Just a little something for you, uneang1. It's nothing much, but this is a little present for you. I think you told me your birthday is Saturday. Hope you like it. Happy early birthday and happy Halloween. :) Also, thanks for ProfR for the idea you mentioned to me. It's in here. :)

Abbie couldn't believe she was doing this, but Jenny dared her to do it. She didn't want to. However, she wouldn't be a coward and pass up a dare. So, she stood outside the haunted maze with Crane. Jenny and Joe already entered. If she had to go through this maze, Crane had to go with her.

"Leftenant, why must I accompany you in this haunted maze?"

"For reasons, Crane." she stepped closer to him as she heard someone scream.

"Are you frightened, Miss Mills?"

She distanced herself from Crane. "No. I don't like haunted houses, but I'm not that scared. Unlike at Fredrick's Manor and the ones we fight everyday, these demons aren't real. What do I have to be afraid of?"

Another scream came from inside the maze and some kind of roaring sound; Abbie jumped. She took a deep breathe. She could do this. It only lasted thirty minutes, if you didn't get lost.

Crane turned her to him by her shoulders. "You don't have to be so brave, Abbie."

"I'm not that scared. Are you scared?"

He nodded his head. "I terrified. These creatures aren't real, but special effects, costumes, and makeup can make one's fears come to life and think otherwise."

"I'll be fine. I'll be afraid, but I'll be fine. I've fought monster before. No biggie."

Crane gave her small smile. He stepped closer to her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. She was against his chest. Her arms wrapped around his waist.

"Why are you hugging me?"

"We hug it out, remember? You need it."

She squeezed him tighter. He kissed the top of her. After they let each other go, they stood in front of the entrance. They heard more screams, demonic noises. There was even banging, clashing, slamming, skittering. Abbie closed her eyes.

He put his forehead on her temple. "I'm right here, Grace."

His breathe was soft; her eyes went wide. He's only ever called her Grace when he used her full name. Never this. He removed his forehead, entwined their fingers. They stared at each other, then faced forward. As they walked into the maze, Abbie thought about the way his breathe coated her skin, how her name swept off his lips and flitted into her ear.