A/N: Not a lot of response to the last chapter. Hmm. Was it that bad? Well, I promised a bit of lightness. Here it is.

Disclaimer: The Same!

Chapter: 8 Tricks and Treats

The weeks sped by rapidly. Before Max knew it, September had slipped into late October. The leaves that littered the grounds were no longer rainbow colored hues, but dull lifeless browns. This depressed Max somewhat as he made his way across the quad. There was a nip in the air that had him turning up the collar of his expensive leather jacket.

The brooding expression on his face assured him a wide berth from the other students strolling through the courtyard. He admitted to himself that his current mood had less to do with the weather and everything to do with his father. That's what it always came down to, his father. The two of them had been at an impasse for the past month. The only thing they could agree on was that they disagreed.

Charlie was no help. He was walking around in a state of euphoria about the upcoming debate before the Supreme Court. Never mind that is was still several months away. Don't tell that to Charlie though. He had developed tunnel vision. All he could see was the road ahead. He was blinded to any speed bumps along the way. Namely, Max's growing dissatisfaction.

It didn't help matters that Max and Liz were four for four in their latest debates. They'd become the batman and Robin of the debate scene. After demolishing three in-state debate teams and one out of state, they were becoming a force to be reckoned with. At the same time, they were as opposite in style as two team members could be. While Liz's style was no nonsense and straight to the point, Max was all high drama and charm.

Max had teased Liz once about being the lowly sidekick. She had shot back immediately.

"What makes you think you're the Batman of this particular duo?"

"What? You think you are?" Max had smirked.

"Why not?" Liz had crossed her arms over her chest.

"Fine. You can be the big Dark Knight," Max had mocked. "I just never suspected you of having penis envy that's all. But go right ahead," he had shrugged.

Of course Liz had refused to speak to him for over a week.

Speaking of Liz, she should have received his invitation by now. Max wondered if she'd come. You never knew with Liz. His decision to throw a Halloween party had been spur of the moment. That didn't mean he couldn't do it with panache. It would be just the thing to shake him out of his current funk.

-

Liz was about to enter her dorm room when she noticed an envelope taped to the door. The envelope was pumpkin colored orange, with her name scrawled across it. She gave it a puzzled frown before snatching it from the door. Liz glanced around looking for the sender. But the hallway was empty for once. Eerily so. With this being Halloween weekend, Liz took nothing to chance. She quickly entered her room and closed the door behind her.

Dropping her backpack onto her computer desk, she sat down in the chair to open the envelope. The outside of the card was white. A grim reaper holding a scepter decorated the front. Liz opened the card and sighed in exasperation. She should have known. Only Max could be this childish. The words written in bold black read like a nursery rhyme.

Come one Come all

To Max's Halloween Ball

There will be Tricks and Treats

And even a Scare

Come one Come all

If you Dare

It begins at eight

So don't be late

Prizes given out

For the best costume

Being held a Hurston Hall

See you all soon.

Liz was smiling when Maria limped into the room.

"I see you got your invite," Maria said breathlessly. In addition to her book bag she lugged a big brown shopping bag with her.

Liz's response was a lifted eyebrow.

"I know that look Liz Parker. You're going," Maria said in a voice that brooked no argument.

"Sorry to disappoint you Maria." Not. "But I have nothing to wear."

"That's where you're wrong," Maria smiled brilliantly. "I just happened to hit a couple of vintage shops today. While I was there, I grabbed something for you too. Isn't that great?"

"Great," Liz said with forced cheerfulness. Well this should be interesting.

-

Liz had been right about the interesting part. Entering the ball room at around 8:30, she took a survey of the surroundings. Everything was decorated in oranges and blacks, from the crepe paper hanging from the ceiling, to the balloons scattered throughout the room. There was even what looked to be a real skeleton in one corner of the room. There were several tables filled with finger foods. While some tables featured your garden variety chips dips, veggie platters, and finger sandwiches, others were more Halloween themed. Brain shaped Jell-O molds, orange and black cakes and cookies, pumpkin pies and such.

"Hey, Liz" Maria tapped her on the shoulder to get her attention. "I'm going to look for Michael. Why don't you find us a table?"

"Sure," Liz said as she watched Maria walk away. Maria's costume was a perfect fit for her personality. Liz noticed how her bell bottom jeans swung widely with every step she took. They did a great job hiding her leg brace. The white peasant top and brown fringed vest were classic 60's. Her hair hung to her shoulders sporting several side plaits and a multicolored headband. Along with platform shoes, yellow tinted sun glasses, and mood ring, Maria was the perfect hippie.

She and Michael were supposed to be a matching pair tonight. Liz couldn't wait to see what he looked liked.

Liz spotted a coat closet not far from the front entrance. She took a deep breath. It was now or never. At least that's what she told herself as she walked slowly towards the closet. What had Maria been thinking when she chose this costume for Liz. It was so far removed from what she would have chosen for herself it was almost funny.

She almost made it to closet when she spied her host across the room. That's when it clicked. It all made perfect sense now. She was going to kill Maria for this. Better yet, she was going to kill Max. Yeah. That was a much better choice. Because she was one hundred percent sure this had been his idea.

As if by fate their eyes met from across the room. What a cliché. Liz thought.Shooting him a pointed glare, Liz made her feelings abundantly clear.

Ass that he was, Max just winked at her. Flipping him an unladylike bird, Liz stepped into the coat closet.

Max stood there with a wicked grin on his face. His mood had improved tenfold from earlier in the day. He stood dead center in a crowd of meaningless conversation makers. That's what happened when you sent out blanket invitations. While he had truly wanted some people here, others were just filler. He figured what the hell. Most of them would show up anyway, invited or not. If he guessed correctly there were about a hundred party goers here tonight.

Max managed to keep his cool barely, as he watched Liz step from the closet. She looked more beautiful than even he could have imagined. He'd given Maria instructions on what type of costume to get for her, but this had exceeded his expectations.

The red satin flapper dress fitted Liz to a tee. As did the red satin elbow length gloves she wore. The dress's shoulder straps complimented her upper body perfectly; while the rows of flirty fringes ending at her knees, seemed to maker legs go on forever. Red nylons and black heeled pumps added to this allusion. At least to Max's way of thinking. Though it wasn't until he met her eyes that he noticed her hair for the first time. It was parted in the center and hung in finger waves. Though, it was kept mostly still by a sequined trimmed head ban with a feather on the side.

To Max, she looked like the perfect 30's gangster's girl. Or moll as they were called in those days. He watched as she shifted nervously from one foot to another.

"Excuse me," he said to the crowd surrounding him before making his way towards her.

"What's a nice broad like you doing in a place like this?" Max asked in perfect gangster lingual as he stopped in front of her.

"Ha, ha," Liz said in ill humor. "I suppose all this was your idea," she made reference to her costume and his.

"What can I say? I'm a fan of 30's gangsters," Max smiled. Liz looked even better up close. He wondered if the red lipstick she wore was as kissable as it looked. If he was lucky maybe he'd find out before the night was over.

"Shall I escort you to a table?" Max held out his arm in gentlemanly fashion.

"Why not?" Liz said grudging putting her arm through his.

Max escorted her to a table on the far side of the room. It was somewhat excluded from the rest, though still offered a great view. Liz noticed the reserved card and raised her eyebrows at Max.

"Your table I presume?"

Max merely nodded as he pulled out her chair for her.

"Ok, let me see if I can get my history straight," Liz began as soon as Max was seated. "If you're a gangster and I'm a gangster's moll," she grimaced at the expression. "And, I'm in all red. Well mostly," she alluded to her shoes. "That makes you John Dillinger and me the lady in red."

"Nice to see you know your history," Max grinned.

Liz had to admit he looked the part. The pinstriped suit he wore looked custom made. As did his black silk shirt and white silk tie. He sported a black and white fedora hat that looked great on him. It also matched the black and white spats on his feet. The entire effect was in a word, sexy. Though Liz knew better than to go there.

"So how'd you pull all this off?" Liz made a sweeping gesture with her hand.

"Ah, that. Let's just say I called in a couple of favors."

"You have that much pull at this school that you can organize a last minute Halloween party? In the Hurston Hall's ballroom at that?" Liz asked skeptically.

"It's like this," Max leaned forward as if he were about to disclose confidential information. "When I made the suggestion to the Dean, I just pointed out a few key advantages. Namely, no one has to drive home drunk. Once I underlined the impossibility of stopping college student from drinking, an on campus party seemed the safest bet. It was a cake walk from there," Max shrugged smoothly.

"You smooth talker you," Liz said flippantly.

"I try," Max grinned.

"It wasn't a compliment," Liz said tartly. She looked around expectantly. "So where are the chaperones?"

Max flashed a guilty smile. "Well…Charlie was supposed to be here but I convinced him I could handle it."

Liz stared at him suspiciously.

"I think I'll go get us something to drink," Max drawled. He was determined not to get into a debate with Liz tonight.

-

Several hours later, Liz leaned back in her chair feeling twenty percent mellower. Maybe it had something do with the drink Max had brought her earlier. Or, it could be the two, or was it three, drinks that followed it. She wasn't to clear on that part anymore. She did remember getting one for herself. It had been inside a hollowed pumpkin. God only knew what that orange concoction had been. At least she'd had the foresight to snack on a few finger sandwiches and cheese crackers.

Liz was far from being hammered. She was however feeling a buzz. She was also a little disappointed that she and Max hadn't won for best costume. Some fake blonde Marilyn Monroe and president Kennedy had took it. She hoped they enjoyed their expensive Italian dinner next week. Nope. She really didn't.

"Having fun yet," Maria asked with a grin. She and Michael were sitting at the table with Liz. Max had vacated his seat a few minutes earlier to talk to the DJ.

"Getting there," Liz said with a smile.

"I'll bet," Maria quipped. Before she could make another comment, Max stood in the center of the room and called for everyone to be quiet.

"Now that I have everyone's attention, we're going to play a little game," he smiled wickedly. I need six participates. Three couples to be exact. Any volunteers?"

Nearly thirty people raised their hands. Michael and Maria included. Liz watched as Max played god picking and choosing who he wanted in the game. Of course Michael and Maria were chosen. As well as Claire and Steve from the debate team. Liz must have misheard when he called her name. But then he said it again.

"And Liz and I will make up the final couple."

I am so going to kill you for this. Liz eyes said to Max as she made her way towards the other couples in the center of the room. Whatever buzz she was feeling quickly deserted her.

"Now that we have everyone here," Max announced in a grandiose manner. This is your mission should you choose to accept it. In my hand I hold a bag of alphabet letters. One person from each couple must pick a letter from the bag. Whatever the letter is, that same person has to kiss a part of their partner's anatomy beginning with said letter. Hence the name Alphabet Kiss. After all three couples have gone; we will then switch the partner who chooses the letter the next time. We'll switch back and forth until all letters have been exhausted. The letters go all the way to Z. So be creative people. Be very creative," Max said suggestively. "But if either partner punks out, the couple is eliminated. If the couple cannot come up with a corresponding body part to fit the letter, they are eliminated. The last couple standing wins a prize. Any questions before we begin? No. Then let's line up. Oh, yeah, I need a volunteer from the audience be the bag holder, please."

"I'll do it Max," said the breathy Marilyn Monroe look-alike.

"Thanks, Jenna" Max threw her a careless smile. "We'll be working from north to south, so begin with Claire and Steve."

"Anything for you Max," Jenna pranced away.

"I bet you think you're a real comedian," Liz whispered furiously to Max.

"Chill, out, it's just a game," Max mocked. "But if you're too much of a wuss to play, go right ahead and bow out."

Liz glared at him furiously before turning her attention to the beginning of the line.

"Ready when you are Max," Jenna announced.

He gave her a nod of consent.

Claire and Steve had already decided who would pick the letter first round, as Claire dug into the brown bag and pulled out a letter.

"E" she announced, holding it up for everyone to see. With that said, she lent forward and began to nibble on Steve's ear.

The reaction was immediate. The party goers sitting in the audience began to hoot, holler, and clap. Claire was putting her all into the task and Steve loved every minute of it. Two minutes into the kiss, Max called for a time out

"Ok, folks, we have to set a time limit here. Let's make the kiss's one minute."

The next couple was Michael and Maria. Maria chose of course, pulling out a "C". With little to no hesitation, she unfastened the top three buttons of Michael's psychedelic shirt and fastened her lips onto his chest. He grunted once and closed his eyes behind his brown tinted shades. The crowd went wild. After a minute was up, Jenna called time and moved on to the next couple.

The air in the room had taken on a sauna like quality. At least to Liz. Maybe Max too. Liz noticed how his amber colored eyes seemed to glow. It could have had something to do with her and Max being next in line.

Jenna held the bag out while shooting Liz a resentful glare. Max was the one to choose the letter. He held up the letter for everyone to see. It was an "N". Motioning Liz closer with the crook of his finger, Max lowered his lips to her exposed, vulnerable, neck.

Heat roared through Liz's body instantly and she closed her eyes. She fought back a moan when she felt his tongue taste her skin. When the nibbling bites begin she thought her legs would give out on her. Max must have read her mind for he wrapped his arms around her waist. In the back of her mind she heard this annoying little voice. She chose to ignore. It only got louder.

"I said time," Jenna practically growled.

"Sorry. I didn't hear you," Max grinned as he released Liz from his grasp.

Liz opened her eyes to a silent room. No one was clapping or laughing. They were to busy fanning themselves and taking sips from a cool drink. Her face turned as red as the lipstick she was wearing. Max laughed.

Several minutes went by as the game continued on. Steve and Claire bowed out after he pulled a "V" from the bag. Michael and Maria were still going strong after pulling first an "A" which they used for arm, and an "L" which they used for lips.

Liz had been equally as fortunate in her letter. She pulled an "F", which she used for forehead. It wasn't sexy but it kept her in the game. A game that she was starting to enjoy. She'd always been competitive. So of course she wanted to win. When Max pulled a "B" Liz knew their luck had run out. Cause there was just no way—

Max smiled evilly as he trailed a finger from Liz's collar bone to chest. When he had nearly reached his destination; he spun her around suddenly and laid a gentle kiss on her exposed back. She froze in shocked surprise. This didn't hindered Max one bit. He loved being able to surprise her. When the minute was up he spun her back around to see her expression.

She kept her eyes lowered.

The crowd went wild cheering at Max's ingenuity.

Max and Liz won after the next round. It was Michael who had bowed out. He just couldn't come up with a body part for the letter "O".

Liz grinned in triumph.

"Congratulations," Maria said being a good sport about it. "So what did you guys win?"

"Since it's nearly 2am," Max said loud enough to be heard by everyone. "That would be the last dance of the evening. But I'll make you a deal. Everyone can dance as long as I still get to choose the song. Sound fair to everyone?"

There was a resounding yes throughout the room.

"Excuse me partner," Max smiled at Liz. "I need to give the DJ my song selection."

"Some time tomorrow girlfriend, we must talk," Maria whispered to Liz before Michael led her onto the dance floor. They were quickly joined by several other couples.

Liz stood there glowing. The night had turned out to be really fun. She'd let her hair down a bit and nothing bad had happened.

"May I have this dance?" Max asked as he approached her.

Liz gave regal nod and they joined the other couples on the floor.

As she and Max swayed in tune with the music she allowed the lyrics to wash over her. More than that she allowed them to sink in.

Wishin' on a shooting star

The dreams alone won't get you far

Can't deny your feeling anymore

The world is waitin' right outside your door

What are you waiting for?

C'mon on here's your chance

Don't let slip right through your hands

Are you ready for the ride of your life?

Your dreams are riding on the wind

Just reach out and pull them in

Get ready for the ride of your life?

Your on your way no lookin' back

And there's no future livin' in the past

And you're free at last

You're free at last

C'mon on here's your chance

Don't let it slip right through your hands

Are you ready for the ride of your life?

Your dreams are riding on the wind

Just reach out and pull them in

Get ready for the ride of your life?

A/N: Hope the chapter was fun. I really tried. However, I still wanted it to remain serious at its core. And the answer is no. This will not be another song filled fic. This was a one off. I guess I needed it to show a shift in Liz's perspective. She still has to deal with her issues though. Her outlook will just be slightlymore positive now. Btw, please forgive any missed grammatical errors. This damn chapter took up nine pages!