Submission (#1621) Approved

Words; 504
4 Kebs Used and Mascot

The comfortable flickering of a campfire and the stars glittering above greeted Silver as he sat beside his husband, Atlas. They had joined a few friends to tell scary stories and even Atlas’ brother showed up with a friend from the Ultraviolent Underground.

Atlas laughed as he hugged Silver close. “Zephyr, how come you didn’t tell your big brother it was going to be freezing? I’m worried Silvy isn’t going to make it!”

Silver scoffed playfully and slapped his husband’s shoulder, “How could I freeze with you practically squeezing me to death? I can’t breathe."

Zephyr shook his head, “Ugh you two lovebirds, I swear you never stop flirting.”

Zephyr’s friend, Roxanne, shoved him, “Quit it, it’s nice to see a couple get along. Or maybe you’re just jealous that you’re still single?”

Zephyr snorted, trying to tackle Roxanne, “I swear when I catch you, Roxy!”

Silver raised his voice, “Hey you two! Do not play around like that near a fire, it’s dangerous.” And he would really like to avoid another burnt fur incident, it took Zephyr months to regrow his fur and Atlas had teased him the entire time about it. Silver loved his husband, but Atlas did tend to tease his brother a lot.

Just when the group settled down, another voice joined in, “Now that reminds me of a wickedly spooky story from years ago, long before all of you showed up here.” And there, in the dim firelight, stood the one and only Herald of Fall, Sam O’Hain!

Roxanne’s mouth dropped open, “Sam? How did you know we were telling scary stories out here?”

Sam shook his head, “Oh no, I was just randomly roaming around and happened on your campfire. I guessed the reason you all are out here is to tell some stories. It’s not Fall without a little scare.”

Atlas chuckled, “Good guess! We couldn’t let the season pass by without a few spooky thrills.” He smiled fondly, “Not to mention, me and Silvy have a babysitter tonight so we can stay out for as long as we want.”

Silver leaned against Atlas. “It’s nice to have a chance to spend time with our friends and family and not have to worry about how late the children are staying awake.”

“Plus, your kids can be wild,” Zephyr snorted, “Having some good old scary stories will probably remind you of them!”

The group laughed, before Sam took a closer step to the fire. “Then I suppose I will stay this night out with one of my favorite spooky tales. A story about the forest and minding the creatures that live within it. To remember the price paid for her beauty.”

He raised his hands and gestured, “Be prepared for a story that will make you ask the question of right and wrong? To ask what the true meaning of survival is.”

As Sam continued his story, he couldn’t help but think how wondering his season is, especially when friends and family could come to enjoy it together.