#I think sir terry was having a laugh

[annaholak]

Inktober, Tiffany Aching, Barbie, and a General Life Update

The Plan: Read the Tiffany Aching books during the summer, re-make her, and use her as the main character for my next Inktober.

The Reality: while I was finishing Cupid Cafe my landlord decided to sell the apartment I've been renting for over a decade. It was an extremely shitty one (no heating, broken air-conditioning units, dark, moldy, etc), but it was dirty cheap, and the best I could afford.

It was sold in mid-June, and the new owner (surprising no one) wanted to raise the rent. I don't know how the rental market is wherever you live, but here (in Athens, Greece) it's a right nightmare (Airbnb has a lot to answer for...). I couldn't find anything in the same price bracket that wasn't basically a tiny basement-turned-into-a-studio. I was panicking. Heavily.

In the end a (really good) friend came to my rescue. She convinced her mom (who had moved to her vacation home during the pandemic) to rent me the city apartment she was rarely using anymore. With the same money I was paying for the previous one. A fucking life saver let me tell you.

It's a much bigger, and generally much nicer, one than the previous shithole I was living in. I finally have enough space for an actual studio. It's also in a much nicer neighbourhood. One I normally would not be able to afford. Lots of green spaces, and very pet friendly (I don't have a pet at the moment, but I'm greatly enjoying meeting all the happy puppers on their walks, whenever I'm out and about).

I moved in in mid-July. I'm still working on it, as I've been going through a lot of the things I had in storage, deciding what to keep, donate, or throw away, and that takes time. The studio is still a mess, but here is a sneak peek of my current working space (the walls were supposed to be lilac, but I'm not complaining - Peppa-the-pig pink it is):

Anyway, back to Inktober. As you can imagine I had hardly the time to read anything during the summer, so the Tiffany Aching idea will have to wait. I also felt extremely uninspired by this year's Inktober prompts. I dug around a bit and found a prompt list I actually like. It's the Mystical Witchtober one, hosted by agingerly aianaiya isabee Madie Meri Marigona Suli Aria and Talita on Instagram. Here's the prompt list (by isabee):

As I was going through the things I've had in storage I found some of my childhood Barbie magazines and sticker albums. So I'm thinking of riding the nostalgia wave, and turning my Witchtober into a slightly Barbie-esque, and a bit late 1980's/early 1990's themed, witch-vampire romance.

I will be working on it at a rather leisurely pace, since I'm still busy working on my new space, and also recovering from a recurring freak throat infection I've had since mid-August (was it strep? was it mono? Who knows? Not my doctors). I've been through two rounds of antibiotics and I'm still not completely well, so please be patient with me.

I think that's all for now. Stick around for a very soft and pink Witchtober. And worry not, I have a lot of Wyrd Sisters things planned once this one is over.

P.S.

Oh yeah, I've also somehow managed in the middle of all the chaos to acquire a new boyfriend. Which hasn't happened in a while. So that's nice.

P.P.S. (bonus for still reading this essay of an update)

I made last year's Wyrd Sisters Abroad Inktober into a zine for the Comicdom Con in May. In true ADHD fashion it was written at five a.m. the morning it had to be at the printer's, after the third all nighter in a row. So typos were inevitable. But the fact that this was the only typo that made it through to the printed version, had me giggling uncontrollably once I discovered it (a couple of months later, it took me a while). Enjoy:

[neil-gaiman]

No ask, just my take on the S3 "ending" controversy...

We know DT doesn't really do the interwebs, but MS (apparently) does enjoy perusing the fandom's musings. I imagine Michael telling David about all his favorites-the fics, the art, AUs. I can see them laughing & loving every take on their beloved characters: the myriad ways in which Aziracrow find each other, lose or keep each other, endings happy & bittersweet. The inclusion/reimagining of cast mates, locales, prized possessions.

I think this is what David was referring to-the Good Omens multiverse that exists in our collective consciousness. No ending will satisfy every one, but I have faith in you & your love for Sir Terry that everything will be OK.

Tickety-boo even.

That's so sweet. Michael has been off doing his play and hasn't yet had a chance to even catch up with the Good Omens Season 3 scripts yet, let alone spend downtime on the web reading fan theories. David has no interest in fan theories of any kind -- he loves fans, loves meeting fans, but that's not how his brain works. (He just thought he was talking to a single fan at an autograph session and didn't realize that people would think he was formally addressing them all as Fandom United.)

But I still love that idea. It's really sweet.

[ripeandsoft]

Hi Monae how are you babes? Can I request for terry and his wife having sex for the first time since their baby was born and she was trying to cover up her post baby body after having her baby.

🥺

A/n: I’m good baby! I’m so sorry this took so long, me and my brain weren’t friends lol. Please accept this as an early Christmas gift and apology! I hope you enjoy, feedback is always appreciated 💕

Content warnings: mentions of postpartum insecurity, gentle sex?, oral, a spank or two (i couldn’t help it), mirror sex, fluffy sweetness all around, also barely proofread oops

—

“Diapers, bottles, bibs, pacifiers…” You paced around the nursery as you packed your daughter Josie’s diaper bag. She was laying in her crib, fresh from the bath and drifting off to sleep under the musical chime of her mobile. Terry was quiet as he ambled up the stairs with extra clean bottles and formula. The shadow of you flitting around her room like a mad woman on the hallway wall made Terry laugh. This was Josie’s first time being away from you guys for two whole nights and your nerves were through the roof.

“Calm down baby, you know my mama will take good care of her” Terry sat the bottles and formula on the dresser next to her bag, coming up behind you to rub his hands soothingly down your arms. You leaned back into him and you closed your eyes to take a deep breath. You couldn’t help but be anxious. This was the longest you’d be away from your baby since she was born. You knew Mrs. Richmond wouldn’t let a curl on Josie’s head be touched but your nerves were still crackling with anxiety.

“I know, ‘m just nervous” Your words were hushed as you turned to loop your arms around his waist. “I’m glad we’ll have some alone time. Maybe even get some good sleep, give the baby monitor a rest for the weekend” Terry rocked the both of you back and forth in his embrace. You hummed against him, the warmth of his body against yours making your eyes close in comfort.

Soft gurgles spilled from Josie’s mouth as she shifted positions in her crib, her noises causing you and Terry to separate. “I’ll finish packing up here. You go start the car.” You ordered Terry gently with point of your finger. He nodded dutifully, giving both you and Josie a soft kiss on the cheek.

—

“I’ll miss you babygirl” You cooed at Josie, rubbing her chubby cheek with your thumb. She nuzzled against the contact while she smiled with all her gums. “Y’all better get out of here so I can spend time with my baby” Mrs. Richmond started to usher you and Terry out the door, eager to spend time with her granddaughter. “Can’t we say bye?” Terry asked.

“No you can’t. Now get before them roads get bad.” Mrs. Richmond nodded to the window, swirls of flurries falling outside.

—

It felt weird to be in your bathroom alone. When Josie is fussy but you need to shower you bring her with you, letting her rest in her bouncer while you clean up. Terry often joins you when you’re doing your hair or taking off your makeup. You were never really alone these days, not since Josie was born. Even when she’s not with you physically her presence crackles through the baby monitor seemingly attached to your hand. You’d heard of women who become so consumed with their families that they lose themselves, but that isn’t happening to you.

Right?

All you could think about was a hot shower. Your clothes were strewn across the floor, a fabric trail leading to you standing at the sink. You pulled your braids up into a ponytail before wrapping it up in a fat bun. The counter was cold as you bent down to rest your elbows on it, filling your palms with water so you could wash your face. Before you could reach for the cleanser, your husband slid his hands around your hips.

“Can I help you sir?” You asked him through the mirror, water dripping down your neck to your chest. “Mhm, you sure can” Terry’s voice rumbling low in your ears. His strong hands rubbed over all your soft parts—stomach, hips, thighs, tits, ass. You sighed at the feeling, leaning back into him. But before you can get lost in your man, the quiet part of your mind speaks up.

You’ve never been a stranger to stretch marks, cellulite, dimples, pimples, or moles. All these things came with your figure and you had come to love them. Growing your babygirl gave you immense pride in your body and you wouldn’t trade your pregnancy experience for the world. Being a mother was wonderful journey but every journey has its ups and downs, and these postpartum stages were mostly down. The things you once loved about your body have become insecurities.

“I need to take a shower” You pressed yourself into the sink to create space between you two. “Can I join you?” Terry asks. You avoid his hand reaching for you, side stepping him and going to stand by the shower. “No, thank you baby but I got this one by myself” Your lips quirk up in an awkward smile, your hands shielding your breast and stomach from his watching eyes.

Terry frowned, the crease in the middle of his brows growing deeper as he examined your behavior. You never shy away from his touch whether it’s sexual or not. You’ve been somewhat avoidant recently. Not necessarily detached or distant but just…not the same. It was strange.

“Go lay down” Terry instructs, nodding towards the bedroom. Your mouth opened to retort but the look in Terry’s eyes made the words seep into your tongue. You obeyed wordlessly, feelings his eyes follow your every movement.

—

“Don’t look away” Terry spoke against you, mouth full of your wet pussy. His head could be seen from between your cheeks, the mirror that normally leaned on your bedroom wall now closer to the bed propped on its thin stand. Your eyes watered in pleasure as his tongue swirled around your clenching hole. The silver band of your wedding ring dug into your skin as you held onto the sheets tight.

His lips were soft against you, vibrating with his own moans as he feasted on you. “Terry baby ‘m gonna mmm fuck come” You started to grind against his face, beard tickling your mound. “I know” His words were muffled as he pulled your hips back against his face. The room around you blurred into nothing as your eyes rolled back, orgasm rolling through you with fury.

The sheets were soft on your hard nipples, the added stimulation making you cry out. You pulled yourself away from him weakly only to be pulled back. “Where you going?” He questioned. The spank Terry placed on your right ass cheek had you jolting away from him, which made him wrap his hand around the back of your neck. “Tell me where you going girl” Terry’s voice echoed in your head as you tried to focus. “Nowhere, I promise” You head shook back and forth wildly, braids falling from your bun.

Terry rubbed soothing circle on your now red ass cheek, giving you a moment to calm down. You started to bounce back on Terry’s bulge, your stickiness making his hard dick shine in the light of your bedroom. “Oh you want it now?” He teased. His hand came to hold your hips steady as he started to do the work for you. His swollen tip nudged against your clit just right, bubbles of precum decorating your flesh. You reached back to grab his dick, tired of being empty.

You fell into an arch as he found his home in your pussy. Your walls pulsated around him as if to say “welcome home.”

“Tight ass fucking pussy” He grunted from behind you, his balls resting against your clit as he bottomed out. He trapped his bottom lip between his teeth as he felt his balls start to throb. He fed you slow, deep thrusts, the slap of his thighs on yours filling the room. Goosebumps rushed over your skin with movement.

He hit all your spots with expert precision, catching your hand when you reached back to press it on his stomach. “No ma’am, this what you wanted. Be still and let me work my pussy open” He spoke, head thrown back and eyes closed. Your mind went numb with pleasure. The fat of your thighs started to jiggle as you shook, mouth open in silent moans. Each thrust stole the breath from your lungs.

“Let me tell you something” Terry wrapped a hand in your now messy hair, pulling to get you to look at him through the mirror. “Don’t you ever hide this body from me. This body carried my baby and I’ll be damned if you shamed of it” He punctuated his words with sharper thrusts making you squeal. “Tell me you’re beautiful” He demanded.

“I’m, ugh, I’m beautiful” Your words were quick, drool building up in your mouth and dribbling from the side of it. “Again, make me believe it” He responded. “I’m beautiful Terry, so beautiful” You felt yourself about to come again, walls squeezing him even tighter.

“Yes you are” Terry agreed, his own orgasm building. The sensation of you creaming around him triggered Terry’s orgasm. He continued to thrust as he spilled into you, the mixture of you two dripping onto the sheets. You fell limp onto the bed, shaking and whining at the overwhelming feeling. Terry pulled out slowly to watch his cum flow from your hole.

A warm rag was the next thing you felt on your pussy, the heat making you sigh in relief. “Don’t worry baby, I got you” Terry spoke softly, planting a kiss on your cheek.

—

tags: @kenshisluvrgirl @megamindsecretlair

[pratchettquotes]

A Personal Note: Celebrating 900 Posts*

"I'm an Igor, thur. We don't athk quethtionth."

"Really? Why not?"

"I don't know, thur. I didn't athk."

Terry Pratchett, Making Money

*A Rare Personal Note: In honor of the 900th quote I have shared on this inconsistent, inimitable, genuinely joyous blog, I thought I should do what I normally do. That is, I went looking for one of the many profound, jarring, thought-provoking Pratchian quotes that draw so many of us back to his books again and again. And then I opened Making Money and abruptly changed my mind. Because let's be honest: Yes, we come back to Sir Terry for the insights and the head tilts and the moments that make us go "hmm" out loud, awkwardly, when we are in a silent train car. But that's not all. I may stay true to Discworld because it makes me think -- but I fell in love with Discworld because Terry Pratchett makes me laugh. Fifteen years later, I'm still laughing. So in honor of our 900th quote in common, let's celebrate the punchlines. If we have learnt nothing else from Pratchett, we know that laughing at the world makes it bearable to live in.

[tvchi]

Veiled Intentions: The Hunt, Prt 3

Disclaimers: DO NOT COPY OR REPOST MY WORK. DO NOT TRAIN AI WITH MY WORK.

Warnings: Mature Audiences ONLY: 18+, Minors DNI- Nudity, Female receiving fingering, Profanity

Pairing: black male x black female Words: 3,884k

A/N: Here is Part 3 of this series. I'm proud of myself for meeting this week's deadline. No real smut here. I'm so sorry, you're gonna have to wait for it. However, the suspense is building. Once again if suspense, thrillers, and espionage are not you're the thing, I get it. Please scroll.

Summary: Terry lets Y/N know that her Mark may be on to her and there are things that she may not be considering in this case. When she finds out that Adrian may not be completely forthcoming, how will she react?

---------------------------------------------------------

Terry

I walked into the building and made my way down the hall. I had to let Director Moore know I was being watched, and most likely, she was, too. Once I got to my office, I began getting intel on this Adrian guy. As soon as I got past his birth records, there was a knock on the door.

"Good morning, sir. I just wanted to know if you wanted some coffee because I made your fine ass some," said Brooke. I chuckled and smiled.

"Thank you, Broooke," I sang back.

"You say my name like that again, and we go together!" she retorted, gently laying the cup of coffee on the table before turning around to leave.

"Hey, I wanted to ask you something. Maybe you could help me out. I've looked through all the files and there's not much about the Mark, Adrian. You've been on this case as long as Y/N has. Maybe you know something."

"Yeah, well, he went to Pembroke but got his master's in art history at NYU. He took some time off to travel. Went backpacking in Europe and then visited Columbia, Panama, and El Salvador. He stayed in Okinawa for 3 months before coming back to the States. He submitted a proposal for a PhD, but it was denied. I think I remember him getting a collections manager job for a small-time museum in Miami before coming back here. Why?"

"You keep giving me answers like that, we might just actually go together" I grinned mischievously, sipping the now warm coffee. 

"Stop playing with me before this whole office catches an early morning show; you hear me?"

At this, I couldn't help but laugh. 

"But seriously, why are you looking into him? Should we all be?"

"Yes, why are you looking into him?" said Y/N from the doorway. I hadn't noticed when she came in, and I always noticed.

She wore a cropped hoodie, an oversized blazer, dark-washed jeans that just kissed the bottom of her hoodie, and Air Jordans. Her braids hung freely down her back. Her lips were outlined in a soft chocolate, accentuating their plump center. I wondered what they tasted like. Trying not to let my eyes linger too long, I flashed my attention to her eyes. Hers met mine and quickly darted to Brooke and then to my desk. This was the third time she's averted her eyes from mine. I stood and walked around my desk.

"Brooke, thank you for the coffee and the intel. If I need anything else, you're my girl," I said, winking.

"You're too fine to be winking at me like that, sir. I'm going to mess around and pass out," she replied, giving me a wink of her own. I smiled. Grabbing my coat, I walked out of my office.

"So you're not going to answer me when I'm talking to you?" Y/N said, stalking down the hallway after me. 

"I speak to people who greet me in the morning and look me in the eyes when they're speaking to me. You do neither. If you want to run that question by me again, I'll be in the cafe for the next half hour." I threw over my shoulder.

When I finally got to the cafe, there was a line. I took everything in. The college students huddled around their different groups. All animated. All full of life.

There was this couple in front of me. The girl was trying to decide whether to get the scones or a croissant while trying to convince the guy to drop out of human sexualities because it's for "perverts" and join her in a sociology course. She was giving him good arguments, too, including the point about men only joining to learn different positions and not how to get better at pleasure. Most people who take that course never actually get around to knowing where the clit is. I chuckled.

As I looked around, I wondered if this would have been the life Mike had been living if he were alive. Whether he'd be love-struck, chasing some girl all around campus, listening to her world views, or convincing him to drop courses. I wondered if he would have felt more at home here than the cells he saw.

I placed my order and occupied a free table by the windows. I stared out of the windows, not really taking in the sights but riddling myself with guilt about all the things that I could've done to keep Mike alive. It was a once-a-week misery date I kept with myself so I would never forget that I am living as penance for what I wasn't able to do– nothing else.

A sweet smell filled the air. I turned my head slightly to see who or what it was coming from, and there she stood. She took the seat across from me and peered at the table momentarily before bringing her eyes to me.

"Good Morning ASAC Richmond. I don't want to bother you, but I wanted to know what the reason was for looking into my Mark. We ran background checks months ago. I placed everything in those files."

“Good Morning SA Olisa. You're not bothering me. To answer your question, I wasn't looking into him at all before he stopped me this morning and told me that he was looking into me." Her gaze lowered, and her brows furrowed. 

"What do you mean he's looking into you? How does he know you?" she said, confusion littering her face.

"It doesn't seem like he knows me. But it does look like he's keeping tabs on you while you're away from him."

"This is Adrian we are talking about. He's charming and doting. He also forgets his keys every other day, calls me for help when he accidentally trips the alarm at the museum and is actively boycotting Apple for handing over user data to 'The Feds'. I'm pretty sure he's not tailing me."

"Well, I don't know how else to explain him curb-side siding me on my way to the Box, asking me what I'm doing here and telling me that he's never seen me before." She laughed.

"I'm sorry, but there's no way you could be talking about Adrian."

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Yea. Okay."

"What does that mean?"

"It means that I'm going to continue gathering intel on all members of this case, including the ones who actively seek me out, and you can continue maintaining that the Mark is incapable of any wrongdoing."

"I didn't say he was incapable of wrongdoing. I said he isn't a guy capable of surveilling me."

"Okay."

"I think I would know. I've only been—"

"Sleeping with him for the last three months," I finished flatly, attempting to hide my contempt with boredom. 

She inhaled deeply and slowly before speaking again. "I was going to say that I've only been at his side, living with him and monitoring his habits for three months. I'm not sure how anything else I do is any of your concern."

"It is if you forget that he's a mark," I replied too quickly.

"Forget?" she said incredulously, her eyes squinting and lips flattened into a line. Her head tilted to the side in smoldering anger. For a moment there, I was distracted. Even in her disdain for me at that moment, she looked incredible. Not wanting to escalate things, I quickly thought of a way to disarm her. 

"I just mean, when was the last time you did a sweep? When was the last time you tailed him? When was the last time you listened to the bug in his office? The last time you looked into the new clients he was purchasing for? Did you do a deep dive into his overseas contacts when he was backpacking in Europe and parasailing in Panama because I didn't see any details in the files?"

"Are you suggesting that I can't or didn't do my job?"

"I didn't say that. I think that we have a limited focus, and we need to broaden the net. He approached me. We were never seen together except for in the Box. So unless he's also a part of the case, I'm not sure how he would know me."

She pursed her lips. Her forehead creased in pensive thought or inner turmoil; I couldn't be sure. 

"If you need proof that he approached me," I started, chuckling, "There are thousands of cameras around this campus. Ask Brooke." With that, I stood and walked out of the cafe with my coffee in hand. 

---------------------------------------------------------

Y/N

He has no reason to lie to me, and he's technically my boss. He has nothing to prove. I've been studying Adrian's tells since he first asked me out on a date. I know him. He hasn't been lying to me. I also haven't been asking him very many questions lately. Nothing that would need him to tell a lie.

You sat at the coffee shop on campus, thinking for a long moment. What if Richmond was right. What if you haven't been paying as close attention as you should have. This is the part of the job you hated— the second-guessing. Being the first African-American female on the shortlist for Assistant Director was without its fair share of imposter syndrome.

Having to conduct meetings or manage briefings where everyone's eyes are constantly questioning you. Their perpetual state of disbelief or random inquiries on work that you've triple-checked always got to you. No matter how iron-clad your work has been over the years, there's always someone else who doesn't think that you should be here. Someone else looking to point out your mistake and hang you for it. Someone needs to find hard data to prove that you should've never been hired. Today, it's him.

The pressure in your chest starts to build as you begin to put into words a feeling that has been ruminating in the back of your mind for weeks. Always knowing you're alone in this world and seeing the hard proof of it are two different things. I know that if it were him or me, his connections or my word, his status or my truth, he'd always choose himself. I'm not entirely sure his sole purpose of coming here and shortening our deadline isn't because the hire-ups don't trust me to run point on this. You closed your eyes, hoping to dull some of the pain circling your temples. After a deep breath, you opened your eyes again.

"Ma'am, I'm not sure if you wanted to order anything, but if you did, you have to do it upfront," the waitress interjected.

"No, I was just leaving. Thank you" you replied and headed out of the shop and towards your car.

Driving back home, you tried to think about the case and what you could be missing. Adrian being into play was far-fetched but if Richmond was right, it may be the answer to why they've been behind for so long. That thought made your stomach turn. 

"Hey, Siri. dial Brooke"

"Dialing. Brooke. Now," Siri responded.

"Two days in a row. I must say, ever since Mr. Fine Ass showed up, you've either been calling the office or showing up way more than you have been. You tryna get perfect attendance in his class, heifer, 'cause he's mine." You laughed. Brooke always had a way of making you smile.

"Brooke, you know HR and IA exist, right?"

"I know. I also know that I'm the head of surveillance around this muthafucka, and won't be no evidence for them to find!"

"Lol. You got that."

"So, wussup?"

"I need some footage of all the library entrances and exits from early this morning till about now."

"Why, what's going on?"

"I haven't heard any chatter, but I wanted to double-check that I'm not being followed."

"Okay. I'll send those right over. Today's encryption code is 4761."

"Thanks, girl."

"Anytime. Oh, girl, I gotta go. Here comes Mr. Fine-Ass now. Heeeeeeey ASAC Richmond"

As the call disconnected, you wondered whether Richmond was in the Director's office right now telling him how he doesn't think you're fit to lead this operation.

After you got home, you headed straight to the den. You opened the government-issued laptop and typed in the code. An entirely new interface comes alive on the screen. You navigated emails until you landed on the one Brooke sent of the footage. Quickly, looking around the den to make sure no one else was there, you clicked on the video and began to watch.

Around 6:15:35am, there is a man approaching Richmond on the steps with a knitted hoodie and black denim. The face is obscured by a fitted cap, hoodie, and Richmond's frame.

Then, at about 6:17:45 am, he changes positions, placing his back to the camera. He continues to do so throughout the entire video. He must have known this camera was there. This could be anybody.

At 6:20:29 am, he turns to leave down the stairs of the library. Once down the stairs, he walks off to a vehicle that is out of frame. You rewind the video back to 6:17 and watch it again. This really could be anybody, I mean — you spot it.

[At a cookout last month, Adrian invited you to meet some of his friends. The park was teeming with bodies, from those who were well-known in the county to those who were just happy to be there. The DJ played all the Top 40 hits and mixed some 90s jams throughout. You spotted a friend and joined in a line dance on the grass. Finally spotting Adrian, you ran to him. 

"Wait, wait, wait girl. I will give you the world, but I will throw you somewhere if you get those muddy ass boots all over these 1s."

"What is so special about them damn sneakers that you'd risk your life like that?"

"Wouldn't be the first time"

"Now you gotta tell me."

"It was 2017. My first Mardi Gras experience. My brothers took me to the All-Star weekend festivities because their friends had the hookup. We were going from the games to the clubs. There was liquor, titties, and ass everywhere. That same weekend, they dropped these. There was a line down the block at every Foot Locker and Finish Line in the state of Louisiana damn near. I left the club early and stood in line all night and all morning. I finally got to the store, and there were only 3 left in my size. As soon as I placed my hand on the shoe, this other guy placed his hands on it. I looked at him and tugged the shoe away. The next thing I know, this guy is swinging at me. We fought, and security had to break us up. I told them that they had to go to the back and look at the footage of who got the shoes first and who assaulted the other first. I was not leaving there without those shoes. One of the employees and one of the security guards left together to watch the footage. I snatched the other sneaker out of the man's hand and walked up to the register to get my shoes. I got to pay for them, and I noticed that my wallet was missing. I called everyone I knew to either look for my wallet or come pay for the shoes. Eventually, my second oldest brother came and bought the shoes for me. Turns out, I had left my wallet in our section at the club, and he picked it up."

"Oh, you really went to war for these."

"Sure did. That night, we went out to celebrate.]

The special edition Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG All-Star with the iridescent detailing glistened into view on the computer screen. There was a white tag that he linked through one of the holes. You stared back at the shoes missing from the case and back to the video. Shit.

----------------------------------------------------

Y/N

"Babe, you home? Adrian's voice boomed from the front entrance.

"Hey. I'm here. What are you doing at home?" you quickly shut down the laptop and closed the lid as you heard his footsteps make their way toward the den.

"Got done early today, so I thought I'd pop in and get dinner started. I didn't want to order out again."

"Oh well, aren't you thoughtful"

"What are you doing at home? I thought you said that you'd be working a little later tonight. Something about moving up a deadline," he probed.

"Right. Well, you know me…I thought I would focus more if I was on campus like every other collegiate student. I kept getting distracted," you lied. "Then I tried my office, but I wasn't comfortable there," that wasn't entirely a lie. You wouldn't have been able to focus in the Box. Not with him there. "In the end, I just gave up and came home. But there is still very much a deadline that I have to meet," you finished.

"Sounds like you need some productivity. Lemme get out your way" he concurred, pecking you on the lips twice and then moving to the empty case.

"Oh, I see you brought out the big dawg today. What was the special occasion?" you asked, hoping that this would be the start of something enlightening.

"Oh, you mean the shoes. Nothing. I just felt like wearing them today."

"Mmm, well, what did you do all day today looking fresh."

He chuckled. "Nothing. I went by the office, spoke to a couple of clients who were interested in some pieces, stopped by the store, and then came home."

"You should've stopped by my office so I could show you off to those hating ass hoes at my job if you just wanted to look fresh running errands."

"I'll do that next time," he joked. "Alright, I'm really gonna leave you alone. Get that work done!"

"Sir, yes, sir."

He turned back and smirked. "Hold on to that. I may need you to say that to me again later." He turned and went up the steps. When the door shut, you exhaled. He was lying to you.

When did this start, and why didn't you notice? You started retracing your steps with Adrian to see if there was something you missed or maybe a change in behavior. When you couldn't pinpoint an inciting event, you left that task and adopted a new one that required you combing through his file piece by piece.

"Did you do a deep dive into his overseas contacts when he was backpacking in Europe and parasailing in Panama because I didn't see any details in the files?"

As Richmond's words echoed through your head, you started going back to all of the places that he had been seen and confirmed vacationing in. You worked all into the night.

A soft knock on the door alerted you to the fact that it was late. Adrian walked down and stood at the doorway. 

"Come eat, Alana"

"I'm coming. I just need to jot down one more thing." You changed your interface back to the default Microsoft interface and powered down your phone before he could get the chance to look at it. You climbed the stairs, wondering how you were going to muster the energy to withstand tonight's dinner conversation. You sat and ate dinner, slowly pondering the day's revelations. It must have shown on your face because Adrian stood up and asked. 

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah, just thinking,"

"Talk to me"

"It's really nothing. I guess I just didn't realize I had so much to do behind this project."

"Yeah, I get that."

A moment passed, and you finally finished the last bite of your salmon when you heard some music playing in the distance.

"Dance with me," Adrian commanded, hand held out to you.

"Adrian? Right now"

"Yea. Dance with me. C'mon, woman", he repeated.

You took his hand, and you two danced to the sounds of Sweet Lady by Tyrese. His hands slowly trailed your spine as his head nestled into your neck.

It was the strangest thing. Feeling at home in the arms of someone you knew was lying to you, knowing that you were lying to them. Your bodies swayed together in tandem as you both held each other. It was everything you wanted. It was what you craved. Why couldn't this be…real?

After a couple of songs, he led you to bed. He slowly undid your jeans, helping you out of them one foot at a time.

Then, after applying short kisses up your happy trail, he stood up, removed your cropped hoodie, and undid your bra. Your breast spilled out of them. He took the left into his mouth as you moaned. Interchanging between nibbles and kisses, he stimulated the small whimpers you tried to stifle deep within your throat. After a few moments, he turned his attention to your other breast.

A trail of kisses slowly went up your neck and finally to your mouth. You took his lips in yours desperately. You hungrily sucked his tongue, hoping to salvage the last night you would be this version of yourself with him. He tugged at your thong until his hand found what it was searching for.

He traced circles around your pearl. You waited for a moment to feel that release. That dampness that never had to be beckoned. That exhilarating plummet in your stomach makes way for the honey coating that ruins the sheets. It never came. 

"Is something wrong?"

"Mmm, no, why?"

"Your panties are usually done by now."

"Maybe I didn't drink enough water today."

He looked at me intently. His eyes darkened with intensity, then softened slightly. 

"I took you to Cali for three days. All we had were shots of Tequila and a couple of Coronas. I had your legs behind your hand, and we had the sheets changed four times one of those nights. Water has never been a problem for you. Talk to me," he said sternly.

"I'm not sure what's going on, Adrian," you lied.

"Are you sure there's not something you want to tell me?"

"Like what?"

He paused for a moment. "I don't know. I'm just asking. Maybe you're upset or worried about something?" he probed.

"The only thing I've been focused on has been the deadline. I'm okay with that, though. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize. It's okay. Let's go to sleep."

"Or or or…maybe we can try some lube," you suggested, trying to lighten the mood.

"So now we're lube people?"

"Hey, there's nothing wrong with lube."

"No, but something is going on with you, and I'd rather we get to the bottom of it than throwing some lube on it,"

"But...but," you pouted as you looked at his erection.

"He'll be fine. Let's go to bed."

"You sure?"

"Yea, come here," he said, lying down on his side and pulling you close. Unable to fall asleep, you wondered how you were going to salvage this night. You needed to find out who the new buyer was going to be and fast because, at this rate, it would only be a matter of time before he found out the truth.

---------------------------------------------------------

Check out Part 1 and Part 2 if you haven't already! Please hit the comments with your feedback, give suggestions on what you'd like to see, and let me know who you like and don't. Talk TO ME!!! Part 4 coming soon.

Tags: @thecapodomme @writers-of-tmblr @melaninpov @spaceslutsworld @nahimjustfeelingit-writes @mymusicbias @the-black-label @master-builder42 @miraculously-dumb-bitch @megamindsecretlair @hopefulromantic1 @tranquilfandomer @thadelightfulone @vivalaorgasm @hotgrlcece @planetblaque @blackgurlnhermoods @andriaharris @theblacklewinsky @kumkaniudaku @lovelyflames @girlbeblogging @toiadeenovels @longpause-awkwardsmile @sweettea-and-honeybutter @sirenmouths @almostelectroniccheesecake @liquorlaughslove @meleekabenjamin @19jammmy @thoseprettywords @nahimjustfeelingit-writes @stellarxfresh @noirelyfe @moooonluvr

@kinginwithbreezy-blog @bunniibooooo @sk1121-blog1

[stupidphototricks]

I adore the part of Guards! Guards! (and every other book really, this is just an example) where it starts to roll forward unstoppably under its own momentum. Everything that happens feels both surprising and inevitable. You've got a situation (in this case, dragon on the loose), you've got a bunch of characters who are reacting to it and to each other, and everything they do makes you laugh delightedly like, yes! That's exactly what they would do right now.

I had the same thoughts about Jingo when I read it recently, and arguably it works even better in that book, with more characters that have undergone more development by then. But Guards! Guards! is the first book with these particular characters, and they're already so real that you get the sense that Sir Terry was just recording what happened, not orchestrating it.

I've been debating the right way to say this, or whether I should say it at all, I don't want it to be taken the wrong way. But here it is: I think that characters like these are a big part of why people write and read fanfiction.

I mean, exploring possible relationships and, let's say details of those relationships that might be beyond the original scope, that's certainly in there. But that's not all of it.

The thing is, here are these amazing, textured, rich characters that we already know. That we already love. And we want more of them, as much as possible, because how could we not. Because they're delicious.

And so we set out to discover: What were they like when they were younger, or older? What happened in the interval between these two books? How would they solve this problem? How would they react to this new thing? What if they existed in our world, or in this other fictional universe?

All of these stories that exist in potentia, in L-space maybe—other people can write them, other people are writing them, and that's wonderful. I'd like to think that Sir Terry would enjoy it, that he would see it as it's intended: as an homage, as respect, as the highest form of flattery.

As, simply, love for him and for the imagination-capturing world and characters that he created.

[failedinsomniac]

My take on the whole “S3 ending" comment controversy...

We know DT doesn't really do the interwebs, but MS (apparently) does enjoy perusing the fandom's musings. I imagine Michael telling David about all his favorites—the fics, the art, AUs. I can see them laughing over & loving most every take on their beloved characters: the myriad ways in which Aziracrow find each other, lose or keep each other, endings happy & bittersweet. The inclusion/reimagining of cast mates, locales, prized possessions.

I think this is what David was referring to—the Good Omens multiverse that exists in our collective fan consciousness. No ending will satisfy every one, but I have faith in Neil & his love for Sir Terry that everything really will be OK.

Tickety-boo even.

[alldaysarenights]

On Discworld…

…and the things I’ve learned so far.

I know, I’m late, but sometimes it’s fun to discover something on your own and in your time.

Recently, I’ve started reading the Discworld series, beginning with Rincewind. And there are so many tiny things I’ve discovered, I don’t even know where to start.

I’ll give D&D a go first. As a passionate player and also a I-once-ran-a-short-campaign DM, I couldn’t but notice all the references there to find, especially with Rincewind. Right now I’m 4 books into his story, barely at the beginning, yet I’ve laughed my a** off a few times. Always wondering what he took from a former campaign. Well, at first I wondered if Sir Pratchett actually played. The internet was quick to answer the question, yes, yes of course he did. Would have been more surprised, if he didn’t.

I discovered stuff about the gods playing dice and there are sorcerer, barbarians and the luggage, which slightly reminds me of a mimic. But I guess this beast came afterwards. I told the other players of my group, and they agreed on the resemblance. Now we definitely have the plan, to tame a mimic, lol.

I could quote you so much stuff, but I’d fancy you going on an adventure and see it for yourself. Read the books, assemble some good friends, and have some fun on a silly campaign. Not necessarily in this order.

Next thing that keeps popping up in my mind, while reading, is Good Omens. I came from the Neil Gaiman side, getting lured in by Morpheus, whom I met doing some research. My comic book dealer was happy to help. Naturally, there was a point where I did read Good Omens. And it was weird, this was Gaiman, but also not, and it was so funny. I knew one day I would have to read Discworld. Unfortunately, I was a bit discouraged by the massive amount of books. The problem sorted out itself, after a friend, I’ve talked to about it, enabled me to read them.

With it came a list in which order I should proceed, so I happily jumped in, secretly nurturing the idea of reading all the books within a year. If it works out, no idea, we’ll see. If so, I might write another article on the experience.

Anyway, the point is, knowing Good Omens well as for watching the series multiple times and doing the same to the book (reading actually), I couldn’t but notice some stuff that definitely came from Terry’s side. Like phrases, he kept using. I did read: “Not as such” as an answer more than once. No matter who said it, in my imagination it was Crowley for a split second.

The first book got me so confused, I completely forgot that this was Terry Pratchett. I caught myself thinking, I was reading Neil Gaiman. This set my brain on halt and the world stood for a second. Amazing what books can do to you.

I’ve realised Death and the horsemen and how they seem unable to start a proper apocalypse. Also, sometimes there were phrases sounding a lot like Agnes Nutter. As well as the tone it is written in, the tiny wordings you sometimes aren’t aware of as an author. And it led me to the conclusion, (of course there is no other evidence and I could be totally wrong), that Neil must have invested a lot of time in re-reading the Discworld or maybe already know them by heart. For some of the things I’ve realised definitely played a part in GO2.

It is amazing how much two people can morph into one, and yet there must be a lot of work behind the scenes. I for my part can only hope that my writing buddy and I can get to this point some day. At least I’ll have to convince him to write a full-grown novel together first.

So you might ask yourself, and I know because so did I, what’s the whole point of this article? Fair enough. I came to the conclusion, that fun expands with knowledge. And I know, my sense of fun probably differs from that of others a lot. But if you are able to grasp those tiny hints and hidden pleasures, it can make a story twice as joyful.

So go out there and consume all those stories. Not just by reading. Listen to people telling their stories, watch movies, series, anime. Maybe go to the opera or watch a play. Memorise a poem or play a game. Find the medium which suits you well but keep on searching, you’ll never know what you might learn from it and what pleasures and magic are hidden in those stories. Because our world is built, or maybe better, powered by storytelling.

[kradogsrats]

oh hey out of nowhere it's 1500 words of Claudiangst, possibly some kind of spiritual sequel to that Viren one from pre-s5

—

Claudia sits on a stone beside the Sea of the Castout, and sharpens her knife.

It’s not quite dawn, and the coming morning promises to be bright and clear—she can almost imagine that it’s just another sunrise in Xadia, and the last few days were a terrible and confusing dream. Maybe even the whole month. The ruined stump below her knee, radiating the dull, persistent ache that was as far as she could reduce the pain with what she had in her satchel, destroys the shelter of that fantasy.

The repeated motion of the blade against stone helps a bit, like her calming mantra once did. There is no synonym for cinnamon, there is no synonym for cinnamon—every stroke a little sharper, a little clearer, a little more deliberate. The soft lapping of the waves against the shore might have done the same, once.

She’d almost drowned. Without the potion, her shifted form hadn’t lasted. She’d kicked desperately toward the surface with one leg while bitter seawater and blood rushed into her lungs. When she finally broke the surface, choking and exhausted, it took everything she had just to stay afloat. There was no way she could swim to shore—only drift, watching the sky slowly darken. At some point, the tears came, hot on her sea-chilled face. By the time she washed up on the rocky beach, she’d been incoherent with pain and grief.

The transformation was also the only thing that kept her from bleeding out—her pentapus limbs fusing back together as they returned to human form had mostly closed the wound. Terry had stripped her out of her soaked clothes and wrapped her in a blanket, her body shivering uncontrollably from cold and shock. He’d bound her leg where it was still oozing blood, and he and Sir Sparklepuff fretted over her late into the night as she alternated between chills and feverish delirium.

She holds the blade up to examine it in the pre-dawn gloom, tilting it to catch whatever light it can. It’s a good knife, slim and elegant and curved. It has always been, ever since she found it on the body of a Sunfire elf while picking through the abandoned battlefield. It's far from the least useful thing she's harvested from the dead.

Still, it's not sharp enough. For now.

Wracked with sorrow and fear and pain, she barely slept an hour. But she dreamed.

She'd been back at the center of the sea, standing above it as if it was no more than a puddle. The surface below her was smooth as glass, perfectly reflecting the sky overhead—so overflowing with stars that she couldn't tell if it was night or day. Blood seeped slowly from her leg and dripped into the dark water, lurid in the harsh light, ripples spreading out of sight.

Aaravos’s voice came to her, echoing from every direction. Soft as a whisper, but vibrating through her bones like thunder. We are all stardust, bound together only by love.

She spun, foolishly hoping to see him there. If she could just plead her case to him—she could do better. She would do better. She'd been foolish, thinking her old friends would understand her. Sentimental. She wouldn't make the same mistake again.

There was no one. She was alone between twin tapestries of stars, indistinguishable save for the red ripples that faintly disturbed the one below.

Someone once thought those words would comfort me. Do they comfort you?

“No,” she said. Her voice cracked. “They don’t.”

I thought not. Soft laughter, the kind of indulgent chuckle where it was impossible to tell if you were being laughed with or at—not cruel, but indisputably superior. They did not comfort me either, but I can give you something that might.

Her mouth trembled, eyes burning. She wanted so badly to be wrong, for him to have lied to her, for there to somehow be another chance. “You already said there's no way to bring him back a second time.”

All that could hold him here is cut loose. He is beyond your reach, now.

She couldn't stop her tears, but gulped in a breath and held it to keep from sobbing. It was her fault. She had failed. If she’d only—

If Ezran had just told her where the prison was—

If Callum hadn’t been so stubborn about bringing the baby Archdragon to Xadia—

If Soren had would have killed the elf back when she'd feigned sleep in that stupid, beautiful moonlit garden—if she'd made him, instead of indulging his stupid, childish sense of sportsmanship and honor—everything would be different. Everything would be fine.

She should have realized then that her brother wasn't on her side. Not really. Not like she'd been on his. Not like she'd always been on their family's side. She'd thought he loved her. She'd thought Callum had loved her, or at least liked her. Even Ezran had abandoned her, now. Everyone was gone. She only had Terry.

But I am not.

And Aaravos.

She breathed, shuddering inhales and exhales as she wiped at her face with her sleeve. "What do you want?"

I'm not the one you should be asking. Search your heart, child—there is still something you want very badly. Something that, with my help, lies within your grasp. If you are strong enough to take it.

She would already have everything she wanted, if she hadn't—if Callum and Ezran and that elf hadn't gotten in the way. If the boys she'd once thought of as her best friends hadn't left her for dead, choking and and bleeding and alone in open water. She'd done a lot of things she wasn't proud of—but she would never do that. Not to someone she cared about. They should have known she wouldn't actually hurt Ez.

She still didn't want to hurt him. Not much.

Callum, though—Callum she wouldn't mind hurting. The elf she'd cheerfully tear apart with her bare hands.

The sky continues to lighten, and she holds up the knife again. It's sharp now, like new—it will cut swift and clean. Traveling Xadia for two years, she'd learned a lot. How sharp a blade had to be, the amount of strength it took to sink it deep enough, where and how to cut. Back in Katolis, it had once sickened her to put her hands around a fawn's fragile neck to save her brother. She'd cried with frustration and shame as she struggled, trying to ignore the creature's panicked bleats and thin, flailing legs. Now, she could cut its throat before it even realized what was happening. Ruthlessly. Mercifully.

It can still be better. She returns to the stone.

Fortunately, you already have something that can give you that strength.

Aaravos had told her what to do. Then she'd been plunged into the blood-red water below her, dragged down into the darkness. She'd fought, reaching toward the receding surface, but she was so deep she couldn't even see the light from the sky. As her strength and breath ran out, everything fading away into a soft, endless black, she thought she felt the brush of fingers against her own.

Sir Sparklepuff had been crouched beside her when she started awake, pawing at her as he stared down into her face from the dark. "Blood!" he croaked, scampering away when she sat up. "Blood, blood of child, bloodied child!"

The eastern sky was beginning to pale by the time she'd dragged herself into her clothes and mixed herself something to bring the pain of her leg down to bearable levels. She'd levered herself upright with her staff, hobble-hopping to a nearby rock. The rocky sand shifted under her with each step, only the staff and her own desperation keeping her from falling. If she went down, she wasn't sure if she'd be able to get up again.

She finally collapsed on the rock, chest heaving with effort from having crossed barely ten paces of beach. Aaravos was right—between exhaustion, pain, and blood loss, she wouldn't be going anywhere without a boost.

Her eyes fell on Terry, a little line of worry creased between his brows even as he slept, snoring lightly. He cared for her so much it made her heart hurt, but so had Callum and Ezran, once. Now she saw that he would only ever hold her back. If she still had those coins, Moonshadow elf would be in the palm of her hand. Even tossing them into the lava beneath Umber Tor, though a waste, might have broken her enough to disrupt whatever sway she held over the boys.

It will be best for both of them for her to leave him behind. Maybe he'll hurt for a while, but he won't see how cruel she can be. How cruel she will be, once she catches up with her prey. Let him remember loving a girl who still hesitated.

The first glimmers of sunlight peek over the horizon, and Sparklepuff is at her side. He gazes up at her adoringly, head resting against her good leg, the pale violet stretch of his throat exposed. The blade is heavy in her hand.

Claudia's knife won't get any sharper. She cuts swift and clean.

[utapri-translations-uuuu]

The Silver Shoes - Translation (銀の靴)

Please do not repost/retranslate without permission.

I have also made a version which includes the members' notes found in the script.

[To the Land of Oz - Munchkin, daytime]

Arrival to another world. The Munchkin Country, where everything you see is blue.

A beautiful story-like world, rich in nature.

A peaceful place, full of happiness.

Theo regains consciousness little by little.

Theo: (groaning)

When he opens his eyes, he sees strange men looking at his face.

Little person 1: He woke up.

Little person 2: He woke up!

Little person 3: He woke up…

He’s surprised as they suddenly come into view, and jumps to his feet.

Theo: (startled scream)

Little person 1: He’s frightened.

Little person 2: He’s frightened!

Little person 3: He’s frightened…

Theo: W-Who are you…?!!

Little person 1: Don’t worry.

Little person 2: We’re on your side.

Little person 3: We’re not going to hurt you.

Theo looks around.

Theo: Where are we?

The little people welcome him with exaggerated movements.

Little person 1: Welcome

Little person 2: To the Land of Oz’s

Little person 3: Munchkin!

Theo: … Oz? … Munchkin?

Theo calms down and directs his attention towards the surrounding landscape.

Theo: What a beautiful place… Everything seems to shine. It’s a stunningly bright country… It’s very different from Kansas…

They agree, brimming with confidence and nodding vehemently.

Little person 1: That’s right!

Little person 2: It sure is.

Little person 3: It is, isn’t it?

Theo, becoming increasingly amused by the little people, laughs.

Theo: … Haha, and everything is blue! Lush trees and blue-roofed houses. And even your clothes!

The little people swiftly kneel before Theo.

Little person 1: You have brought peace to our beautiful country, sir!

Little person 2: Indeed! Wonderful Mr. Wizard!

Theo: … Wizard!? Me…?

Little person 3: Because you have defeated that terrible, Wicked Witch of the East!

Theo: Defeated…? The Wicked Witch…?

The little people point with great vigor.

Ahead of them, the barn that had been sent flying along with Theo is wrecked.

Theo: That’s my farmhouse’s barn…

Little person 1: You came down from the sky and crushed the Wicked Witch, sir.

Theo is surprised and confused because he has killed someone, even if indirectly.

Theo: What!? Oh no… Did I kill her?

Little person 2: There is nothing to be sad about! The Wicked Witch has been ruling over us and treating us cruelly for a long time!

Little person 3: If anything, we would like to express our sincere gratitude. Thank you!! Thank you so much!!

The little people take Theo’s hand and shake it firmly.

Theo: … You’re welcome… I’ve never had people thank me like this before, so I’m kind of embarrassed.

Theo notices that Terry is gone and looks around nervously.

Theo: … Come to think of it, Terry… What happened to Terry!? Hey, have you seen a boy around my age wearing a gray vest and checkered pants?

Little person 1: Gray! Such a dull color!?

Little person 2: That’s an outfit unsuitable for this country!

Little person 3: Someone like that would definitely stand out from the crowd.

Theo: … He’s not nearby. But I’m sure Terry must be in a similar situation.

Theo puts his hands together as if he is praying.

Theo: I have to look for him… I beg you, please be safe… I don’t want to part ways after a fight. Terry and I are going back to Kansas… Hey, I want to go back to Kansas, what should I do?

Little person 1: Kansas…?

Little person 2: Have you heard of it?

Little person 3: No, I haven’t!

Theo: Kansas is an empty place, but it means a lot to me. My uncle and aunt are probably worried about me, and I really want to go back to Kansas!

Little person 1: We don’t know what it’s like there or where it is, but…

Little person 2: Ask the great wizard, Oz, and he will surely grant your wish!

Theo tilts his head in curiosity.

Theo: Oz…?

Little person 3: He’s the wonderful man who built Emerald City in the center of this land!

Theo: How can I get there?

Little person 1: There’s no other way but to walk. It could be a long, long journey.

Little person 2: The road to Emerald City is paved with yellow bricks, so you’ll definitely recognize it!

Little person 3: Of course, it’s not just a simple road. There may be danger.

Little person 3 walks up to Theo.

Little person 3: More importantly, would you be willing to take the place of the dead witch and rule our country?

Theo: It’s a tempting offer, but I have to go. … Even if you don’t know what will happen, if you don’t take the first step, nothing will change…

He tries to walk away and hits his foot on a stone.

Theo: … Ouch! Oww… When I got caught in the tornado, my shoes came off. I was so absorbed in it that I didn’t notice…

Little person 1 holds out a pair of silver shoes.

Little person 1: Then use these shoes!! They were worn by the Wicked Witch of the East.

Little person 2: The witch used to boast about these silver shoes! They must be valuable.

Theo: … They’re beautiful… But I can’t just take someone’s belongings…

Little person 3 taps Theo on the shoulder.

Little person 3: No need to hesitate! It’s not like the witch will ever wear these shoes again.

Little person 1: That’s right! Just think of it as compensation for having gotten rid of the witch!

Theo nods and puts on the shoes.

Theo: Okay… I guess I’ll borrow them for a little while... … Oh, they fit perfectly!

Little person 2 raises his hands in the banzai gesture.

Little person 2: That means you are the chosen one for the silver shoes! A new wizard is born!

Theo: … It’s just a coincidence that we happen to wear the same size. Well then, I’ll be on my way! Heading to Emerald City!

Theo walks away with a confident gait.

[The Land of Oz’s Great Wizard - Emerald City, Oz’s room]

Oz’s crystal ball makes a sound as it senses something unusual is occurring in the country.

Oz: … This… The crystal ball is resonating... Is there a great anomaly in the Land of Oz? Go on, project it. The origin of that change…

The crystal ball projects Theo’s image into the air.

Oz: … Hmm. A single boy, huh? He’s like a frightened lamb. Confused… And begging for help.

He stares fixedly at the facial expression of the projected Theo.

Oz: Is it a manifestation of your lack of self-confidence… Or is it the uncertainty of not knowing where you’re going…?

He shakes his head, spreading his hands out to the side in dismay.

Oz: It appears that he has no ambition to overcome this problem. Opportunities do not come to those who do not try. Is it because of his inexperience that he’s unable to realize that…?

Oz crosses his arms as if in thought.

Oz: But where did he come from? This is a magical land… There is no way a regular human could enter… Is this an omen of trouble?

The crystal ball makes a sound again.

Oz: What…? What is it this time?

The crystal ball projects Terry’s image into the air.

Oz: Another child…? This one is not afraid at all, his eyes are sparkling with curiosity. Very interesting…!

He smiles broadly as he checks on Terry, looking amused.

Oz: But will it work out…? Not everything is as it seems. You’ll find out that even in a dream-like world, there is a harsh reality… We can’t live on dreams and aspirations alone.

Oz looks hard at Theo and Terry as if comparing them.

Oz: What do you seek and what will you accomplish…? Let’s see what happens. I wonder if we’ll find the answer at the end of this journey…

Oz swishes his cloak.

[unidentifiedlyingobject]

Listen

*I sit down in front of a mirror*

I know Neil is implying that s3 will have higher stakes, more drama, and will not be 'quiet, gentle and romantic', and I know s2 made you cry for ages and feel depressed for a couple of days, maybe a week or two or something

But you've forgotten that the main genre Good Omens incorporates is comedy

s1 was hilarious, s2 was hilarious,

s3 was planned out with Neil by Sir Terry Pratchett, arguably the best fantasy comedy writer

- yes, it might be serious, but our two ineffables will not fail in being goofy (think about the birthday party, or constitution of an ox)

- yes, it might be dramatic, but our two ineffables will not fail in being comedically over-dramatic (remember the paintball scene?)

- yes, there might be infuriating miscommunications, but that will only heighten some hilarious dramatic irony and misunderstanding which all good comedy plots feature

so yes, Neil has the power to make you cry, but you probably can't count all the times good omens has made you laugh

[noahsbookhoard]

📚October 2024 Book Review📚

October has been productive for reading but absolutely not for Reviews so as new year approaches like a derailed train I am trying to cram the last months of review! Expect three post like this back to back, sorry.

Le Crime d'Halloween (Hallowe'en Party) by Agatha Christie

A good mystery but I admit I read it jusr after seeing the newest adaptation and I did not feel the vibes the film had which were just perfect for Halloween. That one's on me.

La vie meilleure by Étienne Kern

Absolutely delightful writing and I am not saying this because the author is one of my old french teacher and I have great memories of his classes, no no sir, nothing but impartiality here. This is part biography of Emile Coue (the inventor of the famous "everyday in every way I am getting better and better" mentality) and part journey of discovery for the author.

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

Great comedy, loved it. I watch the 1970 tv adaptation alongside so some bits are missing but I had a good laugh. Act 2 scene 5 still makes me smile just thinking about it.

Assassin's Apprentice (Realm of the Elderlings #01) by Robin Hobb

I was intimidated by this series because of it being a 16 books monster but I really enjoyed this first one so I will definitely read it further. I love my fantasy a little on the political side and that's right what this book offers me. I see why the rote fandom on tumblr has a thing for the Fool and I am with you in this.

Hotel Magnifique by Emily J Taylor

I was really intrigued by the premise, I though the hotel magic travel thingy would have a bigger role to play but the hotel itself being a magic entity is more than compensation enough. Loved the magic system, loved the plot, the romance was neither a bonus nor a malus. A really good YA fantasy novel.

Les Dragons by Jérôme Colin

This one definitely falls into the Dead Dove Do Not Eat category: The main character has to spend time in an institute for teenagers where he meets other youth like him, children who are angry at everything and everybody, who can't fit anywhere and many who turns it upon themselves. It is short but really really hard to read.

Rule of Two (Darth Bane trilogy #02) by Drew Karpyshyn

Book 2 of the Darth Bane series and I love that it ties up really well with book 1 and anchors it in the universe. Zhanna turns out to be an interesting character but by the nature of Bane's Rule of Two you already knows she is going to fail her goal (in this book at least) which kinda defeats the tension that was so high in book 1 (not saying more I'm already halfway through a spoiler). I look forward to book 3 tho.

I am however saddened to inform everyone that "flies through the void of space sans space suit and survives because of the Force" in episode VIII has a precursor so... is it valid no? Jurisprudence and all that? I hope not

The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi

I expected this one to be funny but it turned out to also be a really self indugent story of the kind we all need post covid (and that's exactly how the author wrote it). On top of that it manages to have natural nuclear reactor Kaiju from a parallel dimension that Actually Makes Sense. Go read it, you deserve a break.

The Outsider by Stephen King

I have really mixed feelings about this one. I loved the first part but was so frustrated with the way the first part ended it I was disappointed with the rest.

The story starts as an investigation with both sides fighting with contradicting evidences but I was invested! There was tension! I was cheering for Terry and his family against Ralph, the cop who arrested him. And then the scene at the courtroom happened and my hopes for the main character went down the drain.

It took me a very long time to warm up to Ralph as the NEW main character, especially because he was set up as the Cop With Good Intention and Bad Results in the first part of the novel. Like, you put this man against Jesus Christ if he was a little league baseball coach and expect us to empathise with him for the rest of the story?

If you can go past that it's a good thriller, plenty spooky and tension just like King likes it.

A Close and Common Orbit (Wayfarer #2) by Becky Chambers

I adored The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet and this second book hits just where book 1 did. Pepper is really touching and I hope we get to see her again in the rest of the series. But I especially enjoyed Sidra's journey to figuring herself and her friendship with Tak. I had to look up the species a little at the beginning because I was completely lost in who was what and from where.

Les Possibles by Virginie Grimaldi

A story about two sisters and their father who suffer from Alzheimer. And also their road trip on route 66 as a last family trip. Tender and sad and happy and a lot of things in one. Virginie Grimaldi just has the knack to write touching family that don't really work but work all the same. I really liked it.

Le dieu d'automne et d'hiver by Pauline Sidre

A tale about the weight of immortality and godhood and an investigation all in one! I really loved it, I had it on my shelf since spring bit I wanted to way for the right weather for it and September had been too mild but it was worth the wait! It has an unusual pantheon, strange worship and summoning rules and very compelling characters, especially Helkeziro, our grumpy and weary God of justice and vengeance who really could use a break but cannot seem to catch one. Tumblr would love him.

War and Peace by Leon Tolstoi

I have beaten the monster. It took me 6 months but I did it. Some aspects and plots are interesting (even if I lack thd cultural and historical context to really enjoy it) but the battle of Borodino was almost too much to handle.

If We Were Villains by M L Rio

Strong contender for my favorite book of the year, it pains me to give the W to booktok but here I am!

I loved I might have enjoyed it even more maybe if I had a better knowledge of Shakespeare that I do now, but that's only a motivation to catching up on the Bard and reread the book!

I don't know how to feel about the very very end tho. Either I love it because that's the teeniest amount of comfort on the fuckload of hurt (my balance of choice) or I hate it because come on, you chose tragedy so own up to it! Jury is still out.

Le Bastion des Larmes by Abdellah Taïa

I picked this one in my continued quest of microdosing on price winning novels: at the start of fall the Goncourt academy published its list of nominees so I went and picked whatever inspired me. La vie meilleure and this one were on it, as well as others I did not get to read before the end of 2024. This one also has the bonus of making me read an author who is neither French, British or American which is the bulk of what I read. The story itself is that of a man returning to his native town in Morocco after his mother died to sell the childhood hose and also come to terms with the death of his lover and the abuse he suffered as a gay child in his home town. Not an easy read but an important one.

What Feast at Night (Sworn Soldier #2) by T Kingfisher

I really loved book 1, What Moves at Night but I think I even prefer this one. Creepy in just the right way, Alex is still kan sassy self and Eugenia and Angus are adorable.

Kiss Kiss by Roal Dahl

I always loved his children book but his short stories are amazing. I particularly love his way of wrapping up the ending, how it stops just before disaster and right when you realise what said disaster is going to be.

Trois battements un silence by Anne Fakhouri

Kinda wierd but in a good way. It reminded my a little of October Daye series as it I also centered around fae and changeling in a modern setting but totally different treatment. Tw for child abuse.

Tous les silence ne font pas le même bruit by Baptiste Beaulieu

The memoir of a gay man, general practitioner and father of a little boy, narrating how he got there, what he had to live through. It's hard, it's full of fear and fighting spirit and hope and I recommend it to everybody. I wish I could make it read to my entire family.

Once and Future Witches by Alix E Harrow

A good and interesting novel but in my opinion, slightly too long for its story. I admire the writing and the characters but a work of fiction about sisters and witches doesn't have to deal with every single aspect of womanhood and feminism ever (especially if it means some of them are barely mentioned, as in "this character which you know since chapter 3 is trans btw now back to Avalon")

[merv606]

Puritanverse filth!

Terry's sweet little omega is gently shaking on the bed, sinful whimpers escaping his mouth as his Alpha eats him out. Terry will never tire of that juicy cunt, pink and wet, feasting upon his boy as Daniel's omegahood fills, engorged and beautiful. It's even more perfect because the omega is pregnant, only a few months in, their fourth pup growing inside of him. Terry absolutely loves Daniel like this. His perfect, small bump, little tits coming into milk, and his cunt is always the juiciest when he's carrying.

"Sir, Sir, I -" the omega keens, hands in Terry's hair as he mewls, "oh, oh, Terry," the boys sobs. Terry has to smile at that. Daniel rarely uses his name. Such a good, submissive sweetheart. Always "Alpha" or "Sir" and sometimes, if Terry is extra lucky, "Mr. Silver", which always makes Terry feel as if he's a strange Alpha taking the innocence of this ethereal, young omega.

Terry especially loves the way Daniel cums like this because when with pup he squirts, and it's filthy, it's perfect. His boy is shy after, embarrassed, and Terry makes Daniel sees and tastes how wet he was.

Warning - only read through this once.

This reminds me of something - I think I have only used this line once but:

Terry telling Daniel his favourite kind of pussy is pregnant pussy.

Kind of fits with your idea above and how he squirts while with pup - so maybe the first time Terry gets him to do that is also the first time he gets him with pup and he tells him that line above.

He and Terry had been given the good news from the doctor only hours earlier. He was with pup - their very first blessing.

The doctor has estimated about six weeks pregnant, meaning it had happened on their wedding night - the first time Terry took him - the first time Daniel had taken anyone.

So, Daniel had been shocked when, that night after getting in bed with his alpha, to feel his husband’s hand smooth up his thigh until it got the heat between his legs.

“Alpha sir, I …” he stutters out, trying NOT to spread his legs to make himself more accessible to his alpha - an automatic response he has now, whenever his alpha puts his hands on him with this kind of clear intent.

Not that the closed legs would stop Terry though.

“What is is sweetheart?” Terry asks, concerned.

The doctor has said that his little omega may be uncomfortable as his body changed and the baby started growing.

Terry had already noticed his chest was more sensitive and the nipples a bit plumper, the flesh around them a bit more generous.

It was the sickness though, that prompted the visit in the first place, was more towards the afternoon.

The doctor has briefly explained the upcoming stages of pregnancy, assuring them both that the morning sickness should pass after his first trimester.

Terry himself couldn’t wait for the stage when the little would be extra desperate for him.

He has smirked as the doctor had tried to be as gentle as possible when explaining it to Daniel, that he would require more intimate time with his alpha. The blush had been high on his omega’s cheeks, flushed like he was after being fucked good and well by his alpha - and god, he was so alluring - Terry wanted to take him then and there, on the exam room bed.

Terry had also noticed how wet he was getting which was saying something, seeing how most times he would soak the sheets. Terry had been fucking him the other night, his cock so wet he kept slipping out, the slick flicking out among the loud squelching. Despite his efforts though, he hadn’t been able to get the little omega to squirt which, given the changes now, he’s hoping he will achieve.

Now though, he stills his hand. If his little omega isn’t feeling up to it ….

“I’m …. I’m with pup sir,” he stammers out.

Terry sits up, amused, “I know little one …… I was the one who put it here,” he laughs gently.

He rubs the (for now) flat stomach.

“Are you in discomfort?” he asks. The doctor said his body would go through general aches and pains as the pregnancy progressed.

Although Terry’s fingers come away from his cunt now dripping wet, he wants to be sure.

“No,” although his omega place is throbbing with need to be filled and fucked by his husband - his rosebud swollen and aching for his husband’s touch.

“Then what is it?”

Daniel furrows his brow and Terry knows that means something is confusing him

“I …. It’s just that …. Relations,” he says and isn’t that cute Terry thinks, as his hands creep down, swiping between his slit, and his fingers come away from his cunt shiny and soaked. His little omega clearly wants it - needs it.

“Relations,” he begins again, voice more shaky now, “between an alpha and omega are for blessings,” he explains, clutches the sheets, whimpering when his husband’s hand returns to his aching rosebud.

“Yes, “ Terry says, still confused by what the problem is with his little mate. He can smell how aroused he is, feel it on the evidence left on his fingers.

“They’re only for blessings,” he continues, stressing the only, “and I’m already blessed sir so …”

It hits Terry then, what Daniel means and he tries not to laugh

His little mate thinks the only reason Terry has been filling him was to achieve a child which, although it was what was desired, it was far from the only reason why Terry was taking him in such a manner, or taking him so much.

His little mate thinks that now that’s he’s with child that they no longer need to have sex.

“Sweetheart,” he starts, “It’s also to make you, and me,” he stresses, knowing his mate cares more about that than himself, “feel good.”

“But …..”

“Darling,” he says. “If you think I’m going to deprive myself of you for nine months in any circumstance but especially seeing your body in this state … as our child grows inside you - as your body changes and these,” he pinches a soft nipple, eliciting a soft moan, “fill to feed them ….” Oh no Terry can’t wait to see his little mate like that. He will be beyond gorgeous. “If you think that then you are beyond mistaken,” he finishes.

“But… the church.”

Terry sighs. His sweet little omega.

“Are these not, according to the church, my husbandly rights and your duties as a married omega?”

“Of course but …”

And is your job as an omega not to listen and obey your alpha

Of course sir

And above all, to keep your aloha happy and satisfied?!

Of course sir. He sits up, horrified. “Am I not …”

“Shhh shhh,” he places daniel’s hand on his cock so he can feel how hard he is for him - because of him.

“I am very happy, but right now, what I need is satisfaction which ….” He opens his omega’s leg, wrapping them around his waist.

“You can ask the priest tomorrow he will tell you as much, but for now though,” he takes his cock out, “you’ll be a good omega for your alpha, and let me have you.”

He swiped the head up through the slick folds gathering the wetness there before teasing the head at his entrance the faintest of pressure - not that it takes much / he opens so beautifully for Terry now.

It’s heaven - Terry swears it feels different than any other time. He knew his mate was pregnant almost from the moment it happened but to have it confirmed -

He would have sworn that the night he took his husband’s purity - his greatest gift and right - was the best feeling but this - fucking him, knowing life is growing inside him - life put there by Terry - that really is the best he thinks. Which is a good thing because he plans to keep his little mate in such a state for a while.

He just knows Daniel is going to take to pregnancy and raising their kids.

Terry groans as his cock slides in all the way. His boy is beyond wet - he’s soaked, drenching Terry and the sheets, but despite the sheets needing to be changed, he doesn’t get what he wants.

……

It’s not until he’s showing though. Terry’s face buried between his shaking thighs, that he says it out loud for the first time.

He comes up, face shiny with slick, licking his lips, undoing his pants to guide himself inside the welcome heat of his gorgeous omega, round belly and full chest on display. All because of Terry - all for Terry.

“Pregnant pussy,” … he groans out, rubbing the omega’s throbbing rosebud as he fucks the rest of the way in.

Daniel comes then, at the crash words, and the tightening of his body already has Terry on edge, so hard from eating the little omega out it hurts, and he fucks in, harder than he even has, slamming in, in, in. The little omega too turned on and blissed out, another orgasm building at the right treatment.

And then, just before he comes he pulls out, he gets what he wants, his little omega squirting for him, covering Terry, who returns the favour, shooting his load onto his belly and tits.

“Pregnant pussy,” Terry chuckles and another mall squirt dribbles out.

Yeah, it really is the best kind of pussy, Terry thinks.

Already planning round two in his head.

[cartoonfanaticmonsterrobotalien]

Solar Opposites: The Rise of The New Order Ch. 5 (by @avaveevo)

The next morning, Korvo approaches a the New Order as he grins.

Korvo: Let’s do this.

Korvo opens the door and sits down.

Moran: Hey hey! Korvotron! What’s up! You doing good!

Korvo groans

Korvo: Seriously Moran? Do you have to be funny right now?

Moran: What? Just trying bring a little humor to lighten our day! *laughs*

Korvo rolls his eyes

Bee: Seriously?

Then, Tortus entered the room.

Tortus: Greetings New Order. You may now rise from your seats.

The New Order rises except for Gadget who is working on an invention

Tortus: Ahem! Gadget?

Gadget doesn’t hear Tortus

Tortus: Gadget? Gadget! *grows irritated* GADGET!

Gadget looks up

Gadget: *yelps a bit* Yes Tortus?

Tortus: STAND. UP!

Gadget angrily grumbles to himself but stands up

Gadget: Sorry geez. I was just working on an invention.

Tortus sighs and turns to Korvo

Tortus: Korvotron, it is an honor for you to be finally sitting with us.

Korvo: Heh. Thanks.

Tortus: Now, New Order. I have an assignment for each of you.

Bee: What is it, sir?

Tortus: Bee, you shall chronicle everything on Shlorp that must be kept safe at all cost.

Bee: Of course, sir.

Tortus: Gadget, keep inventing some more weapons of the New Order.

Gadget: Yes, sir.

Tortus: Moran, for heavens sake, just try do something more useful once in your life instead of being a prankster!

Moran: Can’t make any promises.

Tortus groans in annoyance. Xinna jumps on the table.

Xinna: And me, sir?

Tortus: You make to stay rough and guard any Shlorpian that me be harmed by predators and keep your team safe in line.

Bee: Yeah. And get off the table.

Xinna: Ugh! You don’t have to tell me twice, Bee.

Tortus: And Korvotron.

Korvo: Yes, sir?

Tortus: I have a very special assignment for you

Korvo: W-What is it?

Tortus: Come with me

Korvo nods and follows Tortus and then grows amazed by the chem lab.

Korvo: Woah. What is this place?

Tortus: Our lab. We know how much you love science and we believe it should be the perfect task for you

Korvo: *laughs* You know me too well.

Tortus: Of course. Korvotron, you think you can create something that could help our future generations of Shlorpians everywhere?

Korvo: But of course.

Tortus: Good it’s time to get started. Good luck.

Tortus leaves and Korvo smirks

Korvo: Oh this is gonna be fun!

Later, Korvo arrives home and Terry embraces him

Korvo: *laughs* Hey honey! *kisses Terry*

Terry giggles

Terry: So, how was your day?

Korvo: It was honestly very stressful.

Terry: Aw, I’m sorry honey. You don’t have to talk about it if you like.

Korvo: I don’t. For now, I just wanna-

Terry suddenly gets a phone call from his mother.

Terry: Yes mom?

Terry’s smile fades as he gasps

Terry: What? Oh my God… oh don’t worry mom. It’ll be okay. Love you.

Korvo: What happened?

Terry takes a deep breath.

Terry: My mom is starting to worry about Tortus.

Korvo: What do you mean?

Terry: She said there has been some suspicions about him lately.

Korvo sighs and decides to tell Terry what he learned about Tortus

Korvo: Terry, I believe you me be right.

Terry: Yeah.

Korvo: Terry, for years, Tortus’s father had a deadly thing called, execution, which means killing Shlorpians who refuse to obey the New Order.

Terry gasps

Terry: Oh my God… that’s terrible…

Terry starts crying as Korvo soothes him

Korvo: Shh… it’s okay my darling… you’re safe with me…

Terraformus: *offscreen* Son?

Terry gasp and turns around to see his parents

Terry: M-mom? D-dad?

Jessica: Hello, Terald.

Terry gasps as a flashback plays. Teraformus and Jessica are waiting for their Sproutling.

Shlorpian: Good news! Your Sproutling has been born!

Jessica gasps

Teraformus: Let’s go see our baby!

The two Shlorpians rushed in and gasped upon seeing baby Terry crying as he gets wrapped up in a blanket. The Shlorpians passed the baby over to Jessica’s arms as she and Teraformus cries tears of joy.

Teraformus: Hello, Terald.

Baby Terry: *crying*

Jessica kisses Baby Terry on the forehead. We then see an execution taking place with Teraformus and Jessica in the crowd while Jessica holds Baby Terry

Teraformus: Oh boy, this doesn’t look too good.

Jessica holds Baby Terry close. A group of Shlorpians were killed during the execution which made baby Terry cry louder.

Jessica: Sssh. It’s okay, sweetheart.

The flashback ends as Terry sobs

Terry: Mom! Dad!

Terry hugs Teraformus

Terry: *crying* I miss you…

Teraformus: Shh… it’s okay. Daddy’s here. Daddy’s got you. It’s my little boy. All grown up. You look just like me!

Terry smiles

Terry: Thanks dad. *hugs mom* Hello mom.

Jessica: Oh sweetheart. I missed you so much.

Terry: I miss you too. *tearfully smiles*

Korvo smiles

Teraformus: *smiles* It’s nice to finally meet you Korvo in person. Thank you for taking care of our son. He’s lucky to have a husband like you.

Korvo: He sure is. *pulls Terry in for a kiss*

Terry: *chuckles* Yes I do.

Jessica: *smiles* Thank you so much for taking care our son! *hugs Korvo*

Korvo: Anytime. It’s an honor being his husband.

Teraformus and Jessica smiled. Then they notice Jesse and Yumyulack.

Teraformus: Oh and these must be our grand kids.

Jesse: Yep!

Jessica: Oh little Jessica. *hugs Jesse* Look how big you grown. We haven’t seen you since you were a sproutling.

Jesse: It’s Jesse actually.

Teraformus and Jessica: D’aw okay.

Yumyulack: Uh, hey.

Teraformus: And you must be our grandson. So nice to meet you Yumyulack.

Yumyulack smiles

Yumyulack: Thanks Teraformus and Jessica, or um can I call you Grandma and Grandpa?

Jessica laughs

Jessica: Of course.

The Replicants then hug their grandparents as they smile.

Korvo: But what about Tortus?

Teraformus: Don’t worry, we know what a tough Shlorpian you are. And trust us, he is just like his father and worst.

Korvo: *sighs*

Jessica: But just keep an eye on Tortus. Okay?

Korvo nods and smiles.

Korvo: Okay I will and don’t worry things will be a success. I promise!

[marinerainbow]

I have a Roo thought for you 😅😅😆

Imagine the Roo's dressing up as the Lion King's Hyena trio for Halloween XD Rena is obviously Shenzi and she & King (as Banzai) get totally into it; are making dumb jokes and cackling all night, while Ryan's Ed is just completely uncharacteristically silent and scowly, drinking whiskey or something XD

What Disney henchmen/or/sidekicks do you think your WFRR OC's might dress up as for Halloween? XD

(*cough* Lottie would turn up as full-on Scar.)

I need you to know that I literally squealed when I saw this notification. ROO THOUGHTS!!!

Oh my god XDDD yes. I love this. This is probably the one time King actually chose to get specially dressed up for the night XD I need Ryan being all grumpy in his hyena outfit watching his sister and in-law make fools of himself XD (if Maya was still around, she could have been Zazu? Or one of the background hyenas so Ryan won't be alone ^^ XD) And Lottie showing up as Scar is PERFECT!

Ohhh which sidekicks my OC's would dress up as?? Hm...

Ben: Doesn't dress up for Halloween in general, so I can't see him making an exception here. He's such a spoil sport (though, I do imagine him dressing up as The King of Hearts, even if he's not exactly a sidekick).

Henry: oh Henry would absolutely dress up as Honest John or Br'er Fox. C'mon, it's right there!!! He can laugh about the irony XD I can also see him pulling off Sir Hiss' outfit (even though it's just a hat and cloak XD), possibly the Sheriff of Nottinham? Might be too flashy for him though 🤔 (how would Rena react to Henry dressed up so handsomely like John or the Sheriff? 😏)

Moony: I can also see him wearing the Sheriff' royal garb- except he'd bring more muscle to the look XD KRONK!!! He could pull off a Kronk costume!! He's got a similar build to the guy anyway. Ohh he could be one of Captain Hook's pirates, too! Or maybe Scroop. It'd be easy, that alien only wears a cap and a vest. Moony can do that~ 😏

Poppy: I can actually totally see her dressing up as LeFou- either version. She'd look cute in the little French man's suit, I bet ^^ she could also pull off a Sir Hiss look, too! And with how small she is, it could look like those adorable designs of tiny characters with big and wide cloaks!! 🥹 ohh maybe she and Shiny can dress up as Anastasia and Drizella?

Shiny: Ok technically Pixar isn't the same as Disney, but Shiny would pull off Ken's outfits, with Barbie's spunk! It doesn't help that I've imagined her interrogating/torturing Greasy the same way Barbie does Ken XDD (also Shiny would be caught wearing her heels through her disguise, even if it's an astronaut suit XD). She also has soooo many burlesque outfits with feathers and fur; she can put her own spin on the animal sidekicks, such as Diablo or the Cheshire Cat (I am terrified of the prospect of a sexy Iago costume 😭)

Terry: Jasper and Horace. But they're so close enough to his style, everyone assumes he's just dressed as normal XD bro has to explain his own costume 🥲

If the weasels can count; Shiny is absolutely putting her own spin on Greasys suit (an open buttoned blouse instead of a pink tie, for one 😏), Moony can be Stu, he's the only one who can wear the shirt and carry the bat comfortably XD Henry called dibs on Smartass' suit, so Poppy wears Psycho's straightjacket (it looks comfy so she'd be happy either way. But I also think she could pull off SA's suit). Terry can be Wheezy, and Ben can be one of the deleted weasels XD

Thank you for asking! This was fun to think about!! ^^

[msfbgraves]

Since Baby Showers only became a thing later on, what about something where Daniel’s pregnant with his 8th child at his shower? Or maybe something between him and Terry when they realize Daniel is going to have another kid—after all, Terry was super anxious when Daniel didn’t have any Heats for some years after Luna. Terry thought it was for…other reasons, but Daniel’s poor body was only taking a break lol. Serves you right Terry!

"Yeah, alright, Terry, I did enjoy the driving range, but what are we going to do about lunch?"

Terry pulled him close. "What is in that freezer I bought you?"

Daniel wrinkled his nose. "Frozen food. Emergency rations! We're not snowed in, and I missed church too..."

It may have been a little while since he was with pup, but Terry had not forgotten never to mention his mate was a little more anxious in this state, lest he wanted to survive on sandwiches for the week. So he said: "You'll be grand, babe. After all, what's the point of attending two congregations if you can't claim you were at the other one?"

Daniel scoffed. "Madonna mia, I'll have to vouch for you some day," but he seemed slightly more relaxed as Terry opened the car door for him. Danny looked longingly at the steering wheel, but Terry held firm. "Don't start that, sweetheart. Sit down and relax."

"It's easy for you to say. Eli alone could finish the contents of that freezer. And I don't know where Gianni puts it all. He's trying to outgrow you, mark my words, and the girls need a good meal in them, Luna doesn't eat enough, and it's not only the Alphas that need their strength, Robby and Anthony..."

"They're grown pups, mo cuishle, they can fend for themselves and the little ones, they're grand -"

"Just because they've thrown you to the wolves back in the day doesn't mean my pups -"

"Peace," Terry laughed. "We'll take them out to lunch, is that acceptable?"

"I'd cook you better if you'd have let me plan, Terry, surprises are fine but why Sunday of all days...!"

"Mea maxima culpa, my sweetest one."

"It's work, is all I'm saying," Daniel said, a little deflated. "I know you come home to relax, and I want you to, but that doesn't mean I can drop everything at a moment's notice."

Terry reached over. "I know, baby. But you should let the pups pull their weight."

Daniel laughed. "We have four Alphas, have you any idea why the house hasn't been destroyed yet? It's not because I'm spending my time sipping homemade limoncello, dear."

"Does it have to be homemade?"

"Dai!" He slapped his hand. "One more word, I'm replacing all the whiskey with Scotch."

That, of course, was unthinkable, so Terry held his tongue. Daniel stroked his arm. "I do enjoy these dates, Sir. Give me a heads up next time? Something to look forward to?"

Terry could think of a lot of things to look forward to, but before they could get into that, Daniel hissed. "What's my Ma doing here?"

Trust Italians to be late, had he not explicitly instructed everyone to be on time? It had been hard enough as it was to stall his Danny love at golf, eager as he was to get lunch finished. Not today. Today was all about him enjoying himself.

Ah, well. Maybe Lucille had enough sense to feign a surprise visit. He let Danny out, then parked the car - only to immediately be greeted by a highly upset Anthony. He really was the spitting image of his Mama, eyes blazing and gesticulating as if they were in downtown Naples. "Daddy, nobody will listen - "

At least Yasmin was hot on his heels. "Anthony, don't do that!!"

"Quiet!" He looked to the both. "What's going on?"

"He just took off -"

"I can see that, acushla," he said, a little short. "Anthony, what's happened, baby?"

"Dad, he's not a baby!"

"I'll get to you, darlin," he said, and now she had the good sense to shut up.

His son lifted his chin as if preparing to deliver a lawyer's opening statement, and it took everything Terry had not to grin and ruffle his hair. "I said it was going to be a potluck style, because there are too many people, and auntie Apollonia doesn't know what that is, but I'm right, Daddy, we can't do sit down, there are too many people...!"

"I know I've told you to listen to your auntie, Tony, love."

"But she's wrong, this is my house and she doesn't understand we -"

"This is my house, Anthony, and if I tell you to listen to your aunt, you will listen to your aunt."

"But -"

"It's not your responsibility, darlin'. Now go apologize to her and help out."

"I don't -"

"Now!"

Yasmin was looking rather too self-satisfied, so he took her shoulder.

"I told you to watch him."

"Which is why I'm outside..."

"He might have gone into heat!"

She scoffed. "He's not going to go into heat, he presented like three seconds ago!"

He breathed in. "Some people like that idea!"

She raised her eyebrows. "Ew, Dad, that's gross!"

"How do you expect me to get you off dishwashing duty at the Stallion if you can't even look after your omega brother?"

She looked down. "Nobody can keep that one in check, conniving little brat -"

"And you think you are never going to encounter more of those?"

She was quiet for exactly half a second. "I thought there were no more stray kitties allowed at the Stallion?"

Terry looked over his shoulder, but Daniel was still firmly in conversation with Lucille. "Don't call them that."

"What?"

"Your brother is not an animal. Your mother is not an animal!"

She rolled her eyes. "I don't mean them -"

"That language is only used by people who can never hope to take care of an omega. Don't you want to be in the position to care for one, some day?"

She shrugged. Terry stared. "Come again?"

She sighed. "Don't take it personal, Daddy. I want a life. I don't want to be tied down."

"Tied down."

She was a strong girl, he'd give her that. He'd seen hardened criminals shrink back from less. "Oh, come on, look at this," she scoffed. "The whole week gone because Mama is going to have a puppy. Again."

"And there are more important things."

"Not for you, Daddy, I know." She flicked her hair. "I'm not built for this, is all. I'm different."

He looked at her. Beautiful. Radiant, healthy and strong... and she'd throw it away in a heartbeat.

He closed his eyes. "God keep you, acushla," he said, walking past her. She followed him inside. "Dad, I knew you'd be like this. It's not that I don't appreciate what Mama does -"

He turned around. "When he sat at your bedside for a week, should he have done more important things, perhaps?"

"Oh, come on, it's what they do..."

He stood and looked at her, and she had the decency to stutter. "I mean - it's Mama. It's not like he wanted to do anything else...?"

"You foolish girl."

She turned white. "Daddy, I love Mama, I only meant -"

"You live in paradise, and you don't even know it. Jaysis, Mary and Joseph, I'm ashamed of you."

Tears glistened in her eyes, but she lifted her chin. "Isn't that what he's supposed to do? And you? Take care of your pups?"

He steadied his breathing. "He's given you his whole, entire life. Don't you know what it's cost him?"

"I didn't ask him to," she said.

He'd never laid a hand on her and he never would. "Go relieve Susan," he said.

She blinked. "Why?"

"Because I can't stand the sight of you right now," he spat. "If the rest of life is so much more important, go do an Alpha's job, and you can do it without a hot meal, or talking shit with your Uncle Louie over a glass of wine. And you can stay there until after Dennis has relieved Bobby, and you will listen to him, Yasmin, because he has more years under his belt than you've even been alive."

Now she was getting angry. "I only said what I felt!'

He smirked. "And you assume people care. They don't, acushla, the world's a very cold place, and nobody cares about anything other than what they can get from you." He didn't wait for her reply, shifted into logistics: how many entrances, people, weapons, how many trusted allies and potential traitors. He'd wanted to show his sweet Danny right off and he did, saw him melt at the gifts of clothes and toys and a newly decorated crib (Luna's work, with all his other pups chipping in for specific details), saw Anthony host like a pro, always subtly flanked by either Sammy or inseperable Gianni and Eli, while Robby had a watchful eye on his Mama's every comfort.

'I didn't ask him to.'

He wouldn't have gone into heat if things weren't good between them, Yasmin's entire existence a sign that his Danny boy wanted this and him, and now, this new pup an extra confirmation that they were good, and the marriage, family, was wanted, for feck's sake -

'Don't you know what it's cost him?'

Danny's delight in greeting every one of his pups, the way he beamed at all the neighbors bringing over supplies and toys and stuff they didn't need, of course, not with the exquisite care Daniel took with every facet of his puppies' lives, it had to mean they'd made it, right?

Right?!

"Terry? Where is Yasmin?"

And maybe he shouldn't have relented at something as simple as Daniel going: "Terry. Where is my pup?!" if he wanted this lesson to stick, but then again, it was foolish to think Daniel had not observed what had gone on between them, if he never directly undermined Terry's authority. So if Yasmin was brought back with quite a bit of fanfare, that was something he'd have to accept, for Danny's sake, and at least Yasmin had the decency not to look like she was above it all. Then Daniel whispered something to Luna and she ran to his side with that sweet smile of hers, "Daddy, play us a song", which of course turned the afternoon into an impromptu jam session that not even Samantha and Tory's eternal posturing could bring any tension to. Tory was a mean fiddler, and not to be outdone, even Yasmin took up hers; Robby played a Sicilian song for Apollonia, and Tommy showed the Italian pups how to do a jig, and Terry knew he was going to Hell, but he'd claw out his way backwards to be with him again, his love, his Danny boy, the light and soul of his entire life.