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Spring's First MeetingsSamhain was a fearsome god, a terrifying god some might say. He was tall in stature, about 10ft, with a somewhat lithe figure. His head was a carved, lited pumpkin with messed up teeth, his hands were long with sharp yellow nails, and he wore a tattered yet regal purple cloak with a high, turned up collar. The embodiment of the month , Samhain was both feared and respected, both by his peers and mortals alike, for he was the one that brought the chilling breeze and autumn leaves; he brought the beginning of cold winter and ended the warm summer. But most importantly, he would open the liminal space in between the mortal realm and his home, the Otherworld, so that spirits, ghouls, ghosts, goblins, and all that pledged their allegiance to their Lord would be unleashed unto the mortals who in turn would appease them with offerings of foods or crops. By all accounts, the god was not someone to take lightly. Yet if those mortals could see the god they feared right now, they would be in a state of bewilderment and amusement. There in the woodlands was Samhain sporting a sour frown on his face as his older sister, Imbolc, lowered a crown of tulips onto his head. The two siblings were on a walk, collecting various objects of nature like rushes and flowers in preparation for spring. Imbolc thought it would be the polite thing to extend an invitation to her dear brother as a way to relax from the stresses of godhood. The goddess stood a similar height to Samhain, dressed in a dark blue gown with a black gorget around her neck. Her long white hair was let down and a dark blue veil covered her face, ensuring that no one, aside from the gods, could ever see her visage. "There we go," Imbolc said, stepping back to get a better look at her brother. "You look less gloomy than before, mo dheartháir." "I look ridiculous in this." Samhain muttered, touching the crown slightly. "Tell me why exactly you brought me here? We both know it's more than a simple walk." The sounds of woodland creatures going about their day surrounded the godly siblings as they continued their promenade. Damn that veil, Samhain cursed in his thoughts. He was always an observant person, even when he was young, and learned quickly how to study body language cues. It made him feel clever for noticing what most of his family would considered not important. Yet, Samhain could never get a read on his older sister as she always maintained an aura of properness and regality yet detachment as well thanks to her veil. "Is it not enough to want to spend time with you?" Imbolc inquired, her voice possessing a slight reverb. "I know you too well, sister. I know Mother and Father has put you up to this." Imbolc frowned. "We all were worried for you, Samhain. You've isolated yourself for months in Donn's domain, surrounding yourself with those- "Don't say another word!" Samhain snarled, his harsh features becoming more pronounced. "My little ones have never harmed a soul in their entire existence, yet people like you would still call them freaks!" "So, Bealtaine was right. You do have some sort of affection to your creatures." "They provide me manpower and I provide them with protection. Do you have a problem with that?" Imbolc came to an abrupt stop and turned to face Samhain. Then without warning, she placed her frostbitten hands on her brother's shoulders as she spoke again. "Of course not. Samhain, I understand your need to protect people like you. But, we are afraid that you're neglecting yourself in favor of taking care of others. I'm not asking you to forgo your duties as a caregiver; I just wish that you could find something to take your mind off of things and calm your worries." Samhain's expression softened a bit, his stance more tired as he sighed. "Your concerns are… understandable, dear sister. But my hobbies have done nothing to sooth my soul, and people, even gods, are afraid to lay their eyes on me. Unless a miracle happens, I believe that there is nothing much to—" Suddenly, the two gods heard a loud groan coming from somewhere deep in the woods. "What was that?" Samhain questioned, knowing that neither him or Imbolc had an answer. Another loud groan made the pumpkin headed god compelled to discover what laid in the dark parts of the woodlands. Before Imbolc could respond, Samhain acted quickly, dropping the flower crown and vanishing in purple mist before her eyes. "Dheartháir!" The spring goddess shouted after her brother. She cursed silently underneath her breath before dissolving into a swarm of holly blue butterflies to chase after him. It was one of the most odd creatures Samhain had ever laid his empty eyes on. The creature in question was some sort of chimera, it seemed. A enormous, pale white goblin head with large tattered, goat-like ears and a long noise was attached to a small, furry body in comparison. His mouth was large and filled with yellow, jagged teeth and his red painted lips were puffy. Below his torso was the lower part of a goat with short, bent legs ending in cloves. But its most striking feature was its long, spiky blue hair that ran down his back. The creature groaned quietly, its long arms wrapping around its body. Samhain crept towards it, careful not to make any sudden movements. Despite the god's best efforts, the being felt the presence of someone as powerful as he approaching it. It stared at him with its large yellow eyes and growled like a wounded animal. "What do you plan to do?" The creature asked, his voice deep and raspy. "Come to finish the job?" Just then, Samhain's eyes traveled down to the still bleeding near the beast's stomach. "Who are you? Who hurt you?" It let out a wheezy laugh. "Y-You truly never heard of me, have you? Does the n-name 'Boogieman' ring any bells?" Samhain's eyes widened at the realization. He has heard of these malicious monsters whose modus operandi was scaring and pushing so called misbehaving children, yet he'd never imagined meeting one in the flesh. He keeled down to the Boogieman's level and placed his large hands on his midsection. A yellow glow shined faintly as the wound closed in on itself before healing completely. Slowly yet carefully, Samhain scooped the Boogieman up into his arms, carrying him bridal style. "Dheartháir!" A swarm of butterflies flew into the ground before morphing into Imbolc."There you are—" Her words trailed off at the Boogieman, amazed by how her brother effortlessly held the large monster in his arms. "What is that—" Samhain interrupted her."There's no time, deirfiúr! Heal him! My magic won't hold his wound forever!" Nodding her head, Imbolc raised her hands into the air before muttering in tongues. Samhain turned his attention to the Boogieman, who was currently resting the side of his head against the god's chest. "Fear not", Samhain whispered to him, using the same gentle tone he uses for his little ones. "You'll receive the help you need." The Boogieman gazed at him with wide eyes, the look almost made Samhain chuckle at how weirdly adorable it was. The last words that passed the monster's puffy, red lips before passing out was a sarcastic "M-My hero."
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Spring's First MeetingsJust five minutes ago, the Boogieman stirred from his slumber. He sat up on the purple silk bed, hunched over and placing a hand on his midsection. The wound he had sustained was still healing, wrapped in bandages that clung to his skin. He was, as mortals would describe it, naked, his tailcoat—now free of dirt and blood— neatly folded at the foot of the bed. He was not a prisoner in this strange realm. No shackles held him down to the mattress and none of the doors bore locks on them. Yet, despite that,he felt trapped.
The sensation gnawed at him, a reminder of his vulnerability. He absolutely loathed feeling weak and pitiful; the mere thought of being confined to bed, helpless and at the mercy of his own body turning against him, sickened him to his very core. The room itself grated on his nerves. Where was the bizarre architecture? The colors that clashed and contrasted so chaotically, yet so beautifully? The chessboards, the endless stairs, the carnival paraphernalia—none of that was here. Instead, Boogie found the space to be frankly bland, draped in dreary shades of black and purple. The furniture exuded the aesthetics of a vampire lord, perfectly suited who ugh had saved him, but utterly lacking in his style. Ignoring the pain that throbbed through his body, Boogie tossed aside the bed sheets and rose to his two hoofed feet. He quickly snatched up his dark coat, slipping it on with a sense of urgency. Limping towards the door, he grasped its golden knob, anticipation coursing through his veins. He expected his powers to transform the door into a portal connected to his realm. But as he swung the door open, disappointment, confusion, and a bit of anger washed over him; all he found was lit hallway stretching before him. "Huh?"Boogie muttered, his lips pulling into a frown as he stared at the empty space where his portal should have been. He never experienced this before in his years of operating in the shadows. A door not bending to his will was but a funny thought that popped up in his head many times — not something the Boogieman would wish to happen. Determined to find his way out, he stepped out of the guestroom and continued his search. He turned every knob and pulled every door, each one leading to the same conclusion: nothing. Creak… Nothing. Creak… Still nothing. Creak… Not a single door led him back into his plane. "Why can't I escape?!?" Boogie snarled, gripping a knob tightly and yanking it with all his might. A loud creak echoed through the air as the knob ripped free, leaving a gaping hole in the door. The monstrous satyr held up the knob to his face, grinning sheepishly before tossing it aside and pretending that never happened.
Suddenly, his tattered, goat-like ears twitched with curiosity, catching the sound of someone… singing? The voice was deep yet soothing, nasally yet surprisingly pleasant to the ear. Boogie found himself almost… entranced by it as he slowly walked towards the end of the hallway, drawn in by its melodic sound. He reached for the handle and slowly opened the door to take a peak inside. What he saw almost took his breath away: Samhain, seated on a luxurious fur rug, was serenading his little ones, from goblins to ghouls, a lullaby in his native tongue.
"Seóthín, seóthó, mo stóirín, mo leanbh,Mo sheoid gan chealg, mo chuid den tsaol mhór…" Boogie observed in silence as a will-o'-the-wisp flickered gently onto Samhain's lap, seeking warmth and comfort. The god gently patted the light before resuming his song, opting to hum the melody instead. Despite the nagging voice warning him to maintain distance, Boogie found himself leaning closer. Unfortunately, he leaned too heavily against on the door, losing his balance and stumbling into the room. The loud thud echoed through the space, prompting Samhain and his little ones to turn their attention towards Boogie, who now lay face down on the floor.
The Boogieman groaned in pain as he struggled to rise from the ground, gripping the door handle for support. Just then, a hand gently cupped his whiskered chin, lifting his over sized head. His yellow-red eyes locked onto the glowing glaze of Samhain's carved visage. The two remained locked in their silent exchange until the pumpkin headed god broke the silence in a calm brogue.
"Are you okay?"
Boogie's face flushed at the sound of Samhain's voice. He had never fully grasped it before, drifting in and out of consciousness, but now it rang clear in his ears. His mind raced with conflicting thoughts. Most urged him to confront the god for treating him, the Boogieman, like a wounded animal. Yet a small, quiet part of him that he quickly pushed aside entertained… other ideas. Overwhelmed by these thoughts, he quickly did the next best thing that he thought would help him: jumping on top of Samhain and restraining him. "Gah!" Samhain shouted in surprise as he found himself on the floor, Boogie's body pinning him down. "Why you little…. get off of me!" Boogie didn't reply. Instead, he continued to stare at Samhain with his big eyes, seemingly oblivious to the situation. This only frustrated the pumpkin lord further. "Answer me! Are you mad!?" Samhain demanded. The Boogieman blinked blankly for a moment before breaking into a smile, his jagged teeth on full display. "Why yes, mad for you."Boogie mentally cringed at his own words. What was he supposed to say in this situation? "Hey, sorry for tackling you to the ground. My name is Boogie." He watched Samhain closely, bracing himself for a violent outburst or punishment for making a fool of the spirit in front of his minions. To his surprise, Samhain merely huffed in annoyance. With a lift of his long, bony finger, he levitated Boogie off of him as he stood up on his feet. "What an odd way of treating your host," Samhain said sternly. "Especially after he saved your life." Boogie, still levitating, merely smirked in respond as he concocted a lie. "It's a custom where I'm from. Us monsters, we can be quite… intense with our emotions towards those who catch our interest." Samhain relaxed his stance slightly. Boogie seized the opportunity to flatter him further. "I've heard some things about you. Samhain, the Lord of Spirits, The Veil Keeper— you've gotten quite the reputation."Boogie smiled, pleased that his plan was working. In response, Samhain snapped his fingers, releasing the satyr from his magical grasp. Eager to get the pumpkin headed god's good side, Boogie gave a deep bow, grasped Samhain's palm, and kissed the back of it. "I believe we came off on the wrong foot, Samhain," Boogie cooed, gazing at him with half-closed eyes. "If there's any way I can make amends for the insult I've caused, please let me know, my dear host." Samhain's minions watched in anticipation as the god stood in silence, Boogie question lingering in the air. Finally, Samhain leaned closer into the Boogieman's large ear and whispered, "Dinner, at sunset by the Hill of Tara; be ready, my dear guest." With that, Samhain and his minions vanished in dark mist, leaving the Boogieman alone in the room. He chuckled to himself, delighting in the fact that he now had something, or rather someone, to entertain him.
"Be careful now," Samhain purred, gently assisting Boogie down from his chariot. With a guiding hand, he lead him towards their dinner, nestled in the picturesque countryside.The Hill of Tara unfolded before them, a breathtaking sight of vibrant green grass teeming with life. Majestic monuments such as the Lia Fáil and Dumha na nGiall stood proudly against the backdrop of the evening sky. As the sun began to set, its golden glow bathed the low table and bronze plates. The two settled onto soft beds of hay as Samhain's minions brought in the feast, resting the dishes on the table before retreating in a puff of smoke. Boogie's mouth watered at the sight before him: a large roasted pig, glistening in sweet honey, slices of salted beef, and several rolls of barley bread and apples nestled in a wicker basket. A cauldron, golden and ornately decorated with symbols, bubbled with rich boar stew, and two silver mugs were overflowing with imported wine. Samhain observed Boogie's delighted reaction to the feast laid out before then and couldn't help but chuckled. "I hope the food meets your expectations," he said with a smile. "I wasn't quite sure what to serve, so I had my little ones gather the most finest offerings from the larders, all for you." The pumpkin lord raised his flagon high, ready to toast. "To the beginning of a new friendship-" Boogie could hardly wait for Samhain to finish his speech. With a gleeful grin, he dove into his plate, tearing off a succulent leg from the roasted pig and sinking his sharp teeth into the dark, tender meat. He continued to indulge, shoving more food like the slices of salted pork and fluffy rolls into his large jaw. It was only after eating his seventh roll did he noticed Samhain staring wide eyed at him. Boogie sheepishly smiled and he set the half eaten bread down on his plate. "O-Oh, forgive me," the Boogieman said, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "It's been a while since I've eaten anything. I can get very… greedy when it comes to food." "I see…" Samhain murmured, amazed at how much food Boogie had consumed so far. Although he himself was a bit of big eater thanks to his family's influence, he always made an effort to savor and enjoy his food. Boogie, on the other hand, ate without a care in the world. It fascinated Samhain to find someone that could match his pace. Boogie noticed Samhain staring at him for the longest, his mouth curving into a sultry smile. "Do you see something you like, my dear?" Boogie asked playfully, causing Samhain to make a flustered noise in response. The satyr picked an apple from the basket and took a big bite, relishing the crisp flavor as juice dribbled from his chin. He then held the apple out to Samhain. "Here," Boogie said with a grin. "Give it a try." Samhain, confused yet unable to resist, followed the command took a bite of the apple. As soon as he swallowed, a soft gasp escaped his lips as the Boogieman seized him by either side of his face and pulled him into a kiss. The pumpkin lord's eye holes widened in surprise before slowly closing as he allowed Boogie to lay him down on the grass. "Just relax, Samhain," Boogie purred. "You've done so much to care for me, so let me return the favor." Samhain blushed deeply as Boogie showered him with kisses on his face. His thoughts drifted back to the conversation he had with his sister in the woods. She was right— he has become so wrapped up by his duties to care for his little ones that he had forgotten to take care of himself.
For once, the god set aside the burden of his role and the pressures of being a caretaker. He was allowing someone else to take the lead, giving himself permission to be cared for.
Samhain, the Lord of Spirits and the Veil Keeper, had found his forbidden fruit.
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Spring's First MeetingsSamhain's eyes fluttered open as sunlight streamed through his window. He glanced down to see Boogie snuggled against him in bed, his wild shock of blue hair tousled and snoozing loudly. The pumpkin god merely smiled at his sleeping lover and softly kissed him on the forehead before wrapping his arms around him. It has been weeks since their outing at the Hills of Tara, yet Samhain found himself growing more attached to the Boogieman with each passing day. His thoughts and dreams were consumed by Boogie—nothing else seemed to matter. This growing obsession had reached a point where he would daydream and forget important events on his schedule, including precious alone time with his little ones. Yet, despite everything, Samhain couldn't help himself; there was something about Boogie that had him captivated.
Whether it be Boogie's unique physique, his eccentric tastes, or his charming personality, Samhain found himself entralled. He certainly thought of Boogie as attractive, but it was so much more than that. For the first time, he had someone who understood what it was like to be the odd one out. He finally found his match and felt attached like a bumblebee to a fresh flower. As thoughts swirled in his pumpkin head, Samhain noticed Boogie stir from his slumber. With a yawn, Boogie slowly opened his eyes and looked up at the god, a smile spreading across his face. "Morning…"
Samhain felt a light blush rise to his cheeks. "Maidin mhaith, my dear." He brushed aside the strands of Boogie's hair to get a clearer view of his pale white face. "I must excuse myself now; my little ones are waiting for me."
Boogie chuckled and leaned closer to the god in bed, placing his long finger on Samhain's lips. "Oh, come on now. Surely you can stay with me for just five more minutes?"
"Boogie…" Samhain warned, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Pleeeeeease, Sam?"
Samhain let out a huff, but couldn't himself to say no. He sighed again and tightened his embrace. "Fine, just five more minutes. But afterwards, I really must go."
Boogie didn't respond. Instead, he smiled and pressed his face against Samhain's chest. The two laid together on the soft mattress, sharing a comfortable silence as they enjoyed each other's presence. Outside, the sounds of the Otherworld filled the air, creating a cozy background to their moment. Finally, Samhain broke the silence, eager to share something that has been on his mind.
"Boogie, I was wondering… would you like me to introduce you to my family?"
Boogie, his face still pressed against the pumpkin lord's chest, gave a half hearted nod. "Yeah… sure thing. When?"
"Tomorrow in the morning for my siblings and in the evening for my parents. You promise to behave yourself for both events, right, Boogie?"
Boogie flashed a mischievous smiled that made Samhain frown in response.
"Boogie…"
"I'm just kidding you, Sammy. I'll be a good goat. Though you may want to have a collar and leash on hand–"
Before Boogie could finish, Samhain covered his mouth with his hand.
"You have the most dirtiest mouth I've ever heard."
Boogie removed his hand with a smirk and leaned in closer to kiss him. "Yet, you love it, don't you?"
Boogie grumbled as he adjusted the skirt of his outfit. He was dressed in traditional noblemen attire: a long-sleeved dark purple léine (shirt), complemented by a red skirt that fell just below the knees. Around his waist was a multicolored woven crios (belt). Draped over his shoulders was a black brat (coat), fastened with a golden brooch emblazoned with the arms of Samhain—a crow. Samhain himself wore an identical outfit, but his léine and long skirt were a royal purple while his woven crios was a golden yellow. Boogie couldn't believe that he was wearing such as restrictive outfit, especially compared to the comfort of his tailcoat. However, Samhain insisted that he dress this way as a sign of respect to his future in laws. The word "in-laws" made the Boogieman let out a mental sigh. He could never picture himself walking down the aisle for his soon-to-be spouse. Would he even be a good husband to Samhain? Everything around him, both in the lands or in the Otherworld, felt too nice, too peaceful for a greedy, heartless monster like himself. Samhain was so kind and gentle towards him, yet Boogie couldn't shake the inexperienced god viewed him through rose-tinted glasses. His gaze drifted to his bandages wrapped around his midsection. The sharp pain had faded to a dull ache after weeks of healing. Tonight was the night he would sneak out and leave the Otherworld. It felt selfish of him to abandon Samhain without saying goodbye, but that was just who he was: selfish. Boogie's thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of multiple chariots landing on the luscious golden grasses of Mag Mell. He looked up to see Samhain greeting his siblings who were all dressed in their finest attire, fit for a god. Imbolc wore her snow-white in a braided updo. She was dressed in a dark blue léine gown made out of fine wool, beautifully embroidered with silver thread. Around her neck was a Bridget's Cross and draped over her shoulders was a white fur cloak. Bealtaine was the opposite of her older sister. Her wild, curly red hair flowed freely, untamed by braids or coverings. Her skin boasted a dark golden tan, adorned with white blotches resembling the spots on a doe. Her emerald green eyes sparkled with life, complemented by bright red deer ears and the lower body half of a deer. She wore a loose-fitting white summer dress made of linen, which billowed in the breeze. Crowning her head was a May Day wreath, vibrant with red, yellow, and blue flowers, along with colorful maypole ribbons cascading down her back. Lughnasadh was the very picture of an Adonis. He had dark tan skin, short curly golden hair, and piercing yellow eyes that seemed to glow. His lean yet muscular build was clad in golden armor adorned with patterns of leaves. A green wool cloak draped over his shoulders fastened by a brooch shaped like a grain of wheat. On his back rested a decorated shield, while in his hand he held his mighty spear. The Boogieman observed as Samhain extended his hand, anticipating a handshake from one of his siblings. Instead, he was surprised by a unexpected bear hug from Bealtaine. "Oh, Sam!" Bealtaine exclaimed, tightening her embrace. "I'm so happy to see you!" "T-Too tight!" Samhain gasped, using his free hand to tap on Bealtaine's shoulder. "Beal, you're chocking him," Imbolc warned gently. Realizing what she was doing, Bealtaine let go of her brother with a sheepish smile. "Oops, sorry! I sometimes forget my own strength," she said apologetically. "Clearly." Samhain grumbled as he brushed himself off. Lughnasadh casually wrapped his arm around Samhain's shoulder. "So, who's the lucky girl that caught my baby brother's eye?" he asked playfully. Samhain sighed and lightly shoved Lughnasadh away. "Lu, it's not a woman. It's a… well." Before the pumpkin god could finish his sentence, the Boogieman suddenly appeared before the siblings, having teleported from his previous spot. He bowed deepily before rising with a smile. "The Boogieman. Charmed, I'm sure." "Ah, Boogie," Imbolc greeted warmly. "It's nice to see that your wound has healed up." Boogie shrugged nonchalantly, a smirk playing on his lips. "It was just a flesh wound, nothing more." Meanwhile, Lughnasadh studied Boogie's appearance, taking in on how exotic of a being he was. "Wow," Lughnasadh exclaimed in awe, grabbing Boogie's arm for a closer look. "A satyr in Éire! Your kind are usually found in Hellas or Imperium Romanum." Boogie quickly pulled his arm away, annoyance flickering across his face. "And your kind doesn't understand personal space." "Ah forgive me," Lughnasadh replied. "I've just heard so much about satyrs, especially their prowess." With a dramatic flare, Lughnasadh placed his hand on his chest. "I am a god of sports, and as Samhain's older brother, I feel it is my duty to challenge you to prove your strength in a game against me!"Boogie sighed and shrugged nonchalantly. "Sure, whatever you throw at me, I can handle it." Lughnasadh beamed at Boogie's acceptance before summoning a spear and tossing it to him. "Great! We shall battle until one of us forfeits!" Samhain and Imbolc exchanged glances as Lughnasadh pulled Boogie far away from the group to began their fight. "Here he goes again, always looking for a fight," Samhain sighed. Imbolc chuckled sightly. "That's what happens when Lugh was your mentor." Samhain felt a tug on his long sleeve. He turned to find Bealtaine standing beside him, a aura of concern surrounding her, despite her best attempts to mask it with a smile."Sam, you don't mind if we talk in private about something?" she asked. Sensing the tension, Imbolc quietly excused herself and stepped away to keep an eye on Lughnasadh and Boogie, ensuring they didn't hurt each other badly during their fight. Samhain crossed his arms and focused on the red haired goddess, already aware that something was amiss. "What seems to be the issue, Beal?" he asked. "You know that this is the issue, Samhain," Bealtaine hissed, her hands firmly on her hips. "You know how I feel about satyrs. They're nothing but trouble, always thinking of nothing but seducing people before tossing them aside." Samhain let out a sigh. "Beal my dear, I know you always want the best for me, but I promise you, Boogie is not like the other satyrs." He pressed his hand against his chest, pouring out his heart. "He… he makes me happy. I love him and he loves me. Is that not enough?" Bealtine's tensed stance slowly began to relax as she calmed herself down. "I'm sorry, Sam. I'm just afraid of you suffering a heartbreak, just like how I did." Samhain's pleading gaze softened into sympathy as he pulled Bealtaine into a hug, resting her head against his chest. "Oh, Beal, you don't have to worry about me. Boogie is loyal; he would never hurt me." Bealtaine looked up at him, her green eyes reflecting her unawareness. Still, she managed to give him her signature smile. "Alright, I'll take you at your word." The two turned to see Boogie pining Lughnasadh to the ground, winning their sparring match. Boogie caught their gaze and smiled, waving at Samhain. Bealtaine gave Samhain one last bewildered look, still baffled at what he saw in Boogie. "If he does anything to you, I'll skin his fur off the next time we meet," she warned.
"I hear what your sister said about me," the Boogieman remarked, tightening his belt. "Do not mind her, a stór" Samhain explained softly. "She is simply overprotective of me." Boogie nodded, hoping to shift the conversation away from that topic. "Are you sure your parents are okay with me?" Samhain smiled gently as he brushed Boogie's long hair. "Unlike my siblings, I have told them everything. They didn't seem to have any issues with us together." "Seem is not the same as is, Sam." Samhain did not respond to Boogie's comment; instead, he continued to brush Boogie's hair with care. After a while, he set ivory brush aside and wrapped his arms around Boogie, nuzzling his neck affectionately. "Relax, Boogie. You must not stress yourself out. Dinner will be just us and my parents." "Oh, alright," Boogie replied, though he still felt uneasy inside. The sounds of a large carriage landing near the castle caught Samhain's attention, prompting him to release Boogie from his embrace. "That must be them already. Wait here, a ghrá. I will greet them myself," he said.Boogie forced a smile and waved goodbye as the pumpkin lord exited out of the guest room. The moment Samhain left, his smile faded. He quickly removed his attire, sighing in relief as he escaped the confines of his restrictive clothing. From beneath the bed, the monstrous satyr retrieved a scroll containing his goodbye letter addressed to Samhain and placed it on the bed. Afterwards, he then donned his black tailcoat and began walking towards the door. He slowly reached for the golden knob, channeling his magic into it. With a deep breath, he turned the knob and opened the door to a sight he had longed for: a portal to his dimension. "Yes!" Boogie exclaimed with joy. "I'm finally free! Free to scare children again!"Just as he was about to step through the portal, a flicker of regret crept into his mind, already nudging at his already guilt conscious. He quickly dismissed the feeling as it arose. "Snap out of it, Boogie! You never loved him at all!" He glanced back at the bedroom one last time over his shoulder. "You were never meant to be domesticated; you're only meant for one thing." He pressed his hand against the portal, the liquid surface swallowing it whole. "To scare."
Samhain tapped his fingers against the dinning table, impatience growing as he awaited the Boogieman's arrival. Where was he? It shouldn't take this long to get dressed. Boogie knew how important this dinner was, yet he was nowhere to be seen. Frustrated, Samhain excused himself from the table and ascended the long, obsidian staircase. Once upstairs, he glided towards the guest room Boogie was supposed to be. He raised his hand and began knocking on the wooden door. "Boogie, are you finished yet?" No answer came. "Come out! You promised to attend the diner!" Still, there was silence.With a growl of irritation, Samhain used his magic to force the door open and stepped inside, ready to confront Boogie. However, as he entered the room, he found it completely empty. Everything was untouched, as if no one had been there at all. Samhain's gaze landed onto the bed, where a scroll lay atop the purple silk sheets, bound neatly with a red ribbon. Despite the nagging voices in his head urging him to resist, he slowly reached out and grasped the scroll. With a gentle tug, he released the ribbon and unfurled the parchment as he settled onto the edge of the bed. Reading the letter took every ounce of strength he had, but the message was clear and undeniable: Boogie didn't want a relationship with him. Those words lingered in his mind, repeating like a haunting echo: Boogie didn't want a relationship. Boogie didn't want a relationship. He didn't want a relationship with him. Samhain, who most mortals feared for his domain over death, stared vacantly at the piece of paper like a statue, unmoving like a statute. Suddenly, a knock echoed through the room, and the door swung open to reveal two goblin minions clad in their silver. One of them cleared its throat before talking in a slightly nervous tone. "My lord, your parents are still waiting for your return." Samhain remained silent, causing the goblins to fidget with anxiety. "M-My lord?" one of them stammered. "Tell them that the dinner is canceled," Samhain replied, gripping the letter tightly in his hand. "But my lord, what about the Dadga? You know how he gets when it comes to food—" Samhain shot a fiery glare at the trolls. They shivered under his intense gaze as he rose from his bed, towering over his short minions. "Do not question me. Inform them that the dinner is canceled. I will deal with the rest." The trolls shook their heads in disapproval, quickly closing the door behind them. They hurried off to inform the Dagda and the Morrigan, not wanting to face the wrath of their master. Samhain let out a heavy sigh as he took one last look at the letter. Memories flooded his mind— moments spent with Boogie, sharing conversations, kisses, and love.Love. It was a funny thing, wasn't it? Whispering incantations in his native tongue, the letter began to burn in his hand, slowly turning into ash. "Such a fool I was, falling in love with a stranger," he murmured. With a resigned gesture, Samhain poured the ashes onto the floor. "Never again."