Despite having her life in shambles, thanks to a certain manipulative Corpo, the shower hadn't been too bad.

The stall had filled with steam as the warm water washed away about a years worth of living on the streets of NC. The water circling the drain was nearly pitch black. Delta finally allowed herself to relax under the stream of fresh water, her sore muscles being soothed by the heat beating against them. She hated to admit it, but Ryuji had been right about her needing this, it had been too long since she'd taken a proper shower.

She didn't let her guard down however, not after what had happened back in the changing stall… The door had been locked and barricaded with a simple crate, anything heavier was beyond the street rat's wire thin arms. She also didn't want to destroy Maurice's bathroom more than she needed to. He was a simple minded man, his air headedness allowing him to swept up in the Corpo bastard's lies, but he was still kind. She should properly thank him later for allowing her to use his private bathroom like this. Also, to maybe apologize for her embarrassing escape attempt… Even if he did foil it in the end. He thought she was having a panic attack, or so he rationalized it. He apologized profusely for sending her crashing into the counter top though.

Not wanting to waste any more of the vender's hot water Delta switched the tap off. She stepped out with a generously provided towel wrapped around her. In the mirror she saw a complete stranger.

How many years has it been? Since she saw beneath the grime that had coated her for as long as she remembered.

In the mirror was a young woman, one who stared back with Delta's own electric blue eyes. Gone was the grease that had clung to her hair, leaving her once muddy brown rats nest into a shoulder length ghostly white blonde. She didn't even know her hair was this light, she couldn't recall the last time it had been washed as thoroughly as this. The mirror's hand reached up and trailed a few fingers through the damp strands.

How much of me was the dirt, and how much did it hide beneath? Did I wash away myself too? Delta could scarcely believe things could change so much with just a hot shower. Yet, her doppelganger stared back, the truth was unavoidable.

Her skin was fair, if not marked by a collection of painful scars. Blue and yellow marks dotted her body, from both new and old bruises. Aside from her sordid history of living under the boot heel of everyone in Night City her skin seemed smooth like ivory. Maybe that had to do with the soap she had used, she didn't know much about such products, so she'd need to ask Maurice later if she had used the wrong bottle, and apologize for using it without his permission. The hands holding up the towel tightened, she was getting too used to living off of other people's gifts, that brat was a bad influence on her.

Just thinking about the little pervert sent a shiver down her spine. Once she was done with whatever it is he had planned she hoped to never see him again.

The pile of clothes he had bought for her sat neatly folded on top of the counter. Seeing as she had dried herself off she might as well walk out with them on. Also, if she didn't and instead walked out with her contaminated old clothes on she was sure any of the effects of the shower would be wasted. Ryuji would probably try and strip her again too… If it came down to it again she'd go down fighting this time, she recalled the bloody nose she'd given him with a vindictive smile.

It felt weird wearing clothes that didn't constantly chaff or smelled of rancid sweat. But, they did fit the girl in the mirror nicely. A pair of sleek black slacks matched the silk button up shirt, the gradient on the soft fabric tapered from an eggplant purple into a maroon near the top. Little swirling designs of flowers were stitched into the collar and cuffs with black thread. Though she didn't know any of the embroidered plants names the street girl thought they looked cute. To top it off she was given a brand new leather jacket, it was rather plain, just a simple smoky black, nothing like the disused Samurai jacket she had worn forever.

Delta had to admit, she cleaned up well.

A knock on the door caused the young woman to tense up, but Maurice's easy drawl made her relax. "Are you done in there darling? Cause, if you are we've still got much to do before you walk out there sparkling!" Delta couldn't help but let out a chuckle at the flamboyant man's words, he was the only one who thought she could shine.

She moved the box to the side and unlocked the door, allowing the fashion designer into his own bathroom. The zebra stripped man smiled once he saw Delta's new outfit "I knew I chose correctly! Algorithms be damned, I know how to pick the fit!" She didn't know what he was talking about, but she smiled along. "Now let's polish it all up until you're a bright as chrome!"

Apparently there was much for the street rat to learn about cosmetics and hair care, so much so that most of it went out the other ear as Maurice chatted nonstop. He still went through the effort of showing what each product did, though according to her backstory supplied by the Corpo cunt waiting outside she should have already been well versed in such things. He must have just been happy to doll someone else up for a change, instead of just selling prepackaged clothes.

As the fashion guru combed through her hair, he decided to drop a bombshell on her. "So, that handsome young man out there, is he your output?" Delta nearly choked.

It took several moments of coughing and a few gentle pats on the back before the girl could speak. "NO! He is most certainly not my- We're not like that!" The Delta in the mirror no longer had pearl white skin as heat rose to her face.

"Oh really? I thought you two were an item?" Maurice crumpled his trimmed eyebrows in confusion, "He seems to talk about you as if you were the only thing on his mind. Seems rather cruel to string him along like that."

A pit formed inside Delta's stomach, she didn't like what she was hearing. "He… He talked to you out there?"

"Oh yes! He kept gushing like a school girl about you! At first I thought he was the 'cool and stoic' type, but whenever he mentions you he seems like a different person entirely!" Maurice hummed as he resumed straightening out her hair, "But I suppose that's youth for you, can't show what you really want to those around you. And when you finally grow up you've missed your chance. He must have really been happy to see you after you escaped from those Scavs! Must have hurt him a lot when you disappeared from school."

"No, he… He's the real monster, not the Scavs. I can't tell what he's thinking, at all, and he gets mad out of nowhere! I say anything and I feel like I'm stepping through a mine field! He's cruel and vindictive, like all Corpos, he's no different..."

"He nearly lost you, never to see you again, except in some twisted XBD or floating along the river. He's not even sure how to act and is lashing out. Give him some time, same as for yourself, you'll get through this rough bit eventually."

Delta shook her head, careful of the comb running along her scalp, "I don't think there will be an 'eventually'."

The vendor hummed along, nodding, "Puberty can be one hell of a drug, worse than anything those skez fiends will try." The mustached man grew thoughtful for a moment, "My grandma told me stories of how she used to have a dog, before they were eradicated for disease. She told me that if one was misbehaving you just needed to flick it's nose, and it'd be put back in his place. They were sensitive there I think. If he's being a jerk, just flick his nose and tell him off. He seems sensitive around there at least." Delta couldn't help but laugh, the boy was certainly a nose bleeder.

"He probably doesn't realize it himself, never will unless you tell him how you feel yourself. Communication is king after all!"

Delta didn't seem to be getting through to this drama addict, he had fried his brain with too many romcom BDs. "I don't think you get it, but I… I appreciate what you're doing here Maurice. Thank you."

The old man beamed at her through the mirror, "Anytime honey! Just think of me as your stylish Fairy Godfather!"


F:so does this joint got our chrome choom inside?

K:yeah yeah checking cameras now now

K:yep kids inside

F:great. now just go in and nab them while their not looking

K:*they're

K:can't believe my wheels can't spell

K:didn't the Nomads teach you anything besides how to drive and shotgun whiskey?

F:hey hey, keep it cool. or I might just drive off to get some of that whiskey ;)

K:unbelievable…


As Delta walked out of the back she was glad she had Maurice at her side, otherwise the small flame of confidence she had sparked might just have been snuffed out by seeing this asshole again.

She didn't need to worry too much, as her little self transformation had an obvious effect on the Corpo.

Seeing Ryuji's smug face deflate into honest dumbfounded astonishment was admittedly slightly amusing. Slightly.

His wide golden orbs roved her from tip to top, not believing she was the same ratty street kid he had picked up off the gutter. His gaze lacked any lecherous intent, more like, he had just seen a cockroach turned into a person before his eyes. Even so, Delta still felt self-conscious in his presence; a flicker of what he had done earlier flashed in her mind, a memory him ogling her chest followed by his hand trailing down her leg… She quickly jerked the zipper of the jacket closed and took a step behind Maurice's larger form. The man wouldn't allow her to hid however, his hand gently pushing her forwards.

"Here she is! Industrial waste free and ready to head home!" The vendor cheered, proud of his work in making her seem Human. Even if Delta knew it was all a lie, his positive energy was contagious. "I'm sure her family will much appreciate your effort in returning her to them clean and without those rags."

Oh fuck! Delta winced, That's right, the story was that I was some rich kid taken hostage by Scavs… I hope Maurice doesn't check up on that later.

Ryuji had managed to find his jaw again, placing it back into his calm resting position. The bitch couldn't be phased for long it seemed. He gave a deep bow to Maurice.

"I appreciate the effort you put in. She's looks like she's back to her old self." The emotion he spoke with seemed too… Real. As if he legitimately cared about her. Delta quirked an eyebrow at that, his acting skills would put a BD star to shame… Or maybe he was one, and this was all part of the act. Maybe he was scrolling this entire time.

"Let me know how much the water bill will be and I will pay for anything extra."

The vendor waved a hand nonchalantly, "It's no RealSkinn off my back! You two needed help, so I helped. Let's just call it my 'good deed of the week' and leave it at that." Maurice then patted Delta on the back, giving her a warm grin. "Any time you need something, whether it be running away from Gangoons and need a place to lay low, or even just fixing your split ends while we gossip, I'll be here!"

Delta felt like she didn't deserve this foolish man's kindness, his was a rare breed in Night City, and he was wasted on her. The conniving spider who had spun their web of lies noticed the girl's pained expression, he frowned in warning for what she was about to do. Well fuck him! I'm done being dragged around by this punk!

"Hey Maurice, I've got something to say…" She was about to tell him the truth, to beg for forgiveness for deceiving him and taking advantage of his generosity when the lights went out.

"Oh dear! What's set those breakers off this time?"

In the pitch darkness Delta couldn't see much, just the two figures in front of her. But then, why did she feel as if she was being watched from behind?

Swirling around Delta found that nobody was hiding there in the shadows. Still though, the feeling of being observed didn't stop. Like she was being hunted by an invisible monster. Fear chilled her blood as she began edging towards the exit.

The door to the boutique slid open, letting fresh street light in, and revealing a tall women in a red coat and blonde bowl cut. Her mouth was covered by a pink breathing mask, but her yellow and red eyes glared into the unlit interior. Those same cybernetic eyes turned to bore into Delta's terrified cyan, the horrid feeling along her spine intensified.

"I'm sorry ma'am, it seems the power went out just now. I'll be sure to serve you once the lights are back on."

Maurice stepped around Delta's paralyzed form, not realizing how much of a mortal threat this blonde viper was. Couldn't he tell she smelt like death? She wanted to scream, to warn him how much danger they were all in. That they needed to run, now! But the words didn't come, nor did she think she was still breathing.

"No need, I've already found what I came for." The yellow eyes flashed for just a moment.

Maurice then began to spasm uncontrollably, he yelled out as sparks went flying from his implants. A moment later he crumpled to the floor in a twitching heap. Someone cried out his name, manic and desperate, it was only a second later when her throat felt raw did Delta realize it was her own voice. Searing hot tears ran down her face as she stared at the man who had been so kind to her.

Then those deadly eyes turned to her, they held no emotion, no anger or sympathy, they were just bored. To them this was just another minute in Night City. They began to flash bright again, lines of code could be seen on her red irises as she prepared another quick hack.

Delta braced for the end, for the fire to race along her synapses as the Netrunner fried her brain into soup. Oh gods why!? Why did this have to happen!? The pain among Delta's spine reached up into her head, she thought she was already being hacked, that her neurons were already shutting down.

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̷A̷ ̷w̷a̷̷l̷̷k̷̷i̷̷n̷̷g̷ ̷c̷̷o̷̷r̷̷p̷̷s̷̷e̷

The young woman had to scream, she needed to shut those voices out of her head. Was that what greeted her on the other side, constant jeering from her worst nightmares? She squeezed her eyes shut, not wanting to see her word disintegrate as death took her too.

"…What do you think you're doing, boy?"

The girl snapped her blue eyes open, seeing the back of an Arasaka Academy blazer.

"I could ask you the same thing, hag."

The woman grunted, jumping back through the open store doors. The space she had just occupied had been sliced with several arcs of energy, their blinding trails leaving an orange imprint in Delta's eyes. Ryuji's hands glowed with a similar heat, his nails had extended like a cat's claw, their short cybernetic blades heated to scalding.

The Netrunner scowled at the Corpo student, "Only warning, come along nice and quietly, and I don't erase half your brain with a blink. The choice is yours."

"How about you scram, before I cut you in half before you can even blink." Ryuji began to circle the merc, both of them never leaving eye contact.

"Have it your way."

The bowl cut bobbed as she ducked back further, anticipating the next strike. Her eyes shown like beacons as they attempted to quick hack the boy in front of her. His constant jerky movement made it difficult to get a lock sig on him. He must have a Sandivastan cyberware installed. She swore, not another hot blooded speedster.

Delta could hardly keep up with his movement, he was a dark blur as he danced through the street lights. He cut through the air like a hot knife through butter, his burning claws keeping up with the afterimage. He kept up the barrage of strikes, even as most of them were absorbed by the reinforced long cost his opponent wore.

A cripple movement quick hack was primed, at this distance it would be unavoidable. Firing it off at first held results, the Arasaka boy stopped his movements, feet planted into the ground as if rooted there. He grunted, surprised by the lack of movement. "There, that ought to keep you pinned-"

The quick hack was broken in an instant, allowing the boy to freely move once more. He smirked as the Netrunner swore once more. "…So you've got some Self-ICE, big deal."

A tech pistol was drawn out, only meant as a last resort weapon, but here she needed speed to catch this cat. A few weaker quick hacks were tossed out, meant to distract more than deal any kind of damage as the female merc slid over top of a parked car. The Cadillac was sliced in two molten halves a millisecond later, the dark haired boy dashing through the gap with a manic gleam in his eye.

A tech pistol spat out several chunks of tungsten, catapulted along by a set of super conducting magnets built into the weapon. Traveling faster than the speed of sound by several magnitudes the projectiles left the barrel of the gun. Ryuji didn't have his Sandevistan activated at that moment, meaning he didn't catch the trap fast enough to avoid the deadly bullets. Even if he had used his spinal implant there would have been little he could have done to avoid being hit at that speed.

The rounds impacted Ryuji with immense kinetic force, tossing his body across the pavement.

The merc leapt from her position, tech pistol aimed squarely on the boy's chest. He was still breathing, but his cybernetic leg was mangled and blood seeped out of his white shirt onto his blazer. He sputtered, coughing up some more blood to add to the growing pool on his chest. He'd live, probably, if his parents had set him up with enough eddies TT should be on their way now. She could even hear their AV roaring off in the distance. They would be here any minute.

The Netrunner cursed her luck, Damnit, don't need those fucks getting in my way.

"Kiwi, what's going on over there? I heard gunfi-" the link was cut off, she didn't need the distraction right now.

She needed to finish this gig yesterday.

She wasn't cut out for taking on this much risk anymore. She was more apt at being tucked away in an ice bath, managing things from the side. This was a Solo's job, not a chair jockey's. Oh well, eds are eds.

The pistol came up to aim at the dying kid's head, even downed and bleeding out he fixed her with his best shit eating grin. If he had his lungs working she was sure to hear some witting quip by now, thankfully internal bleeding saved them all that embarrassment.

"STOP! Don't kill him, please!" Delta shouted out as she jumped into the path of the gun. The woman swore, holding back her arm as the girl wrapped her arms around the stunned boy.

"Out of the way girl, you'll only kill two people if you stay there." She sounded more tired than murderous. "I'm here to take care of a Cyberpsycho on the loose, only paid to do that."

Delta tightened her grip around Ryuji's chest, he grunted in a bit of pain, but she didn't care, if she moved away from him he was dead. "Look, I know he's an asshole and he's threatened me multiple times tonight, but he hasn't killed anyone!" The merc gave her an annoyed look, as if she was stupid. "…At least as far as I've seen him tonight."

"Fascinating, truly, I think I must be in some old holo drama." The woman let out a sharp laugh. "Only, this doesn't end unless I bring in a body."

"Please! Stop! He's no Cyberpsycho!"

"You're right, he's not." The gun snapped to Delta's face, aimed between her scared cerulean eyes, she could see down the barrel of the gun. "You are."

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