Cracks Begin to Form

Aubrey was hurrying after Chloe, She didn’t see her when she stepped through the portal though. She probably just kept walking all the way to our room. Aubrey kept going until she got back to her room. She went inside and found Chloe face down on the bed. “Aubrey not now please.”

“Tough Chloe. I’m your girlfriend, remember. I get to come be around and help you when you are upset. That’s also the privilege of being your best friend too. So talk to me.”

Chloe sat up on the bed, as Aubrey sat down next to her. “Why is everyone else just okay, with everything? Like no one else but Talia seems to really be that upset about all this.”

“Chloe, if you think that you haven’t been paying attention, and talking with the others enough. Not one of us is simply okay with what’s happened. But some of us have accepted it’s outside our control. That’s not the same thing at all.”

“If that’s the case why did no one else seem to think that what Mark did was wrong? Even you.”

“Chloe… I have a question, first. If Merida had bought something that could be used against us, negatively, wouldn’t you like it if Mark could warn us?”

“Not at the cost of my privacy. And it’s not just that. When he mentioned what happened with my TFs yesterday, he was clearly annoyed that he didn’t get a say in that. Also with Freya he is constantly ogling her. Why doesn’t anyone else have a problem with that, if she isn’t in the same position as the rest of us.”

“First of all, Mark was not annoyed about your TF getting fixed.” Chloe glared at Aubrey “No, don't look at me like that. He wasn’t annoyed. As for Freya, have you actually talked with the others about it? I have.”

“No. I haven’t. What did they say?”

“The opinions vary, but no one is simply okay with Mark sleeping with her while we are here. Not anyone I talked to at least. After the show is another story. Also your instance that Mark can’t be with anyone else outside of the harem isn’t viable.”

“So he can just sleep around and we can’t?”

“Chloe, you weren’t going to be sleeping around anyway. Not if you want a relationship with me. As for Mark. All our relationships except Allie’s are **** on Mark. Mark was right when he said he doesn’t owe us a relationship because of the show. How would you like it if Mark told you that we couldn’t be together?”

“That’s different.”

“How!? Just because he’s with both of us? No. See I’m choosing to be with you Chloe. I have **** but to be with Mark. That’s not the same. You want to dictate to Mark who he can choose to be with. Why can’t he do that to you?”

Chloe was silent at that.

“Chloe, I actually want an answer. Why can’t he do that to you?”

“Because he doesn’t have the right to.” Chloe said, scowling.

“I agree. He doesn’t have the right to tell us that. Just like we don’t have the right to tell him that.”

“But you heard him before, He said he wouldn’t accept us being with other people outside the harem.”

“Chloe, why does that matter to you?”

“What?”

“Why does that matter to you? Who would you be with outside the Harem?”

“That’s not the point.”

“What is the point then? Because unlike Mark, I’m telling you. You can’t be romantically involved with anyone but me or him without my explicit say so. Why aren’t you mad at me? Because I know you aren’t upset with me for telling you that. Moreover you explicitly said that you weren’t okay with sharing me with the others. Should I be mad at you? Because I'm not.”

“I… That… but…” Chloe’s thoughts were a jumble.

“Look, Mark is a nice guy trying to do his best in a completely bizarre situation. He’s right that our current situation isn’t his fault. You want him to care about what happens to you? Then you have to give him a reason to. I think spending so much time with me, and none of the others has skewed your view of what is going on. So I want you to go spend the day talking to the others without me.”

“Why?”

“Because we are all going to be together for the rest of our lives. You need to get to know them. Make some friends. Now I’m going to go take a shower. I’m going to be upset if you are here when I come out. Understand?”

“Okay Aubrey, if you insist.”

“Good.” Aubrey got up and went to the bathroom to shower.

Chloe didn’t immediately move to leave. I guess I should get to know the others better. Plus Aubrey would likely be really upset, if I didn’t at least try. Fine. Chloe got up and walked out the door.

---

Chloe went back to the cottage first and knocked on the door.

Merida opened the door asking “What do you want? I thought we were getting along pretty well earlier this week, but ever since my date night you’ve been a bit of a bitch. If this is what dating Aubrey does to you, I might encourage her not to continue doing so.”

“My relationship with Aubrey isn’t your concern Merida.”

“It is, if it affects how you treat me.”

“Whatever, that isn’t why I came here.”

“Then, I’ll ask again what do you want?”

“Honestly I don’t know. Aubrey told me I should spend some time with everyone else. I figured I should start here.”

“Well, Ellen isn’t here and I’m rather cross with you. So unless you want to hash things out. I’m not really interested in spending time with you right now.”

“Do you really not have a problem with Mark, just being able to keep tabs on all of us? Monitor our purchases, our location?”

“No, I don’t. Doesn’t really bother me that he has that power. It might bother me if he abused it but he hasn’t.”

“What about him and Freya?”

“I’m not overly thrilled about sharing Mark, but I don’t have a right to demand squat from him about his other relationships. If he wants to have a thing with Freya that’s fine but I think he should wait until after the show. Otherwise Freya is likely to get added somehow and no one deserves to be **** into this.”

Chloe didn't know what else to say to that. “I don’t really want to argue right now Merida. Did Ellen mention where she was going?”

“Aye, She, Allie, Sam, and Flora all went to the library to see what’s up with that. Plan to be there all day, I heard. Don’t know what Talia is getting up to though. Probably dealing with whatever changes Mark made to her.”

“How do you feel about that by the way? Mark is just making whatever changes to her he wants?”

“First, that’s not what he did. He talked with her repeatedly about it. She couldn’t give him anything solid. Second, I literally told him that what Talia expected of him was unfair. That even if she came to him with a list of ten options she wanted, he should make some changes he wanted to make. As long as it wasn’t something that she really didn’t want messed with like say worshiping the Devil instead of God. Because what she did wasn’t fair to him.”

“Seriously?!”

“Yes! Look, you're upset that he made changes to her right? Well Talia, **** Mark to make changes to her. Mark literally told her not to take the deal multiple times. Everything about that is on her, not Mark. So seriously, I don’t know what your problem is with Mark but get over it. I’m not saying we should be thankful we are on this show, but we should be thankful that Mark is as good of a person as he is. We could have had a Master like Freya and her sisters did. So lay the fuck off of him, or we are going to have a problem Chloe. Now I’m going to go rest and maybe sort my wardrobe a bit, since my tastes are changing. So unless you want to come in and explain in detail what your problem is, please leave.” Chloe just stared at Merida for a bit saying nothing. So Merida closed the door on her.

Chloe walked off towards town. I could have handled that better. But really Mark should just do what he wants? How can she even think that? Like we’re his playthings. Even Laura seems to be enamored with him. I don’t get it. Maybe talking with the others will help.

Chloe was in town and saw a new portal in the direction of the palace around the fountain. She stepped through into the lobby of a massive library. She saw Sam and Flora going through a card catalog but didn’t see Allie or Ellen.

“Oh, Hey Chloe.” Sam said, looking up at the sound of Chloe’s heels on the marble floor. “Come to help?”

“Not exactly, but sure. What can I do?”

“Well, Flora and I are going through the card catalog to get a sense of what system is used here. It isn’t the Dewey decimal system but it is similar. We’re trying to narrow down where some of the more important books might be.”

“Do you really think they’ll just be in the catalog?”

“No but, take books about me. I can think of a few places I would look for those, even if there isn’t a listing. Biographies would be a sensible place to start for sure, but also US Military or US Navy books. I could see books for you in pharmaceuticals, or finance. Flora here in botany, or forestry. Stuff like that. For Astrid, that’s a bit tricker. I’m currently trying to narrow down the sci-fi section for a section on sentient androids or robots. For Harem Hotel, well… that’s erotica, porn, game shows and reality TV. But honestly it’s a shot in the dark. We have to start somewhere and I think a more organized search is better than just starting at one section of the library and searching the books one at a time. Plus, I’m fairly sure the library is growing and the books move.”

“Wait seriously?”

“It makes sense. At least the growth. If the library contains everything from our world currently written. That would include any new releases. As for moving I don’t know. Magic.” Sam shrugged.

“Okay, so is there anything specific I can do to help?” Chloe asked again.

Sam felt a little tingle at the back of her mind saying she should deal with Chloe. Chloe is currently a problem for Mark. And Sam needed to be better at dealing with Mark’s problems. That’s the TF, Talking Sam. Chloe isn’t the problem. Her attitude is the problem. No. Stop that Sam. But Merida thought she was a problem too. Do I not like what she’s done? The little voice in the back of Sam’s head said, Like how she’s treated my boyfriend? No I don’t. “Chloe, can we go back to town and talk for a bit?”

“Uh sure.”

“You’re just going to leave me here Sam?” Flora groaned.

“You wouldn’t even tell me what section you were looking for whatever your problem is Flora. Also Allie and Ellen are still here, just message them. I need to talk with Chloe.” Not waiting for Flora to complain more, Sam closed her drawer of the catalog and walked through the portal back to the town’s fountain. Chloe followed her shortly after. “Let’s go to the Tavern. I could use a drink.”

“Sure I feel the same.” Chloe nodded in agreement.

They walked into the tavern and sat down at the Bar. Each ordering a cocktail. Sam got an amaretto sour with three cherries and a slice of lime. Chloe, got a long island iced tea.

“So what did you want to talk about Sam?”

“You. What is up with your attitude? What’s your problem with Mark?”

“What? I don’t think there is anything wrong with my attitude, and I don’t really have a problem with Mark per se, more the show. Though he has done a few things I take issue with but nothing major.”

Sam downed her drink and slammed the glass on the table. “Bullshit. Chloe, All of us have a problem with the show. You are the only one actively taking it out on Mark. Sure some of us have done some things, yelled at him and such but none of us are blaming him for what’s happened. You clearly are. Hell, even Talia wasn’t before Mark made any changes. So what is your issue?”

“Why does everyone keep saying that? I don’t have an issue with Mark.” Chloe took a sip of her drink as Sam ordered a second.

“If everyone is saying it, don’t you think there might be a reason why? Some truth to it?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Okay, fine Chloe. Here’s what I think. You're possessive. You’ve accepted that you are going to have to be with Mark, but are pissed off because you have to share. Instead of taking it out on Cassandra because you can’t, or us because we are also being ****, you are taking it out on Mark. Because how dare your partner look at other women. He’s yours. So you feel like you can dictate to him how things work. Tell me how many relationships of yours have failed because you got paranoid that your guy was looking at someone else.”

Chloe slammed her drink on the counter this time. “Sam, you have no FUCKING clue about me or my past relationships. Go fuck yourself. Are you really telling me that you like sharing Mark? Bullshit! You’d take him for yourself too, if you could.”

“Chloe, yes I’m fine sharing him. It wouldn’t have been my first choice of a relationship that’s for sure. But the idea of being with him and Allie is actually appealing to me. If we had the chance to go back to our own lives right now without the TFs. I would try to be in a relationship with the two of them if they would have me. I want to make this abundantly clear. I am happier than I have been in years. Originally I wanted to talk to you because I wanted to try and smooth things over for Mark, but now I realize, FUCK that. I’m telling you this right now. You keep treating my boyfriend poorly, we will have a major fucking issue.”

“Oh? What do you think you can do about it?”

“I’ll grab some rope, tie you up and make you ask Mark to free you. I’m sure I can think of other things. I have found a chance at happiness and I’m not going to let you ruin it. I am not going to let you accuse Mark of being some stalker that is watching our every move. So sort your shit out, because if you don’t resolve your issues with Mark. I will.” Sam downed the remainder of her second drink and stormed off not letting Chloe respond.

Chloe just thought, Great just what I need another person mad at me. Aubrey is going to be mad too that I made things worse… Chloe ordered another drink, and just sat there nursing it for a while.

---

Sam after storming off didn’t go back to the Library, instead she went back to her room. When she entered and slammed the door behind her. There was a loud “EEP” from the bed. Sam noticed Talia covering herself with the bed sheets.

“Oh, hey Sam. What’s brought you back so soon? I thought you were going to be at the library all day?” Talia asked in a rush and rather nervously.

“That was the plan but I think I needed a break and Chloe came by and I got in an argument with her and I came back here to cool off. Why are you so squirrelly?”

“Huh? Me? Squirrely? What do you mean?”

“Like exactly that. Your response right there. Why are you so nervous?” Sam looked at Talia more closely, and realized what had happened. “Crap, Talia I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were masturbating.”

“I—I wasn’t.” She said nervously. Then Talia sighed, “Okay that’s not true. I just thought I’d have the room to myself.”

“It’s fine Talia, nothing to be ashamed about. I could help you out if you’d like.”

“Umm, Sam. I do really find you attractive and all but I don’t think I’m ready to start a relationship with someone, I’m still figuring things out with Mark.”

“I wasn’t talking about a relationship. I already agreed with Allie that the two of us were exclusive besides Mark romantically at least for now. But we said it was fine to still do sexual things within the harem. So if you want I could help get you off, or eat you out.”

Talia thought about that for a moment. God that does sound nice. I do want that right now. No, I want the first time I do something to be with a person I’m in love with. “Sorry Sam. That’s tempting but no. I don’t think I was getting anywhere but more frustrated. I sort of want my first sexual encounter to be with a romantic partner too.”

“Understandable. Are you doing okay, by the way?”

“Yeah, I feel much less like I’m going to be miserable or get eliminated now.”

“And it doesn’t bother you, that has changed.”

“It did at first, but Cassandra explained how she made the change this morning and that made me feel a lot better. I thought she had essentially messed with my family's minds to change them but she didn’t. She just altered a few events that were apparently enough to shift my parents' views on things. The rest of the changes, while odd, aren’t really troubling. It is a little annoying that I’m now the youngest of my siblings. But, I have better relationships with them than I did before. I’m definitely happier with my life after the change than before it. I can’t really complain about most of the changes either. Like the only two I find mildly annoying are my sexuality and one of the fetishes Mark gave me.”

“Care to share what Mark changed with the last five words? And I thought you said your sexuality wasn’t an issue before.”

“Well calling my sexuality an issue wouldn’t be accurate per se. Rather it’s distracting.” Talia got up out of bed to change clothes.

“Distracting? Explain.”

“Well, Mark didn’t just make me pansexual. The exact change was extremely pansexual.”

Sam was confused “Like how does that work?”

“Well, you remember Smug?”

“Kind of hard to forget seeing your first dragon.”

“What did you think of her?” Talia asked a little evasively, staring into her wardrobe.

“I mean he was terrifying but awesome. Wait, her?”

“What about sexy?” The nervousness in Talia’s voice was palpable.

“What? Smug’s a dragon. Wait... are you saying you find Smug sexy?”

“I mean… Yes. Both as a male dragon and female dragon. If they’re good looking, that is to say aesthetically good looking, sentient and an adult, I think I’m going to find myself attracted to them physically. What’s worse… Well, have you ever had a really good friend who was into you but you just didn’t find them attractive?”

“Once or twice.”

“Well, I didn’t really have that problem in my new history. Mostly because of the fact I was super smart, and not around people my age. But I still remember my life before Mark changed me. I had this really good friend in high school our senior year… she kissed me.”

“Oh. I take it that you reacted poorly.”

“Yes, mostly by not reacting. My dad also saw her kiss me. He screamed and yelled at her and told her to leave, threatening to call the cops if she didn’t. I just sat there. I did nothing.” Talia looked ashamed. “I wasn’t mad that she kissed me. I would have made it clear I didn’t feel that way but… I would still be her friend but she was gone before I came to my senses. It was always something I regretted not making up with her. But now. Now that memory is worse because she was pretty, I could see myself dating her now. But now. Now, she doesn’t even know who I am.”

Sam walked over to Talia and placed a hand on her shoulder. “That’s awful.” Sam gave Talia a hug.

“Yeah, well. Nothing I can do about it now. To answer your other question, I don’t mind sharing. It’ll come out eventually I’m sure. I asked him to make it so I would accept my wants and desires. Then he made me a shortstack, into animal girls, polyamorous and…” Talia muttered the last thing under her breath.

“And what? I didn’t hear that last thing.”

“He gave me his TF fetish.”

Sam just blinked at that. “What? I mean I know he has it but why would he give it to you?”

“Well, how would you feel if he wanted to make alterations to your mind or body right now. Just because it would be fun and a turn on. If he didn’t consult you either.”

“I wouldn’t be pleased if he didn’t consult for sure. If he did, I probably wouldn’t be thrilled if it was permanent but I mean…” Sam looked down at her enhanced curves, “I get the appeal to some degree, but if these were permanent and Mark wanted it to be that way… Oh, crap.”

“Sam?”

“I’m pretty sure I would be okay with that. I mean I know I shouldn’t be okay with that. But I think I would be.”

“So, why ‘Oh, Crap’?”

“Because I’m pretty sure I feel that way because I want to look nicer for him, be his ideal wife, and a better partner. I’m aware he doesn’t want me changing who I am to do that. But I mean if he wanted me a bit curvier… I think I would be okay with that.”

“Wait, is this my fault? Because I made you realize that a truly ideal partner for Mark would be okay with being changed by him.”

“Talia, please be quiet before you make things worse. I need to text Mark.”

Sam: Mark I need you to put, Being your ideal wife, being a better partner, Looking good for you and us pleasuring each other as inactive. Please, this is important. Please reply when you get this message.

“Now Talia, it isn’t your fault. At least not completely. It isn’t like I have a burning desire to be changed or suddenly find it being arousing or acceptable. But I think I would be okay with Mark making my breasts bigger. If he wanted them that way. But could you please not say anything until I let you know. I asked Mark to make it so that I won’t constantly try to improve myself in a way that might alter who I am, if I get the wrong idea.”

“Sam… I think one of us should leave.”

“What why?”

“Because, trying to get you to change for Mark sounds really fucking hot, and I’m already really horny. But, I know that I really want to do that badly right now. But I also want to be a good friend. So if you want the room I’ll leave, otherwise it might be best for you to go unless… you’d like me to help you become better for Mark.”

Sam’s mind was whirling Damn it, I feel like I need to say yes to her, but do I want that? Maybe it’s the **** talking but a little maybe? No. maybe? no. Shit.

“I’m sorry, Sam. I’m going to go. I can see you don’t want that.”

“Talia, I’m not sure if I want it but I feel like I need it, right now.”

“Really? You’re asking me to try to help you be better for Mark?”

“Fuck… Yes I guess I am.”

“Okay I want you to go lay down on the bed. I want to take care of one thing quickly. Then I’ll join you. Shouldn’t take more than a minute or two.”

Sam felt like she wanted to leave, but knew that she had to let this happen.

Talia stepped outside of the tower for a moment and called Mark.