La Douleur Exquise! (Logan/Veronica, Duncan/Veronica) R
Title: La Douleur Exquise! (12/15)
Author: Me
Pairing/Character: Logan, Veronica, Logan/Veronica, Duncan/Veronica
Word Count: 5747
Rating: R
Summary: Blinking back sudden tears, he realized that this was it- he had his friend back, everything was all right, but now, Duncan would be leaving. Gone, for good. Something just wasn’t right about this.
Spoilers/Warnings: Only up to "One Angry Veronica" (spoiler-wise). However, this story takes place after "Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner"
Part One || Part Two || Part Three || Part Four || Part Five || Part Six || Part Seven || Part Eight || Part Nine || Part Ten || Part Eleven || Part Twelve || Part Thirteen || Part Fourteen || Part Fifteen
The songs Logan and Wallace make reference to are The Clash’s “Rock the Casbah,” A Chorus Line’s “What I Did For Love,” Duran Duran’s version of Grandmaster Flash’s “White Lines,” and Sean Paul’s “Temperature.”
In case any one is curious, here is a visual idea of what the group's prom outfits look like: Cora, Jackie (red, think really red), Veronica (silver), Duncan, Logan, and Wallace (since Wallace is a pimp, think Logan's tux, but with the red).
Now...
“What we’re going to do is illegal, you know.”
“Battery, assault...it’s just an eye for an eye.” He paused. “Hammurabi’s law, you wouldn’t know about that.”
Weevil was quiet for a long moment, taking a drag of the cigarette between his fingers. “Are you plannin’ to tell Veronica of all the unlawful activities you will be engaging in?”
Logan smiled slightly, shoving his hands in the pockets of his jacket. “Ignorance is bliss, Weevs. The less she knows, the happier she’ll remain.”
He shook his head, not amused. “She’s gonna dump your ass so quick, Echolls.”
“As long as you don’t tell her, we won’t have a problem, now, will we?” Logan blinked as a lit cigarette was held up in front of his face, his eyes traveling to Weevil next to him. “You’re a cheap date, you know that?”
Weevil didn’t lower his hand, watching the dimly lit and generally disgusting-looking bar across the street from Logan’s XTerra. “It’s cold.” He said simply.
Logan took the cigarette hesitantly, placing the filter to his lips. He inhaled, quickly handing the cigarette back to Weevil before exhaling. “Soon, we’ll be going to the Prom hand-in-hand...GLAAD will use our love to promote awareness and my dad will flip his shit...”
“Does Veronica know you smoke?” Weevil asked suddenly.
“I don’t make it a habit,” Logan replied, giving him a cold, knowing smile. “And no, it’s not something I hide from her. She’s seen me do it, and we could both count the times on one hand. I wouldn’t want her to be kissing an ashtray.” A long pause. “You got a problem with me dating Veronica?”
A shrug. “None of my business.”
“Damn straight.” Logan straightened up as the bar doors opened, and Thumper strolled out, a tan, leggy girl on his arm. “Let’s go.”
Weevil’s hand shot out, resting on Logan’s chest. “Hold up, let him walk Lucia to her car. That’s my cousin, I don’t want her seeing this.”
“Are you sure it’s him?”
“No, but we can find out with a little...persuasion.” Logan pushed off the door of his car, rushing for the bar. Weevil watched him for just a moment before following.
The girl known as Lucia was driving off, Thumper watching her go. A bright smile crossed Logan’s features as he slowed down behind him, clenching and unclenching his fist. “Hey, don’t I know you?” He called in a slightly excited voice.
Thumper turned around slowly and there was Logan’s fist crashing into his face. Thumper hit the floor and immediately tried to stand, and Logan’s foot slammed into his stomach, causing him to buckle over.
Weevil appeared at Logan’s side, glancing at the bar. “Hurry up, man...” He leaned down, yanking Thumper to his feet. “Let’s go.”
Logan landed one more punch before grabbing Thumper’s arm. The two began to drag him across the street, toward Logan’s car. “Battery, assault, kidnaping...” Logan ticked off, giving Weevil a grim look as Thumper protested weakly beneath them.
“Shut up and move.” Weevil growled as they maneuvered Thumper into Logan’s open trunk.
* * * * *
“We are standing inside Casa De Mars, awaiting the appearance of the beautiful, kick ass, benevolent but no man’s fool, Veronica Mars, in a silver Dolce and Gabbana dress designed by the dearly departed and always missed Lynn Echolls...” Logan kept the camera aimed on his face, grinning for his imaginary audience. “Veronica’s adoring public awaits her. Will she arrive before graduation? Let’s see!”
“Man, will you put the camera down?”
Logan swung the camera around, focusing on Wallace and Jackie. Wallace glared at him, while Jackie smiled brightly at the camera, fixing her hair. The two matched perfectly, Jackie with her shiny red dress, and Wallace with his black tux with red trim. “You don’t know what good entertainment is, Fennel. You can’t be my co-host if you insist on being a hater.”
Keith knocked lightly on Veronica’s bedroom door, glancing at the kids in his living room. “Veronica, honey, your friends have been waiting for a while...”
Logan focused on Jackie, zooming in. “And here we have Aphrodite- in a daring, appreciated move of defiance, this smashing beauty wears a dress the color of ruby, thin straps that leave nothing to the imagin-” He glanced at Keith, then turned quickly back to Jackie, holding the camera out to get a better look at her. “Beautiful, Miss Cook. Who are you wearing?”
She raised an eyebrow, giving the camera a suggestive leer. “I am wearing Marc Jacobs.”
“That doesn’t come cheap, ladies and gentlemen.”
“No, but it does when you have a black AmEx.”
Logan pumped a fist in the air. “Rich privileges rule!” He turned to Cora, in her black and gold dress. “Why, Miss Briggs, you look gorgeous!”
“Thank you, Mr. Echolls.” Cora said cheerfully, waving at the camera. “Can I get a copy of this for my mom?”
“Don’t look so happy, I’m gonna catch you doing something devious sooner or later- Backup, down!” Logan said sharply, stepping away from the dog as he attempted to jump on him yet again. He turned off the camera, gently pushing him away. “Dude, if you mess up my tux...”
“I’m ready!” Veronica called from behind the door, opening it slightly.
Keith dashed across the room, taking the camera out of Logan’s hands without a glance in his direction. “Give me that, please,” He said quickly, turning it on and aiming it at Veronica’s door. “We’re ready, honey!”
Three weeks since he had last seen Logan, and things had been awkward. To Logan’s credit, he had pretended as if their last conversation had never happened, even giving Keith a bottle of wine as a peace offering. Keith knew Logan was trying, and he believed Veronica when she said she thought he would be better, but he knew not to be so gullible. Tonight would be the first of many tests Logan would unknowingly be taking in Keith’s mind.
Veronica stepped out of her bedroom, running her hands over her silver dress. Keith zoomed in on her face, her eyes highlighted with light shiny, silver eyeshadow, her lips painted a light pink. Her hair was done in loose curls. Her silver heels clacked loudly as she walked down the hallway towards the group.
Logan grinned, impulsively patting down his silver tie as he stepped towards her. “And here we have Veronica Mars,” He narrated, not looking at the camera. “Looking absolutely impeccable in silver Dolce...and I’m the luckiest guy in the world.”
“Never forget it.” Veronica replied with a grin. “You like?”
“I love.” He held out a black box, wiggling it at her. “Since the Wicked Witch insisted this night be about diamonds, I think you deserve some bling for the event.” He opened it, pulling out a thin, silver necklace, dangling from it was a tiny sparkling diamond star. Veronica’s mouth dropped as he wrapped it around her neck, fastening it in place. “Perfect.” He said quietly, leaning in.
“Logan, as Veronica’s father, this is as much my night as it is yours,” Keith spoke up, looking at the two through the viewfinder. “So, get the hell out of the way.” Wallace and Jackie laughed as Logan shook his head, stepping out of the way so Keith could focus the camera on Veronica, grinning. “You look beautiful, Veronica.”
“Thanks.” Veronica said, slightly embarrassed, giving the camera a quick wave. She glanced at Wallace, who looked undoubtedly bored. “What’s up, home fry?”
He shrugged. “Logan and I had to put up with this at Cora’s house...then Jackie’s...it’s getting old. No offense, Mr. Mars.”
“None taken, I get the hint.” He gestured towards the others, who immediately jumped up, walking towards Veronica. “All right, everyone together so I can record this.”
Logan wrapped his arms around Veronica’s waist, resting his chin on her shoulder while Wallace wrapped his arms around Jackie and Cora, all three grinning brightly. Veronica rested her hand on Logan’s arm, leaning her head on his chest.
Keith placed the camera on a nearby table, grabbing his own camera and snapping away. “Hey, Jackie, any chance I can meet your father? I’m a fan.”
“Sure.” Jackie said through her smile, leaning into Wallace’s chest. “Come by on Saturday morning.”
“Don’t encourage him, he’ll never leave.” Veronica warned, shaking her head. “He’s a BIG fan.”
Keith shushed Veronica with his hand, putting down his camera and picking up Logan’s again. “Where you guys off to?”
Logan twirled Veronica around, spinning her into Wallace’s arms. “Back to Wallace’s place, ‘cause his mom is going to flip if we don’t go for pictures, then to the Neptune Grand for the prom.”
“You guys are going to be late.”
“Yeah, you tell Ms. Fennel that. She nearly made Wallace cry.”
Wallace hugged Veronica loosely, shoving Logan with his free hand. “Man, you were the one practically shoving Jackie out the door.”
Logan wrapped his arm around Cora’s shoulders, attempting to lead everyone to the door. “She went all Angry Black Woman on me, it was terrifying.” He held out his hand, and Keith placed his camcorder on it. “Do ya wanna have fun, fun, fun?” He said as Cora and Jackie rushed for the front door.
“How’s about a few laughs, laughs, laughs?” Veronica sang, grabbing Logan’s hand. “Bye, dad! Don’t wait up!”
“See ya, Mr. Mars.” He called, his arm winding around Veronica’s waist as they followed the others out.
“Logan!”
Logan and Veronica stopped, both staring at Keith. He glanced at Veronica before giving Logan a firm look. “If I have to bail any of you out of jail in the morning, guess who I’m holding responsible?”
Logan held up his hand like a Boy Scout, giving Keith a quick smile. “I promise we won’t throw pig’s blood on the school freak.” Veronica rolled her eyes, shoving Logan out the door.
* * * * *
Wallace popped open a bottle of champagne, quickly pouring some into Jackie’s waiting glass. “I have got to hand it to you, Echolls- you know how to trick out a limo.”
“It’s high class from now on, Wallace, my friend.”
The limo was indeed tricked out, Logan had made sure to put enough drinks, liquor, snacks, and music to keep them all occupied long after the dance was over. He managed to coax the limo driver to stick around until the next morning, promising a ten percent increase if he did whatever they said with no questions asked. He had, surprisingly, learned something from Duncan from their years of friendship.
Logan patted Veronica’s knee, getting her attention. “This is random, but you know how I know your dad is really mad?” She stared at him, waiting. “He says my name. A lot.”
She cringed. “Oh, yeah. He tends to do that.” She mimicked her father’s angry face. “Veronica, don’t go after that killer...Veronica, you will not make fake ID’s, Veronica! Veronica...”
“Why can’t you do normal bad stuff?” Wallace interrupted, giving Veronica a look. “Get caught making out on the couch or something.”
Logan looked around the limo, taking an exaggerated sip of his champagne, and Jackie let out a scream, hitting Logan’s knee with her purse as the rest of the group let out cheers of approval. “I was scared for my life.” He said matter-of-factly. “Imagine if you will, the former sheriff of Neptune who still carries a gun, catching his precious, only daughter making out with her bad boy boyfriend on HIS couch...”
Veronica shook her head as Logan gave her a comforting kiss on the cheek, pushing him away. “Beyond mortifying.”
Wallace reclined on the large seat, throwing his legs on Jackie’s lap. “I’m surprised he let your skinny ass come with us, V.”
She frowned. “My dad’s a very forgiving man.” She shrugged slightly, taking the smallest of sips from her glass. “And he loves me.” She finished with an exaggerated smile.
“Love...love is never gone. As we travel one, love's what we'll remember.” Logan whispered in her ear as Cora, Jackie, and Wallace began to have their own conversation across from them, grinning as she smiled slightly.
“A Chorus Line.” She replied, nodding. “You remember.”
He rolled his eyes slightly. “How can I forget you and Lilly belting it in my pool? Once upon a time, you definitely were a dork.”
“Yeah, and you totally know the song. You’re so gay.”
A big grin grew on his face. “Kiss today goodbye, and point me t’ward tomorrow,” He sang loudly. “We did what we had...to...DO-”
“Okay, the next person that starts singing a showtune is getting their ass thrown out of this moving limo.” Wallace said loudly, getting a cackle of laughter out of Jackie. Cora held out her empty glass and he quickly poured her another round. “How in the hell do you know so much Broadway, Echolls?”
Logan cleared his throat uncomfortably, suddenly aware of all the pairs of eyes on him. “Uh, my mom. She used to take me to plays since I was, like, six. We used to take a jet to New York to see the shows when they first opened. Wicked, Chorus Line, Oklahoma, The Producers, Little Shop of Horrors, Chicago, Cabaret, Rent, Phantom...I saw them all.”
“I miss your mom,” Veronica sighed. “She used compliment me all the time, saying how great I looked with dark pink lipstick, it was nice.”
“Huh.” Logan frowned slightly. “She used to say the same thing to me.” The limo erupted in laughter, and Veronica punched his arm hard. He was unable to keep the smile off his face, trying to give her an innocent look. “What? She did!”
“How is it, watching a Broadway show?” Cora asked, leaning forward. “It’s awesome, right?”
“Nothing like it- I’ll take you someday.” Cora gave him a look of surprise, and he nodded, downing his drink. “I’m serious. We’ll go during winter break or something.”
Jackie shoved Cora’s shoulder, grinning. “Lucky!”
Cora couldn’t keep the smile off her face any longer, nodding. “Thanks! I don’t know how-”
Logan waved her gratitude away with his hand, grabbing the champagne bottle out of Wallace’s hand and taking a long drink. “You’re my friend, don’t worry about it.”
Veronica smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck. “You’re awesome.” She said sweetly, giving him a long kiss.
Jackie held out Logan’s camcorder, aiming it at the two. “Say hello to Mr. Mars!” She said loudly, zooming in. Logan eyed the camera, smiling against Veronica’s mouth before grabbing the back of her head and giving her a deeper kiss.
Wallace watched the show before rolling his eyes, throwing a chocolate-covered cherry at the two. “Hey- HEY! I will come over there!”
Veronica moved out of Logan’s hold, sliding away from him. “PDA’s are nobody’s friend. Music!” She said loudly, taking the champagne bottle out of Logan’s hand.
“Let’s get some old school in here,” Logan started the CD player switch on the arm of the seat, nodding as loud drums and electric guitars blared into the backseat. Wallace let out a yell of recognition and Logan laughed, grabbing the camera out of Jackie’s hand and aiming it at Cora and Wallace.
“Is this a rock version?”
Logan nodded, spinning the camera on his own face. “You can never go wrong with Duran Duran, kiddies.” He said matter-of-factly before turning the camera back on Wallace, zooming in.
“Not bad, bro!” Wallace pointed at the camera, eyebrows rising. “White lines...” He sang, dancing in his seat as Jackie hid her face in embarrassment. “Blowing through my mind...”
“High fry...” Logan offered, turning the camera at Veronica, who gamely moved to the beat. “Burns to unwind-” He whipped the camera around as Cora began to dance in her seat, getting Wallace to dance along with her. After a moment, Jackie joined in weakly.
Suddenly, Logan hit the ‘stop’ button on the CD player, getting groans from the others. “Shut up and listen!” He demanded loudly, blocking the candy that was thrown at him by Wallace. “Now, we are going to our prom, the only one we will be having.” He paused to pour everyone a fresh round of drinks. He set down the camera, holding up his glass in a toast. “We’re going not as 09ers, not as Have Nots, but as those stuck in the unfortunate middle with no label-”
“We’re the Damaged Little Fuckers Clique.” Veronica interrupted, getting her glass clinked by Jackie’s.
“This is MY toast, thank you.” Logan snapped, giving the two giggling girls a look. “My only suggestion, when we go in there, is to not let anyone get to us...” He paused for dramatic effect. “And to rock the fuck out of that prom- we’re rocking the fucking Casbah, bitches.”
“Here, here!” Cora exclaimed, clinking glasses with the Wallace’s before downing her glass.
The others did the same as the limo pulled to a stop in front of the Neptune Grand. A long silence followed before Logan swung open the limo door and stepped out, holding out his hand for Veronica. They waited for the other three, watching other seniors walk by, some giving them glares as they passed.
Logan shook his head. “I still have no idea why they hate me so much. You, I understand...”
She poked his ribs with her finger, pulling him to catch up with Wallace, Cora, and Jackie. “It’s amazing that people with so much hate could coexist together...” She muttered as they walked through the lobby.
Wallace blinked, glancing down at the silver carpet leading to the ballroom, the faux diamonds decorating the door frame. “Damn...they went all out, huh?” He tried to look over the crowd at the spot where official pictures were being taken, spotting a wall covered in glittery gems. “Jeeze- I just went blind.”
“Money no object for the Neptune Rich.” Logan muttered, pushing Wallace into the picture line. “Just grin and bear it.”
“I can’t believe we’re in line to get our picture taken at the prom,” Veronica told Logan quietly as he leaned down, kissing her shoulder. “It’s almost normal.”
“Stop saying normal...” He whispered, giving her a peck on the cheek.
“NEXT!” Mrs. Hauser yelled, pushing Wallace and Jackie towards the door.
Logan pulled Veronica up in front of the Diamonds of Doom, wrapping his arms around her waist. His eyes landed on Duncan, on line with Gia, both clad in their finest, as Veronica rested her hands on his. His smile faded. “Just look at the camera.” He whispered in her ear.
“Huh?”
“Smile!” The photographer demanded.
Veronica and Logan smiled abruptly, and there was a flash of light. She blinked back the flash, grinning as Logan gave her another kiss on the cheek. Her eyes focused again, her smile fading as she spotted Duncan on the line, Gia chatting with Casey Gant next to him.
“Let’s go, Mars.” Logan muttered, pulling her out of the way.
“Yeah.” She said quietly, giving Gia a smile when the girl spotted her, waving wildly. To her surprise, Duncan gave her the tiniest of waves, but before she could return it, he had looked away, laughing at something Casey had said.
“NEXT!” Hauser called shrilly.
Suddenly, Clemmons grabbed Logan’s arm, pulling him back. “Let’s get it over with, Mr. Echolls.”
Logan held up his hands defensively, already knowing the drill. “Sir, I swear, I don’t have a lick of alcohol on me.”
“Yes, but I clearly remember the last three dances in which you were illegally intoxicated. And let’s not forget the occasions in the locker room with Lilly Kane, may she rest in peace.” Logan rolled his eyes, taking off his jacket and handing it to him. Clemmons turned to Veronica, snapping his fingers before inspecting the pockets of Logan’s jacket. “Miss Mars...”
“Oh, come on!” Logan protested loudly. “Where the hell is she going to fix a flask on that thing? Her dress is as thin as-”
“Thank you, Mr. Echolls.” Clemmons interrupted quickly, nodding at Veronica.
Veronica sighed loudly, holding out her arms like she was being frisked and spun in a circle. “This is so not cool, sir.” She handed him her small purse, and he looked inside briefly.
“Happy?” Logan asked sharply as Clemmons handed Veronica back her purse. He nodded, grabbing Veronica’s arm and leading her inside the ballroom.
Noise immediately greeted them, loud music coupled with the clinking of forks and the screams and laughter (and the obligatory stares) of their classmates. Faux diamonds hung from the ceiling, silver curtains covering the windows. The DJ did his job from behind a silver booth, clad in a shiny silver tux. Each circular table was decorated with tiny, fake diamonds and silver, disposable cameras.
Veronica blinked rapidly, fighting back the urge to roll her eyes at the sight, holding on to Logan’s hand tightly as people danced around her. She glanced up at him, laughing slightly as she watched him bob his head to the music. “Logan!” She shouted over the music.
“What!” He shouted back, giving her a smile.
“We can’t be the cynical couple if you’re enjoying yourself!”
His eyebrows rose as the next song started and the crowd screamed in acknowledgment. He pointed at the sky, nodding to the beat. “I got the right temperature fi shelter you from the storm...” He told her matter-of-factly.
Veronica allowed a smile to grace her features as Logan wrapped his arms around her waist, dancing to the music. She rested her hands on his upper arms, moving in sync with the music and with his hips. She smiled as she spotted Wallace, in the middle of a Jackie and Cora sandwich, before returning her attention back to her boyfriend.
“You guys made it!” A voice yelled beside them, and Veronica pulled away from Logan, her eyes widening at the sight of Mac before her, her dark hair highlighted with silver streaks, glitter decorating her face. She stepped back, showing off her silver and black dress. “Hi!”
“Funky, Mac!” Veronica said with a smile as Logan greeted a black and silver-wearing Cassidy with a fist pound. “I love the hair!”
“So do I- can we sit at your table? They’re not giving food to tables that aren’t completely full yet, and I refuse to sit with his brother...I hate the Fascist.”
Veronica nodded. “The more the merrier.” She glanced up at Logan, giving him her best sad face. “I’m hungry.” She said, running her hand down his arm. He kissed her neck and she gasped, her nails digging in his arm as she gave Mac and Cassidy an embarrassed shrug. “Logan!” He lifted his head, giving her a grin. “Come on!”
He continued to dance, leading her, Mac, and Cassidy towards Wallace and their group. “Where’s our table?” He shouted, and Wallace pointed to the round one closest to them, Jackie and Cora’s purses already decorating the tablecloth.
Logan flopped down in a chair, pulling Veronica on his lap as Mac and Cassidy took two seats across from them. “I want to dance for at least eighty percent of the night, you hear me?” He told her, swiping a glass of soda from a waiter that walked past, downing it.
“I’ll be dancing for sixty-five percent of it, so you’re out of luck.” Her smile faded as Duncan walked by, his eyes on them briefly. She tilted her head, watching him walk Gia to the table occupied by Dick, Madison, Ashley, Casey, and several juniors. “He took Gia?”
“I guess.” He cupped his hands to his mouth, looking at Wallace. “Sit the hell down, we want to eat!” He bellowed.
Veronica’s eyes fell on the back of Logan’s hand, his knuckles adorned with small cuts and bruises. She grabbed his hand, running her fingers over the skin. “How did you get that?” She asked, sharper than she intended, ignored the others as they sat around her.
Logan quickly took his hand back, giving her a slight smile. “Don’t worry about it, I’m fine.”
“Logan-”
He cut her off with a soft, lingering kiss. Any way to stop her from asking questions, any way to shut her up. Pulling away, he gave her a smile. “The food’s coming, grab a seat.” He said quietly, pulling the last empty chair closer to him.
Veronica slid into the seat, giving Logan a forced smile. The wounds weren’t fresh, at least, not a couple-of-hours-ago fresh. The bruises on and around his knuckles were in the process of healing, the cuts dry but with an outline of red. It was recent. She turned to him, about to ask who exactly he punched, when a waiter appeared, setting down plates of food.
The meal itself went by smoothly, the only incident being Dick throwing a bread stick at Mac’s head, causing Wallace and Mac to restrain Cassidy. Veronica and Jackie watched in awe as their dates got into a heated debate over the art of picking up girls, Wallace finally deciding to ask Jackie for a pen, which resulted in Jackie punching Wallace’s arm hard.
Veronica couldn’t lie, she was beyond happy that Logan was fitting in so wonderfully, even if he did look uncomfortable at times. But not as uncomfortable as she must’ve looked when Jackie leaned in and loudly asked the entire table-
“Okay, when did we all lose it?”
Logan stared at her blankly, lowering his fork. “Our sanity? Wha-”
“Virginity!”
Wallace, Cassidy, and Cora began to laugh, and Logan leaned forward, a devious smile on his face. “Show me yours and I’ll show you mine, baby.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Fifteen.”
“I’ll one-up you, Cook- thirteen.” The table erupted in laughter, and Logan nodded. “Hollywood childhood, folks.” He glanced at Veronica, noticing just how uncomfortable she was looking at that moment. His hand falling on hers, he set down his fork “All right, enough sex talk- are we going to dance or what?”
“Or what- I need to go to the bathroom.” Cora stood, grabbing Jackie’s arm. “C’mon.”
Jackie gestured to Veronica as Cora let her to the lobby. “We travel in packs, girl!”
Veronica stood, taking Logan’s hand and leading him to the door. Logan dug his feet into the floor immediately, reaching over and swiping a drink from a nearby waiter’s tray. “No- I am SO not going. This is a cliché and I am not buying into it.”
“Yes, you are, you need to hold my stuff.” Pushing past the crowd was the hardest part, and once outside, she breathed a sigh of relief. “Jeeze,” She fished her lipstick out, then handed her purse to Logan, giving him a slight grin. “Be right back.” She said before following Jackie and Cora inside the bathroom.
Logan nodded to himself, lightly rubbing Veronica’s purse as he listened to the muffled music from inside the ballroom. Madison and a bunch of her lackeys rushed into the bathroom, and he instantly felt sorry for Veronica and her group.
He held on to Veronica’s purse loosely, sighing as his eyes scanned the nearly empty hallway. He froze as he spotted Duncan across the room, watching him. As Duncan got closer, Logan eyed him, unfastening the buttons of his jacket with his free hand. “If you’re gonna punch me, get it over with.”
Instead of doing so, Duncan laughed, rubbing at his eyes. “I’m not going to punch you, dude.” Logan watched him warily, slowly relaxing as Duncan lifted his head, tears in his eyes. “I’m a dad.”
“What?”
“Meg gave birth. C-section. She’s...I’m a dad. It’s a girl...I have a baby girl, dude. It’s scary. She’s tiny.” He pulled out his cell phone, rapidly pressing buttons. “She’s a week old now.” He showed Logan the tiny, blurry picture of a baby on a thick pink blanket.
“She looks like an alien, dude.” Logan wiped at his brow, more than uncomfortable with how this conversation was going. He expected at least a query about the weather, or a white flag being waved, but not a birth announcement. More than anything, he didn’t expect Duncan to talk to him like they were best friends again.
Looking at Duncan then, his eyes glistening with both excitement and fear, Logan realized that this was probably just what Duncan needed at this moment- a friend to talk to. Not an enemy, not someone to glare at across the room, he needed someone to talk to. And almost immediately, Logan felt foolish for not reaching out to him sooner or more persistently.
Duncan stared at him blankly, clearly not understanding his observation of his daughter. “She’s adorable.”
Logan quickly nodded as he shoved Veronica’s purse under his arm, not in the mood to argue with Duncan over his own child. “Yep. Adorable.”
Duncan returned the phone to his pocket, nodding to himself. After a moment, his face crumbled, and he covered his eyes with his hand, breathing shakily. Logan glanced from Duncan to the girls’ bathroom, then back at Duncan, unsure of what to do. Finally, he reached for Duncan, going to rest his hand on his shoulder, when Duncan looked up. Logan pulled his hand back abruptly, taking a sip of his drink to cover his awkwardness.
“We’re so fucked up, Logan.” Duncan said suddenly, nearly giggling with panicked anxiety.
Logan smiled slightly, still keeping his distance. “Yes, yes, we are.” He raised his drink to the sky. “Veronica’s a little Madonna-slash-whore with severe trust issues, you are emotionally stunted and got your ex pregnant, and I’ve committed enough random acts of debauchery and illegal acts to ensure my place in Hell. Lilly would’ve loved it, the bitch.” Duncan laughed harder, and after a long moment, Logan started to chuckle. “What’s so funny, man?”
“Lilly so would’ve been giving ass slaps and high fives...God.” Duncan wiped at his face with a sigh. “She would’ve loved it all.”
“Not sure she would’ve loved this whole thing with Veronica and-”
“She would’ve dug it, Logan. She always thought Veronica was too much of a goody-goody.” He swallowed hard. “It’s all right, man. We should’ve broken up a long time ago.”
Logan raised an eyebrow. “You and Veronica or you and I? I told you, dude, I’m stra-” Duncan punched Logan’s arm hard, and Logan quickly shoved him away. “Ow- stop.”
Duncan wiped at his eyes, sighing. “I’ve never been so scared-” He looked over Logan’s shoulder, as if expecting to see Veronica there, hiding. “Veronica’s around?”
“Oh, don’t worry,” Logan said with a dismissive wave towards the bathroom. “Right after she went in there with Jackie and Cora, like, half the Pep Squad stormed in. She’s gonna be in there a while.” His smile faded at the look on Duncan’s face. “What’s going on?”
Duncan glanced into the ballroom before facing Logan again. “We’re doing it, dude. Meg and I. Gone. Tonight, after the prom.”
“What?”
“We’re leaving. Sara- the nurse? She’s gonna help us. We’re getting out of here before her parents can take our girl.”
Logan was quiet for a long moment, registering exactly what Duncan was saying. This is what he had been so secretive about after their visit to Meg’s room, it suddenly made so much sense- and he was shocked Veronica didn’t figure it out. Instead of asking all the questions spinning around in his head, he settled on- “You really want this kid, don’t you?”
Duncan smiled slightly. “I kinda do. I’m sure being a family man at eighteen won’t hurt my chances in politics. Once my parents settle all this, I mean.” He dug in his pocket, pulling out something and spinning it in his hand. After a moment, he handed Logan a card. “Suite’s yours. You won’t have to live with Dick anymore.”
“Thanks.” Logan whispered, unusually moved by the gesture. Blinking back sudden tears, he realized that this was it- he had his friend back, everything was all right, but now, Duncan would be leaving. Gone, for good. Something just wasn’t right about this.
He cleared his throat, glancing at the girls’ bathroom. “What do you need?” He asked quietly, ripping his eyes from the door and focusing on Duncan. “To get out of here, what do you need?”
Duncan slowly smiled.
Veronica elbowed her way through the mess of silk, satin, hair, and heels to the sink and mirror of the girls’ bathroom, letting out a slight growl as she set her hands down on the sink. “Jackie!” She called sharply, looking in the mirror for any sight of her.
Jackie’s arm appeared in the crowd, waving blindly. “Comin’!”
“God, Ashley, that pimple is COVERED.” Veronica muttered to Ashley on her left, who continued to apply makeup to her chin. Cora appeared on her right, giving her a smile. Veronica returned it weakly, checking her makeup. “Jackie!” She yelled. “Let’s go!”
Jackie finally appeared between the two girls, quickly checking her hair. “Isn’t there more than ONE bathroom around here?” She snapped, grabbing Veronica and Cora’s arms and leading them to the door.
Duncan let out a shaky breath, pressing his lips together. “I really appreciate it, dude.” A long pause. “Despite all that happened...I’m gonna...” He shook his head in frustration, letting out a slight laugh. “Damn.”
“Agreed.” Logan gave a quick nod, and they embraced awkwardly.
“Treat her good.” Duncan said quietly.
“Yeah, you too.” He replied shakily. He grabbed the back of Duncan’s head, pressing his mouth against Duncan’s ear. “Don’t worry about getting out. I’ll cover you.”
“For life.” Duncan said quietly, hugging him tighter. “Give Celeste hell for me.”
Veronica, Jackie, and Cora didn’t so much exit the bathroom as stumble out of it, quickly collecting themselves. Veronica froze at the sight of Duncan and Logan hugging, glancing at the other two girls, who quickly abandoned her for the noise of the prom.
She stood to the side, watching their embrace. After a long moment of not being noticed, she inhaled deeply, stepping forward. “Logan, I thought you were my date...”
Logan pulled away from Duncan quickly, rubbing at his eyes. “Yeah...she’s the jealous type, Duncan. I can’t go to your super sexy after-party.”
Duncan feigned disappointment, giving Veronica an awkward smile. “See you guys later.” Without a second glance, he strolled back into the ballroom.
“You guys made up.” Veronica said, deciding to make it more of an observation than a question.
“We always do.” Logan said shakily, wrapping his arm around Veronica’s waist and leading her back inside.
Author: Me
Pairing/Character: Logan, Veronica, Logan/Veronica, Duncan/Veronica
Word Count: 5747
Rating: R
Summary: Blinking back sudden tears, he realized that this was it- he had his friend back, everything was all right, but now, Duncan would be leaving. Gone, for good. Something just wasn’t right about this.
Spoilers/Warnings: Only up to "One Angry Veronica" (spoiler-wise). However, this story takes place after "Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner"
Part One || Part Two || Part Three || Part Four || Part Five || Part Six || Part Seven || Part Eight || Part Nine || Part Ten || Part Eleven || Part Twelve || Part Thirteen || Part Fourteen || Part Fifteen
The songs Logan and Wallace make reference to are The Clash’s “Rock the Casbah,” A Chorus Line’s “What I Did For Love,” Duran Duran’s version of Grandmaster Flash’s “White Lines,” and Sean Paul’s “Temperature.”
In case any one is curious, here is a visual idea of what the group's prom outfits look like: Cora, Jackie (red, think really red), Veronica (silver), Duncan, Logan, and Wallace (since Wallace is a pimp, think Logan's tux, but with the red).
Now...
“What we’re going to do is illegal, you know.”
“Battery, assault...it’s just an eye for an eye.” He paused. “Hammurabi’s law, you wouldn’t know about that.”
Weevil was quiet for a long moment, taking a drag of the cigarette between his fingers. “Are you plannin’ to tell Veronica of all the unlawful activities you will be engaging in?”
Logan smiled slightly, shoving his hands in the pockets of his jacket. “Ignorance is bliss, Weevs. The less she knows, the happier she’ll remain.”
He shook his head, not amused. “She’s gonna dump your ass so quick, Echolls.”
“As long as you don’t tell her, we won’t have a problem, now, will we?” Logan blinked as a lit cigarette was held up in front of his face, his eyes traveling to Weevil next to him. “You’re a cheap date, you know that?”
Weevil didn’t lower his hand, watching the dimly lit and generally disgusting-looking bar across the street from Logan’s XTerra. “It’s cold.” He said simply.
Logan took the cigarette hesitantly, placing the filter to his lips. He inhaled, quickly handing the cigarette back to Weevil before exhaling. “Soon, we’ll be going to the Prom hand-in-hand...GLAAD will use our love to promote awareness and my dad will flip his shit...”
“Does Veronica know you smoke?” Weevil asked suddenly.
“I don’t make it a habit,” Logan replied, giving him a cold, knowing smile. “And no, it’s not something I hide from her. She’s seen me do it, and we could both count the times on one hand. I wouldn’t want her to be kissing an ashtray.” A long pause. “You got a problem with me dating Veronica?”
A shrug. “None of my business.”
“Damn straight.” Logan straightened up as the bar doors opened, and Thumper strolled out, a tan, leggy girl on his arm. “Let’s go.”
Weevil’s hand shot out, resting on Logan’s chest. “Hold up, let him walk Lucia to her car. That’s my cousin, I don’t want her seeing this.”
“Are you sure it’s him?”
“No, but we can find out with a little...persuasion.” Logan pushed off the door of his car, rushing for the bar. Weevil watched him for just a moment before following.
The girl known as Lucia was driving off, Thumper watching her go. A bright smile crossed Logan’s features as he slowed down behind him, clenching and unclenching his fist. “Hey, don’t I know you?” He called in a slightly excited voice.
Thumper turned around slowly and there was Logan’s fist crashing into his face. Thumper hit the floor and immediately tried to stand, and Logan’s foot slammed into his stomach, causing him to buckle over.
Weevil appeared at Logan’s side, glancing at the bar. “Hurry up, man...” He leaned down, yanking Thumper to his feet. “Let’s go.”
Logan landed one more punch before grabbing Thumper’s arm. The two began to drag him across the street, toward Logan’s car. “Battery, assault, kidnaping...” Logan ticked off, giving Weevil a grim look as Thumper protested weakly beneath them.
“Shut up and move.” Weevil growled as they maneuvered Thumper into Logan’s open trunk.
* * * * *
“We are standing inside Casa De Mars, awaiting the appearance of the beautiful, kick ass, benevolent but no man’s fool, Veronica Mars, in a silver Dolce and Gabbana dress designed by the dearly departed and always missed Lynn Echolls...” Logan kept the camera aimed on his face, grinning for his imaginary audience. “Veronica’s adoring public awaits her. Will she arrive before graduation? Let’s see!”
“Man, will you put the camera down?”
Logan swung the camera around, focusing on Wallace and Jackie. Wallace glared at him, while Jackie smiled brightly at the camera, fixing her hair. The two matched perfectly, Jackie with her shiny red dress, and Wallace with his black tux with red trim. “You don’t know what good entertainment is, Fennel. You can’t be my co-host if you insist on being a hater.”
Keith knocked lightly on Veronica’s bedroom door, glancing at the kids in his living room. “Veronica, honey, your friends have been waiting for a while...”
Logan focused on Jackie, zooming in. “And here we have Aphrodite- in a daring, appreciated move of defiance, this smashing beauty wears a dress the color of ruby, thin straps that leave nothing to the imagin-” He glanced at Keith, then turned quickly back to Jackie, holding the camera out to get a better look at her. “Beautiful, Miss Cook. Who are you wearing?”
She raised an eyebrow, giving the camera a suggestive leer. “I am wearing Marc Jacobs.”
“That doesn’t come cheap, ladies and gentlemen.”
“No, but it does when you have a black AmEx.”
Logan pumped a fist in the air. “Rich privileges rule!” He turned to Cora, in her black and gold dress. “Why, Miss Briggs, you look gorgeous!”
“Thank you, Mr. Echolls.” Cora said cheerfully, waving at the camera. “Can I get a copy of this for my mom?”
“Don’t look so happy, I’m gonna catch you doing something devious sooner or later- Backup, down!” Logan said sharply, stepping away from the dog as he attempted to jump on him yet again. He turned off the camera, gently pushing him away. “Dude, if you mess up my tux...”
“I’m ready!” Veronica called from behind the door, opening it slightly.
Keith dashed across the room, taking the camera out of Logan’s hands without a glance in his direction. “Give me that, please,” He said quickly, turning it on and aiming it at Veronica’s door. “We’re ready, honey!”
Three weeks since he had last seen Logan, and things had been awkward. To Logan’s credit, he had pretended as if their last conversation had never happened, even giving Keith a bottle of wine as a peace offering. Keith knew Logan was trying, and he believed Veronica when she said she thought he would be better, but he knew not to be so gullible. Tonight would be the first of many tests Logan would unknowingly be taking in Keith’s mind.
Veronica stepped out of her bedroom, running her hands over her silver dress. Keith zoomed in on her face, her eyes highlighted with light shiny, silver eyeshadow, her lips painted a light pink. Her hair was done in loose curls. Her silver heels clacked loudly as she walked down the hallway towards the group.
Logan grinned, impulsively patting down his silver tie as he stepped towards her. “And here we have Veronica Mars,” He narrated, not looking at the camera. “Looking absolutely impeccable in silver Dolce...and I’m the luckiest guy in the world.”
“Never forget it.” Veronica replied with a grin. “You like?”
“I love.” He held out a black box, wiggling it at her. “Since the Wicked Witch insisted this night be about diamonds, I think you deserve some bling for the event.” He opened it, pulling out a thin, silver necklace, dangling from it was a tiny sparkling diamond star. Veronica’s mouth dropped as he wrapped it around her neck, fastening it in place. “Perfect.” He said quietly, leaning in.
“Logan, as Veronica’s father, this is as much my night as it is yours,” Keith spoke up, looking at the two through the viewfinder. “So, get the hell out of the way.” Wallace and Jackie laughed as Logan shook his head, stepping out of the way so Keith could focus the camera on Veronica, grinning. “You look beautiful, Veronica.”
“Thanks.” Veronica said, slightly embarrassed, giving the camera a quick wave. She glanced at Wallace, who looked undoubtedly bored. “What’s up, home fry?”
He shrugged. “Logan and I had to put up with this at Cora’s house...then Jackie’s...it’s getting old. No offense, Mr. Mars.”
“None taken, I get the hint.” He gestured towards the others, who immediately jumped up, walking towards Veronica. “All right, everyone together so I can record this.”
Logan wrapped his arms around Veronica’s waist, resting his chin on her shoulder while Wallace wrapped his arms around Jackie and Cora, all three grinning brightly. Veronica rested her hand on Logan’s arm, leaning her head on his chest.
Keith placed the camera on a nearby table, grabbing his own camera and snapping away. “Hey, Jackie, any chance I can meet your father? I’m a fan.”
“Sure.” Jackie said through her smile, leaning into Wallace’s chest. “Come by on Saturday morning.”
“Don’t encourage him, he’ll never leave.” Veronica warned, shaking her head. “He’s a BIG fan.”
Keith shushed Veronica with his hand, putting down his camera and picking up Logan’s again. “Where you guys off to?”
Logan twirled Veronica around, spinning her into Wallace’s arms. “Back to Wallace’s place, ‘cause his mom is going to flip if we don’t go for pictures, then to the Neptune Grand for the prom.”
“You guys are going to be late.”
“Yeah, you tell Ms. Fennel that. She nearly made Wallace cry.”
Wallace hugged Veronica loosely, shoving Logan with his free hand. “Man, you were the one practically shoving Jackie out the door.”
Logan wrapped his arm around Cora’s shoulders, attempting to lead everyone to the door. “She went all Angry Black Woman on me, it was terrifying.” He held out his hand, and Keith placed his camcorder on it. “Do ya wanna have fun, fun, fun?” He said as Cora and Jackie rushed for the front door.
“How’s about a few laughs, laughs, laughs?” Veronica sang, grabbing Logan’s hand. “Bye, dad! Don’t wait up!”
“See ya, Mr. Mars.” He called, his arm winding around Veronica’s waist as they followed the others out.
“Logan!”
Logan and Veronica stopped, both staring at Keith. He glanced at Veronica before giving Logan a firm look. “If I have to bail any of you out of jail in the morning, guess who I’m holding responsible?”
Logan held up his hand like a Boy Scout, giving Keith a quick smile. “I promise we won’t throw pig’s blood on the school freak.” Veronica rolled her eyes, shoving Logan out the door.
* * * * *
Wallace popped open a bottle of champagne, quickly pouring some into Jackie’s waiting glass. “I have got to hand it to you, Echolls- you know how to trick out a limo.”
“It’s high class from now on, Wallace, my friend.”
The limo was indeed tricked out, Logan had made sure to put enough drinks, liquor, snacks, and music to keep them all occupied long after the dance was over. He managed to coax the limo driver to stick around until the next morning, promising a ten percent increase if he did whatever they said with no questions asked. He had, surprisingly, learned something from Duncan from their years of friendship.
Logan patted Veronica’s knee, getting her attention. “This is random, but you know how I know your dad is really mad?” She stared at him, waiting. “He says my name. A lot.”
She cringed. “Oh, yeah. He tends to do that.” She mimicked her father’s angry face. “Veronica, don’t go after that killer...Veronica, you will not make fake ID’s, Veronica! Veronica...”
“Why can’t you do normal bad stuff?” Wallace interrupted, giving Veronica a look. “Get caught making out on the couch or something.”
Logan looked around the limo, taking an exaggerated sip of his champagne, and Jackie let out a scream, hitting Logan’s knee with her purse as the rest of the group let out cheers of approval. “I was scared for my life.” He said matter-of-factly. “Imagine if you will, the former sheriff of Neptune who still carries a gun, catching his precious, only daughter making out with her bad boy boyfriend on HIS couch...”
Veronica shook her head as Logan gave her a comforting kiss on the cheek, pushing him away. “Beyond mortifying.”
Wallace reclined on the large seat, throwing his legs on Jackie’s lap. “I’m surprised he let your skinny ass come with us, V.”
She frowned. “My dad’s a very forgiving man.” She shrugged slightly, taking the smallest of sips from her glass. “And he loves me.” She finished with an exaggerated smile.
“Love...love is never gone. As we travel one, love's what we'll remember.” Logan whispered in her ear as Cora, Jackie, and Wallace began to have their own conversation across from them, grinning as she smiled slightly.
“A Chorus Line.” She replied, nodding. “You remember.”
He rolled his eyes slightly. “How can I forget you and Lilly belting it in my pool? Once upon a time, you definitely were a dork.”
“Yeah, and you totally know the song. You’re so gay.”
A big grin grew on his face. “Kiss today goodbye, and point me t’ward tomorrow,” He sang loudly. “We did what we had...to...DO-”
“Okay, the next person that starts singing a showtune is getting their ass thrown out of this moving limo.” Wallace said loudly, getting a cackle of laughter out of Jackie. Cora held out her empty glass and he quickly poured her another round. “How in the hell do you know so much Broadway, Echolls?”
Logan cleared his throat uncomfortably, suddenly aware of all the pairs of eyes on him. “Uh, my mom. She used to take me to plays since I was, like, six. We used to take a jet to New York to see the shows when they first opened. Wicked, Chorus Line, Oklahoma, The Producers, Little Shop of Horrors, Chicago, Cabaret, Rent, Phantom...I saw them all.”
“I miss your mom,” Veronica sighed. “She used compliment me all the time, saying how great I looked with dark pink lipstick, it was nice.”
“Huh.” Logan frowned slightly. “She used to say the same thing to me.” The limo erupted in laughter, and Veronica punched his arm hard. He was unable to keep the smile off his face, trying to give her an innocent look. “What? She did!”
“How is it, watching a Broadway show?” Cora asked, leaning forward. “It’s awesome, right?”
“Nothing like it- I’ll take you someday.” Cora gave him a look of surprise, and he nodded, downing his drink. “I’m serious. We’ll go during winter break or something.”
Jackie shoved Cora’s shoulder, grinning. “Lucky!”
Cora couldn’t keep the smile off her face any longer, nodding. “Thanks! I don’t know how-”
Logan waved her gratitude away with his hand, grabbing the champagne bottle out of Wallace’s hand and taking a long drink. “You’re my friend, don’t worry about it.”
Veronica smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck. “You’re awesome.” She said sweetly, giving him a long kiss.
Jackie held out Logan’s camcorder, aiming it at the two. “Say hello to Mr. Mars!” She said loudly, zooming in. Logan eyed the camera, smiling against Veronica’s mouth before grabbing the back of her head and giving her a deeper kiss.
Wallace watched the show before rolling his eyes, throwing a chocolate-covered cherry at the two. “Hey- HEY! I will come over there!”
Veronica moved out of Logan’s hold, sliding away from him. “PDA’s are nobody’s friend. Music!” She said loudly, taking the champagne bottle out of Logan’s hand.
“Let’s get some old school in here,” Logan started the CD player switch on the arm of the seat, nodding as loud drums and electric guitars blared into the backseat. Wallace let out a yell of recognition and Logan laughed, grabbing the camera out of Jackie’s hand and aiming it at Cora and Wallace.
“Is this a rock version?”
Logan nodded, spinning the camera on his own face. “You can never go wrong with Duran Duran, kiddies.” He said matter-of-factly before turning the camera back on Wallace, zooming in.
“Not bad, bro!” Wallace pointed at the camera, eyebrows rising. “White lines...” He sang, dancing in his seat as Jackie hid her face in embarrassment. “Blowing through my mind...”
“High fry...” Logan offered, turning the camera at Veronica, who gamely moved to the beat. “Burns to unwind-” He whipped the camera around as Cora began to dance in her seat, getting Wallace to dance along with her. After a moment, Jackie joined in weakly.
Suddenly, Logan hit the ‘stop’ button on the CD player, getting groans from the others. “Shut up and listen!” He demanded loudly, blocking the candy that was thrown at him by Wallace. “Now, we are going to our prom, the only one we will be having.” He paused to pour everyone a fresh round of drinks. He set down the camera, holding up his glass in a toast. “We’re going not as 09ers, not as Have Nots, but as those stuck in the unfortunate middle with no label-”
“We’re the Damaged Little Fuckers Clique.” Veronica interrupted, getting her glass clinked by Jackie’s.
“This is MY toast, thank you.” Logan snapped, giving the two giggling girls a look. “My only suggestion, when we go in there, is to not let anyone get to us...” He paused for dramatic effect. “And to rock the fuck out of that prom- we’re rocking the fucking Casbah, bitches.”
“Here, here!” Cora exclaimed, clinking glasses with the Wallace’s before downing her glass.
The others did the same as the limo pulled to a stop in front of the Neptune Grand. A long silence followed before Logan swung open the limo door and stepped out, holding out his hand for Veronica. They waited for the other three, watching other seniors walk by, some giving them glares as they passed.
Logan shook his head. “I still have no idea why they hate me so much. You, I understand...”
She poked his ribs with her finger, pulling him to catch up with Wallace, Cora, and Jackie. “It’s amazing that people with so much hate could coexist together...” She muttered as they walked through the lobby.
Wallace blinked, glancing down at the silver carpet leading to the ballroom, the faux diamonds decorating the door frame. “Damn...they went all out, huh?” He tried to look over the crowd at the spot where official pictures were being taken, spotting a wall covered in glittery gems. “Jeeze- I just went blind.”
“Money no object for the Neptune Rich.” Logan muttered, pushing Wallace into the picture line. “Just grin and bear it.”
“I can’t believe we’re in line to get our picture taken at the prom,” Veronica told Logan quietly as he leaned down, kissing her shoulder. “It’s almost normal.”
“Stop saying normal...” He whispered, giving her a peck on the cheek.
“NEXT!” Mrs. Hauser yelled, pushing Wallace and Jackie towards the door.
Logan pulled Veronica up in front of the Diamonds of Doom, wrapping his arms around her waist. His eyes landed on Duncan, on line with Gia, both clad in their finest, as Veronica rested her hands on his. His smile faded. “Just look at the camera.” He whispered in her ear.
“Huh?”
“Smile!” The photographer demanded.
Veronica and Logan smiled abruptly, and there was a flash of light. She blinked back the flash, grinning as Logan gave her another kiss on the cheek. Her eyes focused again, her smile fading as she spotted Duncan on the line, Gia chatting with Casey Gant next to him.
“Let’s go, Mars.” Logan muttered, pulling her out of the way.
“Yeah.” She said quietly, giving Gia a smile when the girl spotted her, waving wildly. To her surprise, Duncan gave her the tiniest of waves, but before she could return it, he had looked away, laughing at something Casey had said.
“NEXT!” Hauser called shrilly.
Suddenly, Clemmons grabbed Logan’s arm, pulling him back. “Let’s get it over with, Mr. Echolls.”
Logan held up his hands defensively, already knowing the drill. “Sir, I swear, I don’t have a lick of alcohol on me.”
“Yes, but I clearly remember the last three dances in which you were illegally intoxicated. And let’s not forget the occasions in the locker room with Lilly Kane, may she rest in peace.” Logan rolled his eyes, taking off his jacket and handing it to him. Clemmons turned to Veronica, snapping his fingers before inspecting the pockets of Logan’s jacket. “Miss Mars...”
“Oh, come on!” Logan protested loudly. “Where the hell is she going to fix a flask on that thing? Her dress is as thin as-”
“Thank you, Mr. Echolls.” Clemmons interrupted quickly, nodding at Veronica.
Veronica sighed loudly, holding out her arms like she was being frisked and spun in a circle. “This is so not cool, sir.” She handed him her small purse, and he looked inside briefly.
“Happy?” Logan asked sharply as Clemmons handed Veronica back her purse. He nodded, grabbing Veronica’s arm and leading her inside the ballroom.
Noise immediately greeted them, loud music coupled with the clinking of forks and the screams and laughter (and the obligatory stares) of their classmates. Faux diamonds hung from the ceiling, silver curtains covering the windows. The DJ did his job from behind a silver booth, clad in a shiny silver tux. Each circular table was decorated with tiny, fake diamonds and silver, disposable cameras.
Veronica blinked rapidly, fighting back the urge to roll her eyes at the sight, holding on to Logan’s hand tightly as people danced around her. She glanced up at him, laughing slightly as she watched him bob his head to the music. “Logan!” She shouted over the music.
“What!” He shouted back, giving her a smile.
“We can’t be the cynical couple if you’re enjoying yourself!”
His eyebrows rose as the next song started and the crowd screamed in acknowledgment. He pointed at the sky, nodding to the beat. “I got the right temperature fi shelter you from the storm...” He told her matter-of-factly.
Veronica allowed a smile to grace her features as Logan wrapped his arms around her waist, dancing to the music. She rested her hands on his upper arms, moving in sync with the music and with his hips. She smiled as she spotted Wallace, in the middle of a Jackie and Cora sandwich, before returning her attention back to her boyfriend.
“You guys made it!” A voice yelled beside them, and Veronica pulled away from Logan, her eyes widening at the sight of Mac before her, her dark hair highlighted with silver streaks, glitter decorating her face. She stepped back, showing off her silver and black dress. “Hi!”
“Funky, Mac!” Veronica said with a smile as Logan greeted a black and silver-wearing Cassidy with a fist pound. “I love the hair!”
“So do I- can we sit at your table? They’re not giving food to tables that aren’t completely full yet, and I refuse to sit with his brother...I hate the Fascist.”
Veronica nodded. “The more the merrier.” She glanced up at Logan, giving him her best sad face. “I’m hungry.” She said, running her hand down his arm. He kissed her neck and she gasped, her nails digging in his arm as she gave Mac and Cassidy an embarrassed shrug. “Logan!” He lifted his head, giving her a grin. “Come on!”
He continued to dance, leading her, Mac, and Cassidy towards Wallace and their group. “Where’s our table?” He shouted, and Wallace pointed to the round one closest to them, Jackie and Cora’s purses already decorating the tablecloth.
Logan flopped down in a chair, pulling Veronica on his lap as Mac and Cassidy took two seats across from them. “I want to dance for at least eighty percent of the night, you hear me?” He told her, swiping a glass of soda from a waiter that walked past, downing it.
“I’ll be dancing for sixty-five percent of it, so you’re out of luck.” Her smile faded as Duncan walked by, his eyes on them briefly. She tilted her head, watching him walk Gia to the table occupied by Dick, Madison, Ashley, Casey, and several juniors. “He took Gia?”
“I guess.” He cupped his hands to his mouth, looking at Wallace. “Sit the hell down, we want to eat!” He bellowed.
Veronica’s eyes fell on the back of Logan’s hand, his knuckles adorned with small cuts and bruises. She grabbed his hand, running her fingers over the skin. “How did you get that?” She asked, sharper than she intended, ignored the others as they sat around her.
Logan quickly took his hand back, giving her a slight smile. “Don’t worry about it, I’m fine.”
“Logan-”
He cut her off with a soft, lingering kiss. Any way to stop her from asking questions, any way to shut her up. Pulling away, he gave her a smile. “The food’s coming, grab a seat.” He said quietly, pulling the last empty chair closer to him.
Veronica slid into the seat, giving Logan a forced smile. The wounds weren’t fresh, at least, not a couple-of-hours-ago fresh. The bruises on and around his knuckles were in the process of healing, the cuts dry but with an outline of red. It was recent. She turned to him, about to ask who exactly he punched, when a waiter appeared, setting down plates of food.
The meal itself went by smoothly, the only incident being Dick throwing a bread stick at Mac’s head, causing Wallace and Mac to restrain Cassidy. Veronica and Jackie watched in awe as their dates got into a heated debate over the art of picking up girls, Wallace finally deciding to ask Jackie for a pen, which resulted in Jackie punching Wallace’s arm hard.
Veronica couldn’t lie, she was beyond happy that Logan was fitting in so wonderfully, even if he did look uncomfortable at times. But not as uncomfortable as she must’ve looked when Jackie leaned in and loudly asked the entire table-
“Okay, when did we all lose it?”
Logan stared at her blankly, lowering his fork. “Our sanity? Wha-”
“Virginity!”
Wallace, Cassidy, and Cora began to laugh, and Logan leaned forward, a devious smile on his face. “Show me yours and I’ll show you mine, baby.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Fifteen.”
“I’ll one-up you, Cook- thirteen.” The table erupted in laughter, and Logan nodded. “Hollywood childhood, folks.” He glanced at Veronica, noticing just how uncomfortable she was looking at that moment. His hand falling on hers, he set down his fork “All right, enough sex talk- are we going to dance or what?”
“Or what- I need to go to the bathroom.” Cora stood, grabbing Jackie’s arm. “C’mon.”
Jackie gestured to Veronica as Cora let her to the lobby. “We travel in packs, girl!”
Veronica stood, taking Logan’s hand and leading him to the door. Logan dug his feet into the floor immediately, reaching over and swiping a drink from a nearby waiter’s tray. “No- I am SO not going. This is a cliché and I am not buying into it.”
“Yes, you are, you need to hold my stuff.” Pushing past the crowd was the hardest part, and once outside, she breathed a sigh of relief. “Jeeze,” She fished her lipstick out, then handed her purse to Logan, giving him a slight grin. “Be right back.” She said before following Jackie and Cora inside the bathroom.
Logan nodded to himself, lightly rubbing Veronica’s purse as he listened to the muffled music from inside the ballroom. Madison and a bunch of her lackeys rushed into the bathroom, and he instantly felt sorry for Veronica and her group.
He held on to Veronica’s purse loosely, sighing as his eyes scanned the nearly empty hallway. He froze as he spotted Duncan across the room, watching him. As Duncan got closer, Logan eyed him, unfastening the buttons of his jacket with his free hand. “If you’re gonna punch me, get it over with.”
Instead of doing so, Duncan laughed, rubbing at his eyes. “I’m not going to punch you, dude.” Logan watched him warily, slowly relaxing as Duncan lifted his head, tears in his eyes. “I’m a dad.”
“What?”
“Meg gave birth. C-section. She’s...I’m a dad. It’s a girl...I have a baby girl, dude. It’s scary. She’s tiny.” He pulled out his cell phone, rapidly pressing buttons. “She’s a week old now.” He showed Logan the tiny, blurry picture of a baby on a thick pink blanket.
“She looks like an alien, dude.” Logan wiped at his brow, more than uncomfortable with how this conversation was going. He expected at least a query about the weather, or a white flag being waved, but not a birth announcement. More than anything, he didn’t expect Duncan to talk to him like they were best friends again.
Looking at Duncan then, his eyes glistening with both excitement and fear, Logan realized that this was probably just what Duncan needed at this moment- a friend to talk to. Not an enemy, not someone to glare at across the room, he needed someone to talk to. And almost immediately, Logan felt foolish for not reaching out to him sooner or more persistently.
Duncan stared at him blankly, clearly not understanding his observation of his daughter. “She’s adorable.”
Logan quickly nodded as he shoved Veronica’s purse under his arm, not in the mood to argue with Duncan over his own child. “Yep. Adorable.”
Duncan returned the phone to his pocket, nodding to himself. After a moment, his face crumbled, and he covered his eyes with his hand, breathing shakily. Logan glanced from Duncan to the girls’ bathroom, then back at Duncan, unsure of what to do. Finally, he reached for Duncan, going to rest his hand on his shoulder, when Duncan looked up. Logan pulled his hand back abruptly, taking a sip of his drink to cover his awkwardness.
“We’re so fucked up, Logan.” Duncan said suddenly, nearly giggling with panicked anxiety.
Logan smiled slightly, still keeping his distance. “Yes, yes, we are.” He raised his drink to the sky. “Veronica’s a little Madonna-slash-whore with severe trust issues, you are emotionally stunted and got your ex pregnant, and I’ve committed enough random acts of debauchery and illegal acts to ensure my place in Hell. Lilly would’ve loved it, the bitch.” Duncan laughed harder, and after a long moment, Logan started to chuckle. “What’s so funny, man?”
“Lilly so would’ve been giving ass slaps and high fives...God.” Duncan wiped at his face with a sigh. “She would’ve loved it all.”
“Not sure she would’ve loved this whole thing with Veronica and-”
“She would’ve dug it, Logan. She always thought Veronica was too much of a goody-goody.” He swallowed hard. “It’s all right, man. We should’ve broken up a long time ago.”
Logan raised an eyebrow. “You and Veronica or you and I? I told you, dude, I’m stra-” Duncan punched Logan’s arm hard, and Logan quickly shoved him away. “Ow- stop.”
Duncan wiped at his eyes, sighing. “I’ve never been so scared-” He looked over Logan’s shoulder, as if expecting to see Veronica there, hiding. “Veronica’s around?”
“Oh, don’t worry,” Logan said with a dismissive wave towards the bathroom. “Right after she went in there with Jackie and Cora, like, half the Pep Squad stormed in. She’s gonna be in there a while.” His smile faded at the look on Duncan’s face. “What’s going on?”
Duncan glanced into the ballroom before facing Logan again. “We’re doing it, dude. Meg and I. Gone. Tonight, after the prom.”
“What?”
“We’re leaving. Sara- the nurse? She’s gonna help us. We’re getting out of here before her parents can take our girl.”
Logan was quiet for a long moment, registering exactly what Duncan was saying. This is what he had been so secretive about after their visit to Meg’s room, it suddenly made so much sense- and he was shocked Veronica didn’t figure it out. Instead of asking all the questions spinning around in his head, he settled on- “You really want this kid, don’t you?”
Duncan smiled slightly. “I kinda do. I’m sure being a family man at eighteen won’t hurt my chances in politics. Once my parents settle all this, I mean.” He dug in his pocket, pulling out something and spinning it in his hand. After a moment, he handed Logan a card. “Suite’s yours. You won’t have to live with Dick anymore.”
“Thanks.” Logan whispered, unusually moved by the gesture. Blinking back sudden tears, he realized that this was it- he had his friend back, everything was all right, but now, Duncan would be leaving. Gone, for good. Something just wasn’t right about this.
He cleared his throat, glancing at the girls’ bathroom. “What do you need?” He asked quietly, ripping his eyes from the door and focusing on Duncan. “To get out of here, what do you need?”
Duncan slowly smiled.
Veronica elbowed her way through the mess of silk, satin, hair, and heels to the sink and mirror of the girls’ bathroom, letting out a slight growl as she set her hands down on the sink. “Jackie!” She called sharply, looking in the mirror for any sight of her.
Jackie’s arm appeared in the crowd, waving blindly. “Comin’!”
“God, Ashley, that pimple is COVERED.” Veronica muttered to Ashley on her left, who continued to apply makeup to her chin. Cora appeared on her right, giving her a smile. Veronica returned it weakly, checking her makeup. “Jackie!” She yelled. “Let’s go!”
Jackie finally appeared between the two girls, quickly checking her hair. “Isn’t there more than ONE bathroom around here?” She snapped, grabbing Veronica and Cora’s arms and leading them to the door.
Duncan let out a shaky breath, pressing his lips together. “I really appreciate it, dude.” A long pause. “Despite all that happened...I’m gonna...” He shook his head in frustration, letting out a slight laugh. “Damn.”
“Agreed.” Logan gave a quick nod, and they embraced awkwardly.
“Treat her good.” Duncan said quietly.
“Yeah, you too.” He replied shakily. He grabbed the back of Duncan’s head, pressing his mouth against Duncan’s ear. “Don’t worry about getting out. I’ll cover you.”
“For life.” Duncan said quietly, hugging him tighter. “Give Celeste hell for me.”
Veronica, Jackie, and Cora didn’t so much exit the bathroom as stumble out of it, quickly collecting themselves. Veronica froze at the sight of Duncan and Logan hugging, glancing at the other two girls, who quickly abandoned her for the noise of the prom.
She stood to the side, watching their embrace. After a long moment of not being noticed, she inhaled deeply, stepping forward. “Logan, I thought you were my date...”
Logan pulled away from Duncan quickly, rubbing at his eyes. “Yeah...she’s the jealous type, Duncan. I can’t go to your super sexy after-party.”
Duncan feigned disappointment, giving Veronica an awkward smile. “See you guys later.” Without a second glance, he strolled back into the ballroom.
“You guys made up.” Veronica said, deciding to make it more of an observation than a question.
“We always do.” Logan said shakily, wrapping his arm around Veronica’s waist and leading her back inside.