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Chapter Seventeen: Spooked
Spencer fiddled nervously with his blue vest, cracking his fingers before walking into Garcia's apartment alone. He saw JJ and Will first, who were in matching outfits. They both had white shirts under a grey cardigan with gold and red ties and matching robe. He smiled at them both as JJ walked over.
"Hey Spence," she greeted as Will waved.
At his inquisitive expression, she laughed, "We're Hermione and Ron. Henry really wanted to be Harry Potter this year."
Spencer exclaimed in happy acknowledgement; he'd read the books but never seen the movies.
"Ah... the red and gold makes sense now."
She nodded, and they were interrupted by Garcia running over,
"My sweet genius! Oh, I love the costume so much! You never dress as a character!"
She was wearing a turquoise blue hoodie, brown skirt and mismatched tights with horizontal stripes. Her hair was covered under a black wig that was tied into a ponytail, covered in candy. Spencer had no idea if it was meant to be a costume, it just looked like something she'd normally wear. He smiled at her awkwardly with tight lips.
"Yeah, I know. Harper made me."
Both JJ and Garcia's faces lit up as they smiled at him in a knowing way that made him want to walk back out the door. He tried to change the topic,
"Where is everyone?"
"They're all in the kitchen, Harper's not here yet," Garcia explained with a wink.
As if summoned, the door opened behind Spencer.
Harper's nose scrunched at the sight of the gathering by the door, nervously tucking her short brown hair behind her ears. Arriving alone in a costume was one of the most daunting and humiliating things she had done that year. And she'd investigated serial killers.
She blushed, looking at everyone, especially Spencer. She was relieved to see he had actually dressed up, part of her wondering whether he was serious about their last conversation.
"Hey."
JJ and Garcia hugged her, Will shaking her hand and introducing himself. Spencer just smiled, staring at her the whole time.
"Welcome!" Garcia grinned, grabbing her hand and dragging her towards the kitchen.
"You have some people to meet."
Harper smiled at her friend, looking behind to see if Spencer was following them. He wasn't, he was still standing at the door staring at her.
"I love the Wreck-It-Ralph costume," she told Garcia who grinned.
