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The crisp autumn air was tinged with a sweet scent of pumpkin spice and the earthy aroma of fallen leaves. Los Angeles was uncharacteristically cool for Halloween, and the city buzzed with anticipation. For once, the 118 crew had the day off together—a rare alignment of schedules that promised a night off fun rather than emergencies.
Bobby stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the brass buttons on his vintage firefighter uniform. The old-fashioned wool felt heavy on his shoulders, but he couldn't help but smile at the reflection — reminding him of the many different generations of firefighters he's come from in his family.
"Well, don't you look dashing." Athena spoke as she entered the room, her eyes gleaming with admiration. Bobby turned, finding her dressed in a classy Wonder Woman costume, her outfit reflecting who she was. The red and gold accents of her costume shimmering under the soft glow of the bedroom lights.
"You look incredible, 'Thena." Bobby smiled fondly, "You're gonna outshine us all. The kids are going to love it."
"Speaking of which, May and Harry are almost ready," she said. "May's been fussing over her Hogwarts robe all afternoon and Harry can't stop bouncing around in his Spider-Man suit."
Bobby chuckled softly, "Sounds like everyone's in the spirit."
Downstairs, the doorbell rang. "That must be the gang," Athena said, heading towards the stairs to answer the door.
One by one, their friends arrived. First were Hen and Karen, hand in hand. Hen's NASA astronaut suit was impressively detailed, completed with mission patches and a replica helmet under her arm. Karen was in a lab coat, splattered with colourful fake chemicals, her hair styled into wild curls to make her look like a mad scientist.
"You two look brilliant!" Athena compliments, before being interrupted by Denny and Mara rushing inside, capes fluttering behind them. Denny adjusted his Batman mask whilst Mara twirled on the spot in her female Robin costume. "And you two," Athena fake gasped at them, laughing softly. "You two look fantastic!"
"Thanks, Athena!" they chimed in unison.
"Denny, Mara, you look ready to save Gotham!" Bobby exclaimed, joining them.
Denny struck a dramatic Batman pose, deepening his voice as much as a ten year old could. "I am vengeance. I am the night. I am Batman!"
Karen chuckled softly, ruffling his hair. "Don't go scaring the neighbours!" she joked with a cheesy smile.
Chimney and Maddie arrived next with Jee-Yun giggling away in her stroller. Maddie wore a classic witch costume, complete with a pointy hat and a broomstick slung over her shoulder. Jee-Yun was nestled in a comfortably plush cauldron outfit, her tiny face peaking out adorably whilst Chimney was dressed as a Ghostbuster, with the signature jumpsuit and proton pack on his back.
"This is too cute!" May exclaimed, snapping photos of them all with her phone.
"Oh my gosh, look at Jee-Yun!" Athena squealed in delight, rushing over to get a better look at her. "She's the cutest little cauldron I've ever seen."
Maddie laughed, "She's been practicing her witches cackle all day. Haven't you sweetie?"
As if on cue, Jee-Yun let out a giggle that sounded more adorable than terrifying, making everyone in the room laugh.
"Wait until you see Buck, Eddie and Christopher." Chimney said, winking.
Then, the roar of a familiar pick up truck sounded outside their home. The door swung open dramatically to reveal Buck, dressed head to toe as Indiana Jones. His leather jacket looked worn in all the right places, and he even had the iconic fedora tilted at a rakish angle. Beside him stood Christopher, beaming as Short Round, Indy's sidekick, complete with a cap and a makeshift satchel.
Eddie followed loosely behind after locking up his car, his Captain America suit fitting him like a glove. The shield strapped to his back gleaming with a metallic sheen. "Sorry we're late," Eddie said sheepishly. "Someone insisted on making a grand entrance."
"Hey, if we're doing this, we're doing it right." Buck retorted, twirling his whip theatrically.
The room erupted into laughter. "You guys absolutely nailed it!" Hen said, giving Christopher a high-five.
"Look at you two!" Bobby exclaimed, laughing at Buck and Christopher's matching costumes. "You really went all out, huh?"
"You know me," Buck said, striking a classic Indiana Jones pose. "I can't do Halloween halfway. And I couldn't let Christopher down!"
Christopher grinned, his hat slightly too big for him, but his energy infectious as always. "Buck made my costume! Isn't it awesome?"
"You guys look fantastic!" Bobby exclaimed with just as much enthusiasm, giving Christopher a gentle pat on the head.
"Thanks, Bobby!" Christopher beamed, clearly proud of his role as Buck's trusty sidekick for the night.
"Alright, group picture time!" Athena announced, clapping her hands together. They gathered in the living room, the fireplace decorated with cobwebs and faux spiders. She set up the camera timer, and they all struck their best poses.
"Say cheese—or should I say, Trick or Treat?" Athena quipped as the flash went off.
After a brief chat filled with compliments and laughter and some catching up, the kids grew restless. "Can we go now? Please?" Harry begged, tugging at Athena's arm.
"Alright, alright. Let's get this show on the road." Bobby said with a smile.
They made their way to a nearby neighbourhood renowned for it's Halloween festivities. The street was cordoned off, free of cars, and alive with activity. Houses were transformed into haunted mansions, complete with eerie lighting and smoke machines. Jack-o'-lanterns of all shapes and sizes lined the sidewalks, their carved faces flickering with candlelight.
"Woah!" Christopher exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder. "This is amazing!"
"Stay close, buddy." Eddie said softly, placing a hand on his son's shoulder.
The group dispersed slightly as the kids darted from house to house, the adults attempting to keep up. Denny and Mara lead the charge, their capes fluttering behind them as they dashed from house to house. Harry wasn't far behind, shooting imaginary webs from his hands as he zig-zagged through the crowd. Buck and Christopher approached a house where the owners had coincidentally set up an elaborate Indiana Jones themed adventure, complete with a mini obstacle course.
"Looks like you're in your element," Eddie said to Buck with a grin.
Buck grinned back, looking like an excited kid on Christmas morning. "Care to join us, Captain?"
Eddie laughed, "I'll leave the whip-cracking to you two."
Meanwhile, Hen and Karen found themselves at a science themed booth where kids could mix fake potions that erupted into colourful foam. Denny and Mara were ecstatic, donning safety goggles and gloves.
"Now this is my kind of trick or treating," Karen said, helping Mara pour a beaker of blue liquid into a flask.
"Future scientists in the making," Hen joked, smiling fondly at her family.
Chimney and Maddie wandered over to a section where a band was playing Halloween classics. "Mind if I have this dance?" Chimney asked, offering Maddie his hand.
"Why, of course." Maddie replied, her eyes twinkling with delight.
They swayed to the music, Jee-Yun giggling happily in her stroller beside them as she watched her parents dance. May and Harry eventually joined them, May showing her younger brother some dance moves whilst Harry jokingly struck Spider-Man poses.
Back at the candy stations, Athena and Bobby supervised as the kids bags grew heavier. "I think we might need a candy intervention soon," Bobby joked.
"Let them have their fun," Athena cooed at the multitude of adorable kids dressed up in their costumes. "It's not every day we get to enjoy Halloween like this."
Buck and Christopher eventually emerged from their obstacle course triumphant, brandishing small golden idols as prizes. "Look, dad!" Christopher shouted, waving the trinket happily.
"Great job, buddy!" Eddie said, smiling fondly. "But I think Buck might be enjoying this more than anyone."
"Guilty as charged." Buck admitted, adjusting his fedora with a grin on his face.
Buck and Eddie walked side by side, keeping an eye on Christopher, who was trying his best to keep up with the bigger kids on his crutches. Eddie smiled, shaking his head as he watched his son dart from house to house with the other kids.
"This was a good idea," Eddie admitted, glancing over to Buck. "I haven't done this with him in years."
Buck grinned happily, "I told you! Halloween's the best. Besides, look at Christopher. He's having the time of his life."
Christopher came running back to them as quick as he could, his bag already half-full. "Dad! Buck! Look at all this candy!" he said, holding his bag up proudly.
Eddie chuckled warmly, taking Christopher's hat off briefly and ruffling his son's hair. "Don't eat it all at once, okay?" he smiled, plopping the slightly oversized hat back on Christopher's head.
He quickly dipped his hand into Christopher's treat bag and snatched a piece of candy, grinning mischievously as he unwrapped it and plopped it into his mouth. Christopher frowned at him in response.
"What?" Eddie said nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders with a goofy grin on his face. "Dad tax, and I have to make sure the candy's safe for you to eat of course..."
As the night progressed, they all reconvened near a food stall offering hot apple cider and caramel apples. "Time to refuel," Hen declared, handing out drinks.
They found a spot on some nearby hay bales set up as seating and settled in together. The kids compared their candy hauls, trading pieces and sharing stories of the best houses.
"Did you see the house with the talking skeleton?" Harry asked, his Spider-Man mask pulled up to reveal his flushed face from all the running around.
"Yeah! It told me a joke," Denny replied. "Why don't skeletons fight each other? Because they don't have the guts!"
Laughter erupted from the group. "That's so bad, it's good." Chimney retorted, shaking his head.
"Hey, check this out," May said, pulling out her wand in front of Mara and Christopher. "Wingardium Leviosa!" She exclaimed, flicking her wand toward a leaf on the ground, and to everyone's surprise, it floated upward, attached to an almost invisible string.
"Woah!" Mara exclaimed, giving her a round of an applause.
Athena nudged Bobby gently, smiling towards her kids. "Looks like they're full of surprises."
"Well, they definitely get it from their mother." he replied, wrapping an arm around her with a smile on his face.
Athena leaned into Bobby's shoulder, watching the kids laugh and swap candies with one another as they planned their next candy stop. Her and Bobby taking a rare moment to just soak it all in.
"Remember the Halloween a few years back?" Bobby asked, a fond smile tugging at his lips. "The call with the haunted house tour? I think we spent more time wrangling spooked tourists than we did handing actual emergencies."
Athena chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Oh, I remember. That was the same Halloween I had to tackle a guy in a mummy costume—he was so wrapped up in those bandages, I had to unravel him like scooby doo villain!"
Bobby laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "And look at us now," he said, nodding towards the kids and the rest of the one eighteen in front of them, the kids eagerly biting into candy apples, sticky smiles on their faces. "This is what it's all about, isn't it? Having them all here, laughing, being together... doesn't get much better than this."
Athena reached over, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "You're right. Feels like something out of a dream."
Bobby smiled, a glint in his eye as he looked at her from beneath his vintage firefighter hat. "Must be a dream if Wonder Woman herself is here with me."
"Oh really?" Athena smirked, a playful glint sparkled in her eye as she looked him up and down for a second. "I have to say, though, Captain Nash... that old-school firefighter uniform suits you. Quite the dashing gentleman. Can't imagine I'm the only one noticing."
"Oh, don't worry, Mrs Grant-Nash." he said with a boyish grin. "This dashing fireman's only got eyes for you."
"Better keep it that way, or you'll have to answer to the lasso." She grinned before leaning in closer, voice a low murmur. "Besides, I've always had a thing for heroes. And tonight, I just happen to be sitting next to one of the best."
He grinned, cheeks slightly flushed. "Maybe when we get back home, I'll show you more of this dashing, gentlemanly side. You know, for historical records."
"Looking forward to it." Athena replied, brushing a quick kiss to his cheek, both of them grinning as they turned back to watch everyone, hearts full and grateful for this rare, perfect night.
Eddie watched Christopher for a moment, a smile on his face so wide it could've broken off — noticing him yawning softly. "Getting tired, buddy?"
"A little," Christopher admitted. "But I don't want it to end."
"How about we head back soon and get ready for the party at Bobby and Athena's?" Eddie suggested.
"Party at your place?" Buck turned to Bobby, arching a brow.
"That's right. We've got plenty of treats that aren't just candy," he replied.
"Count me in," Chimney replied enthusiastically. "I've been working on a new cocktail recipe, non-alcoholic options included." he added, glancing at the kids and then back to Bobby.
"Sounds like a plan," Hen agreed.
They made their way back to Bobby and Athena's house eventually, the group chatting animatedly. The front yard was now illuminated with orange and purple lights, casting an enchanting glow. Guests had started to arrive, some in costume, others carrying dishes for the potluck.
Inside, the house was transformed. Streamers hung from the ceiling, and a playlist of upbeat Halloween songs filled the air. A table in the dining room was laden with an assortment of foods; pumpkin pies, caramel corn, mini sandwiches shaped like bats, and a cauldron of punch that emitted a smoky fog thanks to dry ice.
"Wow, you guys went all out!" Karen exclaimed as they all entered the home, mouth agape.
"Only the best for our family and friends," Athena smiled.
"How did you pull this off?" Buck questioned, taking in the decorations surrounding them.
"How did we do?" a familiar males voice spoke from across the room, Buck turning to find the culprit.
Michael and David stood there with grins on their faces, holding their arms out to show off their work. Michael was dressed in a detective costume whilst David had come as a doctor, of course.
"Dad!" May and Harry exclaimed in unison happily, rushing over to him and engulfing Michael into a hug before hugging David.
"You guys did brilliant," Athena complimented, herself and Bobby making their way over to exchange hugs with them. Everyone soon joining them to greet them too.
As more guests filtered in, the party came alive. The kids found a corner where a game of 'pin the tail on the werewolf' was set up. Denny blindfolded Mara, spinning her around before she attempted to place the tail.
"You're way off!" Harry laughed as Mara stuck the tail on the werewolf's ear.
"I bet you can't do better!" she retorted, pulling the blindfold off and sticking her tongue out in Harry's direction who laughed.
In the living room, Chimney unveiled his cocktail creation. "Ladies and gentlemen, I present the Ghostbuster Elixir!" He exclaimed, pouring an iridescent liquid into glasses, garnishing each with a gummy eyeball.
"I'll take one," Hen said, raising her hand.
"Make that two," Maddie added, smiling at her husband.
They clinked glasses, the drinks sweet and tangy flavour earning Chimney nods of approval.
Over by the fireplace, Buck and Eddie settled onto the couch, watching Christopher interact with the other kids. "He looks happy," Buck observed with a smile of his own.
"Yeah, it's good to see him enjoying himself." Eddie agreed.
"You did a great job with that Captain America costume," Buck grinned at him. "It suits you, honestly."
Eddie grinned, jokingly striking a superhero pose for a moment. "Thanks." He smiled, "You make a pretty convincing Indiana Jones."
Buck laughed softly, "It's all about the details. Besides, it was Christopher's idea. I couldn't let him down. You know I can't say no to that face."
"Yeah," Eddie laughs warmly, smiling at him. "Even though he's definitely going to use that to his advantage at some point."
"By all means," Buck shrugged, grinning from ear to ear. "I'd do anything for that kid."
Eddie smiles warmly once again at the way Buck spoke so fondly of Christopher, always having adored the special relationship the two of them have created with one another. He reaches over and pats Buck on the shoulder gently. "I know you would."
Athena approached them, holding a plate of treats. "Care for a mummy hot dog?"
"You don't have to ask me twice." Buck smiled, grabbing one.
Across the room, May and her friends had set up a karaoke machine. "Who's up for a song?" She called out to the room, one of her friends switching the Halloween music off to gather everyone's attention.
"You definitely don't want me up there." Bobby said, raising his hands in a surrender with a laugh.
"Come on, Cap. Live a little," Hen teased, nudging him lightly.
"I'll give it a shot." Michael called out, making his way over to May.
Chimney grinned, glancing over at David. "I think a duet is in order!" he called out, beckoning David to go join his husband.
Before long, Michael and David were coaxed onto the makeshift stage together after some more convincing on David's end. They chose a classic Halloween tune, their voices blending harmoniously to the delight of everyone present.
"They're good!" Hen exclaimed.
"Who knew?" Athena smiled, clapping along to the music.
As the night wore on, the energy remained high. Games were played, stories were shared, and the bond between everyone grew stronger.
At one point, Eddie found himself outside on the back porch, taking a moment to breath in the cool night are. Buck joined him, leaning against the railing.
"Quite the night," Buck said.
"Yeah. It's nice to have moments like this with everyone together." Eddie replied, briefly turning back to the party behind him before looking out to the city.
Buck glanced over at him, smiling softly. "We should do it more often."
"Agreed." Eddie smiles.
"Y'know, I'm surprised Christopher didn't want to be Iron Man or something. You know — so you'd match." Buck notes.
Eddie huffs out a laugh, shaking his head. "He's had the Short Round and Indiana Jones costume idea planned out for months and was adamant that you match with him considering you watched it together." Buck smiles warmly at the memory, a mushy feeling forming inside of his stomach. God, he loves that kid. "It's better than my idea anyway, I was gonna suggest that you go as Bucky Barnes. Y'know, for obvious reasons."
Buck laughs softly, "Are you kidding? That would've been an awesome idea! Although, I don't think I would've looked good in a long black wig. So maybe we made the right call."
"You kidding me?" Eddie grins at him, nudging him gently. "You'd pull it off."
"Well, there's always next year?" Buck suggests, smirking.
"Next year."
They stood in a comfortable silence, watching as the moon peeked through a veil of clouds before them.
Inside, the kids had settled down to watch a not-so-scary Halloween movie, their candy bags within reach. Denny and Mara shared a blanket, eyes glued to the screen. Christopher sat beside them, a content smile on his face as he stuffed himself with an assortment of candy.
Hen and Karen sat nearby, enjoying the sight of their kids so happy. "I think this has been the best Halloween yet," Karen whispered.
"Definitely one for the books." Hen agreed.
In the kitchen, Athena and Maddie were organizing the leftovers. "You might be eating pumpkin pie for weeks to come." Maddie joked.
"Better than running out of food," Athena replied, laughing softly. "Besides, Bobby loves his late-night snacks sometimes. But if you see anything you want, feel free to take it home."
Chimney wandered in, a sleepy Jee-Yun resting on his shoulder. "I think someone is ready for bed."
"She's had a big day," Maddie said, making her way over to them and gently stroking her daughters hair. "Besides, I think all those kids are gonna be in candy comas at this rate." She chuckled softly.
As the party began to wind down, guests started to say their goodbyes. Hugs were exchanged, and promises to meet up again soon were made.
"Thanks for hosting," Hen said to Bobby and Athena as she and Karen gathered Denny and Mara. "We had an amazing time."
"Anytime," Bobby replied. "Drive safe."
Eddie lifted a drowsy Christopher into his arms, smiling warmly. "Say goodnight, buddy."
"Goodnight everyone," Christopher murmured softly, waving weakly at the group.
"Goodnight, Chris." the group echoed.
Eddie carried Christopher up the stairs of Bobby and Athena's home, settling him into one of the guest rooms for the time being. Buck helped with the clean up as he gathered plates and cups. "You don't have to help Buck." Athena smiled.
"I don't mind. Besides, it'll get done quicker." he smiled back.
"Well, thank you."
Once the house was tidied up and a few of them remained, they settled in the living room one last time, Eddie having re-joined them.
"To many more times like this," Bobby said, raising his glass of water.
"Agreed." Athena smiled, raising her glass also.
"Cheers!" Buck agreed, clinking his glass with theirs.
May stretched and yawned, "I think I'm going to head up to bed."
"Goodnight, sweetheart." Athena said, giving her a quick kiss on the forehead as she passed by.
"Goodnight, May." Bobby smiled, giving her a brief hug.
Harry had already fallen asleep on the couch, his Spider-Man mask serving as a makeshift pillow.
"I should get him to bed too," Athena noted.
"Need help?" Bobby offered.
"I got it," she smiled, scooping Harry up into her arms with ease.
As the night came to a close, Buck and Eddie prepared to leave. "Thanks again for everything." Eddie said with a smile, a fast asleep Christopher wrapped up in his arms.
"You're always welcome here, all of you." Bobby replied, smiling fondly at them both.
Buck stepped forwards, giving Athena a warm hug. "Next time, we're hosting."
"We?" Eddie arched his brow, glancing at Buck beside him.
"Yes, we are." Buck nodded, "Whether it's at my place or Eddie's, I'll cook."
"I'll hold you to that," she said with a smile, Buck then giving Bobby a quick hug.
They stepped out into the quiet street, the festive decorations now softly illuminated under the streetlights. "Need a ride?" Eddie asked Buck after gently placing Christopher in the backseat of his truck.
"I'm good. Think I'm gonna walk and enjoy the night a while longer," Buck replied, giving him a brief wave.
"Alright, be safe. See you tomorrow?"
"Wouldn't miss it."
As they parted ways, Buck took a deep breath, savouring the moment. The laughter, the camaraderie, the simple joy of spending time with those he cared about—it was all he could've asked for and more.
He soon set off down the sidewalk, already scrolling through the array of pictures he'd taken through the night and smiling fondly. He couldn't believe just how lucky he was to have such a great family.
It was definitely a Halloween to be remembered.