little halloween drabble (part two)

Simon doesn't know which kind to buy.

Why are there so many options? Who needs this many different kinds of candy?

He wasn't even going to do this at first, had no desire. He planned to turn his lights off and sit in the dark to wait for it to be over.

Now, he's agonizing in the candy aisle, all because he knows you and your tiger will be going door to door.

"Do you need help?" A teenager, gangly and awkward, wearing the store's uniform blinks at him warily. Simon glares his direction, but it doesn't sway him. He waits patiently for an answer.

"Sorry?"

"You've been standing 'ere for ten minutes, starin' at the candy. Thought you might need help."

"What do kids like for trick or treating?" The teenager laughs. He's lucky he's just a kid.

"Usually these. The big ones." He points to an expensive bag of full size bars. Easy enough.

"Thanks." He gives him a nod, and the teenager shrugs.

"Happy halloween."

He has no idea what he's doing.

So far he's turned his porch light on, filled one of his kitchen bowls with candy, and set it on his front step. Outside, the sun is setting, washing the street in purple and orange, and there are little voices echoing across yards, peals of laughter ringing out from the brick.

Now he... waits? He's not entirely sure. What time does it start? How long does it go on? All of these things, he's not prepared for. He doesn't know what to expect.

So he surrenders to it. Grabs a pour of bourbon and settles on the stoop to wait. Someone will come along eventually, he's sure.

He doesn't have to wait long.

Lisbeth comes sprinting to his gate and then through it, whisker covered cheeks pushed up as she smiles at him.

"Trick or treat Simon!" He chuckles, and it's real. The warmth in his heart at the sight of her, it's real, and it only grows when his eyes find yours. You're the zookeeper he's guessing, khaki pants and shirt molded to your body, and he's not sure how you've made something so boring look so good. "What you got?"

"Lisbeth. Your manners please." The little tiger's lips twist and she gives him a "sorry but not really sorry" apology, her eyes gleaming at his bowl of candy.

"Sorry Simon."

"It's alright." He holds the bowl out for her inspection.

"Whoa!" She grabs two candy bars, eyes as wide as the moon, elated like she's hit the jackpot. "Mum!" She squeaks as she shoves them into her bucket, and you sigh.

"Full size candy bars? Really?" His cheeks go a little hot.

"Had to. First year in the neighborhood an' all." You shake your head.

"You'll be the talk of the town. What's that?" You nod towards his glass, and he lifts it.

"Bourbon." Your lower lip gets trapped beneath your top teeth, and you eye his glass.

"My favorite."

"Yeah?" He holds it out. "Take a sip, got plenty." His fingers brush yours as he passes it, and it takes effort to still the jolt rippling through him, the brief contact lighting a fire in his stomach.

"It's good." You swallow thickly, licking away a tiny drop that's on the plush downturn of your mouth. "Really good, thanks." Lisbeth sighs like the whole thing is boring her, which is probably is, and does a little impatient jig.

"You girls making out okay?" Lisbeth nods, and you smile.

"Yeah, she's cleaning up. Hard to resist this little face, I think. Everyone's been giving her extra." He smiles too. The two of you together, it does something to him. Something strange. Something he doesn't understand but desperately wants more of.

"Mum can we go to the next house now?" You pat her head, eyes never leaving his.

"I guess I'll see you around."

"Yeah." No. Wait. Stop. "See you around."

and... I have a new blog. I am posting there but nothing of consequence yet. Please give it a follow if you feel inclined, but if you could keep it on the down low I would appreciate it. I am sharing it with you all and my friends and no one else yet:

shell-teeth