sunbathing and making out on the deck, completely alone at sea. The only dark spot on their day is when Veronica discovers the clothes Logan had bought for her. About to put back on her dress to leave the boat to meet their friends for a late lunch, Logan directed her to the top drawer of the built in dresser as he opened the closet door to reveal a few items for her there as well.

Veronica: (unhappy) Logan.

Logan: What? So I bought you a few things, I brought you here without anything. Would you have rather I left you with nothing to wear all day?

Veronica: You bought me a swimsuit.

She had accepted it that morning with only a short annoyed look, which he had met with a grin.

Logan: And a few other things. So what?

Veronica: You know what.

Logan: It’s no big deal Veronica.

Still unhappy with it she frowns at him.

Veronica: I don’t want you buying me any more stuff.

Logan: On this trip or ever? Cause I’m not sure how that would work…

Veronica: Logan.

Logan: Ok, fine. No more stuff. Got it.

She rolls her eyes at his petulance and to end the mini-fight kisses him quickly before talking another swim suit from the drawer and the pretty blue strapless dress with eyelet details and embroidery along the hem into the bathroom to shower and change quickly.

Back on shore they meet their large group at De Cortez restaurant inside the Sheridan Hotel. After they filled themselves up on good food and margaritas, Enbom picked up the bill and they hit the beach, Mac having helpfully brought Veronica’s beach supplies with her. After they found a space in the sand large enough for all of them, Logan announced that he had the yacht and each of them could invite a few people onboard for a party that night.

Dick: Dude, you rock. Even Chester should be able to score a chick with a line like that. (he waggles his eyebrows comically) Wanna come to a party on my yacht tonight? She’s only 50 feet but…

Logan: It’s an 83 footer.

Veronica: And it’s Logan’s yacht. If you damage it, I’ll throw you overboard.

Dick smiles at her and Rams nods his agreement.

Logan: There are 4 bedrooms, Ronnie and I have one, Enbom and Mac another, that leaves you four (indicates Rams, Dick, Luke, and Chester) and you (looks at Marisa, Scott and their friends) to fight it out for the other two.

John Enbom: Cool man.

Rams: (looking at the other guys)First to lock in their hookup, gets the cabins.

Chester shrugs.

Marisa: Uh-uh. Girls get one room.

Dick: No way.

Veronica: Think about it Dick. The girls can hook up as soon as they step on board. All they have to do is say yes. This way you have a chance at a room.

Luke: (looking down the beach as the girl from the night before walks towards him) Cool.

Dick: (pouting) Fine. Girls have it too easy.

Mac: How so?

John Enbom: It’s true.

Veronica: Oh yeah?

Dick: All you have to do is smile at a guy and you can have sex, (Mac chuckles, Veronica, Marisa and the other girls all smile/smirk) Guys have to work for it. Except Logan.

Logan: Leave me out of this.

Rams: It’s true Logan’s got mad mojo. The girls can’t help themselves. Look at Ronnie.

Veronica tries to look affronted but since she was petting Logan’s bicep when the comment was made she can’t help but smile and soon everyone is laughing. To avoid any more commentary from their friends, Logan and Veronica head down to the water, playing in the surf. They are joined by Mac, Enbom, Luke and his new girl, Michelle. They laugh and play stopping to kiss sporadically. Emerging from the water they lie down on their towels, Logan and Enbom helpfully offering to reapply the girls’ sunblock for them. Completely and thoroughly covered in SPF 30, Veronica and Mac pull out their beach books to read while the boys go to throw footballs and Frisbees back and forth.

Marisa sits down with a huff, obviously annoyed.

Veronica: Another bad pickup line?

Marisa: (smirks) Actually yes. (affecting a deep dumb sounding voice) If I said you have a beautiful body would you hold it against me?

Mac: Seriously?

Veronica: What’d you say?

Marisa: Nothing.

Mac: Too busy laughing?

Marisa: No. Scott swooped in demanding the guy apologize to me. (pouting) He was hot too.

Veronica: So I guess there is a downside to having siblings.

Marisa: Overprotective big brothers, yes.

Mac: Younger annoying brothers too.

Veronica smiles.

Veronica: Tell you what. I’m going to need a cold drink before too long. What do you say we ditch the guys and sneak off? Maybe we can find you a guy and you can use a pickup line of your own.

Marisa: (grinning) Awesome. I’m so glad you and Logan hooked up Veronica. You’re a kick ass chick and you make Logan happy.

Veronica: Thanks.

A half hour later, Mac is hiding from the sun under a large umbrella they rented from the hotel just across from their spot and Veronica tugs back on her sundress over her bikini. Marisa pulls on her shorts and they stand up.

Mac: If I get yelled at for you two sneaking off, you’ll owe me.

Veronica: Add it to my tab, Mac-attack. And remind Logan that if he upsets you, it upsets me.

Marisa: (grinning, to Veronica) You’re evil.

Veronica shrugs. Seeing that they guys are a good distance down the beach now talking to a large group of people they grin at each other and make their way swiftly up to the boardwalk. Stopping first to get Veronica fresh lemonade, they stand under the shade of an awning and survey the passing crowds, looking for a guy for Marisa.

Veronica: What’s your type anyway?

Marisa: I dunno. Tall, I guess since I’m tall.

Marisa has shoulder length sun kissed brown hair, is at least 5’8” with a slender build capped off with full breasts. She looks a lot like her aunt Lynn.

Veronica: Tall, dark and handsome? Or blonde?

Marisa: Whatever. (smirks) I don’t discriminate.

Veronica: Nice.

Marisa: Not too big though, no serious beefcake. Muscles yes, with a ‘roid assist? Not so much.

Veronica: Ok. Good to know.

They continue walking along the boardwalk, stopping to buy a few souvenirs here and there.

They have been walking less than five minutes when a guy stops them.

Indiscriminate guy: I miss my teddy bear. Would you sleep with me?

Veronica: (confused look) Are you talking to me or her?

Indiscriminate guy: Either.

Marisa: Great. Um. I’d love to but…I have to index all my CDs tonight.

Veronica: AndI’d love to but… I have to visit my parole officer.

Indiscriminate guy: We could just cuddle.

Marisa: Thanks anyway.

Moving on, Veronica sees a beautiful black vintage looking dress in the window of a shop, she stops then shakes her head turning away. A few feet later she turns back again.

Marisa: Come on. At least try it on. It could be reasonably priced.

The tank dress fits loosely hanging to Veronica’s knees, the eyelet lace adding a bit of sexiness to it. It is also available in white and Marisa tries to convince Veronica to get that one declaring that she has the perfect coloring to pull it off, but the white dress is too reminiscent of the dress she had worn to Shelly’s party. Veronica gives in and buying the airy black dress knowing that a sundress is a good investment since she lives in southern California. Coming out of the store they find them selves walking in the midst of a large group of guys.

Guy: (to Marisa) Do you know the difference between a hamburger and a blow-job?

Marisa: No.

Guy: Do you want to do lunch?

Marisa: No. (looking disgusted) I’d love to but I have standards.

Veronica giggles but the guy looks pissed.

Guy: Bitch.

The girls move away from him towards another patch of shade, sitting down at a small café when Veronica sees that they are serving ice cream. Sitting at the table enjoying a scoop of chocolate ice cream and a glass of pineapple juice, Marisa shakes her head.

Marisa: How do you eat so much?

Veronica: Good metabolism I guess.

Marisa: That would be grounds enough to hate you, but to top it off you’re smart and pretty too. And you make me feel like an amazon.

Veronica: Sorry. At least you have boobs.

Marisa: Thanks for that. They’re nice right? Great for getting free drinks.

Veronica giggles again, amused at Marisa’s glibness. A guy appears at their table pulling out a chair and sitting down without asking.

GIJoe Guy: (southern accent) How are you beautiful girls doing today?

Veronica: Fine.

GIJoe Guy: Yes you are.

Marisa: Nice one.

He smiles at her but turns his attention back to Veronica.

GIJoe Guy: So, I’m in the Air Force, stationed in San Diego learning how to fly F17s.

Veronica: (grimacing) Great?

GIJoe Guy: So, baby what do you say you come back to my hotel and we’ll play war. (Veronica frowns) I’ll lay down and you can blow me up.

Marisa: (stunned)Oh my God.

Veronica: Ah. I’d love to but I’d rather be strapped down naked to an ant hill.

GIJoe Guy: You might as well go home with me because I’m going to tell everybody you did anyway.

Standing several feet away are a few guys who are all obviously military too.

Marisa: I think you should go now.

Veronica: Walk away. Seriously. You’re wasting your time.

Discouraged the girls head towards where their friends are on the beach. Half way back they see two cute guys sitting together. They are dark haired, both with blue eyes, and look like they could be brothers. Both have tattoos, which suggest they are in college at least, and they are hot.

Marisa: Damn.

Veronica: Yeah. You can say that again.

Marisa: Damn.

Veronica: (laughing)Ok. What’s your approach?

Marisa: My approach? Oh, no. You’re going with me.

Veronica: Oh.

They walk past the guys who look up and smile at them, their eyes drifting over the girls’ bodies. Directly in front of them Marisa stops and puts her hands on her hips, facing them.

Marisa: Excuse me, did you just touch my ass?

Fine guy #1: No.

Marisa: (pouting cutely) Oh, that’s too bad.

Veronica is silently laughing, then giggles out loud as Marisa smiles at the guys who look amused.

Veronica: Sorry. We’ve heard so many bad pickup lines here, I think she just couldn’t help herself.

Marisa: I’m an equal opportunity offender.

Fine guy #1: Nice.

Fine guy #2: No. That was a good one. Do you mind if I steal it?

Marisa: Go for it.

Fine guy #1/Josh: I’m Josh.

Fine guy #2/Ryan: Ryan. And you girls are beautiful.

Marisa: Thanks. But I should warn you. She’s taken.

Josh: That’s disappointing. (to Veronica) Is it serious?

Veronica: It is.

Ryan: (to Marisa) How about you?

Veronica: She’s single.

Josh: That’s good to hear.

They all smile at each other.

Josh: So you guys have heard some bad pickup lines, huh?

Marisa: The worst.

Ryan: Like what?

The girls relate a few of the worst ones, including their comebacks.

Josh: So, you are the girls everyone is talking about.

Ryan: Excellent.

Marisa: We are?

Veronica: That doesn’t sound good.

Josh: We met some guys surfing this morning and they were all talking about this group of hot sassy girls who have the best lines.

Marisa: (excited) We’re famous.

Ryan: That you are.

Veronica: (deadpan) Great.

Josh: So..

Ryan: Yeah. What are you girls up to tonight?

Marisa: (grins) Well actually...

Veronica: We’re having a party on a yacht if you want to come.

Josh: Works for me.

Veronica: It’s my boyfriend’s family yacht.

Ryan: Sounds good. The yacht not the boyfriend. (he winks playfully) If you change your mind…

Veronica: Thanks, but no. I’m more than happy.

Ryan: Not interested in trading up?

Veronica: (grins) Who said I’d be trading up?

Returning to the group, Veronica sits back down on her towel pulling off her dress again. A few minutes later an unhappy looking Logan marches up to her.

Veronica: Oh, there you are. Where’d you go?

Logan: Looking for you.

Veronica: Was I lost?

Logan: Veronica. You could try to make this easier for me. Not disappear randomly.

Veronica: We went for a walk Logan, hardly cause to be upset.

Logan: Did anyone try to hit on you?

Veronica: (she frowns at him, refusing to answer) Stop.

Marisa: Come on Logan. Ease up. Veronica can handle herself. So some guy talked to her. I’m sure that has happened at least occasionally before.

Logan looks darkly at his cousin then at Veronica before lying down on the towel next to her.

An hour later Veronica and Mac have had enough of the sun and pack up their stuff. Logan and Enbom put back on their t-shirts and flip flops and Logan gives everyone directions for how to get to the dock where the yacht is moored.

Logan: We pull out at 7 sharp so be there on time. If you’re late, it’s your loss.

Entering the hotel they are greeted by the manager.

Manager: Mr. Echolls. I hope you are finding your stay enjoyable.

Logan: Of course. Everything is fine. I’ll make sure to relate that to Mr. Casablancas.

Manager: Excellent. Let us know if we can be of any assistance.

Veronica: Mr. Casablancas?

Enbom: This is one of his hotels.

Upstairs in their respective rooms the couples get cleaned up and changed for the evening’s party. Finishing her shower first Veronica decides to run downstairs to get a few postcards from the gift shop so she can post them tomorrow. Exiting the elevator she wanders into the gift shop looking at a few of the other items including the souvenir shot glasses. Lily had collected them from everywhere she traveled, much to Celeste’s annoyance. It had been a rule that if you went anywhere you had to bring one back. Logan had brought them back from Egypt and Turkey, exotic places where his parents were filming or vacationing. Veronica had brought them back from State and National parks, like Yosemite, Yellowstone and Crater Lake. Her mind a million miles away, she doesn’t register that someone behind her has called her name. When a warm hand touches her shoulder she starts and turns around.

Troy: (neutral smile) I thought that was you.

Veronica: (blank faced) Troy.

Troy: Hello Veronica. You look nice.

Veronica: (tight seamed mouth) Right. So what brings you here?

Troy: Well…

Veronica: (accusatory) No wait, I already know. Spring break must be an excellent place to move your…product.

Troy: I don’t do that anymore. My dad caught up to me in Atlanta, enrolled me in a private school. This trip is my reward for good behavior.

Veronica: Right.

Troy: Seriously Veronica. I know you don’t have any reason to believe me, but I’ve changed.

Veronica: Whatever. I don’t see how it matters to me either way.

Troy: (hopeful) It could if you were over Duncan and willing to give me another chance.

Veronica: What?

Troy: I was serious about you Veronica, about trying to start over in Neptune, but it became obvious that you were still hung up on Duncan, so…

Veronica: I’m over Duncan. But that doesn’t mean I’m stupid enough to have anything to do with you again.

Troy: I’m in the hotel if you change your mind. And my school isn’t far from Neptune, Westminster Academy.

Veronica: Don’t care.

She turns walking up to the counter to pay for her postcards. Dick enters the shop.

Dick: Ronnie, watcha doing down here? You don’t have to pay, hey (to the clerk) bill it to my room. Dick Casablancas, room 818.

The clerk’s eyes widen at the name and she nods quickly smiling and moving away.

Veronica: Thanks, Dick, but I think even I can afford a few postcards.

Dick: Consider it my gift to you,Ronniekins.

Troy: You two are friends now? How’d that happen?

Dick: Troy Vandergaff? I thought you were in jail in El Paso or something.

Troy: (smiles and bumps fists with Dick) Worse, an all boys school.

Dick: Dude. That sucks.

Troy: So how did you two become friends again?

Dick: (remembering that Troy and V used to date) We all made nice after Ronnie started dating Logan.

Troy: Logan? Echolls?

Veronica: (tight smile) Yeah.

Dick sees Amber in the lobby and leaves Veronica with a warning look at Troy.

Troy: Wow. That’s…unexpected.

Veronica: Yeah. I thought so too.

Troy: I guess you and Lily really did have more in common than people thought. (Veronica glares at him) I mean how many guys have you shared, Duncan—her brother, your boyfriend. Now Logan. And me.

Veronica: You?

Troy: Yeah. Lily and I hooked up summers when I was in town. (seeing Veronica’s blank look) She didn’t tell you?

Veronica: No.

Returning upstairs Veronica’s thoughts are full of her old friend’s duplicitous behavior. She now knew of three guys Lily had cheated on Logan with, Dom, Weevil, and now Troy. Yet when Logan had kissed Yolanda it had been as if he had broken a sacred covenant.

Veronica Voiceover: How many others were there? And was one of them Lily’s big secret?

Entering the room, Logan comes out of the bathroom, with a half smile, but his eyes are serious.

Logan: What’d I say about you wandering off on your own?

Veronica: Um, nothing. (warningly, but without heat in her words) Because while this is a foreign county, it’s still not LoganLand, where you are the merry dictator, able to issue commands to your girlfriend.

Logan: Well, you did give me 16 wishes. Which are like commands. Should I use one to keep you close to me?

Veronica: (smiling back at him) Why waste a wish? (she walks up to him closing her arms around his waist in a close hug) Close to you is exactly where I want to be.

--AN (bear with me on this one, I’ve got a few things to say)

Ok, my life or really work (important to separate the two) just got more complicated so I’ll probably be missing my 10 day goal more often than not. To try to combat this, I’m going to try posting shorter chapters, but the thing is I have to get to something that advances the storyline for me to feel like it is a chapter, so we’ll see how that works. The reveal here was very minor, Troy and Lilly. But then there is the bit about V knowing about Logan’s abuse.

I rushed this chapter out for MagnusXXN, who asked nicely(and stroked my ego at the same time).

Many of the pickup lines and I'd love to but responces come from my own sick and sarcastic mind. I hope you enjoy. I also enjoyed naming the random guys.

Some of you have voiced concerns or questions about when/if/how I will address Logan’s abuse with Veronica. I will. I have actually already written the confrontation scene and I think it will work for most of you. It doesn’t happen until May 15 or 16 in the story (this chapter ended on April 21). So that’s kinda soon but probably several chapters away still. As for questions about why V didn’t pursue it earlier, I ask this, pursue what? All she knew early on was that Logan was hurt and had been hurt before. Remember that she hadn’t seen much of his body (so no scars) and later they were preoccupied with other things. And finally, I put this in with the rehab doctor, but once she knows and he knows she knows, then what? Seriously, I’m not going with a magical TV resolution route on this on. Child abuse is a difficult thing to prove. The laws are not written well to protect children. Trust me. If you suspect a neighbor of abusing their kids, to get action from the Police or Child protective services you have to actually see the parent hit the kid. Add in the fact that Aaron has money and, one assumes, good attorneys, and what good does knowing do? Odds are not good that anyone would be able to help Logan. Sorry, but that is the reality.

Climbing off my soap box now. On a lighter note I wrote the last part of this chapter with a Veronica hairstyle. Double twisty buns on top of my head. Damn curly hair in the heat and humidity is a f-ing mess.

And for the newer readers or anyone concerned about Duncan…there will be no Veronica/ Duncan in this story. He will come more center stage as the story wraps up, but not as a love interest for V. Ever.

And one last concern I’d like to address about the coming breakup, have faith. Yeah, they breakup, but they still love each other and don’t lose sight of that. Times are just hard, and their coping mechanisms are different. And there’s this misunderstanding. It’s a doozie.

Word count: 9,145

To anne, who is reviewing old chapters, and whose reviews I can’t reply to directly…Not remembering or being able to tell what is mine and what is the show is a great compliment. Thanks. As for making Logan intelligent, I agree many FFs make him an academic lightweight, but while I recognize different kinds of intelligences, I’m not into dumb guys. And he was in physics as a junior so he had to be somewhat intelligent. As for V not following up on Loga’s injury, see above. When LoVe actually broke up, Wallace felt bad for Logan, so he didn’t give him a hard time, Wallace also knew what V wouldn’t admit, that Logan loves her. I’m pretty happy with my portrayal of Duncan. I don’t want to make him “bad” but he won’t be “good” either. As for V’s reaction to him, don’t get me started on how the show handled that. RIDICULOUS! The issue with how much angst and how to keep a couple together while keeping the drama up is one that I’m learning to deal with. I think TV writers just say you can’t have them together and keep up the tension, I think it’s the easy way out, keeping them together and still interesting takes work, but it is doable.