Chapter Two – Meet the Parents

oooooOOOooooo

Logan grabbed his jacket from the bed and hurriedly put it on. He walked over and turned off the video player and closed the cabinet. He turned and waited for Veronica, who was putting on her own jacket and screwing the lid back on the bottle.

"Veronica, leave that, the help will put it away tomorrow, now can we please go?"

"Logan, we find cameras and TV screens that are hidden in your fathers house, the same one who beats you with a belt. What do you suppose he'll do if he finds that open?" Veronica said, an air of annoyance about her.

"Ok, I get your point." Logan takes the bottle from Veronica and returned it to its place in the liquor cabinet. He then turned, grabbed her hand and nearly dragged Veronica from the pool house. "We will have to go through the house to get to my car, dear papa may see us."

"If he does, we lie our asses off and run like dogs at the track." Veronica replies, giving his hand a light squeeze.

As Logan opens the door for her they hear Meg roaring "You still love her, right!" and suddenly appear behind them. She glances at Veronica and Logan; their hands joined and quickly wipes her tears away and puts a small smile on her face. "Hey guys, great party." She said before running inside.

"Wonder what happened? It kinda sounded like she was giving out to Duncan for being in love with…..you. Why is that?" Logan asked as they entered the house.

"Because he is. He told me in a roundabout way this afternoon after I found out between us at Shelly's last year…you know." Veronica replied, ignoring the still shocked looks of the party goers. "Guess we're still big news."

"Veronica, tell me, and be honest, do you love him still?" Logan asked, pulling them to a stop beside the bar.

"I think a part of me will always love him, but I'm not in love with him now." She replied, looking into Logan's eyes as she did.

"Good. Now, lets get out of….oh no."

"Logan, Veronica, there you are! So, what do you think of my little party?" Aaron Echolls asked, a grin growing at the sight of their joined hands.

"As 09er parties that I have been to recently go, this has been one of the best, Mr Echolls."

"Yeah dad, well done, Brava. But, unfortunately, we have to leave now. Veronica's dad still has to be told about our," Logan moved his hand between Veronica and himself, "dating. Best be off now." Logan walked faster and gently opened the door, holding it open for Veronica before closing it behind himself.

"So, do you think the cameras were put in by Daddy dearest?" Logan asked as he opened Veronica's door. "Because, and I think I'm right here, my mom would never do that." Veronica slid into the car and thought it over. Aaron Echolls did have a tendency to be vain, his films and magazine photo shoots were proof enough. But to have cameras hidden in the fan and mirror? Would he really go that far?

"I'm….," Veronica started and stopped. She released a breath she hadn't realised she was holding, "…I'm not sure Logan. You dad is pretty crazed when it comes to looks, but this is….I dunno." Veronica placed her hand on his cheek and stroked him with her thumb. She smiled as his smirk grew. This was the Logan she wanted to get to know again….her Logan. Logan closed the door and walked around to his door, opening it quickly, getting in and closing it again.

"So, anything I should or shouldn't say to your dad?"

"Ok, the list. Do's: #1 complement his guns, #2 offer to get dinner, which entails of takeout usually and #3 whatever you do, be honest. Don'ts: #1 tell him how long you've liked me; it may freak him out, #2: look lower than my neck, #3 be rude. Do these, young grasshopper, and you should be safe."

"And if I don't?"

"Get the hell out of Dodge before you meet his friend Mr. Shotgun."

Logan chuckled and started the car. He put the car in drive and left the homestead.

xxxxXXxxxx

"Ok, remember what I told you and you'll be safe."

They had arrived at the apartment five minutes ago and had spent that time kissing. Logan hadn't met a date's parents for a long time; he hadn't done it for Caitlin, but Veronica different, more special. She placed one finally kiss on his lips before unlocking the door and opening it.

"Dad? You here?" She called out as they entered the home. What she saw as she looked towards her father's bedroom was something unexpected – Her mother unpacking a case. "M-mom?"

Lianne silently placed the vodka bottle under the bed before heading towards the kitchen/living room. "Veronica….and Logan." She saw the joined hands and smiled. "So you too finally saw sense and got together?" she asked, her smile turning into a smirk.

"'Finally saw sense'? You mean you thought we should have been together already? Never mind that, Mom, what are you doing back here? You still have over 6 weeks left in the programme."

"The doctors said I was able to leave under the condition I went to family, so here I am, sober and alive. Now, let me take a look at you two," she looked over the both of them and smiled at the blushing teens. "Hello Logan, how are you?"

"Uh, good, I guess, thanks Mrs. Mars." Logan answered, feeling his reddened face turn even darker. He looks to Veronica for help but sees her looking behind her at the door, which was opening slowly.

Once the door was finally opened, in entered Keith Mars, whistling a jointy tune. "Hey honey, I'm home" His eyes jumped from Logan and Veronica's joined hands to his wife standing behind them.

"So am I honey, so am I."

oooooOOOooooo

AN: So there was chapter two. Hope you guys enjoyed it. Now that I've done my job, it's time for yours, please review. Thanks to those who reviewed chapter one. Look out for chapter three.