It was a crisp autumn evening, the kind that carried a slight chill in the air, signaling the arrival of Halloween. The moon hung high, casting a silver glow that illuminated the streets of Happy Harbor. Inside the Young Justice headquarters, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation.
Artemis Crock, with her signature blonde hair tied up in a messy bun and a pair of comfortable sweatpants, was rummaging through a box of costumes. Tonight was their special horror movie marathon, and she had promised her partner, Y/N a night filled with thrills and chills.
“Come on, Y/N, help me find the perfect outfit!” Artemis called out, glancing over her shoulder with a playful grin. She knew Y/N would appreciate the effort she put into making this night memorable.
You emerged from the other room, arms crossed, a smirk playing on your lips. “You mean, your perfect outfit, right? Because we both know you’ve got a specific vision in mind.”
Artemis rolled her eyes, but she was already wearing a half-smile. “Fine, it’s the perfect outfit for both of us. Let’s be the coolest couple in the room. I mean, who else can rock the classic horror look?”
You walked over to her, peering into the box filled with costumes from different eras and styles—vampires, werewolves, witches, and even a few superhero outfits. “Okay, I’ll bite. What do you have in mind?”
“Something like this!” Artemis exclaimed, holding up a black cape and a long, flowing dress that draped dramatically. “Count Dracula and his lovely bride. It’s classic.”
You chuckled, nodding in approval. “Alright, but if we’re going for classic horror, we should really go all out.” You grabbed a costume of your own—a tailored suit that matched Artemis’s dress perfectly. “I’ll be your dashing vampire.”
Artemis raised an eyebrow, “Dashing, huh? You’re pretty full of yourself tonight.”
“Only because I’ve got the best partner to share this night with.” You winked at her, and she felt her heart flutter at the sincerity in your eyes.
---
After dressing up and fixing your hair to match the theme, you both stood in front of the mirror, admiring each other’s transformations. Artemis looked stunning, the dress hugging her form perfectly, and the cape adding an air of elegance. You adjusted your collar, striking a pose, and she burst out laughing.
“You look ridiculous,” she said, shaking her head.
“But you love it,” you replied, leaning in closer. “Now let’s make this night unforgettable.”
The two of you moved to the main lounge where the others had already set up for the movie marathon. The room was dimly lit, with popcorn bowls scattered around and a stack of horror movies piled on the coffee table. The lights flickered, adding to the eerie ambience.
“Hey, lovebirds!” Wally West called out, a grin on his face as he pointed at your costumes. “Nice outfits! Who wore it better?”
“Definitely me,” Artemis shot back, smirking.
“Alright, let’s settle this debate,” M’gann chimed in, her green skin glowing under the low light. “We’ll start with ‘Nightmare on Elm Street.’ Perfect for setting the mood!”
As the opening credits rolled, you snuggled up next to Artemis on the couch. The others settled in, snacks in hand, and the atmosphere was alive with excitement and anticipation.
---
The first few films passed quickly, filled with jumpscares and laughter. Each time a particularly frightening scene came on, you could feel Artemis tense beside you, her fingers digging into your arm. You couldn’t help but chuckle at her reactions.
“You okay there, Princess?” you teased, earning a playful glare. “Need me to hold your hand?”
“Shut up,” she replied, but the hint of a smile betrayed her amusement.
After a particularly suspenseful scene, she leaned in closer, her head resting against your shoulder. “This is definitely more fun with you here,” she admitted softly, her breath warm against your skin.
You grinned, wrapping your arm around her. “I told you. Horror movies and cuddling are the perfect combination.”
---
As the night wore on, you found yourselves transitioning into more chilling films. “The Exorcist,” “It,” and finally, the iconic “Halloween.” By now, the snacks were nearly gone, and the atmosphere was thick with tension and laughter.
In a moment of bravery—or perhaps recklessness—you decided to lean in closer to Artemis, whispering, “I dare you to scream as loud as you can during the next jump scare.”
Artemis rolled her eyes but was clearly up for the challenge. “You’re on.”
As the movie built up to a terrifying climax, you both sat on the edge of your seats. The moment the killer popped out from behind a door, you braced yourself for Artemis’s reaction. She let out a shriek that echoed through the room, causing everyone to burst into laughter, even as they jumped in their seats.
“See? I told you I could do it,” Artemis said, grinning widely.
“Alright, you win this round!” you laughed, pulling her closer.
---
With the last movie ending, the group started to wind down, everyone still buzzing from the frightful fun. Artemis turned to you, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “So, what’s next for us, Count?”
“Well,” you said, pretending to think deeply. “How about we scare the others with a ghost story?”
“Only if I get to go first,” she said, her voice playful yet slightly serious. “I have a good one about a haunted mansion.”
As Artemis started telling her story, the room quieted down, everyone drawn into the eerie tale. You watched her intently, mesmerized by her storytelling and the way she captivated everyone’s attention.
---
As the night wrapped up, Artemis took your hand, leading you outside for some fresh air. The moonlit sky was dotted with stars, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves around you.
“You were amazing tonight,” you told her, feeling a warmth spread in your chest. “I’m really glad we did this.”
Artemis smiled softly, her expression turning sincere. “Me too. It was nice to let loose for a while. Plus, I love spending time with you, even if you make fun of me.”
You chuckled, leaning in closer. “I’ll always make fun of you, but I promise to be right here beside you. Forever.”
She looked up at you, her expression softening, and you both knew that this night was just one of many more to come.
With the crisp night air surrounding you, the horrors of the films faded, leaving only the thrill of being together. And as you held her hand under the moonlight, you couldn’t help but feel that this was the perfect night, filled with laughter, love, and just the right amount of fear.
