Chapter 38

"I'm telling you, the Bronze Age could kick the iron ages ass."

"And I'm telling you, you're delusional as ever."

Well this is a good way to end the last week of October. Time really flies when you're having fun. So much fun that it could kill me at any moment of my life at this point, it's not as bad as it sounds I assure you.

It's almost November which means today is Halloween.

For many years it has been one of my least favorite holidays due to many people being outside my window. Even to the point that our apartment got egged a few years back.

Long story short, Maurice almost went to jail for what he did to the people responsible. And I don't blame him, they got what they deserved in the end.

But this year will be different, this year I've come with a plan. Even though I'm a bit old to trick or treat, you're never too old to dress up in costume.

And the best part is, all of my friends will be joining me for a leisurely stroll around the town tonight. That includes Martin, it just wouldn't be a party without him at this point.

"How could you be saying that? Bronze has affected the world more than Iron ever will. If not for Bronze, modern agriculture may not exist."

"But Iron is the stronger than Bronze by far, is that not self evident?"

Martin won't admit that I'm right on this. I mean seriously, being an alloy, Bronze automatically has the advantage over a pure metal like iron. This argument is probably one of the dumbest ones of my career, but it's a matter that I cannot let down so simply.

It's a matter of principle, I'm sure everyone who knows this debate understands. Hopefully I can win, but my opponent is a hard one to take down.

Already I can see the lightening forming between us from our heated debate. I think at this point it's starting to turn sour. Maybe debating with Martin wasn't the best idea.

Footsteps can be heard behind us, immediately both of our heads turn to see who it is. To our surprise it's Vert coming to join the party.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything important but…"

"You're not, I was just about to leave as a matter of fact."

Martin closes his eyes and walks away from the two of us. It's kind of weird being alone with Vert, I haven't really gotten to chill with her that much in the months that I've known her.

"Anyway, now that Martin is gone, I can skip the part where I ask him to leave for a moment. In short, I would like to talk to you."

I might not like where this is going but I'm going to hear her out… for now.

"If I may ask, what is it you need to talk to me about?"

"Typical High School gossip."

Figures that it would be that, the worst part is I don't want to partake in any of it. But on the other hand, it can be rather fun.

"Alright, what have you got?"

"Well… it's about our friend Martin. I believe that he has a secret admirer."

My eyes open up a little bit more in response. Now I'm a bit more curious as to find out what Vert knows. Now I'm beginning to understand why this gossip thing is so popular.

"Go on… who is it?"

"I believe Noire has a crush on Martin."

Now she's really got my attention, this is something that's worth hearing. But to be honest, I always had the sneaking suspicion that she liked him. It's too early to say though, I'd like to hear what Vert has to say.

"How… did you come to this conclusion?"

Vert's smile beams at me before she explains her irrefutable logic that won't be able to comprehend in the slightest. That's basically how everything else works around here.

"It's just… in the way she looks at him. And call it a females intuition."

See? I told you it would some irrefutable logic that I couldn't comprehend. Women are the greatest mystery in life to all men.

In fact, I learned an important lesson from Maurice. "Don't try to understand women… women understand women and they hate each other."

Probably the greatest piece of advice that my older brother gave me. No matter what anyone else says, he's one the most influential parts of my life. And that ladies and gentlemen is why I was single for many years.

"I can see why she likes him. He's rather attractive if I do say so myself."

Vert smiles and blushes with her eyes closed. She raises her arms up and places her hands on her cheeks. She looks exactly the way I picture myself when I think of Nepgear.

"Ok then… I think I'm going to go now. Class is about to start probably."

"I believe you're right. Being the last class of the day we won't see each other until this evening. So I bid you farewell."

Vert turns to leave giving me a wave before moving her feet. She goes one way, and I go the other.

Even as we separate, her words are echoing in the back of my mind. That Noire, our resident tsundere might actually have a crush on someone, as well as Vert.

But it's none of my business, for now I'll just let things play out the way destiny wants it. Who am I to argue with the universes will?

Well, I guess all I'll do for the rest of the day is wait until tonight. After all, it's Halloween night, and I have an inkling that tonight will be filled with fun and adventure.

The clock strikes six as I sit in my room. It's felt like an eternity waiting for this time to arrive. To make an already short story even shorter, most of the Halloweens in my life have been filled with loneliness.

This year it will be different, this year I'm going to go about town dressed as someone, or something that I'm not.

It's the one day of the year that I can hide from the person that I am. For once, I can be who I never had and never will have a chance to be.

"Alright, it's almost time to meet up with the rest of the gang."

Adorning the final part of my costume, I leave my room and head off to the living room of the complex.

Maurice takes one look at me before bursting into laughter. Is my costume really that funny? If anything, I think what I'm wearing is rather upstanding.

"Hahaha, you look like an even more queer Edward Cullen!"

"Please leave my sexuality out of this. Anyway, I'm going out with my friends for a little."

Maurice starts to hold back his laughter in attempts to not make anymore jokes. Sometimes I question why I ever listen to him but then I realize he's the only family I have left.

I wave him off and get through the door as fast as I can. As soon as the door closes I can hear my older brother send off another huge wave of unwanted laughter.

"That was uglier than I would've liked it to be."

Sigh, it can't be helped, but I really should meet my friends clad in lilac first. Going across the street, I stand in front of the Nep sisters apartment door.

Before I get a chance to knock on the door, it flies open with speed so fast that it actually scared me.

"Ah!"

After calming down, I notice Neptune is the one who opened the door so suddenly. I should've known that she'd be the one who'd do that to me.

Looking at Neptune without my blurred vision, I can see that she's in her costume as well.

All I can say is this… it's not Christmas Neptune. You guessed it, she's dressed like Santa Clause.

Wearing the traditional Santa hat with main part of her costume being in the same style as her usual hoodie dress. Except the bottom goes out more and there are three white puff ball buttons going down it. As well as the costume having detached sleeves which is unlike her usual attire.

"Ptf… Ptf… hahahahaha.!"

Sigh, "What's so funny Neptune?" A rhetorical question more than likely.

"It's just haha… your costume is… really funny!" Neptune goes off into her laughing fit again. Is my costume really that funny to look at?

Nepgear walks up behind her older sister and stands there. Maybe she'll know what I've dressed up as for tonight.

"Oh, hello Jack… Ah, you're the phantom of the Opera aren't you?"

Looking at Nepgear she's also in a costume for the holiday. If I'd have to guess, I'd say she's dressed like a robot. Her torso is covered by a box with aluminum foil to give the metallic shine. The sleeves of her costume are a grey long sleeved shirt with silver bracelets around her wrists. And finally, she's wearing a headband that has a little antenna going off the side of it.

"At least someone knows what I am."

Neptune looks at the ground while making her eyes roll up to still look at me. I can see a sheepish grin forming on her face. Tonight's going to a night I won't forget soon, this just adds another nail to the coffin.

"Come on gang" Neptune perks her head back up. "Let's go meet the rest of our crew."

Seeing as I'm not going to get a choice in this matter, as well as that was the plan anyway. Nepgear and I follow Neptune to head into the main part of town.

"Huh?" Nepgear's hand grasps onto mine with a grip that tells "I love you."

Turning my head to see Nepgear, she smiles at me. Again with that smile of hers, every time I see it, it feels like one of cupid's arrows pierced my heart minus all the real pain that would cause.

I can feel my cheeks being stained with red. A feeling I'm still not used to even at this point surges through me again. She's like a hit of meth, and I'm addicted to it.

*Kiss*

I give a quick peck on Nepgear's cheek. A little bit of blushing occurs on her part but overall, her smile grows and beams at me.

I can feel my heart beating through my chest. I hope I don't pull a Katawa Shoujo and find out I have arrhythmia. Then I wouldn't be able to feel this feeling.

For the first time in my life, I can finally say that I love a robot more than any other person.

After about five minutes of walking we reach the yard of the courthouse. All of our other friends are waiting there, and look to be a little impatient about our arrival.

While we're walking I'll try to explain their costumes.

Vert is the first costume I see clearly. Her hair is tied up in a ponytail with a lily looking hair clip being on its side. On her back I can see translucent wings, probably one that a fairy would have. She's wearing a double layered skirt, the top ones color being pink while the bottom one is green. And her top… looks to be armor of sorts only covering the front of her voluptuous breasts, exposing the tops of them like she wants people to know how "well endowed" she is. The armor also doesn't cover her abdomen or her back, leaving much to the imagination.

"Hey Vert… what are you supposed to be?"

"I'm glad you asked dear, I am Titania, queen of the fairies."

That makes a lot of sense, I can't believe that I didn't guess that at first.

Anyway, moving on to my favorite twins in the world. Their costumes appear to be the same in design, but the main color of each of them are opposite. Both of them are wearing robes, Rom's being white while Ram's are purple. The detailing on Rom's are red while Ram's details are black. Both have a red ribbon on their chests with a bell in the center. And to top it all off, each of them has a wizard/witch style hat on that follows the same color patterns as their main costumes.

"I'm actually not sure about your costumes."

"Duh, we're obviously an adorable version of White Mage and Black Mage."

"Are we… cute?"

Well… I won't deny that they have that certain "spunk" to their costumes. So in short, I'll admit that they make the outfits look cuter than they already were.

Turning a little more, the person in my line of fire is Noire… who sadly isn't wearing a costume. I thought she of all people would at least put on some accessory like cat ears. I mean, that's what Uni did anyway.

"Noire… interesting costume you have on."

"W-well… Halloween is something for little kids. I'm obviously too old for this kind of thing." She'll come around eventually, maybe one day all of us will larp. Wait… that won't work, I don't think Noire has any cosplay or larping outfits.

At least Uni made an attempt to dress up. Even though the only bit of a costume she has on is a cat ears headband. I can only speculate what the meaning behind this costume is.

"I… um… I just wanted to join along because it wouldn't be the same without me. An- and… I'd be silly if I was the only one without a costume."

Ok, I can kind of see that, even if it's a total lie there is still some truth behind what she says.

The last of my girl friends is Blanc, who isn't wearing a costume either. Way to take the fun out of the holiday Blanc. Same goes to you as well Noire, way to take the fun away.

"I'd rather be at home reading tonight, so you'll be taking Rom and Ram trick or treating. Do I make myself clear?"

A chill runs down my spine as Blanc's icy cold eyes peer into my soul. I would've done that anyway if she'd just ask rather than demand. Still though, it's just part of that Blanc charm of hers.

Clearing my throat I speak softly to Blanc. "Ok… you've got it."

Blanc smiles at me before speaking. "Good… I'm going home now."

And with that, Blanc begins walking back to her house. It's a shame, I really would've liked for her to be here tonight. Oh well, at least I have Nepgear by my side.

Lastly Martin stands with them. Unlike Noire and Blanc, Martin is actually wearing a costume tonight even though he's a serious type of person much like they are.

He wears a brown overcoat complete with a hat atop his head. He also holds a pipe in one hand while stroking his chin with the other. A simple costume yes, but a very complex character he is. Martin is going as none other, than Sherlock Holmes.

"You know, I actually know what you are."

"I'm glad, I'd say the only person here who'd have trouble know would be our dear Neptune over there."

Neptune perks her head up in surprise. I'm surprised that she didn't see that coming, after all, she is the butt of many jokes between us. Mainly Noire, who loves to poke fun at Neptune. Even to the point it can be a little malicious.

"Th- That's it… I'm going home."

Noire turns the other direction and starts walking back to her house in the same manner that Blanc did. Now the universe is just taunting me, two of my friends down for the count tonight already.

"Aw, come back Noire!" Neptune yells out, but Noire doesn't answer her back.

Looking back at what we have left, I'd say we should split up into groups for now so I can take the young ones trick or treating then regroup with everyone else. Of course Nepgear will be by my side as well.

"Way ahead of you buddy, let's split up."

How does she always do that? I know its Neptune we're talking about but it's impossible to read someone's mind. Except if you're Martin, who can read facial hints.

But enough of that, it's Halloween and there's an entire night of adventure ahead of all of us.

A/N: I'm going to have to apologize for this already delayed chapter. It was supposed to come out a few days ago but thanks to the snow, my internet has been down.

Look on the bright side, when it comes back up, we may get two chapters in one day. In the meantime, reviews are always encouraged, and follows/ favorites are really sweet.

For now though, stay inside and stay warm if you have snow fall that causes you to miss a week of school. Until then, see you in the next update.