Brian's Play: An Alternate Universe Retelling
by LDEJRuff
Chapter 2 - The Review
The play was at its climax. Grant, the lead male role played by Randall since Victor was unavailable, was crying on the couch. The lead female character, Donna, played by Harriet Lowe, was leaving Grant, due to the success of his play going to his head.
"Donna, don't go!" Randal pleaded. "It's not too late. We can still start our family."
Harriet replied, "Don't you see? You already have a family. It's right there."
She was referring to the trophies Grant won. The audience was in awed sadness.
"Those won't keep you warm at night," sailor Seamus Levine said quietly.
Harriet opened the door. "Goodbye, Grant," she said. "It's funny, isn't it? All these years, I was the passing fancy."
She walked out, closing the door behind her. The play ended with Randall hanging his head. As the curtain closed, the audience applauded. Everyone, including the Griffins, was amazed. Some have cried tears of joy, including Consuela, who sprayed Lemon Pledge on her tears before wiping them.
The curtains opened to show both Randall and Harriet, who then took a bow and presented Brian. The happy dog bowed as well, and wagged his tail.
On the balcony, Leo and Vinny were among those who applauded.
"Good work, Brian," Vinny whispered. "Even though my small part in helping out is uncredited, I still appreciate it."
The following morning, at the Griffin house, as the family was having breakfast, New Brian read the newspaper. The headline referred to A Passing Fancy being a big hit.
"Here's hoping A Passing Fancy is actually a staying fancy," he read. "The highest praise goes to canine playwright Brian for his hilarious and insightful look into modern-day relationships. If you see only one play as an adult, I urge you to see this one."
"This is amazing," Lois said. "Brian's a hit!"
"Yeah," New Brian agreed. "I wonder how he feels about it. I bet he'll feel overwhelmed about people respecting his writing."
"I want to write a play!" said Stewie.
New Brian chuckled. "That's cute, Stewie. Maybe someday."
"No, I'm gonna write a play, N.B.," Stewie replied. "I can do lots of things. I can even become a toy manufacturer for Santa Claus."
Cutaway: We see Stewie dressed up as an elf building a toy. Santa comes in looking impressed at Stewie's actions.
"Ho-ho-ho!" Santa chuckled. "I can see a bright future for you, young fella."
"Thanks, Santa," Stewie replied.
At the tiny apartment, during breakfast, Brian, too, has read the review in the newspaper.
"Wow," Brian said, overwhelmed. "People appreciating and respecting my writing? This is all I ever wanted." Brian then turned his attention to Vinny. "Hey, Vin, are you sure you're not gonna take a small amount of credit for this? I could refer you to my cousin."
"Nah," Vinny replied. "I don't think I can take the creds for proofreading another person's work, B. I think it's best if I stayed an anon."
"This is incredible, Brian," Leo said. "Your play's a big hit! It will probably make us more money than we would ever dream of."
"Thanks, Leo," Brian replied. "This success will make me busy to make appearances and interviews for the week, like at the Clam."