Kevin stood around, watching the party goers dance and drink and laugh. He sighed to himself. He wasn’t really a fan of loud music and crowds of increasingly intoxicated people. In fact the only reason he came was ’cause his friend Tom wanted a wingman at his side when he tries to “hit all that catgirl tail.” Well, much good he was doing, standing alone in the corner looking like a dork. He hadn’t even worn a costume, which made him seem out of place among all the Red Riding Hoods and superheroes in the room. He shrugged and went to the kitchen to get some punch, partly because he was bored but mostly just to put some distance between himself and the stereo. As he reached for the ladle, someone’s hand brushed his. “Oops, sorry. You first.” Looking up, he saw that it was a rather beautiful girl, dressed up as a witch, wearing the typical hat, but below that a tight purple corset/short skirt one-piece with matching arm warmers. At Kevin’s raised eyebrow she smiled. “A little more original than a princess, huh?” He had to give her that. “Yeah, just a bit. Here.” He poured her a cup then one for himself. “Cheers.” They bumped cups and he took a sip while she watched him. Her smile picked up a hint of a smirk. “Are you having fun on this Halloween night?” “Not really…” She smiled. “Me neither. Drunken boys hitting on you and obnoxious music doesn’t really capture the meaning of Halloween. Do you wanna get out of here?” As Kevin took another drink “Party Rock Anthem” began blaring and cries of delight soon accompanied it. Without another moment’s hesitation Kevin nodded “Yes” and followed the smiling witch out the door.

He stuck his hands in his pockets as they strolled down the sidewalk. “Much better.” The witch said. “Outside in the crisp air, under a bright moon, jack-o-lanterns aglow, quiet except for the wind in the leaves and the kids laughing. Now this is Halloween.” Kevin smiled, glad for the company of someone who shared his opinion. “Yeah, I hear ya...” She stopped and extended her hand, palm down. “My name’s Maggie.” Kevin smiled. “Kevin.” He shook her hand, causing her to giggle. Putting on an air of a 17th century noblewoman, “Don’t they teach gentlemen how to treat a lady? It is only proper to bow and lay a kiss upon it.” Kevin smiled and blushed. “Oh,” and did so awkwardly. Maggie laughed, “Don’t worry, you’ll work on it.” Kevin smiled and continued walking next to her. After a few minutes of content silence, she brightened up. “Let’s go trick-or-treating!” Kevin gave a bemused smile. “Aren’t we a little old for that?” “Nooo! You’re never too old to have fun! The only problem is you don’t have a costume…” She took a step back and surveyed him up and down. “Oh darn, I guess we can’t go,” he laughed. She grinned, “Nice try, but I’ve got an extra one for you to wear!” He blinked as she hid her hands behind her back. “What is it?” She held out an old but immaculate leather collar with a strange red pattern going around it. “You want me to wear a dog collar?” She nodded and moved to put it on him. Backing up, “Come on, I’ll look ridiculous.” “No, people will love it!” She went around his back and clasped it on his neck, laughing happily as Kevin blushed. “See! Adorable!” Kevin rolled his eyes, cheeks growing redder. “Ha-ha, very funny. You’ve had your laugh, so before anyone sees me...” He felt around his neck for the buckle, but she reached up gently and pulled his hands down. “Please, just leave it on,” she said, looking up into his eyes. Kevin sighed. “Fine, let’s go have some fun.” She smiled and took his hand and led him down the sidewalk.

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Finally finished this Halloween sequence featuring two characters I'm going to keep! Featuring Maggie and Kevin