After yet another week-long hiatus, I bring you the next chapter.


The next morning, Niko left the hotel he was staying at. He was glad to be wearing the shades he'd bought at the Russian Shop in Liberty City, due to Los Santos' beaming sunlight. By 11 o'clock, he was purchasing a handgun at Ammu-Nation, just after having messaged Packie about meeting there. After warming himself up at the shooting range, Niko bought some extra handgun magazines, put the handgun's safety on, then tucked it into the back of his jeans and put the bottom of his red t-shirt over it. As Niko walked out of the shop, Packie happened to arrive in his car at the parking area and walk to the front door.

"Holy shit, Niko Bellic!" Packie greeted in surprise.

"Packie!" Niko responded in equal surprise as they bro-hugged.

"How ya doin', man?!" Packie asked.

"Good, good, good - and you?"

"Hey, man, I'm great! I mean, my family's gone now, but hey, Los Santos is a real upgrade!" Packie answered enthusiastically.

"Well, I'm sorry to hear that." Said Niko.

"Thanks. Hey, you got a car, man?"

"No."

"Well, it's a good thing that I have one for once. C'mon, lemme show ya some o' my friends!" Packie said as he and Niko walked to the car. As Packie drove, he and Niko talked.

"So, how is the rest of your family, anyway?" Niko asked as he sat in the passenger seat.

"Well, let's see - Kate left home, Derrick overdosed, Ma also died, aaaand Gerry's still in prison! You?" Packie chirped sarcastically.

"Man, I'm sorry to hear that, Packie. Your mother was a good lady."

"Ay man, thanks. But anyways, what happened with you since that whole Dimitri thing?" Packie asked politely.

"Oof." Niko rolled his eyes and smirked. "Man, where do I begin?... Well, as you know, it didn't work out between me and Kate, but we split on good terms, and she moved on to be a teacher or something."

"Yeah, I heard about that." Said Packie.

"So, at some point later, I started dating an internet café clerk. I knew as soon as I met her that I really liked her, but I knew my life was too busy for her at that time. So, each time I went there, we just flirted a lot. Then - after Dimitri, and Pegorino, and the wedding, and everything - I asked her out. We've been married for a couple of years now."

"Holy shit, congrats, man!" Packie cheered, making Niko let out a chuckle.

"Thanks, man... Yeah, and you know my cousin - Roman? Just after that, his son was born. He's getting big now." Niko added.

"Hey - Niko, man. You won't fuckin' believe it." Packie began, drawing Niko's attention. "So, a buncha months ago, I was robbin' a corner store with some asshole who I haven't seen since, and he forgot the damn getaway car! When suddenly, some random guy happened to drive by, and he picked us both up just before the cops came. He drove us to safety, I gave him a cut and my details, and we split. Next thing you know, I'm doin' major-league scores with him and his crew! And I'm talkin' REAL professionals here. Like... 'Union Depository' professional."

Niko looked at Packie. "Really? You helped to rob the Bank of Liberty and the Union Depository? Man, what a life to live, eh?"

"Yep!" Packie chuckled. "Anyways, that's where I'm takin' ya - Michael's house. He's your pal Jimmy's dad, oddly enough."

"Wait..." Niko paused. "My online friend is the son of your crewmate?"

"Yes." Packie answered nonchalantly.

Niko nodded, impressed. "Nice."

"What about you? You still in the game?" Packie asked.

"Nah, I like to think I'm retired now. I gave maybe half my money to charity then settled down with my wife." Niko answered.


When it was nearing noon, Jimmy was dropped off at his parents' house by Taliana. She leaned over the seat and kissed Jimmy. "Later, baby."

"See ya, babe." Jimmy said with a smile as he got out and walked home. He opened the front door with a swagger. "I'm home, bitches!"

"Nice to see you too, sweetheart." Amanda replied with half-sarcasm as she peeked her head around from inside the kitchen. "Good time?"

"Hell yeah!" Jimmy answered as he walked to the kitchen and gave his mother a quick hug.

"Well, where've you been?" Michael asked with an eyebrow raised as he sat on the couch with a glass of whiskey.

"Just... out." Jimmy answered as he walked over.

"For this long?" Michael asked.

"Yeah, just been chillin' with some friends and girlfriend. Anyways, what's new, Pops?" Jimmy asked casually as he sat down.

"Wait, wait - girlfriend?" Michael asked?

Amanda then walked into the living room. "Did I hear that right?"

"Yeah?" Jimmy said in response.

"Man, no wonder ya seemed so confident just now - ya finally scored!" Michael said as he raised his hand, to which Jimmy hi-fived him.

"Michael!" Amanda chipped in. "Well, either way, we're just happy that you're happy, sweetie."

"Thanks, Ma." Jimmy smiled a bit.

"Who's this broad anyway?" Michael asked.

"Your getaway driver." Jimmy answered.

Michael paused. "... Franklin?"

Jimmy looked at Michael as if to say 'Really, nigga?'

Michael chuckled. "So, you and Tali?... Honestly never woulda thought that, but there ya go."

Suddenly, they were interrupted by the doorbell ringing, followed by a familiar voice calling for Michael. "Hey, Mike - ya in there?"

As Jimmy and Amanda went into the kitchen, Michael got up and went to open the door. "Hey, Packie." Michael greeted as he saw his crewmate. "Who's this?"

"Mike, this is Niko. The toughest son of a bitch I've ever met." Packie introduced his old friend and new friend.

"Hello, Mikhail- er, Michael." Niko attempted to pronounce his name as he held out a hand.

Michael shook Niko's hand in return. "Hey, nice to meet ya."

"Likewise. Packie tells me that you are Jimmy's father."

Michael raised an eyebrow as he invited the two inside. "Oh, really? What, you know him?"

"Yes - we met online a while ago." Niko answered, arousing Michael's suspicion, since his yatch was stolen the last time Jimmy met someone online.

As they walked to the kitchen to get some beers, Jimmy recognised them. "Hey, Pack- holy shit, Niko!"

Niko laughed and pointed at Jimmy as he walked to him. "Hello, Jimmy De Santa!"

They chuckled as they shook hands. "Holy shit, man, how are ya?" Jimmy asked.

"Good, good, you?" Niko asked.

"Great, thanks!" Jimmy answered. "Wow, I feel like I've known you ages, but I've just met you at the same time, man!"

Niko chuckled. "Haha, I know what you mean."

Amanda looked on in confusion with a poker face as she held her drink in her hand. "Oh, Mom, this is Niko and this is Packie." Jimmy introduced.

"Hi." Amanda greeted as she shook Packie's hand.

"Hi, Mrs. De Santa." Packie greeted back at her.

"Hello, Miss." Niko greeted as he shook Amanda's soft, thin hand.

"Hello." Amanda replied rather timidly. "Well, you boys have fun." She concluded as she walked away. Niko and Packie watched Amanda's ass sway as she left.

"How've ya been anyway, Niko, what's been goin' on?" Jimmy asked.

"The family is doing well - the wife is well. She still has the same old job, though."

"Huh, at least she has a job." Said Jimmy.

"Ah, don't worry - something'll come up." Said Packie.