One Weekend in October

One Weekend in October (one shot)

One year since Halloween, incredible loss, and the return to the Boiling Isles.

One year minus a day or so since Hunter realized he could tell his friends he cared and they would both believe him and listen.

And one year minus a day or so since Willow said, "You're special to me, too," and Hunter felt his heart melt as her finger linked with his, their hands lightly pressed together.

Hunter and Willow's friendship has grown into a soft and cautious romance neither of them are ready to admit has progressed beyond Advanced Friendship.

The six friends spend Halloween in the Human Realm. They stay in, handing out candy to the children who knock on their door. Vee, Gus, Luz, Amity, and Willow all dress up for the party Camila throws them, but Hunter struggles to enjoy the festivities. A year ago, the festivities ended in unimaginable grief and pain. It takes immense effort to push it aside to try to engage with his friends.

Late at night, the teens are cuddled together on the living room floor, the television rolling movie credits their only light.

Camila turns off the screen and turns on a small end table lamp, "I know you're very tired, but I want one moment with you before you kids go to bed." She sits down with them on the floor, "Hunter...baby, a year ago, I almost lost you. I know it hurts to remember everything. I can see it in your eyes. But thank you for spending today here. I'm so glad you still feel safe in this house."

Hunter's eyes brim with tears and he doesn't bother to try to brush them away as he slides over to her and curls up against her, "Thanks for pulling me out of the water, Mom." His other friends gather around him, snuggling in for a group hug as he whispers, "And thanks, Flapjack, for saving me." He isn't the only one crying by the time the hug ends.

"I sure miss that little guy," Gus says, "Every time I see a cardinal, I wish it was him."

"I talk to them, just in case," Amity admits, "I know it won't ever be him, but...."

Hunter nods, "Yeah. Me too." He wipes his eyes, "Thanks, guys. I don't know how to talk about this. It hurts. A lot."

"Well we've got you," Luz says, putting her arm around his shoulders, "So whenever you do want to try to talk over stuff, it doesn't have to be perfect. We're all here for you."

"I get it," Vee says, "Grief and loss sometimes just steal your words away."

"Thanks, Vee...that's kinda what it feels like," Hunter says. He yawns, "It's getting late, though, and I'm not sure I want to fall asleep on the floor."

Camila checks the time, "It's a good thing none of you have school tomorrow or I'd be very worried, given the hour. Go, get to bed. I'll say goodnight before it's lights-out."

The teens head to the bedrooms and bathroom to get ready for bed. After everyone is in their pajamas, teeth brushed, and ready to tuck in, Camila makes the rounds and says her goodnights to all the children in her care. She has been grateful for the portal door that has allowed her to keep them.

When the lights are out and Gus is snoring, Hunter creeps upstairs. He peeks into the girls' room to see if Willow is still awake. She is, but she's not the only one.

"Hunter? Are you OK?" Luz asks, face illuminated by her laptop.

"Maybe?" he says from the door, "I mean...I'm still thinking about a lot. Why aren't you asleep?"

"Same," Luz says, "A year ago, I had to fight my possessed bestie. It's not exactly something you just forget." She shudders, "I didn't notice the change in your voice right away. But when I saw Flapjack so scared...I'll never forget what it was like to realize what was happening."