#Halloween bounce house rental

[goeliteevents]

Bounce Houses & Combos Rental - Go Elite Events & Rentals

Make your event unforgettable with our bounce house and combo rentals in St. Louis! Perfect for parties, festivals, and gatherings, our interactive rentals add fun and excitement for all ages. Book now with Go Elite Events & Rentals!

[funjumps12]

Elevate your Lafayette Halloween celebration with our Halloween bounce house rentals. Transform your event into a spooky and fun-filled adventure with our Halloween-themed inflatables.

[arecaceae175]

Trick or Treat!!!!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN have a snippet that I'll probably never finish of Modern AU Chain going to Disney world!!!!

“Disney Disney Disney Disney!!!!” Wind yelled as he bounced on his toes.

“Is it going to be like this the whole drive?” Warriors asked, rubbing a hand over his temple. Twilight sighed deeply and nodded reluctantly. 

“I have little hope for our sanity,” Twilight said as he piled the last suitcase in the trunk of Time’s car. He shut it with a loud bang and a half-hearted glare in Wind’s direction, who was keeping up a steady stream of excited chatter. Wind didn’t notice, and Wild and Hyrule continued to bounce beside him. 

“Are you sure you’ll be okay? I don’t have to go,” Time said, a hand resting lightly on Malon’s arm. Malon gave him a soft smile and shoved him off the porch. 

“Yes, you do. They’ve been talking about this trip for months,” Malon said. 

“We need to leave now if we want to miss the traffic,” Legend said, eyeing his watch suspiciously. 

“Yeah, yeah.” Time waved a hand in his direction as he pulled his wife in for one last kiss. A chorus of gagging noises ensued. Malon chuckled and pulled away.

“Drive safe,” she said. Then, over Time’s shoulder, “You too, Warriors.”

“Will do, ma’am,” Warriors said with a salute.  

Time gave Malon one last wave then made his way over to the cars. “All ready?” He asked. 

“Yes!” Wind cheered, pumping his fist in the air. Time couldn’t help the way his lips ticked up in a fond smile. 

“Let’s get moving, then.”

“Disney here we come!!!!!” Wild yanked open the door of Time’s car and started to jump inside, but Time stopped him. 

“If you’re going to be loud the whole drive, do it in Warriors’ car,” Time said. His tone was serious, but his eyes glistened with mischief. 

~ ~ ~ ▲ ~ ~ ~

“How much further?”

“I swear to fucking Hylia, if you ask one that more time I’m going to strangle you.”

~ ~ ~ ▲ ~ ~ ~

As Warriors’ car finally pulled up to the rental, he let out a deep, deep sigh of relief. He put the car in park and let his head fall onto the steering wheel as screeches of pleasure echoed from behind him. Soon enough, though, the screeching left his car and barreled into the house. 

There was a light rasp of a knuckle on his window. Warriors flopped his arm onto his car door, landing on the window button on the third try. It squeaked as it rolled down, matching the sound of laughter from outside the car.

“How was your ride?” Time asked, voice light. 

“Why have you forsaken me,” Warriors mumbled into his steering wheel. Time chuckled deeply, patted the car twice, then went to unlock the door. From the passenger seat, Legend gave Warriors a hearty pat on the back.

“At least we weren’t bored,” Legend mumbled. Warriors cracked a smile.

“I’m telling the sailor you said that,” Warriors challenged, raising his head off the wheel to meet Legend’s eye. 

“Don’t you dare.”

~ ~ ~ ▲ ~ ~ ~

“Look, there it is!” Wild called, pointing out the window. 

Wind pressed himself against the window of the car, eyes wide with wonder as they passed underneath the Walt Disney World archway. 

“Woah,” Wind breathed. Warriors chuckled. 

“If you think this is cool, just wait until we actually get to a park,” Legend said, turning in his seat to watch the three in the back. 

“This is cool!” Hyrule exclaimed. Legend huffed a laugh and turned back around in his seat with a smile. Warriors held a matching fond smile.

“That way,” Legend said, pointing to the road signs for Hollywood Studios.

“I can follow a sign, thank you very much,” Warriors retorted. Legend raised his hands in surrender and leaned back in the seat.

“Alright, whatever you say, oh valiant captain.”

~ ~ ~ ▲ ~ ~ ~

“What took you guys so long?” Twilight asked as the remaining five members of their group met them in the parking lot. Legend threw a thumb over his shoulder to a slightly sulking Warriors.

“Someone doesn’t know how to read a sign,” Legend said with a smirk.

Warriors crossed his arms. “There was a truck in the way, I didn’t have time to change lanes!” 

“This has been going on the whole time,” Hyrule whispered to Sky. Sky brought a hand to his mouth to cover his chuckle. 

“Okay, we’re here, enough of the arguing!” Wind exclaimed. He hopped up to Warriors and hung off one of his arms. “We’re in the most magical place on Earth! No more fighting!” 

Warriors laughed and grabbed one of Wind’s hands. “I’ll try my best, promise.”

“I make no promises,” Legend said. He was promptly shoved by Wild.

“Can we go in now?” Four asked, a hand on his hip and a bored expression on his face. His eyes shone with fondness, though, to those who knew where to look.

“Yes!” Wind yelled, and charged forward with a triumphant fist raised. He still had a tight hold on Warriors’ hand and dragged him along. Warriors followed easily, and threw a glance over his shoulder.

“Keep up!” Warriors called. The others chuckled and followed quickly behind. 

[inflatables-with-bouncy-rentals]

The Best Time of Year to Rent Inflatables in Baltimore

Planning an event in Baltimore and wondering when’s the best time to rent inflatables? Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, school carnival, or corporate event, inflatable rentals are a fantastic way to keep guests entertained. But timing can play a big role in making sure your event goes off without a hitch. Let’s take a look at the best times of year to rent inflatables in Baltimore and why certain seasons might be the perfect fit!

1. Spring: Ideal for Outdoor Events and School Festivals

Spring in Baltimore is a wonderful time for outdoor gatherings. The temperatures are mild, flowers are blooming, and the kids are looking forward to the end of the school year. This makes it an ideal time for outdoor parties and school events like field days, fairs, and carnivals.

Why Spring?

The weather is perfect for outdoor activities—cool enough for everyone to be comfortable but warm enough to enjoy inflatables.

It’s a great time for school-related events, and inflatables can bring an extra level of fun to any festival or picnic.

With spring break and school holidays, families are more likely to plan fun outdoor events.

Recommended Rentals:

Bounce houses and obstacle courses for school festivals.

Water slides for family-friendly gatherings, especially as the weather warms up.

2. Summer: Peak Season for Water Slides and Outdoor Fun

Summer is the most popular season for inflatable rentals in Baltimore, and for good reason. It’s the perfect time for pool parties, barbecues, and outdoor festivals. The hot, sunny weather makes water slides a huge hit for both kids and adults, adding a cool twist to your event.

Why Summer?

Longer days and warm weather make it ideal for water slides and other large inflatable rentals.

Schools are out, so you’ll see an increase in birthday parties, school reunions, and community events.

People are more likely to host backyard parties, and inflatables make it easy to create a fun-filled atmosphere without the need for elaborate planning.

Recommended Rentals:

Giant water slides to cool off.

Combo bounce houses with slides to keep everyone entertained.

Obstacle courses for family competitions and team-building activities.

3. Fall: Perfect for Halloween Parties and Fall Festivals

While temperatures start to cool in Baltimore, fall is still a fantastic time for outdoor events. The crisp air and beautiful foliage set the perfect backdrop for harvest festivals, Halloween parties, and community gatherings. It’s also a great time for school events, as kids are back in session and excited for upcoming holidays.

Why Fall?

The cooler weather means guests won’t overheat in inflatable rentals, and it’s a fun time for outdoor activities like pumpkin patches and haunted houses.

Halloween-themed bounce houses or obstacle courses are perfect for fall events.

Fall festivals and community gatherings benefit from inflatables, drawing in crowds and keeping kids entertained.

Recommended Rentals:

Themed bounce houses for Halloween parties.

Obstacle courses or inflatable mazes for fall festivals.

Combo rentals that mix a bounce house and a slide for outdoor fun.

4. Winter: Ideal for Indoor Events and Holiday Parties

Although winter in Baltimore can be cold, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the inflatable fun! Winter is a great time to rent inflatables for indoor events, like holiday parties, corporate gatherings, and winter festivals. You can still enjoy the thrill of a bounce house or obstacle course without worrying about the weather outside.

Why Winter?

With colder weather outside, indoor parties and events are a cozy, fun alternative.

Indoor venues can accommodate inflatables, ensuring your event stays warm and exciting.

Holiday parties and end-of-year celebrations are perfect for bringing people together for some festive fun.

Recommended Rentals:

Inflatable obstacle courses and bounce houses for indoor winter events.

Holiday-themed inflatables for Christmas parties or New Year’s Eve gatherings.

Year-Round Rentals: Don’t Forget About the Flexibility!

While some times of the year are more popular than others, inflatable rentals can be enjoyed year-round! No matter the season, if you have an indoor venue or a venue that can accommodate the weather, there’s always a great opportunity to rent inflatables and bring extra fun to your event.

Contact Us for Your Event in Baltimore!

At Bouncy Rentals LLC, we provide inflatable rentals for all seasons, ensuring your event is a hit no matter when it’s held. Whether you’re planning a spring field day, a summer water slide party, a fall festival, or a winter wonderland, we’ve got you covered!

Contact us today to book your inflatable rentals and make your event unforgettable!

Contact Information:

Phone: (443) 579-5867

Email: cs@bouncy-rental.com

Location: 5826 Ritchie Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21225

Website: www.bouncy-rentals.com

[pick-em-pool]

WEEK 8

HELLO EVERYONE AND WELCOME BACK 👏👏👏 We are now HALFWAY through the FOURTH season of the NFL pick-em pool challenge! big money is on the line and some BIG moves have been made 🤑🤑🤑 let's see how everyone stacks up heading into the back half 🔙🔙🔙

VAL - 13 POINTS

It's a dark, dismal day. So overcast you can't tell the time, rain drizzling into streets lined by dilapidated row houses. Is this a scene from James Cameron's "The Terminator"? Nope, it's just a normal Tuesday in Pittsburgh 🤷‍♀️ BUT THIS TIME THERE IS A RAY OF SUNSHINE ☀☀☀ AND HER NAME IS VALERIE DAIGNEAULT ESQUIRE shining like a fiery, 13 point beacon 🚨 Can she bring this momentum in the second have of the year and take the crown this time?!?! 👑👑👑

ABBY - 12 POINTS

Another fantastic showing by Abby means she is currently IN THE MONEY 💲💲💲 at 3rd place. She's famous for doing flips, dressing in animal print and calling it a costume for Halloween, and SCORING POINTS. I don't know how she does it, considering her entire household consists of a girl who has never watched an NFL game in her entire life and a dog with about 4 brain cells. Incredible! 🧠

JANIE - 12 POINTS

THANKFULLY Janie has finally strung together a few good weeks 💹 keeping her in the hunt for the money 💰 I was worried if the losing streak continued she'd start racking up larger and larger wine bills at Postinos 🍷🍷🍷 Invite me next time!

PEYTON - 11 POINTS

SOLID week for our new rental management guru 🏘🏠 He knows houses and he knows football 🏈

You call them vaulted ceilings, he calls them ceilings

You call it a bar, he calls it a minibar

You call it a crawl space, he calls it a 'hell no I ain't gonna fit in there'

You call it football, he calls it FREE MONEY 💰💰💰

JJ - 11 POINTS

JJ "Bobby Knight" Daigneault is on a roll! Now that he's got his looper machine he really has left behind the Boyz in the Back and gone solo 🎤🎤🎤 Are you ready for his first hit? "The willingness to sing is only superseded by the willingness to prepare to sing" 🎶🎶 Inspo board material right there 😢

LISA - 10 POINTS

She's holding on to her lead by a THREAD here 📏 will she be able to sustain the lead into the back half of the season??? 🤔 We doubt she's concerned about that right now, she's preparing for the weekend, November is Lisa's superbowl 😤 Daylight savings time is the ultimate championship for a professional sleeper like her - will she get 14 hours? 15 hours?! TIME WILL TELL 🛏🛏🛏🛏

RUSTY - 10 POINTS

FINALLY 🏁 For the FIRST time in nearly 7 weeks, our perennial caboose 🚂 is OUT of last place 🚨🚨🚨 Is this the start of the greatest 16 points comeback the work has ever seen??? Mmmmmm probably not 😐 BUT WHO KNOWS???!!! Everyone loves a good underdog story and I can't wait to see where Rusty ends up!

GABBY - 10 POINTS

10 points for our girl Gabby, not amazing, but not bad 👍 I think she could have done a little better but she has a rather frenetic social calendar to keep up:

JULIETTE - 5 POINTS

In honor of Halloween Juliette decided to be Tarzan and Jane 🌳🌳🌳 UNFORTUNATELY for her she channeled the brain of Tarzan and the brawn of Jane 🏋️‍♀️ This FIVE point performance was less Tarzan and more George of the Jungle, OOF 🤮https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119190/

Alrighty everyone CONGRATS on a great bounce back week (except Juliette) , glad to see everyone back at it (except JuJu). I'm looking forward to another GREAT week coming up (except Thomas the JuJu Train) 🚂🚂 see you all next time!

[ultimatepartyjumpca]

Bounce away with bounce house rentals

We offer trustWe offer A1-quality productsWe offer incredible themed bounce houses

Children are always bouncing around because it lets them see the world from a few inches above their height, even if it’s only for a few seconds. Bouncing lets them defy gravity, reach out to the sky, and whatnot, which is why inflatable bounce houses are so popular among children. And although there are many bounce house rental companies out there, we always outdo them all.

Ultimate Party Jump is the best bounce rental company because:

We offer trust

Trust is hard to come by, but we at Ultimate Party Jump make sure we give our customers the trust of reliability and good-quality bounce house rental at great prices.

We offer A1-quality products

When you are letting your children play on an inflatable surface, it is reasonable that you feel concerned about their safety. That’s why it is our main priority to create a safe place for children to bounce away and let their imaginations reach new heights.

We offer incredible themed bounce houses

The same old inflatable bounce houses are okay for normal occasions, but for special occasions, you need a special theme bounce house. And you can find the best-themed bounce house for occasions like Halloween here at Ultimate Party Jump.

Make your event memorable

When you have happy children by the end of the event, you know the event was a hit, and our professional staff is all here to help you with that. To get the best bounce house at an affordable price, you can make your event even more fun and memorable without breaking the bank. Try Ultimate Party Jump and see for yourself why we are the go-to bounce house rental company for so many families.

[radbounceblog]

The Benefits of Bounce House Rentals

When it comes to planning a fun and memorable event for kids, bounce house rentals can be a great choice. Not only are they a fun activity for children, but they also come with a variety of benefits that make them a popular choice for parties, events, and other gatherings. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the benefits of bounce house rentals and why you should consider renting one for your next event. Click Here to Visit Rad Bounce and Discover the Best Sports Gear Today!

Provides a Safe and Controlled Environment for Kids

One of the biggest benefits of renting a bounce house is that it provides a safe and controlled environment for kids to play in. Bounce houses are designed to be soft and cushioned, which reduces the risk of injury if a child falls or bumps into someone else. They also have safety features such as netting around the sides and entrance to prevent kids from falling out or jumping out of the bounce house.

Encourages Physical Activity

Another benefit of bounce house rentals is that they encourage physical activity. In today's world, where children spend most of their time indoors, bouncing around in a bounce house provides an opportunity for kids to get outside and move their bodies. This is not only good for their physical health but also their mental health and well-being.

Provides Entertainment for Kids of All Ages

Bounce houses are suitable for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. They come in different sizes and designs, so you can choose one that fits the age range and interests of the kids at your event. For younger kids, there are smaller bounce houses with simpler designs, while for older kids, there are larger bounce houses with more complex designs, such as obstacle courses or slides.

Enhances Socialization and Teamwork Skills

Renting a bounce house can also enhance socialization and teamwork skills in kids. As they jump and play together, they learn to interact with others and work together to have fun. This is particularly beneficial for kids who are shy or introverted, as it provides an opportunity for them to connect with others in a non-threatening environment.

Easy to Set Up and Take Down

Renting a bounce house is also easy to set up and take down. Most rental companies provide delivery and setup services, which means you don't have to worry about assembling or inflating the bounce house yourself. This also makes it easy to transport to different locations, such as parks, schools, or community centers.

Cost-Effective

Compared to other forms of entertainment for kids, bounce house rentals are relatively cost-effective. They provide hours of entertainment for a fraction of the cost of hiring a magician, renting a petting zoo, or hosting a bowling party. This makes them a great option for parents who want to provide a fun and memorable experience for their kids without breaking the bank.

Customizable

Finally, bounce houses are customizable, which means you can choose one that fits the theme or color scheme of your event. Many rental companies offer a variety of designs and themes, such as sports, princesses, superheroes, or even holiday themes like Christmas or Halloween. This allows you to create a cohesive and visually appealing event that your guests will remember for years to come.

[novamobileentertainment]

Virginia Bounce Houses and Party Rentals

Play some fun birthday party music as the kids bounce around the house. Rent out the best bouncing houses near you to make your party more fun-loving. Follow the website link to explore the best Virginia Bounce houses and party rentals! Visit now to know more!

[sweetbunnykook]

Forget-Me-Not

Adopted!JK x Detective!Noona - Oneshot/Drabble

Warning: taboo relationship, angst (manipulation/unhealthy boundaries)

Word: 1,855

Synopsis: Jungkook prepares to surprise you during Halloween but you have other plans that fuel his insecurities.  

A/N: I combined most, if not all, of the drabble ideas you guys sent me. Thank you and I hope you enjoy this drabble that is borderline a oneshot! ♥ Everyone had such wonderful ideas I couldn’t just choose one. I also had to force myself to stop writing because it was going to turn into a chapter. 

Jungkook just wanted to spend Halloween with you in peace. That was it. Just you and him, in front of the television, wrapped under a single blanket, wearing matching clothes and drinking warm tea. He even planned to order food from your favorite fried chicken restaurant with the little money he made doing art commissions. It was supposed to be a surprise and you were supposed to be jumping with joy when you see him holding two tea mugs in his hands, wearing a pumpkin patterned pajama pants and a large plain white cotton shirt big enough for you to climb inside in its warmth.

Is it surprising that when you walked downstairs, saddle bag in hand, dressed in an outfit he’s never seen before (a dress that was certainly revealed too much of your decolletage), he would be furious?

“Where are you going, mom?”

He can feel his stomach drop when your bright eyes suddenly dimmed upon seeing the cups in his hand and his eyebrows furrowed.

“I…” You struggle to find the words, knowing that his gaze is steadily trailing up and down your body. You’ve never dressed like this for any of your previous dates and Jungkook dreaded that you were going to end up in another man’s house, in another man’s bed, and come back reeking of this bastard’s cologne.

“I have a d-date,” your meek reply comes as you walk down the last few flights of stairs and open the shoe closet, grabbing a pair of boots and a clean pair of socks, your back towards him.

“With the same guy?” Jungkook’s voice lowers and you can hear the clinking of porcelain as he sets down the mugs on the coffee table, next to the rental DVD.

You nod. “Yeah.”

When you risk a glance towards him, you regret it immediately. Jungkook’s fists are clenched at his sides, his jaw is tight, and his eyes gleamed with unshed tears.

“Kookie,” you sigh, dropping your shoes back onto the rack to stride towards his tall figure cloaked in semi-darkness. “I’ll be back soon, maybe around midnight, okay?”

“The last time you said that you didn’t even come home. I was worried sick.” Jungkook pulls away from you when you reach to place a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“I’m a detective,” you chuckle, hoping to lighten the mood. The pitter-patter of the rain outside isn’t helping nor is Jungkook’s anger seeping out of every pore. “You know there’s nothing to worry ab-“

“It’s easy for you to say, mom. It’s easy for you to pick up your bag and go because you never look forward to our plans like I do. You never think for a second that maybe I want to spend the night with you and not have to wait for your leftover time like…like a pet.”

Has he always felt that way? It seems almost impossible given you spent your waking hours showering him with affection.

You pressed your lips together. “I didn’t know we were going to spend time today and I always, always prioritize your needs above mine. Don’t ever say that to me. Where is this coming from? Jungkook, if you need me to-”

Whatever you said might have struck a nerve within him for he flinched backwards, shaking his head.

“Forget it,” Jungkook takes the mugs back from the coffee table and paces towards the kitchen, knowing you’re trailing behind in concern as you struggle once more to keep him calm.

He knows he’s being unfair. He knows that you may have forgotten to tell him you were going on a date today, that it was his fault for planning a surprise on a holiday when you’re free from work. You only went on your rare dates on your day offs when you didn’t need to go grocery shopping or tend to other household responsibilities. The fact that you bought a new dress tells him all he needs to know about how much you looked forward to this night, even forgiving his snide remarks about your date when you first introduced him months ago. You don’t deserve to be treated this way and it makes Jungkook’s eyes fill with tears not just from frustration but from guilt that you ended up with him, a burden. This wounded, bleeding burden of a boy who falls more and more in love with you as the years go by.

Jungkook hates your little dates where you most likely had sex before coming back to him. The idea of a man kissing your soft nipples, your full hips, the inside of your thighs – it makes him sick with wrath. Jungkook hates that you still see him as the boy you took under your wings all those years ago. Jungkook hates that you’re so comfortable walking around in a towel in front of him because you don’t see him as a man; he knows you would never be that carefree with a date. He owns a piece of you that no other man can see. But his punishment is that he’s kept in this mold of the adopted son he desperately wants to be rid of. Changing his body to become stronger, becoming independent, pretending to be mature most of the time about the idea that a stepfather can appear in his life at any time – Jungkook was sick of it. He was sick of it all.

He throws the mugs in the sink, the two porcelain clattering in cacophony as it hits the sink and cool tea swirls down the drain.

“Jungkook…” your strained, mournful voice reaches his ears and his heart breaks. He can’t breathe, he needs to get out of there, he needs to get out fast.

“Kookie, wait-” You reach for him once more but he turns back into the living room, taking the rental DVD in his hands before he takes the flyer for your favorite restaurant laying haphazardly and balls the paper in his fist.

He skips up the stairs, noticing that you didn’t follow him this time. Somehow that makes it hurt even more.

Jungkook throws the DVD and paper on his bed and opens his closet, reaching for a pair of black sweatpants and a matching hoodie. He sheds off the plain shirt and pajama pants (so much for October festivity) and quickly change into the black set, keeping an ear out for the sound of the front door closing. He grabs his cellphone, his wallet, and keys off the textbooks stacked on his desk and shoves them into his pocket. For a moment he catches his reflection from the mirror pinned to the closet door and Jungkook decides, from his teary red face, that he hates himself more than he hates your dates and your cluelessness.

He’s gotten taller, much taller, stronger, smarter, but emotionally he is still the boy you rescued all those years ago. He’s still the boy who looked up at you and called you his superhero and smiled through the bloody black and purple bruises on his face when you held him and sobbed.

Jungkook slams the door shut behind him as he walks away from the comfort of his bedroom. Stepping down the stairs, he’s surprised to see you sitting on the couch, your feet still bare and your phone clutched in your hand. Why haven’t you left?

“Kookie I’m-“ You pause. You take notice of his attire and take a deep breath. “Where are you going?”

“Out.”

“Out where?”

He shrugs. “I don’t know.”

“Please don’t do this,” your voice cracks and Jungkook grinds his teeth. Yes, he hates himself more than ever. He’s self-centered, dramatic, and immature, he thinks, it’s no wonder you won’t see him as anything other than a child. Hell, being regarded as a dog would be better.  

“Just go on your date, mom. Sorry for ruining your perfect night or whatever and tell him I said hi.”

Jungkook walks past you to grab his backpack. He won’t be able to focus on schoolwork and he doesn’t have anywhere else to go except Jimin’s house yet he slumps the bag over his shoulder anyway.

“I canceled the date. I’m not going anywhere,” You grab his sleeve, halting him in his tracks before wrapping your arms around him. He’s gotten so large that your fingers barely touch when you hold him.

He’s silent for a second, harsh breaths gradually fading to soft sighs when he hears you sniffle once and lay your forehead on his back.

“…You didn’t have to do that.”

You shake your head. “I should have expected that you’d do something special.”

“It’s not your fault…” Jungkook can see the porcelain cups in the sink from where he’s standing. His cup and yours, the handles designed to fit each other like puzzle pieces. “I’m…I’m just…”

How does he admit that he’s throwing a tantrum because he wants you all to himself? How does he admit that it was unreasonable of him to expect you to read his mind? How does he admit that his heart feels like it’s about to pounce right out of his chest when you’re not near him? It was embarrassing enough for him to slip into your bed at night while you sleep, lying about his nightmares to earn the privilege of your gentle fingers brushing through his hair in your sleepy daze. He might die of shame if he admits that he’s been daydreaming about a night like this when you can be at ease and when he can pretend he’s your lover and pull you close.

Halloween has always been a tradition – not a strict tradition but a tradition nonetheless that is not disrupted by strangers. He’s way past the age of bouncing off the walls for candy and horror movies but he’d hoped that, the older he gets, this ritual of spending time with you and living out a part of his fantasies during special days won’t perish.

“I’m sorry, mom.” Jungkook murmurs at last, letting the rattle of the kitchen windows from the rain keep him grounded. “I…I didn’t mean to be like this. I wanted to surprise you and I just…I got angry and it wasn’t right. I’m sorry. Can you call him again and-?”

“No.”

Jungkook swallows. Forgiveness feels so out of reach. It feels…

“I don’t want to call him.” You continue. “I want to be here with you…if you’ll have me.”

He turns, making you tilt your head towards him to reveal your watery eyes, and wrap his arms around your shoulders, burying his face in the crook of your neck. Your perfume smells like heaven. You smell like heaven and you feel ever better pressed to him; soft against solid, molded like the puzzle piece patterned mugs in the sink.

“Do you even have to ask, mom?…I want you here with me. It’s…it’s okay, right? You won’t be mad at me?”

You peck his cheek, tucking your sorrow deep inside like the same way you’ll fold this new dress into a bag and return it to the boutique.

“I will never make you feel alone.”

[lady-divine-writes]

Kurtbastian one-shot - “Eyes on the Road” (Rated M)

Summary: Driving down the highway while on vacation, Kurt notices how tense his husband looks and decides to try something he saw in a movie once to loosen him up. It does the job a little too well ... (1970 words)

Notes: This is a re-write I decided to do for Halloween because I think it's really funny. XD Inspired by the movie 'Parenthood'.

Part 58 of Daddies.

Read on AO3.

“That was the insurance agent,” Sebastian says, putting his jacket around Kurt’s shoulders and rubbing his husband’s arms to keep the chill of the night air away. “They're sending a tow. We're gonna call an Uber to take us to the hotel, but they’ll have a rental for us in the morning.”

“That’s … that’s great,” Kurt grumbles. "Just peachy." 

Sebastian snickers. Kurt's cheeks flame red and he hangs his head. He can’t look Sebastian in the eyes, but he also doesn’t want to see Sebastian’s baby - his Porsche Cayman - wrapped around the trunk of an ancient English Oak.

Kurt isn't angry at his husband. This isn't Sebastian's fault. And for as bad as this night has been, Kurt is more embarrassed than upset.

“Are you alright? Nothing hurts? Nothing broken?” Sebastian asks for the fifth time, and for the fifth time, Kurt answers, “Yeah … sure … great.”

There’s nothing else Kurt can think of to say. Physically, he’s fine. Emotionally, he could live a hundred years and never, ever live this down.

Plus, Sebastian is being such a good sport about this.

That makes this whole situation suck worse.

They’re supposed to be on vacation. They got Thomas excused from school and took one week away to visit Kurt’s dad over Halloween. That way, Burt wouldn't have to travel hours to see his grandson dress in costume and go begging for candy. 

But Kurt and Sebastian had ulterior motives. They planned this trip to Ohio to escape everything: PTA meetings, stress, Sebastian’s ultra-needy clients, and Kurt’s new winter clothing line, coming together slowly, but on time for the Vogue Winter Extravaganza.

They'd been traveling to the city more than normal, and they both agreed that they'd forgotten how crowded and hectic it could be, especially at the start of the holidays. It's just Halloween, but that's the top step of a slide that shoots straight into Thanksgiving, loop-de-loops for a few weeks, then slingshots into Christmas.

Isabelle is pretty good about leaving Kurt be when he needs time away and diverting business calls to his receptionist. But Sebastian’s phone wouldn’t stop ringing, which tends to happen when every client you have thinks they're your only client. He shut the damn thing off, but that didn’t solve the problem. It only delayed it for a while. Once he turned it back on, he found he had a million messages, both text and voice, and in less than a minute, it began to ring again.

Sebastian had to change his ring tone. As much as he loves the song Running Home to You, he got sick of hearing it so much.

He didn't want this vacation to be the catalyst that made him hate it.

Driving down the interstate from the Hummel house to their hotel, Sebastian looked tense, gripping the wheel so tightly, Kurt thought he might tear it off the steering column. Kurt's dad and stepmom had noticed Sebastian on edge, too. They offered to take Thomas for the night, giving Kurt and Sebastian some alone time at their hotel.

But Kurt couldn't wait till they got there.

He had to do something. He’d never seen Sebastian so wound up.

He was afraid that if he didn’t find a way to calm Sebastian down, he’d snap, veer off the highway in a rage, and drive straight into a tree.

Not really, but Kurt had an appreciation for the dramatic.

At most, Sebastian would get back to their room and spend the whole night watching Battlestar Galactica reruns on TV. 

He'd been prescribed medication for a chronic case of stress-related acid reflux and had suffered three major bouts of insomnia since the beginning of the fiscal year. Kurt didn’t want that to happen again, not here, where they had come back to the familiar to get away from it all.

Kurt had an idea, but he didn’t know quite how to execute it. It wasn’t exactly his idea. It came from an old movie his dad had been watching during A&E’s Salute to Steve Martin. Kurt had rolled his eyes when he saw it, thought it immature and uncouth. But looking at Sebastian, a vein throbbing in his neck from the anxiety of phone call avoidance, Kurt thought he would give it a try.

What could it hurt?

Kurt had given Sebastian countless hand jobs while driving before. A blow job couldn’t be much more difficult.

Sebastian was focused on the road, his brain caught in a web of issues that had nothing to do with Lima, Halloween, visiting his in-laws, or even Kurt. He didn’t notice Kurt undo the buckle of his belt, unbutton the fly of his jeans, then sneak underneath his arm to get at his flaccid member. It took Kurt grabbing his husband’s cock and sticking it in his mouth before Sebastian reacted, jumping at the unexpected sensation of hot and wet, then letting out a long gasp as that heat crept under his skin.

“God, Kurt,” Sebastian moaned. “W-what are you doing? You can’t … we shouldn’t … be doing that now.”

"Wow," Kurt mumbled. "That's quite a change of tune for the man who used to accept a b.j. pretty much anywhere."

"True, but I'm older. Wiser. Undecided as to whether or not I want my obituary to mention that this is how I died."

“You don’t think you’re a good enough driver to handle a little distraction?” Kurt looked up from Sebastian’s lap, a half-smile on his moistened lips.

“I didn’t say that.” That, to Kurt, was as good as the go-ahead, and he went back to circling the head of Sebastian’s cock with his tongue. “B-but …” Sebastian interrupted in a shuddering voice, “w-what if a cop notices your head in my lap and we get pulled over?”

Kurt climbed up Sebastian’s chest - right hand stroking slowly, the fingers of his left threading into his husband’s hair. “I’ll just tell that nosy officer that I was sitting here beside my sexy husband, getting hard and bothered, and I couldn’t help myself. I just had to have my mouth on him. Then I’d tell him to move along.”

Sebastian smirked. “You’d say that, hmm?”

“You bet your gorgeous ass I would.” And Kurt sank slowly back into his husband’s lap to get his mouth around him again.

“But I wanna be able to properly enjoy it,” Sebastian whined as his husband’s talented tongue began long laps up and down his shaft.

“If you don’t enjoy it,” Kurt purred, “I promise a repeat performance back at the hotel.”

“Mmm, I'm gonna hold you to that.”

“Please do.” Kurt paused a moment to kiss Sebastian gently down the length of his erection – soft little pecks he knew drove his husband wild. “So relax, keep your eyes on the road, and try not to kill us, okay?”

“O-okay,” Sebastian agreed, adjusting his seat as far back as it would go and toeing the pedals to let Kurt work his magic.

Kurt hadn’t meant to make this the best b.j. of Sebastian’s life. He didn't even think that was possible at this point in Sebastian's sexual life. He had hoped to keep his husband at a low boil, relax him but leave him a horny mess so that when they got back to their room, the real fun could begin. But Sebastian sounded like he was enjoying it so much, that he was so desperate to cum, it spurred Kurt on. He found himself doing everything he could to make his husband moan louder, buck up into his mouth, swear like a sailor.

It didn’t take long to get Sebastian to the point where he was shallowly, but rhythmically, snapping his hips. And even though Kurt had intended on torturing him all the way back to their hotel, he was kind of relieved. He had heard Sebastian’s car engine rev twice now. Kurt couldn’t get a good look at the speedometer, but he had a feeling his husband might be exceeding the speed limit.

“Oh, God, Kurt. I’m … I’m cumming, Kurt. I’m …” It was at the moment of his fantastic climax that Sebastian shut his eyes for a split second, opening them when a horn honked too loud and much too close for comfort. Sebastian turned the wheel abruptly, swerving out of the path of oncoming traffic and plowing into a tree. How ever he hit the aged oak, the airbags malfunctioned, which turned out to be a blessing since the force behind one of those deploying might have snapped Kurt’s neck. As it was, Sebastian had managed to slow down enough that, even though the damage to the vehicle looked tremendous, the two shaken men were able to unbuckle their seat belts and exit the car.

Kurt’s mother always said that a separate God looked after fools and children.

Kurt peeks up at the smoking remains of Sebastian’s demolished engine.

Kurt is a thirty-five-year-old man. That definitely makes him a fool.

Flashing lights approach from the slow lane and pull up beside Sebastian’s wrecked Porsche. Kurt knew a highway patrol officer would probably be along any time, but he still didn’t want to have to face up to what happened. Not to a man with a badge and a gun.

The officer doesn’t get out of his patrol car right away, which unnerves Kurt. But he has to remember that the man has things he has to do first: run Sebastian’s plates, check the secret police database to make sure it’s not stolen, that two men fitting their descriptions aren’t wanted by the law. When the officer does leave his car, he has in his possession the brightest flashlight Kurt has ever seen. He shines it almost in their eyes, its beam bouncing from Sebastian, who raises a hand and waves; to Kurt, who nods solemnly and looks down at his shoes; to the once immaculate black car, folded almost in half. Luckily, no one had pulled over with them, either to help them or harass them, so the only two people who know what happened are Kurt and Sebastian.

And Kurt intends on taking this to his grave.

“Good evening,” the officer says. “You gentlemen look like you got yourselves into a bit of trouble.”

“Yes, sir,” Sebastian says. “I’m afraid we did.”

“Are either of you hurt? Do you need medical attention?”

Kurt curls in on himself further, but Sebastian shakes his head, cool and calm, as if his husband isn’t trying to disappear into his own skin like the house at the end of the movie Poltergeist that crumbled inside out before blinking out of existence.

“No,” Sebastian answers. “Luckily, we both came out okay. Not even a scratch.”

“That’s good to hear.” The officer approaches them, wearing a genuine-enough smile. “Do you need a tow truck?”

“No.” Sebastian continues to carry the conversation while Kurt, maintaining a low profile, is quietly impressed by how collected his husband sounds. Maybe that blow job helped a little. Kurt has that to be proud of. It probably wasn’t worth a $60,000 car, though. “I contacted my insurance company. They’re sending a tow.”

“Great. In that case, can either one of you tell me what happened?”

Sebastian glances sideways at his mortified husband, a smile on his lips hiding multiple embarrassing remarks at Kurt’s expense.

“Uh, do you want to tell him what happened, Kurt?” Sebastian asks. “You did say that you’d handle it.”

“No,” Kurt replies quietly, holding himself tighter, thinking that now is not the appropriate time for his husband to be teasing him. Though, if Kurt had stuck to what was appropriate and waited till they got to their hotel room before deep-throating his husband, they might not be in this mess. “No, I do not.”

[inflatables-with-bouncy-rentals]

Seasonal Events: How to Make the Most of Your Bounce House Rental Year-Round

At Bouncy Rentals LLC, we believe that fun shouldn't be limited to just one season—bounce houses can bring joy to any event, all year long! Whether it’s a hot summer day or a chilly winter afternoon, there’s always an opportunity to enjoy some inflatable fun. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to make the most of your bounce house rental throughout the changing seasons.

Spring: Celebrate the Outdoors! 🌸🌞

Spring is a season full of possibilities, with the weather warming up and nature coming back to life. This is the perfect time for outdoor parties, school events, and festivals. Here are a few ways you can make the most of your bounce house rental during spring:

1. Spring Birthdays With the weather finally warming up, spring birthdays are the perfect occasion for an inflatable. Kids can enjoy bouncing around in the fresh air while parents relax and enjoy the outdoors. Opt for a fun, themed bounce house—think “Dinosaur Adventure” or “Princess Castle” to match the birthday theme!

2. School Festivals & Fundraisers Spring often means school fairs and fundraising events. Inflatable bounce houses are a big hit with kids and a great way to attract families to your booth or fundraiser. With options like obstacle courses or slides, you can offer something for everyone!

3. Outdoor Picnics & BBQs As the weather gets warmer, backyard picnics and BBQs become more common. Rent a bounce house to keep the kids entertained while the adults enjoy the food and company. It’s the perfect addition to a relaxing afternoon.

Summer: Let the Fun Begin! ☀️🎉

Summer is the peak season for bounce house rentals, and for good reason—people are looking to celebrate outdoors, and there's nothing better than a bounce house on a hot day. Here’s how to maximize your rental during the summer months:

1. Pool Parties and Water Slides When the summer heat hits, water bounce houses or inflatable water slides are a crowd favorite. Combine the thrill of water with the fun of bouncing and sliding to make your pool party unforgettable. It’s the best way to beat the heat!

2. Backyard BBQs and Family Gatherings Summer is a time for family reunions, block parties, and neighborhood BBQs. Set up a bounce house in the backyard for hours of entertainment. From inflatable obstacle courses to themed castles, there’s an option for everyone to enjoy.

3. Summer Camps and Youth Groups Summer camps and youth organizations love bounce houses for their group activities. Renting inflatables for summer camps is a great way to provide entertainment for large groups of kids and make the camp experience even more memorable.

Fall: Celebrate the Harvest and Halloween! 🍂🎃

Fall brings cooler temperatures and a variety of seasonal celebrations. While it may be a bit chillier, there are still plenty of reasons to rent a bounce house. Here are some fall event ideas:

1. Halloween Parties Transform your bounce house into a spooky fun house for Halloween! Whether it's a haunted house theme or a pumpkin patch, decorating your inflatable can add that extra level of excitement for trick-or-treaters. Halloween parties are the perfect time to have a themed bounce house rental.

2. Fall Festivals & Pumpkin Patches Fall festivals are a big part of the season, and a bounce house can be the highlight of the day. Add some fall flair with autumn-themed inflatables like a “Harvest Moon” castle or an inflatable corn maze for kids to navigate.

3. Thanksgiving Family Gatherings Thanksgiving isn’t just about food—it’s also a time to connect with family. Why not keep the younger kids entertained with an inflatable while the adults enjoy the feast? Plus, having a bounce house for the kids will help burn off that extra energy before the big meal!

Winter: Keep the Fun Alive! ❄️🎁

Though winter may seem like the off-season for bounce house rentals, there are still plenty of opportunities to bring the fun indoors and make lasting memories. Here’s how to get creative with your bounce house rental in the colder months:

1. Holiday Parties and New Year’s Celebrations Holiday parties aren’t just for adults—kids love them too! Rent an inflatable for your family holiday gathering to keep the kids entertained while the adults celebrate. Whether it’s a Christmas or New Year’s Eve party, a bounce house can add an extra layer of fun.

2. Winter Carnivals Winter carnivals and festivals are a great way to bring the community together, even when the weather is cold. Renting an inflatable obstacle course or slide is the perfect way to keep everyone entertained as they enjoy the festivities.

3. Indoor Events If you’re worried about the cold weather outside, don’t forget that many indoor venues allow bounce houses. From gymnasiums to community centers, an indoor bounce house can be just the thing for birthday parties, school events, or corporate functions. Just make sure to check the venue for space and height requirements!

Tips for Year-Round Bounce House Rentals

Check Availability: Some seasons (especially summer) are very busy for bounce house rentals, so book in advance to secure the perfect inflatable for your event.

Safety First: No matter the season, always ensure that your rental is set up in a safe, open space with adult supervision. Follow all weather guidelines to avoid accidents during storms or strong winds.

Choose a Theme: Adding a theme to your bounce house can elevate the experience. Whether it’s a Halloween special or a summer pool party theme, themed inflatables are sure to be a hit!

Conclusion: No Matter the Season, the Fun Never Stops!

Whether it's a spring birthday, a summer pool party, a fall festival, or a winter wonderland celebration, Bouncy Rentals LLC is here to make your event unforgettable. With our wide selection of bounce houses, slides, and obstacle courses, you can make the most of every season and create lasting memories year-round.

Ready to start planning your next event? Contact us today to book your bounce house rental and make your next celebration a total blast!

[dcpartyrentalsupply]

DC PARTY RENTALS FOR UPCOMING HOLIDAY-DC Party Rental Supply

DC PARTY RENTALS FOR UPCOMING HOLIDAY

Autumn is finally here and that means the holidays are right around the corner. If you are planning on hosting a party for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve or another holiday, don’t shell out your hard-earned money to purchase all the party equipment. It makes more financial sense to rent party equipment, use it for the big day and return it once the festivities are over. DC PARTY RENTALS FOR UPCOMING HOLIDAY

Party Rentals that Will Make Your Get-together a Hit

Every holiday party needs food and beverages. Plenty of party-goers will bring the booze so you should provide them with some tasty treats. Rent concessions equipment for your get-together and your group will have a blast. We provide party concessions rentals ranging from snow cone machines to cotton candy machines, popcorn makers, and even chocolate fountains. Your party will be that much more fun with one of these unique machines on-site.

Entertainment Party Rentals

Make your holiday party that much better with games. We provide entertainment rentals ranging from dunk tanks to Giant Jenga, can smash, cornhole, Tic Tac Toss and beyond. You can even rent out bounce houses with or without slides to keep the youngsters occupied while the adults socialize and enjoy champagne, wine, and hors d’oeuvres.

Tents Seating and Tables

Your group will need seats and tables to socialize and place their food and drinks. Rent our tables and chairs for optimal comfort, ergonomics, and organization. All of our tables and chairs fold flat. Your party-goers will be quite comfortable in our folding chairs, even if they stay seated for hours on end. You can even move the tables and chairs from place to place thanks to their lightweight and ability to fold.

Be sure to rent linens and table covers to protect the tables. These protective barriers do much more than preventing damage to the tables. They add that extra bit of visual flair that makes a big difference. Linens and covers are available in various colors to suit your holiday party theme.

Audio Visual Equipment DC PARTY RENTALS FOR UPCOMING HOLIDAY

Make your party that much livelier with a PA system, a projector and/or podium with mike. You’ll be able to engage the entire party with these AV tools. Perhaps you’ll use the projector for a fun or nostalgic slide show. The PA system allows for tributes, karaoke and so much more.

[ultimatepartyjumpca]

The best inflatable bounce house you can rent!

Inflatables are very popular with children, and we all know that any event, be it your 6-year-old’s birthday party or your regular Halloween party, is always incomplete when it doesn’t have a couple of bouncy, scary characters in it. It is cute, though, watching children have the time of their lives without any worries in the world.

When it comes to choosing from the many bounce house rental companies, you need to look out for reliable ones. And you can choose the best bounce rentals by following these tips.

First step: Check for safety.

Safety should always rank at the top of your list, even more so in the case of choosing an inflatable bounce house because we are talking about children bouncing at insane heights on the bounce house. Hence, you need to make a checklist of all the safety gear and choose a rental company that offers the safest options. Not to mention, knowing how to supervise correctly is also important and necessary.

Second step: look for the age range.

There is a particular age limit for every bounce house rental, which is why you need to consider it, especially if you are organizing the event for children and adults alike. You can choose from the big bounce house range if you want to host it for adults also; otherwise, a simple small bounce house is sufficient to keep the children entertained.

Third step: Pay attention to the details.

One of the best ways to pop up any event is by giving it a particular theme, and you can do that by choosing different themed bounce houses like castles or Halloween-themed bounce houses. This simple trick can help you make the event even more memorable.

Conclusion

Renting and placing an inflatable bounce house is easy, given that you choose the right people to help you with it. For example, you can choose Ultimate Party Jump to help you place and enjoy your bounce house rentals to the fullest. 

[inflatablecompany85us]

We have the best selection of bounce house rentals, water slide rentals & more in Waxahachie!

In our over ten years of serving various clients in the event and luxury industry, we have had time to study what inflatables our customers love. With this knowledge, we’ve curated our inventory to the highest quality that fewer party rental companies can match. So, with our vast selection of inflatable rentals in Waxahachie, be assured of maximum fun every time you trust us with your event planning.

Our inflatable rentals include bounce house rentals, waterslides, slip and slides, obstacle courses, inflatable games, mechanical bulls, and jump house combos. Not only do we have inflatables in our collection, but we also have other non-inflatables like dunk tanks, mechanical rides, popcorn machines, chairs, tables, and tent rentals. Here’s a detailed breakdown of our inflatable rentals.

Bounce Houses Inflatable Company 85 loves serving Waxahachie, Tx, with beautifully designed, theme-diverse bounce houses that kids love. Once the bouncers are set up and the party starts, your kids will have a fantastic experience with lots of jumps and competitions. And that’s not all - their motor skills will tremendously improve. We have different genres for our bounce houses, from Justice legends to Disney characters whom kids like to emulate.

Water Slides Are you looking for a way to have fun in Waxahachie’s afternoon heat effectively? Don’t worry! We have various inflatable water slide designs for toddlers, teens, and adults to soothe the experience. And oh! There are also double-lane inflatable water slides to take the entertainment to a whole new level. So whether you want dry water slides or wet slides, we have them all. Your kids are in for an unforgettable afternoon.

Bounce House Combos What better way to treat your little ones and other guests to a combination of jumping and sliding than with bounce house combos? Yes. A Combo bouncer features a bounce house plus a water slide combined into a unit. Other features can be added, like basketball hoops and climbing walls. It will be an endlessly entertaining experience full of memories.

Obstacle Courses The fun doesn’t stop at jumping and sliding on our bounce house and water slide rentals. We understand kids and teens crave a great challenge, so we stock multiple obstacle courses. With hard-to-overcome obstacles, our inflatable obstacle courses offer the best way for the little ones to compete and improve their cognitive and social skills. Our obstacle courses are perfect for birthday parties, Halloween events, and cookouts.

Concession Machines Snacking is a necessary part of having fun! Your kids need to re-energize with savory treats of popcorn and candy. Inflatable Company 85 has this vital part of the party covered. We have popcorn, cotton candy, and snow cone machines to make it easier for you to keep the guests energized. You will be able to make enough cotton candy and popcorn for all participants in the event.

Tents, Tables & Chairs Our number one goal is to guarantee comfort and customer satisfaction. If you’d like the best shade to sit under while you watch your kids play, we are at your service regardless of the event. Our chairs, tables, and tents are great for fundraisers, corporate events, family get-together events, and anniversary celebrations. Don’t settle for second-rate tent rentals; we have the best designs in the industry.

ORIGINALLY FOUND ON- Source: We have the best selection of bounce house rentals, water slide rentals & more in Waxahachie!(https://www.inflatablecompany85.com/waxahachie/)

[dionysus-is-my-dude]

A horror movie enthusiast’s thoughts on Halloween (2018)...

***warning: possible spoilers ahead (Also this is gonna be long)***

I was introduced to the horror genre at a very young age. Around five or so, if I remember correctly. I remember that I was at my dad’s friend’s house, and someone had put on “Jeepers Creepers”, the original one. I remember being absolutely terrified by the monster/demon/thing. But also terribly fascinated by a movie that 1. wasn’t an animated princess movie, and 2. depicted such graphic violence and scary images. The next day, my cousin and I were playing with walkie talkies and she kept scaring me by singing the Jeepers Creepers song. It scared me because I thought that, by singing the song, the monster would show up and eat us.

As a child, I had access to the library in my school, and nearly every single time we were sent to pick a book, I picked an edition of “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark”. The images scared me. The stories scared me. But I couldn’t stop reading everything, delighting in it in some twisted way.

The next horror film I watched was when I was around ten or so? It was the American version of “The Ring”. And instead of scaring me to the point of crying, I was incredibly fascinated by how it made me feel. Afraid, but in a way that felt exhilarating and FUN. My mom let me watch “Alien” and “Aliens” with her, which, though not classified as horror films, gave me the same rush.

From that point on, I was hooked. We’d go to the movie rental store and I’d rent scary movies that were popular at the time. I’d always search for scary TV shows to watch, like ghost hunting shows and other scary things. I became obsessed with the paranormal, playing with Ouija boards and doing hours and hours of research.

After a terrifying REAL experience with ghosts in which I was actually scared for my life, I took a long break from watching scary films. But that sure didn’t keep me away from them once I’d calmed down. Every horror film that was coming out, I was going to see. Every horror film on Netflix, I was watching. Ghost Adventures on TV? You bet I was watching it. Literally ANYTHING Tim Burton related? Yep, I’m on it. I was reading scary stories. I was doing research on horror films themselves and why people like me like them. I had nightmares and sleep paralysis and be extremely paranoid. But I couldn’t stop.

I started to learn the tricks and ins-and-outs that made horror movies, in my opinion, good. I learned that I dislike excessive jumpscares, and I avoid movies that seem like that’s all they’ll be -like several modern-day horror films like the recent “Insidious” entries and such. I realized that, as a music enthusiast as well, the music was what set the tone for me. If I thought the music -or lack thereof done properly- was great at causing suspense, I was feeling more scared. I learned that tension was more fun than jumpscares. Modern movies I love include the first two “Insidious” movies, “The Conjuring” series, and “Mama”. What I love about those films is not only the great background music, but the story and the lack of useless jumpscares. The imagery and focus of the shots are incredibly fun to watch, seeing things move in the background without the characters noticing, all that fun stuff.

But, with all the scary movies that come out nowadays, I’ve sorta lost my love for them. Nothing has really given me a good, fun scare in a long time. (”Annabelle: Creation” doesn’t count; that movie was both jumpscare heavy and openly too terrifying for me.) When I heard they were doing yet another “Halloween” sequel, I was prepared to have some good fun with my favourite classic slasher film.

I watched the original “Halloween” around twelve or so. I thought it was a good, campy slasher. My mom saw it when she was really little and has been scared of it ever since. Every year around Halloween-time, I scare her by playing the music around her or sending her pics of Michael Meyers that I find in costume shops. To me, it wasn’t scary. I had a ball watching it, not getting the real scares from it, but just having a good time watching the utterly silent Michael Meyers walk around just killing horny teenagers. Classic. I remember watching a marathon of the movies and barely remembering them because they weren’t as good or as fun as the first one. I’d resigned myself to “Halloween” being just a classic favourite of mine, nothing more.

Tonight, I saw the 2018 sequel, which takes place forty years after the events of the original movie....and I’m just...in shock. I went into the theater thinking I’d just crack jokes with my dad and cheer Michael on.

I left the theater with my heart pounding, my legs shaking, and a huge smile on my face. I knew I’d come home and be paranoid walking from my car to the backdoor. I know I’ll probably be paranoid for several weeks and see Michael everywhere.

I sat through that movie either bouncing my legs in my normal ADHD way and making commentary with my dad, or curled up in silent, paralyzed anxiety. This movie, for all the hype it got, was, in my opinion, horror gold. Story-wise, it was fantastic, of course. A wonderful sequel to the original, with homages galore and many tracks from the original score which brought back a lot of memories.

But from someone who had nearly given up on modern-day horror movies, this one gave me hope. Each shot was scary, the jumpscares wonderfully played out with not a lot of fake-outs, the music -the MUSIC- played just  like in the original (which I thought at first would make this cheesy, but it was only scarier), and the tension tension tension was palpable. The entire movie was full of it. Every single scene with Michael in it was filled with silence and shaking heads from us in the audience, each of us helpless as he killed yet again.

I was unable to make jokes during this movie. I was too busy holding my breath and gasping in shock. I was too busy bouncing my leg, then pulling them both up and holding myself. The last twenty minutes or so, I was just...staring at the screen, my heart pounding. I had never felt so hushed in a theater while watching a horror film in my whole life. It felt like I was being held on a string with scissors dangerously close every time the music stopped. I was no longer playfully cheering Michael Meyers on, “Yasssss, honey, kill those stupid teens, yassss”. I was genuinely SCARED of him. I’d lived my whole life never once scared of Michael Meyers. I pranked my mom every single year with him. Even when her husband, who’s a big guy, ran around the house with the mask on, I was laughing more than anything. But I am now actually terrified of this deranged, masked killer. I understand how scared my mom was when she was little. I understand her fear after all these years. I actually ran from my car to my door, looking out into my pitch black backyard, actually afraid that I would see the dirty white of the mask before I inevitably was killed.

I can’t stop thinking about each scene where he killed someone. Each scene where he appeared out of nowhere, completely silent and merciless as he killed and killed and killed. The ending (SPOILER), I thought would satisfy me. After all these years, was Michael Meyers FINALLY dead? At long last, was the nightmare over? It...It’s hard to tell. We never actually saw his body being burned up. We just had to assume he died in the fire. I don’t know if that was deliberate to keep us guessing -which is genius-, but it was terrifying nonetheless.

Did I enjoy myself? Absolutely. It was a wonderful homage to my favourite classic slasher. It had all the classic Michael Meyers traits, like the eerie way he sits up when knocked down, the head tilt, his love of stabbing people and hanging them from things. Hearing the classic music was wonderful. The story was perfect and made sense. The twist -if you can call it that- was a little predictable but quickly resolved. The continuous shots, especially the ones in complete silence, were absolutely incredible to watch. As soon as the credits started, I felt like I’d just gone through a life-changing experience.

What is it about “Halloween” and Michael Meyers that brings a smile to my face? Is it the fact that he never once -not even once in over ten films that’ve been made- utters a single word? Barely even makes a sound unless he’s been, like, hurt or something. His superhuman strength, able to take on every single victim he goes through? His odd fascination with his kills -the head tilt as he looks at his victims? Why is the music so scary, even though it seems like cheesy 70s synth? I’m just...so confused and amazed that this franchise has been going off and on for over forty years and it’s THIS movie that actually scares me. Maybe because it takes place in modern day, instead of years and years ago?

Whatever the reason, I hope horror filmmakers take note. THIS is how you make a good, memorable scary movie. Don’t use jumpscares as a crutch. Jumpscares are the laziest way to scare people. If people wanted jumpscares, they could go to a haunted house. But this movie did horror so WELL. The tension was fantastic. The music was great. The shots were done beautifully. The actors were all incredible. I just love every bit of this movie and wish I could just rewatch it for the first time over and over and over. If more horror movies were done like this, I would pay more money to see them in theaters.

Ok, mega post over. I just loved the movie so so much and I wanted to share my too-big feelings before I attempt to go to sleep and make myself understand that Michael isn’t in my closet.

[barpurplewrites]

A sparkle of Magic

Belle had started decorating the library for Halloween on the first of October, but she’d been planning the Haunted House event since the middle of August. The ridiculously early start had been made necessary by Madam Mayor’s reluctance about green lighting any event in the library. Regina made no bones about the fact she hadn’t wanted the library re-opened, she did everything she could to hinder any potential success. It hadn’t taken Belle long to figure out that it was nothing personal, the library and her position as librarian were just pawns in the never-ending battle of wills between Regina and Mr Gold. Regina would cut off her own nose if she thought it would spite her rival. Nobody knew why the two loathed each other so much, but there were plenty of rumours, none of which made a lick of sense but were entertaining enough to get trotted out when there was nothing else to gossip about.

Grudgingly Regina had allowed a tiny budget for the event, all of which Belle had spent on getting Granny to cater a buffet. Granny had taken to her task with gusto and produced spooky finger sandwiches and creepy cakes. She even whipped up some treacle tarts and a punch that she called pumpkin juice, Belle was thrilled with those, the kids would get the references to the Harry Potter books as quickly as she had. Knowing the tastes of the townsfolk as well as she did, Granny had also prepared some non-Halloween food, explaining to Belle that not everyone would enjoy the creepy stuff. Belle was grateful for her suggestion, she wanted everyone to enjoy this event.

The decorations had come out of her own pocket and she thought she’d done rather well. The bookshelves were draped with cobwebs that held plastic spiders and little glow in the dark lizards. The latter didn’t really fit with the webs, but Belle hadn’t been able to resist them, and they’d only cost two dollars for a bag of fifty.

Leroy had loaned her a smoke machine he had for some reason, and he’d helped her set it up inside a cauldron she’d bizarrely found in one of the storerooms. She had no idea how the huge black metal thing had come to be stored in the library, but she was glad of it. The metallic red and yellow wrapping paper she’d bought from the store looked great as flames underneath the smoke-filled cauldron.

Anton had gifted her two dozen pumpkins from his bumper crop. The carved gourds now grinned from various points around the library, the glowsticks inside them casting colourful shadows across the walls and floor.

The part Belle was proudest of was the treasure hunt she’d set up. She’d done this a few times for the kids and they always enjoyed it. This being Halloween she’d given all the clues a spooky twist to lead the kids through the library shelves to a lucky dip bin filled with treats and a few tricks in the form of plastic bones. She would have loved to have been able to give each child a book, but her budget hadn’t stretched to that, maybe next year.

She’d opened the doors a few minutes ago and had been a little disappointed that there was nobody waiting to come in. She smoothed her witches costume down and resolved not to let anxious disappointment niggle at her. This was going to be a good night. She turned the music up a little, so it could be heard from outside and redirected one of the spooky projectors, so the shapes of ghosts spilled out on to the street.

She'd made her own Halloween play list since the ones on Spotify contained music with lyrics that weren’t family friendly. Green and red ghosts danced across the walls and ceiling as Werewolf of London started. Belle grabbed her broom, (a proper old besom Granny had given her saying; I’ll stick with my Dyson these days) and twirled around singing along to the song.

There's a freedom to being alone. Everyone sings a little louder, dances a little wilder when they are alone. Belle was bouncing around, one hand holding her pointed hat on her head the other on the broom when a voice behind her howled.

Belle jumped shrieked and spun around to glare at the new arrival. Mr Gold was leaning on his came in the doorway with one hand raised in a defensive gesture.

"I'm sorry Miss French I didn't mean to startle you."

Belle bit back the snippy comment she was going to give whoever had catcalled her. Now she realised that Mr Gold had just been joining in with the song. She straightened her hat on her head and smiled at the first customer she'd had this evening.

"Welcome Mr Gold. Enter freely and leave some of the happiness you bring."

Gold's lips twisted into a wry smile; "You might be the only person in town to claim I bring happiness."

"Well I'll take what I can get this evening," she waved a hand at the very empty library, "beside I don't believe you are half the beast you claim to be."

The swirling orange and green lights flickered over his face and made his gold tooth glint as he grinned.

"A brave statement for a pretty damsel alone with a dreaded beast."

Belle dropped her hand onto her cocked hip and leaned on her broom; "I believe we are on my home ground Mr Gold. I have the advantage wouldn't you say?"

Gold dipped his head but his hair falling into his face didn't totally hide his smile. They had been flirting with each other like this for months, and Belle was always happy to see that little smile. It told her that he was enjoying their dance as much as she was.

"I think you'll find yourself with more patrons than you know what to do with very soon."

"And how can you be so sure?"

To her great surprise he dipped his hand into his pocket and retrieved a small crystal ball. He rolled it across the back of his hand and neatly into his palm.

"Magic of course."

The ball was dancing across his fingers in a hypnotic fashion.

"Quite the goblin king"

Gold chuckled and tossed the ball into the air. As it vanished Belle could almost believe he did indeed have as much magic as Jareth.

"In truth Miss French I have just come from Granny's where young Henry Mills is drumming up trade for you."

"Bless him. He does love reading."

She glanced around to double check everything was ready.

"Do you need any assistance?"

Belle had no problems in taking any help that was offered, which is how Mr Gold found himself laying out trays of finger sandwiches and candies loaded with so much sugar he could feel his teeth dissolving just looking at them. The predicted rush of excited children arrived just as he'd set down the stack of paper plates decorated with eyeballs. Personally, he found the plates a touch off putting, it was for the best, he didn't need another lecture from his dentist about the dangers of indulging his sweet tooth.

Gold was pleased to see that many people had opted to attend the library party. The warmth was no doubt preferable to traipsing around door to door trick or treating in the cold. He'd meant to leave as soon as people began to arrive, but her found himself lingering in the shadows for the simple pleasure of watching Belle. She'd thrown herself into the role of spooky hostess. Within moments she had people dancing and trying the apple bob. Grateful parents had moved towards the buffet once they had ensured their children were well entertained.

"I had no idea our industrious bookworm had hired you to be the spectre at the feast Gold."

Long practice kept Gold's face neutral in the face of Regina's barb. She was revealing more than she would like, her peevish tone showing just how annoyed she was at the fun being had around her. She had been desperate for the library to fail, Gold knew that she'd be plotting to sell the prime real estate to a developer in an attempt to challenge him as main rental landlord.  

He grinned at her; "I needed no encouragement to support this event. The library is a wonderful benefit to the community. Don't you think?"

Regina all but snarled at him. She knew that he'd use any disparaging comment against she come the next town council meeting. Gold had won this round and couldn't resist a parting jab; "Might be wise to steer clear of the apple bob, wouldn't want anyone to mistake you for the Evil Queen."

The huff of indignation was worth whatever retaliation Regina would come up with. Gold wove his way through the sizeable crowd meaning to slip out. Regina wasn't far wrong, no one would relax and have fun while he was lurking at the edges of the party. A warm hand on his arm halted him in his tracks.

"Mr Gold?"

A genuine smile curled his lips as he looked down at Belle. He'd not noticed before that her black lipstick had flecks of glitter in it. What would the town gossips say if some of that transferred to his own lips? He shook the insane thought away.

"What can I do for you Belle?"

"Dr whale has come dressed as Jareth, but he can't juggle the crystal balls and some of the kids are disappointed. Would you be willing to show them how it's done before they decided to TP the doctor?"

Before he registered what he had done Gold's traitorous tongue had framed the words; "I'd be delighted lead the way" and a beaming Belle was dragging him by the arm to the fiction section where Whale was attempting to hold court with a gaggle of increasingly irritated goblins.

Children, Gold corrected in his head, they were just children. No need to be nervous of them, for all that some of them did look like little terrors.

"I've found someone who can juggle. If you'll be good and let him show you."

Belle's calm tone caused the kids to settle, but Whale scoffed at the sight of him.

"If the goblin king can't do it, how can the beast of Storybrooke?"

It was unfortunate that Whale spoke just as the music dropped in volume. Heads turned, and the crowd began to drift towards the fiction section. Gold was just about to make a mocking comment about Whale's ridiculous cod piece when Belle's warm hand covered the one holding his cane.

"I happen to know from personal experience that Mr Gold has magic fingers."

Gold wasn't the only one who nearly choked on his tongue. Several people spluttered out mouthfuls of punch. From the corner of his eye he saw colour rise to Belle's cheeks under her pale make up. Undaunted she squared her shoulders and raised her chin defiantly.

"Show them what you've got Mr Gold."

He took strength from her confidence and plucked the crystal ball from his pocket. With no small amount of pride, he noted that while he was using a real glass Whale's balls were cheap plastic. Gold subtly handed his cane to Belle and braced his weight on his good leg, so he could use both hands. Belle wanted a show and he intended to fulfil her every wish.

It would probably be best not to dwell on the sorts of wishes he desired to grant her while he was standing in front of two dozen children.

The crystal ball rolled smoothly from the tips of his right fingers to his left and back again. The oohs and ahhs from the crowd fuelled him to nod at the plastic balls held lose in Whale's hands.

"Throw me one of those if you'd be so kind doctor."

Slack-jawed Whale did as he was bid. It was nothing for Gold to keep his own crystal rolling up and down his left hand as he caught the ball in his right. At his nod Whale threw two more and now Gold had three rolling in his right palm. He wasn't sure if they would take the weight of his crystal, but he was going to try for a big finish. He rolled the crystal on to the tips of his fingers and lightly tossed it into the air. It made a graceful arc before he caught it on top of the three balls he was rolling in his hand. There was a bit of a wobble but considering the cheers that exploded from the children he didn’t think they had noticed.

Gold pocket his own crystal and handed the others back to Whale who gave him a grin as he leaned in and whispered; “Nice show, I still look better in the costume.”

Gold snorted and stepped back to find Belle handing him his cane. He turned his head towards to ask if his performance had been acceptable, just as she stood up on her tiptoes. Her lips met his and his eyes went wide. He knew he should move away, but he was frozen to the spot, the warmth of Belle’s lips the only thing he cared about. Until the sounds of whistles and cheers reached his ears. No doubt the embarrassment would come, but for now his only concern was Belle’s well-being.

“I’m, erm, I, ah…”

Belle smiled at him; “Not quite how I was expecting that to happen, but I’m glad it did.”

Relief almost knocked him to the floor. Belle was glad that they had kissed and the reactions of the rest of the town could go hang.

 On November the first those residents who where up and about early weren’t at all surprised to see Mr Gold leaving the library wearing the same suit he’d had on yesterday. The wide smile on his face and the traces of black glitter that clung to his skin gave them a pretty good idea that the Beast had spent the night in Beauty’s embrace.