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“This looks…”
Harrow stood in front of a mirror, staring at her almost entirely foreign reflection. Her expression was a true and honest scowl- lips pressed thin as her eyes raked down the costume Gideon had picked out for her. The ensemble was…simple enough, mostly. On Halloween, Harrow usually just reused the same skeleton costume. It worked well enough- she had picked up the bone shirt years ago- cut off the sleeves, and wore it oftenish. It was made ‘special’ for the holiday by pairing it with intricate skull makeup.
This.. Was new.
Gideon stood behind her now- grinning her lopsided grin and creeping hands up Harrow’s waist. She ignored her complaints- as usual, instead focusing on the positive. “Oh please, you look great. Scary. But in a..yeehaw way.”
Harrow did not want to look scary in a yeehaw way. But she was dressed. Black slacks, a black button up tucked into those black slacks- worn, dark brown cowboy boots Gideon thrifted for her- so marveled and excited she managed to find something in Harrow’s size. The cowboy theme was further helped by the hat- the bolo around her neck, surprisingly working well with Harrow’s usual bone jewelry.
Harrow looked like a child. Specifically a little boy. Which was embarrassing and maybe a little, gratifying- in the, androgynous realm of things. Gideon looked effortlessly handsome, strong, and beautiful- as usual. Her curls were mostly hidden under the hat- which harrow grieved, but the- tight around the arms shirt, the pants- that made her legs look long and full and strong made up for the loss. just a little.
“I suppose this. will do.” Harrow mumbled, mainly to herself. Fixing the cuffs of the sleeves. She got one or two done before Gideon moved, hands shifting to work them for Harrow. It took her a bit longer than it would've if she had done it herself, but she appreciated the gesture anyway, smiling slight and slow when Gideon kissed the knuckles of her hands. “Camilla and Sexpal said seven. It's six thirty. You ready?”
Gideon knew checking in with her constantly ensured she’d feel more confident, and secure, so she did it, because she loved Harrow and wanted her to have fun too. Harrow appreciated that immensely, dragging Gideon down to her level by her bolo-tie and kissing her right on the mouth. “Yes. Let's, do it then.”
Gideon smiled, and Harrow felt her insides squeeze at the sight.
“Let's go, bone cowboy.”
-
The party was still in the works when they arrived. Camilla and Palamades welcomed them almost immediately, with Pal embracing both Harrow and Gideon, while Camilla took the more practical approach giving both of them a little nod. A cool, little nod.
Gideon hugged her anyway.
The pair of them always dressed in matching costumes, usually low effort and immensely corny, but nothing that could be considered a genuine couple's costume. This year was the matrix, which was definitely a more dignified step up than the year before. Camilla looked badass, because of course she did- dressed in all black with a dark trench coat, dark- shaded glasses atop her, for lack of better words, perfect nose. Sextus looked dorky, but cute- waving around a plastic fake gun while talking.
“Everyone should be here. Soon..ish. Surprisingly you’re the most punctual out of the bunch.”
This was not an insult, because it was mostly true.
Dulcie and Pro arrived maybe fifteen minutes or so later. Dulcie, who was probably too busy with life to work out a super detailed costume- was dressed as a flower- which was obvious from her green dress and floral. Everything. Pro was. A bee. Which he did not seem entirely pleased about. He did look interesting in yellow.
It didn't take long for the conversations to reach a sort of flow- Dulcie was just as funny, and open as usual. Harrow was having a good time, actually- nodding along with the conversation and taking occasional sips of the earl grey tea Sextus begged her to try. She only agreed because she managed to pour water in the cup while he wasn’t looking, lessening the intensity of the liquid.
apparently she needed to get a new vape before arriving. Abigail and Magnus couldn't make it, unfortunately- but they called, and texted, and sent pizza for the group.
It was great, a simple- normal, drama-less evening. Gideon spent her afternoon trying to engage with everyone equally, playing Mario kart with Ianthe was humiliating, but she beat Sextus three times to make up for it. Dulcie and Coronabeth made weed brownies while Camilla inspected and ensured they wouldn't kill anyone. Pro talked with Judith, surprisingly- when she wasn't leaning on a wall and pretending to scroll on her phone.
Harrow ate pizza passively, finishing around a slice and a half before giving Gideon the rest of her meal- which she accepted happily. They sat together after Gideon wore herself out- and soon pretty much everyone was huddled around the couch watching some terrible, jump scare-heavy eighties film.
When the night concluded, Harrow was exhausted, but weirdly satisfied. Gideon was happy, smiling and humming during the drive home. Their friends had all been entertained, and nothing had gone horribly wrong.
A successful party, a thriving event- and Harrow was not totally against the idea of doing it again next year.