Author's note; I know I promised to do the Parent/Teacher conference next but this seemed more appropriate for now.

The Guardian VIII

"Are you sure that this is the one you want?" I asked dreading the answer.

Summer indicated that she did and twirled around to emphasize how much. I cringed at the hideous sight. The bit just grinned at me in all her polyester glory.

Out of all the 400+ costumes in Harry's Halloween Hideaway she just had to pick the most dreadful. It was so bloody awful that I new it was the product of some bad Karma.

But I could never deny her so I bought the whole getup complete with tiny plastic blood capsules and fake fangs.

She was thrilled. It was one of her wishes come true. She just had to be a vampire for Halloween.

We left the crowded store and walked miles to where I'd parked my car. I promised myself that next year I would buy the bit's costume weeks in advance and avoid the 1-day-till Halloween rush. Summer skipped along happily swinging her bright orange and black bag. I could not help but feel pleased at her mood and decided then and there to celebrate this holiday properly. In other words I needed a pumpkin.

There was a Frank's nursery on the other side of town and we headed that way. All through the drive the nibblet raved about her brand new acquisition. I was glad to hear that she thought that vamps were really cool.

We got to Frank's and Summer rushed to the pumpkin patch. As it was to be expected she was attracted to the biggest, heaviest specimen. I remarked that if we hollowed it out we could move in there and save rent. She didn't get the joke and I had to drag that pumpkin to the register just the same.

The thing came out to be almost fifteen bucks. The costume had cost thirty complete with accessories so I had blown fifty dollars on a holiday I was supposed ignore. But she was happy and that's all it mattered.

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Halloween Eve

The bloody costume took forever to assemble. I kept messing up the makeup so that she looked less like member of the undead and more like a Disney Dalmatian. The blood capsules were so much of a challenge that the bit's frustration was evident. I considered turning her just to satisfy her penchant for realism.

Finally my efforts paid off and she resembled a member of the Anne Rice fan club or rather a dime store mini-Vlad. Sodding Poof still owes me money.

The lady was satisfied with the results and she kept looking at her reflection and making silly faces that in no way resembled those made by myself of any other vampire. I chose not to correct. After all, her main exposure to vamps had been Count Chocula and myself and I made it a point to keep my vampness very low-key when she's around.

Leaving the bit to her fantasies, I tried to put our apartment to rights. I gathered the makeup and threw it away knowing that it would dry up before next Halloween. The huge pumpkin now sported a sinister grin and had been placed in the middle of our eating/playing/whatever else table. The bit had conned me into doing the main room in spider and I had to be careful not to tangle myself in the fake cotton webs as I walked around the room.

I am the biggest whipped poofter.

The bit grabs her 3 black-cat bags and signals that its time to go. I smile back in resignation, grab my coat and we are off. Two vampires hunting their prey, intent on getting what they crave. I make a mental note to schedule the bit for a dentist visit ASAP.

The night is sweet and cool. Nibblet skips in excitement. Her bag swings along. We plan to hit about 80+ houses. Most of them compliment my lovely bit and I feel a surge of pride. The other costumed pests can't hold a candle to my Slayer-in-waiting.

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Two and a half hours later.

I may have supernatural agility and endurance but I have to admit I am exhausted halfway. The sugar must have given Summer extra energy because she seemed undaunted and just as fresh as when we started. I, on the other hand was about to drop dead (again).

When the third and final bag is filled beyond capacity, the bit is satisfied. We make our way back slowly savoring the night air. Home once more I set to inspecting the bags of candy to discard any potential dangers. The bit yawns as she takes off her makeup and puts her cape away. I finish with the bags just in time to tuck my vampire into bed. My body aches everywhere and I am asleep before I hit the pillow.


And this was supposed to be my night off.

TBC.

Thank you for the reviews. I hope you enjoyed this.