Title: When I Was A Child (2/4)
Author: Sarah :)
Pairing/Characters: Logan/Veronica, Keith, Dick, Cliff, Wallace, Mac
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Through 2x01, Normal is the Watchword, just to be safe, but nothing specific. This is futurefic!
Word Count: 10,715 (!)
Summary: Nothing stays the same forever. Logan and Veronica's daughter Mandy finds out just how true this is.
Disclaimer: Not mine. Duh.
Thanks: First of all, to truemyth for somehow helping me set up a WIP, even though I've never, ever even considered writing one, and for all of the handholding. It's much appreciated, Grace :). To truemyth and kantayra, for pretty much the best series of AIM chats EVER on brainstorming ideas for poor little innocent Mandy. They were instrumental in developing properly dirty story lines, as I can't even PRETEND to keep up with them :). Also, thank you herowlness, kantayra, and truemyth for betaing this! And Grace is totally responsible for finding the cute scene break, so awwww with me :). I know this was long, but all of you still rush betaed for me, and I appreciate it, guys. THAT IS LOVE!
Final notes: Written for the loveathons epic challenge. Companion piece to Trial by Furry, so it might help if you read that first :). And I really need to take the time to thank everyone who read and let me know what they thought about the first chapter. I'm still pretty floored by the response, and it definitely helped me (a LOT) when I was working on this. You guys are the best, and I sincerely thank you :).

I understood as a child.
I Cor. xiii. 11.

"Mommy! Daddy! Where arrrrrre you?" Mandy's small voice rang throughout the house. Veronica groaned and pulled a pillow over her head.

"What time is it?" Logan grunted beside her, bleary eyes trying to focus on the clock.

"Five. In the morning." Veronica sighed. "I told you we should have let her stay up all night. Then? She'd still be sleeping."

Pulling his wife closer to him, Logan closed his eyes again. "Maybe if we pretend we're still asleep, she won't bother us. For a few minutes."

Veronica snorted in disbelief.

Footsteps, accompanied by the distinctive 'swish' that can only be caused by the plastic feet of a pair of footie pajamas, halted right outside of the bedroom door.

"Mommy? Daddy?" Mandy pushed the door open gingerly. Seeing her parents in bed, their eyes closed, a delighted grin overtook her face. "WAKE UP!" She screamed, diving for the middle of the bed. Logan took the brunt of the tiny body, cracking an eye open and frowning at his laughing spouse.

"It's too early, sweetie," Logan started. "Mommy and Daddy just need a little more sleep."

"BUT IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!" She shouted, wriggling out of Logan's arms and jumping up and down on the bed. "Get up, get up, get up! We have to get ready for my party! It's going to be the bestest ever." Eyes widening, her lip trembling, Mandy stopped bouncing and looked at her parents. "Isn't it?"

Exchanging a guilty look, Logan and Veronica shook their heads at their daughter's ability to manipulate them.

"Your party's going to be perfect, honey." Veronica assured. "Just let us get dressed, and then we'll start setting it up."

"Yay!" Mandy collapsed onto the bed and crawled up between Logan and Veronica. She began to pull back the covers, but Veronica clutched the sheet tightly to her neck.

"I wanna cuddle with you," Mandy pouted. "It's my birthday!"

Logan choked back a laugh, and Veronica turned to him, horrified. He sat up in bed, making sure the sheet covered him from the waist down, and opened his arms for his daughter. She scrambled into them quickly, curling into his embrace.

"Now, Mandy. What's the most important thing we do every year on your birthday?" He looked his daughter straight in the eye.

"Presents!" she shrieked.

"No..." Veronica started. "Besides presents."

"Cake!" Mandy clapped excitedly.

"Closer...I think." Veronica furrowed her brow. "It's the first thing we do every birthday. Remember?"

Recognition lit in Mandy's eyes. "Measuring!"

Logan smiled at his daughter. "That's right. Why don't you go get ready, and we'll meet you there?"

" 'Kay!"

Logan set Mandy down on the floor and she raced out of the room. Veronica released her crushing hold on the sheet and plopped her head against the pillow, relieved.

"This is your fault, you know."

"Who, me?" Logan held his hands up, the picture of innocence. "It's not my fault sexy women feel the need to get naked around me. You should really learn how to keep your clothes on, Veronica. You're a mother now, and —"

He didn't see the pillow coming as she flung it in his face.

Pulling back the sheet and taking a peek at Logan's nude body, Veronica smirked. "It would seem you have a similar problem."

"Well, yeah." Logan shrugged. "But right now, I have an even bigger problem..." Grinning wickedly, he rolled over until he was on top of Veronica, taking special care to run a hand gently across her stomach.

Laughing, she kissed him, and then pushed him away when he tried to go in for another. "You do realize that if we're not out of here in like ten minutes, she's going to be back, right? I'm pretty sure being the interruptus in our coitus would be marginally more traumatizing than catching us in bed wearing nothing but a sheet."

Logan leaned in and began trailing kisses down the side of her neck. "You said we have ten minutes?" Veronica nodded warily as Logan buried his face in her hair. "Well, then, I think I can work something out..."

Veronica gasped as Logan's hand found his way between her thighs, and they made good use of their time. Very good use.

--

Thirty-five minutes later, a freshly showered Logan and Veronica walked into their daughter's bedroom. Mandy sat on the bed, her arms crossed angrily over her chest, tears swimming in her eyes.

"You forgot about me on my birthday. You hate me!" Her lower lip thrust out in an exaggerated pout.

"Hate you?" Veronica sat down on the bed next to Mandy. Looking to Logan, she tapped a finger against her chin as if in thought. "I don't know. Logan, is there anyone in here that we hate?"

Logan looked from side-to-side in an exaggerated manner. Winking at Mandy, he knelt down and lifted the comforter to look under the bed. Standing, he shrugged. "I don't see anyone. I wonder who Mandy's talking about."

"The only person I see in here is the birthday girl." Veronica smiled at Mandy and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Who we both love very, very much."

Mandy sat silently for a moment, eyes darting between her parents. With a grin, she launched herself into Veronica's lap. "What took you so long, Mommy? I've been waiting here forever."

Veronica coughed, and Logan looked down at the floor.

"We had to find a pencil, sweetie," Veronica covered, pulling the writing utensil from the pocket of her jeans. "We can't measure you without one, can we?"

"Nope!" Mandy exclaimed, crawling out of Veronica's lap and off of the bed. Darting to the other side of her room, she stood against the wall, waiting expectantly.

Veronica stood up and moved next to Logan, handing him the pencil. Logan tenderly placed a hand on Mandy's head and, with a great flourish, brought the pencil up and drew a line on the wall where her head rested.

"All done. Let's see what we've got this year." He waited until Mandy moved off of the wall, and let out a low whistle. "I know someone who's going to be taller than Mommy in a few years. Look at how big you're getting, Mandy!" He pointed to the line he just marked, and to another one slightly below it. "That's how much taller you are than last year."

Mandy gaped at the wall. "Daddy! I'm really really big!"

"It must be genetic," Veronica muttered.

"What, Mommy?"

Veronica smiled slyly at Logan. "Daddy's really big, too."

"I know!" Mandy dragged Logan over to the wall, and looked up at where his head rested, far above her line. "Daddy's the biggest ever. No one's bigger than Daddy!"

"That's right, honey." Veronica held a hand up to her mouth to hold back her laughter. "Daddy's huge."

Logan grinned widely at Veronica and ran his tongue over his lips suggestively.

"Is that good, Daddy?"

"That's perfect, honey. Isn't it, Veronica?"

"I have no complaints." Logan's eyes burned into Veronica's, and the two of them began inching towards each other.

"Mommy, I'm almost a grown-up now. Look!" Mandy pointed to the wall again.

Examining the lines more closely, Veronica valiantly attempted to hold back tears. Mandy's face fell.

"What's wrong, Mommy? Today's a happy day! It's my birthday!"

"Oh, I know, sweetie," Veronica answered, eyes glistening. Logan moved over and wrapped an arm tightly around her waist. "It's just that...you're growing up so fast. Look how big you are."

"I know. I'm six," Mandy supplied helpfully, holding up the correct number of fingers.

"My baby's going to grow up and leave me," Veronica sniffed, burying her head into Logan's chest. Looking down at his wife, a very concerned Logan ran a soothing hand down her back.

"Hey. Are you okay?" His voice was edged with worry.

Veronica looked up at him and nodded. "I'm just feeling a little...emotional today. I blame it on hormones."

Logan nodded and reached down to wipe the tears from her eyes.

"Mommy, it's all right," Mandy assured Veronica, wrapping herself around her mother's leg. "I'm never gonna leave ever. Please don't cry!"

"Oh, Mandy. I know. It's not your fault. Mommy's just been a little crazy lately." Veronica lifted Mandy off of the ground and cradled the girl in her arms. "All better now! What do you say we get ready for that party?"

Mandy nodded excitedly. "Party, party, party! Yay! Let's go!" Twisting in Veronica's arms, she reached out and grabbed Logan's hand. "Let's go now. It's my birthday!"

Pressing a tender kiss first to Veronica's forehead, and then one on Mandy's, Logan led the way out of the bedroom.

--

"Do you think she'd notice if we just let her sleep through her entire party?" Logan mused, running a hand through the hair of his sleeping daughter.

Veronica laughed, setting a pile of plastic cups on the table set up in the backyard. "Are you kidding? We'd never live it down. I was wondering when waking up at five in the morning was going to catch up with her, though. Can we hope that she actually sleeps at her sleepover?"

Logan shook his head. "I wouldn't count on it. Between Mandy and Tina and the rest of the girls, I have a feeling they'll be up all night."

"Which means we'll be up, too. Or, at least...you'll be up."

"Exactly." Grinning, he pulled his wife into his lap. "I can probably think of a few ways to spend the time."

"Oh, really?" Veronica queried, her face the very picture of innocence. "Hmm. I didn't think you wanted to learn how to knit, but if —" Her words dissolved into giggles as Logan groaned and buried his face in the crook of her neck.

A knock sounding around the side of the house startled them.

"Looks like it's time to get this party started." Veronica reached over and gently shook her daughter awake. "Mandy, honey. Wake up. People are here for your party."

The little girl was up like a shot, a flash of blonde hair as she raced around the house and to the front door. Logan and Veronica looked after her, smiling, Logan not quite ready to relinquish his hold on his wife.

"Grandpa's here!" Mandy shrieked, dragging Keith into the backyard. "And he brought presents! For ME! 'Cause it's my birthday!" Keith grinned as Veronica took the gifts from him and set them on a nearby table.

"Hi, Dad," she greeted, wrapping him in a hug. "How's it going? Do you feel old enough to be the grandfather of a six year old?"

Keith shook his head wistfully. "It's hard to believe, isn't it? I can remember the day you brought her home from the hospital like it was yesterday." Logan walked up behind Veronica, nodding to Keith.

"Hey, Pops. Ready to party like the six year olds do? Mandy told me we might even hear some Britney."

The older man rolled his eyes. "Logan. You may be my favorite son-in-law, but how many times have I told you never to call me that?"

"Sorry. I just can't help it, Keith. As your only son-in-law, I felt it was my duty to get it out there." Logan chuckled, not looking guilty in the slightest. Mandy chose that moment to run over to her grandfather and tug on his arm.

"Grandpa, more people are here! Come with me! You can meet allll of my friends. 'Specially Tina, 'cause she's my bestest friend in the whole world, and we play Barbies together, and now you can play, too!" A wide-eyed Keith looked to Veronica, who merely shrugged in response.

"Have fun, Dad." Before he could protest, Veronica turned back to where she was readying the food. "Logan and I have to finish setting up back here before everyone else shows up, so you're on your own for a few minutes."

"Grandpa!" Mandy jumped up and down in front of him. "Hurry up!"

Scooping the girl into his arms, Keith kissed Mandy on the cheek. "I'm coming, I'm coming."

Mandy clapped her hands and giggled delightedly.

"What?" Keith looked puzzled. "What did I say? I just said I was coming."

"You sound like Mommy and Daddy now! They say that all the time, even if they're already with each other. It's silly! Why do they do that, Grandpa?"

Looking decidedly green, Keith pulled a lollipop out of his pants pocket, thankful that his granddaughter was still at the age when she could be distracted by candy.

"Never mind. Let's go see who's here."

" 'Kay!" Mandy agreed, happily shoving the lollipop in her mouth.

--

Logan and Veronica leaned back, watching as their daughter flitted from one person to another, quickly making her way to each of her party guests.

"Should we be worried that she's such a perfect hostess? She's six, Logan. I can't even do that."

He laughed, snaking an arm around her waist. "She obviously has some of her charismatic and debonair father in her, then. She's an Echolls — it's in her genes."

Veronica snorted, her eyes sparkling. "We'll have to keep an eye on that one, then."

"Yeah. It's too bad she has that logical Mars half to balance her out."

"We did pretty well, Logan," she breathed, leaning back against him.

"That we did, Veronica. That we did."

Their eyes traveled across their backyard to take in the crowd of party guests. Multiple children from Mandy's kindergarten class were there, laughing and eying the food. Talking to Keith, Cliff, wearing a cardboard party hat and fiddling with the elastic band around his chin, looked decidedly miserable. He was frowning and appeared to be looking for the nearest exit. Mac stood off to one side, waiting as her daughter, Nicole, set a carefully wrapped gift on the designated table. Wallace had his hands full with his three rambunctious boys, who had somehow gotten their hands on a set of water guns and were chasing Mandy and Tina around the party. After arriving with Tina, Dick took a seat at the refreshment table, idly flicking at a red balloon.

Counting out the party guests with a finger, Veronica shook her head, impressed. "With us, and Mandy making everyone stay, we almost have an equal adult-to-kid ratio. We don't have to handle ten five year olds by ourselves!" She and Logan exchanged an enthusiastic high five.

"You've got to love the fact that our friends are the stupid ones. All the other parents left the instant their kid got here. I mean, you couldn't pay me enough to stick around with this many kids."

"Ahh, but, Logan," Veronica admonished. "Once Mandy works that Echolls charm and the patented Mars head tilt —"

"There's no way anyone can say no to her. Smart girl. But, really. How did she convince Cliff to come? I thought he made it pretty clear that he was trying to relinquish his star babysitter status."

Veronica laughed. "I was on the phone with him, and she grabbed it out of my hand and begged him. Even Cliff isn't made out of stone. And, look, he...kind of looks like he's having fun. Maybe." Both of them watched the lawyer for a few minutes, noting that once Keith had moved on, he was standing around, awkwardly dodging the hyperactive preschoolers. "Or, you know. Not."

Logan sighed. "I guess I should go and bail him out for a few minutes, anyway."

Veronica raised an eyebrow. "Why, Logan. Developing a conscience?"

He shrugged. "Maybe. Or, you know, if we're ever desperate for a babysitter, and—"

"Go." Veronica forcibly shoved him towards Cliff. With a salute, Logan crossed the lawn and clapped Cliff on the back heartily.

"Veronica?" Keith approached her from behind. "Can we talk for a minute?" He motioned to the patio, away from the festivities, and she nodded and followed him.

--

"So, Veronica," Keith paused awkwardly. "You and Logan have been pretty busy at work lately, right?"

"Yeah, I guess. Not really any more busy than usual, though. Why?"

"Oh, nothing. I was just wondering if you two have been...home a lot. Spending time with Amanda. The usual."

Veronica smiled and patted her father on the back. "Don't worry, Dad, we're not neglecting our daughter for our careers."

"No — that's not —" Keith fished for the words. "I just think you should spend as much time as you can with her now, while she's young. I mean, you and Logan will have forever together. Amanda's going to grow up and hit that teen phase before you know it, and you two won't be able to pay her to hang around the house."

"Dad, she's not lacking for parental affection. Logan and I can barely get away for ten minutes. I'm sure you remember how demanding having a five year old girl is." She tilted her head and looked at her father pointedly.

Keith nodded fondly, then shook his head and tried to push his point. "Of course. I just remember how...careful your mother and I had to be. You used to hear everything. Especially at night. We really had to...adjust."

Veronica shrugged. "Logan and I manage."

"That's—I know. I mean, maybe you two —" Keith looked away from her, flustered.

"Dad, what is it?"

"Do you ever wonder if Amanda knows...that something... I mean, you know how curious kids are. I still haven't weaned my adult daughter of that habit."

She snorted. "If you haven't managed it yet, I doubt you'll ever figure it out, Dad. But Amanda's been a lot better at night lately. She doesn't get up as much, which gives Logan and me...time. Time to..." She bit her lip. "...talk and stuff. Of course."

"Of course." Keith looked sick. " Hey, I think Wallace needs help with the punch." He kissed Veronica's forehead. "I'm proud of you and Logan, sweetie. Just...you know, it's not bad to take a break every once and a while."

Before Veronica could ask him what the hell he was talking about, Keith was already halfway across the lawn. She shook her head in confusion as Logan approached her from behind.

"You look far too hot to be the mother of a six year old," Logan proclaimed, peppering kisses down the side of her neck. "Your husband must be a lucky guy."

Preoccupied, Veronica nodded automatically, still staring at her father. "Yeah."

"Veronica?" Logan's brow creased. "What is it? Are you feeling okay? Do you need to lie down or something?"

Turning towards her husband, Veronica shoved him playfully in the chest. "I'm fine, Mr. Overprotective. I was just talking to Dad, and he was being all..."

"Weird? I think he and I just had the same conversation. It was like he wanted to tell me something, but he couldn't come right out and say it."

Veronica frowned. "Same with me. It was really strange. I wonder if something happened last night when he was watching Mandy. I mean, he was asking about her."

Logan lowered his head until his forehead rested against Veronica's. "Let's not worry about it now. We have a birthday to celebrate. We'll just have to ask him about it later."

"You're right." Veronica winked at him. "Besides, I do believe there are presents that need to be opened, which means we should probably bring them out."

"Lead the way, then." Logan lifted Veronica up and twirled her in his arms, drawing the stares of a few of the party guests.

"Do you ever feel like everyone is talking about us as soon as we leave?" Veronica questioned Logan. "I know it's probably just me being paranoid, but I swear, we walk out, and there are whispers. And these are our friends."

He shrugged. "Maybe they have nothing better to do than exposit on our collective hotness."

"Oh." Veronica thought for a moment. "Well, in that case, it's okay." Reaching the house first, she moved to open the door. Before she could grip the handle, Logan was beside her, hand on the door, holding it open for her reverently. Shaking her head, she walked inside.

--

Staring at Veronica and Logan as they entered the house, studiously lowering his head when he saw Logan's hand heading towards his daughter's ass, Keith suppressed a shudder. Cliff, choosing that moment to sit beside him, raised his eyebrows.

"What's up? Not too keen on the...uh...lovebirds?" He shifted nervously. "Not that I know anything about...anything. I was just curious. That's all." He looked everywhere but at Keith. "Really."

Keith's eyebrows rose up comically. "Wait. No, Cliff. Don't tell me - " He grimaced. "You babysat for her, didn't you? The last time I was in Fresno for a case. So you..." He paused. "That explains a lot."

"Explains what? Nothing happened. I just...hung out with the kid for a half an hour."

"Right." Keith commented dryly. "I don't suppose Mandy, oh, opened her mouth at all during that time."

"Well, I don't know about Mandy, but there was this one time her mother opened her mouth, and..." Cliff trailed off, half-grinning, half-cringing.

"She did it to you, too."

"Yeah, but...Wait. Too?" Cliff's eyes widened. "You don't mean that she's told you...you've heard..."

"Every sordid detail of my daughter's sex life? Yeah."

"Cute kid," Cliff remarked, patting Keith on the knee. "So...do they know? Veronica and Logan?"

Keith shook his head. "I don't think so. And it's not exactly the easiest subject to broach with your only child. I've been trying for the past few weeks, but...I give up."

"So the best you can hope for now?"

"Well, that Mandy's not permanently traumatized when she grows up. Like I am after years of babysitting." He shuddered. "And that maybe, due to Veronica's current state—"

"They cool down a little?"

"Yeah." Keith shrugged. "Of course, I've been thinking that would happen for the last six years, and if Mandy is to be believed, they're going at it more than ever." Staring towards the house, where Logan and Veronica had just emerged with a bag of gifts, Keith quickly shielded his eyes as he took in Veronica's smudged lipstick and mussed hair, and the fact that her hands were currently moving up and down near Logan's belt.

"Hola, compadres. What's up?" Dick sauntered over to the two men, nodding knowingly. "I was just over here grabbing a soda, and I couldn't help but overhear what you were talking about..."

"We were whispering." Keith's eyes narrowed.

"And where's this alleged soda?" Cliff bit back a smirk.

Dick shrugged. "Fine, I was listening in. Whatever. I was just wondering if you...you know. Heard anything new from Mandy lately. About Logan and Ronnie."

"Heard anything new?" Keith shot up from his chair and struck his best menacing pose in front of Dick. Given the height differential between the two men, it didn't quite have its desired effect. "That's my daughter you're talking about. Why the hell would you care?"

"Well..." Dick trailed off. "Don't forget, I sat for Mandy too, Mr. My-Flight-Was-Conveniently-Delayed-On-Their-Anniversary. I heard some things."

"No." Keith looked at Dick, horrified. "She didn't."

Dick smiled widely. "She totally did. I mean, I've known Logan my whole life, and I never knew he had such a thing for whipped cream and chocolate syrup. Weird, huh?"

Clamping a hand over Dick's mouth and dragging him further away from the rest of the party guests, Keith motioned for Cliff to follow.

"Whipped cream, huh?" Cliff rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I wonder if that had anything to do with the coffee table."

"Cliff," Keith groaned. "No. Not the coffee table. You know about the coffee table?"

"What about the coffee table?" Dick leaned in towards Cliff excitedly.

"It was destroyed, apparently. Along with a Lego castle. And any vestige of innocence that their little girl might have," Cliff answered.

"Gotcha." Dick paused for a moment. "Cool. Was this before or after that time in their office?"

"Need I remind you that we are never going to have this discussion again? And that we shouldn't be having it now? This is disgusting," Keith fumed, pacing back and forth.

"Dude. Chill." Dick placed a hand on Keith's shoulder, stilling his movement. "Logan and Veronica are totally just expressing their love for each other in a healthy, physical way. It's the trademark of any functioning monogamous relationship. You should be happy for them."

Keith blinked. Cliff stared.

Dick shrugged. "Anyone who watches Oprah would know that. Maybe we should stage an intervention. You know, make them talk to us about their...activities. Because I totally volunteer to do it. Unless you have any more stories for me?"

Cliff eyed Keith warily. "Well..."

"I'll tell you all about Horny, dude. That's a fair trade. Spill." Dick's eyes brightened.

Before Keith could interject, Mandy rushed over and tugged on his hand.

"Grandpa, come on! It's time for presents! Presents, presents, presents! Yay!"

Glaring daggers at the two men, Keith followed his granddaughter, studiously avoiding any conversation.

--

Mandy smiled brightly as she grabbed at the crumpled wrapping paper in front of her. She tossed it up in the air, giggling as it drifted down around her.

"So, Mandy," Veronica spoke, surveying the birthday carnage around the little girl. "Did you get everything that you wanted?"

Eying the pile of toys around her, Mandy looked thoughtful. "I got almost everything, Mommy."

"What?" Tina Casablancas piped up. "You got the best toys. Even Fashion Fever Barbie! Let's go play!"

"What else could you have possibly wanted, sweetie?" Logan knelt down next to his daughter while Veronica surreptitiously slipped inside of the house.

"Nothing," Mandy sighed, looking down sadly.

"Amanda." At the use of her full name, Mandy looked up at Logan. "How many times have we told you that we just can't buy you a pony? No matter how much you want one."

"I know," she spoke quietly, her hands crumpling a wad of wrapping paper. Then, brightening up slightly, she smiled. "Maybe Santa will bring one!" Seeing Logan's stern look, her face fell again.

"Well, since we can't get you a pony, we decided on the next best thing." Veronica said as she appeared behind Logan. He reached down and put his hands over Mandy's eyes, then turned her around so she was facing Veronica.

"What is it?" Mandy squealed excitedly, bouncing up and down on the ground.

"Ta da!" Logan moved his hands, and Mandy was greeted with the sight of her mother...holding a tiny, wriggling brown pit bull.

"A DOGGY!" Mandy shrieked, racing for Veronica. "I HAVE A DOGGY! Is he really mine? Can he sleep in my room? What's his name? How old is he? THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!" Her questions came out in a rush of breath as Veronica gently handed the animal to her. Mandy hugged the dog tightly to her chest, giggling as a small pink tongue reached out and licked her face.

"He likes me, Mommy! Daddy, look!"

Mandy was quickly surrounded by her friends, as all of the kids wanted a chance to pet the puppy. Standing back and taking in the scene, Logan and Veronica smiled.

"Is this an acceptable replacement for your pony, sweetie?" Logan winked at Veronica.

"Pony? What's a pony?" Mandy asked distractedly, all of her attention focused on her new dog.

Turning towards each other, Veronica and Logan exchanged a handshake. "Nice work, Mrs. Echolls." Logan grinned.

"You didn't do too badly yourself, Mr. Echolls," Veronica returned. Keith walked up to them, shaking his head.

"You bought her a dog? What were you thinking, Veronica?"

"What? Dad," Veronica frowned. "We got Princess Fluffercup when I was three." She shot Logan a look, daring him to say something. "Every little girl should have a dog to call her own." She shrugged. "And I miss having one around the house. What are you worried about? You know how protective pit bulls are. Having him is a good thing."

"Yeah," Logan agreed. "I mean, anything that's going to help keep Mandy a little safer is kind of a requirement. Of course, I suggested an alpaca." He glared at Veronica. "I was vetoed, obviously."

"I'm not talking about Mandy. I know she'll be fine — the dog's young, he'll grow up with her and be used to her, just like Princess Fluff — your dog was with you, honey." He shook his head. "I still can't believe you sacrificed the dignity of that Doberman like that. Princess Fluffercup? Do you remember that, Veronica? I tried and tried to convince you that no self-respecting male dog would appreciate being named that. And you..."

"Went right ahead and named him that anyway. Hey!" She raised an eyebrow. "He liked it!"

Keith and Logan looked knowingly at one another.

"Let's just say I think Back-Up was glad when I insisted on naming him. You know how kids are, though. Once they have an idea in their head, there's no way they'll budge. Especially when it involves the name of their dog. Anyway," Keith continued. "About this new dog. I don't think it'll be a problem now. I'm talking about in a few months from now. Aren't you worried about having a dog around the house when you bring home the new—" The shrill sound of a cell phone interrupted him, and Keith sighed and pulled it out of his pocket. "I have to take this. We'll talk more about this later, okay?" Veronica nodded as Keith walked around the house for privacy.

"I wonder what he'll think when we tell him about all the research we did about this. How we're totally prepared, and everyone's going to be fine."

Veronica shrugged. "I don't think it matters now, anyway. Look at her. We couldn't take that dog away if we tried. Mandy?" She asked, glancing at her daughter. "Are you ready for cake and ice cream?"

"Cake and ice cream! YAY! I'll share with my doggy!" She clutched the bundle of fur even more tightly to her body. "Yes, please, Mommy!"

"Okay. Daddy and I are going to bring everything out now." Scanning the area, she nodded to Wallace. "Wallace, would you mind staying with her while we go in? The last thing we need is a runaway dog."

"Why would he run away, Mommy? He loves me!"

"I know he does, honey, but this is all still new to him. Until he knows us better, we should be careful."

Mandy nodded.

Glancing towards his sons, who seemed to be participating in some activity that involved cramming gummy worms up their noses, Wallace weighed his options and took a seat beside Mandy.

"Henry! Nathan! David! Don't make me come over there!" Shouting in the general direction of his children, he turned back to Veronica. "I've got it under control, V. Go and get a man some cake."

"On my way." Grabbing Logan's hand, she turned back around to smile at the pair. "Mandy, maybe Wallace will help you think of a name for your doggy. Won't you, Wallace?"

"Sure thing!" He held his hand out, and Mandy giggled as the dog began to sniff it excitedly.

"Okay, we'll be back in a few minutes. Thanks, Wallace." Veronica and Logan turned and walked towards the house.

"I get to name him because I'm his mommy," Mandy told Wallace very seriously. "And I love him lots and lots already. He doesn't really want to run away, does he?" Her expression grew fearful.

"Of course not!" Wallace wrapped an arm around her. "Especially not if I'm here. We've already bonded a little."

"You and my doggy? How?"

"Where do you think your parents kept him for the last week to keep him a surprise? The little guy and I go way back. So, what kind of name are you going for? Traditional? Is he a Fido?"

"I know what his name is!"

"Already?"

Mandy nodded. "Yep," she said, popping the 'p' sound.

"You're your mother's daughter, then. So, spill! What's his name?"

"Gasm!" She announced loudly. "He's Gasm!"

Wallace blanched.

"Gasm? Uh...that's...an interesting name. Where'd you get that from?"

"It was really easy," she admitted. "One time, Mommy and Daddy were talking, and Mommy told Daddy that he gave her the bestest present ever. He asked what it was, and she said he gave her lots o' gasms. I don't know what those are, but I love my puppy so much, and he's my favoritest present!"

"You're naming your dog Gasm. Because..."

"Gasms are the best presents! Mommy said!"

"Right." Wallace looked sick. "Are you sure that's what you want to name him? How about...Spot? Or Melvin?"

Mandy stuck out her tongue. "Eww. Those names are gross. My doggy is Gasm." She set the puppy down in front of her and moved back a few steps. "Come, Gasm! COME!" On command, the dog raced over to Mandy, and she looked at Wallace brightly. "See? He knows his name already! He's the smartest!"

Wallace's head slumped into his hands as he tried to hold back laughter. "You just make sure I'm around when you tell your parents that name, okay? I'm pretty sure that I can't miss that."

"Maybe Daddy will give Mommy another gasm!" She exclaimed.

"Oh, God." Wallace sighed with relief as he saw Veronica approaching with a birthday cake. "Thanks for planting that image in my head."

"Welcome!"

--

"Happy birthday, dear Mandy. Happy birthday to you!" The assembled crowd watched, and then cheered, as Mandy blew out all six candles on her birthday cake in one breath. Grinning wickedly, she stuck a finger out and swiped it down the side of the cake, delighting in licking the chocolate frosting off of her finger.

"You get a freebie, because it's your birthday, but now you have to wait to eat it until it's cut." Veronica's eyes moved over the table searchingly. "Shoot. I forgot a knife. I'll be right back. Dad, you're on cake guard duty."

"We need more plates, too," Logan added hurriedly, his hand clamping over Veronica's. "I'd better go and help her."

As her parents left, Mandy clapped. "Is someone going to jump out of the cake? Daddy always asks Mommy to do it on his birthday. But how could Mommy fit in there?" She eyed the cake curiously. "It's too small!"

A collective groan rang out as Logan and Veronica returned with a stack of plates and the forgotten knife.

"What?" Veronica took in the unpleasant expressions on the adults' faces. "What'd I miss?"

"Nothing," Keith spoke quickly. "Just cut the cake. I call a piece with a flower."

--

"Hey, Mandy," Dick sidled up to the newly six-year old girl. "Happy birthday. What's hangin'?"

"Thanks, Dick!" She smiled, gently setting Gasm down in front of her as he spoke. "Tina got me the dolly I wanted the most, and I love her!"

Dick nodded. "I helped her pick it out, you know."

"Really?" Mandy's eyes grew wide. "Thank you," she whispered, reverently.

"Right. So...uh...Let's talk."

"Okay!" Mandy dropped to the ground, gathering the puppy in her lap. "What do you want to talk about?"

"How about...oh, I don't know...your mom and dad."

Mandy nodded.

Dick waited.

"So, your mom and dad. Tell me something about them."

"Dick," she said, voice confused. "You know Mommy and Daddy lots. You've known them forever and ever. 'Cause you're old."

"I know. But...I wanted to know...stuff that you only know about them," Dick covered. "Remember when I was babysitting you, how you told me some pretty sweet stories? Tell me some of those."

Mandy's face was blank. "Um...Mommy and Daddy let me stay up late last night. It was really fun!"

He snorted. "Yeah, great. But what else happened?"

"We ate pizza!" Her face was the picture of innocence, and Dick groaned. Reaching into his jacket pocket, he pulled out a plastic bag and shoved it at Mandy.

"Here. It's an extra birthday present." He watched as her eyes lit up at the realization that Dick had handed her an unopened bag of Pixie Stix. "Are you sure you don't remember anything else?"

Tearing into the bag, Mandy's head moved back and forth. "Nope. I HAVE CANDY!"

Dick sighed. "We'll continue this next time, okay? I've got to get going. Meeting with the ex over some finance stuff. Wish me luck."

"Good luck!" Mandy chirped.

"Tina?" Dick looked around for his daughter, and she came over to where he and Mandy were standing. "I'm out. Have fun at your sleepover."

"I will! Be good while I'm gone, Daddy."

Dick had the decency to look slightly offended. "Hey! I'm always good!"

Tina rolled her eyes, and Mandy giggled. "Daddy, don't forget your balloon." Tina held out the red balloon Dick had been discreetly dragging around with him during the afternoon. He looked around for a second, making sure no one was watching, and he took hold of the string.

"Thanks, Tina. I'll be here tomorrow morning to pick you up, okay?"

"Okay!" The little girl smiled brightly. "And if you're late 'cause you took too long in the bathroom, it's all right, 'cause Mandy and I can play extra."

Dick scoffed. "That only happened, like, twice. It's not my fault the hair wasn't cooperating!"

"Dick!" Mandy piped up. "If you want more balloons, I can ask Mommy to get you more. She's the bestest blower-upper."

He paused, closing his eyes and looking skyward for a second, hopeful. "Why do you say that, Mandy?"

She shrugged. "I don't know. This morning when we were getting the party ready, Daddy told her that she blows good, and that he wants her to blow for him later. And she said she would, and now I have lots of pretty balloons! Yay!"

Dick pumped his fist in a victory motion. "Yes! Way not to let me down, mini-Mars." He ruffled Mandy's hair and then bent down to give his daughter a hug. "Have fun, guys. Make sure to eat some of those Pixie Stix if you get sleepy. They'll totally help keep the midnight fuel burning. And," he turned to Mandy. "If your parents do anything...cool, make sure you remember it, okay?"

" 'Kay!" Mandy nodded. "Bye, Dick! Thanks for coming to my party. And giving me PRESENTS!"

"Daddy, you're going to be late. And you said after Mommy said you couldn't be on time to save your life, you were going to not be late. So go!" She waved her arms out, giggling. "Shoo!"

"Fine, fine. I'll miss you, Tina."

"I'll miss you too, Daddy! Bye!"

Waving Dick off, the two girls bounced back into the yard. People were beginning to leave the party, and Tina ran over to three other girls that remained, and they began talking excitedly about the sleepover.

Mandy spotted Cliff and Wallace talking with Logan near the patio, and she ran up behind Cliff and wrapped herself around his legs.

"Boo!" She giggled.

"Oh. Hey, Mandy." Cliff glanced at Logan out of the corner of his eye. "I was just going to go and find you so I could say goodbye."

"Same here," Wallace said, looking across the yard at his sons. "We're on our way out."

"Bye?" Mandy turned to Logan, worried. "Why is Cliff leaving? And Henry and Nathan and David? What about my sleepover?"

Logan bit back a laugh. "Mandy, sweetie, Cliff can't spend the night."

"Why not?" Mandy pouted. "It's my party."

"Cliff is...an adult. It's...not..."

"It's not happening. Sorry, Mandy, but if I spent the night at all the house of every girl that asked me, I'd never get home. I have to be fair to everyone, if you get my drift."

"Okay. I guess." Mandy frowned. "But what about everyone else?" She turned to Wallace. "Why are you taking them home?"

"Mandy," Logan interjected sternly. "There is no way that I'm letting any boys sleep over. Even if they are all under the age of eight. It's not happening."

"But why, Daddy? You're a boy, and you sleep over with Mommy all of the time! It's not fair!"

"That's different, honey. We're married. When you grow up and marry a boy..." Logan trailed off. "You'll be eighty, so never mind. Besides, how can you do makeovers and talk about the Powerpuff Girls if boys are around? Don't they have cooties or something?"

Mandy's eyes widened. "You're right, Daddy! EWWW!" She jumped away from the group of men and ran over to where her friends were standing. Logan shook his head, amused.

--

"You're sure you don't need any help?" Mac's eyes traveled across the living room, watching the five little girls lay out sleeping bags. "I mean, I can stick around for a while if you need me."

"Thanks, but I think Logan and I have it under control. Until the sugar sets in, at least, but we'll hopefully be asleep by then."

"So, uh, Veronica. When you and Logan go to bed..." Mac smiled tightly. "Do you guys shut your bedroom door? Or is it, um, open?"

Veronica's brow furrowed. "It depends, I guess. Why?" Reading Mac's expression as worry, she clapped her hand on her friend's back. "Don't worry, Mac. We'll take good care of her. Promise."

"No! No." Mac said quickly. "That's not it. I just...if your door is open, and the girls are up...there could be..." Flipping her wrist up and looking at an imaginary watch, she began backing towards the door. "Wow, look at the time. I forgot, I — uh — have something to do. See you tomorrow morning, Veronica."

"Bye, Mac." Veronica watched her leave, shrugging. Coming into the room, Logan watched the door slam behind Mac.

"Mac had somewhere to go?" He asked.

"Yeah. I guess."

Stretched across their sleeping bags, the group of girls huddled in the middle, whispering.

"What should we do now?" Nicole asked. "Cartoons are over, and I don't want to play with dollies any more."

"We could tell ghost stories!" Tina brightened. "I know some really scary ones."

"But Daddy said not to," Mandy added. "And I don't like being scared. It makes me sad."

"I'll hold your hand, I promise," Tina pleaded. "Pleeeeease?"

"Yeah!" The other girls chimed in. "Tell one!"

"Fine," Mandy huffed. "Just don't tell one that's too scary."

"Okay!" Tina settled in, lying on her stomach, her chin propped up on her hands. "Once, a family moved into a new house that everyone said was haunted. Every night, ghosts came in and wandered the halls and were all creepy and stuff."

Mandy pulled her sleeping bag up over her head.

"Mandy!" Tina admonished. "It's not even scary yet! Anyway, there were these two boys in the family. On their first night there, they heard noises coming from the upstairs that sounded like people moaning, and it freaked them out. Because it was a ghost!"

Everyone but Mandy gasped. The birthday girl popped out of her sleeping bag and shrugged her shoulders. "So? What's wrong with noises from upstairs? That's not scary."

A low groaning that seemed to be coming from none other than the upstairs sounded. The girls shrieked. "Tina!" One of them whispered, her voice shaking. "That's not funny!"

"It wasn't me!" Tina said, holding her hands in front of her in a show of innocence. "I swear!"

"Duh." Mandy rolled her eyes. "That's just Mommy and Daddy. They do that lots."

"But...why?" The terrified little girl asked. "They sound like they're killing each other! Why would they do that?"

Mandy shrugged. "I don't know. 'Cause it's fun! They laugh when they make funny noises sometimes. I think they're playing a game. They never let me play, though, and that's mean. 'Specially now. It's my birthday."

Tina nodded. "Maybe that's part of the game they played in the kitchen earlier."

"What game?" Mandy looked up.

"Every time your Daddy passes behind your Mommy, she jumps up, like he's burning her, but she didn't look hurt or anything. She laughed and was all happy, and then they kissed and stuff." Tina shook her head and shuddered. "It was gross. But they looked they were having fun!"

"My Mommy and Daddy have fun together all the time," Mandy confided. "It's 'cause they love each other lots."

"Maybe your Mommy likes getting burned from behind," Tina offered. "You should ask her."

--

Mandy and Tina giggled as they looked at the sleeping girls that surrounded them. "I can't believe they fell asleep so early," Tina whispered. "On TV whenever someone has a sleepover, everyone stays up all night. It's the rule."

Mandy nodded seriously. "That's 'cause we're awesome. Do you want pink?"

"Yep! And purple, too." Tina looked over to where Mandy was selecting the different colored threads. "I've never had one before. It's gonna be cool!"

"I know!" Mandy agreed. "Because we're bestest friends!"

"Always!"

The girls set about studiously, taping the lengths of thread to the floor and beginning to twist the floss in their respective patterns. A shuffling on the stairs startled them, and they looked up to find Logan and Veronica coming into the room.

"Just you two in the late night crowd?" Logan asked, eyes panning over the sleeping children.

"Yeah. Everyone else is a wimp!" Mandy proclaimed. " 'Sides, we're really busy."

"What are you doing?" Veronica knelt down to take a closer look at the girl's work in the dark room.

"Makin' friendship bracelets," Mandy said, continuing to work. " 'Cause we're best friends."

"That can't wait until tomorrow? You two should get some sleep." Logan crossed his arms over his chest and raised an eyebrow at the girls.

Mandy put a hand on her hip and tilted her head, rolling her eyes at Logan. "Daddy. Do you want me to stop braiding? This is important."

Logan looked at her fondly, then laughed and glanced towards Veronica. "Sometimes it's scary how much she sounds like you. Except I think she's going to finish her bracelet."

"Hey, hey, hey," Veronica broke in. "You were the one that was so against it. Not my problem."

"What if I told you I took it back? And I want a friendship bracelet now?"

"Hmm." Veronica looked thoughtful. "I'd say if you went upstairs, I could probably give you something you'd like much better."

"Oh." He moved his hands up and down at his sides, as if weighing his options. "Let the gift giving begin, then." Waving at the two girls, he grabbed Veronica around the waist and moved to the stairs. "Please go to bed at some point, girls. And have fun. Night!"

"Night, Daddy," Mandy said, not looking up from her bracelet. After the adults left, she turned to Tina, all the laughter gone from her face. "Tina, I think something's wrong with my mommy and daddy."

"Really? Like what?" Tina continued braiding her bracelet.

"I don't know." Mandy frowned. "When Daddy and I were making my in'tations pretty for my party, Mommy came in, and then they left and had a talk. That's what Daddy told me."

"So?" Tina shrugged. "My parents talk all the time."

"But Mommy and Daddy got all weird after. Now they get really quiet every time I come in the room when they're talking. We used to do everything together, always. Now sometimes, they don't even pay 'tention to me, and it makes me sad. And Mommy doesn't come down to breakfast anymore in the mornings. And she sleeps lots."

"That's weird," Tina agreed. "My mommy and daddy started doing stuff like that, too. They didn't want me to hear what they were saying."

"Why?" Mandy asked, hanging on Tina's words with bated breath. "Why couldn't you hear."

Tina's face fell. "Mandy, let's play Barbies now."

"Tina." Mandy's lip quivered. "What happened? Tell me."

Tina sighed and looked at her friend, sympathetic. "That's when Daddy moved out."

Mandy gasped, tears filling her brown eyes. "What?"

"Don't worry, Mandy!" Tina reassured. "Your mommy and daddy would never get 'vorced. They love each other more than any other mommy and daddy I've ever seen."

"How can you tell?"

"They always smile and laugh and stuff. And they're always together. At the end, all my mom and dad did was yell lots and break things, and your parents don't do that."

Raising a hand to her mouth in shock, Mandy's face crumpled. "One time I went to Grandpa's, and when I came back, the table was broken," she whispered, pointing across the room at its replacement. "We had to get a new one."

"Tables break sometimes," Tina said quickly. "And that's only one thing. My parents broke everything."

"My swing set." Mandy's voice was thick with tears. "The day after Daddy put it together, he and Mommy were in the backyard, and it broke. They had to buy me a new one. Why? Why would that happen?"

"I don't know." Tina spoke slowly. "But that's stupid stuff. It's not like your mommy and daddy broke anything important. And every time something broke in my house, Mom and Dad said it was an accident, even though I knew they were lying. Then Daddy started sleeping in the other bedroom. He didn't leave until Mommy threw a picture of his brother against the wall, though. There was glass everywhere, and Daddy got really sad, and then he moved out."

A loud crash sounding from upstairs interrupted the conversation. Mandy and Tina held their breath, staring at each other wide-eyed.

"What was that?" Tina whispered after a moment.

"I don't know," Mandy bit her lip. "Maybe there really is a ghost, and it's eating Mommy and Daddy! And not in the way that Daddy says makes her happy!"

Moving towards each other, the two girls clung together in an embrace as they listened carefully. A period of silence was followed by a slight rustling, and the muffled voices they heard on the stairs soon became clear.

"I don't think you're supposed to do that on a bed."

"What? There wasn't anything that said I couldn't.

"It's a bed! It didn't come with an instruction manual!"

"What are you getting so worked up about?"

"Logan, you broke the bed."

"I broke the bed? You were kind of an active participant in its demise. I was just along for the ride."

"It takes two, Mister."

A nearly hysterical Mandy burst into tears as her parents entered the living room.

"What's the matter?" Veronica quickly scooped her daughter up into her arms. "Mandy, honey, did the noise scare you? We didn't mean it. Look, we're okay. Everything's okay." She ran a comforting hand through Mandy's blonde hair.

"What...what happened?" Mandy choked out, burying her head into her mother's shoulder. Veronica looked to Logan.

"It was just an accident, sweetie," Logan jumped in, pressing a kiss to her forehead. On Mandy's loud wail, he glanced over at Tina. "Is everything okay down here, girls?"

"Yes, Mr. Echolls," Tina jumped in. "It was just really loud, and I was telling Mandy a scary story. Right, Mandy?"

"Yeah," Mandy answered, rubbing at her eyes. "It was the scariest."

"Girls," Logan looked at them sternly. "What did we tell you about ghost stories? We knew you'd get scared."

"Sorry," Mandy and Tina echoed in unison. "We'll stop now, promise." Tina smiled up at the two adults.

"Are you going to be okay, Mandy?" Veronica asked, concerned with how tightly her daughter was clutching her robe.

Mandy nodded.

"I'll go up and change the sheets in the guest room. I have no idea when the last time we washed them was, and if I can't sleep in my own bed, at least I can have clean sheets." Logan stood up and headed to the stairway. "Okay?"

"Don't!" Mandy pleaded, her voice hiccuping from the force of her tears. "Sleep in your and Mommy's room! PLEASE?"

"No can do, honey. Don't worry, we'll be right upstairs if you need us."

Setting Mandy down on her sleeping bag, Veronica kissed her and patted Tina on the head soothingly. "If you're scared, you guys can go up and sleep in Mandy's room, so we'll be right next door."

"I'm okay," Mandy said softly. "You should go back to bed."

Veronica and Logan exchanged a worried glance.

"Really, we're fine." Tina smiled brightly. "Night!"

"Good night, girls," Logan said, still staring at them. "Make sure you come to us if anything happens."

Mandy nodded. Logan and Veronica slowly made their way towards the stairs, looking behind them every few seconds. When they were finally gone, Mandy and Tina sat in silence for a few moments.

"There were other things." Tina spoke up suddenly. "Other weird things that happened before Daddy left."

"Really?" Mandy sniffled and looked at her friend warily.

Tina reached out and grabbed Mandy's hand, patting it reassuringly. "Yep. Daddy was really making Mommy feel bad. She was sick in the morning sometimes. She threw up more than when I had a bug in my tummy and had to stay home from school for three days. And she said her head hurt and she was hanging over stuff. I don't know what she meant."

"My Daddy has hanging stuff!" Mandy exclaimed. "When people say 'hang on,' Mommy giggles, and says that Daddy hangs with the best of them. 'Cause he's hunged really good. Is that what it was like with your Mommy?"

"No." Tina shook her head. "But! Mommy got really fat, too."

"Your daddy leaving made your mommy fat?" Mandy's voice was incredulous. "How? Is it like when Daddy says that he gives Mommy lots of exercise? So without exercise your mommy got fat?"

Tina snorted. "Mommy got fat 'cause she sat around and ate lots and lots of ice cream. But she only did that 'cause Daddy made her sad."

"Oh." Mandy perked up noticeably. "My Mommy's not fat!"

"Right. So she and your daddy are staying together. And you're only six, and I'm seven, so you should believe me. I know lots."

"Right." Mandy said, nodding emphatically, her sad eyes and tearstained face belying her confident tone.

--

"How're you feeling?" Logan sat down on the bed next to his wife, running a hand down her arm. "Any better?"

Veronica groaned and attempted to sit up. "I'm fine, Logan. I think I'm just still recovering from Mandy's party."

"Veronica." He frowned. "Mandy's party was weeks ago. That's not it, and you know it."

She waved a hand over her head, annoyed. "It's not like I didn't know what I was signing up for, right? It should start getting better soon. At least, I hope — Oh, God." Clamping a hand over her mouth, Veronica rolled out of the bed and quickly ran for the bathroom. Logan waited a moment, then lightly tapped on the door and walked in.

Holding Veronica's hair back as she threw up, Logan rubbed soothing circles on her back and whispered words of encouragement. She pulled back after a minute, face pale, and he hurriedly turned on the tap and poured her a glass of water.

"Thanks." Her voice was quiet, and she leaned back against the toilet as she sipped the water. Logan stood in front of her, sympathy etched on his face.

"I hate this part."

Veronica laughed. "Right there with you, buddy."

A sudden pounding on their bedroom door startled them. They heard Mandy enter the room, crying hysterically.

"Mommy! Daddy! Where are you?"

Logan was at the bathroom door in an instant. He spared a glance back at Veronica, who waved him off. "Go. Make sure she's okay. I'll be out in a second."

He nodded and closed the door tightly behind him.

"Mandy? Sweetie? What is it? Are you okay?" Her sobs only grew louder, and Logan quickly gathered the little girl up in his arms, checking her for injuries. "What happened?"

"It's Gasm," she wailed. "He ran away. I MISS HIM, DADDY!" She moved a hand up to wipe at her dripping nose. "We have to go and find him!"

"Wait." Logan's face darkened. "How did he get outside, Mandy?"

"Ummm..." She sniffled.

"How many times have your mother and I told you that you're never supposed to go outside without one of us? It's so dangerous. You could have gotten hurt!" Logan hugged his daughter tightly to his chest.

"But I didn't go outside, Daddy!"

Logan narrowed his eyes. "Mandy."

"Just a little," she clarified. "There was a pretty butterfly on the window, and I wanted to play with her. I only opened the door for a second! Gasm ran out, and I couldn't catch him, and he's gone. I'm scared! Where's Mommy?" Mandy looked around the room frantically. "I want Mommy!"

He sighed. "Mommy's in the bathroom. Why don't you —"

Mandy scrambled out of Logan's arms and rushed towards the bathroom. Reaching for the door knob, Logan intercepted her before she could enter. He winced as he heard the sounds of Veronica retching within.

"Daddy! I need to talk to Mommy!"

"She'll come out when she's done, Mandy."

"But I want her now!" Once again, she started for the door.

"No, Mandy. She's not feeling well."

Mandy heard the distinctive sounds of someone throwing up and paled. "You're just being over'tective, like Dick said." Realization dawning on her face, she whirled around and raised her voice. "You didn't make her sick, did you? I wanna see her! She's my Mommy, and I need her!"

"Mandy!" Logan barked. "Go to your room. Now. We'll talk about finding Gasm in a minute."

"But..."

"Now, Mandy."

"I hate you!" She shrieked. "You don't love me! You're the meanest Daddy ever, and I HATE you lots!" Mandy sprinted out of the room in tears, and Logan grimaced as he heard her bedroom door slam.

Moments later, Veronica stumbled out of the bathroom, leaning against the door frame for support. Logan walked over to her and pulled her in a gentle hug. Clearly distraught, he buried his face in her shoulder.

"My own daughter hates me. I'm officially my father."

"Logan, come on." Veronica admonished. "She's six. Dad warned us about all of this. Apparently, it's a phase, and apparently, it'll last a long time. So we just have to get used to it. You know how much Mandy loves you. She didn't mean it — she's just worried."

"I know, I know," Logan lifted his head and rubbed his temples. "What do we do now?"

Veronica smiled and gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek. "I go and comfort our daughter. You have a dog to find."

"Right." Logan nodded. "So...every kid goes through this phase? Like, we're going to have to do this again?"

She rolled her eyes and shooed him out of the room.

--

"I heard someone was missing a puppy?" Logan stood in the doorway of Mandy's room, trying to keep a firm hold on the wriggling dog in his arms.

"GASM!" Mandy, who was nestled in Veronica's arms, jumped off her bed gleefully, not noticing the way her parents cringed when she spoke the name. "Daddy, you found him! You found him! I love you!" Running to him, she wrapped her arms around his legs and clung tightly.

Logan and Veronica shared a tender smile as Logan bent down to hand over the dog.

"He was only out in the front yard, Mandy. You got lucky this time. But you can't ever do that again. We might not be able to find him, and you could get hurt. Do you understand? Your mother and I love you very much, and we don't want anything to happen to you."

Mandy bobbed her head up and down vigorously. "I know. I'm sorry, Daddy. But I have my puppy back! Yay! You're the bestest Daddy in the whole wide world! I love you so much, Daddy."

Logan turned his head away from his daughter to wipe something from his eye that looked suspiciously like a tear.

--

"Are you ready for your bedtime story, sweetie?"

"Yes!" Mandy climbed into her bed and Veronica pulled the covers up over her daughter, tucking them in at the sides.

"Tight enough?"

Mandy squirmed around for a second, smiling delightedly when the sheets didn't move. "Yep!"

"Okay." Veronica smiled and sat on the edge of the bed, Mandy's head resting on her leg. "I have a new book for us today."

"Really?" Mandy's eyes grew wide.

"Really. It's so new that Daddy wanted to know if he could listen to it, too." Veronica nodded towards the doorway, where Logan stood, waiting.

"Daddy wants to hear story time? Why?"

"Just because." Logan plopped down at the foot of the bed and reached out to smooth back Mandy's hair. "Besides, this is a really important book."

"What's it about?" Mandy asked excitedly. "Tell me!"

"Well," Veronica tilted her head to the side and smiled at Logan from across the bed. "It's about birds."

"Birdies! I love birdies!"

"I know. These birds are a family. With a mommy bird, and a daddy bird, and a little bird."

"Like us!" Mandy announced.

Veronica nodded encouragingly. "Exactly, honey. And in this story, another birdie comes to live in their nest."

"Why?" The young girl's face scrunched in disapproval. "That's stupid."

"No, it's not. The new bird is a baby, and the mommy and daddy bird take care of it. And the little bird —"

"Hates it. Because he probably has to share his toys, and that's no fun! I know, 'cause Henry told me that David takes his toys all the time without asking. That's mean. I like having my toys all to myself! 'Cause they're mine!"

Veronica sighed deeply. "That's in the Fennel family. In this story, the little bird learns that he really likes living with the baby. And he shares all of his toys, and loves the baby bird very much." She showed Mandy the sickeningly adorable picture of the two birds on the cover of the book.

"Really?" Mandy asked, curious. "Why?"

"Well, why don't we read and find out?"

Mandy thought for a second. "Okay. 'Cause I really like birdies. What about you?" She asked, wiggling in her covers until she had a clear view of Logan. "Do you like birdies, Daddy?"

Logan smiled at his daughter. "Very much. Now make sure you listen to the story carefully, honey."

--

"Mommy! Hi!" Mandy darted into the kitchen, Logan following closely on her heels.

"You're home early. How was school, sweetie?"

"It was really fun! We colored, and I got to go on the swings at lunch, and Tina was my partner for reading."

Logan grinned. "And? Show Mommy what you made for her."

"Oh, yeah!" Mandy turned around so Logan could tug the pink Powerpuff Girl backpack off of her shoulders. Rummaging around for a moment, she emerged triumphant, a sheet of paper in her hand. "I drew you a picture!"

"Well, hand it over, then." Veronica wiped her hands on a dishtowel and accepted the drawing. Smiling, she turned it to Logan, displaying a happy family of stick figures, two blondes, one with brown hair, and what looked to be a little dog at their feet. "Did you see this?"

He nodded. "I think it's a keeper."

"Agreed. Look how she caught my good side." Veronica pointed to the taller of the blonde people.

"And look at me." Mandy gestured at a pink blob. "And Gasm, too!"

"And Gasm, too. Let's get this one up on the fridge, stat." Moving the various other works of art being held in place by magnets, Veronica positioned the new drawing so it was directly on the center of the appliance.

"Perfect!" Mandy clapped her hands together.

"I think such a nice present deserves a hug. What are you waiting for? Don't you want to collect?" Veronica held her arms open and Mandy dashed between them. As she wrapped her tiny arms around the familiar curves of her mother, her eyes widened. A grip that she had known so well had apparently changed. Her arms couldn't quite reach to their usual resting places around her mother. Looking closely at Veronica's stomach, a fearful expression crossed Mandy's face.

"Mommy," Mandy gasped, attempting, to no avail, to get her arms further around Veronica. "Have you been eating lots of ice cream? You got fat!"

TBC... :)