Halloween was her favorite holiday. Definitely not for the same reasons the Firefly family loved it so much, but it was still her favorite. She adored the horror movies that were constantly on T.V. The cheesy Halloween specials and Alfred Hitchcock movies. She lived for the month of October. The weather was perfect, not too warm, not too cool, and the sun didn't beat down so harshly.

She loved the childlike joy of the costumes and candy. She loved the joy of it all, really.

Otis didn't really enjoy the holiday as much as the other family members, but any excuse for him to be more violent was acceptable.

She knew he would partake in the family festivities like he always did. So they would have to do what she wanted for the rest of the month.

"Otis! Can we go to the haunted house tonight?"

He was sitting on the couch, feet propped up on the coffee table, reading a magazine.

"What? Why? Just go down to Cutter's."

"I've seen that a hundred times! Come on!"

He sighed. "Alright, Alright. You're gonna have to drive."

"I know! I'm so excited!"

He simply sighed and shook his head. "You are really a strange bird, mama."

"But I'm your strange bird, baby!" She kissed him, tipping his chin up to meet hers. "I love you."

"Mm-hm. Because you got what you wanted."

"No!" She shoved his shoulder as he laughed. "You wanna go grab somethin' to eat?"

"I'm good. But if you want somethin' to eat, I'll go."

"You haven't eaten today, I bet."

"I did."

"Mm...Okay. Come on. We'll stop at a fast food place."

"Sure." They drove into town, stopping at one of the chain restaurants. She all but forced a cheeseburger down his throat, and they went off to the next town, where the Haunted House was. "Alright. Let's go."

"I...I'm kinda scared."

"Isn't that the point? You love scary shit."

"I know...You'll be with me, right?"

"Of course I will."

"Okay." She got out of the car, taking his hand and dragging him along. "Have you ever been to one of these before?"

"Not that wasn't Cutter's."

"That seems like something your family would like to do, though."

"Mm...Yeah. But we do the real thing." He smirked, raising his eyebrows. She cringed.

"Do you think you're gonna be scared?"

"Ahhh...Probably not. I don't like stuff jumpin' out at me, but we'll see." When they crossed the threshold of the house, his head spun, looking at the different props and statues.

She giggled. "Lookin' at the artwork, baby?"

"Yeah...Wow, this is hand painted."

"I mean...It's a small town, they probably can't afford store bought props, babe."

He grunted in acknowledgement of her statement, still examining the artwork on one of the ghouls.

She paid their admittance and walked inside, already clinging to his arm. He chuckled.

"You're gonna let a little creepy music-" An actor in a mask jumped out at them and they both screamed. She burst into laughter, and Otis seemed embarrassed after they had calmed down.

Throughout the house, he examined the artwork and the props, marveling over their detail and craftsmanship. She continued to be scared by the actors and props, giddily laughing after each scream.

When they exited the house, she jumped into his arms, giggling. "That was so fun!"

"I'll give you that. Yeah, it was fun." They started back to their car, his arm wrapped around her shoulders, her thumb in his belt loop.

"You glowed under that black light."

He sighed. "Yes. Yes, I know."

"You know what I'm hungry for?"

"Please don't say ice cream..."

"You!" She spun into his chest and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck. She broke away from him, giggling again.

His face was somber, though. Pensive. She cocked her head. "You okay, baby?" She stroked his face.

"Yeah..." He kissed her lightly, pulling away once more to look at her face. "I just...I don't believe in a higher power and all that, whatever. But sometimes...Sometimes I wonder if you weren't made just for me...Like...like all this time...I...I don't know..."

"Baby..."

"Come on. Let's get home. You know I'm always hungry." He winked at her.