The Light of my Life

Momo’s Still Strange

It was amazing! Tamotsu was amazing! Illyana couldn't believe what it was she had just witnessed. She felt her heart racing and her chest tightening. If she wasn't standing off the ground she'd fall to her knees. The adrenaline of battle was addicting! She never knew he was so strong and wouldn't have believed it if she hadn't seen it herself. If she wasn't careful she would end up falling a little more in love with him. Who was she kidding, maybe it was far too late for her? She was desperate to listen to her instincts and kiss him, like that. Why was fate so cruel? Why was she so helpless and always falling for the wrong sort of guys? Maybe it was her curse, a punishment for being incompetent and irresponsible! But thinking negatively like that reminded her of something Tamotsu had told her before.

"...Just depend on me and don't worry about it..."

But she was afraid that if she continued to depend on Tamotsu she would never grow up and become her own person. She wanted to be more than her mother's daughter. She wanted to be more than the top model at Blood Moon. She wanted to be more than Illyana! She wanted a...

"My, my such excitement. But isn't it the job of the prince to rescue the princess?"

Tamotsu's voice hummed above her thoughts. The sound of his words stuck to her chest. As he continued to talk her eyes widened further. That's right... They were supposed to play house for a little while. That's right. She was doing all this to become a princess and find her prince. She wanted to get away from her mother's name and build her own kingdom. Letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding, Lily felt a sense of joy fill her. No, happiness. It made her heart happy to hear Tamotsu's words. It would be her sinful vice for now. 

When he was finished talking Tamotsu turned to face the young Vampir and held out his hand. His scent was at the forefront of her senses. His eyes were the center of her focus. When her hand came to rest in his she could finally feel him with her entire being. It hurt a lot more than she realized. 

It hurt to love someone who could never love you back. 

Fighting back her tears the proud model refused to break where everyone could see and took his hand, using the last of her strength to step down. She maintained her bright visage and waved to her fans as Tamotsu walked her to his car. The men and women who had come, all for varying reasons, all came to agree that, in this moment, Illyana was adorable with that blush on her face. Opening the side door Tamotsu would gently lead her into the vehicle. The woman settled herself onto the seat before she tucked her legs into the space in front of her. The manager gently folded the excess cloth from the train of the dress onto her lap before he leaned out, slamming the door once it was free of any and all obstructions. The bodyguards and theater security kept the swarming bodies at bay as the star departed. Not once did the cheers diminish. Even as the car door closed she could feel the vibrations that demonstrated their loyalty. 

Dilwyn approached Tamotsu before leaning in to whisper. "It seems Silvia called you." Tamotsu checked his phone, noting the missed calls that occurred amidst the chaos. 

There appears to have been some text messages sent from her as well, each one marked as [Urgent]. While feeling exceptionally annoyed there was nothing he could do now. The manager wordlessly sighed before glancing to Dilwyn who continued. 

"Right," He would start again, but moved closer so Dilwyn's lips nearly brushed past his ear. "It seems that Miss Illyana's place of residence has been discovered." The man paused when he felt Tamotsu's cold glare burning his cheek. "U-um, she advises not returning there for the time being as the paparazzi have surrounded the vicinity." He spoke as low as possible as to not provide gossip into the wind.

When Dilwyn stepped back he sighed in relief when Tamotsu's features appeared calm, relaxed. Even still there was something in the back of his mind that made him feel restless. Tamotsu's eyes pinched close, his smile curled ear to ear. It was like watching a fox actively plot someone's demise. Dilwyn wasn't sure what Tamotsu was anymore. He thought the man was an ordinary Human. After all that magician's trick to transmute their limbs was a common skill among those sorts. 

"You are dismissed Dilwyn." His words seemed to unsteady the bodyguard. "Don't worry," he tried to assure. "You just leave it to me. Let Silvia know to stay out of my business." He said with a warm and pleasant smile. 

"But--" Dilwyn's protests fell on deaf ears as Tamotsu had already turned his back and proceeded to enter the driver's side of the car. "Great..." Rubbing the back of his head, ruffling his scruffy, white hair. 

Turning Dilwyn would call out to the other guards and work on clearing out the place.

The car's engine quietly rumbled to life before the vehicle pulled from the curb and drove away. Illyana watched as the crowd became distant, becoming smaller and smaller until they were but a speck on the horizon. Tamotsu was annoyed. Very annoyed. He had perched his phone on the car's mount and opened his newsreel. As he saw the information roll by he clearly saw the report. It was from the same bastards that released the article currently giving him a headache and turning his plans on their head.  He had to rework the entire schedule to play around this farce. Though he was only pretending, playing a role, it was one he did not feel he deserved. To him there wasn't anyone who deserved Illyana. Her heart was too delicate for this broken world. They didn't know what they had. Who could ever know what it is she wants? Who could say that they knew exactly what it was she needed? Well, he could. But in filing these roles and joining this torrid game he realized he was wrong. As a man this was something he could easily admit. He was the only one who could give her everything her heart desired. But those bastards kept getting in the godsdamn way!

"...Momo?" That soft voice called him with all the care in the world. 

He felt honestly relaxed, the grip on his wheel nearly put enough pressure to alter its shape. He glanced to his left for less than half a second, making sure to keep his eyes on the road. 

"Yes Lily, my dear? Are you alright? It's not too hot is it?" He spoke in a soft, unintimidating voice. 

Illyana knew better. She's had Tamotsu working at her side long enough that she could read his moods. There were those who said awful things about him. That he was a pervert. He was too serious. Sometimes they would say he only worked for her for the money. They were wrong!  Momo, was a little strange, but nothing perverse. He didn't stalk people or read strange Manga. He laughed when it was just them. And she knew, for a fact, he stayed because he believed in her. 

"It's just," she didn't want to be presumptuous, but she was sure. "... you seem upset."

Gentle Illyana knew him well. When he smiled his reflection could be seen in the rearview mirror as he made a turn. He sighed deeply. 

"It seems someone found where you live, Lily. It upsets me that people don't respect privacy."

Illyana gasped. "Does that mean...?"

Tamotsu nodded. "We'll be unable to return to your place, but don't worry. I told Silvia-chan you'll come stay with Liu and I in the meantime. Does that sound fun?"

Momo's house? Her eyes sparkled as her heart thundered in her chest. Maybe she could get closer to him... As friends of course, but if they were still pretending maybe, just maybe, she could be his housewife for a little while. Swallowing, she shook her head. 

"No, it's... It's fine. I think it would be nice to visit--" She felt the word stuck in her heart. "... my boyfriend's house." She'd nearly whisper. 

Tamotsu felt something strike his chest. Looking down in shock he would find nothing physical had hit him, but he felt it. Did her words carry that much weight? Of course. What manager wouldn't love bringing their employer over to tend to them hand and foot? She could be at her best and have none of the stress that she had at her apartment. 

Disgusting thoughts. 

They were just pretending. Though he was the only one who could take care of her, he didn't deserve her. He was flawed. 

Fuck.

He felt himself becoming weaker by the day, but being around such an adorable face, how could he deny her anything? She would make the best wife. 

"That's right Lily. It isn't odd at all to have my girlfriend over, hmm?" Lily had to look away. 

She was beet red. 

"Let's stop at a boutique and get you clothes so you'll be comfortable when you come over. Also some amenities." She'd need a toothbrush, a towel, slippers and a mug!  

Then they could be on their way to Kanagawa.