"Stop moving." You hear Tashi grumble from the couch as Art hands you another little fabric ghost for you to hang from the ceiling. This was maybe the third time she'd had to restart Patrick's makeup, his constant fidgeting smudging the zombie makeup that was supposed to look purposely disheveled.

You can see Art huff a silent laugh out of your periphery as you loop the fishing wire around the hook you'd taped up, shaking your head at the bickering that had restarted on the other side of the room. It was a year ago, in this same apartment, that this had all started. What had begun as a couple and two friends had turned into... whatever the four of you could call yourselves.

Art had called for a group costume this time around, quickly shot down by Patrick, ever the individualist. It was okay, you reassured Art later, telling him you and Tashi had already agreed to match with Patrick without telling him. And so you did, each of you choosing a classic movie monster to dress up as as soon as Patrick announced his choice for the year. He wouldn't catch on until the party was already in full swing anyway.

It was audacious, this event you all had planned. Far too many people for your apartment, far too many decorations to hang, and far too many bottles to buy. But there were four of you now, right? As if that helped.

Finally done with Patrick's makeup, Tashi comes up behind you, grabbing your hips from below where you stand on a chair. She presses a kiss to your clothed leg, speaking smoothly. "Come get ready with me."

You weren't one to deny her. Casting the fishing line off to Art, you step down with her help, scurrying off together to your bedroom, greeted by the enormous expanse of foam and fabric you all called your bed. Sitting opposite her on the foot of the mattress, you watched as she prepped her faux fangs, a small smile on your face as the sound of Art and Patrick debating streamer use echoed in from the living room.

It's just a Halloween party. As long as the place doesn't burn down, it's fine.