Though she had only been at the hospital for maybe three days that she was aware of, she would have killed for a room with a window, Gloria found that she was falling into a routine of sorts. Wake up, get checked out, be given medication and breakfast if there was no procedure that required fasting. Then she would be left to her own devices until A, the meds knocked her out. Or B, she grew so bored listening to music or watching TV that she fell asleep anyways. Repeat at lunch and dinner time.
Still, Gloria couldn't deny that it was kind of nice, in a roundabout sort of way, that she could just stay in bed and relax. Though she was surrounded by medical equipment, she couldn't help but equate the experience to staying in a hotel room. Sure, it smelt like antiseptic and other medicines, but she wasn't the one doing the upkeep. A sigh escaped her, remembering the one time she took David on a 'vacation' – it had been nothing more than her booking a single night's stay in a cheap motel with a pool for him to play around in, but little David had loved splashing in the water and playing in the small games room the place had. Cheap as it was, she still had to skimp and save like crazy in the week prior to make it happen on top of paying the bills.
"Shit. Rent was due a few days ago..." She cursed, calling the automated line to check her account. Given that she hadn't been to work the last few days, she wasn't surprised when the automated voice revealed her balance to be in the negatives. She briefly debated calling her boss, seeing if she had any sick time she could cash in, but knew it would be a moot point. "Am I even going to have a job to go back to once I'm better? Can I even go back to work?"
Though she wasn't exactly the most qualified EMT, Gloria knew her injuries were serious enough to end almost any career, and limit further employment opportunities. She looked to her side, seeing all the machines, tubes, and wires that were hooked up to her. Everything about her treatment screamed 'expensive' and while she knew there were payment plans, the red-head couldn't fathom how they would pay. She would need to go back to work as soon as possible, and David would probably need to get a job as well. But that would mean he'd have to neglect his studies, and care for her instead of her for him and...
"Miss Martinez?" A gentle voice brought her out of her spiral of thoughts, and she looked to see one of the nurses standing at her bedside, tablet in hand. "I'm nurse Kelley and I'm here to discuss some options that are available to you with your current Trauma plan."
"No...trauma...plan..." She whined, throat feeling raw and scratchy despite the amount of liquids she had been ingesting. Her latest surgery had left the area around her neck and lower jaw sore to the point that even opening her mouth enough to accommodate a straw was an effort. "Can't...afford..."
"Don't try and talk dear, use your holo." Kelley's eyes lit up as she contacted Gloria. "Your body's shot but your mental capacity is fine, so this should make things easier for you. How's that?"
["Much better."] She answered, thankful for the nurse's idea.
"Glad to hear it." The nurse seemed to recall Gloria's words, a gentle smile on her face and patience in her voice. "And yes, you have a Trauma plan and everything is being handled by the policy holder."
["Policy holder?"]Gloria blinked, trying to piece everything together. ["You mean V has a policy? And I'm on it?"]
"V? Oh, short for Vincent. Yes, Mister Linder added you to his plan." Kelley laughed at how high Gloria's eyebrows climbed. "Sorry, did he not tell you?"
["I remember him mentioning something about it...but the details are fuzzy."]Gloria sighed, but the corners of her mouth twitched, unable to decide between smiling at how V was caring for her. Or frowning at how much this was probably costing him.
"Multiple contusions, concussions, broken bones, exposure to toxic chemicals, and blood loss can do that." The nurse answered, a slight chuckle escaping her as she tapped at her tablet. "Anyways, like I said earlier, I'm here to discuss the range of options you have for treatment when it comes to 'chroming up', as the youth say."
Gloria couldn't help the weary sigh to escape her. Even before becoming an EMT, she wasn't too keen on the idea. That feeling only grew as most of the cases she responded to were the aftermath of Cyberpsychosis episodes. ["Do I really need the chrome?"]
"To put it bluntly, yes. Even with today's advancements in medical care, the injuries you've sustained, if left to heal organically, will leave you a cripple and with chronic pain." She moved to Gloria's side, and showed the screen of the tablet to her. "Take your left arm for example. Right now, you're held together with pins and plates as your body recovers from the trauma. Sure, you can still use your arm, but I'm sure you've noticed some level of difficulty in doing so." Kelley set a stylus pen just in front of Gloria's left hand, just touching her fingertips. "Try and pick that up for me, please?"
["I Thought that was just from the cast?"] Still, Gloria complied with the request, arm shifting forward just slightly while her fingers tried to wrap around the stylus. Even under the effect of the painkillers, Gloria had a sense of discomfort at the action. It didn't help that while she could see her fingers moving, she couldn't fully feel them as they finally wrapped around the stylus. ["Got it."]
"Great." Kelley took the stylus from her and placed it in front of her right hand, instructing her to do the same. This time, she was able to complete the task almost instantly, a tiny smile on her face as she offered the stylus back. "See now, the cast is probably messing with your mobility somewhat, but I'm sure you felt the difference between your 'good' arm and the 'bad' one. Now imagine that feeling for the rest of your days."
Gloria looked at her hands, watching as she flexed them. She wasn't exactly a stranger to knowing the side effects of certain injuries on the body, and understood Nurse Kelley's concerns. Indeed, the more she studied her own condition, the more she understood she would never quite be the same again...if she recovered at all. Shoving that thought to the back of her mind, she decided to bite.
["What are my options?"]
There was no missing the smile to work its way onto Kelley's face. "Given that you are on Arasaka's Corporate Platinum plan, you've got coverage for everything from minor options, like having your organic arms replaced with cybernetic arms to full body replacement options like the R.M.C. Gemini."
["Don't know if I want to go that far. Get branded a metalhead for the rest of my days."]
"Honey, hundreds of advancements have been made with the Gemini systems since their release in the twenty-twenties. The stigma that surrounds them isn't as bad as it once was. I mean, look at Lizzy Wizzy for an example. Indeed, a lot of people accept it now as a form of pseudo-immortality. Of course, that's if they can ever tell you're full body outside of a deep scan!" Kelley showed her some side-by-side pictures of chrome jocks, 'ganics, and full body replacement jobs. "Bet if you didn't know that's what were discussing, you wouldn't have even known that the guy in the middle is a full."
Gloria's eyes watched the nurse tap the guy in question, and she shook her head. ["It's not that. It just seems rather invasive. I mean, doesn't that basically just reduce me to being a brain in a jar? Take away my emotions?"]
"That's one way to put it. But again, full body cybernetic implants are now more advanced than ever. You become far more than a brain in a jar." She showed her a few more pictures, and Gloria had to admit that she wouldn't have believed them to be full body replacements if she didn't know. "Personally, if I was the one in your position, this is the option I would choose."
["Again, It just seems a little much."]
"Is it really though? Think about it, the ability to change your appearance at any time." Kelley played a short video, showing some before and after shots. "Almost instantly you can give yourself higher cheekbones, a tan, even a heart-shaped ass or bigger breasts – all things guaranteed to keep the interest of your man, or woman. I don't judge." She saw Gloria flinch slightly, "of course. The beauty of the Gemini system is that you also have the option to just remain as you are now if you're not keen on changing your appearance."
["Do you earn commission from selling these to patients?"]
"I may get a small kickback from Raven Microcybernetics." Kelley answered honestly, "but even if I didn't, I would still encourage those who have taken as much damage as you have to take this option. Sure, some choose to have individual prostheses installed and replace only that which needs it. Downside is that if something happens to another limb, they've got to undergo the procedure again and deal with the recovery time and after care again." She gave a tiny shake of her head. "However, a fully body option not only fixes what's broken, but improves what isn't. And the recovery time isn't as long, and there's not as much after care. If you want to get back on your feet the quickest, this is honestly the best option for you."
Gloria nodded, not fully agreeing or disagreeing with Nurse Kelley's assessment. The thought of being able to get back on her feet, return to work and not be bedridden or restricted was tempting. But at the same time, Gloria couldn't fully fathom giving up her organic form.
["I...I need some time to think about it."] She answered after a few moments, eyes on the nurse who simply nodded.
"Don't worry, you've got plenty of time to think and make a decision. Your 'ganics are still recovering, leaving you in no condition to be chromed in any means at this time, including full body options. Here, I'll send you the details of all the options for you to look over at your leisure." Kelley smiled and sent the files on the tablet to her. "So take your time and think it over. Talk it over with your family. We can also arrange for you to talk with a augment counselor or even with patients from similar cases if you want a first hand account."
["Thank you."]
"You're welcome." The nurse made a few notes on her tablet. "I've another patient to attend to, but before I leave, do you need anything?"
["Another cup of water would be nice. Maybe a few magazines...That aren't about body modifications."] She added, getting a laugh from the nurse.
"Of course, I'll send one of the residents over with those items for you." Kelley's eyes briefly lit up as she sent the request. "Take care Miss Martinez, and don't hesitate to call any of us if you have questions or need anything."
Gloria gave an acknowledging hum as the nurse took her leave. Unsure of just how long it would be until she got her water and new reading material, Gloria sighed and shifted around until she found a comfortable position. Her good arm reached for the remote, and with a sigh she turned on the TV and started flipping through the stations in the hopes of finding something to keep her entertained.
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After the nurse had taken her leave, Gloria decided to look over the information the nurse had left. It was one part technical details that she understood the bare minimum of. And one part corporate advertising buzzwords designed to grab your attention and make you want their product. Needless to say, she lost interest in it after a few minutes. Fortunately, the promised resident had come in with some magazines and her water, she nodded her thanks as the girl took her leave. Closing her eyes, she reached out with her good hand and picked up one of the magazines at random. It was one of those celebrity gossip magazines that she would have never bought on her own, but always found entertaining if they were available to read. She was halfway through an article about Kerry Eurodyne when she got a call on her holo.
["Maine?"]
["Uh, hey Gloria."] There was an odd hesitance in his usual smooth tone. ["Not sure if you got the other message I left-"]
["You mean the one where you accused me of ghosting you? And called me several choice words?"] Even though he couldn't see, her eyes narrowed. He would feel her glare.
["Yeah, that one. Wanted to apologize for it."] She heard him sigh. ["Your input told me about the accident, and I'm glad to hear you're on the mend."]
["My input?"]
["The Corpo spook in the suit, the one you've had watching over your kid while you're recovering."]
["He's not..."] What was with everyone assuming her and V were together? ["Wait, how did you know that?"]
["Look, before I found out about the accident. I got some wrong information and connected some bad dots...I don't want to hear it from you Pilar!"] Gloria held back a laugh, picturing Maine shaking his head in exasperation at his associate. ["Look, the suit said he's on his way to visit you with your boy. And while I don't want to put you under anymore stress than you might already be under with your recovery...I'd like you to know my side of the story. If you're up for it, that is?"]
Gloria took a moment to think. Sure, celebrity gossip was entertaining, but a first-hand account of something that happened with an associate of yours?
["Sure, not like I've got anything else better to do."]
["Alright, so after the 'news' reported that the Sandevistan was missing, the six biggest fixers around town started feeling around for it. By sheer fucking luck, Lucy crossed paths with a kid running around with chrome in his back identical to the missing Sandy."]
"Kid decided to get some chrome..." V's words replayed in her head, and it was her turn to sigh. Of all the things David could have done while she was down for the count, getting chipped had been low on the list of options. Getting chromed with obviously stolen parts however? She groaned, unsure how to feel about her son's latest escapade.
["David took it? Did Lucy not realize who he was?"]
["Before you fault Lucy, she only scanned the wetware and for some basic information about the kid. Also, none of us ever met David before now...Oh my- excuse me. Becca and Pilar are being stupid..."]
["So, nothing out of the ordinary for them?"] She heard Maine laugh, and could see the situation clearly; the siblings trying and failing to stand up against him.
["Not really...Ugh, I'm not a goddamn messenger boy. Either shut up or join the call!"] There was a long pause on his end, ["alright, they should be quiet for now but...]
Becca's name appeared in her holo, and Gloria couldn't help but smile and accept the call. ["Hey Becca."]
["Hey Gloria. Maine's being a meanie and not letting us say hi."]
["Well excuse me for wanting to fill her in on the important details, which if you'll allow me to continue?"] She could hear the exasperation in his voice. ["Anyhow, as I was saying. When Lucy ID'd the Sandy, she contacted me and we all came to the conclusion that the kid had iced you to take the goods for himself."]
["Something that wouldn't have happened if you told us about your kid to begin with."]
["I didn't want David involved in this."]
["Well, unfortunately he's part of it now. Him and Lucy got into a minor confrontation and she managed to convince him to do a little work for her and earned his trust in a way. Once they were done, she took him back to her place where Pilar, Dorio, and myself were gonna take back the Sandy. Don't worry, the suit showed up and pulled him out and cleared things up a bit before either side got hurt."]
Gloria had a feeling Maine was omitting more than a few details, mind wondering just how V handled the situation. ["Becca, is this true?"]
["I don't know. He made me and Falco wait back at base."] She could feel Becca's frown through the call. ["Told him it was a dumb idea to leave us behind but..."]
["Again, it wasn't just us out there looking for the Sandy. Wanted to try and keep things on the down low."]
A small sigh escaped Gloria, several scenarios crossing her mind as she thought about what might have happened if there were more people involved.
["Gloria? You still there?"]
["Uh huh...sorry. Just thinking."] She yawned, deciding to ask another question on her mind. ["So what now? Are you guys lookin' for a refund?"]
["I was originally, now I'll just settle for getting out of this in one piece."] The man took a deep breath. ["This suit of yours. He a decent guy?"]
["He hadn't heard from or seen me in years, and yet is taking care of me... Is looking out for my son, a kid he's never met...and has no reason to look after other than as a favor to me."] Her face changed into a scowl, an unseen wordless challenge to the man on the other end. ["He may be a suit, but yeah. I'd say he's more than decent."]
A sigh of relief came over the holo. ["Good, he's made a job offer for the crew but he gives me the 'or else' vibes somethin' bad. If you didn't vouch for him, I was gonna pack my bags and hide out in Pacifica for a few months."]
The held back laughter from earlier came back at the thought, but soon devolved into her coughing. She let out a pained groan at the strain it put on her throat and reached for her water.
["Shit, sorry. I'll let you get some rest..."] Maine's voice had turned soft. ["Get some rest Gloria, alright?"]
["Yeah, we'll let you go.] Rebecca added, [Oh, when can we come and visit?"]
["Not sure, I'll ask the next time one of my nurses or doctors comes to check on me. Later guys."] A weary smiled worked its way onto her face as she heard Becca let out a yes before the pair disconnected from the call. Loud as Maine and his crew could be, Gloria couldn't deny that it would be nice to have some more people coming to visit her. Left to her own devices again, Gloria briefly debating picking up the magazine and finishing the article, but reading seemed to have lost its appeal. Feeling another yawn threatening to escape, she instead closed up the magazine and decided to take a nap.
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Gloria didn't know how long she had been out, but she woke quick enough when she heard a familiar voice calling for her.
"Mom?" Gloria turned to the door fast as her bindings would allow, seeing David tentatively poking his head into the room. She smiled, eyes lighting up as she called him on the holo. David's own eyes flashed in confusion, but he picked up the call. "Mom?"
["Come in Mijo."] Gloria waved her good hand, calling him into the room. Still confused, David complied and quickly made his way over to her bedside. Much as she could tell David wanted to play the part of uncaring teen, there was a level of warmth in his hug that comforted her as much as it must have him.
"Missed you mom." He admitted softly, stepping back as V stepped into the room.
["Missed you more."] Gloria added V to the call. ["Thanks for bringing him."]
"You're welcome." V smiled, "What's with the holo comms?"
["Latest surgery had them removing bone shards and shrapnel around my collarbone."] She lifted her chin a little, showing the stitches to the pair. ["Hurts like a bitch to open my mouth, even more to talk normally."] She frowned, ["can't even eat solid foods. I've been on an all liquid diet."]
"How's that been for you?"
["Considering that gelatin and iced ceam count as liquids, it hasn't been all bad."] Gloria smiled, ["still, I'm looking forward to the day I can bite into something again. Even if its something soft like a burrito."] David laughed while V placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Long as its not buck-a-slice, I'll buy you whatever you want."
["What's wrong with buck-a-slice?"] There was a defensive tone in her voice. ["Working as an EMT, you never know when you'll have a chance to eat. A cheap, easy, hot and ready slice of pizza is mana from heaven after working twelve hours straight."]
"Can't argue that." V chuckled, "done more than my share of chunking between jobs."
["Speaking of food...David, you look a little pale. Have you been eating enough?"] Gloria frowned, eyes scrutinizing her son's appearance.
"Uh, might have missed a meal here and there." He admitted, rubbing his stomach. "Oh, but I did find this really good street cart noodle stand. V's friend Jackie bought me an order of beef lo-mein. Once you're better, I'll take you there."
["I'd like that."] Gloria laughed, but it quickly turned into a coughing fit again. Both V and David moved to assist her, with the former adjusting the pillow behind her back and the latter sliding her water cup towards her. Taking a sip, she settled back on the pillows. ["Sorry, still healing. So you met Jackie."]
"Had him keeping an eye on the boy while I'm busy." V rubbed the back of his head, seeing Gloria's expression. "Don't worry, Jack's great with kids."
"I'm not a child who needs to be watched." David took a seat, one leg twitching a mile a minute as both adults studied him. "I can take care of myself."
"Really? Because I need another hand to count the amount of times you've fucked up in the last forty-eight hours." The older man grimaced, eye twitching just slightly. "And I don't think we need to be stressing your mom out anymore than she already is."
"If anyone's stressing her out, it's you." The kid cracked his neck, chin raised just slightly in defiance. Despite not having seen V in years, Gloria could still tell when the man was trying to hold something back. As for David, while he might have been able to fool others, he was an open book to her. Sitting up just a little straighter, she inserted herself back into the conversation.
["Alright, what's going on?"]
"Huh?" Both of them answered as well, eyes going from each other to her.
["David you have a terrible poker face, and V, you're not fairing much better."] She took another sip of her drink. ["What have you been up to? And by that I mean, what have you gotten yourselves into now?"] Thanks to Maine, she already knew the answer, but wanted to hear it from either of her boys. ["David, you first."]
"I...got some chrome..." David looked away, and Gloria could tell he was trying to formulate his story. "Had to put Katsuo in his place. Show him that mama didn't raise a coward." He smiled, though it wasn't very convincing as he struggled to come up with how to explain the next part. His hesitance made V sigh, and the older man took control of the conversation.
"Here, allow me to help you again." It wasn't a request. "As I told you yesterday Gloria, your boy chromed up with that Sandevistan you klepped. Oh, though I only just found out he didn't bother taking any immune-suppressants or other medications to help ensure his body doesn't reject it. As David himself confirmed, he went to school and and got into a fight. Now, instead of going home to rest, your boy went out on the town and had a run in with a gang who had their eyes on his chrome. One of them sweet-talked your boy into joining her in being a pick-socket using his Sandy." V saw David's mouth moving, as if ready to protest his assessment, but one stern look silenced him. "Got to give you credit for being able to fire that thing off a good eight times before your nose popped a cork."
["What were you thinking D?"] Gloria glared at her son, but V continued before David could get a word in edgewise.
"Through a spot of bad luck, David and the girl got picked up by some shady EMTs and had to delta. Fortunately, Jackie was nearby and was able to get him to an...okay ripper and get him on the meds he needed."
"Hey! Doc knows what he's doing." David was suddenly on the defensive.
"Your 'Doc' knows what he's doing when there's the eddies to back it up." V spat back, "only reason the man didn't give you the meds after the surgery is because he was hoping you'd flatline so he could grab the Sandy for himself at no extra cost."
"Wasn't gonna flatline..." David's hand clenched into a fist, "I proved that I could handle it."
"Maybe you weren't planning on it, but your girl had it all figured out. That's why she dragged you back to her place, drugged you – No, don't try to argue that beer isn't a drug. You're not used to drinking so it would have more than the desired effect to dull your senses. Something she further accomplished by pulling you into that damn BD while her crew moved it." The older man shook his head, "if I hadn't arrived when I did, you would probably be dead."
The bedridden woman couldn't decide if she was thankful or annoyed at Maine for omitting some of these details in his version. Much as it might have stressed her out, at least she would have been prepared to hear it again.
"I...I would have explained the situation." David piped up, "told them where I got it from. They might have had some sympathy if they knew it came from Mom."
"That's probably the only thing that would have saved your ass." V rubbed his temple, "anyhow. Here's how things are going to go down from here. Corp spotted you abusing the Sandy, and the only way you're not gonna become a lab-rat for Arasaka is if you're doing field work for them. Maine and his crew are willing to keep an eye on you, keep you alive and back you up if you get into trouble."
Gloria let out a sighed, eyes closing as V and David continue to bicker. She knew Maine took good care of those on his crew, that the man was reliable. And that he played really well, or that he actually, cared for his crew. And she knew V was watching from the shadows, pulling strings here and there in a further safety net. However, she couldn't help but grimace at the fact that David had gotten himself into this situation. That he had been foolish enough to chrome up to begin with. That he had gotten involved in this at all. Sure, she knew her son was already involved with the shadier side of Night City if his wreath upgrade was any indication, but this was on a whole other level.
"...I'm doing just fine on my own!"
["David!"] Gloria snapped, good hand thumping on the bed. ["Just stop. I raised you better than this! Much as I hate it, I can appreciate you skipping a meal in an attempt to save us some eddies. But I can't appreciate you cutting corners in other places trying to achieve the same result. I've done my best to feed, clothe, and shelter you. To provide you with the means to work for a better life. There are kids, hell, adults in Night City that would kill for even half of the shit I've provided to you. I love you mijo, but recently you've been acting more a gangoon than my son."]
"Mom, I-"
Her morning medications had worn off, but Gloria pushed through the pain to raise her good hand and slap David's wrist. ["You what? Were just trying to look out for us? How does strapping cyberware of unknown origin to yourself help us? Did you really think getting some chrome would improve things in any way? You're lucky-"]
"Uh, excuse me?" The voice came from a nurse who was standing in the doorway, large syringes and small vials held in his hands. "Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt but it's time for your next dose Miss Martinez."
"Ah...Sweet, relief." She forced out the words, it might have been ill timing, but Gloria welcomed the nurse's appearance. Much as she loved her boys, their reports had given her a headache. The promise of relief however didn't stop her from grimacing as the nurse administered the latest round of medicine.
Nobody likes needles. Especially not horse needles loaded with huge doses of super-painkillers. Even V and David seemed uncomfortable with the scene playing out before them and Gloria felt a small amount of schadenfreude at the situation.
After making sure Gloria was comfortable, the nurse took his leave, leaving the three alone again. It didn't matter if she'd be here another day or a whole year, Gloria felt she'd never get used to the cold sensation of the medicine entering her bloodstream. Still, while she had no idea just what they injected her with, she knew it went to work fast.
"Your mother's right," V offered, having remained silent during Gloria's rant. "Your actions haven't helped anyone, not even yourself."
Aches she didn't even realize she had were soothed by the chems flowing in her bloodstream, posture relaxing slightly. The medication hit her head, making it feel lighter than it had all day. She looked at V and David, still hearing them bickering with each other. Her drug-addled mind deciding to return her to her earlier walk down memory lane. Clear as day, Gloria remembered the first time she held David after he was born. His first steps, his first words.
["You called me mama..."] A thought she meant to keep to herself but instead sent over the holo. Neither V or David seemed to notice, something what little of sober Gloria was thankful for. Drugged Gloria however felt it necessary to remind her about all the times she had wondered what raising David would have been like if V had been there with her?
"He's here now..." Sober Gloria reminded herself. It was true, V was back in her life...and also now in David's life. While she had hoped that the two would meet one day, it was always at some business meeting or similar event. That David had graduated from Arasaka Academy and went on to join the Corporate world where he would be safe. V would shake David's hand, and congratulate him on being so young and successful. Say that David reminded him of himself, without knowing just how true that statement was.
The two meeting because of David making an emergency phone call because she was in an accident and they were borderline destitute was not a scenario that crossed her mind.
Too bad their argument was only continuing.
"Says the man whose only assistance has been financial. Oh, and having his hired muscle follow me like some sort of creepy stalker." David crossed his arms and hit V with a hard stare. "You pulled me out of that room to get me away from those goons, and now you're turning around and putting me back with them? Whose the real gonk in this situation?"
["David, that's no way to talk to your father."] The words were out on the holo before any part of drugged or sober Gloria even had a chance to realize it.
For a brief second, it seemed everything in the room had gone silent. She could tell by the brief widening of V's eyes that he had either suspected, or more likely already knew that piece of information. The odd tensing of the muscles near the hinge of his jaw an indication of how uncomfortable V seemed with that information in the open. David meanwhile looked to have short-circuited. His mouth was hanging open, and his eyes were wider than Gloria had ever seen, yet there was no light or anything behind them.
"My...father?" The kid croaked out after a moment, eyes going from Gloria's face to V's own, trying to figure out if either party was joking about that. Gloria watched as David moved into the bathroom and looked at his face in the mirror, eyes going from his own to V's. From the day he was born, Gloria knew he'd look like V. They both had the same face-shape, the same soft brown eyes and dark hair. The biggest difference between the two at the moment was that David's face still hadn't lost all the softness of childhood.
["Yes. Vincent is your father."] Sober Gloria mastered to take the helm, opting to use V's full name to also show her annoyance towards him. ["Why do you think I kept his number after all these years?"]
"I don't know? All it said in the holo was Vinny emergencies only!" David argued, moving out of the bathroom and back to his mom's side. "Though he was just a friend."
["Friend with benefits..."] Drugged Gloria got the words out before anyone could stop her. To his credit, V only let out a tiny snort before hiding his smirk behind his hand. Internally, sober Gloria groaned as well, but the effect of the drugs were too strong for her to feel anything beyond minor embarrassment at her comment. Instead, she closed her eyes and sighed, body feeling relaxed and at ease.
"Ugh, mom..." David's face scrunch up at the thought, shock at the revelation replace with the disgust that only comes when you realized your parents had sex.
"Yeah, they've given her the preem shit." V answered, seeming content to leave Gloria's words alone for the moment.
"Did you know?" Gloria opened her eyes in time to see David was back to giving V the stinkeye.
"Only found out myself in the last forty-eight hours." V's eyes literally lit up as he sent something over to David. By the way David's forehead wrinkled, Gloria could tell he didn't fully understand everything he was looking at. "There's the results of the test if you don't believe me or your mom."
"I...Excuse me." David stepped out of the room, footsteps loud as he walked away from the room and left the call. Gloria frowned, eyes heavy with emotions as she looked at V.
"Don't worry, Jackie's down in the waiting room." He moved to her side, hands adjusting her blankets. "He'll keep an eye on him while he processes everything."
Though Gloria wanted to respond to that, she found herself compelled to say something else. ["Sorry I didn't tell you, V."]
"It's alright." He rested his hand on hers, "there's nothing to be sorry about. You had your reasons, and I can't fault you for that."
["Still should have told you when you first mentioned David. That he's your son."] Despite her best efforts to stay awake, Gloria couldn't help the yawn that escaped her as the meds started to fully kick in.
"We can talk about it another day Firecracker."
[That's sweet... You still remember...]
The meds hit their peak and her eyes fluttered closed. The last thing she could see was V's face.