Chapter 1: For the Life . . . of You
This is a Halloween-themed fic, with me trying to stay true to the characters. You've got the Charmings, Rumpel, Hook (also starring as Captain Innuendo!), Regina, Neal and more!
"Where's my coffee?" Emma groaned as she let her head fall onto the counter in the kitchen of the loft.
"Right here!" Mary Margaret slid the mug to her from the other side, but too tired to react quickly enough, it ended up colliding with Emma's head.
"Ow."
"Oops! Sorry!" Emma shrugged and sipped at the coffee, immediately feeling better.
"Mmm," she said. "What did you put in this?"
"Pumpkin creamer! Found it in the store this week, and I figured since it's only here for Halloween, we may as well try it!" she explained cheerfully as David emerged into the kitchen.
"Hey, speaking of Halloween, what are you and Henry wearing for costumes?" he asked casually as he pecked Mary Margaret on the cheek and grabbed his own cup of coffee.
"Are you kidding me?" Emma asked incredulously. "I think both Henry and I are a bit old for that." At those simple words Mary Margaret and David spit their coffee across the room, effectively dampening Emma's bedhead. "What the hell guys?"
"Sorry Emma," Mary Margaret chuckled despite herself, and put her hand to her mouth to stop, clearing her throat and continuing in a more serious tone. "It's just that we never really got to enjoy the traditions of this world when we were cursed, and to simply skip out on them, especially one like Halloween, well, it's just unthinkable!"
"Yeah, plus free candy," David added as he ran his finger down Emma's coffee-soaked hair and then put it in his mouth. "You're right Mary Margaret, that Pumpkin creamer is good!"
"Okay," Emma said as she edged away. "I really don't think you two need anymore sugar. Besides, if Henry wants to go trick-or-treating, I'll let him go with one of his friends, like Grace."
"That's wonderful!" David hugged Emma before she could resist, and then winked at her knowingly. "Because I've got the perfect costume for him!"
"Show us!" Mary Margaret clapped her hands together excitedly and Emma rolled her eyes at their immaturity. David immediately rushed into his and Mary Margaret's room, rummaging around for a bit before coming back out with a cheap prince costume hanging from his hands.
"It's perfect! He can look just like me!"
"Conceited much?" Emma rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the smile on her face.
"Oh, I think it's wonderful," Mary Margaret crooned lovingly. This time Emma couldn't help the gagging of her mouth. She was glad Henry was staying with Neal for the day. But, interrupting the family bonding moment, there was suddenly a loud knock on the door.
"I'll get it," Emma said as she got up and trudged over. She turned the knob and opened it to discover a leather-clad, smirking pirate. "Seriously Hook, do you ever wear anything else?"
"Maybe sometime you can find out," he said, smiling suggestively and waggling his eyebrows.
"Yeah, in your dreams," Emma replied flatly.
"Oh, you're quite right Swan. But I must admit, in my fantasies you look somewhat more," his eyes ran her up and down appraisingly. "alluring."
"What?" Emma said, and then realized she must look like a mess with her wet and messy hair, coffee-stained tank top, and old worn sweat pants. Suddenly very self-conscious, she backed away from Hook and folded her arms. "That's not the point. What do you want?"
"I came to ask you where one could buy attire for Old Hallow's Eve. I find myself quite interested in it."
Emma nearly snorted with laughter. "Sheesh, what is this town coming to? Everyone's now an overage trick-or-treater, huh?"
"There's no age limit on fun!" Charming said from somewhere behind her, and Emma just rolled her eyes.
"You can find costumes at the Old Shoe Outfitters, a couple blocks over from Granny's. Are we done now?"
He smirked yet again and stepped closer, invading her personal space. "Not quite, love." He reached from behind his back and produced a golden envelope. "I believe this letter is yours."
"You went through my mail?" Emma balked as she snatched the letter from him, and he just shrugged in response.
"That sample issue of Sports Illustrated looked very appealing, I must admit."
"Shut it." Emma snapped instinctually as she tore open the letter. A small slip of paper flew out and fluttered to the ground, and before Emma could grab it Hook stooped and did it for her, overdramatically presenting it to her. She took it and nodded to Hook in thanks as she began to read it aloud: "To Emma Swan, Snow White, and Prince Charming." Suddenly purple smoke exuded from the paper and flooded the room. Emma and Hook coughed, and Mary Margaret and David were there in an instant as the smoke cleared to reveal a large piece of heavy duty paper where the small slip had been. It read:
You are hereby cordially invited to
Mr. Gold's Halloween Ball
At his Estate in Storybrooke, Maine.
Come bearing Costumes and offerings for the Dark One.
There will be Feasting, Dancing, and More.
P.S. Come on now dearies, you won't want to miss it for the life of you!
"Ooh! That'll be the perfect place to show off our costumes! Let's all go!" Mary Margaret exclaimed.
"There's food, I'm in," David agreed. "Gold hasn't been really evil lately or anything so it should be safe."
"No way," Emma shook her head. "I'm not going to some ball and leaving Henry all alone."
"Good on you, love," Hook said. "Knowing the Crocodile it's some sort of trap."
"Come on, Emma! Henry can go trick-or-treating with some friends! Please, this will be a great bonding experience! You won't regret it! Please!" Mary Margaret pleaded, ignoring Hook. David joined in to make a harmony of "Pleases" and "Don't do it lass".
"Okay!" she threw up her hands in resignation. "I'll go." Hook began to argue, but she rolled her eyes at him and began to close the door.
"No, but Swan, it could be a trap! Swan! At least let me go so I can protect yo-"
"Goodbye, Hook," Emma said in mock sweetness as she closed the door on his face.
"Good choice, Emma," Mary Margaret beamed. "You won't regret this."
I think I already do.
This chapter isn't that great, but it's part of the build-up! Next chapter comes out tomorrow and the costumes will be revealed! I've got some ideas, but feel free to suggest what certain characters should go as! The following will be in the story more, and also at the ball:
Emma, Neal, Hook, Jefferson, David, Snow, Dr. Whale, Ruby, Regina, Archie. You can suggest costumes for any one of them.
Please, follow, favorite, and/or review!
