Page 132 of Light Leech

Returning was a risk to her. If anyone knew what I had done, I endangered her and anything attached to her public image.

What about the vile indulgences I had seen? The vile sex-capades and objectivity of fans for their gain?

I took the first step, and continued.

Leaving Naoma was much worse. I had seen what she was capable of and doubted she needed me to protect her, but she wanted me there. I still had lingering doubts about her admiration of me, but she voiced otherwise. If she wanted me there, who was I to deny her. None of the other celebrities were denied their vices at the dynasty. She deserved it more than any of them.

I entered with a group of inebriated twenty-year olds who had slipped out to enjoy some of the more pungent substances the Finians had offered them.

Petya: I’m done. Where are you?

Naoma: Fourth Floor, everything good?

Petya: Yeah, I think so. Did anyone notice?

Naoma: Yeah, but they forgot it after the next three fix or alcohol-driven fights. Some people might wonder why Kell didn’t show up to the recovery bay in the basement, but the Meat and Wine thing people are talking about should start soon.

Petya: Recovery bay?

Naoma: I guess the elites tend to beat each other up and need to leave like nothing happened.

Petya: Sounds like that’s the mentality here, huh?

Naoma: Leave like nothing happened? Yeah. Sounds like a lot of them need a place away from fans and media coverage.

Petya: I plug. Are you fine?

Naoma: Yeah, you weren’t gone too long. I’m talking to some people. Trying to blend in and such.

Petya: Any luck finding Zhou?

Naoma: I might have a lead, but I don’t know if we’ll make it before the Meat and Wine thing. Just hurry.

I exited my neurospace and sped up the stairs.

Few people paid me any attention despite my half-run. The less time they had to focus on me, the better. I guess that didn’t matter if I was going to put myself back in their circles with Naoma. I had tried to keep my clothes tidy while I fed but had gathered a few blood marks that I had washed off in one of the property’s ponds. I hoped that my disheveled hair and somewhat shocked appearance after cleaning up my face into the style that some of them chose, vacillating between elite nobility and strung-out homelessness. Naoma was the peak for perfect beauty so it seemed fitting that she, like many other celebrities, would be with someone out of her league.

Despite the intensity of our situation, I could breathe again. The dread of an assignment was insignificant compared to the anguish of tooth hunger. I had run up every staircase to reach Naoma’s floor but wasn’t exhausted. I could enjoy the pulse of the Finian beats once again. The seductive toxicity of the party was enjoyable and no longer the crying of an infant in the middle of the night. I could think for myself, not for the being that drove me to feed. I was whole again. That completeness would wane, but at least I had it when I needed it most.

It made drinking in her sight all the more delightful.

I slowed my pace to a casual walk as we caught each other’s eyes across the room. She faced the group with her body but watched me approach with a slight turn of her head. Her observation was as delicate as her smile. Perfect and relieved. In her eyes and the small rise of those glossy lips, I felt valued. My worth didn’t matter, only that I was making her feel better. As long as my existence improved her life, I had a reason to endure.

I slid into the circle of six people beside her. She slid her arm across my lower back and held me. Her demeanor was cool, but her grip was as tenacious as a child fearing that a storm would pull me away from her.

“So this is your guy?” said a tank of a woman who would have made Tevon crumble in adoration.

Tevon. I was glad I hadn’t forgotten him despite any past disagreements we had. I was glad his memory remained despite the ache of his absence.

Naoma squeezed me. “This is him!”

I slung my arm around Naoma’s shoulders.

The woman laughed. “And the relationship is legit?”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“They must do things differently in Medislavia,” said a man who was less human than tech.