Monster Movie Mayhem

by DarcyBeDippy85

A Quogan Halloween Fic, While Logan is serving detention with most of the gang, he falls asleep and wakes up trapped in a classic black and white film. Where he and the rest of the gang are all classic monsters, and the only way he can get back to his world. Is if he finds his character the perfect match. Set during Senior Year at PCA, and everyone's along for the ride.

Hey There,

Hello fellow-Quogan enthusiasts! DarcyBeDippy85 Here with my second-ever Zoey 101 fanfic. You may or may not be familiar with my other tale called "The Collective Trials of a Quinnventor… and Logan." As I have been tirelessly working on writing that story, and planning to post on Thursday this week like normal! I also have had to stick to a very strict time frame in that story. And I will continue to do that till it reaches it's end. But that was sort of how this story came to be. October is my FAVORITE month outta the year, it is my birth month, and I am a little Halloween Obsessed... just a little (Christmas too, but that's another story for another day). Since the time frame I'm committed to never features a Halloween chance really. This story was born from those wondering and imaginings. And it finally sounds good enough to post after ages of drafting.

So this is a Halloween Tale, that is happening while Quogan is no longer keeping their relationship a secret. It's near the beginning of their Senior Year, they're both very much on their sleeve about things. And I think the group as a whole has had some time to adjust to that. Even if they might make a comment or two about it being weird. Which was very fun for me to explore as a writer who has kept so RELIGIOUSLY to episodes and missing moments from the series. But of course that is how things are only beginning in this story. I want the big questions all Seniors in high school face, when they have close friends, or even worse, when they're in love at that age. To also have a part in things.

I want to see these characters tackle some of those big questions while celebrating this Halloween. Even while the school year has just began, graduation is still a ways away and they're all still together. I want Logan particularly in this story to be dreaming and seamlessly transported to a world where he and the rest of the cast are classic monsters. All of his friends and classmates are classic universal monsters as well as some other Halloween cornerstones. It's through this crazy little journey(s) that Logan will ultimately realize where he stands in a lot of the big upcoming decisions. Whether they're his or his friend's decisions happening around him. I wrote this just to get these ideas down, but I liked them so much, I'll share them. Hoping it adds to your October too!

((AN: I feel like I must also warn anyone who is unfamiliar with my work. Or nervous about getting freaked out to not worry! My lovely readers, this will not be a horror story. I am not Stephen King or R.L. Stein here! Okay! I'm a creepy Halloween enthusiast, I will more likely make you laugh. I'm not intent on making anyone lose any sleep at night. Or running up their power bills because they had to leave their lights on. These are friendly ghosts and creepy happenings stacked between my wordiness and endless fluff schemes. Admittedly some of this stuff is from all of the darkest places in my mind… I had to dust the cobwebs off and brain fog. But aren't some of the most beautiful things, born from total darkness? This is just for fun and the spirit of my FAVORITE season. Okay? I'm not gonna scare anyone to death. I JUST LOVE HALLOWEEN… like Truly!))

Standard Disclaimers Apply - I don't own Zoey 101, Zoey 102, Nickelodeon, MTV or any of the other trademarked things mentioned. There are a TON of other Halloween references mentioned in this fic that I ALSO don't own! I am merely borrowing all of this stuff for my own sick amusement. Most will be returned unharmed… it's Halloween! We gotta have fun!

Dedicated to both my sis, for helping me (unknowingly) cast this whole thing and dream up some of it too. In so many of our conversations throughout the year. And my friend Rose-Aki for always encouraging me to keep going! And also helping me dream up some of these scenarios (just as unknowingly)! God bless you both! You're the best!

I hope you all enjoy it!

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"Monster Movie Mayhem"

Chapter One -Detention and Knockout Gas

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(Logan's Perspective)

This whole crazy thing started in my Science class today. It's October first, so I was talking to everyone about this being when I usually start having my classic movie nights. Like every year, we get control of the on-campus theaters. Then we get them to show Classic horror films and Halloween classics all season long. Hardcore stuff, for the horror freaks. Kiddie and Spooky Things for the Scaredy Cats (AN: like me!) and My FAVORITES the Universal Studios Monster CLASSIC films. In black and white! SO COOL!

But I'm a film buff raised in Hollywood, not everyone has that. So it was up to me to show everybody I could how cool these old guys were! Some people have even told me that they didn't know they liked these movies, till they experienced it on the big screen too. ALL month long, we do this to get everyone ready for Halloween night. Since I'm in charge of the Halloween party again this year. Everyone was asking if I was planning on sharing my Dad's Classic movie vault again. And I had been spreading the word far and wide about showtimes and which films we were starting with.

Which just so happened to be The Halloween series for the horror buffs, Addams Family and Addams Family Values for the scaredy cats. And for the Classics... Dracula, Wolf man, The Invisible Man, and Frankenstein! TONIGHT! It was a strong starter for the best HALLOWEEN I've EVER pulled off! And I couldn't pick which one I wanted to see. So I was leaving it up to my girlfriend to pick, which she would like to see when we got there. Even if I already suspected what she would pick... I'm getting to the point I know her too well, and my guesses are usually right too.

Those great black and white movies I've watched since I was a little kid. I never was really scared of any of those old movie monsters. Not like I'd gotten freaked out by the other Horror movies in Dad's Vault.

Those old monsters always kinda felt like old friends, when they show up every October. Or any other time of year, really. Halloween was always my FAVORITE holiday growing up though. Because all the other holidays… you had to depend too much on adults to get it right. But for Halloween, it didn't matter where you were, what you did, or how you celebrated. It was always fun and usually the BEST night of the year. Whether I got to be my Dad, grandparents, friends? Whether I was alone or part of BIG group. It was always a BLAST… And for me, that hasn't changed… even if a lot of other things around me have.

This is October of our SENIOR year at PCA. And I just know we should be living it up. Zoey and Chase aren't going anywhere this year and they've been dating since our Junior Prom. At the end of the last school year, that was how long it took them to get their acts together. Even though things didn't work out with James, he's still a pal. And James is dating one of Lola's theater rivals lately, this cool girl named Lydia Reynolds. Another senior, who's been hanging out with us lately, and like James, she fits right in. Like the missing ingredient we didn't know we needed.

Vince was still dating Lola, Michael was still dating Lisa, and Mark Del Figgalo keeps trying to date Stacey Dillsen. He's had an eye for her since he nearly killed her with Michael's car and she didn't sue. It made him realize that he has feelings for her... somehow. But Stacey isn't a fool, she knows his history of cheating, so she doesn't let him call her his girlfriend. She keeps telling him, 'She'll only date someone who takes her seriously and she knows won't cheat the second her back's turned.'… Good, for her. Mark keeps trying to prove he's a 'one-woman-man' now, and those days of running around are behind him... but Stacey is not easily convinced. It's been fun watching them both kinda fall for each other... even for me! I never would have cared about that before my own girlfriend straightened me out.

Most of that wouldn't have mattered to me, not so much. Not to be mean, but I just wouldn't have cared, before I fell in love myself. I mean, totally and completely in love too. With my girlfriend who has such a huge heart and she just cares about everyone so much. Which in case you're wondering, YES! I'm still dating Quinn Pensky. The girl genius and Quinnventor. Why would I ever let a girl like that slip through my fingers? I may not be as smart as she is, but I'm also not nearly that stupid.

We started dating secretly last February, a little after Valentine's Day (a missed opportunity I'm not letting pass this Valentine's Day… trust me, already planning some of that). We kept it guarded secret all the way up to our Junior Prom night. We'd even gotten dates with different people that night. But that was the first time I told her I loved her… it just happened to be shouted across the room at Prom.

Not only did we end up spending our whole summer together after that (mostly). But I've only managed to fall more in love with her since then. And I still haven't stopped telling her so since our Prom night. I can't imagine any of my plans without her, so the fact that we're both going to colleges on different ends of the continent… It's stuff I don't even want to think about yet. Not right now, while Senior year is still just kicking off… But these uncertainties do sneak up on me here or there and make me anxious. Even though it is just the first day of October.

But these BIGGER questions that are plaguing ALL seniors silently. TOOK over nearly ALL of our friends today. At the breakfast table, and wouldn't let up ALL day! And that wasn't on me! No! This was all Chase and Zoey's doing! More than anyone else, because Chase and Zoey couldn't STOP bickering and fighting throughout the day. EVEN when classes were in session, they were STILL at it! So that is how our whole group, [me included] is serving DETENTION… TOGETHER! Well, everyone who had been in that specific science lab with the same jerk teacher. Who just wanted us all to be punished, he's probably still single for a reason if you ask me.

It wasn't the first time I'd served detention, and I doubt it will be the last either. Like I said Senior Year is still very young and I love a good hijinks here or there! But it was the first time I've had to serve because of Chase being stupid… that was new. Usually if he's in trouble, it's because he did the right thing or nobel thing. He's usually always that guy, I wasn't used to him being this dumb. Or Zoey being stupider, because that was definitely a FACTOR today. You see, they've been arguing all day about where their relationship is going after high school ends.

Like that was even something to worry about right now! See? Stupid!

I know it's because Zoey had made some snide comment this morning about 'the long distance thing not working for them. When either of them had been in England last year. So it was likely they would break up before heading off to college.' Which had pissed Chase off because it wasn't entirely true. It broke his heart a little to hear the person he loves more than anything else on EARTH, be so negative and casual about breaking up. She'd said it with this smile too, like she was trying to make a joke out of it… But Chase wasn't laughing… neither was ANYONE else.

Chase had worked so hard to even start dating this girl. Zoey had been too careless if you ask me and it's STILL tearing Chase apart. Even now, HOURS later.

Chase had tried so hard to make it work with her and had really tried to keep in touch. Not only with Zoey when she was gone, but with all of us, when he was in England too! He'd even kept that up as he'd spent his summer in Hawaii with Zoey after that too (not that Zoey did the same). And he had been really good at it with everyone! Except Zoey, which wasn't on him, it was because Zoey just GAVE UP the minute Chase wasn't around and had started dating James. It was like that old saying, "outta sight, outta mind." Not that that was a bad thing, James is a great guy and is still a great friend. He would be here serving with us, if he'd been in our class period too.

If Zoey hadn't dated him, he may not have gotten as close with everyone…He's been a great part of our group too. But I couldn't even be mad at Chase for striking back, I couldn't blame him! You know? It had been Zoey who had sucked at communicating that entire time… both ways! Not Chase! Their fighting had opened up old wounds, hurt feelings, and got them both mad as hornets. And both, Zoey and Chase don't get mad like this often, at each other or anyone else. So it was like they didn't know when to quit. And even now as we're all stuck in this room together. You could cut the tension with a KNIFE!

Because their fighting had triggered arguing between ALL the other pairs in here too. (Thank GOD Quinn wasn't in this class period! I hope we would be too smart to join in. But I'm afraid to know if things had been different.) Michael was mad at Lisa, because she'd mentioned they may want to break up too. Before attending colleges on different coasts from each other. She was trying to be practical, and smart about things, but Michael was too hurt to see it that way. Same as Chase, really.

Lola was mad at Vince, because she planned to go to college and Vince wasn't… It wasn't that he couldn't afford it either. Vince's parents are loaded, but he really didn't want them in his life so much anymore. He wanted to break out on his own after PCA and he really wanted to train to be an EMT or Firefighter. Which is awesome! And he doesn't need a college degree for that, he's already signed up for this training at the end of last year. And he'd already started taking nightshifts at the local fire department. But Lola thought he was selling himself short, not planning for college like everyone else. She couldn't see that he was already chasing his dreams, authentically. Just because it wasn't exactly her ideal for him.

I felt like a hostage, here completely against my will! I was glad I wasn't fighting with anybody. But I was so bored with them all being at each other's throats!

Things didn't get any better when Mark and Stacey came in. They had booked some lab time to work on a project together. Here in this lab, where our detention session was happening. But I don't think they anticipated the lab being a screaming match between so many friends. So they were here too, but the difference is they could leave anytime they wanted to. And one glance told me that they had both been so uncomfortable, they probably considered it…

UNTIL! The PERFECT neutralizer came through the door and made me not even CARE about any of this other CRAP! Not any of it happening around me, because Quinn had booked her lab time here today too. For this classroom after regular classes had dismissed for the day. She was working on a project with Lydia and James similar to Mark and Stacey's Project (but BETTER! Not even trying, it had to be better!)… But just having her here… it was all I had needed to finally relax. Even as the rest of our friends were all at war with each other.

When she walked into the classroom, she jumped between our squabbling friends. She calmed it all down to a stony silence. She'd pushed her glasses back up to a more comfortable resting place on her nose, before telling me. "You could have given me a better warning about your detention sentence, babe. Your text claiming 'that Zoey and Chase were just being dumb' was a bit vague for World Wars three, four, and five I just got to ceasefire."

See! Why would I pass up getting closer to this genius? I played it cool anyway and shrugged at her, "Hey, I've been dealing with them arguing like this since breakfast this morning. My creativity is all used up."

But she'd cut her eyes at me, behind those glasses and flirted, "I highly doubt that."

Isn't she something? I let her know, "Hey now! That brand of creativity you're talking about never gives out. But it's just for you, I'm talking about my patience with these jerks." I flirted back.

But again, she got me, because she flirted better. "That's what I know." GOD! I love her! I love her wordplay and she just HAD to be wearing that lab coat trimmed in blue. One of the sexiest colors on her. It wasn't FAIR how hot she looked right now. Goggles on top of her head like a crown and big heat protective gloves pulled up to cover most of her arms and hands. All of the other girls wish they looked that hot in all of that protective gear.

Lola stood up from her seat and complained, "Stop it, you guys! With your carefree flirting! This concerns the both of you too. We're all fighting about our futures here. We're Seniors now! And our time here at PCA will end sooner than we realize. Our college and grown-up lives are all coming in a little fast! Aren't you two both considering schools on different sides of the map from each other too?"

And for once Lola was right, we both were accepted to colleges a good distance from one another. I would be going to filmmaker's school not terribly far from here, and Quinn was all set for M.I.T. one of her DREAM schools that had cut her the best genius deal. Letting her earn her bachelor's degree much quicker than the normal four-year situation. Even if it would be very hard getting to see her at ANY point during those shorter years. Quinn's a genius, I know that already. Now she's just gotta go out and convince the rest of the planet. I knew it wouldn't take long.

Of course, I was worried about that and we hadn't talked about it so much. Because I think we're both not looking forward to what that time will be like. But we didn't need to talk about it right now either. And get all fussy like our friends were being, when we could be having fun. But it didn't stop Quinn and me from exchanging a meaningful look.

Thank GOD James pointed out to Lola, "Sure, but it's not June yet, you know? Where we're all in our caps and gowns. This is the first DAY of OCTOBER! Aren't you all being a little oversensitive, and obtuse for something still several months away?"

Lydia, backed him, saying. "Yeah, I mean… we haven't even started the new year yet… Maybe you guys can relax a little-"

But Michael cut her off, "How can I relax when I know my girlfriend might dump me, anytime now? Just because she picked a school on the wrong coast."

Lisa said heatedly, "Oh! I picked the wrong coast? Really!? You know my real HOME is on THAT coast, Michael! So is YOURS!" And everybody around us started screaming again. As if on cue, while Quinn locked questioning eyes with me.

I put my hand out to Quinn and told her, "You tried, babe; and it was a very good try." I'd complimented, but I had to stop when her hand was in mine. She'd even slipped her hand out of her gloves so I could hold her real hand. I had to bend down and kiss the top of it, Still holding it in both of my hands. Then I finished telling her, "But they've been like this all DAY! They've been at each other's throats like this, you'd think they'd be all screamed out by now."

She'd used her other free hand to brush back my hair and sympathize, "That sounds awful."

I snaked my arms around her waist and pulled her closer, till she was in my lap as I told her "It has been." I closed my eyes when I could finally hold her. I could feel all of the surrounding fighting fading into the background. Like it was all far away, and Quinn closed her eyes too, even if she'd laughed so happily when I'd scooped her up so seamlessly. It was such a happy bubbly sound, and it took all the tension in my body away. I didn't hesitate to ask her, "Can I sit with you guys back there and… just get away from these guys."

"Sorry, but they won't let detention servers observe our work." Quinn knew somehow already. "Something about it not being punishment enough if I get people to have fun. Which I guess I end up doing when I feel bad for anyone stuck in detention."

Quinn wasn't the squeaky-clean example of a gifted genius. She had served her fair share of detentions for failed Quinnentions, experiments gone wrong, and battling the Sci-Club throughout her history at PCA. So it made sense for her to know how it felt and help anyone stuck here, feel better. She had such a HUGE heart… it was just one of the many things I love about her.

I told her, "Be thinking about which classic monster movie you want to see tonight. You promised to give the black and white ones a try."

"Only because you were so passionate about it." She reminded me before asking. "What are the options again? Refresh my memory?"

I reminded her, "Dracula, Wolf-man, the Invisible Man, and Frankenstein."

"Oh! Frankenstein, definitely!" She chose immediately.

"How did I know that would be the one you'd pick?" I smiled, I love being right. Especially when it's about my girlfriend.

She said, like she was setting me straight, "I didn't just pick it for the weighty science-based theme, smarty. I also picked it because I consider Frankenstein's creation to be a tragic character. When I had to read the book for English the creature's story even made me cry."

"Then why pick it? If it's gonna make you sad?" I had to know.

"I guess like Gene Wilder, whenever I watch it, I keep thinking about how I could have treated the creature better than Dr. Frankenstein did. That was how he came up with 'Young Frankenstein,' another classic in it's own right and he pitched the idea to Mel Brooks... I watch that every year at Halloween."

"You knew that? Before I could even tell you? And sound smart?" I said, probably sounding let down. But I was MAJORLY turned on by it. And I think Quinn noticed that, because her eyes did that sparkle thing they do behind her glasses.

When she explained, "I like that story so much better than the original. Because Gene's take on Dr. Frankenstein is totally how I would have done it too. You know, try to reach the creature with love, and teach him before he was on his own. That was really all he needed, all he wanted and his creator only wanted to kill him once he was alive. All of the other monsters just don't seem nearly as sweet or relatable."

"Leave it to you to look at a huge horrifying monster and think it was sweet." I shook my head at her. I couldn't resist, I stole a quick kiss from her. Like a starved person, just getting fed. Before she could climb out of my lap and grasp, even though I could feel her smiling and laughing into the kiss.

I was still holding both of her hands, insistently as she said, "I'd better go. I don't want to get you in any more trouble and this teacher kinda hates me." She'd just warned before the teacher came in and singled out Quinn, even if we were the only ones not fighting and actually being cute, right now. Yeah, this guy's totally single for a reason... that's bank.

Well, he actually told Quinn, "To leave the area where all the detention servers were being punished for their disruptions to his class." But I don't always choose to speak snob. Especially not for some biased teacher taking jabs at my baby, because she's smarter than he is.

Quinn listened, but when she'd pulled her hand out of my grip. She hadn't wanted to let go anymore than I did. But she did as she was told and walked to the left back corner. Where Lydia and James were waiting for her, already wearing heavy lab gear too. Mark and Stacey pretended to be working in the other back corner of the classroom. Because I know that they were watching what Quinn was doing. Almost as closely as I was.

The teacher had a few more people with him. Dustin, Zoey's little brother and two of his friends for blowing up a power outlet in the floor during class. Claiming they wanted to see if it really could shoot off a firework if you took apart a paperclip and wrapped it in a foil gum wrapper. As soon as Dustin got this whole story out. My girlfriend at the back of the class informed everyone. "Oh! It can, but it can also risk electrocution, loss of limbs, poking an eye out and you can impair your sense of smell and taste for a while with the slightest miscalculation. Not to mention it can totally destroy a perfectly functioning wall outlet."

I chuckled, even if it worried me a little she'd said that with a voice of experience. The teacher told her, "That's quite enough showing off, Miss Pensky. The outlet all charred and blackened in the center of the classroom is explanation enough. There's no need for your input or cheek on the matter. Mr. Reese, please turn and face the front, and stop making goo-goo eyes at your girlfriend. That kind of stuff can wait till after this session."

It wasn't till I turned around that I noticed the Sci-Club was also in this detention session. But they might as well have booked it for lab work like Quinn and company behind us. Because they had taken over two blacktopped lab tables full of chemistry hardware. All of their MAD looking science was linked together by a few very thin clear plastic tubes. And I was reminded of my girlfriend's thoughts on their brand of science. She was always claiming that they were more science fiction than actual fact. That real science was very different usually from their theories and methods. As I saw them all standing there without lab coats, gloves or anything besides the goggles over their eyes and clothespins clipped to their noses... Quinn didn't seem very far off.

When they've even managed to look this professional before (their work at least), she'd even said. "Oh sure! I can put kool-aid in a bunch of beakers and test tubes and bubble it around. IT doesn't MEAN it's actually SCIENCE!" And I had to keep my scoffing and laughing to myself. I knew without even looking back. She wasn't impressed at all, in fact she was probably more concerned for everyone else's safety. Right now, knowing her.

I have no idea what they were working on either. But something told me I didn't want to know. Quinn told her working partners behind me. "Guys? What did I tell you we we're to do as a precaution whenever the Sci-Club insists on working near us? For the entirety of the Month of October?"

James and Lydia both answered together, "Gas masks? Preparing for the end of the world."

I heard Quinn affirm, "Precisely!"

Since I was sitting near them enough, I tapped James before he masked up and asked. "Why is she getting you guys to wear those?"

James said, "Quinn got the tip-off that Sci-Club guys have been working on stink bombs and knock-out gases again. Trying to per-fect them for this Halloween, and since Quinn made such strongly negative comments about the imperfections of their bombs last year during the stink-bomb scares. She doesn't want to take any chances while they're working around us."

The teacher told Quinn "Those heavy-duty elephant masks had better be for you're lab work, Miss Pensky, Mr. Garrett, and Miss Reynolds."

Quinn said through the mask, "Yes Sir! I assure you that they are."

I spoke up and said, "Shouldn't you be asking her, if WE need masks too?" But this poser teacher was more interested in shutting me up. Then asking Quinn the right question!

I really hope it wasn't the Sci-Club's handy work that put me to sleep. I'm hoping that since our teacher wasn't one of the cool ones, who let us talk or do ANYTHING fun during detention. I guess I fell asleep right there on my own table top from the sheer BOREDOM. And what happened next… I still don't understand…

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((Cue the beginning of the dream squence - Still in Logan's Perspective))

Because when I woke up, everything around me was black and white. Including me! Like I was somehow in one of those old movies I'm so stoked to start marathoning tonight until Halloween. It was like a black-and-white world or something, or maybe I was just colorblind in this dream. It really did feel like I was somehow trapped in a different time… in those classic movies I love so much.

But no matter how I pinched myself or tried to get myself to wake up. I was trapped there! In this black-and-white world! And my life there was even more boring than that detention had been in!

I lived in a huge castle with a small staff of people scattered in it with me. But everyone was terrified of me and it was all very lonely, damp, and such a miserable place. I had to sleep all day in a coffin-shaped box, I've made it a little better but not much and I was up all night with nothing to do, nowhere to go. No internet, no cable... no tv, or music… only a piano and violin sitting in it's case pointlessly because I couldn't play either. It wouldn't end, and everyone kept calling me, "Dracula." No matter how many times I told everyone that my name was "Logan." Nothing made sense in this dream, world or life… It was a dream, right?

No matter how I slapped, pinched or tried to scare myself awake. I couldn't get back to my normal, colorful, life. And this misery was WAY worse than the detention I'd just been in.

Nothing changed till Chauncy showed up and straightened me out… as only he can. But he didn't call me 'Master Logan' like normal either. He was even calling me 'Count Dracula' too. When I tried to correct him, he told me to, "Sit down dum-dum and let spell this out for you again. That always seems to cheer you up, to hear about yourself."

He wouldn't begin till I was sitting like when I'd first met him and I was five years old. Chauncy explained, "You've been a vampire for over a thousand years. You're far too experienced to act this simple. Your father has been around for nearly ten thousand years. And you'll never find him acting this dumb. He was the best Count Dracula ever crowned king of all Vampires. Just ask him. But a hundred years ago he passed down the name and title to you. Your name was Logan, for the whole beginning of that life. As well as your short human existence, but when you received the title of 'Count Dracula.' You're old name is no longer relevant to the monster realm. Dracula is the king of all vampires, and this is your reign. Dracula will be your name now until you pass it on… to someone you've changed over into this form most likely. Nod your head up and down if you understand?"

On cue, I shook my head up and down. So Chauncy continued, "I'm only here because this invitation for the current Count Dracula was accidentally sent to your father's residence instead of here. It's only been a fleeting century since the crown was passed to you so it was bound to happen. But your father wants you to take this invitation VERY seriously. He thinks it could be a great chance for you to find a possible bride. It is the only thing missing from your nearly perfect takeover of his role, after all."

Oh! So this was a movie and I was playing a role, got it. But Chauncy seemed to catch on to where my mind went. And he scolded, "Do you EVER wish to return to you're real life? Or do you wish to carry out the remainder of your days as this depressed horror figure?"

Before I could answer, Chauncy sassed, "Then LISTEN to the instructions, or we'll never get outta here!"

"Instructions? Like rules? Or like highly recommended guidelines?" I'd asked and the look Chauncy had shot me was so dark. It felt like he'd almost staked me himself, with his eyes. So I amended, "I'm listening."

"I'm here to give you the summons mistakenly sent to your father. But meant for the current Count Dracula, which is you. If you wish to ever return to you're so-called normal life of privilege in a different world. First, you MUST attend this gathering of monsters and make the best of it… It is the way that you're meant to find answers to a bunch of the questions you're struggling currently to answer."

"A summons? Like for court?" I asked.

Chauncy shrugged, "I see it as such, but your father would declare it to be more of an invitation. Even if missing this event would be like missing a court date. And just as punishable, if I'm honest."

"An invitation, to a monster party?" I asked as I broke the wax seal and opened the handwritten letter. But Chauncy was already telling me what it said. Before I could look at it.

"The invite is calling for all of Halloween Royalty to come together. To properly greet a new Queen in the making. The Witchy Queen of Halloween Lola-vira. Was known far and wide as the sluttiest Queen of all Halloween. But she's also known for her endless parties and a decent monster matchmaker on the side. She was the the one who recommended Swamp-thing to the most perfect mermaid-siren bride. They visited your father during their honeymoon tour of our kingdoms. So now he's all excited for Lola-vira to think up a match for you."

"He really wants me to get set up that much?" I asked sounding shocked. But as the words left me I realized. My real Dad would SO scheme something like this. Even if he was just the more average Hollywood-producing dad I'm more used to. Not the retired king of vampires I had in this warped world. Dad would be sending me to matchmakers if I was grown and didn't have someone like Quinn in my life. Or setting me up with people on his own, ALL the time. Thankfully in my real life, my real Dad loved Quinn like family already. Claiming he'd always had a soft spot for her before I'd started calling her my girlfriend. Not even because he noticed I liked her before I did either. But because she reminded him so much of a younger version of his Dad. The world-class chemist… That version of my Dad had spotted something between Quinn and me, LONG before I had. So I bought it that this version of my Dad was desperate for more family by now.

Chauncy ignored my question and continued to explain. "Lola-vira is having a mate made for Dr. Frankenstien's first and only remaining living creature. She wanted all current monster Kings and Queens of the monster realm there to welcome it when it was successfully created. Since you're the current Count Dracula, it falls to you to make an appearance at this soiree."

"An apperance?" I repeated, what does that even mean? "What is it really like a party? Or is it like gonna be a bunch of monsters crammed together in some not so sterile lab? Crossing our fingers that this try to create a monster works? For ages and ages?"

Chauncy's patience was wearing thinner by the moment as he said, "Lola-vira isn't just the Queen of Darkness and Halloween for nothing. Her parties are as legendary as she is. And if you leave now, it could still be a few months before you're home again."

"MONTHS? Did you just months?" I knew this was olden times and the world was very different back then. But did the parties really last for MONTHS? I have to go to a party that's gonna last weeks and WEEKS? I don't remember that being established in ANY of the Monster films I'd watched. Didn't they usually all happen in one night, or something? Halloween night or Friday the 13th?

Chauncy sassed, "I didn't say it to hear myself talk… and YES! I thought you used to say that the parties were the ONLY reason you wanted this job?" He reminded me, and that did sound like something I would say.

I corrected him, "sure the parties are the best, when I'm the one throwing them. When I don't have to depend so much on other ghouls to get it right."

Did I seriously just use the word ghouls? What is happening to me?

Chauncy went on, "I took the liberty of clearing everything with your staff. The upkeep of your castle and belongings is already secured. All you need to do is pack a few things, shrink them all down to fit in your pockets and don't forget your coffin. Very important to your health and survival of this clam bake. I doubt this woman's resourceful enough to remember you need one or a room with no windows."

"Yeah," I tried to play it cool. "No non-vampires seem to get that."

Chauncy "Mmm-hmmed," Before he went on telling me step by step. What I needed to do. "Once you have all of your essentials tucked away on your person. Turn into a bat for travel, then fly to the destination mentioned in your invitation. If you go now you should make it in plenty of time before sunrise. And more than likely you'll be the last monster to arrive. It'll be very 'Dracula' of you to be fashionably late."

But before I could thank Chauncy for coming, telling me this, and helping me. Also to let Dad know I'd handle it… Our family butler vanished in a puff of black smoke. When the smoke cleared, a bat wearing a teeny tiny pair of glasses squinted up at me expectantly in his place. So I told the Chauncy bat, "Uh, thanks for explaining, for bringing me this, and tell Dad to consider it done."

Then the bat flew off. I guess if Dad and me are both immortal vampires, Chauncy would have to be one too. He was family and there was no way even a vampire could top his service to Dad or me. The only real help reading the invitation had given me was the address. Where this endless party should be happening. Everything else was just as Chauncy had said.

After Chauncy was gone, I wished that I could ask our butler one more question. Was this a mission to get Drac laid? Like every Dracula film? Or was this a situation where I had to find him a wife? Then I remembered he had said, Drac needed a vampire Queen... that sounds like a bride… doesn't he? So it sounds like my mission for this film-dream-thing was to find Drac a wife… shouldn't be too hard in a castle full of monsters. Sounds like fish in a barrel, should be easy. So I set to doing all of the things Chauncy mentioned and decided to ONLY let myself get worried when I saw just what monsters I was dealing with. As I mentioned before, classic monsters like these felt like old friends… what could go wrong?

You know, besides EVERYTHING!

I put a hand on my coffin and it shrank down to pocket-sized along with a full selection of my closet, full of clothes I would need, during such a long stay. Even a supply of synthetic blood for me to drink was all ready for the taking. Apparently, my Dracula didn't trust humans or animals enough to drink from them. What a throw pillow, I didn't even get to bite anyone as this Dracula character. No wonder he's single, friendless and SAD!

I pocketed all of the things I'd shrank before I turned into a bat myself. Then I took off outta my castle and flew off into the darkness. Knowing I wouldn't miss that place at all! I flew to the place the invitation had hinted at. Even though I had no clue how I'd known how to do any of that either.

It wasn't long till the condemned-looking barely standing black stone castle appeared surrounded in a gray fog. But it seemed to be the place. The glowing moat surrounding this place looked radioactive even in black and white! And it still appeared to have several things living in it. When I arrived at the gate, touched down and changed back into my vampire form. The doors of Lola-vira's palace flew open to me. Just like Chauncy had hinted, it was a few of hours before dawn and the Queen herself greeted me right at the entryway. But instead of a rip-off version of Elvira, like I had been expecting. This was my friend Lola Martinez, dressed up like Elvira. With the huge black 80s hair, too much makeup and way too much skin hanging out of every slit in her dress. And that dress was way more slit, than fabric. She also wore high stiletto heels, and lost her balance every ten steps or so… More like the Lola I knew.

But this monster-queen version of Lola greeted me far kinder than the Lola that I know. Saying, "Dracula! DARLING! You're finally here! What took you so long? It's been ages since we've hung out! A decade at the very least! You know I was starting to think you weren't even coming!"

I pointed out, "Your invitation went to my father's dwelling instead of mine. I just got it today, I hope I am not too late."

"Not at all! You're just in time for all of the good stuff, but you are the last to arrive. Oh! Drat! I distinctly recall informing those carrier bats the NEW Dracula, not Dad Drac!" Then she sent several blasts of power up onto the shadowy ceiling stirring up hoards of thousands of bats. She complained at them as they flew off. "Can't you dummies get ANYTHING right?!"

But then she turned back to me and said, "Sorry about that." Then she looped her arm through mine and said, "Let me give you the grand tour and welcome you personally." Then she pulled me along anyway and said, "Come on in, we've only got a little time before dawn and I've gotta introduce you to all of the other royals. I don't think you've had a chance to meet everyone yet. You're reign is still just starting!"

I guess a hundred years is short to immortals, who live forever. But Lola-vira dragged me all over her palace introducing me to EVERYONE else staying here. For the making of a new Queen. I saw a lot more familiar faces, were also classic monsters, and Halloween ripoffs. But the strangest part of all of this is NONE of these people seemed to know me at all. Even when they still answer to the same name… Besides Lola-vira… So WERID! The real Lola and me are barely friends at all. She even made a big stink when Quinn first told her we were dating in real life. But monster-Lola was all chummy, talking about other parties we'd attend together. And what fun we'd had together, in this monster realm…

As weird as all of that was, meeting the next monster royal wasn't any easier. It was Zoey who was Queen of Spiders and a witch. Chase was a Mummified King from Egypt, even though he's accent was as Baltimore as ever! Micheal was the pumpkin-headed king (Jack Skellington rip off), Lisa was a possessed voodoo doll witch (Sally ripoff), Vince was Alpha King of all Werewolves (He looked like something out of Twilight or True Blood). Stacey was Ghost Queen (But she looked like a Corpse Bride), Mark Del Figgalo was the Invisible Man, you could only see him when he wore glasses, a hat, a trench coat and tons of ace bandages. At first glance I thought he was a thickly wrapped mummy that had gone overboard wrapping themselves up. But more than ANYTHING, the scariest thing about Mark's monster self was that it just freaked me out! To think when he disappeared completely he was just naked somewhere.

Zoey's little brother Dustin and his two friends from detention today were all humpbacks. Doing odd Igor jobs all over the castle. Only Dustin's name was "Igor," his friends were "Eye-Gore" and "Tim" (even though I'm pretty sure that kids name wasn't really "Tim" in the real world). They were to help Lola-vira serve all monsters, but the humpbacks were more here to assist the MAD scientist who was still working in the laboratories trying to build Frankenstein's creature's new female mate.

The Frankenstein monster was waiting just outside of the laboratory. Lola-vira gushed that he has been camped there throughout this process. If not watching over the scientist's every move in making his new Queen. He was bulkier and taller than I remembered but he was totally my friend James. With gray skin and stitches going everywhere. James really was so excited about this new Queen, being made for him. I didn't know what this party was going to be like, but looking at him. I could tell this was happy as a monster party could be.

But then James spoke from his heart… of how desperate and lonely he had been when he came to Lola-vira. Asking for her help in finding a mate. But even amongst all monsters there was no one like him anymore. He was the only one of his kind… so creating someone new had been the only answer. Other monsters around us had laughed at him, and I even almost joined in… But somehow… As this lonely and depressed Drac… I couldn't.

I understood, not only because Drac's life was pathetic, the too much of it I had seen before coming here. But I could personally remember… before I had Quinn as my girlfriend… I had really been lonelier than I ever realized. Until her love filled up all the places inside of me I didn't know were empty and she'd brought so much JOY into my life since. I didn't feel that way anymore. Even when we were apart. It all went away the second we were together again. And I could understand Frankenstein-style James' needing that in his very lonely life too.

Everybody does, and everybody should find their match. I fully believe that now. Monster, human, Everybody needs that and should have it.

It was so strange that all of these people, who looked and sounded like my friends. Didn't know me… kept calling me 'Your majesty.' I think the toughest had been Michael and Chase. Because we've been roommates and friends SO LONG… since we were little kids, really. At this point, we're really more like brothers. We've known each other longer than anybody else in our group… But nothing… NOTHING could have prepared me for the first streak of COLOR to enter this world of blacks, whites, and too many grays.

I'd already given up on seeing any color in this dream. But the first colored thing to come streaking along was a motorcycle in full gear and it's rider. Who came blazing up to the laboratory doors and screeched to stop inches shy of Lola-vira's laboratory tower. Lola-vira, Frankenstein James, and me (Logan the Dracula). I knew it was Quinn in a glance I'd seen her ride before. I knew her shape and physicality anywhere. She was even on a similar bike as the one she was always borrowing from her Uncle's farm back home in Seattle. She jumped off of the seat, opened it and pointed out a couple of brown paper bags full of ingredients she'd needed and gotten to James-stein. She'd asked him so kindly for a person surrounded in monsters. "James, could you help me bring these things into the laboratory, please."

James had leaped at the chance to help, smiling so big. As Lola-vira said, "And last but certainly not least, this is our residential doctor and MAD scientist all in one. Who has been HARD at work fine-tuning Doctor Frankenstein's works for a female creation of her very own. This is Doctor Quinn. Unusual-looking thing, isn't she? Always brings so many loud colors with her everywhere. What is this Oz?"

Before I remembered how cool I was supposed to be playing it… She'd taken out the last bag in her hidden storage space and took off her helmet. To reveal, her brown hair, flesh-colored skin, black black-framed glasses. She was wearing more makeup than I was used to seeing on her. But she really wore that black eyeliner and deranged-look so well. She was wearing a very dark blue leather riding jacket and matching dark blue riding pants. Along with tall brown riding boots. I couldn't stop the word, it just came out. "... Beautiful."

The first words Mad Scientist Dr. Quinn asked me (and no, this wasn't Jane Seymour) in this dream were, "Count Dracula, I presume?"

"You know me?" I'd asked hopefully, hoping she didn't pick up on it. GOD! She was so hot in the tight leather riding jacket and pants. Her and her bike were the only color things I saw. And I couldn't stop looking at her.

She informed me, "No…" Damn! Even she didn't know me. How was Lola the only person who did?

Quinn went on. "I just deduced you must be him, since I've already met everyone else. You're the last to arrive. But I've heard enough stories to also decide your reputation matches you perfectly."

"Oh." I'd said brilliantly! Double DAMN! My own girlfriend doesn't know me either? What's next? How am I gonna get through this? I can't go back to ignoring her like I used to. That doesn't work at all, now that I know what it's like to be with her. That I love her and she's just my match… in everyway. I've even seen her naked, how the hell am I supposed to act like that hasn't happened? Like I don't completely and totally love her beyond a shadow of a doubt?

I was so wrapped up in my reaction, to her appearence in this whole crazy thing. I almost missed her saying. "I don't know how to properly greet a vampire. Yet alone the king of them all, but it is a pleasure."

I willed myself to be cool nodding, "Likewise."

Why did the only person who knows me have to be Lola? Out of all of these more likely friends? What gives? That's no good at all! Now I had to pretend like I don't love Quinn too. I'm not as good at hiding this as I once was. After months and months of being her boyfriend… I was hyper-aware of her every move and breath. I can read every little thing she does and know what she means without words. How do I get through months of staring at her. In her element, doing something we BOTH are good at, SCIENCE! She's gotten me to admit I love it now too. That's how AMAZING she is. How do I not give myself away or scare her to death when a strange vampire is too obviously obsessed with her? Completely head over heels in love with her. Even though I couldn't possibly know her…

WAKE UP! WAKE UP! Why can't I WAKE UP?! This is way too hard! This is impossible!

But Quinn, thankfully didn't notice me slapping or pinching myself. She just asked me, "Do you wanna see the lab and what work I have managed to create so far? Or are you not a fan of science, at all? And you're just here for when my creation lives like most monsters?"

I did manage to answer her quickly, "Please! I only have a little time before dawn but if you could show me around. I'm a major fan of science."

"Hmm," Quinn had hummed and nodded in surprised appreciation. Before saying, "Then follow me, this way, please."

While Lola-vira was gushing at Quinn, that I was very gifted at chemistry. And I have proven this several times in the last few centuries and since meeting this monster variation of Lola. She clarified I wasn't making that up… It's SO weird having Lola help me like that… and no one twisted her arm or bribed her even a little. She bragged for me, hopefully impressing Quinn, even if just a little.

Then we stepped into a technicolor laboratory, that looked like something straight outta the sixties. That was how crazy all of the bright and LOUD colors were inside that laboratory. But as we other monsters walked in behind her. She was the only thing that was as colorful as her background. All of us remained black and white like this was that weird movie "Pleasantville"... Monster style.

Frankenstein's Bride was in six separate pieces, spread out all over the lab. Quinn had managed to piece together two intact arms, two legs fully stitched up right. A torso, and a head all wrapped in heavy gauze and bandaging. If not floating in these huge cylinders of fluids that were huge and tall behind her. Now that Quinn had these last few ingredients she could finally begin to assemble this new Queen. And I could have stood there all day listening to Quinn tell me every step of her process. What she had done, what she still had left for her to do. I'd asked about every chemical and reaction that would need to happen. As well as all of the things I'd noticed happening around me in that lab. I hope that I managed to impress her enough. She had offered me a chance to return when the sun went back down.

I assured her that "I would," before I had to say "good day," and excuse myself. Why did I HAVE to be a vampire of ALL things? And sacrifice all of these precious daylight hours? How could anyone get ANYTHING done like this? I could be impressing her during that time if I'd gotten to be anything else. She'd been wearing a stethoscope around her neck along with jumper cables! How smoking HOT is that?

And she had a pocket full of monster treats (crazy-candy wrapped things that weren't candy) she gave to the monsters whenever she had to check up on them or "care for a boo-boo." It was like double duty, she was still her science-driven self, but she was also a practiced doctor. Always fixing things or monsters around her.

Has there ever been a film about Dracula falling for a Mad scientist? Because I think I'm gonna have to make this crazy classic monster dream… into that movie! Boy, am I gonna have a zinger, the next time Dad asks me for a new movie pitch. Or maybe I'll keep this one to myself for my OWN filming debut… Yeah!

That was the master plan writing itself into my head as I was shown to my room. Which couldn't have been more terrible for a vampire… so many windows. I asked Lola as Elvira, 'was it possible for me to have a less deadly windowed room?'

But she told me 'no rooms in her place were that dreary. This was the best she could do.' Before she'd offered up the four-poster bed, like I could use that. She told me it had drapes all the way around that I could close to keep out the sun. But I knew several vampires who had died that way when humans, other monsters or incompetent waitstaff drew back the curtains and exposed the poor vampires to dust. I'd burn to a crisp, in my sleep if not turn to stone and dust from all of the sunlight (it varies vampire to vampire).

Thank goodness I'd brought my coffin and other essentials shrank down by magic in my pockets.

Just before sunup, I'd just made it into my coffin and closed the lid. But when I could rise again, I had a game plan. My dad had been hinting at wanting me to make a love connection while I'm here. Chauncy had seemed to think it would be the only way outta here. So clearly I needed to get this version of Quinn to fall in love with me all over again. I doubt Dad Drac would have a problem with Quinn being that connection. She was beautiful, smart, and just as amazing as the real-world version. My dad had claimed her as his favorite of ALL of my friends long before I introduced her as my girlfriend... That had to count for something.

Sure this doctor version of her wore more make-up, looked a bit more dark and rough around the edges. Frankly I didn't think she could get more HOT, and she'd proved me WRONG! So what if some of her plans don't work and her title was MAD scientist for a reason. She was still the same smart, kind, and huge-hearted person I'd fallen for in my world. And like I couldn't imagine spending a full day of my real life without her (not if I could help it). This monster version of me couldn't stand to think of not being with her either. If this heart could beat, it would be pounding like a drum just thinking about her. I would just have to keep myself in check and not weird her out… Which is gonna be SO hard! I'm too used to flirting with her, too used to her dishing back better than she got… I've gotten used to holding her hand, kissing her... I've made love to that girl! More than once over the summer break! How in the world am I gonna pull this off!

My Quinn knew all of those shared memories, this one didn't know any of that...

How was I gonna pull this off?! HOW!?

But now, I had to sleep! So I closed my eyes and hoped I wouldn't struggle like I always seemed to in real life. Since I'd gotten so spoiled, almost always sleeping next to Quinn for our whole summer vacation. We'd both been together for most of it and October was still too close to adjust to sleeping alone again. I was stil too spoiled… And this Quinn wouldn't understand that at all. I closed my eyes and let this bizarre world fade to black. Just like a theater screen…

---

(The next night after sundown: yes, still Logan's Perspective)

I had been hoping that when I went to sleep in my dream, I would wake up in the real world again. I could find out if the Sci-club had tried to kill us, knock us out, or if sheer boredom had been the culprit. I could go back to a place where all of my friends know me. Where my night was all about seeing black-and-white monster flicks. NOT living in them and my girlfriend get's to pick which one we're seeing.

Wait, she already picked Frankenstein, like I'd guessed that she would. And she already knew how Gene Wilder had dreamed up 'Young Frankenstein' when the original Frankenstein story had broken his heart. And wouldn't leave him alone till he'd done everything he could to fix it. She was talking like a film buff to a film buff... could I be more lucky?

Yes! Because if I was MORE lucky I'd be home with her. Heading the a theater hand and hand. I'd be able to hold her kiss her and love her like normal. I wouldn't be in this black-and-white HELL! Starting from scratch right now, with a batch of familiar faces who don't know me! Not this dated, twisted reality where Quinn DOESN'T even KNOW me! And doesn't have time to know me because she has to build James a life-mate… Oh! Whatever! You get the idea!

But no such luck, I was still here, still this pathetic Dracula, still black and white. All of my friends didn't know me, not even my girlfriend (that one still hurts the WORST of all)… but Lola was somehow convinced that she was my best friend of our whole afterlives… So maybe the Sci-club finally had killed us ALL this time and this was my personal version of hell. Who knows?

You wanna talk about WERID! Lola has never been very nice to me, yet when I arrived here at her castle last night. She was actually glad to see me, and that genuine joy carried into today too. The REAL Lola has never liked me much, not even before I started dating her roommate, and best friend, Quinn. I think dating Quinn had made it WAY worse, too. Not that I care, but Lola had been mean LONG before that was even a thing, but in this dream… She was always talking to me, telling me all about the other monster's lives. At first I was thinking, she did this because I'd missed a lot sleeping through the daylight hours. Even with this being the time of year where the days were getting shorter and shorter… I was the last to get here, the newer king who didn't know everyone yet. AND I'd had to turn in shortly after arriving.

But Lola's monster queen self, several times called me her best friend. And I think she really does believe that… in this world. Because as soon as I came out of my towertop bedroom, Lola was standing near the tower… almost like she was waiting for me to show up. She greeted me still happily, and brought me up to speed on all I'd missed since turning in. We stood on one of the upper levels of her dilapitating palace. While all of the other monsters were gathered in the courtyard beneath us. Then she'd started to talk all about her matchmaking ideas. Pointing them out me.

But just like the real Lola, all of Monster-Lola's match choices were all matched completely wrong. And no matter how I tried to warn her. There was no reasoning with her, she knew all.

So barely having wiped the sleep from my eyes, Lola had told me all of her romantic match-ups. And it all sort of spirals from bad to worst!

She admitted outright that she had a major thing wolfman-Vince. And his policy of no shoes, no shirt, no problem. Then in the same breath, she said how she was trying to match him up, with Zoey's Spider Monster Queen lady. See what I mean? Crazy! I told her, "If you like him, why don't you date him yourself? Why even match him up at all?"

But she insisted, "Zoey's gone much longer without a date than I EVER have." Like that has ANYTHING to do with ANY of that! Anyone who's been in real love before knows that's all BULL.

I told her with certainty, "That match is never gonna work."

She countered, "How do you know? You haven't dated since I met you! What do you know about it?" Why was my Drac so pathetic? Lola corrected herself before I could answer. "You're father swears you were quite the dog in your newborn century. But have you ever seriously dated anyone since then? You know, not that you're matured and you've got your big boy fangs?"

I claimed confidently, "Yes, and somethings you just know and I KNOW that's a terrible match. Just looking at it."

And she waved off my warning telling me. "You always question every match I make. And you never disclose why… even if I have to admit you have been right before… begrudgingly."

I muttered to myself, "Wonder why I even bother? It's not like you listen to me, even when I'm right.." Sarcastically, not meaning for her to hear me. I'm not used to her listening to me so much… but she shot me a look that told me she'd heard that.

Then Lola said, "I'll make a deal with you, beasty bestie. If you're right and my pick doesn't work, then I will date the Wolfman after that. I'll take your advice and see if dating him personally helps me pinpoint what he's looking for in a match-"

I let her know, "You. He's looking for someone like you. I'm telling you."

"Hmm," she hummed before admitting. "You know only one other person has told me that."

"Who?" I asked out of curiosity.

Dark Lola let me know, "Dr. Quinn… she seemed to think the same way you did on this." I tried to not react to that news. And thankfully Lola just kept talking. "I'll do that, IF I'm wrong. BUUUUUUT if I win, you HAVE to let me match you up with whoever I chose. No argument, no rebuttal… just good old fashioned trust and acceptance, do we have a deal?"

I knew she was gonna lose so we shook on it, and I said "Deal! But I know I'm right."

Her matches only get worse after that. She was trying to get Chase the Mummy to date the possessed voodoo doll witch Lisa (Are all the other girls witches?). What about that match sounds right to ANYONE? She was matching up all of the Sci-club freaks and Dustin hunchback pack to vampiresses passing through the neighboring village, and other random witches who live hidden around her village. Mark's invisible man persona was staked to Dana's tough-as-nails Queen of black magic witches (When did they get here?). Nicole black magic fairy Queen to Jeremiah Trottman as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Before I could even ask about the additions of the Sci-Club, Dana, Nicole and Jeremiah. Lola-vira was already explaining, "I meant to introduce you to them yesterday but you went to bed too soon."

I reminded her, "I kinda had no choice in that, it was sorta life or death getting there as late as I did."

She waved off, "Oh don't be so dramatic, there was no harm done. I'll just introduce you today, first thing, no big!"

But she did show me the rest of the monster royalty here. Brooke Margolin was Siren, thank goodness her powers didn't work on monsters so she didn't use them. I really don't want to have to hear her sing. Chase's crazy ex Rebecca was here too. She was a Medusa-rip off with snakes mixed into her hair. Lolavira was already complaining about trying to set up Mark and Chase with them and how it hadn't worked out. So sadly even their monster-selves had to date these bitches and regret it too. Chase can't even escape that mistake in his afterlife.

When Quinn came through instructing the hunchbacks why she needed them all up on the roof flying kites. I was surprised that Lola wasn't telling me all about whatever match she'd wrongly thought up for the Mad Scientist. So I asked her, "Don't keep me in suspense. What match have you thought up for her? For our in-house doctor?"

But Lola's skanky eighties haired persona made a 'hymph' sound. And explained, "I'm not allowed to matchmake for her any more. She made me promise not to, just like you did!" She complained and I tried not to smile.

Oh, this I had to hear. So for the first time, I played up to this monster bestie for the deets. "Now what match made in hell could have made her be as high-handed as me? She doesn't seem like the type?"

"Because she isn't!" Lola informed me before she explained, "I helped Zoey the Spider Queen match Quinn up with the invisible man Mark. Because Zoey knew she had a major crush on him." This Lola said and I tried not to react. Even though I kinda wanted to turn into a bat fly far enough away where no one could hear me and SCREAM! My baby can't even escape this HERE? Even her insane counterpart was heartbroken and thrown away by this guy? What the actual HELL!? I wish he'd been a gargoyle in this world so I could see him to crush him! Make some new gravel for Lola-vira's footpaths... I know they're friends again now. Mark's even a friend to me, but that doesn't mean it's okay that he hurt Quinn... EVER!

Thank goodness, Lola didn't seem to notice and kept talking. While I tried to listen closely. Lola went on, "Quinn fell in total love with him too. Like picking out drapes and china patterns LOVE. But in their Loooooooong relationship, where Quinn was completely committed to him. I don't think Mark remained faithful to her for even a full day or hour. I tried to explain, that invisible people are like that, it's their thing. ALL monsters have their quirks and weird interests… But Mark cheated the ENTIRE time, and Quinn was completely crushed by him. It's a whole lot worse than Dr. Quinn just not letting me fix it either. She refuses to ever date again, EVER! She thinks her true love is science and that's enough. But I can speak for any woman and guarantee her, it's NOT enough. There's so much she's missing, and she's such a gem… such a surprise and rarity… I hate to see her let that go to waste."

I had to keep the words in, but I thought them loudly, "ME TOO!"

I knew it! Like I knew my Dad's alphabetized movie vault by heart. SHE was IT! This doctor was the missing piece of this Dracula's life. Just like the real Quinn had been the missing part of my life. And I had snapped her up before realizing what I was doing. Kissing her in broad daylight on PCA's campus. That's how our story had really started. I somehow knew this king of vampires was probably going to have an even tougher time than I had… Because I had acted quickly and gotten to Quinn right after Mark hurt her in my world. Like the moment she realized it really was over and she didn't want to be with him anymore either.

Drac was arriving after YEARS of carrying around a shattered, bleeding heart, with probably lots of bitterness and hurting too. My work was gonna be cut out for me trying to reach her heart… It was probably in a lot more pieces than "James-stein's Bride" was right now. In Quinn's lab.

As I watched Quinn from this distance, where I was still talking with Lola. She can't know it, but I watched her walking around and talking to monsters of all shapes and sizes. She was getting several of them to work together and help her… And MOST of them were BEST of friends or parts of pairs. It's like she could tell who would work well together already, without even knowing all I do…

I knew it before I'd seen this but it just can't be overlooked. Quinn will ALWAYS be so much more than just worth it! She is IT! You know? And if my mission here is to find love for this sad Dracula… there was no way it could center on ANYONE else… not if there's any part of me to this guy.

And it broke my heart that Mark had hurt her again… in this life too. Even if he is a friend, to all of us now days. There was always this little part of me that was NEVER going to be okay with the way he cheated on Quinn and made her feel when he dumped her. If only this vampire could have been there for her scientist character. Like I was in my world, back home… if nothing else, I had to make that right… even if I still planned to aim much higher than friendship… it was a start, and it had been our original start.

I told Lola, hopefully. "Maybe someone here in the castle can change even her brilliant mind about that. Someone she doesn't already know."

Lola considered this and said, "I hope so. She's an ace, I just know it, a real GEM. She could make someone so happy… and be so much happier than she is now. Even if she is considered to be a Queen already in her field… she's so relatable to all monsters and her kindness knows no bounds. This is the part of my job I hate. Having my gifts denied, like I can ever turn them off. But she won't allow me to help her… no matter how I beg or plea."

I wanted to help Lola start thinking up a solution. But down on the ground level where most of the other monsters were hanging out (Lola and me were still hanging out on a rampart three stories higher) The Sci Club's Neil (pointy-eared elf), Firewire (a hobbit with big hairy feet) and Gilbert (a Goblin who just looked gross and mean) were trying to say they were smarter and better scientists than Lola's choice for Mad Scientist extraordinaire. They were even throwing off on her doctor's license and practice. Like she was nothing at all even though I'd watched her take care of every single one of them last night... they claimed she was nothing but a scared crazy girl trying to be a very smart boy, and I had to really try not to drain all three of them of their blood (it's a vampire thing, and you know my hot temper).

Lola had thankfully been more cool and levelheaded. As she challenged all three creatures with the same test she'd given Quinn when she'd first met her. Lola revealed that Quinn had built her a new pet using a pile of leaves and some of Zoey's magical silk thread. That enabled any creation to live, if handled just right. It was a very delicate balance of magic and science that few have mastered. Lola told the three self-proclaimed geniuses that if they topped Quinn's creation the job was there's.

But then Lola's pet that Quinn had created shown itself peeking at us over the wall of Lolavira's castle walls. It was a Dragon hiding just behind the nearest mountain in sight. A full-sized DRAGON made of all colored leaves of fall, bigger than Lola's whole castle. It was so funny watching all of their mouths hang open. Yep, Quinn's not really that different at all, in this life, is she?

She wasn't even hearing them, or arguing with them. She was too busy trying to per-fect her creation. She let Lola speak for her, Quinn was too bothered with their trash talk.

But one of Lolavira's messenger bats came down to report to Lolavira (and I overheard it). That Quinn was facing a major setback in her plans, and she was too bothered to sleep, or even eat because of it. Supposedly a major explosion had happened during my sleep that had been because of more missing ingredients and step Quinn had missed. She was so rattled by this unexpected mishap that she was too laser-focused on her work now.

So while everyone else ate, socialized and partied in the courtyard, for the most part. After the Sci-club had wandered back to the hole they'd crawled out of. Lola went back to telling me about Quinn's latest problem in more detail. How she'd assigned several trustworthy bats to keep an eye on her and make sure that she didn't overdue. Now that her whole process was brought to this standstill, till Quinn was able to see what was wrong. She was at high risk of getting sick.

Her hair was a lot wilder than it had looked last night and her make-up was even more smeared, damaged, and deranged looking… even if she's still looking freaking HOT even from here. The only reason she'd left her laboratory at all, had been because James-stein had made her. He was concerned about the doctor overworking herself, not eating right or sleeping at all.

Lola immediately stopped what she was doing to bump my arm and insist. "We better get down there, it seems I need to remind the subject of our little chat to take care of herself better."

Lolavira transported herself with a clap of thunder and I flew down as a bat, and appeared right behind my Quinn. Maybe this version of her wasn't mine yet, but I just couldn't even think of her any other way. Not even in this different world and life, she had to be my real mission… the whole reason I'm here. And the answers to whatever question Chauncy had been talking about.

Lola was on Quinn's case from the moment her feet touched ground. I just listened and remained quiet. But not only did Quinn tell Lola, to 'mind her business,' but she turned and told me. "And don't you go getting any ideas looking over my shoulder there, your majesty. That shoulder is connected to a neck that doesn't need your teeth marks on it. Even if this IS supper time for most humans and breakfast time for you."

Lola laughed and explained before I could. "Dracula doesn't drink human blood, he deems it too dangerous. He's been drinking his own invention a synthetic blood replacement since the black plague was linked to several vampires' demise back in the day."

So I told this mad variation of Quinn. "So I may have to borrow your lab to create more if I run out. But other than that. I won't ever trouble you for a single drop of blood. I don't need to feed as often as humans either, so I probably have all I need already. You on the other hand look like you could use a good meal and some rest-"

"I don't have time, I have a deadline." She stressed to us all, but James (the keeper of this deadline) was the first to agree with me.

"Doc, no one has worked harder than you," When did James get to start calling her a cutesy nickname like that? What the hell is that about? James continued, while I tried very hard not give him the stink eye. "And we're nearly there. Perhaps if you did eat something, relax, you could even take a nice long bath or even sleep a little… the missing ingredients would come to you. Whatever they are."

If this had been my Quinn, my girlfriend… in my world. I would have easily been able to reason with her. I could have even threw her over my shoulder and carried her to bed. I could have reasoned with her till she agreed she needed to rest, maybe even climbed in with her and cuddled her till she'd slept at the very least. Maybe even more than cuddles could have happened if this was my Quinn...

But I doubted this black-and-white me, could perform as confidently for this technicolor version of Quinn. She didn't seem to like or trust me at all yet. But real Quinn had been that way once too, all I had to do was show her my otherside. The way I had shown my Quinn, and the overwhelmed doctor was too tired for anything besides sleep. She took a step forward and before she could make her point, she fainted right onto James. Before I knew what I was doing, I'd taken her from him, scooped her up and asked "Where was her bedroom." I was going to place her in her bed and let her sleep.

But Lolavira said, "She sleeps on a cot in the lab, she wouldn't take any of the rooms I tried to put her in. She swore they were all to far away from her work."

James interrupted Lola to say, "But that cot was incinerated earlier when the missing ingredients let themselves be known. It was pretty Awesome, but now the doc has nowhere to lay and rest."

So not only is she overworking herself, but she's spending all of her time in a lab. Who knows what chemicals she could have been breathing in, spending so much time there. AND her bed was destroyed when she was this worn out. Lola was worried about finding her another cot, and pacing back an forth while I adjusted Quinn in my hold. She'd laid her head on my shoulder and told me sleepily [not opening her eyes]. "Has a-ny-one ev-er told you, you s-mel-lllllll so nice? Like a man... but nicer?"

I tried to not react, but some of my panic showed when told Lola-vira to, "Figure it out! While you look for something to replace her cot. I'll put her in the bed in my room, in the meantime, to buy you time. I can't sleep there anyway, I have to sleep in my coffin since the room has too many windows."

Then I used some of my power to race us to the right place. I moved like a blur, with her clutched tightly to my chest. Till I was back to my room and placed her in the bed there. She was just starting to snore, and she was almost waking herself up, she was getting so loud. Not even thinking of the audience following us, I searched Quinn's pockets for her nose spray out of habit. The one that she'd created to mimic the slime from those guppies she used to put up her nose, to stop her snoring. I never minded it but I knew she'd be embarrassed if anyone heard her snoring away like that, in public. So I shook the bottle gently and squirted it once in both nostrils and she went totally quiet, immediately. All without any explanation...

Lola asked me in amazement, "How did you know that would work?"

I couldn't say anything else, I would have sounded totally nuts so I lied and said with a shrug. "I noticed it in her pocket and hoped it would help." Thank GOD they bought that!

So now, Quinn and I are now sharing a room, (like we should be anyway, what a score). I hoped this-Lola was as helpful as her real-world self and wouldn't find a spare bed for the rest of this party. She promised me with a pat on my shoulder that she would start searching right now. But the hardest part of this perk, was now I had to leave and let her sleep. I had to not stand here and watch her every breath… like I wanted to. Or even better, I couldn't crawl in there with her and hold her here. Till she'd slept at least a full night… I would have killed to be able to do that… but this Quinn didn't know me and I would have just scared her… Not in the cool way either. Waking up in a strange place was bound to scare her enough.

I HAD to keep telling myself that. That's the only way I was able to set her down and walk out with the rest of the crowd.

It was SO hard! I had to not freak her out while she's with me. I needed to make excuses to talk to her and spend more time with her when she was awake. I didn't need to make this any harder on myself than it already was. I also had to watch myself around the other monsters I didn't need any of them blabbing to Quinn how Drac has a crush on her, or was caught mooning over her sleeping form. ICK! Creepy! And not in a good way! That wouldn't make me look cool at all, it's not even true, because I'm in LOVE with her… Completely and unapologetically IN love! I can't help it, I still am!

Half of my strength was tied to not watch her sleep, the other half was keeping me from taking her hand, kissing her, holding her or just being STUPID. When I would have KILLED to do just one of those.

Quinn slept for 73 hours… THREE FULL DAYS plus ONE EXTRA HOUR'S time, she's made herself sick. Somewhere between the stress, nonstop work and being exposed to too many chemicals. That's three whole days of having to pretend I didn't miss her like crazy. Pretending I cared about all of the other monsters mismatched up, and like I didn't know this was all going to blow up in Lola's face.

But in those three days time, ALL of Lolavira's matches had failed… Every single one! Just like I told her they would. She was pouty and all of her latest victims were sulking around the castle. All but James and me. So she ended up planning out a date for her and the wolfman (Vince). Because she'd been beaten, without a leg to stand on. While I ended up hanging out with James a lot. And just to give you a peek into what that was like. James would pick his favorite books out of the library and go read them to the pieces of his mate. Even though she was being preserved in tanks of fluids, and wasn't even alive yet. James was convinced she could hear him, she was lonely like him, and she needed to know he hadn't forgotten about her. Or given up on finishing her, neither had Quinn, and he kept talking to her like she was already a person. Here with us, he'd even already started calling her "my Lydia" and "Lydee." He kept telling her how he hoped to teach her so many things when she was alive… the way that he'd needed to be taught by his creator.

He left out that his inventor (Doc Frankenstein) wouldn't do anything to help him. Except plot his murder the moment he was born… not realizing his creation was immortal and a living thing with feelings. A wise old blind man had taught him almost everything. A family he'd watched over taught him things too. Not that Doctor Frankenstein would care, but the whole thing seemed very traumatizing. James confessed to wishing someone more like Quinn had been his creator too. She already loved Lydia so much and talked to her all the time like he did. And Quinn had already agreed to stay with James and Lydia however long it took to teach Bride-stein all she needed to know in life.

I wasn't surprised, of course, Quinn would make Frankenstein look like the heartless prick he was. This is how you do it, Doc Ass-bag!

I have to admit, talking to James was interesting too. He explained to me that he had dim memories of when he was between living and in pieces somehow, like his bride is now. Because of the care his creator showed him during that time, even if never again after that. He even told me what he recalled from those stranger times.

The Lydia I knew, was the newest addition to the group… and I liked her enough to not want her to feel lonely or scared as James described. So I even found myself reading to the pieces of Frankenstein's bride, when there wasn't anything else to do. As crazy as that sounds...

That was how Quinn had found me, reading to her creation. When she finally came back to the Lab. She'd asked in a gentle tone, "How's the patient? Does she still seem to be a drama fan?"

"How do you know that?" I asked, as my eyes swept over her. She looked better, a lot brighter, and more like the Quinn I was used to. Her clothes and hair were tidier, she was wearing an orange dress under her labcoat hugging all the right places. She looked very Halloweeny (and if that's not a word, she just made it one) with both her dress and labcoat trimmed in black. I knew she wouldn't have brought it up if she didn't have a way of knowing this.

She opened a case next to the tank where the creature's pieces were being kept. A box with a screen that monitors the creature's brain activity. Which was somehow off the charts since what I had been reading was Edgar Allen Poe's 'The Tell-Tale Heart.' Quinn explained, "She loves dark drama the most so far and no one does that better than Poe. But I didn't realize the new King of Vampires was a fan too."

I admitted, "Neither did I, but he's got a gift." Leaving out that I had been reading Poe, over her shoulder at the lunch table. Hiding the fact I was holding her hand as I did it too. That had been way back when we were still hiding our feelings. When I discovered I liked it. Along with a few other old books like this. It was so much better than MOST poetry and the crap our english teachers made us read.

"That he does," Quinn agreed, and even though I was making an effort not to stare at her. I could hear it in her voice that she was trying to figuire out how to tell me something. So I just let her take her time, and finally she began. "Listen, your majesty-"

"Dracula is fine," I interrupted her. I didn't like it but Chauncy's freakout had explained, I couldn't be Logan anymore. I knew if I'd asked her to call me Logan, right now, she would have totally gotten weirded out. Not even Lolavira was calling me that, and she was my best friend in this life. We would need to get much closer before that could be a thing… but it was a goal I had set in my mind I tried to explain, to Quinn now, "All of that 'your majesty' jazz gets a little old when your surrounded in so much dark royalty."

"Okay… well, Dracula," she said, and I suddenly didn't hate it so much anymore. Quinn went on to say. "I woke up in your room this evening. With no memory of how I got there-"

"When you fainted, I took you there-" I tried to explain. But Quinn cut me off saying.

"Yes, I know that now, James said as much. I just wanted to thank you, and apologize for troubling you more than anyone else here. I don't know what game Lola-vira is playing at. But I've made her contractually promise to not try to match me up during this excursion. I explained to her numerous times that my time can't be my own for probably several years yet. Because my creation must come first, like a child would have to come first. I even explained with James' help that she will be getting born again and must start from scratch on so many things. Walking, talking, taking care of herself, reading, writing, deciding what good she wants to bring to the world. I really thought I had been clear, and Lola-vira had understood this… and then I wake up in your bedroom. It's not how I pictured this stay going-"

I bit the inside of my cheek to not laugh and told Quinn, "Don't worry about it. You're bed was destroyed, Lola still can't find a replacement for it in your lab. Plus you shouldn't be breathing in all of these fumes constantly-

"No, you're right," she agreed. "It's bound to have had an impact on my health as well. I just didn't want Lydia to get lonely. That had been on my mind and overrode all logic."

"I'm sure she wouldn't want you ill." I reasoned before getting back to my point. "I don't use the bed in my room, there are too many windows. I would burn to a crisp, or turn to stone in my sleep (it really varies vampire to vampire which will happen, and I don't want to find out anytime soon what my end will look like). It was the only available bed and I don't mind sharing, besides… I made Lolavira promise not to match me up too. I think she paired us off like that as a reminder to herself. That we're both off limits."

"Oh no!" Quinn insisted, "She's trying to match us up, with some monster, someway! I can feel it. She's just waiting for us both to lower our guard… then she'll strike."

I had to admit, that sounded like something Lola would try. Even if especially this version of Lola, she was obsessed with pairs… even when she wasn't in one officially yet. But Quinn wasn't even paying attention to me anymore. She was right back to work on the newest monster Queen and asking everyone for a weather report. Checking endless meters, gauges, and monitors. Flipping switches and checking written and cooking formulas all throughout the loudly colored lab.

Even while James came to sit beside me and we both sat here colorlessly. It was such a refreshing change from the rest of this dreary place. I could have lived here too… Especially with this view and Quinn being here. James could get out, that would have made it better. But he was really hear for the same reason I was. Someone he loved was in this lab. So he got a pass.

Quinn knew she would need lightning and thunder on her side. When the phase Quinn was happily calling "the birth" was happening. And she was trying to plan accordingly, she needed the body to be intact before the next storm. While I don't pretend to know much about weather, the black or grey skies looked like a storm was close. So James, and I both ended up helping as much we could. And we both proved to be useful enough to Quinn's plans that we did help.

So for hours and hours, I assisted with everything I could and Quinn was starting to trust me. More and more in the lab even if nowhere else. The more we talked, the more I saw it, and I couldn't help but get excited. But even with all three of us working together. Along with all three hunchbacks and all of the sci-club's reluctant help [they still wanted to show they were smarter than Quinn]. The storm wasn't strong enough to bring Lydia to life. It was just too weak and we'd only gotten the very edge of that storm. Quinn was so disappointed, her creation was ready, she'd done everything on her part that she could. But she couldn't control the weather, so her creation needed to be dropped back in the fluid tanks and preserved until the next storm.

Everyone noticed how letdown Quinn was, and everyone was trying to get her to rest. After getting so tired she'd made herself ill, she didn't have her usual stamina, she was still recovering, but the sun was coming up before anyone could convince her. So I had to call it a night and head back to the safety of my coffin. Hoping the others could convince her to sleep, in the daytime. Give herself a break.

---

(Yep, He's still here: Logan's Perspective)

When I rose again the following night, I can't tell you how glad I was to see Quinn just waking up too. She'd sworn she was just using this bed till another was found.

I told her again, "To not worry, about it and consider it her's, I couldn't use it."

Her curiosity got the better of her as she asked me, "How can a coffin like that be comfortable?"

I told her with a shrug, "You get used to it, to the point where you feel safer there, than almost anywhere else." That was true.

Quinn shivered and said, "I imagine I would get claustrophobic in something like that. If I was ever inside. How does it work if you were to ever take a mate? How would you rest together? Do they build these things for two?"

They were all good questions and I somehow had all of the answers. I explained, "Believe it or not my Dad had this one made for me to accommodate more than just myself. There's a switch inside the lining above the headrest, that lowers the back panel to let two people rest inside-"

Quinn reasoned, but wouldn't that mean you would be laying on top of one another?"

"Yep. He's sending a not settle hint that he's hoping I'll find a Queen soon. Even though I'm about as into dating as you seem to be. He's swearing its the only part missing from a perfect reign for me."

"Oh wow!" Quinn laughed, "No pressure than from Papa Retired Drac."

"Oh no, none at all. Even if I call him Dad Drac." I agreed sarcastically, laughing with her. That was when I noticed, she wasn't wearing her lab coat or customary scrubs. She was in a shiny silk nightgown, in my favorite shade of blue on her, and her brown eyes were glittering behind her glasses as she'd just put them on along with a robe… and I suddenly missed her SO MUCH that I HURT all OVER! Even though she was sitting right in front of me. Because I LOVED HER! No matter what!

I had to tear my eyes away from her, I had to clear my throat and leave her to get ready for another night in the lab. I told her I'd meet her there and made myself scarce. But there had been a minute, just a moment, when she'd looked at me the same way my Quinn looks at me. When she's impressed or particularly attracted to something I'd said or got right. I knew that look all too well, I knew all of her looks too well. And if I hadn't left when I did… and got myself under control. I could have messed up big and done something REALLY stupid. I just know it.

---

((Maybe This Cause Isn't So Hopeless - Still Logan's Perspective))

The rest of night went by more normally, weather reports, ANNOYINGLY clear skies and nothing any of our witches, wizards, fairies, or other monsters could conjure was strong enough. We needed a real aggressive storm and until we got one. Our efforts were all being held hostage by the good weather.

So overrated.

By the time I was climbing back into my coffin, I really didn't expect anything else to really happen between me and Quinn… BOY! Was I wrong.

Right before I could close the lid. Quinn came running in, dressed in the same blue nightgown and thin orange rode as the night before. Begging for my help, pleading for me to help her hide. She hissed in a panicked whisper, "Lola-vira is trying to match me up with one of her little smart alike freak followers. I keep ditching her but you know how relentless she is. Please help me hide! I can't handle all these setbacks, all of this good weather, AND all these jerks trying to court me right now. Please help me!"

As soon as she got this explanation out. Lola-vira was trying to come through the door. The terrified look Quinn gave me… I just reacted. Lola-vira may be quick, but I was so much quicker. In one swift swoop, I'd grabbed her, pulled her into the coffin with me and laid us both flat enough to shut the lid. It was too snug at first, because the controls were still set for only accommodating me all night. And she was crushed up against me WAY TOO CLOSE.

But I flipped the mini switch on the inside above my head to accommodate the two of us and the back panel lowered behind us, I doubt anyone would even notice the exterior of my coffin looking a little bit taller either. As we got a little more space, it was only a little easier to breath because her smell was EVERYWHERE! And I've missed it too much. So I was holding my breath for more than one reason... good thing vampires didn't need to breathe so much.

Quinn whispered in my ear, "What are you doing?"

"Helping you hide, they know to never knock on a vampire's coffin. Big no-no. Too disrespectful." I just managed to say before Lola was knocking.

I shouted, "I know I didn't hear anyone knocking out there! You Never, EVER knock on a Vampire's Coffin! Especially their KING!"

"Sorry Drac-ee! I know we're not supposed to knock. No disrespect, but have you seen our cute little Dr. Quinn? I could have sworn I saw her disappear in here. Looking far too tempting to resist."

I asked, "Do you see her out there? In the room?" As Quinn was praying pressed on top of me. And I tried to not enjoy it.

"No." Lola said as I could tell she was looking and so where the other people with her.

I asked her, "Then why are you asking me? It's not like she'd be in here with me."

"No." I recognized Gilbert's voice, the gross-looking goblin. Lola could NOT be serious about matching Quinn up with the likes of him! Has she looked at Quinn lately, I'm looking and she's a knockout! Has Lola finally completely lost all of her marbles?

"Then why are you still interrupting my sleep? Go stink you some other monster's dwelling!" I commanded, but Lola wasn't done yet.

She told me my coffin was being moved to another room. One that had no windows, as I'd requested from the beginning. So I got exactly what I needed and the room I had been staying in was now Quinn's offically… whenever they found her. And after that, my coffin was being moved everywhere… with us in it! How was ANYONE to sleep with all of this going on? And how could Quinn handle being trapped here with me? If the enclosed space didn't get her, the motion sickness definitely would! Not to mention she's tight-pressed to a monster she barely knew? I kept trying to tell myself this, to remember this wasn't my Quinn, my girlfriend, and this person didn't know me… I did try.

But the front of her body was still crushing me in the BEST way. She was so close to me, her hair was as long as my Quinn's, and just as soft. It was all over the pillow were both of us were laying our heads. I kept asking if I was hurting her and apologizing for getting her stuck here with me. Even though she kept telling me, 'it's okay.' That she was 'okay.' I had a hard time believing that. She had been recently asking me how I coils stand the enclosed space.

As worried and angry as I should have been… I didn't get to really make such a huge fuss. Because I didn't want to spoil this completely. By screaming my head off at Lola's subpar zombie staff that was charge of moving me. The moment Quinn relaxed in my hold… I was swept up in her presence… inside one of the only places I felt safe.

She smelled exactly the same, she felt the exact same and I'd been missing this… TERRIBLY this whole dream. Being able to hold her, kiss her when I could, hold her hand, just be with her. I never realized how much I had been taking all of that for granted lately. Being able to talk to her about anything, to take her hand, to kiss, touch and smell her. To feel her holding on to me just as tightly. At least she was facing me, so I could still read her expressions in here. I know I apologized like a hundred times, to her face. For getting her stuck with me when I tried to help her.

She kept telling me, in hushed heated whispers, "it's okay" and "at least you tried to help me, and I'm not stuck on a date with that chauvinistic monster. Yeesh!"

I kept asking the people on the outside, "Can we stop moving yet?" and "Are we there yet." But zombies move very slowly, and the sun was out… it's not like I could come out and scream at them all. But WHEN were they going to leave me to rest in peace? Every time we thought they had to be finished, we'd start moving again.

When the coffin kept moving, and Quinn kept getting tossed around with me. She started covering her mouth, and I was afraid she was crying. But then I realized she was covering her mouth to hide that she was laughing. Then I had to not laugh too, if they'd heard me laugh like that, this game would never end. I had to be scary, high-handed, and intimidating; even if they literally had me in a box here.

But eventually, we made it to the new resting place in Lola's castle. By then we'd both somehow fallen asleep and we didn't wake up till the sun was gone again.

When I woke up, and she was still pressed into me. Hugging me so tight in her sleep the same way she does in real life, I kissed the top of her head before I could catch myself. It was a habit! I was left hoping and PRAYING she didn't feel it or notice. But I also know what a light sleeper she can be, when she's in an odd place. And my coffin was bound to be one of the oddest places on EARTH. So, I played it all as cool as I could. When I noticed she was waking up and stretching like a cat. Completely unaware of how she was arching her body against mine. Or how crazy she was making me... God, I wished I could keep her here. That I could have kissed her or hugged her. I missed her SO much!

I somehow got out the words, "Good evening," out smoothly. Even though my body was in total lockdown. She couldn't know the effects she was having on me. How badly I wanted her and knew I couldn't have her.

She'd grinned back, "Good evening, that's actually cute… did we really sleep here all night?" She'd asked as her fingers played with the buttons of my shirt.

"Yep," I'd answered not so smoothly. I was a man in serious withdrawal, okay? Cut me some slack! "It's easy for me but I'm so sorry you had to go through this… Are you okay? Can you move?"

She stretched some more and completely climbed on top of me as she said, "You know? I can, and I think I rested better here than in either of the beds they've given me here. How is that?" All of her hair was swept to one side and she was leaned close enough to touch! GOD! She's sexy!

I admitted, "I tried my best to cush you as you slept, so you wouldn't feel like you've been laying on a board all night. My coffin's very firm on the back and I didn't want to hurt you."

"No, I prefer really firm places like this. The beds Lola-vira gave me were all way too soft." She'd smiled, so gorgeous… just for me, and I could feel myself grinning back. I couldn't help it.

I heard myself telling her, "Well, you're welcome to join me anytime. But know you're the first human I've ever heard claim a vampire's coffin was comfortable."

"It was, but I am not the average human, I'm a scientist who accidentally made herself immortal in a freak accident experiment gone wrong and certifiably insane-" she'd tried to kid.

But I'd been quicker assuring her, "All of the best people usually aren't sane."

She'd smiled again, still straddling me, she warned. "I might take you up on that if I can't rest as well in my room after this. And my roommate's gone, I was growing to kinda like having him around." She said easily enough. For someone who doesn't want to date, probably has no interest in an old vampire like me. And was just fed such a line.

I had to get out of here, NOW before I did something really dumb like touch her or kiss her out of habit and break the spell! Or whatever magic that was making her relax with me, and keep pressing me in place with her soft body. I fumbled with the handle that opened my coffin lid and finally got it open.

I had no idea where we were anymore, in Lola's cavernous castle. It looked like we were in a Rocky-walled cell in the dungeons… but the cell door wasn't locked. A note "To Drac!" was stuck to the outside lid of my casket. It was from Lolavira, dated yesterday, saying…

"Hope you like your new digs, Dracula darling! It's my only one with no windows, I had the door fixed so it now locks from the inside. Rest well here for the remainder of your stay with us, and let me know if you ever need anything else. But don't pretend like the MAD doctor wasn't hiding with you from me. I saw her blue nightgown skirt closed in your coffin's lid. But thankfully, I don't think any of my cohorts at the time, noticed. Either she was with you or we have to have a whole different discussion when the sun goes down about your wardrobe choices." Then she'd signed it, "Your beastly bestie, hostess with the mostest, Lolavira!"

This new room looked more like my own castle, the one I didn't miss much at all. It had no windows as promised. Just another useless bed, I didn't need. But at least Lolavira was trying to be a gracious hostess. Even if her matchmaking was AWFUL almost across the board. But I showed the note to Quinn and let her know our host was aware how she'd hid from her.

Quinn didn't seem to care, or regret anything. She just shrugged and said, "Serves her right for trying to match me up against my will."

"I don't know how she got this rep for matchmaking, she's terrible at it." I ended up confessing, before I was admitting anything else.

Quinn laughed, "I know! I've often wondered the same thing." Then we'd both laughed and she said. "Well, thanks again Dracula… I'm in your debt, am I gonna see you in the lab later?"

I found myself promising, "Wouldn't miss it."

"Then I'll see you there, and don't forget to wear the protective wear today. I don't want to see what happens to you if you get struck by lightning."

I had to agree, "Me either, I'll see you."

But God! She was hot in that blue nightgown, even with that bright orange robe trying to cover all of her best curves. Every move she made was graceful... Perfect! Like when she danced or when she was in her element and moved with confidence about the Lab… It was just beautiful to watch… and how gone am I? But as she kept glancing back at me over her shoulder… I got the vibe that maybe… JUST-MAY-BE! This mission isn't as hopeless as I originally thought it was.

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That's All Folks!

Well, All for this chapter! I am posting more, but this chapter just got so long and I wanted to post some of it to be enjoyed before Halloween. This was all I could prefect before October 31st (2023). Please let me know if you liked it, if you think I should keep going. I hope it added to your Halloween this year! It's been an absolute blast picturing all of this, for me. I hope you all will come back for the next chapter or two. God bless anyone of you reading this and I hope you have SPOOKTAULAR day, and Halloween regardless! Take Care and Much Love!

~DarcyBeDippy85!