The Light of my Life

The shameless woman stood before Tamotsu. She held her head high, as if she was above all others, and kept her sharp, violet stare poised at the young man who seemed complacent with his mundane errand. Her soft hands and manicured nails showed she never worked a day in her life, a contrast to Tamotsu's calloused hands that diligently worked his paintbrushes and modeling tools. While she stood with her hand on her hip, more an arrogant pose than proud,  and back as straight as an arrow, the young man instead stood with a bit of a hunch as he leaned over his phone, focusing on his business. The bag of bread was awkwardly bundled in his left arm, and tray of drinks in the same hand. His hair was a bit roughly cut, though neatly brushed back, giving him a youthful look. She wore a blood red gown with a train that nearly dragged along the floor. On the side of her dress was a slit that would run from the top of her thigh down to her feet, but it mattered little seeing as she also had a pair of black leather thigh high heels. A black corset tightly hugged her chest, pushing up her breasts in a manner that would indicate a much smaller chest than what was true. Tamotsu's clean suit gave out a more responsible energy. 

Putting on a wide smile she would bat her long lashes at the young man. "How long has it been?" The woman took a step forward, coming to a stop an uncomfortable few inches from Tamotsu, making sure she leaned forward enough for him to get an eyeful of the valley of her breasts.

The man remained focused on his phone, doing his best not to sneer. He was irritated that everything the woman did seemed to be an attempt to flirt with him in some way. Unable to concentrate any longer he would close the device and slowly turn his dark eyes up towards the woman. She was beautiful, in fact even he couldn't deny that as much as he wanted to. There was a reason she was desired as she was in the industry. She had a haunting, ethereal beauty and her natural charm as a Devil that was comparable to a succubus. He stood tall and tucked his phone back into his vest pocket. Tamotsu himself was quite a handsome young man, but being that he was usually quite neatly dressed and clean cut he was attractive to most women and some men. 

Tamotsu slowly raised a brow. "Not long enough to make the heart fonder. What brings you to this part of Tokyo Miss Helel...?" Though Tamotsu spoke with clear, polite words he felt annoyance deep down.

He never liked talking to the woman. She was a frustrating person and the reason Illyana wasn't well adjusted. 

She put her hand to her mouth and giggled. "Oh please, call me Lili~!" He wouldn't. 

"Well I thought I'd come to support Illyana and the other company members at the show tonight. I'm hoping this is the one that will get Illyana her passion back, you know? She hasn't been the same since she got sick. I really wished she would have listened to me more. There wasn't much left I could do but let her, as an adult, do as she felt was best for her." She looked around. "Speaking of where is Illyana? Shouldn't she be with you?" She lowered her hands to cross them in front of her.

Every word she spoke made Tamotsu angrier and angrier. How dare she make such claims! It was her fault! Hers! If not for her Illyana would have been able to live a normal life. This lifestyle wasn't suited to Illyana's delicate nature. If Tamotsu could help it he didn't want that woman anywhere near his charge. But he couldn't do anything to stop her because she signed his checks. He motioned to the coffee tray with his free hand. 

"She's back at the convention center with Silvia-san, getting ready. Would you like for me to walk there with you?" He held out his right hand to the woman, a gentle smile on his face, despite the boiling temper crawling beneath his skin that made his bones ache.

"No, no sweetie. I don't want to disturb her if she's getting ready. Silvia is a responsible girl. I'll head to the office and make sure everything is being taken care of. Sahar will be here in a few hours." She would bow her head and turn to leave. 

As Tamotsu turned his head away, Lilitu would stop. "Oh!" She chirped and clapped her hands together. "Do you know someone named Hiro Okurin?"

Tamotsu arched a brow and shook his head. "Sorry, I don't know many people outside of my family. Is he someone from the company?" Despite his aggravation, the man chose to stay civil, if only for Lily's sake. 

Illyana would be saddened if he acted untoward to her beloved mother, despite the heinous behavior she endeavored to hide from the public eye. However minor his interactions with the pair were it was enough to put him on edge. How could a mother treat her own child that way? Was it just how Devils were? No... Illyana was a caring and sweet girl. There was certainly something rotten with the mother. 

"No, no." She waved her hand dismissively. "He isn't. I had heard his name from Sahar so thought he was someone that worked on Illyana's floor. Sahar seemed a bit annoyed when talking about him to Chishi. Well nevermind~!" Waving her hand she would prance away.

Resisting the rolling of his eyes he turned to continue down the sidewalk back to the convention center. 

Back in the center Illyana was fully dressed in her first outfit for the night and she had laid out the ones she would be quick-changing to on the shoot. Tonight's event was a collaborative shoot with a number of individuals from Blood Moon and a few others from Jade Ring. It was for a special magazine to come out in the fall. The shot was organized by a globally renowned brand so the models were carefully chosen. 

Silvia had seated herself across from Illyana. "I see... well I don't know what to say, Lily." The woman put her hand to her mouth. 

Illyana was hopeful that her older sister would support her. 

"It's a little unexpected. I thought Mori was gay." A tall, black haired woman approached the pair. 

At 182cm she was a tall woman with a beautiful, round face and flushed cheeks. She seemed to be European in her origin, if one went by her facial features, but her accent also made it quite clear Japanese wasn't her first language. She was in her mid twenties and seemed to have slightly tanned skin that had a healthy glow. Looking over her body one would struggle to find any unhealthy weight. She had a plump figure and was often featured in media with plus sized models. It hadn't been a popular mainstay in the industry until recently, but husky female models were desired by many.

Cora Willow, she was extremely popular for her looks and willingness to take part in more risque shots for fetishist clothing and accessory options.

"Cora!" Illyana pushed to her feet. "I didn't think you'd be here." She knew members from Jade Ring were coming, but... "We're not...?" She looked towards her sister.

Cora giggled. "Don't worry, we aren't doing any sexy outfits. I was asked to come as one of the heavier models. They want a range of figures for this shoot." She assured Illyana, who sighed.

She didn't think Tamotsu would have her do such a shoot. "W-wait--!" She turned to the dark haired woman. 

Cora remained smiling, her hands crossed in front of her. "Sorry to have been eavesdropping. I came to greet you but you were so deep in your discussion." She apologized. "I'm surprised there's someone Lily likes. She always seemed so particular."

"H-have I?" She touched her hand to her cheek. 

Silvia and Cora nodded. Illyana definitely suffered from princess syndrome. It didn't help that Vampir were strict with their choice in partner because it was the difference between a life of happiness or one of sadness. They bonded for life and could die were they to ever lose their partner.

"I can understand it's important to your culture," Cora admitted. "But to think it's Tamotsu. Have you confessed yet?"

Illyana shook her head. "No... I'm afraid my family will find out." She looked at Silvia who sighed.

"It is indeed troublesome. Our younger sisters are quite good at squealing to our parents and Lily's mother is a jealous sort."

Cora narrowed her eyes. "But her mother..."

"Is a Devil. They're selfish, greedy and are not wont to share what they think is theirs." Silvia blinked and looked at Illyana. "I don't mean you Lily!"

She sighed. "No you're right. Vampir can be the same and I find myself being territorial with Momo."

Cora glanced at Silvia, mouthing the word: 'Momo?' 

'Tamotsu.' She mouthed back. 

Makes sense. "Well Lily wouldn't your family approve? Tamotsu is quite a hardworking man."

Illyana sulked. It wasn’t just because he was from a common family, but he was a werewolf. 

"Why the long faces?" Tamotsu would finally arrive with the coffee and snacks.