AnimeCon Harem 7: Problematic (Patreon)
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How are we doing? Stephanie whispered, trying to struggle out of her costume boots in the narrow confines of the hotel bathroom. With the door closed and the bathtubs tap running like this, it would be difficult for them to be overheard. Are we are we doing good?
I dont know? Kelly said softly. Im not even sure what Im doing, anymore.
Stephanie looked at her dark-haired friendnow with a lively flash of redas the scene girl sat on the edge of the tub. Kellys feet were already in the water, the legs of her yoga pants rolled up to her knees, and she seemed to be absentmindedly swishing and swirling the running water with her fingers.
Iugh, Stephanies shoulder banged into the tiled wall as she nearly lost her balance. I think that
Cmere, Kelly instructed, pawing her hands dry on the nearby hanging towel. Stand still.
Holding onto the curtain rod for balance, Stephanie meekly pointed one of her tall red boots towards Kelly, who held the glossy legwear in place with one hand and slowly worked the zipper down with her other. A smooth, slender leg was revealed, inch by inch. Her skin was flushed but pale, and Stephanie couldnt help but let out a breath of relief to be free of the clammy feeling of costume vinyl.
Now, the other one.
I feel like things are going well, Stephanie thought, biting her lip as she offered her other leg. Are they? I want Kelly to be happy. Im so excited. I want things to work out, I feel like were so close to everything being perfect!
Sit with me, soak your feet, Kelly offered, sliding over a bit on the edge of the tub to make room. Fuck, are things awkward between us, now?
No, Stephanie shook her head as she joined Kelly. The water on her bare feet was everything she needed right now, and she was tempted to slide the rest of the way into the warm bath, costume or not. Im just worried. Nervous.
About tonight? Kelly leaned in and fit her fingers between her toes, rubbing them back and forth. Grabbing the complimentary hotel soap, Kelly turned her heel and stabbed the thin bar into the sole of her foot, raking it back and forth against her skin. Holy fuck do my feet hurt.
Im worried about you, Stephanie admitted with some trepidation. I really wish youd stay with us. I mean, I hope that.
I think I probably will, Kelly said slowly. Which is stupid. Crazy? Im so fucking horny I cant even think straight.
R-really? Stephanie lit up. Youll be with us? Really? Kelly, I think thats the best idea! Everything Brian said, I really think he can help you.
Yeah, Kelly grunted. Maybe.
Whats wrong?
I dont know. I was really all set on things, like Id come to terms with all of it. And, now this. Are you fucking horny right now?
Im excited, Stephanie smiled, tapping out a little splashing dance with her feet. Im... excited in that way, too. I think.
You think? Kelly looked at Stephanie incredulously. Fuck. Is it just me?
You just kissed Brian, Stephanie pointed out, grinning. A real kiss this time, one that turned you big colors!
Big colors, Kelly repeated, staring blankly at the water as she lathered her feet with soapy bubbles. Is that what you felt when he had your hair changing? Big colors? I feel like Im about to start shaking.
Isnt it amazing? Stephanie whispered in excitement. Do you think well have time to kiss more, tonight?
Kiss more!? Kelly growled. To Stephanies surprise, Kellys hands actually did start to shake a little. Stephanie. Steph. We are getting fucked tonight. All night. No matter what. Thats whats going to happen.
D-do you really think so?! Stephanie beamed, squirming with excitement. I didnt tell you what he did. What he did when we were in that panel together.
Hold on, hold on, dont get started, Kelly waved her off with the bar of soap. Take off your panties.
What?
Were gonna have sex tonight, Kelly said in a matter-of-fact voice. If youve been as soaked as I have all day, youre gonna be, um. Fragrant, right now.
Is that bad?! Stephanie asked, carefully standing up in the tub. Reaching up beneath the pink-and-red gijinka dress she was still wearing, she eased her panties down her thighs.
Bad? I dunno. Depends? Dont you wanna make sure youre nice and clean down there?
Y-yeah, Stephanie blustered. She stepped out of the panties and awkwardly stood in the long basin of the bathtub.
Stand still, then. Im just gonna make sure youre you know.
Shutting off the water, Kelly scooted her butt closer towards Stephanie, and then gingerly lifted up the skirt of her dress. Blushing with embarrassment, Stephanie felt herself go rigid with tension as her naked privates were revealed to Kellys curious gaze. It wasnot cold, but an unexpectedly airy feeling to suddenly be exposed, and she fought the urge to immediately cover herself with her hands.
Kelly? Stephanie asked in a meek voice.
I think I can smell you a little bit, Kelly said, staring in open appreciation at Stephanie down there. The hands folding the hem of her flamituff dress pinned it back against Stephanies nude hips, and she couldnt help but grasp at Kellys wrists in surprise.
Dont smell me!
I can smell you, Kelly whispered, sniffing deeply and giving Stephanie a heady look. She closed her eyes and leaned in closer. Smells like pussy. It smells good. Its like youre putting out sex pheromones, right in my face.
K-Kelly?! Stephanie could practically feel Kellys breath on her, and she shivered involuntarily. She wouldnt
Sssshh, Kelly grinned, pulling Stephanie closer. Ssh-sh-sh-shhhh. Stephanie, lover. Im going to clean you all up.
W-wait! Stephanie sputtered, slapping her hands across the tile of the shower for balance. Kellyyoure going to make me slip!
Whhhy, why do you smell so good?! Tightly gripping Stephanies butt cheeks and pulling the girl closer, Kelly shoved her face into the plush thighs, trying to nuzzle her nose deep between them.
With a startled yelp, it was all Stephanie could do to keep herself from falling haphazardly into the tub.
Kelly, he I didnt tell you what he did, Stephanie said softly.
What did he do? Kelly asked eagerly. Her lips, feeling impossibly soft, were nibbling and pinching at Stephanie down there, and what must have been a tongue flashed out. Whatd he do to get you this wet?
We went and hid, Stephanie explained, letting out cute little panting breaths. Like you told us to, when you switched the other Darkmask for Brian. We went and hid together.
You got to be off all alone with Brian, while I was doing all of the legwork? Kelly growled indignantly, taking a mouthful of Stephanies tender thigh flesh between her teeth. What did he do to you?
Ah! N-no, Stephanie jerked at the sudden sensation. She felt all of her blood seem to rush to her face in embarrassment. He had me sit in his lap, an-and he he fingered me. We werent alone at all, though! We were in a panel room it was a room full of people!
She felt Kelly freeze, and then the dark-haired well, mostly dark-haired girls head snapped up to look at her. Kellys eyes lacked their usual cool clarity, they were half-lidded in a daze and looked at her in confusion.
Brian finger-fucked you, in the middle of a room full of people? Kelly asked in disbelief, narrowing her eyes as she regarded the other girl.
He did, yes, Stephanie admitted in embarrassment.
How do you know it was actually fingering? Kelly doubted. You didnt even know what going down on a girl was.
G-going down is really ambiguous! Stephanie protested in a whisper. People say things like, ah, hey, Im going down to the store to pick up some things, itsyou know. Its a common phrase!
Its a really obvious euphemism.
Well, I dont normally think of things in that way!
But, you do now?
I well, he slipped his hand into my panties. His finger went you know, inside, and he was going in and out really fast. L-like he was strumming guitar strings, except instead of music, it was I dont know. Heaven? Instead of music, or sound, it was like he was playing me and little notes of heaven were coming out. Coming in? Th-that doesnt make any sense, does it?
And this all happened in the middle of a room full of people.
N-no, not in the middle. Our seat was over on one side, against one of the walls.
Holy fucking shit, Kelly breathed out slowly, her fingers gripping and clenching firm handfuls of Stephanies ass in an antsy way. Yeah, thats definitely being fingered, then. I just I never thought that hed
I didnt, either! Stephanie said excitedly. I asked him to be my boyfriend right after that. I knew. Knew I had to. Couldnt leave it to chance, not after that. I had to have him. All of the the complicated things, the everything, it all seemed to line up the right way, and everything seemed so simple and straightforward.
Sit down on the edge of the tub, Kelly demanded in a husky voice. Sit on the edge and spread your legs for me.
...Okay, Stephanie agreed.
Kelly stepped back out of the tub and onto the bath floor towel in the small enclosure of the bathroom to give her room. The confident and charismatic girl peeled her own gray yoga pants partway down her thighs and let her hand wander down between her legs.
This is part of our deal, Kelly insisted. I totally put in effort helping you guys ditch Chloe.
Chloe? Stephanie paused, one foot out of the tub. Brians ex-girlfriend? When did
Magical Doll Himari, Kelly explained. That was definitely Chloe, she had to be.
Himari is Chloe? It suddenly felt as if the temperature dropped several degrees. Thats thats
It wasnt a connection Stephanie would have made on her own. All at once, the days series of circumstance and confusion seemed to align together to paint a very different picture of the events. The cosplayer telling her Brian wanted to meet her somewhere wasnt an accident or a mistake. The girl, the same girl, having Brians phone afterwards wasnt coincidence. Stephanie had wondered, but hadnt ever suspected that all the dots were connected with malicious intent, and she cursed her own naivete.
It was all deliberate, Stephanie realized, a foreign feelingangerrising up uncomfortably within her. Hot pink fire roiled and roared throughout her mind. If it was Chloe, if all of that was done on purposeall of it was meant just to hurt Brian! Thats completely horrible!
I... hate her, Stephanie realized, beside herself with shock. Its unforgivable. I hate her!
That stupid awful bitch! Stephanie felt livid, wishing she was more familiar with the swear words to express how she felt in this moment. Shed never hated someone before, and scarcely understood how people could hate one another. Now, she knew. This is what it felt like. She wanted bad things to happen to Chloe, wanted it so much that it felt like she could almost will them to happen with the strange new feeling of her blood boiling in rage. The very fact that Chloe existed beneath the same sky as her seemed unacceptable.
I know, right? Kellys eyes flashed with understanding. Im like, ninety-nine percent sure. You wont believe what she tried to do after she followed me.
What happened?! Stephanies voice sounded out in the tiled confines of the tiny bathroom. Are you okay?
Ssh, ssh, Kelly tapped a finger to her lips, glancing toward the door. I dont wanna tell Brian yet, but get this. All the Darkmasks, they head outside the con a ways away over to one of the big parking garages for their photoshoot. She follows us there, cause Ive got that other Darkmask on my armthe one with the plastic helmet like Brians.
Once theyre all getting set up for their photos and shit, she comes up to me and asks if I know the guy, and Im like, nah, not really? She doesnt really say anything to that, and were kinda just standing there watching the doofus cosplayers clown around for a second. And then, I see in this car window reflection that shes pointing something at me...
Stephanies eyes widened.
I spin roundjust in timeand just barely manage to catch it, while at this same time shes turning and trying to brush past me to make a getaway.
What was it?! Stephanie asked.
Mustard, Kelly made a face. She had like, a dozen little opened packets of mustard, and she squirt them at me. She came this close to fucking ruining Brians gothic lolita outfit before I could sell it. For serious, that was such a close fucking call.
Letting out an uneasy sigh of relief, Stephanie took Kelly by the shoulders to steady herself.
Did she get away?
Well, I dont think anyone else saw her do it, if thats what you mean, Kelly grinned. But, me? I had a palm full of mustard. So, I step after her, she turns around and is all like whaaat? when she sees my outfits still untouched, and I slapped her in the fucking face with the messy hand. Got some of it on her Himari cosplay too, I think.
Before she realized what she was doing, Stephanie found herself lunging in to kiss Kelly. Surprised at herself, elated at Kellys story, proud of her friend, excited and turned on all at the same time, she wrapped her arms around her best friend as they locked lips. More than a sexual gesture it was an intimate one, an exchange of all the out of control emotion Stephanie felt filled to bursting with.
I kissed her! Stephanie blushed as she pulled her face away, unable to stop smiling. I wasnt dared to, and it wasnt something I planned or thought about it just HAPPENED. The connection theyd formed simply made it feel right, and shed acted unbidden, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Whoa, Kelly said, impressed.
I yeah, Stephanie smiled. Sorry. I really wish I couldve been there to see it.
Wish I coulda sat through the panel with you guys, instead, Kelly countered, bringing a hand up to cup Stephanies breast as they hugged. Next time?
Maybe? Freezing stiff at the sensation, Stephanie averted her eyes in a fluster. Her personal space was seldom entered, and no one had ever taken liberties with her chest beforeshe wasnt sure how it felt or how to feel about it.
Sorry, Kelly laughed in a low, husky voice. Uh, too soon? She hefted Stephanies small breast in her hand a few times, feeling the weight of it, and gave it an experimental squeeze.
I its, ah, this is new to me, Stephanie mumbled. I dont know if I dislike it, or if I like it or um, I dont know anything, really.
Tell you what, Kelly leaned in and playfully flicked her tongue across Stephanies lips. Why dont you sit down on the edge of the tub, spread your legs for me, and Ill show you what I know?
....No, Stephanie smiled softly, shaking her head.
No?
I dont want to. Not here, like this, Stephanie explained, taking the initiative to reach down and start pulling Kellys leggings back up into place. We came in here just to freshen up. II dont think Ive ever felt so freshened up. Whatever else happens I think we should do with Brian. Not, um, off on our own like this.
Fuck, Kelly mouthed, blinking at Stephanie. Youre right. Youre so fucking smart sometimes.
No, Im not, Stephanie laughed. Not on my own. But, were not alone! We dont have to be alone, anymore. Was there anything else we should do to, ah, freshen up?
Uh, Kellys eyes came back to focus and she seemed to look around at them seriously. Leave your panties and bra in herewhen we go back out, youll wear the dress and just the dress. Hows that sound?
I can do that, Stephanie breathed in anticipation. Im so nervous, hah. Im shaking a little bit.
My legs are about to shake Im so fucking horny, Kelly sighed in exasperation, running her hands down her body. What do you think? Should I leave the leggings in here and go out in just the shirt, kinda like you did last night?
Um, Stephanie considered for a second, taking another look at what Kelly wore. I like the leggings. I think they look, you knowform-fitting. Its sexy.
Thanks, Kelly said honestly. You need a hand?
With Kellys help, the pink-and-red gijinka sundress Stephanie wore was pulled up and over the girls head, leaving her in only her faded white bra. Nervously unclasping it, she slid the undergarment off her arms, incredibly conscious of the close scrutiny she was receiving as she revealed herself, completely naked, to someone else for the very first time. As silly as it was after everything that had happened between them, Stephanie reflexively covered her chest with one arm, only hesitantly allowing it to drop down to her side at Kellys expectant look.
Th-theyre not very big, Stephanie said with a wince.
Theyre fine, Kelly assured her, keeping her hands to herself for once. Brianll love em playin with them just as they are. Are they real sensitive?
Sensitive to what? Stephanie looked perplexed. Sunlight? I dont tan or
Attention, Kelly gave her an incredulous look.
I dont think so? Stephanie replied.
Guess well find out as we go, Kelly chuckled, holding up the cosplay dress for Stephanie to don once again. You ready for a very different kinda game out there? I have some things in mind
* * *
Chloe wasnt happy.
It was a fact that could be seen even from a distance, in the set of her shoulders and the aggravated pace of each step of her long, slender legs. It was apparent in her crossed arms, the sharp glint in her eyes, and more than anything, the depth of her grimacing scowl. Once again wearing her beige halter top and those tiny jean cut-offs, the lovely but livid girl was currently stalking across the conventions upper level with a purpose. The Magical Doll Himari costume was haphazardly crammed into a plastic gift bag shed picked up from the vendors room, stuffed in with such a hurry that she was sure her wig pieces were ruined.
Ruined because of him, She thought to herself. If hed been where he was SUPPOSED TO BE, none of that misunderstanding would have happened. What a waste of all my hard work making Himari is turning out to be. Because of him.
Despite all of her patience and hard work redoing her makeup and scrubbing at the spots of mustard blotted on her costume, she hadnt managed to even win a place in AnimeCons costume contest. Which meant that the dynamic wasnt right anymore for the encounter shed planned with him she wasnt ostentatiously a winner right now, with a title of victory to prove her inherent superiority. So, directly after the contest shed stormed to one of the restrooms and torn off the costume that let her down, carefully re-arranging her bedraggled hair free from the constraints of the wig cap and applying her makeup all over again.
If I ever see that lolita bitch again, Im gonna push her into traffic, Chloe hissed between her teeth. It was an honest mistake on my part, thinking the other Darkmask cosplayer was Brianhow was I fucking supposed to know? Being accosted for just some meaningless little indiscretion I made? Thats completely, totally out of line. If I ever see her again...
Too much of this endeavor was going wrong. Shed worked hard to make absolutely sure that Brian would be cut off from his friends, alone and especially miserable for his trip to AnimeCon. Instead, the thick-headed idiot was having carefree conversations with airheaded convention thots, entirely oblivious to his own wrongdoings.
But, thats fine, Chloe decided, composing her face into a knowing smile. I wont forget any of this. Youre going to suffer appropriately for your sins soon enough, Brian. YOU may not be reliable enough to attend the AnimeCon events youre supposed tobut I know right where Rebeccall be.
The convention centers atrium was a large amphitheater on the convention halls second floor, featuring a large, open space roofed by a dodecahedron of glass panes and steel girders. The space within was where the Order of the Sovereign Swords had set up shop for their battle-gaming and roleplaying exhibition, but only a handful of medieval-garbed attendees remained. The large central platform was vacant, and though the two smaller wings of the stage had been cordoned off into sparring rings, only one of them still contained combatants.
Chloe found Rebecca acting as the matchs apparent arbiter or referee of sorts, standing nearby with her hands on her hips and watching a pair of geeks smack their padded weapons into each other with a strange focus in her eyes. Though her copper-haired friend was dressed in an outlandish blue-and-green tunic, wore a sword belt and boots that looked fashioned out of leather scrap, the girl seemed undeniably in her element. There was a force of presence in the girls expression and a look of concentration that had always been absent in Rebeccas normal, everyday appearance.
Chloe! Rebecca called, her voice startling the two LARPers sparring in the ring so much they both froze in unison. Excuse me, gentlemen.
Rebecca! Chloe forced out a cheerful voice, and she concsiously ensured her posture and walk had reverted back to the graceful poise of a trained dancer. You look so great!
Thanks! Rebecca trotted forward, wrapping her arms around Chloe in a hug. Im so glad you decided to come after all! Did you just get here?
Yeah! Chloe lied. As discreetly as she was able, she scanned over those remaining in the atrium, double-checking to make sure Brian wasnt among them. Ryan from Seabrooks said he was going anyways, so I said what the hell, and I rode over with him.
Hipster mister! Rebecca exclaimed, finally releasing Chloe from her embrace. Where is he?
Wheres who? Chloe blinked.
Ryan, Rebecca chuckled. Hipster mister.
Oh! He... had to go? Chloe shrugged. Something popped up. Is there any chance I could crash with you guys instead, tonight?
Um, thats... Rebecca winced as if she was put in a difficult position. Emily and I, we were going to room with, uh you-know, tonight. We just, itswe havent heard back from him, and...
Were staying with Brian, Emily spoke up, standing up from the weapons-check table shed been slouching at to walk over and warily join her two friends. There was an edge to the girls voice that Chloe found amusing. Rooming with all of us, wouldnt that be, you knowweird? You and Brian broke up.
Emily! Chloe squealed, jumping forward to hug the smaller-statured girl. I didnt even see you at first! You look so amazing! Its so great to see you!
The latina was wearing the Akane Kurokawa cosplay Chloe knew her in from last year, but instead of the signature Akane look with chest abundantly exposed, Emily had pinned her yukata front closed. It was neatly shut with what looked like a medieval cloak clasplikely one that Rebecca had found for her. Waves of hostility seemed to emanate off of Emilys petite figure as she was crushed into Chloes bearhug, and Chloe felt her grin grow a little bit wider.
...Yeah, Emily managed out in a stiff voice. Great.
I dont think theres anything weird about it, Chloe smiled confidently. Were both grown adultshow childish would it be if we took issue with little things like that? Our group rooms together every year. If he doesnt like it, he can go
But, its not a group room, this year, Emily retorted. This will just be Brians room. Brians money. Dont you feel like youd be imposi
Emily... the Brian I know isnt nearly as small-minded as you seem to think he is, Chloe interrupted, rolled her eyes. No matter whats happened between all of uswere all friends, no matter what!
Thats right! Rebecca agreed enthusiastically. No matter what, were all friends!
Chloe couldnt help but utilize every weakness that chance presented, and cornering Emily by implying she doubted Brian was immeasurably gratifying. Dividing people was Chloes forte after all, and both of these clowns were just too easy to read. If she knew there was one surefire way to manipulate Rebecca, it was by insisting that friendship always triumphs over everything else. Using that tact to drive a wedge in and ostracize Emily in this conversation was just so delightfully ironic! Friendship? What are we, My Friendly Ponies? How naive and brainless are you two?
Well, hes not answering his phone, Emily grumbled, not looking pleased with Chloes inclusion. So, I dont think any of us are
Isnt he staying in that same hotel were always at every year? Chloe pointed out as if it was only common sense, thrilled to be able to cut off Emily mid-sentence again. There was something inherently satisfying in talking over and subduing this obnoxious little brat who always seemed to have so much to say.
The one thats right across the street, with the tiny, cheapo-rooms? Chloe continued with an innocent smile. Cant we just tell them at the front desk that our group got separated, give them Brians name, and ask for his room number?
Thats not Emily frowned. We cant just barge in on him unannounced, thats not cool.
Oh? Reluctant to go visit your buddy Brian now that Im here, are you? Chloe kept her laughter in check and instead gave Emily a quizzical look.
That might be Rebecca trailed off, looking awkward.
Wasnt he expecting you guys? Chloe looked from Emily to Rebecca and back again.
Yeah he was, Emily said carefully. But, hes not answering his phone now. So, if we dont know what hes
I was talking with him earlier, and he suddenly stopped responding to me, Chloe revealed, giving them a knowing look. I was a little hurt, worried that he was ignoring me but, if he hasnt been in touch with you guys either, I feel so much better! His phone mustve just run out of minutes, or something. Thats such a relief.
I didnt say he hasnt been in touch, Emily grumbled.
Oh? Chloe gave her a challenging look. You talked with him today at the convention?
Well not exactly, no, but
But, what? Chloe scoffed, brushing aside Emilys response. Lets go see him now. A lot has happened. Im sure him and I have... a lot of things to discuss!
Rebeccas not done with her Sovereign Swords stuff here, Emily argued, looking to her friend for support.
No, no! Rebecca waved her hands, clueless as to Emilys meaning. Ill go talk to the guys and wrap up real quick! I shouldnt be more than a minute!
Chloe gave Emily a serene smile as they watched their friend rush over to gather her things. The AnimeCon situation had started to go awry, but with her ability she could easily salvage it. The dynamic of a separated couple was defined by power of numbers, after all, and Chloe would be arriving to see Brian with Rebecca and Emily in tow, while Brian would be alone.
The right few sentences at the right moment will change the entire context of these two even coming to the convention, Chloe smirked. Rather than some show of support for you, Brian, its going to look like theyre arriving with ME, like theyre MY friends. I have the social capital, Im the inseparable component of the overall group. Not you. Brian, you need to realize that without meyou have no friends.
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