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Chapter Five: We Meet Again

Mari looked at herself. She had to admit that she kinda liked her look. The way the sleek fabric fit over every curve, and how the mint green complemented her eyes… why did this thing have to be Tameranian?

"Knock, knock," said her father's voice from behind the door. Then he let himself in and smiled. "You look so beautiful."

"Aren't you worried? Mom said it was Tameranian."

"Oh, I guess I could let it slide just this once." Then he gave her a playful punch on the chin. She faked a smile.

Well, she thought, there goes the "Dad won't let me excuse". Looks like I'm stuck with this thing all night. Woot.

"C'mon, Mar," he said, "the Logins are here."

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"And remember," preached Raven as the Logins walked to the front door, "it's Mr. and Mrs. Grayson."

Jessie nodded and Gar sighed.

"Why can't you just let him be who he is, Rea?"

"I am."

"He's not a dog, Rea! He can't even turn into one!"

"He is a respectful and responsible young man. Now I don't want to get into an argument with you, Garfield. Let's just get through tonight and we'll talk about it in the morning."

She rang the doorbell and Kori Grayson greeted them with a huge smile and hugs for all.

"Hello, Mrs. Grayson," said Jessie politely.

"Jessie, is that you? Oh, you have gotten so big!" She gave him a bone-crushing hug.

"Uh… thanks?" he said when he was released.

"Dick! Mari! The Logins are here!" she yelled down the hallway. Then, Dick Grayson and his daughter came into sight.

"Guys!" he said. "Been a while, hasn't it? Jessie, right?"

He nodded.

"Well, I'm not sure if you remember her, but this is my daughter, Mari."

He looked at the brunette beside him and froze. His whole body went numb. He couldn't think; he couldn't breathe. His heart pounded in his throat and all he could do was blink.

Mari looked a bit nervous.

"Um, hi," she said, holding out her hand.

He snapped out of his daze. "Hi." He shook it making Mari a little more comfortable.

"I'm Jessie."

"Mari"

"I know… I mean, yeah! It's, um, nice to meet you."

"Yeah, I guess it is."

They stood there for a moment, merely looking at each other.

"Um, Jessie?"

"Yeah?"

"You can stop shaking my hand now."

He looked down to see that his hand was still absent mindedly moving up and down with hers attached.

"Oh! Sorry!" He quickly jerked it away.

"C'mon, sport," said his Dad. "Let's go wash this paint off."

"Yeah… sure…"

So they walked down towards the bathroom to wash off the face paint and Jessie chanced a glance over his shoulder, causing Mari to double up in giggles. He smiled.

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"Now I don't want you lippen off, you hear me?" said Karen as the three Stones walked to the front door.

"Yeah, yeah," said Pete.

" 'Yes' ", corrected Victor.

"Whatever."

Vic knocked at the door and Dick opened it. They said there hellos and Pete wished he could be anywhere but here.

"Why don't you go meet Mari and Jessie," said Kori to Pete. "They're over on the couch."

Pete shrugged and went over to the two teens. Mari saw him walk over to them. She smiled and held out her hand.

"Hi, I'm Mari."

Pete quickly looked her over and then said "Damn, you're fine."

She blinked. "Excuse me?"

"What? It's a complement. Move over, short-stack." Then he pushed Jessie out of the way and sat right next to her. "My name's Pete Stone. That's PS as in Pretty Sexy. (A/N Danny Phantom)"

She looked at him in disgust and then left for the bathroom. He smirked as she left.

"You shouldn't talk to her like that," said Jessie timidly, yet with more guts then he knew he had.

"And what are you going to do about it, blue-berry?"

He digressed and looked at his shoes.

Then, the tow boys heard Kori from the kitchen: "Let's eat, everybody!"

Here's the deal: after every chapter I should get at least five reviews. I don't care if there good or bad, I would just like some recognition, you know? So, R&R!

T.

P.S. – oh, yeah… please?