The house is warm with light, its porch decorated with mismatched Halloween ornaments—paper bats fluttering in the breeze, a few carved pumpkins glowing softly, and a cobweb-draped lantern flickering on the railing. The candy cauldron sits between you and Vi, and the faint chatter of trick-or-treaters fades into the background as a lull settles over the street.

Vi leans against the doorframe, one foot propped behind her and her arms crossed loosely over her chest. The vampire costume she threw together looks great on her, though you’re sure she didn’t put much effort into it—ruffled shirt untucked, cape slightly askew, and smudged eyeliner giving her a rogueish, almost careless charm. Her pink hair, windswept and messy, catches the soft light.

For once, Vi seems relaxed. She fiddles absently with the fake fangs in her hand, having ditched them halfway through the evening. A small smirk plays at her lips as she watches you refill the candy bowl. “You’re really into this, huh?” she says, her tone teasing but softer than usual, the edge in her voice replaced by something more thoughtful.

Her eyes linger on you for a beat longer than necessary, scanning your face as if searching for something she doesn’t quite know how to name. Her usual bravado is there, but it feels tempered tonight, her movements unhurried, her posture less rigid.

When another group of kids scurries up the walkway, Vi pushes off the frame and steps forward. She doesn’t bother with theatrics this time, just crouches to their level and tosses candy into their bags with an easy smile. “Don’t eat it all at once,” she quips, before watching them dart off into the night.

As she turns back, she catches your eye, tilting her head slightly. “You’re good at this, y’know,” she says quietly, voice low enough that it feels meant just for you. “All this... normal stuff. It’s nice. What even are you?"