Author's Note: This story was written for user Unattainable Dreams' Prompt Exchange Challenge. As I was writing (what was supposed to just be a one-shot), I realized that it might make more sense to have a few smaller chapters to break it up. I've uploaded the first few all at once and now I'm editing the last half, which I'll post soon. I hope you enjoy it!

"Someone should really tell him that he's not scary."

"And ruin the fun? I don't think so."

"At least one of us is having fun."

"Oh stop it."

Nagisa chided Rei and bumped him in the arm with his elbow, trying to see over the mass of people in their classmate's basement.

Every Halloween, someone with rich parents, a large house, and access to alcohol would invite the entire grade of their peers attending Iwatobi High School and throw a party. As it was nearing midnight, the party was starting to pick up; the music was louder, the night darker, and the basement more crowded.

For a while, he and Rei had lost sight of Makoto as he wandered through the crowd, smiling to display his fangs and drawing appreciative nods from his peers. His bloodied makeup was skillfully applied, and it made for a surprisingly convincing costume. In the darkness, he had made a habit of jumping out at his classmates for a laugh. It was all in good fun.

"Well we can't let this continue, otherwise everything will just go to his head," Rei groaned.

Nagisa looked worried. "Do you honestly think that would happen?"

"I guess not." Rei looked at Makoto through a break in the crowd. Their teammate seemed to be having a good time, but his eyes continued to dart towards the door leading upstairs as though he was waiting for someone. Rei looked at his watch. He had had a grueling practice today and was impatient for this night to end. The decorations, although spooky, weren't beautiful. He'd rather be in bed.

Nagisa nudged his friend again, and watched as Rei pushed up his glasses higher on the bridge of his nose. His face was flushed, but Nagisa suspected that had to do with the fairy wings on his back more so than the alcohol. Nagisa himself had had more than a few drinks, and it showed as he giggled and enthusiastically flopped around the long sleeves of his pumpkin-knit sweater.

"I can't believe Kou convinced you to wear those!" Nagisa laughed, suddenly seized with laughter. He doubled over and put a hand on Rei's shoulder to steady himself.

Suddenly, the two boys were bumped into by a girl with long red hair wearing a headband with cat ears. Right on cue, Kou winked at them.

"Well, the rules state that you need to dress for the occasion."

"Nagisa isn't in a costume!"

Kou held a hand by her mouth as though to keep this between just the two of them, though she had to yell a little to be heard over the music. "At least his sweater's festive."

Nagisa nodded seriously. "Do you know how many racks I went through at the thrift store to find this masterpiece of a sweater? It takes effort to dig up something as wonderful as this!"

Kou smiled and shrugged at a shocked-looking Rei. "There you have it. Now you boys have fun!" And as soon as she had appeared by their side, she was gone.

Rei sighed as he watched her go and then turned to see Nagisa. The blond's eyes were wide and his mouth turned down in a frown.

"You aren't actually mad, are you, Rei-chan?"

Rei sighed. "I guess not," He repeated. Seeing Nagia's expression he sighed yet again. "Not really. I'm just tired."

Nagisa brightened. "Well, I know what you need! Let's dance."

Rei groaned but the youth was already pulling him into the mess of bodies that had gathered near the speakers in the corner. He reluctantly tried to make his body move with the beat and was awarded with a wide smile from Nagisa. Just as Rei was letting his self-consciousness leave his body and really getting his shoulders into the movement, Nagisa disappeared with a wink.

"Whaaaa?" Rei gasped aloud. He spun around and saw Makoto looking at him from the other side of the room.

Panicking from being left alone on the dance floor, Rei lunged through a small group of people and skirted a lively game of beer pong, apologizing all the while. Finally, he slumped against the wall next to Makoto.