The Light of my Life

Hiding the Excitement

Tamotsu and Illyana arrived at Machida, Tokyo which was over forty minutes out from her apartment. It was the primary reason Tamotsu stayed in Tokyo during his work week, sometimes for weeks at a time, because it took him nearly an hour's drive from his home in Kamakura to reach Lily's apartment. Why make the trip when he could as easily stay over? He much preferred to get a little sleep than waking up hours early to beat Tokyo traffic. At least this was his reasoning to Liu for not bothering with the commute, however feasible it seemed. He could have easily afford renting a place nearby, but Illyana had insisted he stay with her. He didn't want to disappoint her so he agreed.

It was a shame today ended like it had. It didn't seem as if Illyana was bothered as she got to experience a moment of being a damsel in distress, even if it was only a play. In the past Tamotsu could have never seen himself in such a role were he to ever consider having a partner. But, today, rescuing Illyana from that skittering centipede has put him in quite a good mood, even if it was a bit soured by learning of the condition of her privacy. If he found out who had released that information he would strangle them. For now he focused on finding a parking space so they could stop by the boutique. He was thankful there was one right on the way to Kamakura. They stopped at the nearby 11-7 to allow Illyana a chance to change out of her costume as well as get a snack. Tamotsu felt she had earned it for dealing with the disruption as well as she had. She didn't lash out and she kept in character. While he packed away the costume Illyana went through the convenience store's aisles picking out some snacks.

Since she would be staying at Tamotsu's house they needed snacks. Thinking about it she wasn't too sure what kind of things Tamotsu ate that wasn't a proper meal. He did seem to like sweet things, like pancakes and tamagoyaki. If they had some ingredients she could make Tamotsu some sweet, homemade tamagoyaki. The thought caused her to stop by the fridge where the smaller packs of eggs were. Tamotsu made her breakfast every morning. Why couldn't she return the favor? He always made the effort to take care of her and she wanted to feel like she could take care of him in return. What would happen if Tamotsu ever got sick? She had asked him about it once before a show...

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"B-but Momo, what if you ever get sick?" She had been preparing backstage, but the skirt of her dress had torn. She was willing to go out like that, come her turn, but Tamotsu wasn't about to allow it.

Aside from cooking he was quite the accomplished tailor. He would kneel down beside her and work on repairing the tear.

"I never get sick." He had a focused expression, the emergency sewing kit sat on the ground beside him and his phone tucked away in his vest pocket. "So you needn't worry. I don't need many days off. The occasional Sunday is enough. Besides, wouldn't you get bored without me around telling you what to do?"

"N-no!" She pouted. "I mean it M--" She noticed there were a few people passing. Tamotsu didn't seem to like the nickname being used around others. The last time she had inadvertently called him so in front of someone he had a bad expression on his face.

Tamotsu's eyes seemed to follow the passing person, but his fingers never stopped working the thread and needle through the cloth.

"I-I mean it. What if you got really sick? Who would take care of you?" She seemed insistent on the hypothetical situation.

"Very well, very well. If ever I were to get sick Liu would take care of me, but that would in no way inhibit my ability to take care of you, so get such things out of your head. These worries will just cloud your mind." He would finish his task and stand to his feet. "Focus on doing well. Go on." He motioned his hand. With the matter settled Illyana got on stage.

~

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"Even so... I want to show him that I can take care of him." She was determined, so would pick up the pack of eggs.

Once her shopping was done she would head out of the mart where Tamotsu was standing by the front doors, off to the side. He appeared to be texting, checking his pocket watch. By the looks of it he was adjusting schedules. He always used his pocket watch as he felt it was a more accurate scale of time. Illyana approached the man, lowering her head to peek up into his eyes. His dark hazel eyes slowly drifted up from his screen towards the woman's deep, crimson ones. For a moment he felt his throat dry, the words he wanted to speak feeling a touch rude. Why was she so close to his face?

"Is there something on my face Lily?" He adjusted his word choice, but was still feeling strangely sheepish, as if he's committed some wrongdoing.

"Your face." She responded in teasing. "Here! We haven't eaten since breakfast!" She held up a packed onigiri to him.

"Hmm." He would hesitate, but would tuck the phone into his vest's pocket and take the proffered snack. "Thank you. What else did you purchase?" He was always rather strict with her when it came to her snacking habits. She had the inclination to disregard her health in matters of her meal times. If he left her to her own devices she would eat microwaved meals and onigiri from the mart every day.

"S-some things to take to Momo's house! Don't worry about it! He'll see when we get there." She turned her nose to the air, her pale neck exposed as her hair was still tied back.

Peeling back the plastic of the snack food he would take a slow, purposeful bite. It had jam in the center. Arching a brow he would shrug.

"Fine, fine." He relented and motioned for them to walk. "The boutique is across the street. Come. You can pick out whatever you want. I believe you have enough for a little splurging." He was in charge of her money as well, after all.

The pair would make their way across the street. Illyana wasn't put on display and had a sunhat and shades to help subdue her appearance. Even without being famous Vampir had quite the irresistible look. They were naturally charming creatures and having that as a racial trait didn't help in the least. They could lure the most stubborn prey into their grasp. But, by far, Tamotsu was the most stubborn of them all. When they entered the small clothing shop Illyana was taken aback with awe. The clothes here were all cute. Some with bright colors and bold shapes and others with little mascot characters printed on them.

"What is this place?!" She gasped, clasping her hands together.

"Hmm, di Matsuyama." He nodded. "There were a few boutiques nearby but this one seemed like one you'd like." He would smile.

"Can I?" She turned to look at him.

He reached into his vest for his phone. "Of course. I'll be over here. I have to contact Liu and see if the house is in order." He smiled and put the phone to his ear.

Illyana hesitated a moment, wanting to listen in on the call, but would nod and head off to pick some clothes. She wondered what Tamotsu's tastes were like. What could she pick up that he would praise her for wearing? Maybe it was just a silly wish in her heart, but it always made her happy when he noticed those little things.

Tamotsu put the phone to his ear, smiling softly as he gently waved to Lily as she walked down to explore the displays.

Liu would answer his phone. [Aniki~ you're calling me~!]

"Of course, who else would be calling your home phone?" Tamotsu tried to maintain a calm facade while within the store. He didn't want to draw any undue attention. "I'm coming over with Lily."

[Oh~?] Liu seemed amused. [So you finally thought to bring work home, aniki?]

"No. There was a situation and she is coming to stay for a little while. I need you to lock up the workshop area and the storage. I really don't want any problems, understand?"

[Ah, loud and clear aniki, but--] Liu paused, his voice silent for a whole minute. [Are you sure this is a good idea? Isn't her father Sahar? Grandfather is not expecting this. I would have to tell him.]

Tamotsu scoffed. "Go ahead and tell grandfather. Just make sure the packages are gone. I'll be there in about an hour and change."

[Right away aniki! You can count on me~!] With that Liu hung up.