FortySixtyFour
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AnimeCon Harem 9: 9 pt 8
🕑 Added 2020-05-05 19:32:56 +0000 UTCStephanie almost tripped, stumbling over her own feet as part of her mind opened up to a chestnut-streaked forest of wide, sturdy trunks and ancient limbs, and the pink-haired girl nearly dropped the drink-carrier containing the coffees and hot cocoas.
Whoa, there, Brian remarked, steadying her free hand. You alright?
Having collected their order, the two were rather leisurely threading their way back through the city towards the hotel. Brian carried a take-out bag bulging with the cartons of their breakfast along with two rolled-up copies of the Gazette in one hand, while he held Stephanies hand with the other. Shed opted to carry their drinks, carefully hugging the carrier against her body.
Yep! Stephanie said with a weak smile. Sorry. Im feeling a bit lightheaded.
Lightheaded didnt quite begin to describe what was actually going on, and Stephanies pupils dilated wide as she grappled with her fledgling sixth sense. Somethingsomeonehad entered the network of intimate connections that tied Stephanies emotions to the others. It didnt feel like an intruder, either. Rather than alarm and terror, she felt the sentiment of greeting a friendly face, of welcoming someone who really belonged into the fold.
Brown? Stephanie pondered, stretching out her senses. Her color is brown, and shes I cant quite tell what her thema is? Roots? Branches?
Whoever it was, her flavor was comforting and reassuring. This new girl was wide open to them emotionally, seemed to be someone who could immediately be identified by the psychological equivalent of a pair of open arms. Safety. Love, support, immediate and enduring friendship. But, who is it?!
Um. Hello? Hi there! Stephanie tried to broadcast. The link that tied them all together didnt seem to be compatible with expressing words or ideas, but the gist of Stephanie emoting a welcome seemed to be conveyed. There was a distinct impression that this new girl was turning her attention towards her, and Stephanie felt her transmit back bemused curiosity.
Steph? Brian interrupted, tugging her to a stop.
Hmm? Stephanie jolted back to awareness.
You alright? Brian gave her a look of concern. Asked if you wanted me to carry the drinks, but you kind of zoned out.
Ohsorry! Stephanie blurted out, giving his hand a squeeze. Hah, I was justmy head was miles away there for a second! Lost in thought. Im fine, I can carry them.
Lets get back and get some breakfast in you, Brian said. Probably shouldnt have let you run with me on an empty stomach like that.
Im fine! Stephanie promised, sharing her smile with him again. I mean okay, Im a little bit hungry
Youre cute when youre hungry, Brian observed with a grin. Emily gets ravenous for food. Then she eats like, less than half a portion and just sits back rubbing her belly moaning ohhh why did you let me stuff myself, Im such a pig ohhhh Im gonna hurrrl.
Stephanie couldnt help but break into laughter at his Emily impersonation.
Chloe would get quiet when she was hungry, Brian continued. Not good quiet, either. Pissy quiet, theres a problem and why havent you noticed what the problem is yet sort of quiet. Got me into serious trouble a few times early on in the relationship. Before I started to always, like, mentally track how long itd been since shed had a meal.
Thats ridiculous! Stephanie retorted, shaking her head, furrowing her brow, and pursing her lips. I really cant believe her!
Thanks, Brian said with honest appreciation. Im, uh. I really dont mean to keep bringing her up, but for the longest time its like theres a lot I need to get off my chest about her, and there wasnt anyone that it was safe to talk to about it. Not even Emily. Because shed get weird upset whenever I brought stuff like that up. Though, I guess Emily being upset makes more and more sense now.
She loves you, Stephanie affirmed, feeling her kinship with Emily growing stronger even as she felt more and more disappointed with Chloe. We all love you.
Whoa there, Brian chuckled. Better watch that kind of talk around Kelly.
Kelly loves you, too, Stephanie insisted, making a cute face and sticking out her tongue. She knows she does.
The pair of lovers walked across the last stretch of city block in companionable silence, having the good fortune to have a crosswalk signal halt traffic to allow them across the moment they arrived at the curb. Stephanie felt incredibly pleased just going around with him and soaking up conversation, these casual moments and conversation that shed never realized she needed in her life but now craved more and more of. As silly as it was, when they stepped off the sidewalk and through the small exterior courtyard gate of Brians hotel, Stephanie was almost wishing they could spend more time just walking around together.
Worried about that whole thing with Kelly, too, Brian admitted as they strode along the walkway beside the hotels pool area towards their room. I absolutely want to help her out with her living situation still, just. Also, its kind of like Im just imposing my solution on her. Yanking her out of her comfort zone, forcing her to rely on some guy she hardly even knows at all
Were going to make it work, Stephanie said. We will. Its, its just like in an anime! Where the protagonist is suddenly pushed into living arrangements with a beautiful girl.
Sort of like us meeting by you falling on top of me? Brian arched an eyebrow. Or, yesterday when I walked in on you and Kelly making out
I didnt fall, Megan pushed me! Stephanie protested with a giggle. I, I really liked how that ended up, though!
Oh, yeah? Brian challenged, giving her a teasing look.
Brian, I... Stephanie drew in a deep breath. Think, think! How do I say it, um, um, how would KELLY put this?
Brian Stephanie gently bit her lower lip and looked up at him with a certain heat in her eyes. I really want to sit on your face.
* * *
Magic is real! Emily blurted out, awkwardly trying to hold the beds comforter around herself while also attempting to pull on her pair of panties. Magic is real, and we have it, somehow.
Emily A naked and rather buxom girl with bright red hair hissed out a warning and a meaningful look.
Rebecca pretended not to notice, instead withdrawing a small bra from the bag of Emilys clothes shed brought and holding it up for her friend to put on next. As someone whod always believed in magic, Rebecca was excited but not shocked. She was of course intensely interested in how Emily had managed to get herself mixed up in magical shenanigans, and knew that it wasnt something Emily would ever be able to keep from her.
Magic, Megan repeated.
Youre Stephs friend, right? Emily shot Megan a guilty look. The one from the other hotel?
Im Stephanies best friend, Megan asserted, putting her hands on her hips.
Across the room, the nude girl with red hair slightly narrowed her eyes, though it seemed like no one but Rebecca noticed that particular little reaction.
Right, okay, Emily dropped the comforter in favor of trying to wrap one arm protectively around her breasts while accepting the offered bra with the other. We can probably tell you, then. Justhey you wont tell anyone else this, right?
Umm well, no one would believe me? Megan remarked, sounding more than a little skeptical herself. Hah. I mean, everyone already thinks Im like, the big dumb otaku doofus.
Youre not dumb, and youre not a doofus, Rebecca corrected the girl in a patient voice. Youre a good friend to Stephanie, and a good friend to me, so please dont speak about yourself like that.
Taking Emily by the shoulders and gently pivoting her friend away from the others, Rebecca began to assist the much shorter girl in correctly wearing her undergarments. Putting on a bra with one hand while distracted and the other hand was still in the way seemed to be more than Emily could manage at once, and Rebecca didnt know if she should be amused or exasperated.
Okay, so yeah, Emily chattered away. Theres this magic charmits a harem charm, and it makes you hot for Brian. An-and maybe each other, I dunno? Uh, like you got zapped by the charm, and now youre part of the magic stuff, and itll like, get stronger if you kiss Brian? Your hair changes colors first, and then
Wait, what anime is this from? Megan asked, looking from girl to girl but trying not to stare at Kelly, who didnt seem to feel any compunction to cover up or get dressed.
No I mean like, its real, its this real magic sort of thing and well maybe get powers! Emily exclaimed. Like, you see how my hairs blue? Kellys red, Stephanies pink, its totally this sentai team sort of motif and
Emily, Rebecca carefully clasped the back of the brassiere closed. How long has this been going on? Was this why you always had a crush on
No, no! Emily haphazardly twisted to see behind her. Uhh, go one tighter. Use the next notch.
Thats too tight, Rebecca frowned. This bra isnt the right size for that, it pinches at your skin when
It doesnt feel right when its this loose, Emily protested, fumbling her arms behind her to adjust it herself.
Its not even loose at all! Rebecca swatted Emilys hands. Its fitting perfectly.
Will youwill you justno, this wasnt why I had feelings for Brian, Emily growled, unhooking her bra and then exhaling so that she could pull the straps as tight as they could go.
Shes rightyour bras too small, the red-haired girl commented. Maybe if youd give them some room to grow, theyd
Not funny, Kelly, Emily shot the naked girl a dark look. Dont ever joke about them. Please.
...Sorry, Kelly nodded, actually looking chastised. Didnt mean anything by it, it was just a joke. Sorry.
Rebecca looked about in surprise as the interplay, unable to figure out their relationship. Emilys temper didnt completely fly off the handle at this Kelly girl treading into the big no-no zone of mentioning her smaller-than-average breasts. That would normally have made anyone instantly an enemy for life, because Emily knew how to nurse grudges like none other. For her part, Kelly seemed like the type to live large and sass whoever they pleased, so something about the heartfelt apology came off as uncharacteristic. Rebecca felt sure that Emily and Kelly were new acquaintances, but apparently they were already close. Something about Emily immediately warming up to a girl like this seemed just as strange and outlandish as Emily suddenly discovering magic.
Like I was saying, Ive always liked Brian, Emily explained. Since like, day one. I liked Brian before it was cool. The whole harem magic thing is a, uh, a recent development? I think I got zapped when I gave him the charm, like, last week.
The charm got me when Brian offered me his spare convention badge, Kelly admitted with reluctance. Felt like it stung me.
She didnt want to tell us about this, Rebecca observed. Shes speaking up to help support Emilys story, to help give it more weight. Emilys important to her.
Do we need to figure out how to free both of you from this? Rebecca asked, looking from Emily to Kelly with a weak smile.
No, Emily and Kelly replied in unison.
Are you sure? Rebecca tapped her lip, holding up the lanyard so that the harem charm next to the battered convention pass was clearly visible to everyone in the room. It sounds as if
Rebecca, no. Just, no, Emily said firmly. Ive always wanted this, always fantasized about this sort of thing. Its Brian, its Brian and for real, actual magic sorta stuff.
Wait, this is Megan spoke up. This is for real?
Definite no from me, as well, Kelly said. Brian, Stephanie, even EmilyI need all three of them in my life like this. To unfuck my life from what it was, from where it was going.
Their dialogue seemed to be happening on multiple levels, and Rebecca found herself getting distracted by the spiritual side of things, where Emily was symbolically a flowing body of water and Kelly seemed to be a burning red flame nervously peeking over the edge of a crater at her. This wasnt happening visually, not exactly, but something about their magical forms left strong impressions to that order.
After all, if Emilys a riverif EMILY RIVERA is a riverthen shes a pretty confused one, Rebecca thought to herself with a wry smile.
The path of the blue water was impossibly convoluted, snaking in every which direction and even seeming to stubbornly struggle uphill sometimes rather than follow the natural laws of flowing water. It somehow seemed like a very Emily representation. Kelly, on the other hand, featured a marked difference between her affected nonchalance as she stood there naked and the incredible wariness she displayed from the lip of the crater she hid within. Something about the scorching red entity seemed very out of her element and skittish of making a connection to Rebecca.
Are you a volcano? Rebecca asked, quirking her head at Kelly.
Starfall, actually, Kelly answered with an uneasy expression. Fallen star sorta thing.
Oh! Of course, Rebecca nodded to herself. Thatd explain it. That makes sense.
That explains what? Megan mumbled in confusion, unable to keep up.
Wait, what are you? Emily asked, fighting her way into a small T-shirt. You feel like a naturey sort of wilderness sort of thing?
Trees? Rebecca guessed. Dark forest?
Wait, did you get black for your color?! Emily demanded angrily, glaring out the neck of the shirt she hadnt quite pulled on right yet. Because, if you got the coolest color, were trading. Ive had dibs on black since like, forever.
No, I think its maybe brown? Rebecca pondered. Brownish? Burnished? Russet, or chestnut maybe? Just saying brown doesnt sound quite right.
Okay, Emily conceded. I guess that fits. Its not too different from your actual hair color, though, sowait, is that why you got your powers right away? Because of your natural hair color?!
Powers?! Megan looked from face to face with helpless envy. You guys !
I think its just something I was already in tune with? Rebecca tried to assuage Emilys wild suspicions. These feelings, anyways. I was always ready to believe in things, and then all of the sudden they started believing in me back?
And the first thing I commune with on a higher level is EMILY?! Rebecca tried not to laugh at the thought. Of course it is! Id rather be a part of this with Emily than get a response from an angel, or a demon, or an ancient spirit. Shes my little Emily!
That makes some weird sorta sense, Emily righted her shirt and then smoothed out the folds. I mean, I knew you were always special.
Thank you! Rebecca beamed at the compliment. But! What are we doing about all of this crazy magic stuff?!
Uhhh, well I dont know, but dont tell Brian about it, Emily pleaded. Please. We think hed, uh, like freak out if he thought there was this unnatural force affecting us, and
That seems fair, though, Rebecca countered. Hes
Only affecting us in a totally good way, though! Emily said quickly. I swear. Completely swear. Youll probably be able to see the moment he gets back. Soon as you look at him, the magicll like, dazzle you.
That sounded concerning. With a small frown, Rebecca opened herself fully to the dreamwalk again and swept her attention around for Brian. It was almost unnecessaryhe was close. Not in a physical sense that implied his distance from her or approximate location, but in a destined to arrive way, like they were about to meet. Brian was power, Brian was the hidden canvas that their dreamworld was painted upon, and associating his presence with something on that sort of scale inspired a little awe. Moreover, he would be here soon, and with him came a swirling halo of pink fire that seemed to wave in her direction.
Stephanie? Rebeccas frown began to disappear.
If Brian was a font of ethereal power, Stephanie was a hungry flame drawing fuel directly from the source. The girls happiness blazed bright and rich with color, and as the two drew near, the conflagration began to spread, licking at the burnt sienna of Rebeccas ancient branches and lighting them up. Closer examination revealed that Stephanies fiery cheer wasnt actually burning Rebeccas dry wooden representation up, or even following any principles of actual combustion. It was simply there, dancing merrily atop the branches and leaping about, warm and pleasant in a giddy, excited way.
Theyre almost here, Rebecca informed the rest of the group. Brian and Stephanie.
Please please please dont say anything about this to Brian? Emily begged, clapping her hands together. Not asking you to liejust, can you not say anything about it right away? Can you just watch for a bit and see before you decide to do anything drastic like
A polite knock sounded on the door of the hotel room.
( Previous: 9 pt 7 | AnimeCon Harem | Next: 9 pt 9 )
/// Going to spend a few days going through Part 7 again, because I want to post it up public on all of the fic sites for my birthday. After that, I should be jumping back in here with a RE:TT post.
Comments
Pedro Joullie
I’m not sure if I’m happy that I finally discovered this novel, or sad that I discovered it too soon. Anyways, thank you 4064 for brining it to us, and I can’t wait for the next chapter.
Kakwann
I like when character with small chest just become more sensitive... not big :-)
Zhilbar
That is interesting as hell... and actually goes a way to offer the beginnings of an excuse for her fragility. Still not anywhere remotely near giving a damn about the vicious and spiteful wench, though.
Zhilbar
I agree that it really doesn't seem like she has that, though I think it's a lot more than mere sublimation by now; my comment was intended to point out that you DON'T need to be at that level for it to significantly impact your psyche. Even though both sides are clearly HER, you could tell how the conflicting needs of the Megan/Chloe situation brought Mara and Rebecca mindsets into conflict. When it's almost as if they're reacting to one another, that's a meaningful divide.
Youkai-sama
This chapter just made me realize what Chloé's true purpose is. She is the Mirror, her job is to reflect and aid in reflection. But her father and his whore broke her. Now her reflections are distorted like a fun house and she cuts. So in addition to needing a frame and a backing to keep it together, she needs to be pieced back together and reforged. Maybe Mary the Golden can act as a standard bearer, but who's gonna bring hammer and anvil?
andy may phan
Also, happy birthday!
andy may phan
I think it would be really funny if Emily goes from being embarrassed about her small chest to being embarrassed about being overendowed. :)
Mkrayn
This is another GREAT installment! I literally cannot wait for them to answer the door. I'll have to go chop wood or something...
V01D
“ I can’t quite tell what her thema is?“ - what’s ‘Thema’, did you mean THEME? I have a feeling Rebeca is ‘chestnut’ - fitting for a tree analogy... her thing/role is probably going to be the anchor for the group. I have a feeling that they will end up with one more - Stephanie’s friend volunteers to help prove to Brian how the Harem has improved thier QoL.
Luke Mofford
Brian is so far completely oblivious, while the charm has affected each of the girls in the main harem in positive ways (Steph is out of her shell, Kelly is learning to trust). Pretty sure the charm works to make them better people in their own eyes
SabeloMen
Depends if the charm follows Emily's wishes or Brian's wishes. Could just end up like Hestia.
Luke Mofford
I don't think the Rebecca/Mara split is MPD, or DID as it's called now. More that Rebecca shunts away "aggressive" thoughts/emotions, and then actualizes them later as Mara in her Daeghonir games
Luke Mofford
Nah, Emily is going to get a bust size increase, she's too self conscious about not living up to her mother's proportions for the charm to not grant that as her deepest wish.
Zhilbar
I really like Rebecca's aspect of existing spirituality, and it'll be fun to get her inside opinion of Brian as opposed to just her sense of him- I might even enjoy it better if she's not necessarily interested in the man himself physically, but wants to see where this goes. Still, I wonder if and how her compartmentalization of herself is going to manifest in her forest-self; speaking from experience, even without MPD when you polarize your conflicting natures that hard the split can go surprisingly deep.
David Roperson
If the older part about Mrs. Rivera is to be believed, and in flow with what's already happening, Emily will probably become the definition of Loli Spunky Cuteness. Everyone so far has become more beautiful in one aspect or another. Kelly became the projection of what she tried to be with makeup, Stephanie became more beautiful as well. But nothing drastic has happened with proportions. Just toning and trimming. I think the itty bitty titty committee is safe. Maybe with added washboard abs or a slightly more pronounced ass or thighs.
Kimu Taka
Happy early birthday 4064! May you have many more ahead. PS: please dont take away our cute short Latina's chibi chest.
