"You're telling me you've NEVER carved a pumpkin before?" Lili stood, staring at Raz incredulously.

"Nope, never," Raz replied, looking sheepish. "I mean we tend to move around a lot and there was never really any time, what with the shows and all the training and stuff."

"Excuses, excuses. Now, come on." She grabbed his hand, pulling him towards the door.

"Where are we going?"

"To buy a pumpkin, duh." She rolled her eyes at him. "Now are you gonna come quietly or am I gonna have to drag you all the way to the pumpkin patch?"

"No no no. I'll come willingly. You don't have to pull my arm out its socket."

"Great. Trust me, this is going to be fun."

&-&-&-&-&

"There. It's finished. What do you think," Raz asked, holding out his finished pumpkin for Lili's inspection.

"It's nice, but a manatee's not exactly my first choice of subject matter."

"A manatee? Aw man. It's supposed to be the human brain." Raz gave an overly dramatic pout.

"It's still pretty good for a first try. I mean, this is the first time you've ever done this right? I'm sure you'll do better next year."

Raz's pout lingered for a split second before being replaced by a wide grin.

"You know what? You're probably right," he said, setting the pumpkin down gently . "Hey Lili?"

"Yes, Raz?"

"I just wanted to say thanks for introducing me to the joys of pumpkin carving."

"It was my pleasure, Raz. Happy Halloween."