Presenting a Triple Feature

Laura and Ellen had brought Mary to the Dragon’s Lair Auditorium. Smug greeted them, “Hello Mary, Laura, Ellen, how are you three today?”

Laura spoke up, “Great, we plan on watching some films.”

“That’s the big secret? Movies?” Mary said in disbelief.

“We have to keep you guessing. If every time we go it’s a surprise, it’s some **** event then you will always assume that and it won’t be a surprise.” Laura smirked at Mary. “I do have an **** event if you would prefer that. Though I think Plan Awesome needs to be delayed until another day with how things have gone.”

Mary looked at Laura disbelievingly, “Plan Awesome? You mock me for my naming sense and puns, and your Plan A stands for Plan Awesome?”

Laura nodded, “Yep, Plan Awesome, Plan Basic, and Plan Cluster-Fuck.”

Ellen corrected, “We did not reach an agreement on those name selections.”

Mary asked, “Okay so is this, Plan B or C?”

“C” they both said in unison.

“As amusing as watching this is, I have a question for the young Miss here.” Smug interrupted, shrinking her dragon form such that her head height matched Mary’s and getting very close to her. “Would you be willing to share your treasures with Smug? Assuming they are willing?”

“Not sure how I feel about being called Mary’s treasure.” Laura replied.

Smug glanced at Laura, “If Mary does not treasure you, then she is a fool. I can already tell though, Mary is not a fool. Well… not on this matter at least.”

“I’m not sure Smug. You are correct I treasure them all, in one manner or another. Let me ask you, Smug. Would you share your treasure with me?”

Smug’s eyes narrowed, “If you are being literal… No. If that is an euphemism for sex, then yes.”

“Still not sure.”

“Would your opinion be swayed if I got the final favor your goddess owes Cassandra for you?”

“No. That isn’t because I don’t want it. Rather it is because my acceptance of you sleeping with them isn’t something you can buy.”

Smug considered that for a moment. “I apologize, both to you and Laura. I approve of your stance on the matter as well, Mary. Then is there something I can do to persuade you? Or are you simply unwilling to share outside of the Harem?”

“I’m not unwilling. I’ve actually made a blanket exception already. Though I doubt you would take advantage of that.” Mary found it very unsettling to watch a dragon cock an eyebrow.

“Do tell. What is this exception?”

“I told the others that if they want a relationship with anyone on my staff they can as long as the other person is okay with it. Same within the Harem, anyone in the harem is fine with me as long as they are okay with it.”

“Well, that is interesting. Cassandra has been asking what I want to do after this season. I will not be joining your harem, but your staff… that is a possibility. While I won’t join just to sleep with Laura, if I did join I assume you would find it acceptable for me to be intimate with her?”

“Okay, so this is a bit sexist, but only if you’re female. That would actually be true of the others on my staff as well. I don't want another penis involved with any of them.”

“That is fine. You have given Smug much to consider. Enjoy your shows.” With that Smug returned to her treasure pile and lay down.

With that the three of them walked into the theater, this time the seating was replaced by a large plush round bed, with lots of pillows. As they walked over to the bed Mary asked, “So, did you select the seating or did Cassandra?”

“That was our decision,” Ellen replied, “Though we did make that choice prior to our outing, yesterday. We believe it would be more comfortable for us to recline and cuddle while watching the shows.”

Mary climbed on the bed and made a stack of pillows to recline against and lay back in the middle of them. “So what are we watching?”

As the other two climbed on the bed to either side of Mary, Laura responded. “Well we thought it would be interesting to see the other versions of us like you did with Talia. I also asked if she could include stuff about Lucia too.”

“That will be neat. It was definitely interesting with Talia, seeing what caused us to work out.”

“Afterwards, we each selected a movie to watch. Correction: I picked out both but that is because Laura wasn’t sure what was good in the genre she wanted to watch.”

Mary cocked an eyebrow at Laura who simply responded while looking away from Mary, “Well, I might have asked if we could watch another of those anime movies you are into. The last one was pretty good. So I thought I would try another, since I figured you enjoy that stuff. I didn’t do that because I want to get to know your interests better. I just don’t want you to be a drag all day.” Mary smirked at how cute Laura was as a tsundere.

Ellen said in a teasing voice. “Oh? Then Mary, we can start with my movies first, and come here.” Ellen pulled Mary away from Laura putting Mary’s head on her chest. “If Laura isn’t interested then there shouldn’t be any problem with you coming and cuddling me closely.”

“Hey! That’s not fair, this is my date day with Mary.” Laura pouted but didn’t actually move to grab Mary.

“Oh so, you do like Mary? Do you want to be a couple with her? Because I do.”

“NO! Who would like someone so small, dainty, and cute… Definitely not me…”

Mary rolled her eyes at Laura’s protests and turned to Ellen. “As comfy as your chest is, I do want to cuddle both of you.” Mary moved her head off Ellen’s chest, and moved back to the middle and did her best to pull both close but found it difficult with her size. Seeing what she wanted though the two scooted close and cuddled her.

A screen came down from the ceiling as the lights went down low. After an opening cinematic that would get Cassandra a cease and desist letter from The Mouse, the screen read: ‘Presenting a Triple Feature: An Act of Love, You Can’t Outrun Your Heart, and I Love Lu-Lu&LaLa’.

The same smooth male voice as last time, began to narrate. “Mark's early years were, in many ways, a testament to simplicity and structure. He was raised, as many are, within the comforting embrace of a Catholic family, his days shaped by the rhythm of parochial schools. There were siblings, of course, and parents whose love was both abundant and unwavering.”

Both Laura and Ellen said, “Wait, is that—”

Mary responded, “Yes, Cassandra kidnapped him, to narrate. Now let’s just watch.”

“Now, by the close of his middle school days, this same young man would find himself utterly captivated by a childhood friend. Yet, that particular chapter, filled with the often tumultuous throes of young love, is not the story we unravel today. Still, it is crucial to understand these beginnings. For only by knowing the path taken, the very genesis of his journey, can one truly appreciate how he ultimately arrived at his ‘happily ever after.’”

Mark’s life played out mostly the same with nothing standing out, to Mary until Mark reached high school. “Huh, I’m not riding the bus to school. My parents are driving me.”

“Do you think that’s relevant? You haven’t really mentioned anything different so far.” Ellen asked.

“Yes, I do. Freshman and sophomore year of high school I had English first period. I was habitually late for that class because the bus wouldn’t always make it to school on time. It severely affected my grades in that class. Yeah see here, I’m far more engaged. I loved fiction and writing at this time but struggling in the English courses sort of put me off it for a while. Okay I didn’t expect to be taking drama courses in high school either, but I don’t have the same friends. I’m also not a runner. Okay, Ellen just so you know this is probably one of the more different ones I’ve seen so far. I still can tell that it is definitely me but this has diverged a lot.”

It sped through Mark’s high school days, showing Mark as Danny Zuko in the school production of ‘Grease’. From there Mark went to UCLA for acting. While there he made connections in the film industry and was asked to play a bit part in a few films. Ellen spoke up, “Oh so that’s how we would have met okay, I don’t seem interested in you.”

“Why would you be? At this point you are an established Actress, that has done multiple movies, and been on TV shows regularly. I’m a bit part. I will say it is odd that we keep getting put on the same movies, over and over again.”

“Not really.” Ellen corrected Mary. “You have the same agent as me.”

“Wait seriously? Okay I guess coincidences should be expected. This is an alternate reality such that everything aligned right.”

“Oh, I saw this movie between you and that no name actor Ellen.” Mary and Ellen looked at Laura.

Mary questioned her, “You like rom-coms? Especially Christmas Rom-Coms?”

“I didn’t say that I just happened to see this one… I definitely don’t watch all of the new ones with my mom, every holiday season or anything.” Laura said very unconvincingly.

“Nothing to be ashamed about. You can like what you like Laura.” Mary said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“Thanks…”

They turned back to see that Mark was the male love interest for Ellen in this movie. Ellen replied, “Yeah I still don’t seem very interested.” Mark would go on to play parts in smaller movies while Ellen moved to bigger and larger things. A few years later after Mark graduated from UCLA was his first truly big role. His agent and a professor had pulled a few strings and got him an audition for one the lead of one of the Marvel Movies. Which he didn’t get but they offered him a role in an upcoming film instead. That would have a cameo in the film they were auditioning for. Which is how Mark met Ellen again on the set of ‘Captain America: Civil War’, Mark was playing ‘Peter Parker’ and Ellen was 'Black Widow'.

Ellen shouted, “HA, I KNEW I WOULD LOOK BETTER IN THAT OUTFIT THEN SCARLET!” The two of them finally started hitting it off, and went to the premier of the movie together as a couple. The film started to flash through clips with the narrator taking over explanations,

"And so it was, with a quiet dignity, that Mark and Ellen continued their courtship, navigating the relentless gaze of the paparazzi with remarkable grace. A few years later, the natural progression of their bond led them to marriage. They would go on to welcome into the world [BEEP] children, a profound new chapter for which Mark, with a father's devotion, chose to step back, in part, from the demanding glare of the acting world, dedicating himself to their upbringing."

The film started over from the beginning, each time though it always started off the same it was not until high school that it would ever diverge and Mark never rode the bus to school in any of them. Ellen’s life didn’t diverge much except which shows she was a part of and even then it wasn’t too different. How they met varied, sometimes Mark was a screenwriter, others he made costumes, then set design, and more acting. Always a professional disinterest between them at first, followed by repeated meetings throughout their lives. Until finally one would ask out the other.

"And so, our exploration of the many alternate histories for Mark and Ellen draws to a close. Their journey, in its various forms, offers many perspectives. The question now, perhaps, turns to you: will you find your own happily ever after?" Definitely Not Morgan Freeman said as an ‘INTERMISSION 1’ was displayed upon the screen with a ten minute timer.

“Okay be right back.” Mary said, running off to the lobby. “Bathroom.”

Laura looked at Ellen and thought that she looked pensive. “Squirrel steal your acorn?”

“Huh?” Ellen said broken out of her thoughts.

“Something my mom would say to me growing up.” Laura began to explain, “It means—”

“That you’re lost in thought over something that is bothering you. I remember Laura. It took me a minute, but I have Lucia’s memories too. So, I guess it would be more accurate to say, our mom would say that. Well I… is it alright for me to call her that?”

Laura contemplated that, “Well it’s complicated for sure. I remember your dad. Well I guess it’s the same as you, our dad. Thing is I never knew my father, so it’s odd now, as I have memories of your dad as my dad.”

“I knew my mom but she passed away when I was twelve. So it’s weird for me too.”

“How about we just call them whatever feels right in the moment okay?” Ellen nodded at that. “Now what was the acorn the squirrel stole?”

“Jinkies, well my life didn’t seem to change. Not really, until I met Mark. Even after meeting him it didn’t really change that much even until we actually started dating. Mary said that those other Mark’s were really different but I’m not sure that I agree. Like I see our Mark in all of those, don’t you?”

“Yes, but also no. Like yeah they are similar, but all those Marks were more confident. They were also funnier. Like they didn’t constantly use puns and bad jokes all the time.”

“That is why I said that they were so different.” Mary interrupted. “Their sense of humor was just so off the Mark.” Mary climbed back into the bed and moved between the two of them as Laura groaned.

“Anyway,” Laura continued, as she shook her head. “The thing that I find really odd and correct me if I’m mistaken here Mary, nothing changed besides you not taking the bus to high school right?”

“Well not before that. Plenty changed because of that though. I thought it was odd too, that it was so consistently the divergence point. It does make sense though, it affected how I thought about creative writing and language. We have a few minutes before Laura's comes on. Does anyone want snacks?”

“Yes, please.” Both Laura and Ellen said.

Mary ordered a few various theater items, and a long tray appeared over the three of them with popcorn, sodas, and candies. Laura looked at the items in front of her and then curiously at Mary. “Okay Mary, what gives? Ellen, you didn’t tell her anything else about me from your memories of Lucia right?” Ellen shook her head. “Then explain Mary.”

“Explain what?”

Laura pointed at the items in front of her. “Caramel popcorn, cherry cream soda, only pink starbursts, and butterfingers. Why did you pick them? Because I see your selection is different for yourself, and Ellen’s looks like an eclectic bit of everything because you didn’t know what she wanted. So please explain how you selected my favorites, or at least my regulars.”

“Oh… So… It’s probably the mirror Laura. I hadn’t had the chance to mention it really yet, but Flora and I looked in the mirror together yesterday morning. I mentioned the oddity about you with the coffee and well… she jokingly asked for her favorite sandwich, I put one together for her and well it was pretty much all things she really enjoys and she found the sandwich incredible. It seems like I got some knowledge about you. Rather I think I got knowledge from the other me, about you. If it was simple stuff like food and drinks I wouldn’t be concerned at all, but it might include fetishes, as well.”

“Hmm… well what’s done is done. I can’t say that I mind you being able to instinctively grab things that I like, for me. The fetish thing might bother some of the others but I would just tell you if you asked. Oh, my section is coming on.” The three settled in to watch Mark and Laura’s alternate relationships unfold.

The Narrator began, "As before, we commence at the beginning. Yet, there is no need to retrace the familiar steps, to revisit descriptions already etched into our understanding. Instead, let us now observe precisely where Mark's path diverged, and illuminate the journey that might have led him, not to Allie, Ellen, or any of the others but into the arms of Laura."

Mark’s life quickly played out exactly as Mary remembered it, all the way up to him enrolling in college. Though for some reason there was a lot more on Mark’s early life here. Occasionally the girls would comment on how adorable Mark was as a child, same with Merida the few times she showed up. Mary for the most part tried keeping her embarrassment, to a minimum, and mostly refrained from any comments. The first change wasn’t something Mark did at all, it happened in college, at the end of the first week of practice for the cross country team. A voice spoke from off screen “Yo newbie, your form is wrong.” The screen panned to Laura coming over to Mark and looking up at him. “Here let me show you. You need to be moving like this.” Laura went through the motions slowly deliberately emphasizing her butt and thighs, which Mark had trouble looking away from. “Okay, show me you understand.” Mark started to move like Laura had instructed. As he did Laura just grabbed his ankle and thigh and repositioned them “Better. Again.” Mark moved through the motion again. “Good now move like that as we run around the track together. Make sure you have the form down before going faster. I’m sure you are plenty fast since you made the second string right out of the gate, but you need to get your form corrected. Name’s Laura by the way.” Laura extended her hand to shake.

Mark shook it, “Okay, I’m Mark.”

“Nope, your name is Newbie until you prove otherwise. Now get moving Newbie, and don’t worry I’m sure I can keep pace with you.”

They started to run around the track and they noticed Chloe come into frame on the field inside of the track frowning as she looked at Laura running with Mark. Along with a few of the other members of the women’s team, also whispering about the two of them. While it was clear that Mark and Laura couldn’t hear the women, their words were able to be heard by the three watching the film. “Oh, here she goes again.– Damn he’s sort of cute in a dorky way. – Cute? Please he’s tall, has dark hair, fit and has a decent face. What more could you want?”

The camera returned to focus on the two of them running. “So, Mark, besides running, what do you do for fun?”

“I mostly play video games and tabletop games. I’m a bit of a nerd.” Mark said, smiling a little, as his form slipped.

“Hey, maintain your form. Well there is a party tonight, if you are into that sort of thing. I can get you in the door.”

“Oh? I’m not super into that sort of thing. Lots of people are kind of overwhelming for me. Also I’m guessing there is going to be **** right?”

“Yes there will be **** and women. Technically I have to say you can’t have any as you are underage. But you know how it goes. From the sound of it though, you aren't interested in drinking.”

“I mean not overly? I’ve seen what it can do to people. My mom’s family has quite a few alcoholics in it.”

“Well, I’ll say that knowing your limits is what is important. But if you don’t want to drink, you don’t have to and if anyone overly pressures you to drink tell me and I’ll have them thrown out. I don’t tolerate that crap.”

“I haven’t said that I was going.”

Laura looked at him like he was an idiot, “Do you have any other plans tonight? Classes haven’t even started as it is orientation and move in week, so you don’t have homework. You probably don’t know many people here so why not go to a social event to meet some people.”

“I don’t have other plans right now… no.”

“Great then, it’s settled. After practice we can get changed, and if you need something better than whatever you brought to the locker room we can swing by your dorm and we can head to the party after that.”

“I mean…”

“Mark, you are coming to the party unless you have a compelling reason not to, understand.”

“Okay, fine.” The two continued running working on form. After practice the two went to shower and then get changed. Laura came out in leggings and a tank-top, while Mark came out in slacks, a t-shirt and a vertically striped, button down, dress shirt left open, with the sleeves folded up past his elbows.

Laura looked at him skeptically, “That’s what you normally wear? Like just all the time?”

“Yeah, or polo shirts. Why is it a problem? I sort of like these button down shirts, as depending on the situation I can either: take it off, leave it like this, or button up and roll down the sleeves. So I have different levels of dress.”

“It isn’t a problem, I kind of like it. It definitely makes you look like a dorky nerd though especially with your glasses. Well we can head straight to the party then. I can drive.” Mark looked like he wanted to object and back out. “Don’t even think about chickening out. Now come on.”

As Laura was dragging Mark to the parking lot, The Narrator came on, “Now, much like Laura, you might be thinking, 'How could Mark be so oblivious?' She was, after all, making her intentions quite clear. But it's important to remember, Mark had never truly been the recipient of such overt romantic or sexual interest from a woman before. So, in those moments, as Laura spoke, it was, for all intents and purposes, like talking to a brick wall.”

Mary complained “Oh, come on that’s not fair. I can tell that, that Mark can tell that you are interested, I’m not oblivious.”

Laura looked at Mary, “Really, then why does it seem that way?”

“That Mark is probably uncomfortable. He might also be thinking some uncharitable things. I had a lot of crap to unpack at that point in my life. Let’s just watch.”

Laura dragged Mark to her car which was a cherry red 1954 corvette, Mark said, “Damn! Nice wheels.”

“Thanks, I fixed it up myself. My mom had it for a while but it stopped working and told me when I was fifteen if I could get it working and road fit, it was mine. Took nearly two years to get everything but she runs like new. Now get in.”

Mark complied, and Laura drove him to her sorority’s house, after getting him through the door. Laura introduced him to some of the other sorority members. It didn’t escape anyone’s attention that Chloe was here as well and was checking out Mark as well, and glaring daggers at Laura. Mary noticed that Sadie was here too, but unlike Chloe, she seemed to be checking out Mark and Laura. Then Sadie whispered into Chloe’s ear, which turned Chloe’s annoyed look into one of shock. Sadie then made her way across the room towards the two of them but got intercepted by another sorority member.

Laura brought Mark to play beer pong with her, after carrying him through the game. Laura kissed him. They danced for a bit and then Laura whispered into his ear and dragged him up the stairs, to her room. She pushed him down on the bed and climbed on top and began to aggressively make out with him. Laura moved to unbutton Mark’s pants but he stopped her.

“What are you doing?”

“What does it look like I’m doing Mark, I want to take off your pants.”

“Laura, I don’t want to have sex.”

Laura looked at him in disbelief, “Really? Is that why it has seemed like you’ve been ignoring my signals? Are you just not into me?”

“Hell no, you’re really hot. Just Laura…” Mark blushed. “Laura, I had my first kiss like thirty minutes ago… This is rather fast for me.”

“What?” Laura said deadpan. “You’re a virgin, and I gave you your first kiss?”

“Yes, and yes.”

“Damnit.” Laura got off of him.

The two talked for the remainder of the night, and Laura seemed to still be enjoying herself. She even talked Mark into spending the night. That of course led to many believing that the two slept together, which was how Mark learned of her reputation as the college slut. Mark didn’t seem to pay that talk any mind though as they continued to spend time together Mark even asking Laura out on proper dates. With people explaining to him that she was just using him for sex and as soon as she was bored Laura would move on. Yet six months later they were still dating, and Mark was still a virgin. They hadn’t done anything below the waist in that time. It was at that point Mark told Laura he was willing to go further and Laura dragged him to her room fast and rode him repeatedly over the next few days.

It skipped to a bit more than a month from that marathon of sex, implying but not showing Laura vomiting into a toilet. Then a few days later she took a pregnancy test, which turned out positive. The two talked. Laura wanted to know what Mark wanted to do, and was willing to do. She told him that she was considering terminating the pregnancy, but she did have feelings for Mark. She explained she didn’t want any child of hers to grow up without a father like she had. So unless Mark was committing to that, she would end the pregnancy. Mark proposed a few days later. They eloped over spring break, to the surprise of literally everyone that knew Laura.

After the wedding, everything restarted. Much like Ellen there weren’t a lot of changes in Mark’s or Laura’s life, until college that caused things to diverge. There were a few but most of them seem fairly superficial to the two of them, in the following examples. The exact timing of things changed and Laura didn’t get pregnant every time, pushing them to get married quickly but they did always end up married with children. A few times to both Laura and Mark’s surprise they end up in a throuple with Sadie or Chloe and occasionally in a full polycule with both.

"And so, our narratives of how Laura could not outrun true love now conclude. The question then, for those listening, for the goddess in the audience, becomes: will she fare any better in outrunning her own heart?"

Then the screen read ‘Intermission 2’

Ellen was the one to address the elephant in the room. “So… like half the time you guys either got pregnant by accident or had a pregnancy scare at least. Also you always had children, eventually.”

“Yes I noticed that too…” Laura said, “I wonder if Cassandra put that first because of last night.”

Everyone was startled when Smug spoke standing on all fours next to the bed. “She did not. I was the editor of the movie. By Ellen's words, I assume you are worried you are pregnant?” Laura nodded. Smug glanced at Mary, “Am I to take it that you do not wish to be pregnant? I thought that was something to celebrate.”

Laura began, “I mean it is… something to celebrate, I mean. But… I don’t think I’m ready to be a mother. I don’t think I’ll make a good one.”

Smug looked at Laura thoughtfully, then raised a claw and flicked Laura's forehead. “Don’t be stupid. First, nobody is ever ready for parenthood. Not even the little lamb who so desperately wants children. As for being a good mother, well, if you try you will do fine. If you fail even if you try well… you always have help. Would you like to know if you are pregnant or not?”

“YES!” Laura and Mary shouted in unison.

“Laura, you are not.” Smug stated matter of factly

Mary and both relaxed their shoulders significantly.

Laura was thinking, Thank God. I was so worried.

Mary asked, “Are you sure Smug? Cassandra said that it would take longer to tell.”

“That is because Cassandra is a human mage. I am a dragon. I also specialize in all forms of sex magic, including fertility magic. So, I am sure. Laura, you are not pregnant. How did you get affected by this particular magical effect?”

“It was one of the candies.” Laura replied.

Smug shook her head, “No it isn’t. None of the candies have a effect like this unless you overdose even then it shouldn’t be this effect.”

“Please tell me what you are talking about.” Laura asked.

“Well, the magic seems to be converting Mark’s semen into fuel for itself, the end result will be an increase to fertility, and a very slight increase in desire to have Mark’s children.

“Wait, is this because of Aubrey’s hair?” Ellen asked.

“If you tried to use that magic on Laura that would explain the weird effect combination.” Smug confirmed.

“Well, shit.” Laura said. “I guess that isn’t the end of the world.”

“I take it from how you both relaxed that you really did not want to be pregnant? If that is the case I feel like I should let you know that if not for Aubrey when the candy effect ended you would have been pregnant. She altered the effect before it activated though.”

Laura responded, “Well then I’m really glad we went to Aubrey. Smug, will contraceptives still work?”

“Yes, perfectly fine. You will just find it easier to have kids when you want them, and you might have more than one at a time too.”

“I don’t feel like I need to have kids though.”

“I did say a very slight increase. Anyway, enjoy the last section, I only had the time to prepare the one alternate reality.”

~Ping~

Mary looked at her phone, “Hang on, Smug, can you pause it for a few minutes? Merida is doing something, and I’d like to be available to give her advice.”

“Not a problem.” Smug bobbed her head and went to the projection booth.

Ellen whispered to Mary, “So, what’s up with Merida? Also how are you two so chill around Smug?”

Smug whispered in a melodious seductive tone as if she was inches from Ellen’s face, “You should know I can hear you clearly.” Which caused Ellen to jump in surprise, and Laura and Mary to chuckle at her reaction.

Mary answered Ellen’s question though, “Merida is rerolling her [Posing] Path.” ~Ping~ “Hold on, Okay let’s see, her options are [Nanite Nymph], [Posh Vixen], [Press Sexcretary]”

Ellen spoke up, “Well, unless she is particularly enthused by it I suggest not the first one. Due to ASTRID’s presence. I believe that it also doesn’t resolve her issue with the path.”

Mary nodded at that “So, upper-class fox girl or spokesperson who has a sexual component to their job. Okay, I’ve sent over my advice.” A minute later another ~Ping~ came through.

Maja: see attached. MeridaFox1.png MeridaFox2.png MeridaFox3.png

Mary opened up the images with the other two looking over her folder.

“Well she should definitely pick that path.” Laura said. Mary hadn’t waited for Laura’s response but was already typing back to Merida.

A little more than two minutes later Mary got another ~Ping~ “Well it looks like Merida finalized her path change, she went with the [Posh Vixen]”

“So, what are the chances that she remains not a fox-girl after this round?”

Mary sighed, “100%... unfortunately. I can’t in good conscience have her make that as one of her options as she gets to craft them this round. It is a surefire winner when it comes up. So no use wasting her chance to get something she really wants for that. Unless Cassandra will **** that bit on her TF no matter what or the way the crafting process works makes it worth doing like if she adds that then she gets more leeway for good stuff. Okay let’s get back to the movies.”

The screen read ‘Presenting: I Love Lu-Lu and La-La.’

The Narrator spoke “Now, in some threads of fate, Ellen was not born Ellen at all. Instead, her father married another woman—specifically, Laura's mother. In this life, she entered the world as Lucia, the identical twin sister to Laura. Growing up, the two were, by all accounts, inseparable. They moved through life as one, sharing everything: sports, homework, even the occasional sexual dalliance. Lucia, it seemed, could always rely on her sister. For Laura, the world granted intellect, while Lucia was blessed with an undeniable charisma.”

It showed their lives progressing, Laura and Ellen both had perplexed expressions. Laura spoke up, “So, I never moved out of California. Also… we’re rich. That… that’s a change. Thinking about it I can remember that we would always have matching Halloween costumes, for our birthdays.”

“Heh, yeah those were fun.” Ellen smiled.

The next major change for Laura is that she went to a different university, going to UCLA as well, with Lucia. The two of them joined the same sorority, and both ran cross country, though Laura was far more dedicated, and was part of the track team as well. Lucia was still an actress, though not quite as successful at this point in her life. They met Mark, who was in the arts program for set design this time, but was more athletic than he was anytime in any of the examples with Ellen. Lucia at Laura’s urging did the same approach as Laura was shown doing in her first alternate reality, with one exception: Lucia was far more tactful having a natural charisma and charm to reach out to others, though she did have to push him a little bit, to get him to agree to go to the party. While the people were different at this party the event went much the same. Laura and Mark played beer pong, Lucia danced with him, and then Lucia led Mark upstairs with Laura following just a bit after them. Laura coming in as Lucia was making out with Mark startled him and he was more shocked when Laura began making out with him as well. Lucia and Laura began to take their tops off Mark stopped them. Unlike with Laura’s happy endings, Mark had kissed girls before, but always as part of a play. But he still explained he had never dated anyone, let alone had sex. Lucia was the one to ask if Mark would like to date. He agreed hesitantly, primarily because Lucia wanted to share him with Laura. So navigating his first relationship he started dating both of them. For the first few weeks people kept telling Mark: ‘he had gotten things wrong.’ ‘Those two don’t date they fuck.’ ‘They don’t, do exclusivity.’ Mark heard these things repeatedly. He almost got in trouble, when he had had enough and nearly punched a guy for calling his girlfriends sluts. What really got other people starting to believe that both of them were truly dating Mark seriously, was when they started turning down booty calls from their regular hookups. Which earned Mark a significant amount of ire among the frat houses, save for the one he actually ended up joining. Eventually Mark legally married Lucia, but still had a ceremony with Laura as well.

“And so, our tales draw to a close and it is our sincere wish that each of you finds a happily ever after of your own.”

Mary looked at them both, “Okay I have to ask is that how you two really grew up together? Like in your own memories, did you really share everything together, even sexual partners?”

Ellen shook her head, “No. We didn’t share sexual partners, in my memories as Lucia.”

“What about that one time…” Laura questioned.

“WE SWORE WE WOULD NEVER SPEAK OF THAT ASSHOLE AGAIN!” Ellen raged. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me. Correction, I know exactly the reason I responded that way. Just normally Lucia’s memories are a bit more disconnected since I took off the bodysuit, the same way mine are when I have it on. Besides that though, yes I would say everything up to graduating from high school was the same.”

Mary was thinking over the films, “Okay with the exception of the one with Lucia in it do either of you think you were all that different?”

“No.” They both eventually replied

“Okay, because for Laura I agree I felt like that was me, Like in some of them literally the only thing that was different was when Laura approached me. For you Ellen that was definitely me but also different.”

Laura took a deep breath, “So, I just want to make sure I understand you… you’re telling me that if I had just asked you out like that, things would have worked out for us?”

“Maybe? Could you tell what the differences were for you?”

“Really, really minor stuff. Like I think I was more flat chested in some of them and in others I was maybe a B cup.”

“How did I not notice that? That actually explains it, a difference in hormone production, which could have changed how intensely you felt about me, or your **** on asking me out. Other than that, any notes?” They shook their heads. “Okay well what are we watching before the marathon of sex that Laura so desperately wants?”

“Well, Laura asked me to pick a more serious, and realistic movie along the lines of ‘Princess Mononoke’. So, I chose ‘Grave of the Fireflies’ for —”

“NOPE! We are skipping that. Way too sad.”

Laura looked at Mary, “Too sad?”

“Yep, maybe when we are in a more emotionally stable mood we can watch that one, but not now.”

“Well…” Ellen continued, “The other option is probably fine ‘Edge of Tomorrow’, I know Laura likes action films and I like sci-fi so I picked something that was both, though I haven’t actually watched it before. After that one we can decide if we want to keep going considering we have been here for a good long while.”

So, the three cuddled in to watch the movie, Mary actually fell asleep during the movie in the comfort of both Laura’s and Ellen’s arms.