Disclaimer: See previous chapters.

AN: Logan and Veronica, together through the school year. This story is told from Logan's POV, AU, sequel to "Kiss" and "Date".

AN2:Sorry for the delay with posting, nothing would come to me for this chapter.

AN3: By the way, I'm currently looking for a beta, mine has gotten a social life. If you think you're up to the job, email or pm me.

Chapter Four

Preparing

Walking down the stairs at a snail pace with Veronica's hand in mine is soothing, but before too long we reach the foyer. Mrs. Navarro is standing at the doorway ahead of us, her hand on the knob.

Veronica pulls on my hand to get me moving and we soon reach the door. Mrs. Navarro opens it.

"Mr. Echolls. Ms. Veronica."

Veronica mumbles, "Just Veronica, please." as she enters the room.

Before us is a lavishly prepared meal, Mom and Dad are sitting at opposite ends of the not-so-large table. Taking Aaron's welcoming hand gesture, I lead Veronica to one side of the table, pull her chair out for her and push it in slightly after Veronica had sat down. I pull out my own seat beside her and sit gracefully.

"Before we eat, I just thought I'd mention how happy I am to see you two so happy together." My father says. He lifts his half empty wine glass and toasts us. Veronica shyly smiles at him and drinks from her water. I grin at him, as my legs begin to cramp.

My dad lifts his cutlery and begins cutting into the salmon. He looks at Veronica and opens his mouth.

"So, Veronica, ready to go sailing this weekend?"

Veronica swallows her food, drinks some water for smooth passage and replies "Yeah, it's gonna be excellent. I'd just like to thank you for letting us use your boat."

"Like I said: anything to keep my boy happy."

"Veronica, have you got anything nice chosen to wear to the dance?"

"Yeah, actually. Lilly helped me pick it out."

No one else notices, but I see my fathers grip tighten on his wine glass. I narrow my eyes at him before continuing to eat the food. Somewhere down the corridor, a clock chimes. Veronica looks up at me and points to her wrist.

"It's eight thirty…Ronnie told Mr. Mars she'd home now, so I have to take her home…can we be excused?"

I see the look in my father's eye, anger, and know that I'm in some deep trouble.

"Sure. It was nice talking with you Veronica."

"You two Mrs. Echolls. Thanks for the meal Mr. Echolls, I'm sorry that I can't finish it."

"Next time." My father replies, a twinkle in his eye. My mom notices and glares at him. He drops the smile, but winks when my mom looks away. Veronica quickly gets to her feet, I join her. She waves bye to my folks and we vanish instantly. Before the front door closes, I hear the glass shatter, my father's raised voice…I'm definitely in some trouble.

"Logan, I'm sorry, but I really do have to go home." Veronica whispers as we race to my car.

"I know honey, I'm just glad to get out…I mean, my Dad has been weird this past week and then my Mom catches us mid make out."

"Please, I'm trying to forget that already."

"Consider it forgotten…gladly forgotten." I mumble as we jump into the Xterra.

"So, since we were interrupted, how about a little kiss before we go?"

"Is that all you think about?" Veronica replies as she leans over and kisses me.

X X X X

Twenty minutes and five kisses later, I arrive back home. Thinking that I can make it to my room without either of them noticing, I tip toe to the stairs. But, as per usual, I get busted.

"Logan, son, can you come in here for a minute?" My dad catches my entrance from his study. Sighing, I turn around and move to him.

"Yeah Dad, something you wanted?"

"I just wanted to ask if we could have another dinner sometime soon, not when Veronica has to get home. Or maybe a party, Keith and some of your friends could come. How would a party after the dance work for you?"

I think my mouth opened of its own accord, and remained open for three minutes before I realised. Once I did, my throat had gone dry. I swallowed, and thanked him profusely, before jogging to my room to put the word out.

In my room, however, were my BFF Duncan and Cassidy, already in the middle of a game.

"So, do you like our idea?" Cassidy asked, smiling over his shoulder after slicing Duncan's player in half.

"Yeah, I do. How exactly did you twist my dad's arm?"

"A message from a certain mini PI to a certain girl who I happen to be dating." Duncan called over his shoulder as he sought revenge.

"She's sneaky, that Ronnie, I'll give her that."

X X X X

"Honey, wake up. It's time for school." My mom shakes me in the bed. Why is she? It has been years since she cared for me like this. Did she say school?

I shoot up, glance at clock and sigh. I still have half an hour. I lie back down and look at my mother.

"So, why did you wake me up earlier than usual?"

My mom sits on the edge of the bed and crosses over a leg.

"I just wanted to tell you that your father is leaving to shoot his role for the pilot of his new show today. He wanted me to tell you to enjoy tonight and this weekend." I snort when she finishes talking to me.

"He wants me to enjoy something? And you believed him?" I throw back the sheets, slide out of the bed and head into my en suite.

X X X X

"Veronica, you're boyfriends here…again. Does this boy have to pick you up everyday?" Keith asks Veronica after letting me into the apartment.

"Since my car is in the shop, yes."

"He's rich; he can afford to have it repaired."

"I've offered, but she won't accept." I whisper as Keith hands me some toast and OJ.

"Cause you raised me to have standards."

"Then I failed, cause your boyfriend is Logan Echolls."

I sit at the counter, laughing at the light banter as Veronica makes her entrance. I have to swallow hard then gulp down the juice before greeting her.

"Hiya Ronnie." I say a little breathlessly. She walks over and kisses me chastely. Her eyes twinkle as she watches me glance at her father.

"Don't worry, my shotgun is being cleaned."

"I live to kiss another day? Excellent!"

I take more juice and finish the toast as Veronica grabs her books.

"Ready?" I ask. She nods, waves goodbye to her father, and leads me to my car.

"When will I drive this?"

"When hell freezes over."

"So, next Tuesday?"

Without even looking at her, I can see the smirk on her face.

"Obviously I meant when Jesus returns."

And before she can reply I kiss her. Hard.