Submission (#723) Approved

Writing Prompt:
Inspired by KaijuKatt’s! (with permission)
((For context, Ares is a huge Halloween lover. He prepares for Halloween a month ahead just like how people set out their Christmas trees before it’s even time for Thanksgiving. Hope this is acceptable!!))

As fall approached, Ares knew that he had some major planning to do. Halloween was the most important day of the year, and one that couldn’t go without a proper party. Sure, September had only just begun, but there was no harm in getting a good head start. He’d already decorated the entire yard, which may or may not have taken a majority of his Halloween savings. After all, he enjoyed the event so much that a portion of his income was set aside solely for purchasing new decorations. Nothing could be fully reused from last year, it either had to be repurposed or paired with something new to keep up with the latest trends. But, the real question was: who all does he invite? Surely only the most passionate Halloween enjoyers could come.. right? Or would that only limit the possible extent that the night could go?

Countless questions raced through his mind as he debated over what specifics to take. Everything had to be perfect, he knew that for certain. This party was going to be one written in the history books, spoken of fondly for years to come. And for that to be true, he had to begin his work now.

First, the food. No one wants to go to a party with bad food. Ares looked through countless cookbooks that had been gifted to him, dog earring pages that would come in handy later. He scoured blogs on the internet to find what grocery stores sold the best treats, how much they cost, and when to buy them. All of this needed to be added up to budget things out, or else everything could go wrong.

Second, the entertainment. Music, lights, games, you name it. He went ahead and ordered some LEDs off of Amazon, specifically ones that were able to be shifted to oranges and purples to match the theme. For the music, few playlists stood out to him, which he bookmarked to properly sort through later. Party games were the hardest to pinpoint, but a Twister mat and a toilet-paper mummy contest should be enough.

Finally, Ares began to feel a little more confident. Yes, the remaining summer heat still blazed outside, but he was beginning to feel ready for what Fall had to bring. He was able to breathe a sigh of release as he walked outside to admire his housework, knowing that he’d already planned the best Halloween party the world has seen. Now, all that’s left to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the pumpkin spice lattes and changing leaves that autumn brings.