Halloween Special: Monster Mash

Happy Halloween, babes and birds! You have no idea how much I went through to post this special tonight! I just had the actual worst week of my life, where I spent almost every day at the hospital or ER due to medical complications. I had such big plans for this special and that obviously really railroaded my progress. But I somehow managed to scrape this baby together, it's the first draft and it's barely edited but I don't care! It's up and I'm so excited about it. It was an absolute blast! I hope y'all like this lol this cause it took all hell to become a reality! Enjoy, my spooky friends!

Lady fussed with her hair in the mirror, flicking her long, blazing auburn hair over her shoulder and flirtatiously posing before her reflection. The bathroom she stood in was large enough to fit two bedrooms, with four marble sinks and two gargantuan mirrors. The floors and counters were all made up of silky marble, everything a clean shade of tan. Lady had to concede, albeit begrudgingly, that the witches did know how to enchant these venues every year.

Lady stuck out her hip and gave her best intimidating expression, a sad imitation of her Aunt Sarah, who was as terrifying as a vampire maid could get. She eyed her outfit and made sure nothing was amiss. She wore a sultry black velvet mermaid dress, which turned to sheer frills at her shins. It was long sleeved and hugged her body, making her alabaster skin look creamy against the dark, luxurious material. Good enough I guess. She sighed, undoing her pose and flashed a mocking smirk at herself. Why did these Hallow's Eve get-togethers always make her so crazy? It wasn't like it was the first time by any means, these parties had been going on for over a century.

Lady felt rejuvenated and her thirst was far from her mind, but all the same she ran her tongue under her red lipstick enveloped lips and grazed her fangs experimentally. She promptly cut her tongue on their sharp edges and winced. "Ow, dang it." She hissed.

"Oh Lady!"

Suddenly, as she leaned over in annoyance, a translucent face burst from the bathroom wall before her. Lady scoffed and didn't feel any need to flinch away from it, though it was inches from her nose. "Nice try, Ida. You're never going to scare me again, that was a one time thing."

"Never say never, darling." The face said, it's body floating through the wall to join it and manifesting into her best friend, Ida Hale.

"That was a whole half century ago you realize?" Lady asked, swallowing the bitter remnants of the blood from her tongue.

"That means nothing to me silly. It feels like it was just yesterday." Ida smirked, mischievously crossing her arms over her chest.

Her body was drawn exactly like a human, except that she had no legs and shimmered between blue and purple shades like a soap bubble. She had a petite face and large eyes, framed by a frizzy, curly mane of hair past her shoulders. A billowing, Victorian nightgown adorned her slender body, going down past her non-existent ankles and blurring into nothing. She was a ghost maiden; an apparition that had a permanent residence in the human world with the added trade off of her sanity intact. She and Lady had been friends for a hundred years or so.

"You ready?" Ida inquired.

"I suppose." Lady sighed. "How's it looking out there?"

"It's a full house tonight, everyone seems to have showed up. Even Mothman! Can you believe it?"

"How long has it been? Seventy years since he last attended?"

"Something like that."

Lady tucked her hair behind her ear with a clawed finger. "Did you see—the, uh—the…no, nevermind, forget it."

Ida raised a translucent eyebrow, which shimmered lavender, obviously catching her meaning. "You don't have to be coy. Were you asking if I've seen the werewolves yet?"

She looked up sheepishly at her friend. "Is it that obvious?"

"Only to your best friend, I'm sure." Ida winked. "And no I did not see your wolfy prince or his pack yet. But not to worry, they always show up late."

Lady pinched the bridge of her nose. "For the last time he's not my prince, Ida. I just…"

"Have a crush on him."

"No." She rolled her eyes when Ida's eyebrow went up again. "Okay even if I did, that doesn't change the fact that we're mortal enemies now does it?"

"Not so much that you can't go to a party together. This truce we have each Hallow's Eve is here for a reason, my pet. There's nothing wrong with taking advantage of that."

Lady squared her shoulders and finally felt ready to join the fray. "When in Rome…"

"That's my girl." Ida beamed, floating down to her level and intertwining her incorporeal arm in hers. "Let's enjoy ourselves tonight." Together the creature women opened the door and entered the party sprawled out before them, lively music greeting them like a friend. This year's venue was a Southern Gothic mansion, smack dab in the middle of a Louisiana stretch of wetlands, east of Baton Rouge.

Like a tacky mortal postcard, creatures and horrors sprawled all around the gargantuan foyer and master staircase. They made a colorful bunch. Witches in their sweeping, ebony hats, the scarlet eruptions of devils, and a menagerie of different zombies. The two other vampire clans were present, to Lady's annoyance. The Sabbath, blonde snobby folk from the South and the Nightworths, crass and wild loners from the West. Lady was part of the Eastern clan, The Nox; direct descendants of Dracula, the wealthiest by far too. Fighting was bound to happen tonight.

Several mummies and their sleepy king managed to scrape together and stood in the corner next to the refreshment table. The ghouls, blue fleshed and hardly able to get sentences out, stood beside the skeevy and cunning goblins by the band stand. As always the music was played by a group of animated skeletons,The Clankers. The band leader, who played the saxophone, was an especially eccentric fellow, he painted his skull in lavish colors and had a hideous collection of ties. This time it was a black tie covered in rubber ducks hanging over his rib cage.

Ida's brethren floated in and out of the attendees, causing mischief and laughing among themselves. The grim reapers did the same though their dark auras made them less fun by comparison. And just as Ida had said the usual piling of masculine werewolves were nowhere to be seen. It wasn't all that surprising as their kind were never ones to adhere to rules as the other did.

That was the thing about horror society. Rules were a big deal. It was what kept them in line with each other and made it so events like this could happen. If monster rule was broken, the masses would be disgruntled and annoyed, which was why werewolves were seen as lesser than most. Especially to the vampire kind, who were so stuffed up with rules they could hardly take a step without permission.

"Not too bad." Lady marveled, looking all around her. "When I heard Trusty was hosting I was a little apprehensive but this is gorgeous."

"I heard he found this place! Can you believe it? His territory is so big…I wish I had a spare mansion laying around."

"But would you really like living in a swamp?"

"Well no, but still look at this place."

Trusty Crawford (better known as the Swamp Monster), was the host this year. Since he didn't have a home fit for entertaining he had instead found this 200 year old plantation master's mansion. The witches had done their part to make sure it was party-ready; making it structurally sound and restored to its former glory, but only for a single night. It was the talk of the town tonight and probably would be for fifty years afterwards. That was horror society too; rules and spectacle.

Lady and Ida made their way to the refreshments, briefly stopping to chat with Mothman on the way. Everyone was in high spirits. Lady helped herself to a punch bowl of green bubbling mix and carefully sipped it, an enchanted drink that tasted of your craving; another witch trick to cater to the wide range of appetites here. It tasted like a fresh sip of mortal blood to Lady. Ida had nothing.

Suddenly a set of loud, thumping footsteps sounded behind them, accompanied by a deep, gravelly voice. "Ladies."

Both women looked and found a massive tower of a man standing over them. It was Elias Frankenstein. Lady had to lean her head back to take in his eight foot frame, sage green skin and neck bolts. "Hello." They both chimed. Lady peeked around his huge frame. His master, Dr. Butterfield, was off talking with the Mummy's in his usual lab coat and black gloves. He was always a little touchy when it came to conversation topics with his "son."

"How have you been?" Lady asked.

The three of them had been "created" right around the same time, and had always been friendly with one another. They were a complete set. She and Ida continued to make conversation with the green man, asking about his castle renovation and his master's newest experiment. They carried on that way for about an hour.

Suddenly there was a stirring at the front entrance, making everyone turn their heads in unison towards the grand staircase. Lady knew who it was without having to look. The musky, earthy smell that preceded them was so distinct you'd be nose blind not to know. The monsters parted, a small lull falling down on the festivities like sediment. Six tall, rugged figures emerged from the monstrous crush around them, all flannel shirts and cocky smirks. The werewolves were here.

Lady hid her smile in her hand, trying not to let her amusement and pleasure show. Their dark haired leader Buster dragged his amber eyes across the crowd in challenge, a wolf at either side of him and an arrogant smile on his face. She recognized the others by association; Miles, the brunette, Slim, the chubby one Russell, the redhead and Leon, the stoic one. But it was who stood directly on Buster's right that Lady's eyes were drawn to.

He was the tallest and lankiest by far, a full head taller than the rest. His wild heather hair, sinful jawline and knee weakening smirk also made him stand out. Everyone else melted away as Lady drank in the sight of him. Tramp was in human form, dressed in a fitting flannel shirt and ripped pants, his bare feet dripping with swamp sludge just like his brothers. His arms were folded up over his head, looking far too relaxed, and completely overworking the cavalier smile.

He looked well. Lady dropped her hand from her face and smoothed out her dress around her hips. It had been since last year's Hallow's Eve party since they'd seen each other and now she suddenly felt a little nervous. Would he still be as interested in her as she was in him? So much time passed, maybe he'd forgotten about her altogether. What if—

Suddenly his honey gold eyes met hers across the room. His smile faded and his arms came down into his pockets at his sides. They stared into each others' eyes like in a trance, and Lady knew the answers to her questions. Happiness, excitement and the inevitable pang of longing came and went in the time it took to blink. They both wanted to share a secretive smile but they didn't dare with so many eyes on them. So instead another muted version of his smirk returned and he winked at Ida next to her, before turning to exchange laughs with Miles.

The werewolves descended the stairs and joined the mass of partying monsters. Their moment was seemingly over because the rest of the guests turned back haughtily to their conversations and festivities.

"Did you see that wink? That cheeky little bastard." Ida rolled her eyes. "Geez, those guys certainly know how to stir things up."

Lady snickered. "True to form."

Ida assessed her with an eyebrow up before leaning in close and whispering: "Don't think I didn't see that. You have to get to work, girl and make it so you don't have to just stare all night."

"Ida." Lady warned. "Please, leave it be."

Ida shrugged. "All I'm saying is it's in your court and you can do something about it if you want."

Lady hummed in acknowledgment and risked a quick glance at Tramp. He had his arms around Leon and Miles as he directed them to the refreshments with a sloppy grin. He always looked so at home with his pack, it made her a little jealous. Would he ever look that relaxed around her? Lady's eyes wandered behind the werewolf and she suddenly flinched.

There stood Aunt Sarah, her white hair piled high and her starch form dressed in a deep maroon gown. Her severe face was drawn in an indignant frown, her unblinking eyes piercing into Lady like javelins. She somehow knew. Lady didn't know how but her aunt had sniffed out her carefully hidden affection for Tramp over the years. She had never spoken to her about it but she hadn't needed to. It was forbidden to mix races, and no one upheld that ideal more than Aunt Sarah herself.

Lady felt a spark of annoyance and flashed a challenging smile, so her fangs pressed against her lipstick. Yes? Her aunt's nose flared but after a moment she relented and turned away with disappointment in her ancient eyes. Lady clacked her nails on her thigh. What was with her? Challenging her aunt and wanting to take Ida's advice into consideration was very much not like her. She again lamented her strange mood every Hallow's Eve. Something about the moon made her blood run strange and hot inside her icy body.

The band changed to a lively, jazzy melody, one Lady knew well. The crowd reacted to the familiar tune, movement and smiles spreading to every type of monstrosity around. The dance floor began to swell with jigging bodies, and beside her Ida began to swing. Her aurous body flashed lilac, then turquoise and back to a pink as she snapped her fingers.

"Well you know what this means. I'm gone, my love." Ida crooned, spinning in a circle. "Frankie, care to take a girl dancing?"

Elias, who was looking at Tramp across the way with his deadpan eyes, turned and blinked at the ghost maid. "Dance? Me?"

"Yes, you! You're master won't object right?"

He shook his head. "No."

"You alright?" Lady asked, placing a gentle hand on his cool forearm. He looked at her hand and then into her eyes. "Yes. Would you like to save a dance for me?"

Lady's eyebrows rose and she glanced at Ida in surprise, who shrugged. "Yes, if you'd like that my friend. But I believe Ida asked you first."

"Ok I will wait."

Lady watched bemused as her friends escorted each other to the dance floor and joined the fray. As soon as she was alone, Lady looked for Tramp's lanky figure. She was startled to see, when her eyes found him, that he was already looking at her. The chandelier light caught in his eyes, turning them luminescent and smoldering like burning gold in a forge. Lady's breath caught in her throat. She wanted nothing more than to fly over everyone's heads and scoop him up into the rafters away from prying eyes.

Tramp swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing as a brief unguarded look of yearning took his face. Lady matched it, unable to stop the need for him showing on her face. She heard him draw in a breath. He flicked his eyes to the balcony on the west side of the foyer, which led to a dark veranda. Lady knew what he meant, and very gently nodded her head in his direction. They were going to have to slow and deliberate about this to escape everyone's attention.

Lady began to weave through the crowd, stopping to make chit chat when she could. She bumped into their host Trusty, and his best friend Jock, the Grim Reaper. He was, always, more than happy to tell a story or two and grace her so try warm, fatherly smiles. Once they had cordially excused themselves, Lady did another probing glance in Tramp's direction. He had managed to get away from his pack and was helping himself to the punch bowl, idly chatting with a ghoul she didn't recognize. Though he continued to speak to the creature, his eyes still slid to meet hers with intent.

Lady looked at her feet and couldn't stop another smile. What an actor. The ridiculousness of this was hard to ignore. So what if she liked a werewolf? Why did everyone care so much anyway? With how long most of them lived it wasn't any of their business who she found solace in. Screw them for making it so challenging to be together, even just for a few minutes.

"Lady, darling." A husky voice called to her left.

She turned, and saw none other than Peg sauntering towards her. Lady ordinarily would have been happy to see the music witch, but she had other things on her mind.

"Peg, lovely I was wondering where you had been hiding." Lady said conversationally, swallowing the biting urge to head to the veranda.

"Well don't you look good enough to eat?" Peg commented, adjusting a wine glass of green mixture between her dark fingernails. She was clad in a short, flared dress that barely covered her pale, plump thighs and black stockings to her knees. A translucent shawl of smoky purple covered her like a flowing cloud, making all her jewelry sparkle and glitz dully in the light. Peg pushed the brim of her large pointed hat from her makeup heavy eyes, music charms and herbs jangling on the string tied around it.

"Hardly. You're the real dish around here."

Peg smacked her maroon colored lips together cynically. "You're just saying that."

"How have you been? I heard you've gotten quite the following with your music lately."

"Yes, yes a little fame and glory, the usual drag." Peg winked. "It's honestly been a bit stifling being so popular, but I guess it's worth the time I've spent on these spell songs." She continued on, her accent rolling off her tongue, slow and thick. Lady tapped her foot hidden beneath her dress to remain calm. She felt a set of golden eyes searing into her across the room.

"What about you? Seems like the clan happenings have been keeping you busy. Always Nox this or Sabbath that."

"Oh, you don't want to know." Lady sighed as she forced herself to listen. "It's a wonder there hasn't been a fight yet honestly."

"Well we'll see about that after I'm done with them." Peg boasted, sipping her drink. "You are going to watch my performance tonight, yes? I'd like to see a man fight while I'm up there on the stage."

Lady snorted. "Of course, these get-togethers wouldn't be a party without Peg Leblanc to serenade us. I wouldn't miss it."

"Hm." She flicked her short platinum and lavender tipped hair over her shoulder. "You say that but I can see you're itching to get somewhere. Where or…who are you in such a hurry to get to tonight?"

Lady punched her nose. "Ida…you've been talking to her haven't you?"

"Who me?" Peg asked innocently.

"Ugh, it seems like everyone is privy to this huh? Am I really that bad of an actress?"

Peg laughed. "No dear, with our lifespans you simply take more notice of these things. You've been ogling each other for so long now it's starting to annoy me. And in your defense, I mean, look at him."

Lady didn't need any help and did just that. Tramp was staring at her again, and her heart did a flip.

"Who am I to fault a girl for giving into her desires?" Peg smiled suggestively, placing a hand on Lady's wrist. She smelled of herbs and incense. "If I was in your shoes he would have already been mine centuries ago. I say go for it."

She forced herself back to Peg, though the witch's words made her legs itch to move closer to Tramp. "You're shameless, you know that? If I were you, there wouldn't be all these silly rules saying we couldn't do it. Your kind are so unbearably free to do what you want."

"True, true." Peg chuckled. "You vampires are so by the book. It's quite funny. But enough chit chat, go get him already."

Lady nodded, though she felt embarrassed at being so obvious. "Wish me luck."

Peg waved as she walked by, popping her curvy hip out. "Ta, ta little Lady I wish you all the luck in the world. But do be a dear and try to listen to my song later…I have a feeling you'll appreciate it tonight."

"I will, promise." Lady waved back and turned to see the last spot Tramp had been standing, to find him gone. Her heart fell for the briefest moment but then she realized where he was. He had already made it to the balcony undetected. Lady squared her shoulders and ran her fingers through her hair, making it look like she was just preening herself, a usual vampire past time. She let a moment or two pass, each one painful before finally allowing herself to make her way toward the balcony entrance.

Her heels clicked across the marble floor as she tried to look like she was bored, and just happened to end up here. The sweeping, marble entrance came over her head intertwined with marble and real rose vines like a work of art. It's mouth was dark and inky but the tantalizing smell of musk and earth, his smell, wafting from it almost made her mouth water. She walked without pausing to catch her breath or check to see if anyone was watching and stepped into the dark.

The balcony went in darkness for a foot or so before opening up onto an open veranda grand enough to be a castle. The full moon shone high in the sky like a painter's muse, clear and ethereal among the spatter of stars. Lady went to open her mouth and call for him, but suddenly a warm hand grasped hers and pulled her close.

"Pidge."

Lady let an unhindered grin take her mouth, as Tramp's forehead came centimeters from hers. His hands enveloped both of hers and drew them to his chest as he let out a breathless chuckle. "It's been awhile."

Lady pressed herself closer, so their foreheads and noses brushed. She closed her eyes to savor his scent and his warmth, drinking it in like a drug. "Tramp." She whispered. "It's so good to see you"

"Dido. I've been waiting for this all year."

Lady sighed. "I've missed you."

"Well. I'll never want to leave your pretty little butt you say things like that."

"Then don't." She pleaded softly. "Just stay right here."

"Okay." He said, his masculine voice heavy with affection. "And I've missed you too by the way."

Lay opened her eyes and pulled a half step back to look up at him. She followed the lines of his chiseled face with familiarity and went to speak, but stopped when she assessed his left eye. A fresh, jagged scar stretched diagonally from his eyebrow to his cheek bone. Lady reached up and tentatively brushed it with her fingertips. "This is new." She frowned.

"Do you like it?" He asked, his smile going roguish.

"What happened? Does it hurt?"

"I'm fine, it's just a scratch. Got into a brawl over something stupid."

"Still can't stay out of trouble I see." Lady smiled. "What am I gonna do with you?"

"I have some ideas." He murmured, leaning closer and pressing his cheek to hers. His breath tickled her neck and Lady giggled before pulling away and walking past him. "You are trouble, sir."

Tramp caught her hand again and stopped her from taking another step. "And you wouldn't be here if I wasn't."

Lady turned, grasped his arm with both hands and dragged him to the veranda edge. "We both wouldn't be here if we didn't like getting into mischief."

They both laughed, and leaned on the smooth veranda edge overlooking the vast wetlands below. A hot breeze made the moss covered cypress trees sigh, and the murky water dance in the moonlight. Their hands were like magnets, ever drawn to each other and so there they sat on the marble; calloused tan skin intertwined with milky white.

"You remember how we met?" Lady asked. "It was pretty clear from the start we were going to shake things up."

Tramp laughed and shook his head. "Of course. Both our groups got into fights and we ended up getting pushed into a wonky elevator."

"They spent hours trying to get us out of Grim's basement." Lady chortled. "Everyone was so upset, thinking you were going to eat me or something."

"Like I could ever do that to a pretty girl."

"Or like I would let you."

They laughed again and stared at each other, the breeze tugging at their hair. "Who would have thought it'd turn into…Whatever this is." Tramp said, his smile turning rueful.

"Well no matter what it is, I'm grateful for it."

Tramp pressed his shoulder into hers, his intense heat seeping pleasantly against her skin. "You always say exactly what I want to hear, don't you? You little minx."

Lady tightened her hand around his and grinned. His eyes were thawed to liquid gold and his mouth was so full of adoration she almost felt dizzy with euphoria. She let herself lean in and inhale the smell and sound of his heart beat. It was so strong and virile compared to her own kinds' lifeless thrums. It felt like she was running alongside him through the wildest wood, the air streaking across them in the night.

"You like what you see?" He asked mischievously. Lady's eyes slid down to the spot by his thorax and watched his pulse thrum. It would be so easy, like a knife through butter and the warm liquid would splash onto her tongue like silk—

Lady forced her eyes up to his face. No, stop it. Control yourself Lady, he's not a snack.

Tramp saw what she was thinking and a sultry smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth. "You can take me whenever you want, Pidge. I don't mind."

"You are so much trouble." She whispered. But instead of giving into her urge Lady Leaned up on her toes and kissed his lips instead. It was meant to be playful and quick, but suddenly he was trying to lean in for something more passionate.

A burst of laughter near the veranda entrance suddenly burst through the darkness, and Lady jumped away in a heartbeat. She peered into the bright foyer and saw a ghost couple had floated past, carrying on together like school children. Lady tucked her hair behind her ear and remembered herself again.

"I'm sorry. I-I don't know what came over me."

Tramp looked at her with a mix of caution and disappointment. "It's fine, Lady, don't apologize. I'm not…I can't get my head on straight." Lady knew the feeling. She gathered herself up, gave one more look at the foyer and joined him on the railing again. The music now stood out in the background, almost like a threat.

"So what did Peg have to say?" Tramp said after an awkward pause, clearly sensing she wanted to change the subject.

"Oh, the usual. She's on to us apparently, her and Ida both."

"Geez, both em' can't keep their noses outta anyone's business."

"I thought maybe we had fooled them somehow but there was a fat chance of that."

"At least they don't care one way or the other."

"Yes." Lady fiddled with her sleeve, a cynical smile forming. "Aunt Sarah was trying to spook me just before I came. She's just known somehow too and has made it known she's disappointed in me."

"Decrepit old snake." Tramp growled. "She's exactly what makes it so hard for our kind to get along. Rules aren't the end all be all."

"You'd think after all these centuries we would have learned a thing or two."

"Ha, right. I know first hand you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Case and point my face."

"Your face?" Lady asked.

Tramp sighed and looked up at the sky. "Yeah, Buster and I got into it pretty good a few months ago."

"Oh no, about what?"

He paused and gave her a peculiar sideways look. "The usual bullshit about being Alpha."

"Goodness, I was worried he'd be upset if you just conceded to him. You didn't have to do that, you know."

Tramp turned and rested both his elbows on the railing. "Whatever. It's in the past and he's Alpha now so that's that. I wasn't into being in charge to begin with anyways."

"But you would have done brilliantly at it." Lady added.

Tramp paused again, and an unreadable expression clouded his eyes. In a flash it was gone and he was looking behind them at the party. Lady could see he was done talking about it and let it go. It was such an old topic.

"Now I wonder what in the world those two are doing together?" Tramp said through narrowed eyes, cocking his head to the side. Lady looked into the foyer and to her surprise, her aunt and Buster were standing side by side. They swiveled their heads about as though searching for something, exchanging dark remarks between one another.

"Oh seven hells." Lady hissed. "You don't think?"

"Without question." He growled. "Those dirty little bastards."

"You never told me he knew too."

"It's been a recent development this year."

Lady swore. "We might as well scream it to the rooftops with how many people know, god."

Simultaneously they both went deeper into the farthest corner of the veranda, where it was completely hidden from the main room. Grinning like a devil Tramp grabbed her from behind and pulled her close again, his mouth on her ear. "If we stay close like this they really won't know we're here."

Lady snorted. "You're such a scoundrel." She made no move to reject him and instead comfortably leaned her head back on his shoulder. "You're lucky I like being with you so much."

Tramp chuckled softly, and his nose pressed into her hair. "I'm always lucky."

A comfortable silence fell over them. The background music jostled about behind them, mixing with the chirping symphony of the swamp below. Lady sighed deeply. "I promised I'd be there for Peg's song. And I also promised Elias a dance. Maybe I should go and make an appearance to throw them off our scent."

Tramp stiffened. He grumbled something under his breath. "Frankenstinen? Since when the hell does he dance?"

"Since tonight apparently."

"Brilliant. Even he wants us apart."

"No, I'm sure it's not that."

"Please." Tramp scoffed. "He's always had a thing for you. I would know."

"Oh, you would know? Why's that?"

"Obviously because I had a thing for you first."

"Is that jealousy I hear, my little wolf?"

"Yes, absolutely it is. You're my vampire girl and if I can't have you no one else can." Tramp said, making a mock pout. Lady eyed him suspiciously. She caught both the jest and the truth of his words easily. "You're playing dirty tonight."

"Ha. Says the one who chose to wear that tonight." He replied, eyeing her dress with a raised eyebrow.

Lady felt a fit of pleasure form a smile across her lips. "You like it then? I got it especially for tonight."

"That's it you little temptress."He said, making a grab for her. She blithely danced away back toward the center of the veranda, Tramp hot on her heels. She let him catch her eventually, and then they settled down on the edge of the railing, their shoulders pressed together and their hands clasped once again.

"But in all seriousness, maybe I should at least show my face for Peg's performance. It should start soon."

Tramp sighed and looked away. His profile looked sharp and handsome against the moonlit swamp scape behind him, his hair tugging in the breeze. He stayed that way for a long time, turned and silent.

"I hate this." He murmured eventually. Lady looked to see his face drawn and his eyes pensive. "I hate having to play this game every year."

She traced his knuckles, her smile also fading. "I know."

"A stolen kiss between songs is no way to be together, Pidge."

"I know." She repeated, not sure what to say.

"Don't you want to do something different this time, Pidge? Shake things up like we did the first time?"

"You have a suggestion?" Lady asked.

Tramp suddenly stood upright and faced her, his eyes set and his jaw tight. "Yeah, I actually do."

Lady gave him an eyebrow raise. "Do tell."

"Run away with me."

Lady balked. Her arms fell to her sides and her mouth dropped open in surprise. "Run…run away?"

"Yes." His honey gaze was unflinching.

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying…we leave. Let's ditch this party and never come back."

"I-I don't know."

Tramp swallowed, looking hurt. "Why not?"

"What would your pack and my clan say? We'd be breaking a hundred rules. How would we explain—"

"That doesn't matter!" He shouted, his voice breaking in a canine-like snarl. "I'm so sick of caring! I've been yours from the moment we met and I've been waiting for you to choose me over them all this time. Screw them and their rules!" His gray wolf ears had manifested on his head, his claws were out and his fangs peeked over his lips. The musky wolf smell of him kicked into overdrive, crashing into her nose like a tidal wave.

He grabbed her by the shoulders and stared deep into her face. "I got this damn scar because I told Buster I was done with the pack and I was going to go to you, Pidge. Back in August I had a plan, but I lost the brawl with him and he made me swear in front of everyone to wait until Hallow's to make my decision. And it's still the same, I want to be with you the same way I did back then."

Lady stepped away from him, her hands clasped over her pounding chest. This was too much, too fast. How could he put her in this position so quickly? In August? She scoured her mind trying to remember where she had been those few months ago. She had been alone at her vacation home in Russia, hiding away from the summery weather. And she had been pinning for him all the while, just waiting for something to happen.

"Tramp…I don't know what to say. You didn't have to do that. I can't stand the thought of you giving up everything for me. Are you sure that's what you want?"

"Yes." He said immediately. "Of course I would never lie to you about something like this. I want to be together on our own terms and I won't mourn the loss of anyone who can't accept that."

"But—"

"Don't you want me too?" He whispered.

Lady's heart burst to see him so raw. She walked over with her arms out, her silk sleeves flowing, and pulled him to her chest. "Yes, yes I do. But please calm down my love, you're going to fully transform you keep this up."

His body was quivering so hard he wasn't able to hug her back. She pressed her face into his shirt and rubbed her cheek across it. "It'll be okay."

"How is it ok?" He choked. "I can't—"

Lady smiled against his chest, the irrefutable truth blossoming in her heart like fireworks. "I love you. That's why."

Tramp suddenly went still. The swamp came to life around them as another sticky breeze swirled above their heads, making the trees hiss and the frogs chirp even louder. The moon momentarily went dark as a shadowy string of clouds floated across its bright face.

"Pidge?" Tramp whispered.

"Yes, you heard right." Lady said, leaning back and beaming at him. "I love you Tramp."

Disbelief and elation took turns claiming his facial features. An involuntary laugh escaped him as he brought a clawed hand to her cheek. Lady felt a stray tear slip from her eyes and she sighed as he brushed it away. It was such a relief to say it out loud that her chest went lighter than air.

"You…you have known idea how long I've wanted to hear you say that." Tramp breathed.

"I've felt it for as long as you have, believe me. I'm just more of a coward than you, I suppose. You're right I have let others' opinions get In our way and I've regretted it more than you know. So in answer to your question…yes. Yes, I'd be more than happy to run away with you."

Then, as if on cue, the sounds from the foyer hushed to a low whisper. Both she and Tramp edged closer and peeked out into the mansion behind them. The lights went off for a brief moment and then a beam of smoky light flashed to the top of the grand stair.

"Hullo, monster world!" A sultry voice crooned out over the crowd. A woman materialized from a large burst of lavender smoke, astride a floating broom she waved and kissed seductively to everyone around her.

"Peg." Lady and Tramp smiled together.

The curvy witch rose higher into the air and twirled a wand over her head, purple and black magic swells cascading around her like waterfalls. "If you've been having a bad night, don't worry, it's about to get much better."

The crowd cheered and clapped below her. No one, regardless of race, complained when Peg had a performance. She went up towards the chandeliers, magic permeating all over the mansion in a purple, mystic haze.

"First let's give a hand to our lovely host this evening, Trusty Crawford." Peg said, motioning down to him with her wand and illuminating the old creature in milky light. "Did he find a place for us or what?"

Trusty raised a webbed hand in acknowledgment, and then bowed. His emerald and blue scales looked vibrant and beautiful in the witch's light. A loud chorus of cheers went up and Peg smiled luxuriously. Once it went quiet again she positioned herself on the broom with her legs crossed and dramatically tipped her hat from her face.

"Alright, my dears now let me sing you a song."

She closed her eyes and all went still. Then her rich, husky voice slowly began to grace the air, no music played, just her smoky tones.

"This is the perfect distraction." Tramp said in Lady's ear, having suddenly manifested behind her. She jumped from his closeness, but also out of the trance Peg's song had induced. "Yes. Let's use it."

Tramp let out a shaky breath. "Here I thought I'd have to convince you all night to come with me. Now you got me nervous being all gung ho like this."

Lady snickered, trying to hide how her hands shook. "You forget I can be just as impulsive as you when I want."

He laughed. "You ready for this then?"

"I'm not sure but let's do it anyway."

Suddenly Tramp went still. "Son of a bitch."

"What is it?" Lady asked. She followed his gaze and quickly saw what he was staring at, her eyes going wide. Buster and Aunt Sarah had found them. Both she and Tramp had forgotten to hide themselves again after coming out to watch Peg. The vampire and werewolf locked eyes on the two of them and stalked through the dark hazy crowd, their intentions clear. They were coming to stop them.

"Goodness. Looks like that's our cue."

"Ya think?"

Tramp grabbed her hand and they ran into the veranda at full speed. Music finally burst from behind them, joining with Peg's eerie vocals and capturing the entire surrounding area in its musical clutches. Purple fog and shimmers began to ooze onto the veranda from the foyer. They slammed into the railing and looked down into the swamp, trying to figure out where to jump. The sound of footsteps sounded behind them.

"Wait!"

"Stop!"

"Looks like the subtle exit is out." Tramp said. He quickly grabbed Lady bridal style and held her close to his chest. Before she could protest he nimbly hopped up onto the railing, turned his back to them and braced himself to jump.

"Put her down this instant, you mongrel." Sarah screeched.

"What the hell are you doing? Stop this already." Buster snarled.

Lady peeked over Tramp's shoulder. Her aunt's hair was disheveled and her face red and Buster had fully shifted into his black furred beast form. They both looked desperate and sad standing there and Lady felt a small fit of pity for them.

"Sorry, but we're choosing what we want tonight." Tramp said over his shoulder.

"Please, try to understand. We're not doing this to spite you but we've waited on your rules long enough." Lady added. "This is what we want."

Before they could speak, Tramp braced himself and squatted to his knees. "Ready?" He whispered, glancing down at her affectionately.

"Of course." She whispered back, tightningher arms around his neck.

He lifted himself up and shot into the sky. Lady gaped as he flew so far they reached the top of the mansion in seconds, leaving the sound of their relatives screams behind them. She looked down and saw them become specks in the great mass of white mansion and wetlands like a patchwork quilt. The breeze was hot and smelled of every earthy, crawling thing imaginable. Next to her Tramp laughed. An beautifully unrestricted sound that came from deep in his chest, and turned his eyes squinty with glee. "We did it! We actually did it!"

Lady laughed too and lifted her arms up joyously, feeling the wind between her fingers. "I can't believe we left them like that! That was brilliant!"

Tramp touched down on a small patch of island, near a huge willow tree and then vaulted back up high into the sky. "I love you, Lady." He said when they were floating again. "You better get used to this cause you're never going to get rid of me now."

"The same goes for you." Lady said, putting a hand to his chin and making him face her. "You are mine for the rest of eternity, my wolf."

He smiled and then together they kissed. The moon shone on them, and the wind pulled at their clothes but nothing took them away from the solace in each other. Even as Tramp touched down into the swamp again they continued. But they went deeper and deeper into the swamp, far from the party and the haunting sound of music, Peg's ethereal voice chased after them.