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AnimeCon Harem 5: Upper Level
🕑 Added 2018-07-31 20:43:22 +0000 UTCUpper level? Brian called over the noise of the nearby crowds in the main lobby. Stephanie nodded, and Kelly took initiative to lead the way, the raven-haired gothic beautys self-assured presence of confidence seeming to help open a path among everyone.
To Brians surprise, he also noticed her reach back to take Stephanie by the hand, ensuring the shy, diminutive girl wouldn't bump into anyone. The pair of escalators was overloaded and even had lines forming, so Kelly chose the staircase leading up between them, which was almost empty. Together, their small group climbed up towards the terrace that overlooked the convention hall.
Brian wasnt sure how to feel about Kelly, anymore. At first, seeing her in the Calamity Queen set had been a painful reminder of Chloe. After all, hed been picturing Chloe wearing the outfit for months leading up to the conventionever since ordering it for her, in fact.
Kelly was likewise endlessly confident, a little imperious, and even fairly manipulative like Chloe... but there was plenty of nuance to the girls demeanor that was in stark contrast to his ex-girlfriend, as well. Despite that intimidating bravado Kelly affected, some subtle change in her mannerisms, this morning in particular, made her feel warmer, friendlier. Closer, to both him and Stephanie. Maybe in ways even Kelly herself had yet to realize.
No matter what happens today Brian mused, looking thoughtfully back up at the raven-haired beauty ascending the stairs, I think Ill let her keep the outfit.
The thing had been atrociously expensive, but that particular dent in his wallet was already in the past, practically forgotten. Hed only brought the Calamity Queen set to the convention so that he could try getting rid of it without feeling like it was a wastenot necessarily to recoup the whole loss.
Looks like it was practically made for her, anyways.
Upon reaching the top, both girls turned to Brian for direction, and he led them to a free spot along the railing where they could take in the entirety of the convention hall. While there were a lot of people on this upper level as well, it was a breath of fresh air compared to the oppressive crush of bodies in the lobby below. Though they were two stories up now, the ceiling skylights were much, much higher overhead, giving their area a mezzanine view of the entire convention lobby.
Its its amazing, Stephanie breathed, still almost hopping with excitement. Look! Theres a Key Catcher Sakuro! And, and over theres a Solar Bear cosplayer! I-I hope I can get a picture of them, later.
Theres probably a whole Monster Battlers meetup going on at some point today, Brian said. Lets ask the next Battlers cosplayer we see, maybe somebodyll know something.
Okay! Stephanie agreed, flashing him a smile and turning back to try and spot more familiar cosplays.
Excuse me, Miss in the lovely black dress, an older voice chimed in from behind Kelly. Could I take your photo?
All three of them turned in unison to see a man in his early forties wearing a pocketed vest. He was wielding an oversized camera rig, the bulky cylinder of a specialized lens protruding forward from the thing and an external flash mounted above.
Professional photographer?
As you wish, Kelly sighed theatrically, twisting back against the rail in a sensuously graceful way. The distant, morose expression she wore combined with the Calamity Queen set was effortlessly captivating, and the photographer took several shots at different angles. Stephanie and Brian even had to edge back further out of the way as the gentleman stepped back to take a wider picture.
Excellent, thank you. Very beautiful. The man nodded with satisfaction at each still he replayed, and turned next to Brian. Could I get a few of you as well?
Brian posed once casually, leaning back against the rail as if relaxing, produce sticking out of his shopping bag, and then did a more serious one. He left the bag on the ground for the serious pose, adopting a proper combat stance, fists raised at a ready to the camera and stylized skull helm glaring with menace.
Ooh, I like that one, Kelly whispered loudly to Stephanie.
You mayve just made the papers, the middle-aged man shook Kelly and Stephanies hands, then turned and offered Brian a hand as well. Dan Andrews, Sunday Morning Gazette.
Brian, Brian chuckled, returning the photographers firm handshake and then respectfully taking off his helmet. And, me? No way. With all the other costumes here, Im nothin special.
Well, youre right, and youre wrong, the man said with a hearty laugh, turning to take in the entirety of the convention hall with a look of appreciation. Couple years ago, I woulda singled out a couple of cosplayering twerps from some big, well-known series and been able to call it a day. Woulda made for a cute little interest piece... buried sixteen pages back in the the paper.
Cosplayering? Brian gave the older man a lopsided smile.
But now, you know, this anime stuffs big. If theres no other big news before tomorrow, this events got a good shot at making front page. People attending anime conventions arent these, yknow, these social pariahs anymoretheyre, potentially, the sons and daughters of parents who read our Gazette. Everyone knows somebody whos crazy into this stuff nowadays, so now, youve gotta give stories like this a very special treatment.
So its changed the... criteria you look for, in taking photos? Brian asked, a little interested. Kelly and Stephanie seemed to be huddled into their own whispered conversation again.
Well, yeah, sure, the photographer nodded. Going right for the ones that look the most nerdy just doesnt fit the narrative anymore. Cant just stroll around taking shots at tits and ass, either, thougher, if youll pardon my language. My editors this shrewish old harpy, know what I mean? Heaven forbid, nothing improper, hell, nothing suggestive can be put in our paper, not in this day and age. Ive gotta avoid taking any shots that show too much skin, and thatshell, thats most of em, these days.
Sounds like that doesnt leave a lot for you to take pictures of, Brian laughed.
Hah, no, it really doesnt, Dan Andrews chuckled, shaking his head as a young brunette woman wearing a virgin-killer-style sweater passed by. The knit sweaters backless opening extended down far enough that the first few inches of the cleft of her butt was on open display, visible to all. Well, when youre young, everythings all sex, sex, sex.
Brians eyes absent-mindedly wandered up Stephanies profile instead. Up her tall red boots, to where they slightly pinched the plush, pale skin of those lovely thighs. The fluttering, breezy hem of her pink-and-red dress, and that alluring hipline that angled into the shy girls slender waist. She turned, as if feeling his eyes upon her, and her cute face bloomed into a warm smile.
Hell, you fit the bill for the Gazette, though, Mr. Andrews said. Interesting, but not inappropriate. You are a ?
A... Darkmask minion, from Hero Hero Haruki, Brian explained guiltily. With some difficulty, he tore his eyes away as Stephanie turned back to Kelly. As usual, no matter how tempting her figure was, that brilliant smile of hers was a thousand times more dangerous.
A dark mask, okay, Dan pulled a tiny notepad out of his vest pocket and scribbled skeleton guy = a dark mask.
I web search em all when Im back at the office, he explained with a sheepish smile. Fill in the character and series details, and all that. Otherwise Id never keep track, you know?
No worries, Brian shrugged.
Now that, there, the photographer sighed, pointed out a nearby young mother ushering along a screaming costumed child away from the railing, Wouldve been my safe bet, woulda been perfect for the Gazetteif only she wasnt bawlin her eyes out.
The frail-looking mother in front of them stopped in place, still attempting to coax the young girl, who looked no older than four, to calm down. The child was cute, and probably would have looked sweet and adorable... if not for the fact that her little face was contorted into a screaming wail. With a pink-and-red dress, tutu-like skirt, and what looked like a familiar headband with ears attached, Brian realized that she was actually dressed up gijinka-style, as a monster from Monster Battlers. Either Embrin, or its evolutionFlamituff!
Cassieplease, the frazzled young mom begged in a tired voice. We can fix it. Mommy can fix it when we get back to the car. Cassie? Cassie? The girl was clutching at a small animal-eared headband in her tiny hands, not unlike the one Stephanie had made for her own costume. The ears were slightly rounded triangular shapes of red craft foam, but one of them had separated from the headband, exposing dried beads of hot glue.
Maybe Ill wait and see if she calms down. Cute kid, recognizable costume, Dan Andrews nodded to himself. Makes the event seem like a family thing, broadens appeal across demographics and all that targeted thinking mumbo jumbo
Oh my goodness! Stephanie exclaimed suddenly, crossing over to the crying girl right away. Are you an Embrin?
With teary eyes, Cassie looked up at Stephanies approach with so much surprise that she nearly dropped her broken headband, and the little girl shrunk back against her mothers legs.
You look so pretty! Stephanie praised, slowly crouching down beside the girl so that she wouldnt appear threatening. Im a Flamituff! Do you know Flamituff? The little girl stood in awe for a moment, completely enthralled by Stephanie, before slowly nodding and reaching out a hand in wonderment.
Sucking in air between his teeth with a hiss, the journalist disregarded conversation with Brian and stepped in, bringing his expensive-looking camera rig to bear on the unfolding scene. The photographer hurriedly snapped photo after photo after photo in quick succession of this unexpectedly perfect scene between Stephanie and the little girl.
Yes, shes an Embrin! the mother spoke up, gently nudging her daughter forward. Say hello to the pretty girl, Cassie! Naturally, Cassie didnt speak, still entranced by this beautiful girl suddenly crouched down in front of her. She stepped forward and grabbed at Stephanies outfit as if to ascertain she was real.
Shes shy, the mother apologized.
I am, too, Stephanie confided to Cassie with a knowing smile. But, since youre the most bravest little Embrin here! She withdrew the rabbit-eared headband adorning her own pink tresses and then carefully placed them upon the little girls head.
So astonished that her mouth was hanging open, Cassie immediately pulled them off and held them in front of her, working her pudgy fingers across the soft felt of the ears and then looking back up at Stephanie, an adorable smile blossoming across her features.
Those are for you, little one, Stephanie insisted, helping her put them back on again. Look, youve already outgrown your old Embrin ears! Youre ready for big Flamituff ones!
Oh! Thank you so much! Thank the pretty girl, Cassie! the girls mother said quickly, covering her mouth with a hand, taken aback. Your costume looks great, and I just love your hair! Are you sure youre okay with ?
Yes, of course, Stephanie beamed, rising up from her crouch and giving Cassie a last little wave. I hope she has a really great time.
Doesnt matter what other news is happening, now, the old photographer mumbled to himself. We just clinched cover page, for sure. Dan Andrews, Sunday Morning Gazette, sorry to interrupt. Would you be alright with this being published in tomorrows paper?
Yesoh my god, yes, the mother hurriedly agreed. Cassie, do you want to be in the newspaper? You got a picture of? He leaned in, tilting his camera for them and clicked through several of the photos hed taken.
Shot from an angle just behind and slightly over the shoulder of Stephanies Flamituff gijinka dress, the pictures were extremely well-composed, capturing the vibrant colors of their costumes with vivid clarity. In the foreground, the pink-haired young woman was proudly crowning her own rabbit-eared headband onto the little girls head in the focus of the shot, giving the still photo a sense of depth and movement. Wearing the matching colors in her little Embrin outfit, Cassies cheeks were still wet with obvious tears, but her expression captured in that moment was dawning surprise and happiness.
Wow, Kelly mouthed, impressed.
That came out perfect, Brian congratulated, and he took Stephs hand. That was cool, what you did.
N-no, Stephanie blushed. Giddy with excitement, she kept stealing glances back at Cassie wearing the oversized Flamituff ears, rather than the photographer showing off the shot. She was justshes too cute! And, and it broke my heart, seeing her with her little broken ears!
But now you dont have ears, Kelly pointed out.
Thats okay, Stephanie smiled, adjusting her glasses and running a hand through her fluffy pink hair. Im, um, Im already satisfied, with how my cosplay turned out this year. It made her so happy. Did you see?!
The smile she turned towards him was dazzling, and she was so perfect, so overwhelmingly cute in that moment that Brian lost control for a moment, unconsciously leaning in to kiss her. The fire in her eyes seemed to flare brighter, and she happily allowed herself to be pulled closer, tilting her head up to kiss him
But he stopped himself, pulling back in alarm and giving her an embarrassed look.
Iuh, yeah, sorry, Brian said with a nervous chuckle. She seemed to understand, to know that hed almost lost controllost himself because of her, seriously struggled to hold himself backand she looked extraordinarily pleased with the notion. She gave him a shy grin, turning away to hide the fact that she was going completely red, the rosy tinge spreading across her entire face and all the way down her neck.
What was I doing!? Brian wondered, turning away and exhaling slowly. Staying within the lines was so much simpler and easier to understand with Chloe setting ironclad boundaries. A stern frown here, a disapproving look there, immediate and intentional guidance for his every subtle behavior.
But, with Stephanie, that whole rulebook was thrown out the window. She radiated raw attraction, and her every appreciative glance, her every beaming smile seemed like she was eagerly inviting more. He was a little afraid to discover how little restraint he actually had when it came to her.
Hey, you two! The fu Kelly began to gripe, before looking to see that the mother-daughter pair was still several feet away from them. What the fuss was that supposed to be?!
What do you mean?
Youre like this stubborn little kid who doesnt wanna take his medicine. Kelly shook her head in exasperation. You just dont get it, do you?
Get what, exactly?
Cmere. Come over here, Shooting him a wry smile, she took Brian by the hand and tugged him along after her in search of a more private place for them to talk. He couldnt help but notice the entrancing way the layers of Kellys petticoat and dress slowly twisted back and forth about her as she walked, as though ever-so-slightly pivoting with each step them. She remained conspicuously silent as she pushed through the flow of passerby with Brian in tow, meandering through another group of anime fans over towards a secluded area of the overlook. Stephanie followed close behind them.
Okay. You dont get that you need this. Its like, all the stars are aligning, everythings falling into place for you to have some amazing fucking times this weekend. Hookin up with Steph is exactly the kind of intimacy you need to get past all of this bullshit with your ex.
I... dont think werewell, I dont think Im ready for that, Brian shook his head. Getting myself into all that right after a breakup like this, that would be dumb.
You tell yourself that all you want, Kelly laughed. Snot gonna help you sleep any better tonight, trust me.
Whats that supposed to mean?
It means, us girlsStephanie and Iwell, weve both got the itch. She eyed him in apparent amusement, leaning to rest her elbows on the upper level railing. That itch that only you can scratch, Brian. Whatre you gonna do about it?
This whole conversation feels... surreal, Brian thought as he met Kellys brandy-brown eyes.
Okay. Stephanie, I could see, Brian said, glancing at the speechless pink-haired girl beside them.
S-see what? Stephanie blinked.
Maybe, Brian continued, chuckling and shaking his head. But you? You dont even like me, Kelly.
Oh? Kelly arched an eyebrow.
You know what I mean, Brian said. You dont have feelings for me, Kelly, not really.
...Ill have you know I have very strong feelings for you, Kelly teased, looking out across the plethora of attendees below. So what if they happen to be... a very specific sort of feeling?
Whatstrictly physical?
Is that a crime? Kelly pouted her lips at him. I dont catch feelings, Brian. Not in that other way. They fuck people up, no thanks.
Kelly, I dont think you and I would ever work out. He decided to be blunt with her.
Oh? She quirked an eyebrow, seeming unfazed. Whys that? Our parts match up, right?
...I dont think that they do, he said. Our personalities wouldnt fit well together for an actual relationship.
Oh, Kelly laughed, rolling her eyes. Those werent the parts I was talking about. God Damn, Brian. Your idea of what a relationship isits way too fuckin static. Let me guess, youre just in for the long haul? The serious relationship; monogamous dating, with the intention of maybe eventually getting engaged? Married?
He didnt fail to notice she said that last bit with undisguised disgust.
Yeah, he agreed, keeping a straight face. Thats how I see it.
Well, thats dumb. Your little romance aint gonna play by your one lil set of rules, and you shouldnt try to force it to. Take it from the bisexual girlrelationship can mean, like, a bazillion different things, and each and every one is gonna be completely different. They can be a long and boring like you want, or they can be short and sweet you know, punctual. They could be with just one undeserving broad, or with as many as you can stick your dick in.
Yeah, real romantic. When I do find the person I want to spend the rest of my life with, Brian explained, shaking his head in dismay at her choice of words, I dont want to have to tell her that Id been just having meaningless flings, all casually. I feel like that would... demean the private moments I have with her.
Then, dont have meaningless flings, Brian, Kelly rebutted. Have intensely meaningful flings, with someone youve just met. Or, several someones... if youre up to it.
Okayand what would the meaning be, then?
Well, you know, she teased, flashing her bewitching smile. Theres only one way to ever find that out. You look real deep inside of yourself to find your answers. Or sometimes, deep inside someone else?
Very funny.
Im being serious, though, Kelly insisted, grabbing his arm. Like, BrianIm for real serious.
Im for real serious, too, Brian countered. Last night was I dont know. Things went that way, and it happened, and no, I dont regret it. But, that doesnt mean Im gonna play along with your act like this, whatever it is. Im not into casual hook-up stuff like that. Thats not me. Okay?
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