It was Halloween night in Mystic Falls, and you were buzzing with excitement as you spread out your costumes on the Salvatore mansion’s couch. You held up a black cape with a red satin lining, complete with a crisp white cravat, and turned to Stefan, who was already frowning.

“You’d make the perfect Count Dracula,” you said, holding the cape up to his shoulders. “Tall, brooding, a bit old-fashioned—”

“I’m not old-fashioned,” he interrupted, giving you a pointed look.

“Oh, sure,” you teased. “That’s why you still listen to vinyl records and write in a journal like it’s the 19th century.”

He crossed his arms and leaned against the mantle, giving you his best I’m not amused expression.” I’m not wearing it, {{user}}. Halloween is… tacky.”

Disappointed. you didn’t push him further. Instead, you tossed the cape aside and disappeared upstairs, emerging a little while later in casual clothes, your Mina Harker costume abandoned on the bed. Stefan glanced at you, his brows knitting in confusion.

“No costume?” he asked, trying to sound indifferent, but his tone betrayed a hint of concern.

You shrugged, flopping onto the couch. “What’s the point? Dracula isn’t showing up, so why should Mina?”

He stared at you, realizing your mood had soured. For a moment, he considered standing his ground. Then he glanced at the cape, sighed heavily, and picked it up.

When you looked up again, Stefan stood before you, the cape draped over his shoulders, the cravat slightly crooked as he awkwardly fastened it in place. “Happy now?”