Settling Into Round 2

Everyone took a moment to collect themselves after the morning's events. Mark then spoke up, “Okay, if anyone notices an issue with their transformations please let me know immediately. I’m keeping a list of things that need to be dealt with. I don’t want something to be forgotten or languish, without getting resolved. That being said, I think we might have been hasty in buying corrections last time. I wouldn’t call it a mistake but we might have been able to come up with a better solution if we had taken some time. So unless it is a problem instead of simply an inconvenience I’d like to look for a good solution and not simply an immediate one.”

"So, like, you mean I can't talk smart. That fix has to wait?" Ellen said, as Mark noticed that her breasts were shrinking slightly.

“As an example, yes. I’m sure it must be frustrating Ellen, but at least so far I don’t think anyone has had an issue understanding you. I don’t know how bad forgetting common things is yet. But compared to fixing something like Sam’s compulsion to keep perfecting new things which hopefully we have resolved at least somewhat, or more immediately Flora’s issue regarding her claws, your speech will have to take a back seat. Yes, it’s inconvenient and we will address it, but Flora’s issue could get her a punishment TF, if not eliminated if not resolved.”

Multiple people exclaimed, “WAIT WHAT!?” and most of them turned toward Flora in alarm and worry.

“Mark, Flora explain, NOW!” Sam got very worked up.

“Uh… Sorry Flora, I know you wanted to keep this private.”

“Go ahead Mark, it needs to be resolved.” Flora replied.

“Well, Flora sleepwalks. I know that she told Allie to watch her and Allie confirmed she was doing it every night they were together.”

“Okay that doesn’t explain how she could get eliminated.” Sam continued. “Mark, remember how I have that thing about protecting the others, well it is screaming at me. So in detail, explain.”

“Well, nothing bad has happened yet, but well on the morning after Flora’s date with me, she climbed on top of my chest, and it got hard to breathe. I had to be rather forceful to get her off. She woke up in surprise and was rather upset, but she could have been far more disoriented, and attacked me instead. A slap across the face in that situation might be tolerable by the rules, But if she had extended her claws and slashed me… If I needed medical intervention… I doubt that would be overlooked. Flora has also apparently tried to eat the contents of one of the hookah pods as well. Which, well that could just end poorly. Sam, you punched Cassandra and the producer wanted her to eliminate you. What do you think would happen if my life was actually in real danger.”

Aubrey went pale at that, “Baaaaa!” Aubrey got annoyed again and pointed at Freya, “Baaaaa.”

Chloe understood, “ASTRID… you’re saying that could happen to Flora, or something like that because of an accident.”

“It probably wouldn't be that bad, but yes.” Mark clarified. “A punishment TF, or an elimination would definitely be on the table, Cassandra would probably try to make it as light as possible especially if it was an accident, but yes.”

“Mark, this needs to be everyone’s priority. Like I don’t care what people’s plans were, they’ve changed. This should be the only thing people are dealing with now until it is resolved.” Sam said authoritatively.

“Sam, please calm down.” Flora said. “I’m glad you want to help but we have already come up with a few possible solutions and are pursuing them.”

Sam felt the compulsion to help lessen significantly hearing that but it didn’t go away entirely. “Okay what can we do?”

Flora turned towards Merida, “Well, Merida I’d like your help with this. If you’re willing, that is.”

Merida looked at her curiously, “Sure… I guess, whit can I do tae help?”

Flora moved close to Merida and whispered into her ear, “Apparently hypnosis is helpful with sleepwalking.” Flora pulled away and then spoke at a normal volume. “If you don’t want to help with that Laura and Mark have offered to do it, but considering everything we thought you would be the best person to do it.”

“Okay, Flora…” Sam interrupted. “Can you please tell us what this solution is?”

“Sam, drop it. Please.” Mark said, “She isn’t telling you because of one of your TFs. So please drop it.”

“I really can’t Mark.” Sam clarified. “Like I mean it, I CAN’T.”

Mark got out his phone and moved ‘Protecting the other girls’ to the inactive list for Sam. “How about now?”

“Okay, yeah. I’ll trust that you have this Mark.”

“Thank you, Sam. Also I know I said I’d put the other thing back on your active list after the challenge but I’m not going to do that right now.” Sam just nodded at that.

Merida spoke up, seeing the tangent was done, “I can help, Flora. But I’d like tae ken, why me? Why no’ anyone else? Like I dinnae really hae any experience wi’ this.”

“Well, Mark, Laura and I all think you should be able to do it. That alone should mean that you can, because of your Boon. Plus you actually do have relevant experience. But it is actually a matter of not having other issues either. Everyone else except for Laura and Aubrey currently have something that would be a problem, and we think it is likely that Aubrey might get something problematic, and I’d rather not have to swap to someone else helping me later. If you don’t want to though, like I said Laura and Mark can do it instead.”

“Naw, I’m willin’ tae. I just thought I was an odd choice, but it seems like ye gied this some thought. I guess I can see whit ye mean about the others bein’ problematic. Ye really dinnae think I’ll get somethin’ like that? Wi’ my Romantic Nostalgia path, that is?”

Flora looked at Mark for an answer since she really didn’t know.

Mark tilted his head from side to side, “Maybe? But it would likely be less problematic than anyone else. I mean Laura could get something too, so it isn’t like anyone is a perfect choice, and Flora, you already know why I’m recommending you don’t choose me.”

Flora nodded at that. “So Merida, would you be willing to try later today? I have books for it.”

“Aye, Flora, we can try.”

Mark continued, “Thanks, Merida. Now back to the original topic, of resolving problems. I’m going to wait to solve things that are inconvenient until the near the end of a round, and only if we don’t have a solution to an actual problem to purchase. I will say I’m grateful as I wouldn’t say any of the transformations this round are extremely problematic, except maybe Ellen’s Just A Pretty Face, at least on the surface. So keep me apprised, if you find any problems. Anyone have anything they’d like to bring up before I help Isabella get situated?”

“I have one.” Laura said, raising her hand slightly. “I’m not saying I’m just going to jump at this the first chance I get, but about Smug, and actually Freya and her sisters. Would it upset you if one of us wanted to pursue one or more of them?”

“Well… I can say for sure about Freya and her sisters. No, I would not be upset. Smug, I'm unsure about. I'll think about it and let you know okay.”

“Mark…” Freya hesitantly began, “I won’t speak for my sisters but I think it would be generally unwise for such pursuits at this time.”

“I’ll leave that up to you and your sister’s Freya, I expect everyone to respect all of you about this, so if that isn’t happening tell me.”

“I actually have something as well, to bring up.” Talia said changing topics. “It’s in regard to your time management.” Mark looked at her curiously. “I think you should be making more time for people, when it isn’t their date night. I know you’ve been getting used to everything, and group breakfasts have helped, but I think ensuring a bit more balanced individual interaction throughout the week could really benefit everyone, here and when we’re back on Earth. I think you should try to set aside a few hours each day to spend with people who’s date night it isn’t; Maybe make lunch a one on one thing with someone else and do some simple stuff in the morning and earlier in the afternoon. It doesn't have to be a strict schedule, of course, and if someone wants an all-day event, that’s totally fine. Just that, you should try to balance your time better, since I know multiple people have complained about not getting much time with you. Others didn’t really get anytime with you until their date nights either which isn’t fair to them.”

“I’m definitely in agreement there.” Laura stated, “I know we talked about it on our date but I don’t want to have to wait until my date night every time to do stuff with you, Mark. I think a few others feel that way too.” Mark noticed most of the others were nodding in agreement.

“Okay, but realize that some of this is going to be on all of you too. Like accepting that we aren’t going to be doing all day dates all the time. Also, that you coordinate who gets what time through Freya, that is one of her responsibilities is managing my schedule. Right Freya?”

“Absolutely, Mark. I am to help make sure you can utilize your time efficiently. So please ladies call or text me, and I will make sure Mark makes time for you and if you could send me your date idea the night before I can make sure to set Mark’s schedule around that easier, and help you to avoid the mistake Laura made as well.”

“Anything else?” No one responded to Mark, “Okay then I am going to spend the day with Isabella, but can come around if anyone wants.” With that, people started to leave the theater with only Allie and Isabella remaining behind. Once the three of them were alone, Mark asked, “Isabella, I know this is a lot to take in, how can we help?”

“I don’t suppose you can send me back could you?” She weakly joked.

“I wish I could Isabella but no I don’t…” Mark trailed off in thought, and grabbed his phone.

Mark: Cassandra what would happen to Isabella if Allie bought the TF reroll in her shop and rerolled Maid of Honour?

Cassandra: Isabella is in your Harem now Mark. End of story. You can have Allie reroll it if you want but it would just make Isabella a separate contestant, and get Allie something new, to replace it.

“Mark?... Mark?” Allie got up and snapped her fingers in front of his face, “Mark you spaced out for a second. It seemed like you might have had an idea that would get Isabella out of this. Care to share?”

“Sorry, I did think of something but Cassandra said Isabella is in the same position as everyone else, she’s in the Harem, end of discussion. I had thought maybe if we rerolled the Maid of Honour TF that brought her into the Harem it would make it so she wasn’t considered a part of it anymore, but no it would just make her a separate contestant, and get you a new TF vote Allie, so, I don’t think that is a good idea.”

“It would make Isabella her own person though and give her and me a date night to ourselves with you.” Allie pointed out.

“And it would **** you to compete against one another, in challenges.” Mark retorted. “I don’t think we should do it. The only reason I haven’t written it off entirely is if Isabella would rather have her own TF paths separate from yours.”

“Okay, I only vaguely understand what you mean, by TF paths. Like I know what they are, más o menos. They’re like themes, but why would I want to have a separate set?” Isabella inquired.

Mark thought about how to answer that for a moment, “Well, right now Allie’s path’s are Gamer Girl, Future Wife, and Little Red Riding Hood. Which means any transformations you would get are also going to be in one of those themes. As for why you would want your own paths. Well, they would likely be more appropriate to you. Like I don’t know what your paths would be but I could take a few guesses, with something like dancer or performer coming to mind immediately. The point is Allie could have a transformation come up that is appropriate for her that she might enjoy but you would hate to get yourself. For the gaming path she could be made into an e-girl streamer, at least that option could come up. Then if it places second you would get that, Isabella. You might like to play video games occasionally but I doubt you would want that to be your profession instead of a hobby.”

"I absolutely wouldn't, claro que no! I love dancing, and I want to be a professional dancer." Isabella confirmed.

“That’s my point. That would be why I’d consider it. But there might be some other way to resolve the TF problem.”

“You could give it a boost, Maybe that would solve it.” Allie suggested.

“That is an interesting idea… you know what, screw it.” Mark went through his phone and tried to use a boost on the TF. Mark saw he got a warning about boosting the TF and dismissed it. “Well that won’t work apparently, I can boost the TF but only if I use three boosts at once, thereby making it permanent.”

“That’s weird, why would this be the only TF you can’t do that to?” Allie inquired.

“It isn’t the only one. All three of my boons that I had before today have the same response. I looked to see if there was a way around the stupid shouting the effect name for boosting and found that I could do it from the status page. When bringing up the prompt to boost something I got a warning saying it would require three boosts and make it permanent. I went through everyone’s TFs after that to see which ones couldn’t be boosted temporarily. Previously the only ones I couldn’t boost temporarily were my own. My guess is that it would have an effect that can’t be allowed to be temporary or would be abusable in some way if it were. Anyway that isn’t something we need to worry about right now. Isabella, is there something I can do to help you deal with all this?”

“I don’t think so, Mark. If Allie and I are with you tonight that means we have to share a bed, right?” Mark nodded to that. “Okay, could Allie sleep between us?”

“Of course Isabella. Also I don’t expect anything from you. You actually have a little more freedom than the others in that regard, come to think of it.”

"¿Cómo dices?"

“Well, you don’t have to actually do anything physical with me. The others technically don’t either but practically that isn’t feasible. You on the other hand truly don’t need to. While it might be slightly harder, Allie can definitely get enough VP on her own to cross 100VP as long as she doesn’t place low in too many challenges.”

“So… you don’t want me?” Isabella questioned, “Like you don’t want to do anything with me?”

“I did not in any way say or mean to imply that. Just that you shouldn’t feel like you have to. Look, did you read Allie’s TF, that brought you here, yet?”

“No… but she explained it. It’s what added me to the harem, and gives me the transformation that gets the second most votes.” Isabella looked confused and Allie embarrassed a little.

“Well, see, it had some… I guess you could call it flavor text. I didn’t know this but Allie had been planning to ask you if you wanted to try being a throuple after our wedding.”

Isabella turned toward Allie in surprise. "¿De verdad? Allie? And Mark, would you have been okay with that, mijo?" Allie nodded.

“Allie and I had actually talked about bringing in a third before, just you were never mentioned. The thing is the TF implied that had Allie asked you to be our third you would have said yes. What I’m saying is I would have been ecstatic to have you join us, in a proper relationship. You’re fun to be around, and extremely attractive. You and Allie are a lot closer than the two of us are but I still consider you a good friend. What I’m saying is we can still develop that relationship, well not normally, but without there being the same pressure that is on the others.”

“Well… that is interesting. Thinking about it… I guess I would have said yes. With how you look now Mark I would say hell yes. Though the fact you are with eight other women besides Allie, does give me some pause.”

“Isabella, it isn’t like Mark is the only one with more partners.” Isabella looked at Allie with one eyebrow cocked. “See… I’m dating one of the other women now. Samantha. I really like her.”

“She’s the dragon lady right?” Allie nodded. “So do you two still want that kind of relationship with me?”

Both nodded but Mark spoke up first, “Assuming you do Isabella. I want it to go at your pace though. Also not sure if this was in the info packet Cassandra gave you but, if you want to have a relationship with any of the other women in my Harem or on my staff here that won’t bother me in the slightest.”

“I might have a problem though.” Allie said. “Isabella, I do want a relationship with you, but I need to talk with Sam first. I’m not doing anything with you until I do that. We said we wouldn’t be dating any of the others romantically, even if sexual stuff is fine. But I don’t think I could separate the two with you, so I’m not doing that until I talk with Sam.”

“Sam will come around Allie.” Mark assured her, “The real question is if Isabella is okay with all this.”

“I mean, of course I’m not okay with all this, but I do understand that isn’t how you meant that. Mark, can you really turn into a woman?”

Mark was a little taken off guard by the sudden topic shift. “Yes, I can. Why?”

"Can you show me, por favor? Obviously, you know I'm bisexual, but I also prefer women. Not saying you aren't a tall glass of water right now, but I'd like to know what your other form looks like. Weirdly enough, the fact you have that form was included in the info that Cassandra gave me, but not what you look like."

“I’d rather not, right here. See… I was naked the last time I was Mary, and I’m willing to bet Cassandra didn’t give Mary a set of clothes as part of the TF just to mess with me, I’m willing to bet that is why she wanted me to transform earlier. Later tonight though I can transform, put on some clothes and let you see what I look like as Mary.”

Isabella looked a little confused, “Mark why do you talk about your female self, as if Mary is a separate person, or identity? I mean you are still you, like that right?”

“I am, but it’s a little hard to explain. There are differences between me like this and Mary. More than just the physical ones. Right now if you asked me to put on a girly dress, I’d tell you to shove it because I wouldn’t be comfortable doing that. But if you asked me while I was Mary, I would probably be willing to at least humor you if not actually like it. Same with some other things as well. While I would also say my preferences in women are 90% the same, they are slightly different. Like I don’t mind being shorter than everyone else while Mary, even though that is something I do care about right now. Not that, that will be an issue any more. Also right now I’m a straight man. I very much feel like a man. When I'm Mary, as you might have noticed by the name usage, I’m a lesbian woman. I very much feel like a woman too, I don’t have any dysphoria about it. I’m not Mark in that form. Being called Mary feels right in that form, whereas being called Mark doesn’t.”

“That’s really weird to be honest, but so is finding out magic is real, being **** into the harem of a man you were actually willing to be in a throuple with, and being turned into a wolf-girl. All very weird, so what is one more thing on the pile? Mark, yes, I would be willing to date you. Allie too, if Sam is okay with it.”

Allie bit her lip and decided to just ask, “What about Sam?” Isabella looked at Allie in confusion. “I mean like what Sam wanted to be a part of our polycule. Romantically I mean?”

“Isn’t she already by default of being with Mark and you?”

“I mean what, if she wants what Mark wanted before this show started, and sort of still wants now, which is why he said maybe about Smug to Laura, earlier. Like what if Sam would like to be with you romantically, if I am?”

“Oh, I see. I don’t really know Sam well enough to tell you if I’d like to date her or not Allie.”

“But would you be open to it, or would that be a deal breaker for you?”

“I would at least be open to the idea of it. Truth be told, that is sort of how I would have viewed being with Mark, before all this. The person I really wanted to be with was you Allie, but I want to make this clear to you Mark. I didn’t think of being with you as a cost to be with Allie. I’d have been happy to be with just you as well, mijo.”

“You just prefer women. I understand.”

“Well…” Isabella looked him up and down. “I will say that my opinion of you has changed on an attraction front, and the fact you can be a woman does significantly alter my perspective on things. I actually think right now I find you hotter than Allie, which is a first for me. Alright Allie, could I ask you for a favor, mija?”

“Sure, what do you need?”

“Could you give Mark and I some alone time, and go talk to Sam about things and sort out that situation. If you want after talking with her you can bring her with you so I can talk to her if you want. Depending upon how that conversation goes.”

“Sure, not a problem. You have more you want to talk to me about or should I just go ahead and go talk with Sam?”

“I’m good, go talk to your girlfriend, about how you’d like to have another girlfriend.” Isabella teased her.

“Alright, see you two later, I’ll meet up with you around dinner time okay?” Allie gave Mark a quick kiss goodbye and went off to see Sam.

Once Allie was out of the theater Isabella spoke up, “Mark, is there somewhere we can go that would be private? Maybe that we can relax at, too?” Isabella looked utterly exhausted.

“Well, my suite is probably the best place for that. Though I can probably get the spa reserved if you want.”

“Your room would be fine. Lead the way, because I only have a general idea of where I’m going.”

“Okay let’s go.” Mark offered Isabella his hand to hold. She stared at it for a few seconds, and finally took it, but Mark could tell there was something wrong. As she wasn’t really holding his hand more like she was letting him hold hers. I guess it’s probably why she wants privacy. She’s barely keeping it together. Mark led her through the portals and through town, texting Hilde on the way.

Mark: Hey Hilde, Isabella and I are heading up to the palace. Could you meet us at the edge of town? Also could you make sure that we aren’t disturbed for a while and when Allie comes up to the palace tonight give me a heads up?

Hilde: Sure Mark. That’s not a problem. Just one question though. Who’s Isabella?

Mark: She’s Allie’s Maid of Honour. She is now part of my harem but Allie and her are competing as a pair.

Hilde: Ah, I see. Not a problem. I take it she isn’t doing too well, and doesn’t want Allie to see.

Mark: I would assume that is the case, yes.

Hilde: While guard isn't part of my job description, you can count on me to make sure that you aren’t disturbed without warning. See you soon.

Mark and Isabella made the rest of the journey to the edge of town in silence, meeting up with Hilde, who Mark introduced to Isabella. “Isabella, this is Hilde, my chauffeur and delivery girl. Hilde this is Isabella, she is Allie’s and my friend and Allie’s Maid of Honour.”

“Hi Isabella.” Hilde said with a friendly smile and a nod.

“Hi, Hilde.” Isabella got up into the carriage. “Thanks for the ride.”

As soon as Mark was in the carriage as well, Hilde got the carriage moving. They rode up to the suite in silence. Isabella was blankly staring into space, the whole ride. When they arrived at the palace it took a while for Isabella to even notice that they had stopped. She followed Mark off the carriage and into his suite. Upon entering the suite she made her way over to the couch and sat down on it with her knees pressed against her chest and rested her head on them. Mark followed and sat down next to her. After a minute of just sitting there, Mark broke the silence. “It’s okay to cry, I won’t judge you. On the first day here, I got really bad anxiety about all this. Almost had a full blown panic attack. Flora came by and just sat with me and helped distract me from being overwhelmed. So if you need to cry, or scream, or just sit here in silence. I’m here for you.” Isabella leaned on to her side and put her head in Mark’s lap and began to cry. Mark put a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. Her crying sounded much like a dog’s with a high pitched whine and whimpering laced throughout. After a few minutes, she stopped crying, sat up and wiped her face. “You don’t have to tell me, but if you are feeling up to it, I’d like you to talk to me about it.”

Isabella gave a sad nod. “Everything. It’s just so overwhelming. Mark, you know I was trying out for a performance right?” Mark nodded. “Well, I was asked to come back and it sounded like I got the part. But I’m not going to be able to do that anymore am I?”

“You actually might be able to.”

“¡Ay, Dios mío! How, I’m not even human any more. I know Allie likes being a wolf-girl, she’s always been into stuff like this for cosplays. I don’t want to be a wolf-girl. I don’t want to just be an add-on to Allie. I don’t… (sniffle)... I don’t want to be part of a harem. Why did this have to happen? Why couldn't you and Allie just be happy together? I would have been happy to join you two but why couldn’t it be the three of us? I told Allie I was okay with her being with Samantha too… but it hurt to say that. I just thought it would hurt to tell her she would have to choose more. It also hurt when Allie pressed me if I would be okay with trying to be with a woman that I don’t even know, to be with Allie.” Isabella started crying again. “Ella es mi mejor amiga. She’s also my first crush. I just never asked her out because I thought she was straight. I didn’t learn she liked women too until after you and her were dating. Mark if at all possible can we find a way to separate Allie and I? You also said something about re-rolling TFs, can we do that for the wolf-girl one?”

“If you’re sure that’s what you would want. I will try my best to separate the two of you. But you realize that means you would have to compete. Possibly directly against Allie.”

"Yeah. I don't like it, but I like the idea of becoming less me and more like Allie a lot less. She's great and I love her, claro. But I'm not a gamer at heart, and I don't like her other paths either, sabes?"

“Okay, and for your wolf-girl TF, would you mind telling me why you don’t want to be one? Because if we separate you from Allie you’re still likely to get a transformation like that. You might have noticed that only three of the ten of you are still fully human, four if you count Chloe since it is temporary… at least for now. So is it being a wolf-girl in particular or is it being non-human that is upsetting you? We can re-roll it for sure, but realize you could get something else like it.”

“Both. Probably the latter more than the former. You really think I would get something like that? Like is that a certainty?”

“After re-rolling it. If you stay attached to Allie and keep her paths? Probably not, as Allie shouldn’t get another TF like that. If you get your own paths? Probably. I fully expect that Chloe, Talia, and Merida will all get something similar eventually. So I just wanted to check because you could get something you like less than being a wolf-girl. That was the reason Aubrey wanted to be made a sheep-girl, because otherwise she would have likely ended up as a cow-girl eventually.”

"But por qué? Why can't I just stay human? How am I even gonna have a life?"

“As far as why? The point of the transformations is to make you more appealing to me. That’s just how the show works. I have a thing for women with minor animal and monster features. As for having a normal life, well did you hear Cassandra mention the reality adjustments?” Isabella shook her head. “Well they will essentially make it so that people won’t treat you differently for being a wolf-girl. You’ll still be able to be a dancer. So I guess the question is would something else appeal to you more?”

"Not that I can think of, mijo. I'd rather be a wolf girl than stay attached to Allie, though. Look, Mark, you've been a good friend to me, and a good partner for the most part to Allie. That's why I would've said yes to trying to be a throuple with y'all. I just don't want to be Allie's second, you know?"

“You know you need to be honest about this with her too, right?” Isabella nodded. “Good. Allie will understand Isabella. She will also understand if you aren’t interested in being with her if she is with Sam.”

“I don’t care about that. I mean her being with Sam. I get why that happened. She has to share you with the others, and didn’t think I would want to be involved in this after the show. Which she would have been right about. But I’m apparently involved if I like it or not. She can be with the others and me. I’m not opposed to being with any of the others in theory but…”

“You felt pressured to tell Allie that, when she asked, because you didn’t want to make it seem like you would make her have to choose. You got something wrong though Isabella. That wouldn’t have been you making her choose that would have been Sam doing that. Also you don’t need to worry about Sam on that front. At least I don’t think so. Pretty sure Allie is getting chewed out right now by Sam, if I had to take a guess. At least if she brought up you and Sam dating. Look, relationships are going to be complicated and messy with the harem. I realize not everyone is going to feel this way and that’s fine but at least within the harem I think physical intimacy shouldn’t be something people get particularly territorial about.”

That caused Isabella to weakly laugh, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh at you, just hearing you say that is rather amusing. Since you have been very territorial about Allie in the past. Honestly a little surprised you were willing to consider bringing in a third.”

“Well… I’m still possessive about that stuff. When Allie and I discussed it, the person would have to be someone okay with being with both of us. I honestly didn’t want a second person just for myself either. I didn’t feel like that would be fair to Allie, and I didn’t want to share her with someone I wasn’t with.”

“And now? Because obviously Allie isn’t going to be with everyone else.”

“I still feel that way about sharing her, frankly everyone. I’ve mentioned this. I’m not totally comfortable with them having relationships outside of the Harem, if I’m not involved. But I’ve accepted that I am going to be with everyone here. Partly because I do actually like all of them, but also because I don’t want them to suffer from being on the show.”

“Well, I don’t think that is fair, but it isn’t unreasonable. It isn’t like you are here willingly either.”

“I have a question. If we could get you your own paths but keep you and Allie attached would you want that?”

“I don’t like that I have to get Allie’s permission to buy anything.”

“Fair enough. Well I will see what we can do. Do you feel a bit better after talking?”

“Not really. My entire life just got turned upside down. Can you point out any upsides of this for me. Because at least right now I can’t. Even the wish isn’t available to me as an incentive. At least I’m pretty sure that’s Allie’s if she places first.”

“Well… you can date Allie and myself? I realize that might have happened eventually before, but that is something. I mean you gained a new skill in cooking, and if you help others you can pick up additional skills without putting in the work yourself.”

“I guess the first bit is sort of nice. I don’t actually like cooking though. My mother always tried to get me to do it, but I just hated it even if I was apparently pretty good at it. I’m also not the best advice giver. Those two would have been great for Allie, not so much for me, though. I see what you mean about having my own paths.”

“You mentioned the wish before. Any idea what you’d use it for if you could get it?”

“I don’t know exactly, it depends on how pervasive I can be with the wish. Like I got the info that it doesn’t have many restrictions, but like how multi-faceted and complicated could I make it. I assume there is some limit. But eternal youth for all of us probably, maybe the ability to make real lasting sustained changes in the world. I can think of other things to tack on but I don’t think there is anything that I really felt like I was missing in my life besides a passionate romance. Maybe I’ll get that with you.”

“I’ll certainly try my best on that Isabella.” Mark said, taking her hand in his and smiled at her.

“Thanks, Mark. Not right now though.” She slipped her hand out from his.

“Sure, well it is fairly early in the day, what would you like to do?”

“Honestly not sure what there is to do here. I know that you and Allie had some sort of video game date, there are shops and a fitness center, a spa and a hot spring, a large movie catalog, and apparently things like going to space aren’t off the table either.”

“All true. So I guess, what is something you always wanted to do but thought you never could because it was too expensive or simply not doable with our technology.”

“Hmm, I’ll think about that. Maybe we can just walk around, maybe go and talk with the others? I only know a little bit about each of them, and they don’t really know anything about me.”

“Sure, if you feel up to that. Also would you like to change? I think the second wardrobe here should function for you. OH! Be careful about the mirror between the wardrobes.”

“Yeah, that is something I was made aware of but thanks. And yes, I think I will change into something more normal.” Isabella went over to the wardrobe and grabbed a change of clothes and went into the bathroom to change. Coming out in a blouse and skirt. “Where do I put my dress?”

“That is actually a very good question. I haven’t seen any hampers and most of the time clothes that I’m not wearing have a habit of disappearing and showing back up in the wardrobe clean. I don’t know what the others have been doing but no one has mentioned having to do laundry. So maybe if you just put it in the wardrobe it will just get cleaned.”

“Okay well that is something at least. No laundry. Alright, let's go meet the others.”