Page 81 of Light Leech

She smiled and bowed her head. “You, too. You clean up well.”

“Thanks to you. If you hadn’t given us directions, I would have been left to the mercy of Boyband’s lack of style.”

“Shut the zeg up, Pet. I’m arguing here,” Boyband said.

“Against yourself,” Akna added. “And losing.”

“Should we get going?” I asked Naoma.

She nodded. “Might as well. Are you ready?”

“I guess? Are you?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I dunno, meeting back with Reef and your old colleagues.”

“I’m actually kind of excited.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Who cares what they think. It’s liberating. Without the Fins to bow down to, it’s like I’m driving myself home for the first time after being a passenger for so long. No contracts, no obligations, just establishing old relationships.”

“And if they ask what you’ve been doing or what you’re going to do next?”

“I tell them that I’ve made a deal with a new producer–” She eyed Boyband, who was back in an argument with Akna. “–and that I am currently on a sabbatical after my severance from Reef. Independent artists are the new thing.”

“They were before capitolocracy.”

“So we’ll make them the thing again. When was the last time you respected a boundary? Certainly not the last time you fed.”

“You’re not wrong. So, are we taking the skytrack?”

“Now that I’m back in my Neon Idol style? No, I’m not risking any out-of-violet appearances like this, especially on public transport. While Akna was touching up my last bits of makeup, I ordered a skyride. They should be here any minute.”

“Nice timing.”

“As a corporate pawn, you learn how to manage time effectively. Do you have everything you need?”

“I think so.”

“Extra teeth? I know you don’t like them stale, but it’ll be a while until you have a chance to feed again.”

I nodded, trying to keep my smile. I hated how relaxed she was talking about my bane. Not only did she say it without any disgust, but she knew my preferences. I couldn’t deny the guilt I felt keeping her with us, regardless of the fight we gave on her side. Seeing her smile free of deception, I tried to feel better about myself. It was a mighty hill with slipping sand, but it was possible to be fine with myself. I couldn’t rid myself of this curse just yet, so why not accept this existence? She accepted me, so shouldn’t I be fine with myself?

Could I ever accept a version of myself that needed to hurt others to survive?

I continued to slide on the sandy hill.

“So…” Naoma began but waited until I looked at her before continuing. “You with me?”

“Yeah, sorry.”

“It’s nothing. So, the plan from here on out. You ready?”

“Yeah.”

“You with me this time?”