Veronica Mars Fic: Post Partum
Title: Post Partum, Part 14/?
Author: Zaftig_darling
Pairing/Character: Logan/Veronica, Keith 
Word Count: 1500
Rating: R (this part) for language and adult concepts
Summary: motherhood changes Veronica
Spoilers: All three seasons
Warnings: adult language
Parts 1 to 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13

Thanks to [personal profile] vanessagalorefor the beta.


Nine Months Earlier



The day after Parker’s funeral, Logan and Veronica held hands as they sat together on a couch in one of Dr. Gallagher's consultation rooms.



Dr. Gallagher explained the extent of Logan’s decade old injuries, as he understood them. “While it was entirely unexpected, and in fact unlikely, that your reproductive system could heal itself, it is not beyond the realm of possibility. As a doctor, I think it’s important for me to stress to my patients that there is much we do not know about medicine, and the ability of the human body to repair itself is often amazing. That said, I will need a sample, a…specimen, in order to run a test to determine if there is any sperm present. If there is, we have an answer. Even if there isn’t, well then, there have been a handful of cases in North America, less than 10, I think, but a handful of cases where a child has been born to a couple in which the father is apparently sterile, but the child has later been determined to be a genetic match to the presumed father. In such cases, we assume a temporary return to normal function.”



Logan squeezed Veronica's hand tightly. “I don’t need to know. I know that just a few days ago, I needed an answer, but, considering everything that’s happened in the past week, I don’t need to know. All I need to know is that I trust Veronica.”



“No,” Veronica said, abruptly. “I need to know. I need to know that there is a rational explanation for this. I need to know.”



“Are you saying…”Logan looked at her, confused. “What are you saying, Veronica?”



“I’m saying that unless Mulder and Scully are involved, this baby is yours. But I’m also saying that you never woke up in a strange bedroom, wondering who roofied and raped you. I’m saying that you never believed that you had sex with one person and later found out…” her voice cracked.



Dr. Gallagher looked confused, but Logan shook his head to indicate the doctor shouldn't ask any questions. “I’ll bring the specimen tomorrow,” Logan said to the doctor, who handed him a small plastic vial.



As they climbed into their car, Veronica was pensive, clearly upset about bringing up her long ago rape/not-rape/rape in front of the doctor.



“Veronica, I believe you. I believe this baby is mine,” Logan insisted.



“I appreciate that you believe me. But I need those test results, Logan. I need to know that what I believe to be true is true. I have to have control over what happens with my body, Logan. Maybe you don’t understand that. And I need to be able to prove to you that I’m telling you the truth.” She pursed her lips and stared out the window as they drove home.



Pulling into the circular driveway in front of their home, they found a Balboa County Sheriff’s Cruiser waiting for them.



As Veronica opened her car door, Keith Mars walked out of the house and embraced his daughter in a tight bear hug. “I’m so sorry about Parker, honey,” Keith said, and for a minute she simply allowed her father to envelope her in his warmth. “Lettie’s in your kitchen making enchiladas for dinner, Veronica, why don’t you go see if she’ll give up any part of her secret recipe? I need to talk to Logan for a second.”



Veronica looked from her father to her husband somewhat suspiciously, but nodded her head and walked inside, where the kitchen smelled like a piece of heaven on earth.



Keith was still in his uniform and made an imposing figure as he stared at his son-in-law and all the tenderness that he had shown for his daughter had disappeared from his face, now a mask of anger.



He stepped closer to Logan, and rested his right hand on his service revolver. “Listen to me, Logan, and listen good. If you EVER walk out on my daughter again, I will personally FIND you and I will personally HURT you very badly. Do you understand me?”



“Yes, sir,” Logan said, nervously.



“You think the idea of fatherhood scares the crap out of you? DON’T EVEN GIVE IT A SECOND THOUGHT. Because what I will do to you if you pull a stunt like this again? What I will do to you? MUCH MORE FRIGHTENING.” Keith’s voice is low, but menacing. “And after I hurt you? Badly? I will make sure that every last goddamn red cent you have to your name is spent making MY daughter and MY grandchild comfortable. They will NEVER want for anything. Got it? So get over whatever fatherhood fears you may have or I will give you all new fears. Are we clear?”



Logan was overcome with a sense of monumental relief when he realized that Veronica hadn’t told her father the real reason he disappeared for three days, that she hasn’t told him that he accused her of infidelity, that she hadn’t shared with him what happened on his father’s set. He knew that Keith was furious with at that moment, but he knew the man would be even angrier if he knew what Logan had accused his daughter of. He was tremendously grateful to his wife for not telling Keith the whole story.



He tried not to let his relief show on his face. He respected Keith and he had worked hard to make a relationship with him. He was the only father figure in his life, and he would have been crushed if he believed their relationship was irreparably damaged.



Keith was still waiting for an answer.



“We are very, very clear, sir. I promise you, I just…I freaked out there for a few days. But I promise you, it won’t happen again. And I promise you, absolutely, she will never want for anything. The baby will never want for anything. I will take care of them always. Absolutely. I’m sorry.”



“Yes, well, I’m not the one you need to be apologizing, to,” Keith said, as he turned and walked back into the house.



To be continued.


From: [identity profile] celtic-flicka.livejournal.com


I really like your reasoning for *Veronica* wanting validation of the baby's paternity, even if Logan is OK with the whole thing now. That's a really good point.

From: [identity profile] celtic-flicka.livejournal.com


I forgot to mention--at first I thought Veronica should have told Keith the truth, so he would have understood Logan's actions, but then I changed my mind. Keith would absolutely have been sympathetic to what happened to Logan as a kid (although L probably wouldn't want it shared), but he would most definitely NOT be sympathetic to L accusing V of cheating! Better to have him think L just freaked out for a few days. Much better that way. :)

From: [identity profile] zaftig-darling.livejournal.com


I really debated about what Veronica would have told her father...I think we saw several places in the show where she wasn't 100% truthful with Keith, and I think she would have done the same thing, here, to protect Logan from the full wrath of Keith, who can be pretty badass when he wants, especially when it comes to protecting Veronica.

From: [identity profile] vanessagalore.livejournal.com


I liked the angry scene with Keith, and it was a good call to have Veronica obscure the real reason Logan ran; even in Veronica's panic, she knew enough not to tell Keith the whole story. And also I think it works well that Veronica insists on the sperm test, because she does always want to know the truth, and she would want to completely clear up that mystery 100%, so that it is never ever an issue between them (with all the infidelity in both their families, I think it's essential that they be sure of this issue).

From: [identity profile] zaftig-darling.livejournal.com


Yes, I thought it would be very un-Veronica-like to leave that mystery unsolved!
(deleted comment)

From: [identity profile] zaftig-darling.livejournal.com


I struggled with what Veronica would have told Keith, but I didn't see Keith being able to forgive Logan the accusation that he made (as understandable as it may seem) - I don't think Keith would have been able to get past that, and I want Keith and Logan's relationship to be repaired.

From: [identity profile] tatie87.livejournal.com


A protective Keith is so sweet. I'm interested to see Logan's test results.

From: [identity profile] christykq.livejournal.com


Well, Logan isn't perfect, is he? But Keith needs to step off and give the guy some slack. Geez. I hate the V is having Beaver dreams, I'm sure that's not going to help her current mind-set. Too bad she and Logan couldn't get to the good part before the baby started crying, but that's what being a new parent is all about, unfortunately. Babies seem to have the worst timing ever. Thank goodness V is starting to get some sleep, that will help the situation. I love that in the flashback, Logan says he trusts V but she's the one who wants to be sure. I'm sure having a rape/not-rape/rape in your past can cause quite a bit of insecurities throughtout the rest of your life. Great job. Great chapter(s). Update quickly.

From: [identity profile] zaftig-darling.livejournal.com


I really struggled with Keith's reaction in this section, cause I think that Keith is very protective of Veronica, but I also want him to have a paternal relationship with Logan, cause Logan really needs a father-figure who isn't a homicidal maniac!

I swear babies (and small children) have some kind of radar that says "hey, my parents are about to get it on, I need to wake up!"

I'm glad you liked these chapters!

From: [identity profile] isilady.livejournal.com


i loved this update. it's great that you put Lilly in the story, and i totally understand why veronica needs her mom, even if she may not be a real help. and Logan he breaks my heart, he is so in love with her and tries as hard as he can to understand what's going on in veronica's head... i have to admit that Keith needs to relax a little.... love this story!

From: [identity profile] zaftig-darling.livejournal.com


Thanks for commenting! I'm so glad you liked the update.

I love Lilly, but I worry about portraying her acurately (sp?), so I'm glad you enjoyed it.

From: [identity profile] galaxy451.livejournal.com


I just read this, and the previous, update. Absolutely loved them both! The dream Veronica was having about Beaver raping her was very powerfully written, and so beautiful the way Logan comforted her afterwards. He really is trying to be a model husband. That scene was so tender, then so realistic when the baby crying immediately brought a stop to any chance of relief they were about to get.
This chapter was excellent - loved Mr Mars talking to Logan with his hand resting on his gun! LOL And so poignant that Logan thinks of Keith as a father figure.
Beautifully done. Can't wait for the next update.

From: [identity profile] zaftig-darling.livejournal.com


Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked the image of Keith with his hand on his gun - it was a very powerful image I had in my head, so, I'm glad it came through as intended.

From: [identity profile] mitzy-spain.livejournal.com


The flashbacks scenes are really good always helping to know what had happened. Veronica is loyal to Logan not wanting her father to know all about Logan problems when he was a child.

Keep with your story please, I love it.

From: [identity profile] zaftig-darling.livejournal.com


I'm so glad you liked this section. I like writing the flashbacks interspersed with the present day sections. I think it gives a good sense of background. Thanks again for commenting!

From: [identity profile] princessbella24.livejournal.com


I really like this update. I understand why Veronica needs proof, even when Logan doesnt, that the baby it`s Logan`s, the need to control what happens to her body is understandable.
I loved Keith`s threat to Logan. So in character.
I just finished catching up with this fic, and i have to say, chapter 12 and 13 really got to me. It`s heartbreaking to see what Veronica is going through, and how she cant even say what`s wrong with her, or what she wants. And Logan`s desperation to know what she feels, and to confort her, is palpable. This fic is extremely well written. Cant wait for more.

From: [identity profile] zaftig-darling.livejournal.com


Thanks for commenting. I'm glad you felt Keith's reaction was in character - I really struggled with that section!
.