Authors Note: I do not own Cyberpunk 2077, just an avid game fan.
Rated M for MATURE.
I think this is what we all wished for in Cyberpunk.
I knocked on the door looking at the access panel in contemplation.
"Calaba-somethin' is here." I called, shifting nervously on my feet as I held extra clothes after a visit to Byte.
After a moment of shuffling and 'oh fucks' the door opened abruptly to a flushed Judy Alvarez. She wore a lime green muscle tank with one strap drooping off her shoulder and black panties.
"Ah-hem. Heyyy V." She tried to casually greet me despite her breathy voice, eyes brightened upon the sight of me here, now, at her place. Curiously, she leaned looking between me and the access panel smirking slyly, "You know, you could've just come in."
I shifted my clothes to my other hand awkwardly as I raised an eyebrow looking down and up at her appearance, "You seemed like you were…busy, with our virtue."
Her gaze fixated on my extra clothes as a blush heated her cheeks, she crossed her legs tightly shifting onto her toes, "Just workin', makin' myself at home for the night, as you should…" She abruptly took my clothes, taking off in a run inside.
"Ack- hey!" I gasped before slowly following after her. She giggled, biting her lip as she walked backwards from me and I couldn't help the smile forming upon my lips. My chest and shoulders already feeling lighter in her presence.
"Hah, What's the calaba-whatsit even mean? Your translator won't work on text!" I exclaimed, waving my hands out.
"Mnnn…" she squinted one eye as she raised an eyebrow in contemplation before accidentally backing into the kitchen bar with a gasp.
I lunged towards her, now cornered, as she screamed "oh shiiit!" throwing my pile of clothes into the bedroom across as I grasped her between my arms, "You're so filthy!" She yelled within a fit of laughter.
"Hah, had an… eventful day." I shrugged, pulling away from her embarrassed of my appearance as I rubbed my neck.
Takemura died, was that my fault?
No doubt, didn't like him…but, he once saved my life.
A man died.
Yet she grabbed me by the waistband pulling me back into her with a kiss. Warmth glowed within my chest upon her soft lips meeting mine. For a moment I had lost all thoughts until I broke away curiously with a devilish smirk.
"You're trying to distract me…mi…" I leaned into her lips with hooded eyes and a light peck as my arms wrapped around her, captured once more.
She bit the edge of her lip shyly tilting her head into her shoulder, "Hah! Nooo!" She exclaimed, laying her head back abruptly as she playfully fought my grip.
I couldn't help laughing as well as I shrugged, "Ohhh, OK. You do realize…you're, like, weightless to me." I mocked while flinging her over my shoulder as she kicked.
"I can't—I'll turn into mush!" She laughed into my shoulder as I gripped her ass walking into the living room to spin around as she exclaimed, "Ahh! Not fair! I'm not good at feelings!"
I continued spinning faster a few more times until she yelled with a fist in my back, "Ok-ok-shiit! I'm gonna barf! You-you bully!"
I strategically dropped her onto the couch while swiftly mounting her waist with her hands held up all dizzy-like.
Entwining my fingers within hers with a wide successful grin, "Never said I wasn't." I leaned in to tenderly kiss her forehead.
She bit the edge of her lip slowly as a blush heated her cheeks, "Mi Calabacita…" she breathlessly mused, her gaze locking within mine as the translator worked.
My pumpkin.
My lips parted slightly as my amusement softened, I released a hand from hers only to caress her cheek tenderly. She leaned into my warm touch with eyes half closed and a warm smile. The world around us faded into a blur as I leaned in, closing the distance between our lips, merging them slowly and passionately. The touch was soft yet electric, a tender connection that spoke volumes. The taste of our kiss lingered on lips, a blend of warmth and promise as she rubbed her mouth thoughtfully with her thumb afterwards.
"Really-really glad you're here…Val." She whispered with a voice now husky.
"Hooh, you do turn into mush." I teased playfully with a peck on her jawline.
She laughed pushing my chest off of her with her free hand, "It's not funny!"
I kissed her hand entwined with mine, "Mn… Really? I find it quite fun…how the tables turned— you finding amusement in teasing me!"
Her eyes flicked upwards as she coyly grinned, "Have noooo idea what you're talking about!" She pulled our entwined hands within her chest.
Suddenly her eyes widened and eyebrows raised, "V! You gotta check it out!"
I tilted my head to the side confused, "I'd say I'm definitely checking someone out…" she untangled our hands to push me and I reluctantly climbed off.
"Pft. Come on—our virtue! Basically finished it, it IS nova. You're gonna eat your words." She sat up adjusting her tank top as she looked excitedly from me to her work room as I stood blankly.
"Hah— finished it already? Thought it was hard?" I shrugged, bringing my hand up confused.
She shyly scratched her neck, "I may have been working on it longer than texted, I meannn… the emotive tracks were real raw, but supa' preem." Standing now she was enamored as she talked with her hands, "It was tough at first, but then I just…let them coexist, flow off each other. The rest- well, I do all the time. Enhancement of the murky water really, contrast there, easy as paella."
She raised her chin confidently, crossing her arms as she narrowed her eyes into me with a frown, "I mean, you did say I'm the best techie in town."
"No doubt." I raised my eyebrows and my hands defensively as Johnny digitized behind her with arms crossed and head tilted into his shoulder, his point proven.
"Then, why not get a shower while I set things up?" She gave me a half smile as I shrugged heading for the bathroom.
It was surreal being in here after everything with Evelyn. My eyes fixated on the new rug replacement beside the tub as I stood frozen within the doorway. The blood was completely gone but I could still visualize her laying within, throat and wrists slashed pooling into the water within her ghastly skin.
I gave her a choice only to…is she at peace?
I shook my head at the intrusive thoughts, the tub was clean. Absurdly normal without a trace of the tragedy left. I couldn't shake the haunting feeling within me as I removed my clothes to step within. Despite the water being scalding hot, I shivered. Using the soap I rubbed languidly along my arms.
The soot and debris from the previous explosion turned the water gray as it spiraled within the drain of the tub below me, I splayed my hands wearily on the wall as the water cascaded over me.
I've been trying so hard to fight…
Jackie, Tbug, Dex, Evelyn, Scorpion, Tom, Takemura.
My head reeled within the list continuously growing as I closed my eyes pressing my forehead against the tiled wall, water dripping off my chin. Wanting to feel anything aside from the numb hollow pittless void growing within me. I felt detached from my fingers and body, like it was just a shell I was hovering within.
When did I get so numb? Numb to death? Worst part is, I can only think how selfishly terrible all this is for me…
"I can't…" my voice whispered within a quiver as my not-hands clenched into fists.
I can't lose my humanity. I hate myself.
Johnny appeared leaning against the shower wall with his back to me, arms crossed, "Shit you gotta do, you do in autopilot. Not s'posed to think about it. It's us or them."
I bared my teeth wanting to feel anger within this shell.
Instead, even with my eyes closed, all I saw was different headshots bursting into fine pink mist of brain matter, necks snapping with that sickening nauseating crunch, different deaths scrolling through my mind.
"Johnny. Privacy, please." I groaned, rapping my head repeatedly against the wall, slowly at first and then picking up speed and force as I truly felt the pain. Each beat of pain brought me back within myself as I felt my forehead throbbing.
"Fine, be alone!" Johnny scoffed, he waved his hands up and disappeared.
My throat felt tight, like I had an Arasaka vice around my neck, cutting off circulation for my own head to burst. I abruptly smacked my palm loudly against the wall.
"…V, You good? Been there awhile." The door opened with Judy's timid voice. Abruptly I was just a shell of myself again as I froze against the wall not wanting to face her within my anguish and guilt.
Judy. Can't imagine how hard it is for her to live here…no wonder she gave me access.
"Ye- yeah. Be out in a sec." My voice sounded foreign as replied to her from behind me.
I flinched upon feeling her touch upon my back, she didn't waver as she ran her hand up it.
"You're shaking, and you seem… distant." She leaned to shut off the water and meet my face with big worried eyes and upturned eyebrows.
I forced a weary smile into her, but instead she raised her eyebrows and shoved a towel into my chest forcefully, "Out, now." She ordered, quickly looking to the door, crossing arms tightly as she shifted on her feet uncomfortably.
I ruffled my hair with the towel before holding it over the front of me that was exposed as I stepped out, "It's just, a lot." I sighed feeling vulnerable as I fixated into the new rug, "The contrast, my shit show and how you make me feel…I dunno, feels wrong to feel so normal. Not you, jus' don't think I've ever felt normal..." I finally looked at her as my voice trailed.
Her gaze met mine softly, "I know. How the virtue is too. I'm…not used to this either." She took a deep sigh, "But, I know us. It's not wrong." She shook her head slowly as she held out her hand for me.
Without a moment's hesitation, I clasped her hand, and together, we entered her bedroom, walking side by side. It was then that my eyes were drawn to a stunning mural above the quaint mattress wall—an intricate portrayal of a female diver splayed in a myriad of hues and dripped dry spray paint. Adjacent to the bed, a recliner stood, hosting a tray of medications, and I couldn't help but notice that mine had found its place there as well.
Turning my attention, a vanity adorned the wall next to the entry door, its mirror framed by soft light bulbs. Stepping further into the room, my gaze shifted to the right, revealing built-in shelves adorned with knickknacks and books that I ran a finger across. Delving deeper, a built-in open closet completed the ensemble across from the bed, unveiling my clothes already hung within.
Judy watched me curiously with her arms crossed as I stepped towards the closet, a warm smile spread upon my lips as I thumbed through my duds mingled with hers. Dropping the towel and donning something simple, a 'burn corpo shit' black shirt and some taco boxers.
I turned towards Judy who had her gaze averted for me to change, nervously biting her lip.
"Thank you." I smiled passionately at her as she released a breath of relief upon meeting my eyes. I continued with a step towards her, "Let's smoke n' check out that hard work, yeah?"
"Pheew, yeah. A cig sounds good." Judy released her arms into a stretch of her hands behind her head. "Err, windows fine. Digs have already been smoked in." She shrugged nonchalantly as she left for her work room. I separated and strided towards the couch window. Despite being the top floor there was a ledge of a roof below. I climbed outside to sit against the wall as I put a cig to hang between my lips.
"Uh, V?"
"Over here!" I called, lighting my cigarette and looking up.
Her face leaned over me from the window with an amused smile, "Heh, should've known. Not a door person." She mused as she climbed to join me, passing my BD wreath into my hands as we sat together.
With quick finesse she lit her own cigarette as I blew a puff of smoke. In that shared silence words were unnecessary; we sat side by side, the air between us filled with an unspoken understanding. Silently, we indulged in the ritual of smoking, the ember of our cigarettes glowing in the dimness. As the tendrils of smoke curled upwards, our gaze fixated on the nocturnal spectacle of the city beyond.
Together, we marveled at the enigmatic beauty of the night city. United by the solace found in the simplicity of sitting, smoking, silent witness to the urban landscape of twinkling lights and persistent hum of traffic. The stillness between puffs created a sanctuary within the bustling city, a pocket of serenity suspended in the night as I flicked my finished cigarette below.
I lifted the wreath over my head letting it suction to my temples with a nod to Judy who's eyes glowed blue causing the lights to luminate. She blew a puff of smoke as the lights overcame my vision.
Within two people I felt separate but one, submerged beneath the inky expanse of the watery depths, guided only by a trail of crimson glow sticks that illuminated their way. The red glow created a mesmerizing dance in the underwater darkness, casting ethereal hues across the aquatic environment and familiar abandoned streets.
As they swam together, nostalgia wrapped around them like a bittersweet current within a multitude of memories. Whimsical and goofy banter echoed within the water, a symphony that resonated with the playfulness of a shared adventure within shared minds. The braindance unfolded like a surreal snow globe, suspended under the deep—a pocket outside of time where the rules of reality and gravity surrendered to the whims of the subconscious.
Through the water's embrace, we navigated the dreamlike landscape with a profound connection. The red glow sticks trailed behind them, leaving a luminous path in the velvety abyss. In this dreamscape, darkness, laughter, and nostalgia intertwined, creating a mosaic of emotions that transcended the boundaries of wakefulness.
When pain and fear seized one, panic seized the other pulling her into a protective embrace towards the surface. Instinctual.
Fierce anguish pulled them back within harmonization as one finally gasped for breath. Exhaustion gripped both of them as their emotions were unmasked and together with nervousness and fear and undeniable fiery passion everything they shared truly united becoming one. They lingered within the bed glowing with shared peace and subtle safety.
I pulled the wreath off of me to find Judy leaning against my shoulder with her eyes closed, legs curled within herself. My breathing was still husky from the braindance as I wrapped my arm around her. I tenderly rubbed her cold arm to wake her, "It's late, let's go to bed."
"Ughh." she groaned, wrapping an arm around me to trail her slender hand up my chest, with bleary eyes she looked up at me, "S'good, right?"
I stroked her hair with my arm around her, "More than Nova. Genius." I whispered with my chin resting upon the crown of her head, I closed my eyes taking a deep breath, "Come on sleepyhead." I mused with a smile.
Under the cover of the city's starless night, we rose through the apartment window, leaving the world outside as we shuffled to the bedroom.
With a sense of ease, Judy settled onto the bed first, finding her place in the comforting expanse with her back against the wall. I, in turn, joined her, choosing to lie on the outer edge. The ambient glow of the city's forever-lit lights softly illuminated the room, creating a serene atmosphere.
"Mhn." Judy shuffled, laying her head on my chest with a comforting weight, finding solace in the shared warmth as her hand loosely hooked around me. I embraced my arm around her as I tenderly stroked her hair.
As we lay there together, the night unfolded around us, a silent witness to our intimacy. I lay there in contemplation listening to the rhythmic sounds of her breathing, the outside world became a distant murmur. I blinked my heavy eyelids feeling truly safe for the first time in a long time. Her breathing softened and mouth slacked as she drifted asleep, her nimble finger twitching against my side. I let my heavy eyes droop closed as I took in a few deep breaths truly taking in the moment.
"Afterlife." I whispered in a voice hardly audible, but nothing changed, no lights turned on, the room was the same. Judy was still Judy lying peacefully on my chest as I was wrapped in her arm. Her breathing gently ushered me into the embrace of slumber as my arm drifted from her head within the bed along her back, finding tranquility in each other.