Chapter Text
Veronica frowned, stabbing her fork into her slice of chocolate cake. She glanced up as someone dropped their tray of food near the cashier’s counter, before returning her attention to her dessert. She had started out the afternoon in a good mood, especially considering she had just finished her first exam before winter break and was feeling good about it. To make the day even better, Logan had promised her a weekend of South Park, ice cream, and a marathon of sex to celebrate the beginning of the end of the school term, so she was feeling especially lucky.
That is, until Logan brought up the whole Christmas thing.
She didn’t want him to get the wrong idea, it wasn’t that she didn’t want to celebrate Christmas with him. Not at all. She just didn’t want to relive the pain of the event with someone else- another Christmas without Lilly, another Christmas without her mother, another Christmas ending with a prayer to stay alive to see the next one. Years of disappointment and pain had led her to this state, and after that night on the roof, she couldn’t imagine it getting any better. Even as she put up a cheerful facade for the sake of her father and Wallace, she still felt the weight of the past couple of years weighing down on her.
Then again, maybe Logan was the right person to celebrate a Neptune Christmas with.
Things had been especially pleasant since they were currently in their newest honeymoon phase. A two-week breakup was clearly enough for them both, and they had reached a short, if specific agreement in order to live in imperfect harmony. Veronica would allow Logan to tag along on her more dangerous missions, and Logan would lay off on the “let’s talk about your feelings” requests. So far, so good. Veronica couldn’t complain...until now.
“So, are we exchanging Christmas presents or what?” she mumbled, butchering her cake with a flick of her wrist.
A slight laugh escaped Logan as he observed his girlfriend, who looked like she was being led to the firing squad. Still, she looked adorable with her blond hair in pigtails and the festive silver tinsel, courtesy of Wallace, decorating her hair. No one could ever tell him his girl was a sourpuss, it was impossible to stay grouchy with shiny, silver stuff surrounding you. “Don’t sound so excited.”
“I am.”
“I’m sure,” he cleared his throat loudly, slouching in his seat. He absently played with his french fries, keeping his eyes on Veronica. “We don’t have to do it if you don’t want to. You can hang with your dad.”
Veronica let out a sigh, glancing at the ceiling. “Logan...look. I don’t even know why we’re discussing this now. We still have almost two weeks to go, and we have tests to think about here.”
Logan pouted faintly, throwing aside a french fry. “Veronica. If you don’t want to do it, then just say it. We don’t have to do it. You’re not a sentimental person, so, it’s fine.” A long pause. “Grinch.”
She pointed her fork at him threateningly. “Don’t you dare try to guilt me into this. I love Christmas,” he smirked, and she sat up straighter in righteous indignation. “I do! It’s my favorite holiday!”
He nodded in false understanding. “You love it so much that you’ve avoided all discussion on it until now,” he leaned forward. “Why is that?”
Veronica frowned, giving him a hard look. How does one tell the (possible) love of their short life that there was more pain and trauma behind the time around Christmas than they ever knew? Shelly Pomroy’s party, Christmas without Lilly or her mom, the Echolls party, Meg’s death...the list went on. After years and years of trying to remain positive and having it be broken right in front of her, Veronica was afraid that she had just given up.
“Don’t start with the psychoanalysis, I don’t want to talk about it,” she mumbled, focusing her attention on her food.
“I’m not starting anything! It’s fine,” he sighed, his shoulders slouching. He had to pull out the tricks, he had to play dirty. If she wanted to be difficult, then so be it- he would just shame her into seeing his way. She eyed him warily, and he sighed again, a look of pure melodrama forming on his face. “I’ll just cancel my plans-”
“What plans?”
He shrugged nonchalantly, although the miserable look on his face remained. “Oh, don’t worry your pretty little head about it. I’ll stop my plans, fail my exams in lieu of my grief, you can forget about spending Christmas with the man who loves you, and I’ll spend the holidays alone. Again.”
Veronica threw down her fork, shooting him a glare. “Fine. We’ll exchange presents.”
Almost immediately, the suicidal look was gone from Logan’s face, and a big grin formed as he straightened up in his seat. “Well...all right!”
“All right?” she repeated, her nose crinkling up. “I think I liked you better when you were an ass.”
“Shut up and listen,” he cleared his throat, leaning over and grasping Veronica’s hand in his. “I want us to do the Twelve Days of Christmas.”
Veronica was neither impressed or moved, giving him a hard look. “The song is about the official twelve days, called Twelve-Tide, which starts after Christmas Day,” she said flatly. “It’s like Festivus.”
Logan’s eyes darkened slightly, and he squeezed her hand in warning, giving her fingers a sharp tug. She was being too much of a smart ass at the moment for his liking, and he suddenly had the urge to curse her professors out loud. He wasn’t sure how an argument against Veronica and college would work to his benefit, so he decided to swallow the gripe. For now.
“Look, I know the damn event takes place after Christmas, but I want to be different.” He reached over, plucking a piece of tinsel out of her hair and placing it in the breast pocket of his button-down. “I want to give you twelve presents, starting tomorrow. You won’t have to give me a thing. This is all for you. Consider it an olive branch and a proclamation of love and a chance to broaden your horizons, all in one, snazzy package.”
She finally allowed herself to smile, reviewing Logan’s proposal in her head. Happy. This was happy, she was convinced. The two-week separation was enough for her, she was happier now than she had ever been. She missed being happy with Logan, and trivial things like the stupid event he was planning were suddenly more amusing than ever. “Twelve presents, huh?”
“It’ll be like Hanukkah,” he said with the slightest of smiles. “Chrismakkuh. Whatever. You’re getting presents, all for being you. Because we decided to give this damn roller coaster ride another go. Because I love you.”
They were both silent for a moment, and Veronica flushed under the intensity of Logan’s stare. His eyes danced with glee and excitement- she could tell he had been planning this for ages. Everything was a big production to Logan Echolls. The sentiment was sweet, she had to admit it. And, hey, presents.
“Well, what about you?” she asked. “What are you getting out of this?”
He shrugged abruptly. “You. You, doing things to me with your gifts, if you wish. You being happy because of something I did. The stuff my dreams are made of, which completely balance out your outrageous ones.”
She gave him the most innocent smile and eyes she could muster, twisting her fingers within his, the pads of her fingers running along his palm. “Buy me a pony?” she asked sweetly.
He chewed on his bottom lip, ducking his head before the smile took over his face. “The only thing I want you riding is me.”
Veronica rolled her eyes, yanking her hand out of his grasp. “And, the romance has gone and died a painful death,” she huffed, smirking as he chuckled. “You really want to do this?”
“More than ever,” Logan glanced down at his watch, cringing. “Oh, crap- I’m gonna be late for my sociology exam.”
She lifted herself out of her chair, trying to glance at his watch. “It’s seven, already?”
“Seven-oh-five,” he shook his head, blinking rapidly. “I’m going to fail my first test.”
“No, you’re not. Remember,” Veronica said as they both stood. “Use a number two pencil, write legibly and with complete sentences, and don’t forget to put your full name and student ID number on the cover sheet,” she reached over the table, grabbing the collar of Logan’s shirt. “And good luck,” she breathed, kissing him softly.
He nodded, inhaling sharply before tilting his head and stealing another kiss. “I’m going to throw up...help me fake my death, Veronica.”
She smirked, kissing him again. “You’re going to be fine. You aced the last two tests in this class. Call me when you get home.”
His eyes lit up. “Booty call?”
“Hardly,” Veronica responded, giving him a look. “I want to know how you did.”
“My girl, so caring and thoughtful,” Logan left a short kiss on her mouth as he reached into his bookbag. “I’m gonna have to hustle now...” he shoved the small box wrapped in silver and red gift-wrap at her. “Open it when I’m gone,” he said with a wink before taking off toward the exits.
Veronica blinked, staring at Logan’s retreating form before looking down at her first gift, wrapped all pretty and perfect. He wasn’t joking around.
She shook the box, raising it to her ear, A frown perked on her lips as she turned the box over in her hands. Finally, she let out a sigh, dropping back in her seat and pulling the red bow off the top.
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...
“A camera!” Veronica exclaimed as soon as Logan picked up the phone. “You got me a new camera!” she gasped, gingerly touching the black camera on her desk. “This is the holy mother of cameras. A Canon EOS 20D! Oh my God!”
Logan grinned, flopping on his couch. Of course, she would love the camera, which is why he made it her first present. The fun ones would come later. He tossed his bookbag aside before throwing his legs over the arm of the couch. “I’m guessing you like it?”
“How much did this cost you?”
“Stop it.”
“I’m just going to find out anyway, so tell me.”
“No. No sleuthing. Just enjoy it,” Logan paused, glancing around in search of the television remote. “And if you want to use that camera to send me some dirty photos, I promise not to object.”
Veronica smirked, cradling her cell phone between her ear and shoulder as she picked up the camera, turning it in her hands. “Ha, ha.”
“No, really,” Logan lowered his voice to a growl, a grin playing on his lips. “I wouldn’t mind having some hot masturbation material, Mars.”
She leaned back in her seat, laughing as she felt her face begin to heat up. He had seen her completely naked, taken her in every position possible, and convinced her to say things that would’ve embarrassed her terribly back in the day, and yet he still managed to make her blush with one, simple suggestion. “Logan, why would you take matters into your own hands when you have me to make the nightly booty calls?”
He shrugged. “Okay, you got me. Horshack just needed some new pics. We’re sharing you, remember?”
“Sharing is caring...”
“That’s right,” Logan chuckled, sitting up in his seat. His laughter faded as he eyed his bookbag on the floor, one of his textbooks falling out of it. “Uh- unless you’re giving me some awesome phone sex, I think I have to let you go, babe. I gotta study for my next test.”
“Wait,” Veronica set down the camera, frowning slightly at the sudden change in conversation. “The test! How did you do?”
“As well as can be expected, I guess. I was okay up until the essay part. Then I forgot how to spell, use pronouns, and all I could remember was what I had for lunch.”
She cringed. “Ouch.”
“Uh huh. Suffice to say, I have to go.”
Veronica licked her lips, nodding slowly. “Okay. Call me later?”
He sighed faintly, not wanting to hang up. He resisted the urge to invite her over, knowing if she did, he would never get any work done. “Tomorrow. I’ll pick you up, have breakfast with you and your dad. He’ll like that, right?” She didn’t respond, and he sighed again. “Talk to you tomorrow, babe.”
She nodded once more, frowning. “Okay. Good night,” she sat with the phone at her ear for a few seconds longer after Logan had hung up before setting the phone down on her desk.
Veronica eyed the camera on her desk, chewing on her bottom lip. Logan had a laptop he never used, a sleek, black laptop that made her mouth water, but he refused to give it to her. She knew why- the laptop used to be Duncan’s, and in Logan’s own way, this was a final reminder of a former friend, long gone.
She insisted that he use it for his classes, but he refused even that. Logan and his damn emotional sentiments.
The laptop currently sat in his bedroom, on the dresser, as it had since graduation.
He was going to use that laptop if it killed her.
Slowly, Veronica stood, picking the camera up. She walked over to her door, locking it with a flick of her wrist. She blew a piece of hair out of her face, a frown on her lips as she inspected the camera.
She hoped Logan’s e-mail was still functioning.
* * * * *
The text message was simple: Check your email.
Logan squinted, stared at the computer screen as he tried to remember his e-mail address. After five minutes of staring at the AOL running man, he rolled his eyes. L_Echolls. A bit too easy.
He signed in with a faint sigh, slouching down on the couch. There was a ton of junk mail, mass e-mails from Dick, random people from Neptune High and Hearst, and, finally, at the bottom, Veronica. He had to smile at the cutesy way she titled the header.
A Slideshow Study Break! :-)
He clicked on the e-mail, reading the usual spiel. Veronica had sent him a personal slideshow, click here to view, blah, blah, blah. He ran his finger over the pad, clicking on the link lazily. A new window popped up, along with several annoying pop-ups, and he rolled his eyes, glancing at the ceiling.
A moment later, a picture of smiling Veronica appeared. She had taken the picture from her mirror, and she waved at the camera. He chuckled, shaking his head.
A moment later, there was a picture of Backup. Next, a shot of the beach from her window. Another second, and there was a closeup of Veronica’s lips as she kissed the camera.
The next shot was of Veronica’s bra, discarded on her bed.
Logan’s laughter faded as the next picture popped up, a glimpse of Veronica’s bare stomach as she held up her blue wifebeater.
He quickly moved his fingers to the pad, clicking on a tab to make the slideshow go slower.
The next shot was another one of Veronica staring at the mirror. This time, she was clearly braless, and her hair was yanked from the tight ponytail she had earlier on in the day. A smirk played on her lips.
His eyebrows slowly rose.
Next was a spectacular shot of Veronica’s naked breasts, again in the mirror, and she stuck her tongue out at the camera as she held her shirt up. The next one was yet another one of Veronica kissing the camera, her hair wild and falling over her closed eyes.
Logan let out a sharp breath, a smile perking on his lips.
The final shot was of Veronica, fully clothed, holding up a piece of white cardboard with “Thank you for the gift. Ace that test! Call me!” written on it.
Logan nearly lunged for his cell phone, speed-dialing Veronica’s number. The phone rang once, frustratingly twice, annoyingly three times, then-
“Mars House of Gratuitous Nudity?”
He let out a faint laugh, shaking his head. “Are you trying to kill me?”
Her laughter was heavenly in his ears.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...
“Flavored lip gloss,” Veronica slouched down on the couch, fingering the tube of Merry Cherry. Logan wrapped his arm around the back of the couch, and she tilted over, leaning against his chest. “What’s wrong with Pinkadellic and Raspberry Rain, Logan?”
“I like the ones you have,” he said softly, glancing at the music video that was currently on the television. Three hundred channels and nothing good on. “But I wanted to give you more flavors for when we make out.”
She smirked slightly, her eyes on Logan’s fingers as he changed the channel. “How thoughtful.”
Logan kissed the top of her head softly. “Mm,”he paused, glancing down at her. “No thank you?”
Veronica didn’t respond, twisting the tube of gloss open. She spread the gloss over her lips, making sure it was on thick before rubbing her lips and pressing them together with a smack. She tilted her head up, puckering her lips.
With a grin, Logan leaned down, kissing her gently. His smile grew as he felt her mouth slide over his, the goo from the gloss sticking to his bottom lip. He started to pull away, but Veronica bit down on his mouth, sucking on his lower lip. “Ow-”
She released him, smirking slightly. “Ow? You’re such a wuss.”
“Listen, Mars, you have sharp teeth.”
Veronica shrugged, kissing his cheek firmly and grinning at the shiny lip print left on his skin. “You don’t complain when I’m biting your chest,” she murmured, leaving a sticky kiss on his neck.
“Well, that’s different,” Logan grinned as Veronica kissed his neck again, her mouth opening as she started to suck on his skin. As always, she was The Dude. His smile grew as his hand ran over her thigh. “You’re feeling frisky today.”
“Please. It’s been, like, a week since we’ve done anything. Damn exams.”
“I told you how we could release some of the tension...”
She shook her head, refusing to let him get to her. It just wasn’t happening, not with exams and her father looking over their shoulders. “My dad’s been coming home late on cases, I can’t risk it. We need to coordinate our class schedules.”
“Agreed,” he paused, his fingers rubbing along the inside of her thigh. “What about now? Are you risking anything now?”
“What?” she frowned as he straightened up in his seat, kissing her neck slowly. “Oh.”
Logan’s fingers slid down her chest, his thumb running over her nipple roughly. He smiled at the gasp that escaped her, giving her breast a firm squeeze. She bit back a moan, her head falling back onto the couch. His tongue danced over her skin, and her fingers entwined in his hair, pulling hard and getting a groan from him.
He slipped down her body, dropping to his knees on the floor in front of the couch. He spread her legs, kissing his way down her stomach. He unbuttoned her jeans, leaving a wet kiss on her hip as he yanked the material off her legs. He glanced up, noticing her watching him curiously, and he gave her a wink, tugging on her underwear.
Veronica’s eyes closed, a small groan escaping her as he kissed her skin, so close to that spot. “Logan...what if my dad calls?”
“Let it ring,” he murmured against her skin. “It’s never stopped us before.”
With that, Logan ran his fingers down over her folds, his eyes closing at the sharp cry that came out of Veronica, her hips jerking up as he glided his fingers upwards. She was already wet, and the sight was all too inviting, but it was too soon. He was going to draw this out as long as possible.
He slipped a finger inside her, moving slow, then back out. He gave her two more fingers, gently, and she bucked against his hand, her teeth biting down on her lower lip as she watched him work, his face a complete vision of concentration as his fingers worked faster inside her with each groan that escaped her. He was clearly listening to every moan, every gasp, every breath that came out of her mouth, wanting to get the most precise reaction.
Some men were perfectionists when it came to their cars, Logan was one when it came to making his girlfriend come.
Veronica gasped as he leaned forward, running his tongue down her clit. Her back arched abruptly, and her hands flew to his hair as he started to lick in rhythm with his fingering, a fourth finger joining the show.
She was panting now, her teeth clenching as her hips thrust out against his mouth. Her clit rubbed against his tongue and forced him to apply force, getting a louder cry from her. His free hand pressed down on her stomach, holding her hips down and it only drove her wilder, her legs spreading and her back bowing.
His tongue moved, faster, against her clit, long, firm strokes in beat with his fingers fucking her hard. His fingers curled inside her, and she moaned, her nails digging into his scalp. The moans coming from her lips got him excited, but the pain from her grip alone was making him harder with each passing second. He glanced up at her, smiling against her before wrapping his mouth around her clit, sucking hard.
Veronica nearly screamed, her back arching off the couch as he fucked her with his hand harder, harder, sliding in and out of her easily.
The sound of Veronica’s phone ringing filled the room, and Veronica’s eyes shot open, soft pants escaping her as she looked around wildly for the phone. Logan continued to thrust his fingers inside of her, much slower now, as he removed his mouth from her, wiping his face with the back of his free hand.
She inhaled sharply, pushing at Logan’s shoulder as she reached for her phone, resting safely on the arm of the couch. However, Logan was faster, snatching up the Sidekick. She gasped as he glanced at the ID, grinning broadly. She knew that smile. That evil, evil smile. Oh, no.
“Hello?” Logan held the phone at his ear, smirking at Veronica. His smile grew as she glared at him, still breathing heavily with each push of his fingers. “Hey, Mr. Mars! Life’s good. School’s...school,” he paused. “Veronica’s fine, she’s just...away at the moment,” he leered at her, and she inhaled sharply, trying to stop her hips from moving against his hand.
“Where is she? Oh, she’s in the bathroom. We were watching a movie...American Pie? Have you seen it?”
Veronica’s eyes narrowed, unable to believe that Logan would have the gall to talk on the phone so casually with her father, as if he wasn’t finger fucking Mr. Mars’ only daughter just inches away. She tugged on his hair, and he responded by fucking her faster, and she gasped loudly, grabbing a throw pillow from the couch and covering her face.
“I’ll lend it to ya. I should go, Veronica and I are going to get some lunch-” he ran his thumb over her clit, nearly laughing at the muffled, high-pitched cry that came from behind the crimson pillow. “Dinner? On Friday?”
He moved his fingers slower, slower, until only the tips of his fingers were inside her. She slowly removed the pillow, frustrated gasps escaping her as she glared at him. Logan stared up at her, gleeful, as he wiggled his tongue at her.
“I’ll definitely be there if you’re cooking steak, Mr. Mars- Keith?” Logan’s eyebrows rose, and he slid his fingers inside completely, smiling as she arched against his hand. “Keith! Yes, sir, no more Mr. Mars, thank you, sir,” he slid out, then back in. “All right, Keith. I’ll be there Friday at six. I’ll let Veronica know you called...yep. Bye.”
Logan hung up on Keith, tossing the phone aside. He removed his fingers from Veronica completely, ignoring the confused groan that escaped her. He unfastened his pants, yanking Veronica by the thighs and jerking her off the couch and against him. He frowned, glancing around for his wallet, and a curse escaped him.
Veronica shook her head, forcing him to look at her. “It’s okay, I’m on the Pill,” she paused, a frown on her lips, “just this once.” He nodded, and she immediately wrapped her legs around his hips, sinking down on him, a harsh moan escaping her when he cried out.
She was moving hard now, her hips slamming against his and he met each and every thrust, his grip on her hips firm. Her lips met his in a wet, messy kiss, and he inhaled sharply, grunting against her mouth with each tight, uneven jerk of her hips. Hungry moans fell from Veronica’s lips as she fucked him harder, her foot pressing against the coffee table as she thrust with more force.
He tilted forward, leaning her against the couch as he grinded against her, high cries echoing in the room. A moan fell from his lips as she kept fucking him like a pro, her hands holding on tight to his hair as she kissed him hard. Both of her feet were planted against the edge of the coffee table, using it for support as she drove against him.
A shaky groan fell from Logan’s lips as he came, jerking hard inside her as his hand fumbled between their bodies, his fingers pressing against her clit hard. She already knew the drill, her hips sliding up so her clit ran along his fingers, and just a few thrusts later, she was coming, her cries becoming screams as her body writhed and arched against him.
A whimper escaped Veronica as she slowed down, inhaling sharply as Logan pulled out almost completely. She knew what was coming, it was his favorite thing to do when he really wanted to leave a lasting impression.
He thrust inside Veronica roughly, getting a yell out of her. He swallowed hard, pulling out and thrusting again, another moan echoing in the room. He didn’t bother pulling out again, instead ramming into her until she was crying out nonstop, her nails digging into his back, her hips jerking uncontrollably. Her teeth clenched as her legs wrapped and tightened around his waist, attempting to meet his thrusts, and he made eye contact, his teeth gritting as he moved harder.
Veronica’s head fell back as he jerked inside her, his fingers squeezing and pinching at her breast, and she gasped as she felt another orgasm approaching. He sucked on her neck, and she came again with a shout, her nails running down his back. He grunted loudly as she tightened around his cock, delivering one final thrust before relaxing on his knees.
Logan jerked Veronica to him, holding her against his chest. She laughed faintly, her legs slowly unwrapping from his hips as her fingers ran over his neck. “That should hold us both over for a day,” he whispered.
“Absolutely,” Veronica rested her forehead against his, her eyes closing as he moved his arms around her thighs, holding her up. “I can’t believe you did that with my dad on the phone.”
“Oh, you loved it.”
“Never, ever do that again,” she pulled back, giggling at the sight of Logan’s mouth, shiny and stained with her red-tinted lip gloss.
He smiled slightly. “What?”
“You look great with red lipstick. You’re such a Winter.”
He rolled his eyes. “Well, get it off, for crap’s sake.”
Veronica grinned, firmly wiping at his mouth, her smile growing when he kissed her fingers softly in gratitude.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...
“A black...raincoat?”
Veronica frowned, holding up the black coat once more. It was nice enough, quality material, but utterly useless, unless she decided to join the Matrix. The first two gifts were pretty self-explanatory, but this one was downright confusing.
Logan grinned, glancing over Veronica’s head at the Mars Investigations building several feet away, wondering if Keith would see if Logan decided to indulge in a five-minute make out with Veronica, if he could get away with it. “A black raincoat, my inamorata...” he repeated softly.
Veronica lowered the coat, shaking her head. “Logan. Where am I going to wear this? It hardly ever rains in Neptune. You’ve been watching too much Casablanca.”
“Use your imagination, Ingrid,” he leaned over, gently tilting Veronica’s face toward him with his fingertips. “Here’s looking at you, kid,” he breathed before kissing her softly.
* * * * *
Logan glanced up at the sky, leaning against the railing of his balcony. It was a reasonably chilly night, and the dark clouds obscured the moon from view, hinting at rain. Lots of it. He smirked, reminding himself to point out the rain next time it poured on Veronica.
His gaze shifted down to the street below before he could stop himself, and his thoughts drifted to Cassidy in an instant. It was a long way to go, a horrible way to die. The police said he had died instantly, but Logan couldn’t imagine the trip down being a walk in the park.
Then again, Cassidy was the one who had jumped. He wasn’t pushed, didn’t trip. He jumped.
“Cheers, Beav,” Logan mumbled, staring at the ground. No, he wasn’t looking up- somehow, he didn’t think Cassidy got into heaven.
He didn’t bother to glance over his shoulder as he heard the door click open, he already knew who it was.
For a moment, he wondered how Veronica did it. How she managed to pretend like nothing had ever happened on the roof of the Grand just over six months ago. How she managed to act like their friend didn’t rape her and kill a bunch of their classmates. How she managed to still date Logan after his father locked her in a burning box the previous Spring.
He couldn’t answer the last question. He did have a glimpse of an answer for the first, though. They never talked about it, never, but Veronica still wouldn’t go to the edge of the balcony. Ever.
Logan straightened up as Veronica approached the double doors, taking a step away from the edge. He cleared his throat shakily, nodding at the building across the hotel. “I, uh...I think that guy’s flashing me, again,” he mumbled.
Veronica smirked, resting her hands on the door frame, sliding her palms upward so her arms were above her head. “Turn around...” she sang.
A drop of rain fell on Logan’s head, sliding down his nose, and he grinned. “Oh. Look. It’s raining. Imagine that.”
She drummed her nails along the frame, sighing loudly. “Turn around, friend.”
Logan spun around, a grin forming at the sight of Veronica standing there in her black Converse sneakers and the black raincoat that fell to her knees. “Aw, you’re using it.”
Veronica smirked, pushing off the door frame and opening up her jacket. She held it open, the cool rain hitting her naked body. “I’m definitely using it.”
He laughed, glancing up at the sky. “Wow...”
“Come on over, big boy- we have precisely twenty minutes until I have to run back home.”
“Did you come here straight from work?”
She blew a damp lock of hair from her face. “Yep. Come here.”
Logan grinned. “This is the best holiday season ever, even if you are being bossy,” and then a pause. “Why don’t you come over here?”
Anxiety flashed in her eyes for only a second before being replaced with a glint of amusement. “I’m guessing you don’t want to get laid.”
“I could say the same to you,” he walked over to her, holding out his hands. “At least give me a kiss in the rain...”
Veronica glanced at the ground, visibly debating the suggestion. Then, after a long moment, she lifted her gaze, grasping his hands. He tugged, and she gasped as she was propelled into his arms, her body slamming against his chest. His arms wrapped tightly around her waist as he half carried her, half dragged her to the table.
“Logan-” she laughed nervously, keeping her eyes on his chest. “We can do this inside.”
He lifted her up on the table, his hands running over her bare thighs as he opened up the jacket. “We’ve never done it in the rain,” he muttered, pressing his lips against hers.
She smiled against his lips, keeping her eyes shut tightly as the wind blew around them. Her nails dug into his shoulders, as if she would fall over the edge if she let go. “We’ve made out in a Jacuzzi,” she said, trying to ignore the trembling of her voice.
A laugh escaped him. “Not the same,” he said breathlessly as her hips started to push against his, and he removed his hands from her thighs, starting to undo his jeans. He glanced at Veronica, still with her eyes closed, and he kissed her mouth softly. “Just keep looking at me,” he whispered against her lips.
Veronica slowly opened her eyes, meeting his gaze as he tugged the coat off her shoulders, letting it drop to her elbows. “Logan...”
“Yes?” he murmured, guiding himself inside her. She gasped, and he kissed her hard, his hand pressing against the small of her back.
She closed her eyes, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as he started to move. The rain hit her face, and the cold wind made her gasp and grip his back tighter. She silently reminded herself that she wasn’t going to fall, that he wouldn’t let her fall, that the wind couldn’t push her, that she needed to jump to fall. “I’m scared,” she admitted in a low, quaking voice.
Logan cupped Veronica’s face in his hands, his thumb pressing against her chin and forcing her to look at him. “I’m not letting you go,” he whispered, moving faster inside her.
He pushed her down on the table, his hands running down her body as he pressed against her and continued to thrust. His mouth drifted down to her breast, a moan escaping him as she twisted and writhed beneath him, her nails digging into his back. Her leg wrapped around his hips, pushing him in deeper, and he obliged, moving faster as he started to suck on her skin.
Veronica stared at the black sky, rain falling on her face and eyelids and hair. She shivered as another breeze came, then arched her back when Logan’s mouth found that spot under her ear. She let out a soft moan, and he sucked her skin harder, until a loud, genuine cry came from her lips.
She met his thrusts, her body heating up even as the cold rain fell on her. She propped herself on her elbows, one arm winding around his back as he pushed his mouth on hers. Soft cries mixed with his groans in the heavy rain as they moved clumsily. Her hand slipped down his back, now gripping his waist as he moved harder, faster, and she swallowed his moans hungrily.
She was close, she could feel it, so she pushed herself to a seated position, tightening her legs around his hips. “Harder-” she gasped.
Logan thrust faster, his back aching as Veronica’s nails seemed to break through his shirt. She tightened around him, a moan escaping her as she fell apart in his arms, her hips jerking uncontrollably against him.
Veronica’s lips slammed against his, her tongue entering and exploring his mouth as she fucked him harder, even though she was sore, just trying to help him finish. “Logan...” she gasped, a sigh escaping her. “Logan...”
That seemed to do the trick, and with an almost-pained groan, he came, his hand slamming against the table. His mouth moved to her neck, alternating between kissing her skin and moaning as he slammed into her once, twice, three times and God help him, she clung on to him like he mattered, like she needed him as he needed her, like this was a fight she couldn’t win, like she was scared and she trusted him to protect her.
Her name was a moan on Logan’s lips as he nearly collapsed against her, panting heavily. He groaned, resting his head on Veronica’s shoulder as he tried to straighten up. “Fuck.”
“You’re a man of many words,” she breathed, running her hands down his back as the rain continued to pour over them. She swallowed hard, her gaze shifting as she stared out at Neptune’s skyline. She blinked once, twice, sighing in relief when she felt Logan’s hand rub her back soothingly. “It’s getting better,” she said, her voice almost inaudible in the rainfall.
Logan lifted his head, gazing at her as he pushed a wet lock of hair off her forehead. She stared back, offering him the slightest of smiles.
Suddenly, thunder boomed in the air, causing the two to jump.
Logan laughed, pulling Veronica into a loose hug. “Hey, bobcat- wanna sleep over?”
She smiled as he kissed her cheek, running her hand down his arm. “Mm, my dad’s coming home late.”
“So? Tell him we’re studying or something.”
Veronica tilted back to stare into Logan’s eyes, and was surprised by the warmth that radiated through her at his loving gaze. At that moment, she wanted nothing more than to just be with him, just like that. Slowly, she nodded. “Let me call Mac, she’ll cover for me.”
Logan’s grin was a good enough reward for Veronica, and she grasped the back of his neck, pulling him in for a quick, hard kiss.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...
“Flowers?”
Veronica frowned, car keys clutched in her hand as she glanced around the Hearst parking lot. Her car windshield had a snowman sticker on the lower corner, and she was going to hurt the poor man’s Santa who had defiled her vehicle.
Her eyes narrowed as she spotted the tiny red arrow on the last ball of the snowman, pointing upwards, which led her gaze to the inside of her car. She flung the door open, sticking her head into her car. A simple bouquet rested on the passenger seat. White lilies, baby’s breath, and dyed pink daisies. It was beautiful, and she sincerely hoped it was from Logan and not from a certain roommate of Wallace’s whom she would have to taser if he didn’t get the hint and soon.
A red card was sticking out of the colorful display, and she picked it up, opening the card brusquely.
Look in the backseat, dork.
She raised her eyebrows, smirking slightly. Definitely not the aforementioned roommate.
Resting one knee on the driver’s seat, she squeezed between the seats, glancing into the back. A gasp escaped her at the sight of the coral red dress laying on the seat, a matching cardigan folded over it. The dress was gorgeous- sleeveless, long, and it appeared to be custom-made, judging by the red “VM” that was embroidered into the tag.
Veronica plopped back in the driver’s seat, rummaging through her bag for her phone. She pulled it out, jumping as her phone started to ring. She glanced at the ID, a grin forming on her face. Logan Echolls. Her tongue darted out, wetting her bottom lip as she answered. “You-”
“God, have you been to your car yet? My class starts in five minutes- you’re driving me nuts.”
“For your information,” she replied primly. “I just got to my car, and the dress is beautiful. How much did it cost you?”
“What did I say? No sleuthing.”
She smirked, running her hand through her long hair. “Tell me.”
He ignored her, sighing dramatically. “Do you loves it, darling?” he asked, channeling his inner Nicole Ritchie.
“I totally loves it,” she said with a grin. “What’s the occasion?”
He was silent for a moment. “You’ll see. Just be prepared to wear it at any given time.”
“Logan-”
“You’ll see.”
With that, he hung up on her.
Veronica’s brow furrowed as her eyes shifted to her phone. She resisted the urge to call him back, shutting the door behind her and starting her car. Slowly, her gaze drifted to the flowers, then the dress, and she smiled.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...
“Five golden rings on a chain...clever, Logan.”
Logan rolled his eyes, taking a seat next to Veronica on the bench in front of his bed. She held up the necklace, her eyebrow rising skeptically. “Read the damn inscriptions, smartass.”
“Is this like I’m Frodo and you’re Sam-”
“Veronica. For once, just shut up and read the fucking inscriptions.”
Veronica’s mouth closed as she gazed at Logan, who appeared to be pleading with her with his eyes. He was nervous, his leg bobbing rapidly against hers. For some reason, he was terribly nervous. Finally, she nodded, licking her lips as she picked up the first ring, peering at the inside. “Love.”
She picked up the next ring. “Desire,” and the next, “Loyalty, friendship, and devotion,” she read quietly as the rings dropped, hanging from the chain on the tips of her fingers. She blinked, her breath catching as she looked up only to find him gazing at her.
He reached over, gently holding up the chain with the tips of his fingers. “That’s my eternal promise to you, because you never listen when I actually tell you these things,” he said softly. “Love, desire, loyalty, friendship, and devotion. Always and forever.”
Veronica let out a deep breath, shaking her head. “Logan...”
“Even when we act like we hate each other and trying to kill each other, I’m still going to give you all of that. All of me. I promise,” he shrugged in an attempt to appear indifferent. “You don’t have to wear it, it was just one of the presents-”
Veronica leaned over, kissing him softly. She gasped at the heat that radiated through her at his touch, at the butterflies that were set loose in her stomach, the shivers that ran down her spine. This was love. She was dizzy and this was it, she was convinced.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her fingers running down his face.
Logan licked his lips, rubbing her knee lovingly. “You really don’t have to wear it, it’s corny, actually-”
She grabbed the sides of his face, kissing him firmly. “Make love to me,” she breathed against his lips.
He blinked, staring at her. “Huh?”
She was already pulling up his sweater, trying to push him against the mattress. “I don’t get you,” she gasped as he grinned against her skin. “I just don’t understand you.”
Logan pushed up, his mouth pressing against hers as he stood, bringing her with him. He grabbed her hips, lifting her up, and she immediately wrapped her legs around his waist. Her hands clutched at his neck as he made his way to what had become her side of the bed.
“I love you, Veronica,” he whispered against her cheek. He blinked rapidly, trying to gather the courage to ask the next question, the one that had been nagging at him for months. “Do you love me?”
Veronica was silent for a long moment, her grip loosening on his neck, but tightening around the chain. “Yes...I do.” she murmured.
And it was true. She had known it for a long time, since their breakup, since the fight in the suite, since their first time, since the night on the roof, since the alterna-prom...maybe before then. Yet, now, she was convinced, more than ever, as she kissed him again, her thumb trailing over his jaw. “I do.”
Logan nodded, swallowing hard. “Okay,” he said, kissing her softly as he lowered them both to the bed.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...
“Underwear?”
“Crotchless underwear,” he corrected her, glancing around the nearly empty library.
Veronica’s mouth dropped, and she quickly covered the black lace with the red, gift-wrapped top. “Okay, look-”
“Don’t ask questions,” he cut her off, giving her a firm look. “Go to the bathroom, put them on, and meet me in the stacks. Top floor,” he smirked slightly. “G-rated booty call, meet triple X booty call,” With a wink, he backed away from the help desk, heading toward the stairs.
She shook her head, leaning back in her chair. She nearly scowled at the box, crossing her arms over her chest. If he thought she was just going to fuck him in a dark corner of a very public place, then he had another thing coming. “Yeah, right...” she muttered.
Veronica frowned, her knees bobbing and smacking together as she stared at the offending lace, still on the counter.
Her mind drifted to the last couple of days, the amount of mind-blowing sex made even more perfect now that there was real, voiced love between them. She started to think of his hands on her body, his mouth and tongue doing things to her she didn’t think were possible-
“Mars!”
She jumped at the sound of the hiss, glaring up at the balconies. Logan had disappeared in the darkness again, and she rolled her eyes, thanking God that the library was empty. Friday nights were a gift, she was convinced. Her fingernails drummed on the counter as she stared at the box, a frown perking on her lips. “I’m so not going,” she grumbled, crossing her arms again.
Veronica promised herself she wouldn’t get worked up over Logan, not in a public place. She would blush and get flustered, and it just wasn’t something the other students needed to see. Even if she was heating up below the waist at the mere thought of Logan’s proposal, she wasn’t falling for it.
“VERONICA!”
She gasped, looking up at the balconies. “Ssh!”
Logan flipped her off, throwing something off the balcony, right at the desk.
Veronica reached up, snatching the red foil as it drifted down over her head. She glanced at it, her eyes widening. A condom.
“Oh, fine,” she growled, and with a shake of her head, she stood, swiping the box and clutching it to her chest as she rushed for the nearest bathroom.