Carnivorous plants, alien abductions, murder plots & all. This was Ani's normal, her insane family full of questionable practices, & unhealthy coping mechanisms. But what she was most grateful for, was Altus finding his place in it that day.

Now, they only had forward to move.

Despite the events of one whole day they managed to come together at the end of it to celebrate another passing of fall. And as it had become tradition for Ms.Beaufort to wrangle them all by their ears to the table since Frida & Gunther were children, why should it change now?

"If you're all done trying to kill each other this year, it would be my honor to announce that it is officially time for our Grand Meal." She smiled, her words entirely as laced with the wit and snark she intended, but her smile too polite, and her disposition to sweet to blame.

"Ahem!" Ms. Beaufort cleared her throat delicately at the doorways to the parlor. The others in the room straightened up and looked over to the older woman. "Yes, Ms. Beaufort?" Gunther raised his brows. "Well." The kind woman clasped her hands together and took in a deep breath.

Cass leaned over to Don, planting a kiss on his cheek with a whisper of, "Thank you." Agnes groaned, but refrained from grabbing her purse as Don blushed. Cornelia beamed with delight, "So glad we could all finally come together! "Yeah, all it took was blackmail." Ani retorted.

"Are there any more pressing matters?" Agnes raised a brow impatiently. Frida of equal energy, "I hope not." "Will you two quit smoking in my house!" Gunther groaned, now quoting himself out of principle. "Don't ruin the moment, Father." Mortimer smiled to his daughter & Don.

The silence in the room continued as all the Goths, and extended family exchanged knowing glances with one another. It was like a silent jury deciding his fate, whether they all believed him or not. And finally Gunther spoke up:

"Good. That settles that then. Good choice, boy."

He looked around then laughed heartily, "Oh you're all serious?" "Declare your loyalties, child! It's rude to keep an elder waiting." Agnes sneered, cold as ever. "Of course.." He smiled genuinely, "Anything for Cassandra. I'll tell you everything if I have to.. I mean it.."

"Yes, we do." Frida put simply, knowing damn well the method was questionable. Anything to put a murderer to trial. "If not, I can show you the door…" Altus added as he adjusted his sleeves. "Or I can.." Ani admittedly smirked, as their trust for Don hinged on his next answer.

"..What about what we JUST talked about?!" Cassandra gasped. "It's called insurance.." Agnes breathed in, exhaling swirls of smoke around them. "Agnes.." Gunther groaned. "You want me to turn tail on my family?!" Don's jaw practically hit the floor, "For all of you?! For Cass?!"

"Then allow me to explain." Frida entered the conversation as the others narrowed their eyes on Don, "Your uncle, Giovanni, is a personal problem of mine & a few others. If you're willing to testify against him, his affiliations, & crimes.. We know your loyalty to Cass is true."

Suddenly the tone shifted and Cornelia sighed knowing what was to come next, "Well, with love comes sacrifice. And, due to past transgressions of your family, we need to know that your loyalty to her is without boundaries.." Don confused, "I'm not sure I get what you're saying.."

The room fell to quiet as both Cassandra & Don looked around at the others who seemed like there was more to this meeting, "…Is there something else?" "Actually, yes. Yes there is." Gunther cleared his throat, "Don, you claim you truly love Cassandra don't you?" "Absolutely…"

"Now that that is settled.." Gunther waved the moment to past, "Is everyone satisfied?" "As long as I have to see no more disgusting displays of affection." Agnes grimaced. "Good job Cassie." Ani smirked & quickly raised a brow, "I'm proud of you for calling them all out."

Mortimer hung his head in shame, "She's right." Bella even relented and relaxed a bit, "Cassandra, it's not that we don't support you. Of course we do, I would just love the opportunity to share /all/ these special moments with you.." Cornelia nodded, "On your terms, lovey."

"But if you must know, we love each other. That's why. I don't owe any of you anymore of an answer than it being that simple. And if you love me, you'll accept it." Cassandra laid her boundaries out. Don, proudly, leaned toward her whispering in her ear, "Good job, Muffincakes."