Author note:

Just a quick bit of early Halloween fluff now that it's October. I hope this makes you smile.

CH 23-Beauty and the Beast

Emma was upstairs trying to pin the small, glittery tiara into her daughter's hair while simultaneously comforting a sniffling AJ. Tonight, was Beggar's Night and Quinn had been talking about it and her costume for weeks. The four-year-old was currently obsessed with princesses and wavered daily over her final choice. Finally, when they were in the store, she narrowed it down between Moana and Belle. But when she saw that the Belle dress came with a tiara, that put it over the top. AJ was still a bit too young to join in on the fun.

The plan was for Clay to take Quinn out while Emma stayed home with AJ and handed out candy to the neighborhood children. She even purchased an adult-sized "Beast" costume for him when Quinn insisted that Daddy needed to dress up too. But Bravo had gotten spun up at the beginning of the week and no one had any idea when they would return. Quinn was understandably upset. Jason came to the rescue by volunteering to stand in for Clay and be his grand-daughter's prince, taking her around to gather her treats. He even agreed to wear the ill-fitting costume when he saw Quinn's watery eyes and wobbling chin.

"Quinn, please hold still. I'm almost done. I just need a couple more pins in this and then we can go down and wait for Grandpa."

The excited child ceased her hopping from one foot to the other, but still trembled with anticipation. As Emma pushed the final fastener into the curly, blonde locks they heard the front door open and close.

"That must be your grandpa," she informed her daughter. "We're up here Dad."

They both heard steps coming up the stairs. But as they turned around, it wasn't Jason that hovered in the doorway.

"Daddy!"

Quinn went flying into her father's arms. Clay bent to catch her.

"Hey. Here's my girl!"

He kissed her cheek and sat her back on her feet.

"I'm sorry. I meant to say, 'Your Highness.'"

He bent at the waist and bowed with a flourish. Quinn giggled and attempted a courtesy.

Meanwhile, Emma fetched AJ from his spot on their bed and went to greet her husband. As he gathered her and their son into his arms, she could feel his exhaustion.

"Are you okay?"

"Yea, I'm fine. It's been a long few days."

Their daughter was already fluttering about the room chattering on about how now Daddy could take her trick or treating.

"Quinn…I think that we should still let Grandpa take you."

"Why? Daddy's home now. He can be Beast."

She knelt down in order to be eye level with the four-year-old.

"Honey, Daddy's back. But he's really tired from fighting the bad guys. I think it would be better if we let him rest some."

As the small lip started to quiver, Clay interrupted.

"No…no, Em. I want to. And Quinn's right. She's my princess and I want to be the one to go with her."

She stood back up and laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Are you sure? She'll have just as much fun if she goes with Dad."

"She might…but I won't."

Emma looked at him skeptically.

"I have to miss too much already. I'm not gonna miss this just because I'm a little tired."

She wound and arm around his neck and pulled his face to hers for a tender kiss. Then, when they broke apart, she leaned into his chest as he continued to hold her.

"I can't say that Dad will be too sorry to not have to wear that costume."

He chuckled ruefully.

As they stood there, watching their daughter dancing with glee, they heard a knock on the door.

"That must be Dad. I'll go tell him about the change in plans."

Clay took AJ from her arms and followed more slowly downstairs, Quinn tumbling down behind him. Before any of the adults could speak, the little girl piped up.

"Grampa, Grampa! See my dress!"

She twirled and twirled until she was almost dizzy. Jason reached out a hand to steady her.

"Whoa there, pumpkin."

"Hi Dad. Thanks for coming over. Clay just got home, so he's going to take Quinn out tonight."

The older man nodded at the two of them.

"Good to see you back. You sure you're up for this," he questioned as he handed Clay the costume, still on its hanger.

"Yea. I'm good. Thanks, Jace."

Emma took the sleeping AJ from him, and he turned to go up and change.

"Sorry you had to make the trip over."

"It's no problem, Em. I wanted to see Quinn in her costume anyway. How's this lil guy doing?"

"He's okay. But I think he might have a little cold."

"Mooommmy," Quinn wailed, holding up a bow that had fallen off one of her sparkly shoes.

Jason held out his arms for his grandson and nodded toward Quinn.

"How's about I take this one and you can figure that out?"

She gratefully surrendered the little one and went to see to Quinn. Just after she glued the decoration back on the small shoe and helped her daughter buckle it back on, Clay made his way downstairs. Jason snickered at his appearance. Even Emma bit her lip and tried not to laugh.

"You look very…very regal," she stepped over to meet him and smoothed her hands across the gold embellishments on the shoulders of the blue jacket. Both that and the frilly, white shirt were a bit tight across his muscular chest and arms. He'd substituted his own black dress pants to complete the ensemble. He even switched out of his comfortable boots for his dress shoes.

"What do you think, Quinn?"

"Ooooh, Daddy! You look like him."

"I do?"

"Yea," she giggled. "You're kinda furry like the Beast."

Clay knew his hair and beard needed a trim, but he hadn't found the time between training and Ops to get it done. He roughed up his curls and his whiskers and then held up his hands like paws and let out a growl. Quinn squealed with laughter as he took a step toward her.

"All right, all right you two. Settle down so I can get a couple pictures before you head out."

Clay tried to get his hair back in some sort of order before picking up Quinn and posing for some photos. Jason watched the proceedings and leaned over Emma's shoulder as she snapped a few pictures.

"Send me those, will ya, Em?"

Just as Clay set Quinn down, their doorbell rang. Emma took care of trick or treaters and shut the door.

"You two better get a move on. Quinn, where's your bag?"

While their daughter darted back up to her room to retrieve her Halloween bag, Emma checked in again with Clay.

"You know you only have to take her to a few houses. She'll have her experience and you will be able to come home and rest. She doesn't need all that candy anyway."

"That wouldn't be fair to her."

"Well, don't wear yourself out."

Quinn trotted back down the steps, pumpkin bag in hand.

"We'll be fine. Won't we, Quinnie?"

She looked at her father's smiling expression and nodded in agreement. Emma stood at the door, watching them leave. Her heart almost burst as she watched them head down the sidewalk hand in hand.

As they approached the first house, Clay hung back and waited for Quinn to ring the doorbell. She walked up to the door, stopped, and then turned to look back at her father. Clay could see she was feeling nervous.

"Do you want me to help you with this first one, honey?"

Quinn bit her lip and nodded.

"Okay. But you know there's nothing to be afraid of. You know our neighbor, Mrs. Thornton."

After he rang the bell, the door opened and their neighbor stood there, waiting for Quinn to give the traditional request. When the little girl remained silent, Clay prompted her.

"What do we say, Quinn? Trick or…"

"Treat," she finished.

The older woman smiled at the pair fondly.

"Well hello Quinn. You look just like a princess."

Quinn beamed her pleasure.

"I'm Belle."

"Oh, I can see that now. Who is your Daddy dressed as?"

"He's the Beast."

"So, he is. Did you want some candy?"

"Yes," she thrust her bag out in front of her. "Trick or treat."

Mrs. Thornton placed some chocolates in her bag. Quinn turned to leave, looking down at the colorful wrappers in her bag.

"What do you say, Quinn?"

"Sorry. Thank you Miz Thornton."

"You're welcome. You two have fun now."

Quinn was already retreating down the walk so Clay lifted his hand to wave goodbye and followed his daughter. They followed a group of kids to the next house. They waited their turn and approached the open door. When his daughter didn't speak, Clay laid on reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Quinn?"

"Trick or treat," came out in a squeaky voice.

The kind gentleman smiled as he place a lollipop in her bag.

"Thank you," she offered on her own.

"Good job, honey."

House by house, Quinn lost some of her trepidation. She still wanted her daddy by her side as she stood at each door. But she no longer needed his prompting to offer the expected request for treats. He was proud to see her conquering her fears.

They got to the cul-de-sac at the end of their street. Clay noticed that instead of walking to each house, the mothers had gathered at the end of the circle in their lawn chairs, handing out candy. Clay recognized a few faces from walks around the neighborhood and trips to the local park. Quinn bustled right up without his prompting and proudly stated, "Trick or Treat." She went down the line of chairs collecting her candy. The moms began to gush over her costume.

"What a pretty Belle you are."

"Thanks. My Daddy is Beast."

Clay, who had been hanging back, letting Quinn assert her independence, stepped forward.

"Ladies," he nodded his head in greeting.

Hardly any of them spoke as they took in his appearance. But the comments started to fly fast and furious between theme once Clay took Quinn's hand and started back down the street.

"That's a beast alright…a sexy Beast."

"He could hold me prisoner any day."

Thankfully, they were soon out of earshot, and he couldn't make out any more of their declarations. Quinn was completely enthralled by the decorations on the next house and was oblivious.

The pair went back down the street and stopped at the end. Clay's shoes were starting to pinch, and he would really like to hit the sack. He hadn't slept in almost 24 hours. But if his baby girl wanted to continue on, he wouldn't stop her fun. The joyful smile on her face was enough to keep him going. Following her lead, they turned the corner and Quinn hurried to the first house.

A few houses later, Quinn's steps were starting to slow, and Clay could see some of her enthusiasm waning. Perhaps they should call it a night. Sure enough, after about five more houses, Quinn was straggling along, candy bag hanging just above the sidewalk.

"Are you getting tired, Quinnie?"

She nodded her head soundlessly and reached out her arms to him. Clay scooped her up, candy and all, and set off for home. As he walked, he could feel her tiny body relaxing in his arms and her head loll back onto his shoulder. By the time they hit their driveway he was sure she was asleep.

Thankfully, Emma saw them coming and opened the door. She managed to take the bag from Quinn's grasp as Clay sat down carefully on the sofa. She saw him sigh in relief as he relaxed into the cushions and kicked off his shoes.

"How did she do," Emma whispered.

"Fine. She was a little shy at first, But I think getting the candy warmed her up."

He looked around and realized Jason was gone.

"Where's your dad?"

"After AJ went to sleep, he went on home."

"I'm sorry he came over for nothing."

"He said getting to see you in this outfit was payment enough."

"Perfect," he rolled his eyes. "I'm sure those pictures are already on their way to the guys."

Emma sat down carefully next to him and laid a hand on his arm.

"Hey, if Sonny gives you any crap you can remind him how he used to dress up for me…her mother."

"Good idea. That ought to remind him of how much older he is."

She giggled and pressed a kiss to his cheek. She sat for a moment, remembering those days so long ago.

"Well…let's get this little Beauty up to bed."

Clay didn't answer. She thought he might have fallen asleep there on the couch His eyes were closed, and his lips were open just a bit as puffs of breath escaped. His entire frame was relaxed, except the hold of his arms around his girl. He still held Quinn securely to him. Their daughter was cuddled into his broad chest, tiara still in place. The precious scene caused a lump to form in her throat.

She decided she would take Quinn up first and then come back and wake Clay. She leaned over to try and extricate her daughter from his hold to take her up to bed. Clay immediately stirred and tightened his embrace as his eyes fluttered open.

"Sorry. I was just trying to get Quinn to take her up to bed."

Sucking in a deep breath, he stood up, careful of his burden.

"I can take her, Em."

She didn't argue, only followed him up the steps. Clay waited for Emma to pull back the covers before laying his little girl down. Then, he slipped off her shoes as Emma worked the pins from her hair and removed the tiara. He pulled up the blankets and left a feather light kiss on her head before they turned on her night light and shut the door. Clay stuck his head in to check on AJ and then joined Emma in the hall.

Looking at him standing there in the dim light, exhausted, and still in that ridiculous costume, she couldn't help but wrap her arms around him. Clay responded and held her close.

"You made her night, you know. She's been looking forward to that for weeks."

"I'm so damn happy I could make it home in time to take her."

"You must be hungry. Do you wan…"

Her question was interrupted by a jaw-cracking yawn from Clay.

"You're worn out." She took his hand and tugged him toward their bedroom. "Let's get you to bed."

"Just a minute. I'm gonna go lock up."

"I can do that."

"I know. Still gonna go check everything."

He kissed her cheek before descending the stairs again. Whenever he was home, he went around turning off the lights and checked to make sure all the doors and windows were locked. It didn't matter how tired he was or what was going on, he needed to make sure his family was safe and secure.

Emma went in to get ready for bed. She changed and was washing her face when he joined her in their room. He took off the jacket and laid it on the chair next to the bed. Then he started on buttons of the shirt.

"Let me help."

Emma untied the frills at the collar and pulled the strip of fabric and lace off while Clay continued to free himself from the outrageous garment. They both laughed as he finally slipped off the sleeves and tossed it on the chair to join the gold-braided jacket.

"Hey, be happy she chose this. She almost went with Moana. Then you would have been parading around shirtless in a grass skirt."

"I guess I should be grateful for small favors."

"I mean, I'm sure that the cul-de-sac Moms and I would have enjoyed that."

He whipped his head up, eyes wide at her statement.

"How did you…"

"Suzanne from across the street was behind you with her boys. She texted me."

He shook his head and scrubbed a hand over his face as she grinned.

"Hey, you did it for Quinn. She's lucky to have you as her Daddy."

Clay dropped a kiss on her lips.

"I'm the lucky one, Babe."

He undid his pants and slid them down and off. Emma grabbed them and placed them in the hamper. When she returned, Clay laid down on the mattress with a groan. She pulled back the covers and then joined him. He automatically reached for her, and she snuggled up to him, laying her head on his chest. They were both quiet. Clay, finally starting to drift as the comfortable feeling of Emma in his arms relaxed him. Emma was lulled by the steady, strong thrum of his heartbeat. Grateful he was once again home and whole, she lifted her lips for a final, goodnight kiss. Looking at his serene features, she realized he was already asleep. She smiled and pressed a soft kiss to his scruffy cheek. Eternally thankful for her Prince Charming.