Halloween in the City

[sarah_branigan]

Every year, the City grows more festive in its holiday celebration. Maybe people are getting a better handle on how to celebrate, or maybe the City is getting better organized. There are more jack o'lanterns on porch steps, more costumes for sale at the five and dime, and more celebrations downtown

Comments

[anna_was_emma]

Anna arrives early in the evening, wearing an elaborate costume of beads, shells and sequined fabric. She is dressed as a mermaid, and her tail is a train that has to be looped over one arm. She wasn't quite daring enough to be a topless mermaid, so the shining fabric of the tail reaches all the way up to just above her breasts, but it's tight against her body. She looks just a little sheepish, and just a little cold.

John's arm is around her protectively. He skipped the fireman costume this year in favor of a sailor suit to match his mermaid bride. His outfit is crisp and tailored, as if it were made for him. It's possible he altered it himself. He looks more comfortable, but Anna's clearly got him distracted.

They knock at the front door, bearing a bottle of sparkling cider.

[sarah_branigan]

Mary answers, still happy to play the role of hostess. She lets out a wolf whistle at Anna's costume, surprised and impressed. "Anna! You look fine. Who's this handsome sailor you ditched the fireman for?" She winks at them both, then steps aside to let them in. There aren't any decorations inside, unless one counts the raven playing with a shiny candy wrapper on the couch, but there are chocolate marshmallow bites and little pumpkin-shaped cookies on the living room table, as well as a big bowl of mini candy bars.

[anna_was_emma]

Anna goes bright red! "Oh, I designed it without thinking about actually wearing it. I'm a little embarrassed, honestly. But John says I look pretty. You look wonderful!"

John laughs sheepishly and shepherds Anna inside. "I thought the fireman things was getting old after two years. Besides, I didn't want to get put to work downtown." He looks distinctly interested in the cookies.

"Also, trick or treat," puts in Anna with a grin.

[sarah_branigan]

She gives a small curtsy at the compliment. "I think I'll go with treat. Help yourself. Do you want me to open that bottle you brought?" Just sparkling cider? Oh, well. She can have a glass or two of something stronger later.

Technically, she is also giving them a trick, since they haven't noticed yet that she's not acting like herself. She's not keen on going into an explanation about that, because it'll lead to talk about Tom, blah blah depressing.