Just a little Halloween story. Ressler loves Halloween secretly and Liz finds out. Just something fun I wrote to try to get over some writer's block. I hope you enjoy and thanks for reading :)

A RESSLER HALLOWEEN

It was that time of year again. Horror movies on all the movie channels. Candy scattered about the grocery store. Zombies. Ghosts. Pumpkins. It was Halloween. The one day if anyone asked Donald Ressler what his plans where he'd say staying at home with the front light off watching TV. No one outside of his family knew of his secret love for the holiday. He was a child really when it came to it. And he was thankful to have two nephews who adored their Uncle Donnie and who had sister who worked as a bartender. That meant Uncle Donnie got to take the kids trick or treating.

"Yes, Dani," he said quietly in to the phone. "I promise no watching any scary movies. No candy after 8. I got it. This isn't my first Rodeo. I'll bring them home Sunday. Maybe," he laughed.

He loved those little boys. They got a raw deal when their dad decided to up and leave but that was fine by him. They didn't need that loser anyway. Danielle was an amazing mother. Their mother and father helped her out a lot as well and Ressler stepped up to the plate. This was their holiday though. Uncle Donnie, Mason and Dean. Tomorrow was Halloween and he was thankful it was on a weekend.

"Hey, Ressler," Liz called to him as he was heading out. "You going to Aram's party tomorrow?"

"No. I've got plans. You guys have fun. I'll see you Monday," he answered before continuing on his way out. He had places to be.

He drove to his sister's small apartment and smiled when he saw Mason's Iron Man costume hiding underneath his clothes. Dani didn't think the boys needed to go out more than once but luckily for the boys, Uncle Donnie was able to get away with whatever he wanted to when it came to his big sister. And if Uncle Donnie wanted to take them trick or treating the next town over well that was his prerogative. It wasn't his fault different towns had different schedules. Dean held his Thor hammer in his hand and grinned.

"So, I'll have them back Sunday. I'm more than capable Dani. So, stop giving me that look," he said to his sister as he grabbed Mason's bag off his shoulders.

Mason was the baby at only 5. Dean was the older of the two coming in at a very mature 7. Prime trick or treating age. He knew by the end of the night he'd be carrying Mason but that was fine. Dani kissed both her boys and Ressler before they scampered off to his car. After tossing their belongings in the trunk and getting buckled he headed off for the nearest McDonald's.

"Ok, game plan boys. We have enough time to eat some burgers then hit up that swanky neighborhood we saw the Christmas lights in last year," he said through the rear view mirror.

"Where's your costume?" Dean asked.

"No costume for me tonight, bud. I couldn't hide it well enough. Tomorrow."

"I'm so excited Uncle Donnie!" Mason cried.

"I know bud, me too!"

And he was. There was nothing better than watching the boys get excited about life. And reliving his youth through them. Dean may have wanted to be a zombie for Halloween. And Mason may have wanted to be ninja. But, in the end good sense equaled out. For the first time he managed to get them in coordinating costumes and he couldn't be happier.

They ate their burgers quickly and got to the swanky neighborhood just in time. Their bags filled quickly and Mason wore out sooner than he expected. But, the haul was decent and they had fun and tomorrow was another go at it. By the time he pulled in to his spot at his apartment, Mason was fast asleep and Dean was harassing him about eating his candy.

"Ok, bud. Carry your brother's candy bag while I carry him and his overnight bag. Then we will inspect your candy." Ressler slung Mason over his shoulder and followed Dean. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw someone waiting at his doorway. A very familiar someone. With to go bags in her hands. "Keen?" he spoke as he began to move closer with his keys out.

"I'm so sorry, Ress. I didn't know." She looked embarrassed. "I never…you never said anything. I'm sorry to intrude." Liz smiled awkwardly at Dean who was staring at his feet.

"Intrude?" Ressler unlocked the door for Dean. "On what?"

"Time with your…kids," she managed to say.

"My…my what?" Ressler almost laughed in her face. It certainly wasn't the first time someone mistook him as their father but he was shocked Liz would think he would never have mentioned children. "Oh, no no no no. These little monsters are my nephews." He nodded for her to follow. "I just have to go put Mason here down. Take a seat. Make sure Dino hear doesn't eat any candy unless you look it over."

He didn't wait for her to reply. Ressler locked the door behind her and went to his spare room which was more like the boy's room. It had bunk beds and their crap in various places. He could hear Dean offer Liz a Baby Ruth. Mason never made a peep as Ressler pulled off Iron Man and slipped on his pajamas. Kid slept like a rock.

"Hey, Dino." Ressler came back in to the living room where the bag of candy was spilled out on the floor. Liz on one side and Dean the other. "That's a haul there."

"Your friend is checking it out for me first." He grinned. "May I have a glass of milk?"

"Sure. Liz?"

"I'll take the same." She lifted the bags. "I brought dinner but Dean here explained you already ate."

"Oh, you know me I can always eat."

Ressler went to the kitchen and poured three glasses of milk and joined them around the circle of candy. He didn't question Liz's reasons for stopping over. It wasn't really a time to do so with a 7 year old around. Instead, he just watched the two of them interact. Finally, after half the Chinese was gone with the help of Dean the question was finally asked.

"You really thought Uncle Donnie was my dad?"

"Yeah, kiddo. I did." Liz beamed. "You and your brother look a lot like him."

"It's the Ressler DNA." Ressler ruffled Dean's hair. "If you ever wanted to know what I was like as a kid just spend an afternoon with these guys."

"I'd like that," Liz said softly.

"Can she come tomorrow?" Dean asked Ressler but before waiting for an answer he turned to Liz. "Can you come trick or treating tomorrow?"

"She has a party."

"I'd love to," Liz answered at the same time.

Ressler couldn't help but smile. Then fear gripped him. If word got out that he dressed up…he was done for. And Liz would be sure to spill her guts to Samar. Or Red. Red. No, the man did not need to know. But, Dean's smile refused to let him ruin this. Well, she would just have to dress up.

"Be here tomorrow by 5. You must dress for the part."

"I have a cheerleader costume."

"Cheerleader?! Ha! No." Ressler shook his head. "No, Keen. If you want to hang with the Ressler men, you need to fit in. You can either dress as the Black Widow or…," he trailed off. "The Hulk."

"The HULK? Ressler, are you kidding me?"

"Oh, be Natasha Romanov. Be Natasha and dye your hair red." Dean was by now hyped on sugar. But, what goes up always comes down.

Ressler chuckled. A red haired Liz may be interesting. Every time she tried to get his costume out of him he redirected. Finally, around 10 he put Dean to bed and sad down with Liz on the couch. They had traded their milk for beer and a cheesy horror movie was on in the background.

"I really am sorry I crashed boy's night." She set her beer down. "He's a cute kid."

"You didn't crash anything. Dean likes you." He took a sip. "My big sister, Dani…she got mixed up with a loser. He barely was around for Dean and when Mason came along he dipped out. She works hard. Too hard. And so once a month the boys have a weekend here with me. And every Halloween we tear up the town."

"That's really sweet of you." Liz pulled a piece of hair from her face. "I stopped by hoping I could convince you to come to the party tomorrow. I really didn't want to go but I didn't want to hurt Aram's feelings. Now, I have something even better to do."

So, that was why she showed up. He wasn't sure he completely believed it but he'd take that answer for now. They finished the cheesy movie before Liz headed off to home for the night with the promise she'd be back tomorrow dressed as either the Hulk or the Black Widow. He crawled in to his own bed after checking on the boys then fell asleep.

The next morning they had waffles and carved pumpkins. When it was nearing 5 they were dressed and ready to go. He was playing with Mason, pretending he couldn't pick up Dean's Thor Hammer. He didn't hear the knock on the door or pay attention to Dean opening it. If he had Dean would have been in big trouble for opening the door. But, at that moment as he was being goofy Uncle Donnie, tugging at the feather weight hammer then falling backwards, she came in.

Ressler was laying on his back. She was standing above him. Her arms on her hips. Clad in a black jump suit. Plunging neck line. And a red wig on. She was smirking at him then reached her hand out to him. He licked his lips as he stood up and pulled his face mask off.

"I would have gone with the Hulk." He smirked.

"Oh, really, Cap?" Liz giggled. "Seriously, Ress? Captain America? Red would love," she began then stopped. "I mean it's a very fitting costume for you."

"Red finds out and I know who told. Don't cross me." He had his arms crossed.

"Wouldn't dream of it, Cap."

"You must be Liz! Dean told me how cool you are! Can I hold your hand? I think Iron Man and Black Widow are a much better couple than her and Captain America." Mason grabbed her hand and pulled her to the door.

"You are going to freeze your ass off, Keen." Ressler was locking up behind him.

"I grew up in Nebraska. I know cold Halloween's. I'm a pro at layering. Now, let's go."

"Avengers assemble!" he called out as they made their way out of the building.

Mason wouldn't let go of Liz's hand until he grew too tired to walk at which point he was carried atop of Ressler's shoulders. Their haul was a lot larger this time around than the day before and by the time they got back to Ressler's they had more candy than two little boys would know what to do with. Mason wanted Liz to check his candy and he was more generous with sharing. He asked her what her favorite was and gave her all of them whereas Dean only ever offered what he didn't like.

They tried to stay up and watch Caspar but both boys fell asleep not long into it causing Liz to help put them to bed. This time they stayed in their costumes. It was strange how easy it was. Being in his apartment with his nephews and Liz. How easy they moved when carrying them to bed. How comfortable it was with her. He had to put this Halloween at the top of his list of best ones yet. They retired back to the couch and TV and watched a few episodes of The Walking Dead.

"I had a great time this weekend. Thank you for letting me spend time with you boys." She was turned to face him.

"We had fun too. You were all Dean talked about today and Mason…I think that boy is in love."

"Well, can you blame him? I'm pretty frickin' awesome."

"Yeah, yeah. You aren't so bad."

Liz only shook her head while laughing. They tried to watch one more episode but the will to sleep won out and Liz ended up asleep on lap. Ressler's arm draped around her waist. They woke up the next morning to find Dean and Mason staring at them. Chocolate on their faces.

"Well, boys. It was fun. But, I have to get home. My dog probably misses me." Liz leaned down and gave both boys hugs. "I hope I see you two again soon."

"My birthday party is in two weeks!" Dean called out as Liz made her way to the door. "We are going bowling. Will you come?"

Ressler tried to suppress a groan. He would never hear the end of this from Dani or his mother. All Dean and Mason would be talking about was Liz. And all his mother and sister would be doing is asking him if they were more than just partners. Now, he was really in for it. Please say no, Keen. Please say no.

"Sure! How can I say no to bowling?"

You just say no, he thought to himself. He didn't even want to go to the party. A bunch of kids he didn't know in one lane. Ressler and all of Dani's single friends trying to get a piece of her FBI Agent brother…oh wait. Liz coming to the party could be perfect. Just the save he would need from all those desperate women. Oh, Liz. You are a Saint.

"Awesome!" Dean pumped his hand as he said it. "I can't wait to tell my mom!" Dean grabbed Ressler's phone and ran off to their room.

"Just so you know, it's pretty much hell on earth at these things. The only saving grace is seeing," he couldn't finish.

"Them happy?"

"Exactly." Ressler opened the door for her. "You said yes. You can't back out now on him, got it?"

"Wouldn't dream of it." Liz leaned in and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. "See you tomorrow, Cap!" She called over her shoulder as she walked away.

He didn't have time to react. He felt the soft lips on his cheek then they were gone. Ressler wasn't fool enough to think it meant anything. But it felt like something as he replayed it in his mind. Then as quickly as the thought crossed his mind it was gone. Replaced by the sound of Dani on speakerphone asking why he never mentioned a girlfriend. Oh, great. Dean's party was going to be one big interrogation for Liz. Who was not even his girlfriend. He smiled despite himself.

"Mom, it was so cool. We are like a team. We are the Avengers!" Mason screamed at the phone. "Avengers, assemble!"

Ressler just shook his head as he began to pick up the mess from the night before. Yes, this would go down as his favorite Halloween in a long time.