The night of Halloween was here, and everyone was excited to get the movie night started. The other lords would be arriving shortly so everyone was making sure the decorations were set up, and their costumes ready.
Thanks to Donna and Angie's help, Daniela's costume came out incredibly well. She wore a green witch's outfit that also displayed her family crest on her back. She even had her own hat and broom.
"I think we did a good job, considering the short time we had." Donna said.
"No kidding! You look great Dani!" Angie said.
The redhead gave a warm smile and put her hand on her chest.
"You really think so?"
"Oh yeah! Dorthey and Toto better watch out!" Angie said, causing Daniela to giggle.
The rest of the costumes were no slouch either. Bela had a lab coat and some glasses on to resemble a scientist. She even had beakers too. Joseph had used the supplies he bought to make a cardboard samurai outfit, his katana was strapped to his waist in its sheath. Cassandra used some of her mother's makeup to become a zombie, and Alcina was dressed in a Dracula suit and cape (hey she was a vampire so why not). Donna and Angie decided not to dress up in favor of helping everyone else with their costumes.
Before long, there was a knock at the front door.
"I'll get it." Julia said as she ran off.
After a few minutes, she returned with two men in tow. One was horribly deformed and hunched over. He was wearing a black robe and a strange looking crown. Based on what Joseph was told, this had to be Moreau.
The other one was a tall man with scraggly hair. He was wearing an orange suit and hat with sunglasses. He was also holding a cigar in his hand.
"UNCLE KARL!" The girls all screamed as they tackled the man into a hug.
Yep. Definitely Heisenberg. Joseph thought as he chuckled.
"Damn girls. You're gonna kill me with those hugs someday." The man laughed as he hugged back.
Alcina had warned Joseph beforehand that Heisenberg was a very cocky and prideful individual who also had a big mouth. Even though he wasn't acting like that as he hugged the girls, Joseph was definitely getting that vibe from him.
Eventually, the lord was able to break himself free from the hug and walk over to Alcina with a smirk.
"That look suits you, Vampy."
Alcina sighed.
"It's good to see you too, Heisenberg. I'm surprised you decided to dress for the occasion."
The Lord shrugged.
"Well, I happened to have an orange suit lying around, so what the hell. Might as well use it. Gotta say, I had to make sure my ears were working when you told me on the phone I was right about Miranda and that you were making some changes. I never thought I'd see the day."
"There's no need to gloat about it." Alcina said with another sigh. "Though with all seriousness, I am thankful for it. Joseph really helped me open my eyes."
"Speaking of the new guy, where is he anyway?" Heisenberg asked.
Alcina pointed in Joseph's direction and Heisenberg walked up to him, this time with a swagger.
"So this is the famous Joseph huh? You must be quite something for someone like Cassandra to fancy you. You sure you think you can handle it?"
Joseph raised an eyebrow.
"Isn't that what the ladies say to you before bed?" He said with a smirk.
Heisenberg froze. He was definitely not used to being talked to like that. His face looked like he was going to yell at first, but then he threw his head back and laughed out loud.
"Oh, I like you already. I think you and I are gonna get along just fine." He said as he finally reached out and shook Joseph's hand.
Moreau took this as an opportunity to walk up to Joseph himself.
"It's nice to meet you Joseph. I'm Salvatore Moreau." He said as he also shook Joseph's hand. "I'm sorry about my fishy smell. I've been trying to fix it, but I still haven't found a solution yet,"
Joseph waved his hand.
"It's fine. Honestly, I've smelled worse at the Japanese fish market."
This lifted the lord's spirits as he smiled.
"Oh yeah. Vampy said you lived in Japan for a while." Heisenberg said. "I've always wondered what that place is like."
"It's beautiful to say the least." Joseph replied. "The culture and media there is truly one of a kind, and the food is great too. Just ask the girls."
Heisenberg looked over to the Dimitrescu family and they all smiled and nodded. He chuckled.
"Guess I'll have to take you up on that offer at some point. Hey, is that sword real?"
Joseph nodded and took a few steps back to unsheathe his sword, striking some fighting stances as well. Heisenberg let out a whistle.
"That's a damn good blade. Sure looks a hell of a lot better than anything the lycans use."
"Oh it is, Uncle Karl. That bear that attacked me, Joseph cut its head off with one strike." Cassandra said.
Heisenberg looked amused, but skeptical.
"Is that so? Care to demonstrate how sharp that thing is?" He challenged.
"Absolutely not! Not in my castle!" Alcina yelled.
"Oh come on, Vampy. Lighten up a bit." Heiselberg laughed as he turned towards the countess, but as he did, he heard the woosh of something being swung. When he turned back, Joseph was standing in the same spot as before, but now with a smile.
The lord was confused at first, but then noticed that the cigar he was holding was sliced clean in half, with the front half lying at his feet. He didn't even feel the blade striking.
"How's that? Is that good?" Joseph asked.
Heisenberg stared dumbfounded for a moment, but then he smiled widely and nodded. It was clear that Joseph had earned the lord's respect. He then turned towards Cassandra.
"You got a keeper here, Cassie. Don't let him go."
The brunette blushed.
"His skill is not the reason I fell for him. I fell for him because he's such a sweetheart."
Now it was Joseph's turn to blush.
"Aww. You guys are just so adorable!" Daniela squealed. "But seriously though, can we get this movie night started?"
"Yes please!" Angie shouted. "I've been dying to move past the old stuff we have back at the manor."
"What's wrong with those movies?" Donna asked.
"Nothing! I just want to try something new!" The doll replied.
"It is nice to try new things." Moreau said shyly.
Alcina smiled.
"Well then, let's not waste anymore time and get started!"
….
The group settled in the entertainment room and turned off the lights. Joseph took a while to decide what movie to put on. He wanted something that everyone could enjoy since not everyone was a fan of horror. So he decided to play An American Werewolf in London, which was a horror/comedy.
This turned out to be a good choice as about a half hour in, everyone was enjoying themselves, laughing and occasionally screaming. The big werewolf transformation was the highlight though as everyone was impressed with how good the special effects were. Once the scene had ended, Bela asked Joseph to pause it.
"Joseph, how the hell did they do that?! That looked so real!"
Joseph shrugged.
"Not a clue. That's Rick Baker for you. He's a legend. He actually won an oscar for this film."
"I say it was well earned." Alcina stated.
"Yes. That transformation looked….unpleasant to watch, but I guess that's the point." Moreau said.
Joseph noticed the shake in the lord's voice and walked over to him.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
Moreau slowly nodded.
"Yes. It's just a movie, and it's not like I'm a werewolf right?"
He was trying to avoid speaking what was on his mind, but Joseph caught on to it right away.
"Olivia, can you turn on the lights for a moment?" He asked.
"Of course." The maid said as she did so.
Joseph looked back at Moreau.
"This scene is reminding you of your transformation isn't it? We can put something else on if you want."
The lord shook his head.
"No. I don't want to ruin the movie for everyone."
"We don't care about that, Lord Moreau. We just want you to be comfortable." Julia said.
"Yeah! This is supposed to be a fun night. Everyone deserves to have that!" Bela said.
"Stop worrying about being a bother for once and enjoy yourself, Moreau. We're all in the same boat in that we're all freaks. So you're not alone." Heisenberg said.
"Not freaks Heisenberg, just different." Alcina said firmly
Cassandra turned to her mother with a sly grin.
"Don't you mean 'weird' Mother?" She said. Before the Countess could respond, she took the remote, and after pushing a few buttons, the TV was playing the scene with Godzilla flying.
This worked in lightening the mood as everyone was now laughing hysterically. Heisenberg in particular looked like he was going to fall out of his chair.
"AHHAHAHAHAHA! OH MY GOD! WHAT THE FUCK?!" He shouted
Even Moreau could barely compose himself at the scene playing in front of him. He didn't know what movie this was from, but it was clear that it was a joke among the Dimitrescu family, and it worked in lifting his spirits.
After he was able to stop laughing, he turned to the brunette with a warm smile.
"Thank you Cassandra. That made me feel better. You can play the movie again." He said.
"Are you sure Moreau?" Donna asked.
He was about to respond, but then froze.
"Donna, what's wrong with your veil?"
Nobody had noticed it. But at some point during the movie, Donna had adjusted her veil to reveal the good half of her face. Heisenberg looked surprised as well.
"Damn. I think this might be the first time I've actually seen your face" Heisenberg said.
Donna blushed.
"Well, Joseph and the others are helping me feel better about myself. I don't yet feel comfortable to fully show my face in front of everyone, but I think one day I will be."
This gave Moreau pause. Donna was starting to be more confident in herself and her appearance. Before, she would have a panic attack at the mere thought of someone seeing her face. But now, while still nervous, she looked mostly ok with it. If she can do it, maybe he can be more confident too.
He then smiled and nodded.
"Yes Donna. I'm sure. I'll be ok."
His voice was genuine, which made Joseph smile.
"I don't know. What Cassie has on is pretty damn entertaining." Heisenberg said.
Suddenly Daniela remembered something.
"Oh, Aunt Donna! We were talking the other day and we were wondering if you could make us shirts with that part of Godzilla flying on it for all of us."
This caused Angie to start cackling.
"Oh my god yes! Please Don Don, we have to do that!"
Donna laughed as well.
"That could be our next project, but for now let's watch the rest of the movie."
Everyone agreed and Olivia turned the lights back off. The rest of the movie went off without a hitch, and as everyone was enjoying themselves. Cassandra couldn't help but smile to herself at the progress she and her family had made.
To hell with what others may think of us. She thought. It doesn't matter anymore. We have each other, and that's all that matters.
