Against the Odds | DAERIN

Chapter: 15

h a e r i n

We walked into the costume shop, and I instantly smiled. I love Halloween, and what makes it better is that this year, Danielle is matching costumes with me. We're going to a Halloween party with my friends, and it's in two days. We scan through the costumes, showing each other some as we go.

"What will you be comfortable wearing?" I ask, as she looks at an Incredible Hulk suit.

"Anything really, nothing too showy but I don't mind if it's revealing. Are you okay with that?"

I shake my head, she hasn't quite gotten used to a non-toxic partner yet.

"Babe, of course I'm okay with that," I say, bringing her into a brief side hug. "It's not my place to tell you what you can or can't wear." I kiss the top of her head and let her go, carrying on my search for the perfect costume, not missing Danielle's smile as I walk away.

"What about this?" she asks, picking up a Joker and Harley Quinn set.

"Yeah, that's cool. Or this?" I say, gesturing to the angel and devil set. I know it's so basic, but I can't think of anything else. I'm not American so I don't have much clue what people wear for Halloween. The devil costume is a red suit, with black bits and devil horns, and the angel is a white dress with a halo and wings.

"I like that one," Danielle says, pointing at the angel one. "It'll look even cooler with your whole face situation going on."

"We'll get that then," I reply, picking it up and taking it to the till.

"Just this?" the woman asks, scanning it.

"Yes, thank you," I reply.

"Forty dollars fifty, please," she says, smiling politely at me, as I tap my card on the machine.

"Thank you."

We walk out of the shop and stop outside so I can put my card back into my wallet.

"I'll pay half of it back later," Danielle says, and I shake my head.

"Nah, I've got it. Don't worry."

She's about to protest but I take hold of her hand and start walking. She looks down at our hands and smiles, dropping the subject of paying me back. We get back to her house and I pass her the angel costume.

"Seven on Friday?" I ask, checking if that's a good time to arrive before the party.

"Yep, sounds good to me."

I smile and nod, "Alright, I'll see you then."

"Text me?" she asks, sounding like she's doubting I will.

I pull her in by her waist and kiss her.

"Obviously."

She wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me again before we both let go.

"Bye," she says, smiling at me.

"Bye, Dani."

d a n i e l l e

I put on the angel costume and looked at myself. I did look pretty good, and I just hoped that Haerin would like it. I finished off my hair and put the halo on, just as the door knocked.

"Woah," she said as I opened the door.

"Woah to you too."

I bit my lip as my eyes trailed over what she was wearing. The red devil suit, with a black bow tie and devil horns, her brown hair was down, and she looked very attractive. The bruises and cuts on her face and knuckles adding to that.