Chapter 4

                                    

                                          
"Boss where are you going this weekend?" Jake asks, walking up behind the man.
Zephyr looks over his shoulder. "I'm helping Tana out."
"I know she lives here with us but don't you think you're getting too close to her boss? If anyone found out they might target her. It's already been over a year and I've had to do some serious gaslighting. To both our allies and enemies."
"I keep her at arm's length Jake. Her involvement is of her own volition."
"Then push her further away. She is going to get hurt boss. Pretend she is a nuisance."
"Jake-"
"It's not like I want to hurt her Zephyr. She's a kind, sensitive girl. A girl who has her whole life ahead of her. As a mafia boss you should ponder that for a while."
"I will...starting Monday."
Come Friday Montana gives him the schedule she made for the weekend. 
It just consists of signatures and VA panels. Then a little downtime to check out the vendors.
"I looked at the schedule on the website and there are a lot more panels then this."
"I know but I prioritized the necessities. Obviously I can't go crazy with my limited budget."
"I guess I understand."
"There's one thing I want to mention before we get there. If someone asks for your picture you're allowed to decline but do it nicely. Everyone there will be totally intimidated by you. Please be kind and not looked pissed all the time. They are just regular people, not mafia members."
"Why would they take my picture?"
"Because they think you look cool. And to be honest, some people might take a picture without permission."
Zephyr looks around as they walk.
"I'm grateful to you, for so much. I never could have imagined you'd be here helping me out, even carrying my supplies bag."
"I offered to take them both but you insisted you could handle the merch bag."
"That's because it has wheels. I made sure the other bag is backpack style so it's easier to carry.
The boss chuckles and nods. 
"Although knowing who you are makes me giggle. I get to use a big, scary mafia boss as a gofer for a weekend."
His smile turns into a frown as he remembers what his second in command said.
Once they arrive they get their badges and begin their mission.
There are a total of five VAs there she wants to meet.
Zephyr could immediately tell what she meant. He's taller than most of the people and buffer than most of the guys.
Once in a while he'd see a tall guy or a gym guy.
It really threw him off when he saw a guy dressed as a girl.
Sometimes they'd get uncomfortable but ignored it for their mission.
Since getting a signature with a picture is a cheaper bundle she went with that option.
"More to add to the wall." Zephyr comments.
"You saw my pictures?"
The man laughs and nods. "Yeah, they were nice. Of course I didn't recognize some of the people."
"Those are co-workers." 
"Oh I see. Who are we gonna visit first?"
"The person with the shortest line."
Montana walks over to the shortest line and Zephyr follows. 
Once they're in line she lays her bag flat in his arms to open it.
Zephyr watches her pull out one of the pops from her wall then close it again.
"If I was gonna rank them out of five this is number three. The next one will probably be number five."
"Oh I see. They seem really nice from what I can see."
"Nicest people on earth."
When the two come up, Montana smiles happily as she pays and walks in front of the voice actor.
"Hello. Wow your cosplay looks amazing."
"Thank you so much."
"What can I do for you?"
"A signature and selfie please."
"Oh I love this guy! Honestly one of my more underrated characters, between you and me."
"Oh my gosh I know right? This is one of my favorite shows and I love your character."
"I'm glad you do. Hm what color should I use?"
"Oh um...blue?"
"Blue it is!"
Zephyr watches her face brighten with happiness and blush in embarrassment. 
The worker takes Montana's phone to take the picture and snaps a couple.
The girl smiles widely. "Thank you so much."
"Thank you for your support. Have a nice weekend."
Once they walk away Montana takes a few breathes and fans her face.
The mafia boss laughs softly. "You alright there? I thought your face was gonna melt, or your face was gonna go numb from smiling so much."
She covers her cheek, still holding her pop. "Meeting a celebrity like this who has helped me so much through their medium is a big deal. I'm sure you've had a celebrity crush at one point."
"Never got into celebrities. Although Al Capon was pretty cool."
Both Montana and Zephyr laugh at the joke.
On the way to the next VA, Zephyr looks around and notices a few people staring at him.
He's used to eyes on him, but this feels different.
Montana steps in line then looks up at her friend. "Is something wrong?"
"People are definitely staring. I'm sure it's because I'm so out of place."
"I thought about getting you something to wear but I figured it was bad enough I was dragging you along."
"Do you think it would help me fit in a bit?"
"Maybe. Your outfit is pretty plain right now. Maybe if you added a corset and some jewelry it might be cool."
"Where would you find-"
"You can find all kinds of stuff in the vendor's hall. Anything you could need is there. How about after this signature/selfie I rush you to the hall, give you a glow up and we head to the first VA panel?"
"Sounds like a plan."
So after Montana gets her scroll signed and gets a cute picture with the man she quickly drags Zephyr around to find what she's looking for.
The man finds the vendor and when he looks at the price tag his eyes widen. "Seriously?" He mumbles to himself.
Montana looks over Zephyr and grabs a corset off the rack. She puts it up to his waist and frowns before putting it back.
Zephyr points to another one. "Would that look ok?"
When she puts it on him she smiles. 
"That one looks pretty good." The vendor comments, walking over.
"Yes, we'll take it."
Just as Montana goes to grab her money Zephyr pulls out his card and hands it to the vendor.
The woman's eyes widen. "Why would you do that?"
"Well I'm the one wearing it aren't I? I can buy my own clothes darling."
Montana sighs softly but nods. "Let's put some elf ears on you and some fancy rings."
Zephyr chuckles but let's her lead him around again.
Once they finish his new look they make it just in time for the VA panel.
They get aisle seats in the middle.
"Are you gonna ask a question?"
Montana blushes but nods. "I've been waiting for years to ask but I finally have a chance. I'm gonna be brave and actually raise my hand to ask."
"Good for you." He whispers, feeling proud of her.
Once the actors open it up to audience questions Montana freezes.
They call on a few people and answer their questions.
Zephyr looks at her lap to see the question on her phone.
Her scared expression makes him sad. 
He could tell her anxiety got the best of her.
When they asked for another question Zephyr rose his hand.
"Yes you, the big scary man in the middle." The actor on the end points to Zephyr.
Montana quickly looks up as Zephyr asks her question.
"Oh that's a great question. I've never been asked that before."
The others agree but all give their answers.
Montana smiles happily.
"Oh and my friend here totally loves all of you." Zephyr adds, pointing to his tenant.
Montana's eyes widen and her mouth falls open.
Everyone laughs as she covers her face.
"We love you too and hope for your continued support sweetheart." 
Zephyr chuckles quietly to himself.
Once the panel ends she immediately starts punching on him. 
Obviously not hard and it just makes his laugh. 
"Why would you say that? That was so embarrassing."
"Then think of it as payback for dragging me along."
"Just remember you offered to come as my bodyguard. I didn't technically force you."
"I know. Which is why we can't be mad at each other."
Montana sighs softly. "I'm not angry. You really helped me out. I totally froze up and couldn't ask my question. I promise I will next time though. Tomorrow at the other VA panel."
"I'm gonna hold you to that." The boss comments and ruffles her hair.
"So what now?" Zephyr asks as they exit the panel room.
"Now we can go back home."