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AnimeCon Harem 7: Show and Tell, Round Three
🕑 Added 2019-06-23 15:39:32 +0000 UTCOkay. Okay, Emily said, running both hands through her hair again. What the actual fuck is even going on?
Sitting in the dusk of the hotel parking lot, Emily was sharing a curb with her new comrade-in-Brians-affection, Stephanie. To her, the pair felt small, their tiny shoulders huddled together against the incomprehensible twists and turns of this weekend. Her fluffy pink-haired companion was quiet in a reserved, pensive way, content to listen to her rambling, and Emily found she really appreciated that the girl was just letting her vent.
Like, Im not complaining, Emily complained. It went better thanwell, it went. Things are going somewhere. Thats something. Not how I pictured things going, but, uh. He likes me. So, what the fuck does anything else even matter, right?
The thing with you and Kelly is weird, she continued, shrugging. I dont know how I feel. Okay, so Im fucking terrified of Kelly. She scares the shit out of me, and Im not gonna be shy about sayin so. You, though? I dont know. But, its like Im not even really jealous. When I think about all the other ways things coulda gone without you girls here for him well, I woulda fuckin botched it all up. Always do. This weekend, this whole fucking Chloe thing... Brian needed you. Youre all fucking perfect together, so its not like Im jealous, but more like Im afraid? Its like, well shitwhere do I even fit in, then? Fuck, sorry. Im babbling, huh.
Preparation, Stephanie muttered quietly.
What? Emily blinked. Preparation? Preparation for what?
You prepared Brian for all of this, Stephanie said, turning to give Emily a serious look.
I what? Emily managed. What is she talking about?
There was something different about Stephanie that Emily couldnt quite put her finger ona subtle change from the way she remembered the shy girl earlier in the day. There was something more, something extra to her, now. Her already admittedly cute features possessed this additional wow factor that Emily had trouble pinpointing.
Brian quoted this saying the day we metluck is when preparation meets opportunity, Stephanie revealed. He didnt want to consider himself lucky, he wanted to attribute his fortune to... you, for preparing him to come to the convention in the right mindset, and then me, for giving him an opportunity. Or, um, becoming an opportunity, maybe?
...Oh, Emily replied lamely, feeling her heart fall. So, Im basically out of the picture, now? Thats kind of
I dont mean that youre not part of this anymore, Stephanie assured her. The girl looked like she was still deep in thought. Youre something like a foundation to him. Theres more to him than Id seen before, when youre here with him. Hes able to completely be himself, when youre around.
I guess for now I live when Im with you guys at school, Emily remembered Brians words as if hed just spoken them yesterday, like they were still lingering in the air. When Im with my friends, you know. People I can trust. Like, when Im around you, EmilyI dont ever have to worry about appearances, or what Im SUPPOSED to be; I can just be myself. Or at least, free to figure out what that is, you know? THATS where I live.
Okay. Okay, yeah! Emily felt herself cheering up already. I like that, yeah. I can live with that. Youre really cool with havin me around and a part of this, then?
Stephanie smiled and silently offered her hand.
Emily took without a second thought, feeling a strange pink warmth, an intangible glow that seemed to calm her troubled waters. They were practically strangers, yet there was something surreal in how comforting this was, just sitting side-by-side on a curb and holding hands with this girl. She didnt know Stephanie at all, and Stephanie didnt know herbut, it was like there was an unfathomably direct mutual understanding joining them together all the same.
Were connected now. Somehow, Stephanie mumbled in a small voice. Startled, Emily was just about to remark how shed been thinking the exact same thing, when Stephanie continued.
The colors that appear in our hair when we kiss Brian, Stephanie began. Pink, redand now, blue. I cant quite put my finger on it, but I feel like it has something to do with the harem cha
Oh, thats them, Emily blurted.
Stephanies epiphany was interrupted by the lumbering arrival of Rebeccas familiar hatchback station wagon, slowly turning into the entrance of the hotels parking lot and then crawled up in front of them at a sedate pace. Rebecca gave them a sleepy smile, while Chloe regarded them impassively from where she was belted into the passengers seat, her expression hidden behind a pair of oversized sunglasses.
Jus... one sec, Emily told Stephanie. She pushed up onto her feet, crossing over to her friends car and pulling open the nearest rear door so that she could lean inside. A too-quiet sense of stifling tension had already filled the vehicles interior as she ducked her head in, and Emily pursed her lips in a frown.
...Are you done losing your shit, Chloe? Emily asked, an edge evident in her voice. She still felt riled up, at odds with this suppressed, forced calm within the idling car. You elbowed me in the fucking face back there, you know?
Whoopsie, Chloe remarked in a dry voice, not bothering to turn in her seat to face her. My bad.
You have anything to fucking say for yourself? After all that? Emily demanded. I mean, what the fuck. You realize you fucking
Emily, youre using all the bad words language! Rebecca weakly attempted to mediate the situation. Were all calmed down now, and everythings just fine! Do you see your bag?
...Yeah, Emily said gruffly, trying not to be cross at her friend. She knew why Rebecca was trying to look after Chloeknew that Rebecca was the mothering figure of their group, the mature one who would always step back and make sure everyone was still taken care of. It still rankled, though, still felt like a betrayal, and Emily hated the way this situation was making her feel. Dont fucking look out for her, Rebecca. Shes not our friend.
We, uh, we have a place for you to stay, though, Emily said.
Were not staying with Brian, Chloe stated with conviction. A certain incredulous, even indignant undertone was apparent in her voice, an unspoken how dare you for having the gall to propose something so affronting and offensive. Emily didnt miss the fact that Chloe seemed to be tacitly deciding Rebeccas itinerary on the other girls behalf.
Um, well I dont think that we can Rebecca began patiently.
Nono, not with us, Emily explained, turning and gesturing Stephanie forward. Stephie had a room, the room she was in before. Shes staying with Brian, now.
Stephie? Chloe echoed coldly.
Chloes tone settled uncomfortably into the pit of Emilys stomach like a chunk of ice, but she was already shrinking back from the car door so that Stephanie could lean in and address Rebecca.
Um. Hi again, Stephanie meekly spoke up. I was staying with a friend at the Sherriott. Its just a few blocks from hereI dont think shed mind having company at all if you need a place to stay. There should be a bed free.
Oh! Thats great, Rebecca perked up. Thank you so much! That would work out really well. Do either of you need us to pitch in, to cover part of the room?
No, no, Stephanie shook her head, fluffy pink tresses swaying back and forth. Its all already paid for, and I still have my key. Its just There was an uneasy pause.
Just what? Chloe asked. Brians ex-girlfriend still hadnt deigned to turn her head, but it seemed like the unreadable expression hidden behind those shades was directing a glare at them through the rear-view mirror.
Um, Stephanie seemed to hesitate, looking distressed. Youll both... see when we get there.
What, is her friend a maniac, or something? Emily wondered. The brief jaunt at the convention this weekend had already been so full of surprises that it felt like anything could happen, at this point. Wait, was the friend a girl or a guy? I think she said she. Right?
Okay, Rebecca agreed with a chipper smile. Hop on in. I can get out of here through this turn-around, and thendo I go right, or do I go left?
* * *
Did you call ahead and ask your friend? Rebecca asked as she gingerly eased into the parking lot of the Sherriott. Although it was only a few short blocks away, it had been a tense drive for herand not only because city traffic moved uncomfortably fast and the other drivers seemed rude and impatient. Emily and Stephanie were both situated on the back seat, and Chloe was stewing up front in the passengers seat. None of the girls seemed to be on speaking terms.
I cant, Stephanie answered apologetically. Her phones dead, I have no way of getting in touch with her until I can lend her this charger.
Ahh, Rebecca nodded. Youre sure she wont mind? We dont want to impose at all
Im sure itll be fine, Stephanie said. Under her breath, in a voice she likely thought no one would over hear, she continued with a ...Probably?
Stretching her lips into a quiet wince, Rebecca suppressed a chuckle as she carefully steered into a parking space. She really appreciated the gesture on Stephanies part, because she didnt know where she was going to find a place for Chloe to staynot without driving twenty minutes out of town to hunt for a Super Six Motel somewhere.
Originally, shed anticipated things would go well between Brian and Emily; Rebecca had never planned on actually rooming with them. Besides her blankets and furs, her entire norse tent was always in the back of her hatchback with the rest of her kit. A collapsible tent; the central pole and A-frame alike were dark, lacquered pine that slotted together, featuring carved horse figureheadsnightmaresby SCE artisan Jira Silverlock. Hauling the whole thing up into the atrium and setting up camp there for the night would have been fine... if not for now needing to accommodate Chloe.
Poor Chloe, Rebecca sighed. The sudden outburst of screaming and swearing had been startling... but understandable, considering the scene theyd happened in on. Rebecca hadnt been fazed in the slightest when Chloe slapped her afterwardsher friend had been lashing out like a frightened cat, and blows that weak would barely even register on a battlefield anyways. Still painfully entangled in her recent relationship with Brian, Chloe was going to be feeling lost, hurt, and confused. Even worse, she would feel all the more isolated in these circumstances, because Emily was at loggerheads with her over the issue, as well!
Are... we all going in? Rebecca asked, putting the sleepy grumble of the engine to rest with a twist of her wrist at the ignition. The sound of opening car doors and nothing else answered her, because no one was talkingwhy is no one talking,raising the awkward severity of the pointed silence between the two parties to new levels. Is it okay etiquette for Stephanie to just bring three strange girls to barge in on her room?
Well, okiedokie! She sighed to herself again and followed the girls through the darkened parking lot and into the building. The subtle standoff between the pair of Emily and Stephanie and the lonesome Chloe continued on through the reception area as they waitedwarily eyeing each otherfor an elevator to descend. When it finally did, and the door slid open with a hollow ding, the girls all froze, waiting to see who would enter first.
You guuuys! Rebecca called out in exasperation, wrapping her arms around her friends and forcibly shoving them together into the elevator. Once within, they of course immediately separated like oil and water, uneasily claiming separate sides of the enclosed space.
Youre all being so silly, Rebecca smiled, stepping in after to stand between them.
Fifth floor, please, Stephanie mumbled.
Still making a sour face, Emily stabbed a finger at the five button and then repeatedly jabbed the close doors button as if she were a horror movie damsel desperately trying to make an escape.
Did everyone have a good time at the convention? Rebecca tried lamely as the doors finally closed. Now, everyone was trapped in here together, and they had to get along!
Yes, Stephanie answered in a soft voice. It was quite the day.
Shut the fuck up, Chloe snarled, crossing her arms. You think youre fucking funny?
Chloe! Rebecca admonished. Be nice! Shes helping us get a room. She didnt mean anything by it.
Emily let out a provoking snort and rolled her eyes.
Everyone, be good! Rebecca chided them in a cutesy voice, shaking her head in dismay. My goodness.
When they reached the fifth floor, Rebecca gestured Stephanie and Emily forward to guide them to the room, for the moment preventing any more infighting. Stephanie was in room 502, just past the buildings stairwell and a small room containing a large ice dispenser and several vending machines, and they trooped over together and waited as Stephanie produced a keycard from the pocket of her faded overalls.
Um, Stephanie hesitated, looking as if she wanted to say something. Instead, she covered the lower half of her face with her hand and then slid the key into the lock, which obediently disengaged with a loud clack, and the flicker of a green diode. The pink-haired girl awkwardly pushed the door open with that same hand and foul-smelling air rolled out over them, filling the corridor with the sour fragrance of body odor.
Oh my fuckingoh my God, Chloe doubled over and dry-heaved towards her shoes.
Emily let out an inappropriate giggle, now pulling one of the front flaps of her yukata over up over her face.
...Goodness, Rebecca commented in a dry voice. It was bad, certainly, but not that bad. Perhaps on the level of a three-day summer campout, but without bonfire smoke neutralizing some of the smell. Definitely nowhere near the experience of changing some of the elderly residents out of soiled undergarments, and Rebecca did that often enough.
Megan? I brought some friends, Stephanie called weakly. Are you decent?
You think youre fucking funny?! Chloe sputtered.
Emily dearest, Rebecca got her friends attention with a firm hand on the girls shoulder. Could you please head back down to the car for me? There should be a big pack of cone-shaped solid air fresheners packed in beside my tent, in the back. Grab however many I still have left.
On it, boss, Emily responded with a mock salute, quickly scrambling back down the hallway back towards the elevator.
Were not. No fucking way, Rebecca, Chloe warned her. If you think that shes really
Please hold, Rebecca said with forced cheer, turning to follow Stephanie into the hotel room where Chloe didnt dare to tread.
Oh, my. Inside, the rank smell of sweat intensified, a sharp odor, not unlike someone cutting into an onion. Rebecca blinked rapidly to keep her eyes from watering. No wonder Stephie chose to room over there with Brian, instead...
Stephanie! A heavyset girl clad in an enormous shirt and pajama bottoms was engulfing Stephanie in a fierce hug. Ohmigod, your hair! You got your hair done up all pink, it looks amazing! Did you get it done at the convention? Can I get mine done?!
Um. Um, Stephanie sputtered. Yes, I yes I did. And, I can ask tomorrow, maybe, but
Oh! Hi! Megan turned to register Rebeccas presence. Steph, you made friends?!
This is Rebeccashe saved my life, Stephanie gasped, finally forcing her way free of Megans embrace so that she could quickly clamp a hand over her face again. Ium, staying with that guy, and I kind of took their spot in the room? Would it be okay with you if, if they stayed here tonight instead of me?
Yeah, sure! Awesome! Megan let out a giddy laugh. Itll be like, you knowthat Swapping Spouses TV showbut for anime conventions, where its all cool. Swapping Geeks? Otaku Swap? And, shes even this awesome viking chickyou look so cool! Are you from Skygrim?
Hiii Megan! Rebecca waved. Are you really sure youre okay with two of us staying here? We have one more out in the hallway, shes shy.
Yeah, ocourse, Megan smiled. I throw my stuff everywhere, lawl, but its not like I can actually use both of the beds at once, yknow?
Well okay great! Rebecca said, stepping over to take Megan by the arm. BecauseI really need your help with something. I was hoping you could help me take a real thorough bath, yknow?
Uhwhat? Megan gave her a stunned look. I, um, Ive never done anything with a girl before, I
Not like that, silly! Rebecca tried not to sound strained. She had plenty of leeway when she was called upon to help bathe some of their more recalcitrant residents, because of the community hygiene guidelines at Shady Oaks. Here, if she didnt manage to beguile this girl into taking a bath, they didnt have any real grounds to object to Megans deficient self-care.
Chloe! With as gentle a hand as she could manage, Rebecca firmly guided the large girl towards the bathroom. Unlike Brians room, it was just to the left of the door when first entering into the room. Chloe honey, come say hi to Megan!
Chloe peered around the edge of the doorframe, looking furious.
Uh, hi? Megan blinked. ...Is she okay?
Megan, I brought my charger, Stephanie called over. Im plugging in your phone.
She just doesnt like the smell, Rebecca explained, forcing Megan into the bathroom. The girl was resisting, obviously uncomfortable with the entire sudden situation, and it made Rebeccas heart ache. Prince Charming always got so fussy when he needed a bath, too.
Oh, thanks Steph! Megan yelled. I, uhwow, youre strongIm fine, I took a long shower just before we left for the con, so I dont really need to
I really cant do this by myself, though, Rebecca admitted. Can you help me? I dont want either of us to be stinky, I want everyone to be fresh and clean for tomorrow. Please?
Uh, yeah. I mean, sure, its Megan swallowed.
Great! Rebecca said, pushing the other girl the rest of the way into the bright light of the bathroom and closing the door behind them.
( Previous: Show and Tell, Round Two | AnimeCon Harem | Next: Showdown )
Comments
Vowron Prime
Rebecca's so great, wow.
Emily took without a second thought >>> took it
Artman
Show, we have been leading up to sex with the two girls, somehow not having the three of them finally get together would be a negative. As someone said this is Erotica.
JourneymanWizard
<3 Rebecca!
Last Knight
Most stories I'd say fade to black on Brian and Kelly, but seeing how this IS a harem erotica I wanna see all the messy bidness. Definitely start Chapter 8 with them and the busy getting.
Mackoy
Watchu on about bruh, Rebecca is the referee cuz she'd slaughter dem all if she got in on the action <3
Roethan
I say starting with Brian and Kelly is a good way to do it, but maybe a brief scene before they start to keep them as an integral piece of what's happening and why.
Rene Christensen
I don't think they assumed she diden't understand chloe, just that rebecca would still take care of her despite chloe being emotionally challenged. Which is what she is doing at the moment.
TiAM325
Fade to black on Brian and Kelly, open chapter 8 with them. Good to hear Rebecca's inner voice, that she was/is much more aware than anyone was giving her credit.
HardhatDoozer
Thanks for the update. Some fun awkward times are had by all. Always a great way to potentially start chapter 8. But it’s up to you in the end.
I. Ronical
A challenger has appeared in the Best Waifu competition.
