Disclaimer: Character's don't belong to us, they belong to those who created and produced them.

Notes: Tragically my co-author, one of my dearest friends passed away. I will miss her and her incredible writing talent more than I could ever say. This set of four little stories is the last thing we ever completed together and I dedicate it in her memory

Halloween Party
Part 1

The Halloween party was in full swing, alcohol and beer flowing in steady streams. Loud music played over the intercom system, though Graham couldn't say much for Ralph's taste in music, it all being too loud for him. Still, after getting his chains caught up for the sixth time in a row music wasn't foremost on his mind. Course, the ten beers he'd consumed might have something to do with his lack of co-ordination.

"What, what are you again?" A voice slurred nearby, a fresh beer bottle thrust into his hand.

Graham turned to look a tall, green thing in the face, "er, Jacob," a hiccup interrupted him, "Jacob Marely." At the blank look on the green thing's face he sighed in annoyance, waving the beer bottle around, not noticing as a fair amount sloshed out. "You knows, the Ebezz .. Ebnes .. er, scrooge guy. His, his, ghost partner."

"Whatever you say, bud!" stumbling off towards the beer the alien guy brushed past him. Gulping down what was left of the drink in his hand Graham surveyed the room. A good number of the Doctor's employee's had shown up for the party, and all had dressed up. Too bad Dr. Arcane wasn't here, his employer had sneered at the very thought of celebrating what he called an 'idiotic and juvenile excuse of a holiday'. Graham was more than a little worried about the Doctor, the man hadn't been himself since his wife had died. He knew Dr. Arcane thought he had him fooled with the mask he put on but Graham could tell he was still hurting. If only there was some way he could help.

Shaking off his sudden depression Graham waved over at Stella, who was over in the corner, drinking something pink and made up as Bo Beep. There were werewolves and vampires, ghosts, aliens, and every weird thing in between. Graham could even swear he saw one guy dressed as a teletubby, *not drunk enough for that!* Giggling he retrieved another beer, shrugging into the crowd to do a little mingling.

Thus he missed the sound of the lift door hissing open and Dr. Arcane stepping out, a disapproving expression on his face at the sight of all the costumes. Course, someone had to have the brilliant idea of having a limbo at that moment, so Graham was attempting to keep his chains from dragging him down as he shimmed under the pole when he spotted his employer. Promptly falling flat on his ass and being booed out of the game.

Wincing, rubbing his sore bottom Graham ambled over towards the Doctor, grabbing another beer on the way. Pausing to grab another before continuing. By the time he made it to Arcane's side the man glared at him, anger and irritation barely held in check.

"I trust you are enjoying yourself Graham," snarling, Arcane tapped his foot impatiently.

"I am," smiling happily, oblivious to the Doctor's displeasure Graham trust a beer towards him. "Here's you go, Sir, got one for you."

"How lovely," Arcane took the offered bottle gingerly, dropping it in a nearby plant, "American beer, a beverage to truly torture the taste buds." He looked back to his assistant, seeing the man chugging his beer down, without having to take a breath. "I rather think you've had enough Graham," the Doctor pried the bottle from the man's grasp.

"Hey," indignant Graham made a grab for his beer. Stumbling on his low-lying chains he fell against his employer, sending them both to the floor in a tangled heap. Stunned silence reigned until with a laugh Graham grabbed his beer bottle that had somehow managed to land upright. "It didn't break!" giggling Graham stared down at the Doctor's disbelieving face.

"Get off me, Graham," shoving his assistant off him Arcane lost no time in scrambling to his feet, looking around quickly to see if anyone had noticed the fall, pleased when it appeared as if no one had. Sighing faintly he gazed down at Graham, who had the air of a man who wasn't about to move. "You cannot pass out on the floor Graham!" nudging him in the ribs.

"Don't wanna move," groaning Graham didn't bother to open his eyes, "Am comfy right here!"

Shaking his head Arcane briefly considered leaving Graham right where he was, but his conversation with his dead wife had left him feeling vulnerable. Graham was perhaps the only person left in this world that truly cared for him. It wouldn't be too much trouble to at least ensure his assistant got a good night's sleep. Plus, the last thing he needed was a sulky and hung-over assistant.

Wrapping an arm around Graham's waist he heaved the man upright, almost staggering under his weight, "you could help a little you know," he gasped when Graham stumbled, "if it's not too much trouble."

"Yes, Sir," sighing, Graham opened his eyes, doing his best to straighten up and walk unaided.

"Leaving already," a bright voice inquired, "Oh hi, Dr. Arcane, I didn't know you were here."

"Just taking Graham here to bed," Arcane forced a smile at Stella, "he's about ready to pass out."

"I, I denys that!" Graham slurred, grinning at Stella, "Have I mentioned, I love your - your costume," winking he tripped and would have fallen if not for the Doctor's grip around his waist.

Giggling Stella helped Arcane pull Graham towards the elevator, "I think you should listen to Dr. Arcane Graham."

Pouting Graham allowed himself to be lead, half sagging against his employer when the elevator started moving causing further dizziness. Sighing, snuggling trustingly against the man's warmth, Graham gazed adoringly up at Arcane, who registered the usual dose of affection he got from Graham. *He is a good chap really, at least he seems genuinely fond of me.* Arcane registered a slight sense of shock, *I could even fancy that he ...feels strongly for me. Surely that couldn't be what Tatania meant?*

Keying in the pass to his door, his assistant choose that moment decide he couldn't walk anymore, forcing Arcane to all but carry the man through the door. Of course his mind persisted in worrying about the riddle Tatania had set before him, 'looking in the wrong place' and 'look around you'. *What's that supposed to mean, 'look around me' .. the only thing I see is a drunk assistant. And as to looking in the wrong place, I've searched through more women than I can count. None have understood ... only you Tatania my love. And Graham of course ...* Arcane stopped that thought in his tracks, this was the second time in so many seconds that his assistant appeared to be the answer ... but that couldn't be, could it?! and surely that solution couldn't the cause of the sudden lightness in his heart.