Stephanie giggled and bounced away from her dad, escaping his tickles as best he could. "Daaaaaddy! I'm just saying. You don't have to."

Jonathan had no idea what to do with all the merriment. Was he supposed to do something? He wasn't sure. It was cute - kinda. Edward seemed really happy. He hated when people were really happy, made him anxious. Happiness could get ruined so fast. What if Stephanie died? What would that do to a man like Edward? What-- oh, wait, he was supposed to focus. Edward was talking. "Hm. Oh. Yeah, well, tis the season for it. Or it will be soon."

"I love Halloween candy. Dad promised it'll be a good Halloween this year and that the mean ol' Scarecrow won't ruin it! So I'm gonna finally get candy." Stephanie loudly informed Jonathan, who looked more shocked than she'd noticed, as she climbed up the stools in the kitchen. "Do you wanna come trick or treating? If the Scarecrow comes, daddy will beat him up."

Jonathan's mouth was a little more open than he was proud of. He slowly turned and looked at Edward. There was a lot to unpack here. "... Yeah. Right." Fuck. He was in over his head. Kids were so chatty and happy and-- he ruined Halloween?!