An Amazon Costume Party

          Fighting against the powerful gusts of the cold, vaporous wind; Marcus Wade manages to push his way to his apartment's door, reluctantly discarding his tote to pull his keys from his pocket. Disregarding the relieving warmth of his home; he quickly flung his large haul, expecting it to drape over his couch. He was stopped mid turn, by the sound of the wrapped garments hitting the carpet in a crumpled heap. "What the heck? Oh, that's right!" facepalming, as he scrambled to gather everything, carrying it to the couch's current position across the living room. "The things I do for love." He sighed, spying the flashing timer on his oven, signaling its long-ended sequence. 'Oh, hell. That's not a good sign.' Marcus thought urgently, as he caught a whiff of pumpkin, sugar, and slightly-charred dough. "Ah, dang it; that's what I get for stepping out." He sighed pulling out the tray of a half-dozen, oversized orange cookies. "Ow, ow, ow, Jesus this is hot!" The dwindling man cursed, as he quickly tossed the scalding pan onto the stove, blowing vigorously to relieve the burns on his hands. Inspecting the baked goods; Marcus breathes a sigh of relief, readying a spatula. "Ok cool, they don't look too bad." He said, his anxiety decreasing, as he felt at least some of his size returning. Ingredients like fresh pecan, white chocolate, and cinnamon were hard to come by this time of year. It was a relief that, other than some singes on the edges, the cookies looked mostly intact. As his pulse slowed, his body slowly began to expand.


          'V's a big girl, she'll be ok. I'll just say it's for Halloween... yeah.' He thinks with a shrug, scraping the treats from the tray, to a large plate. 'Now, where's my-?!' Removing his gray windbreaker, Marcus scanned the room for the brown paper bag that he was certain he brought in, earlier. Curiously, it was nowhere in sight. "No, nononono. Oh hell, where is it?!" Marcus panicked, running around the apartment in a frenzy to locate his special item. He knew he had picked it up, with Vanessa's dry cleaning. He wouldn't have left it... would he? Did he maybe leave it out in the car? Whipping out his phone; he dialed the store's number, whilst retracing his steps. As thunder crackled, outside; Marcus saw items around his home vibrate, as a series of light tremors vibrated shook the one-bedroom unit. Before long; he also heard a powerful knock at his door. "Who is it?" Marcus called, though he had a pretty good idea of who it might be.
"I'm a trick-or treater, looking for something sweet." A voice echoed, in a low, sultry tone. "Did I come to the right place?" She stated, with a slightly booming chuckle. Marcus smirked, as he walked up to the door. As he drew near; he swore he could hear his door creaking, as the Zonie eagerly pressed her large hands against it. He could feel her excitement radiating towards him. Marcus grinned as he continued his flirting. "I don't know. You sound gorgeous, out there. But trick or treaters are typically a bit young, for me. Besides you're kinda early for Halloween, dear. Why not come back on the 31st." His remark was interrupted by another impatient knock.


         "Alright bed bug, let's put a pin in the foreplay. It's freezing out here, and it's starting to rain." She whined. "We both know I'm very grown. Plus, someone left a brown paper bag out here. Figured you'd wanna check it out." She said, wrenching the doors handle. "Oh! So that's where- Hey, yeah.... False alarm." He said, ending his call with a click, as he opened the door. "Come on in, Big G- Yipes! He couldn't react quick enough as he was snatched up, by his T-shirt, into the hallway's dark abyss. He wasn't surprised how quickly the outside had blackened, nor by the stiff breeze of chilly autumn air that greeted him. Hell, at this point, he had more than adjusted to greeting face-to waist with his girlfriend Vanessa's, towering frame. However, he was caught off guard by her current outfit. The 9 ft. Woman sported a massive pair of black combat boots, from which a pair of towering legs, in form-fitting black tights, and a pencil-skirt sprouted. Well, damn V.; Almost didn't see you, out here!' Marcus thought in amusement. The only contrast he could see, while being lifted upwards, was the white-striped sweatshirt her crushing grip buried him into as the Amazon smothered his face in kisses. Though the chilly air was a bit of a mood killer, the human did his best to reciprocate the affection. Though he was careful to avoid her sharp teeth.


         "Mmmm, you know- I had to- get my- get my kisses in- before tomorrow, baby." Vanessa stated, between kisses. "I still can't believe you're gonna have me going to this shindig, all alone." She pouted, ignoring Marcus' struggles. Wrapping his arms around Vanessa as best he could, Marcus did his best to think of happy thoughts, to keep from dwindling into her grip. "Don't get me wrong, a costume party sounds dope, and I would've loved to go with you, V. But, those tickets, are $100 a head, that's a bit too pricey, sweetheart. Plus, being in the woods amongst a bunch of 10-15 ft. Zonies... not my kinda party." Marcus grunted, as he slid from her body. "Now come on, let's get inside. I picked up your costumes for you." Marcus said, gesturing to the still open door. The giantess rolled her eyes, as she Clutched her fleeing boyfriend's head to her thigh. "Oh, come on, little guy, let me enjoy this, a bit longer. It's not often I can stand up straight, in this teeny tiny complex. Plus, I wanted you to experience this wonderful weather you had me waiting in." She stated crouching to squeeze through the door, chuckling at the small humans attempts to wrench free of her hold. "'Needs, come on. I'm gonna end up getting pneumonia out here." Marcus stated, with a sputtered cough. Though the mask made it hard to tell; Marcus was sure she was winking under there. "Well, they do say misery loves company. Anyway, get your big butt in there... before I catch pneumonia" Marcus said, poking and slapping the large rear playfully, as he followed behind her. "Ow, ow-hey! It may be big, but that tush is still sensitive. Cool it, back there. By the way, is it e; Or does something smell like you just put out a fire?" Vanessa questioned, splaying her large form across the living room, floor, as Marcus brought her the large Tupperware, full of baked goods. "Care for a cookie, big gal?" Marcus offered.


         "Ugh, I really shouldn't, if I'm gonna be squeezing into these costumes." The Amazon pondered. "Buuut; I have been working hard in the gym recently, so..." Marcus watched in worry, as her smiling face temporarily scrunch inward, upon her first few chomps of the large cookie. Though it wasn't long before her expression settled back into a relaxed state, as she soon polished it off, with a content shrug of her shoulders. "Huh, not bad. A little well done, but still pretty tasty. Can you get me some milk, hun?" She asked, swallowing the last bits of cookie. You got it, give me a sec." Marcus smirked, heading towards the kitchen, to rinse her special tankard. As the sound of the sink reached her ears, Vanessa made her way to the human's couch. She began pulling off her sweater along with her boots, and rifling through the laid-out dry cleaning bag. "There's not too much ice in its V., so I hope you... d-don't... mind?" As Marcus returned with the heavy, steel tumbler; it almost fell from his hands, at the sight of Vanessa, dressed in a white, hip-hugging nurse outfit, a dainty nurse's hat, long white tube socks, and sneakers, a form-fitting green dress ending mid-thigh, and a plastic gold tiara. "Well, Whatcha' think, Marc? Wanna be my little patient?" Vanessa smirked, sauntering over to Marcus, as he rushed to set the Tankard down, as he shrunk below the bar's countertop. "Just wanted to show you what you'll be missing... since you don't want to go with me." She huffed, folding her arms over her chest.


         "Well again, the ticket was too expensive. Though I must ask; Are all these costumes are gonna look like this?" Marcus stated entranced, as Vanessa began pulling off her outfit. "Well there was a sale, at the thrift shop. But all they had were Human sized outfits, so... Yeah, pretty much. I wanted to get your opinion on a few I liked, see which ones I'll be taking back. You'll at least help me pick one out, won't you?" She pleaded down. "Doesn't seem I have much a choice. Let's see what you got, then." Marcus shrugged as he sat in the now empty couch. "Yay! Ok, ok; give me just a moment" she stated, pulling off her leggings, as she pulled out a more elaborate costume. Marcus cocked a brow in confusion, as he watched her pull on what looked like plastic golden armored chest plate, and what looked like a gladiator helmet. The human soon crossed his legs, as he drank in the powerful form, toned with slight muscle in front of him. Vanessa wasn't kidding about her work at the gym. This outfit, with its bare midriff, and even shorter red skirt stopping just below her crotch, showed everything off. Judging by Vanessa's wry grin, beneath her helmet; she'd been hoping for this reaction, from him.


         "I AM VANESSA, THE GREAT; QUEEN OF THE COLISEUM!" She bellowed, dramatically. "I seek glorious battle with monsters, and handsome men to make love to, hahaha!" She spoke in an exaggerated tone, as she pointed the toy spear, in Marcus' direction. "Mmmm, well I see one of those things, right now." She giggled, snatching Marcus up by the leg, and dangling him near her waist. "What do you think Marc, like what you see?" She asked playfully, as she tightened her hold around his shrinking ankle. "Well-we definitely need to talk about how short this skirt is! No way in hell are you going anywhere without me, in that!" Marcus strained, kicking in Vanessa's grasp. "Oh, stop it. Everyone there is like family, first off! Plus, I have a longer skirt I can pair this with, at home. I just wore this one, because i knew you'd like it. Hell, I sort of dig it too, if I'm being honest." Marcus grabbed at Vanessa's thighs, trying to turn himself upright by climbing her torso. He could feel the blood rushing to his head, and from what he could see; blood was also rushing to Vanessa's crotch as well, as a tent began to form. Apparently, she really liked messing around with him. "Glad you're enjoying my torment dear. Now can you put me down, already?" Marcus begged. "Alright fine, you little killjoy." Vanessa stated, with a roll of her eyes, as she lowered Marcus back down. "Well while you get back to size, I'm gonna brush my hair out, that helmet was super dusty." She spoke, while peeling away the armor, wiping beads of sweat from her forehead. "if I keep that, I don't think I'll wear the helmet. Anyway, I'll be back in a jiffy." She said, as her heavy steps clomped to the comparatively small bathroom. As Marcus Gathered himself on the floor, his gaze fell onto his brown paper bag from earlier. Seeing a free moment to give the new garment a tryout, Marcus pulled out his coveted garment. It was a cinnamon colored, lapel knit cardigan, one he paid extra to have tailored to his frame. "Well, it cost almost $200 for the customization, and tailoring. But, it was worth every penny." Marcus beamed as he threw it over his T-shirt, before looking in a nearby mirror. One detail he particularly liked was the leather lines on the left side, akin to large stitch marks.


         "Hehe; I make for one handsome devil." Marcus thought striking a pose, as he continued to admire his reflection. "Hmph, well you're certainly looking pretty devilish, right about now. That we can agree on." Marcus' blood froze, as his prideful posing was cut short, as Vanessa's scoffing tone caught his ear, from behind. "Oh, um V-Vanessa, hi. I was just..." Marcus fumbled, both from shock as well as the cross expression the Amazon wore, as she loomed above him. "So, let me get this straight-." Vanessa began, invading Marcus limited space, as he backed against a wall. "You won't Pay 100 bucks, to go to a costume party with me, but you had $200, to drop on a tacky sweater?" She inquired, the hurt in her voice was pretty palpable, as Marcus could feel himself dwindling down, as he twiddled his thumbs, in remorse. "This is different boo." Marcus defended, cupping Vanessa" large face. "I can wear this year-round. Plus, I can't wear this kinda thing in the woods with all those zonies, anyway." Vanessa pulled away from his grip, as she stood back to her 9 ft. Height, eyes narrowing. "Oh, so are you saying my people are filthy?" She asked, accusingly. "What? Nonono, of course not!" Marcus assured, putting his hands up, defensively. Although she didn't seem mad; he didn't like that wicked smile she that was forming on her otherwise pretty face.


         "Well good, because I'm liking that sweater you got on. I think wanna try it on myself, actually. You don't mind if I do that, right hun'?" She stated, chuckling as she raised the human by the collar, shaking his body from the garment. "Hey whoa now, come on, V., you know it won't fit, cut it out!" Marcus panicked, as his now 4 ft. Body hopped fruitlessly against the giantess' towering legs. "Oh, come on, I'll be careful, with it. Besides, it cost $200, right? For a pretty penny, like that; It better hold up to a stress test, right?" Vanessa said, as the sleeves hiked well above her elbows, the wool fabric stretching to accommodate the new tree-trunk diameter of the Zonie's forearms. "V., cut it out, don't you have one more costume try on?" Marcus pleaded, tugging on the sweater's waist. Unfortunately for him, his grip was slipping, as his height was now reduced to around a third Vanessa's height. "Yeah, but I wanted to dress up like my loving boyfriend for a bit." Hugging the garment to her body. "It's a bit tight, but I guess that's to be expected, huh? Mmmm, it smells like you, too." Vanessa sighed, as she hugged the comically sized sweater into herself, stretching the wool even further. "How about I let you wear mine to keep it even?" She offered, scooping the small man into her arms affectionately. With her free arm, she draped to exceedingly large garment, over the diminutive man's body. It was almost like she was wrapping a baby in swaddling clothes. "Yeah, except this isn't nearly the same, 'Ness. This thing's way too big, and I feel like I under two Big blankets, damn near. Please take my sweater off?! At least let me wear it a bit, before you stretch it all out, like that." Marcus chuckled, unbuttoning the strained buttons over the amazon's large bust. "Alright, alright; Chill out Marc, I'm taking it off. I guess, you suffered enough. Besides, at this rate, if I kept going; the only thing you'd fit would be one of my socks, and we can't have that." She said, gingerly setting the sweater down next to the small man. "Thank god I kept that receipt." He muttered as Vanessa pulled on her final outfit. A short black coat, her original black tank top & tights, a large black top hat, and what looked to be a rolled piece of cardboard painted black with a white tip.


"And what's this supposed to be, now?" Marcus inquired, shoving the stretched sweater into his bag. "I am "Nessa-Lini; the powerful". I bring tricks that will dazzle crowds, and illusions to boggle the mind!" The Amazon exclaimed, with a courtesy. "It's a work in progress, I got a couple more tuxedo shirt at home, and luckily bro- bro taught me some... sleight of hand." She beamed proudly, twirling her magic wand around. "Out of the three, I kinda wanna go in this one, to be honest. What do ya' think?" Vanessa said, twirling her large body gracefully. "I don't know, it's cool I guess. If I'm being honest; I kinda like the gladiator look on you, better." Marcus said, dunking a broken piece of pumpkin cookie in milk. "Plus, that hat of yours looks it might be a little worn down." He said, gesturing towards the large hole, in the headwear, as he took a large bite. Vanessa gasped, mortified at the discovery.

"Oh no! How could I not notice that?!" Vanessa cried in distress. "This is the only one they had. Dammit, this suck!" She said with an apartment shaking stomp, startling the shrunken human, as Vanessa shuffled over to him. As the giantess crashed sullenly onto the floor, with her pumpkin-sized head filling her lap, Marcus sighed in resignation, depositing a freshly dunked Half-cookie into his girlfriend's cavernous maw. "There, there, big head." Marcus coped, stroking her hair, as she began pawing at the inside of the hat. "Maybe I could staple some cloth, and cover- huh, the hell's this?" Vanessa inquired pulling out a glued-on item, wrapped in plastic. Meanwhile her finger brushed at a small tab, sealing part of the hole shut. "Wait, this isn't a hole... It-it's a little door!" Vanessa sighed in relief. Upon closer inspection of the tiny little item in her hand; the Zonie's eyes lit up in excitement. "Maarcuuus." Vanessa cooed, dangling the small item in front of his face. Marcus though caught off guard, instantly refused the beckoning upon seeing it. "Oh, hell no. Uh-uh!" Vanessa raised to her knees, though still towering over Marcus, raised her hands in a begging motion, sporting puppy dog eyes. "Please?!" Vanessa begged, pulling the human into a nearly smothering embrace. From the human's perspective, it was like being hit by two brown airbags. Though he couldn't reply with his voice muffled by her breasts; Marcus stood firm.
"I can't go anyway, remember? I didn't buy a ticket, Vanessa." Marcus stated, in a matter of fact tone. Vanessa rolled her eyes, at the stifled excuse. "That just means you can't go on your own, but you can still be a part of my costume. C'mooon, my brothers wanna meet you. Plus... I'll make worth your whiiile" she sung, pulling Marcus from his fleshy prison. "And how do you plan on doing that?" Marcus inquired, while panting for air. Although he was guarded; he was also curious, as he looked up into the Zonie' mischievous grin. "If you wear this costume for me; I'll wear that one-." The Amazon grinned, jerking her head towards the discarded Gladiator garb, on Marcus's couch. "-For you. Although, not tonight. I've spent so long putting things on, I'm kind of in the mood to... take some stuff off- if you catch my drift." she winked, as she slid down her skirt from over her massive rear, giving her little boyfriend an eyeful of the generous Black lace-covered ass, that shook from side to side, teasingly. "Ooh, looks like it's a full moon tonight, huh?" She asked, playfully. "Come on, V.; Don't do that. You're gonna make me start lying to you." Marcus gulped, as he felt himself, shrinking ever so slightly into the floor. "Mmmm, don't be scared of it, Marcus. This is all yours, after all." She whispered, as she stood up to her full height, her tank top pulled over her head, so as to show off her matching black bra, accentuating her curvaceous form. "Well then, little guy; We got a deal?" She asked. With a knowing smirk, she scooped the miniature man into her grasp, holding him close to her plushy girth. Judging by the lustful prodding, and kisses she felt tickling her goose-bumped midsection; Vanessa felt secure in her victory. "Bahahaha, Excellent! I love you too, Marcus! Now, hold up. I need to ask you something." She asked, peeling the entranced little man, from her body. "How's that bed of yours holding up? Still broke, from the last time?" She asked, pointing towards the bedroom door.


         "Well actually; You'll be happy to know that I replaced the base and springboards with stainless steel, put cinderblocks underneath for good measure too, and cleaned up this nice king-sized cloud mattress, from a yard sale. Was a bitch to put together, and I had to use some loose boards, and rebar to fill in some of that space. Plus, I had to trade my favorite desktop for a laptop." He chuckled, stroking Vanessa's cheek. "However, for you, my big darling; It was well worth it." Marcus stated, tossing his now too-big shirt onto the floor, before glomming onto Vanessa's left boob, in affection. "Hmm, well since you worked so hard on it; Let's put those upgrades to the test. "Vanessa stated with a wide smile. "So then, If I'm committed to dressing like a rodent; Why not get this a game of Cat, and mouse? I'll see you, in there, big gal." Marcus chuckled, as he hopped from her embrace into the bedroom. "Hmm, sounds fun. Just don't go shrinking when I catch you." Vanessa chuckled, pulling on the cat mask, as she ducked her head, to fit into the small bedroom.


Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


The next night


         As a sizable pair of black sneakers trudged through the moist blades of grass, as the distant music, and orange lights of their destination grew closer. As The large half- Zonie Woman, Wearing, a tuxedo-style T-shirt, Short black coat, red miniskirt, leggings, and Top hat drew towards the hand-painted welcome sign to show her ticket; She began to feel an eerie feeling, as if being watched by an unknown force. Hearing heavy footsteps trudging towards her; Her limited gaze spotted a Burly figure, slightly taller than herself. He wore thick jeans, tan work boots, a black flannel shirt, and what looked like a crude poster imitation of a hockey mask. Vanessa quickly turned around, a white-gloved hand flying under her coat brandishing her hand painted wand, like a club, as she let out a shrill gasp. Suddenly, the figure paused, before chuckling at the woman's reaction. "Ha! Spooked you, huh, Vanessa?" The figure's stifled voice said. "W-what the?" Vanessa questioned, watching perplexed, as the man pulled his mask over his head, letting out, an uproarious laugh, as a familiar face was revealed. "Really Daryl?! We're too grown for all this, get over here, boy!" Vanessa sighed in relief, pulling her little sibling in for a hug.


         "I tried to tell him not too, but he's hardheaded." A burly, furry being, even larger than the first man, dressed in aluminum knight's armor spoke out, from behind. "I was honestly hoping you'd knock him out, or something. You ok, little sis?" He asked, placing a comforting hand on Vanessa's shoulder. "Oh, shut up Roderick. She's a big girl. Who are you supposed to be anyway; Houdini?" Daryl said, shoving the larger brother. Vanessa smiled, shaking her head, and returning Roderick's hug. "I'm good, rod. Glad someone can look after a lady's wellbeing. And FYI Daryl, tonight; I'm... Nessalini!" She stated posing dramatically, Causing Daryl to roll his eyes behind his paper mask. "So y'all just getting here, too?" She asked, straightening her hat, and brushing the loose hairs from her coat. "Nah, we wanted to wait for you, and make sure you got here safe, and sound. A real shame, you had to come out here by yourself, like this." Roderick said, apologetically, as the trio handed in their tickets the jubilee.


         "Yeah, What kinda' shit is that? What is the little punk scared of us or something?!" Daryl questioned indignantly. "I was hoping to meet the guy. You said he was handy right? I had this cool build I wanted him t-." He began, as Vanessa quickly shut him down. "Come on D.; Marcus won't wanna hear about your "Zombie apocalypse Arsenal.". You'll scare him off." She chastised, causing him to fret. As the Trio looked around the different booths and stalls for things to do; A loud shriek of excitement caught their attention, as a lightly furred Zonie Woman, standing 12 feet tall and dressed in a hooded devil costume, raced in their direction. "Hey Cousins!" she yelled, wrapping as best she could around them. "Cousin Claire, how are you?! You look amazing!" Vanessa Said in excitement. "As do you, little 'Nessa! Love the Magician costume. I thought you had a little boyfriend you were bringing, though. Where is he?" Claire asked curiously.


         "Well, he couldn't by a ticket. However, now that were inside; I'd like to show you all a little magic trick we devised to get around that." She said, sparking interest from her relatives. "With a wave of my wand, and lots of love, I present; The best little boyfriend ever!" She stated shocking her siblings, as they Marveled at the small figure, about a foot in length, in aa pink bunny outfit, sporting a very sheepish grin. "H-hi, everyone. I'm uh... Marcus, and it's really nice to meet you all, hehehehe." It wasn't Long before he was snatched up by the surrounding Zonies, poked, prodded, and passed between them.


"Glad to finally meet you, little buddy. Glad to see Vanessa hasn't made you all scared of us Zonies." Roderick spoke, offering a finger for the small man to shake.


"Oh, V; He's so handsome. You better treat him right, or someone else might." Claire said, Clutching him close.


"Nice to meet you little dude, Sorry, about calling you a punk and all. By the way; Can you see if I screwed this knife to y hammer, properly?" Daryl inquired, nearly blinding the little man with his phone.


         All the attention, especially from beings currently so big, was a bit overwhelming to Marcus. He was more than grateful, when Vanessa Snatched him away, shooing the others off. "Alright guys; let my man breathe. Smothering him is kinda my job. Listen, why don't we all have some fun, play some games, and we'll meet back up in... an hour?" Vanessa Suggested, noting Daryl's relaxed shrug.


         "Sounds good to us, we'll see you guys later. C'mon Rod; Let's go see if they still got that Candy Corn ice Cream." The younger Zonie said, Walking away. "I'll catch up. I'mma go find my babies, give my old lady a little break. Good meeting you though, Marc." The large knight spoke, disappearing into the crowd. "Well, it's good seeing you Vanessa, and meeting your little cutie!" Claire stated pinching the shrunken human's cheek. "But I got a costume contest to win. If I do say so myself; I'm stunning!" She stated, Hugging Vanessa, warmly, before sauntering off. "Have fun you two." She called back. "Well, that was nuts." Marcus said, as Vanessa smothered his bunny suit in kisses. "Yeah, my folks can be a bit... Much. I think they like you, though. That's a good sign." She stated with a giggle. "Yeah, you saw how Claire was looking at me?" Marcus, snickered, before Wincing at The Giant Zonie's pinch. "Watch it; I could crush you in my hand, right now, little man." She chided. "Alright, Alright. So, am I spending all night in that hat? It's a bit stuffy." Marcus questioned, as Vanessa Swiped her card to get a purple and orange slush. "Mmmm, actually, I got a different idea. Seeing as I won't be doing any magic, tonight." She spoke swallowing a sip, before offering the straw to Marcus. "You ready?" She asked, as she quickly shoved the bunny suited man, down the front of her bra. "Sorry if that was a bit rough, not tryna put on that kinda show. Anyway, comfy, in there?" She asked, Clapping her massive tits together.


         "Heh, I think there are worst places to spend a night. The shirt's pretty thin too, I can still see stuff, luckily." Marcus chuckled, leaning back into the massive cleavage. "Glad you like it. I'mma go get my face painted. I'm thinking zombie-ish." Vanessa stated, scanning the different stalls she walked by. "Ooh, zombie Magician, can't wait to see that. Hey, do me a favor, and pour some of that candy corn Ice cream down here, would 'ya?" Marcus chuckled, feeling his new quarters squeeze into him. "You little perv, I don't do shit like that in public." Vanessa chastised, although the thought did bring a smile to her face, as she neared the face painting stall.