Cyberpunk: Fatherhood

by RobinRounds

Car wrecked. Mom in the hospital. Bills are due. Desperation setting in. Our only chance is a number in mom's old holo records. It's listed as "Vinny - Emergencies Only!" I mean, fuck it, he can't make it worse for us. Right?

35. Chapter 35 - Keep On Trying

When David had gotten the message from Maine about meeting at Turbo's to meet their new team member, he didn't expect anything unusual. Meet the new guy, have some food and drinks, shoot the shit, and so on.

What he didn't expect was for Becca to show up and drop the bombshell that V had been injured and she, and Jackie as he discovered later when the man called a couple hours after, had been taking care of him...And that was after he and Gloria had warned them. Oh, and after Becca had targeted Lucy in her rant. The two of them had left Turbo's in a huff shortly after her departure, and had worked out their frustrations on each other.

Was it still angry sex if you weren't angry at your partner? Or should it have been called venting sex?

Either way, by the end of it a massive amount of relief was felt on both sides.

"This is nice." Lucy let out a content sigh, shifting on the bed and David couldn't help but smile at how relaxed she looked. "But I still can't figure out how your recovery time is better than mine."

"Guess I'm just built different." He smiled, handing her one of the bottles of water he had gone to get. "Need anything else?"

"No, think I'm good." She opened the bottle, and accidentally spilled some water on herself. "Never mind, can you get me a towel?"

"Damn girl, didn't I already get you wet?" He replied, already moving towards the laundry basket. For once, he was thankful both him and Lucy were lazy about folding and putting it away.

"Puppy..."

"What?" He grinned, picking up a towel. "You just get so...Juicy, Lucy."

Never in his life had David regretted something he said so fast. Judging by her throwing one of the pillows at him, Lucy hated it just as much as he did.

"Never again David." She snatched the towel from him and wiped her chest, smiling as he sat down beside her. "Seriously, how are you still so bad at dirty talk?"

"I don't know? I mean, I watched a couple pornos but..."

"You know porn isn't real." Lucy looked at him with gentle amusement, and he sighed. He knew it was probably a bad idea to take advice from Pilar. But he was too embarrassed to ask Maine or Jackie...And had a feeling Falco's advice would either be too good or too awkward. Not to mention, he didn't want to be seen as a 'lesser male' in Falco's eyes (never mind what the other guys thought).

"I know but..." He groaned, trying to ignore the soft laugh coming from Lucy as she pulled him close. "I just, want you to feel special. Want to show you how much I care about you. Love you..."

"And I do feel special." Her arms snaked around him, head resting on his shoulder. "And know you care about me. We wouldn't be having this conversation otherwise. And I love you too. Trust me, there's no shortages in that department."

David turned his head and captured her lips in a long kiss. "So, am I forgiven for my earlier comment?"

"Yeah, you just need to hope the crew never finds out." Lucy sighed, "especially Becca."

"Thought you were mad at her?"

"I can't feel my toes right now. There's a not unpleasant discomfort between my legs." Her hands ran up along his rib cage, causing him to shudder from her touch. "And I got a good laugh after the fact. Quite frankly, I'm too blissed out to care about her emotional outburst right now. Or anything else for that matter."

"Good." David gave her another kiss, now moving to embrace her. He took it once step further and carefully lowered her back to the mattress, shifting so that he was hovering over her as they started to dissolve into another make-out session. "Then I will continue to make sure you-"

David paused, noticing the call coming through on his holo:

[Calling: Rebecca]

"The fuck does she want now?" Lucy might be in post-coital bliss, but David hadn't quite reached that state. Sure, he had been mellowed out by their session but...

"What is it?" Lucy's voice brought him back, and he rolled off her with a groan.

"Becca's calling me." Running a hand through his hair, he looked at Lucy silently asking if he should answer. She nodded, and he picked up the call with a growl. ["What do you want, short stuff?"]

["Look, know you and Lucy are probably mad at me-"]

["That's an understatement."]

["Right, so I'll get straight to the point."] David could hear the annoyance in her voice. But there was also an odd sense of...maybe not quite urgency but something similar? ["V wants everybody, including Gloria, to meet him at the Cojo tomorrow at two."]

["The fuck!?"] He sat up so fast he felt dizzy. ["Thought you said the guy was incapped?"]

["He was."] There was no sass or sarcasm in her voice. A slightly more concerned tone on her words. ["Believe me, he's definitely not at a hundred percent right now. Apparently my needling the guy caused him to get a hair up his ass. Choom was so bothered by it that he dragged himself out of bed. And out of my apartment with the instruction to pass along the invitation."]

["And why the fuck should we go?"] He spat. ["Is he just going to spin us the same sob story you did? Try to get us to feel sorry for him like he did to you?"]

["Look, I'm not going to argue that he's your father, co-worker, everything I said at Turbos. Yadda yadda yadda..."] There was a brief pause on Becca's end. ["But if you miss this after all the grief I've dealt with. All the time, eddies, and effort I spent working on helping V back on his feet...I will personally pull you off Lucy by your ears. Drag you onto the elevator and hold you in a headlock until we've reach the ground floor. Then I will drag your ass outside and fling your naked body down the street until we get to the Cojo."]

David was thankful that Becca couldn't actually see him with how he flinched at the image she painted.

["Alright, alright, sheesh. I'll think about it."] He conceded, noticing how Lucy was watching him. ["Wait, why does he want mom there?"]

["Not sure on that myself. All he said was 'make sure to bring David and Gloria too'. Maybe he wants to clear the air with everyone?"] A tiny hum escaped her. ["Oh, hate to ask but would you mind picking your mom up? If you can't, it's alright but it would help me out if you could."]

["Seriously?"] David grunted, running a hand through his hair. ["Again I'll consider it. Anything else?"]

["No, that about covers it."] He could almost imagine her nodding. ["Thanks choom."]

["Whatever."] David didn't wait to hear anymore, choosing to end the call. Feeling annoyed, he whacked his head against the mattress, pulling one of the pillows over his face as he let out a frustrated growl.

"What was that about?" Lucy rolled over so that she was on top of him. Feeling her hand on the pillow, he let her pull it off his face.

"You know how Becca was the first to leave the Cojo earlier?" Lucy nodded. "Well, apparently she went back to her apartment to check on V. I don't know what exactly, but it sounds like she got into a fight or did something to, I don't know, annoy him maybe?"

"Not a hard thing for her to do." Lucy muttered, and David couldn't help the little huff of a laugh to escape him as he continued.

"Whatever it was, it was enough to make V drag his ass out of her apartment...And leave her with the instruction to have everyone, including mom, to meet at the Cojo tomorrow at two."

"Oh." Lucy blinked, deciding to roll off and cuddle into his side instead. "Is she going to pick up your mom or should we get her?"

"Asked if we could get her..." Nice as her touch felt, David found it offered him little comfort. He saw how V's leaving messed up his mom. What would happen if she saw him again? What would he do if he saw V again?

"But..." Lucy prompted.

"Do you really think we have to go?" He looked down at her. "I mean, I was already mad at V before this. Then suspicious, and now Becca's telling me he's the one who wants to meet?" He looked up and once again whacked his head against the mattress and groaned.

"David." Lucy propped herself up on one arm, looking down at him. "Look, I know you're mad at V. And mad at Becca for what she said to me. But the fact that she was willing to take the risk herself and call you? Rather than passing it to Jackie or someone else?" He hummed as Lucy started tracing patterns on his chest. "Honestly, I can't explain it...But this feels important. Not just for you. Or V. But for everyone in general."

David sighed, looking at Lucy. While she still looked like she had been fucked six ways past Sunday, there was an odd seriousness in her tired eyes.

"Look, I'm not saying we have to stay." Her hands stilled. "I'm just saying we should go, hear him out, and decide where we go from there."

"Shit, did I really give you that good of a toe curler that you're willing to put up with V?" He smiled, letting out a cough as she lightly punched him in the chest.

"Its less for me and more for you, gonk." Lucy kissed the area she had punched in apology. "You're the one who needs closure on this matter more than me. And I can't help but feel the same can be said for Gloria." He nodded in agreement as she continued. "Much as I hate V, and am afraid of what I've learned. I'm willing to put up with it for your sake."

He let out a long breath, thinking over what she had said. There were too many open ends he realized. Some needing to be closed off more than others. Not to mention, if what his mom, Jackie, and now Becca were saying was true? They needed to be informed more than ever.

"I'm still not sure..." He admitted, "I mean. I don't know if I can trust him..."

"Nor do I, but this meeting might help us make up our minds." Lucy tapped his forehead, but he still wasn't sure. Something she seemed to sense. "At the very least, its a free meal. We can go, order the most expensive things, and stick V with the bill. I don't know about you, but that's enough of a win in my book to justify us heading over."

"Really, Luce?" David raised an eyebrow, but could feel the corner of his mouth quirking up slightly as she nodded. "Alright, we'll go. But first sign of conflict, we delta."

"Fair." David's smile grew as she leaned in and kissed him, breaking it a few seconds later as she yawned. "We should probably get some sleep."

"Yeah." He agreed, reaching to pull the blankets over them. He hummed contently as Lucy adjusted herself at his side so her head was resting on his chest. "Can't help but feel its gonna be a long day tomorrow."

A tired hum came from Lucy, the girl already half asleep. Feeling calmed by her presence, David was quick to join.

=[+]=[-]=[?]=

David woke up the next morning with his face buried in the crook of Lucy's neck, and his arms wrapped protectively around her waist. Given the gentle rise and fall of her chest, David suspected she was still asleep and did his best to carefully untangle himself. Lucy mumbled something about the loss of warmth, but quickly remedied the situation by pulling all of the covers over herself.

"Thanks for waiting until I got up." He thought, not really angry as he grabbed a change of clothes and made his way to the bathroom. Nibbles meowed as he passed, the cat immediately moving to his food bowl. "Alright fine, you can have your breakfast early...But I'm leaving a note for Lucy so that you don't get fed twice."

A content mew was the cat's response as David prepared the cat's food and refilled the water bowl. Seeing Nibbles starting to eat, David continued on his way to the bathroom to freshen up and get ready for the day. As he showered, he thought about Becca's call from the night before, and what awaited them later in the day. Shaking his head, he groaned, deeming it too early for that shit. Instead, he dried himself off and dressed, before leaving a message for Lucy that he had gone out to get them some breakfast...and that Nibbles had been fed.

He had just stepped into the lobby of the apartment when he spotted a familiar face entering the building.

"Hey, good morning!" He greeted the auburn haired girl with a smile and a wave, moving forward.

"Huh?" Surprised, she took a step backwards, eyes narrowing as she looked at David. He slowed his approach, seeing her eyes widen a little as recognition clicked. "Oh! Mister Martinez. Sorry, still learning faces."

He blinked, recalling after a moment that the Japanese traditionally used the last name to refer to people.

"It's alright Tamaki, I'm not good with names either." He hoped he got it right, not sure if that was her family name or not.

"Takami," She corrected, looking slightly embarrassed at the situation. "And good morning, I trust you are well?"

"Well as I can be." He shrugged, "you?"

"Fine. Just went out to get breakfast." Takami shyly held up the small bag and to-go cup she was holding. Against his better judgment, he couldn't help but think it was cute.

"Is she being shy because Lucy's not here?" He wondered, but was brought out of his thoughts when he heard her ask a question.

"I'm still getting used to all the restaurants around here. Do you have any recommendations?"

"Depends what you like. There's a Chinese place on the next block over that's pretty good. Szechuan men ghee? It's something like that, but I can never pronounce it right." He snapped his fingers, face shifting to a smile. "Oh, if you're after some good Mexican food, not too far up the road from here is a great bar – El Coyote Cojo." He pointed in the direction of the restaurant, seeing Takami's eyes follow his hand.

"Maybe I'll check it out later." She returned the smile, "thank you."

"No problem. You might see me there if you do. I'm heading there later on to hang with some of my friends." He scratched the back of his neck. Now feeling slightly awkward himself as he recalled he was actually going there on business. "No guarantees I'd be able to hang with you but."

"I understand." Takami smiled, looking a little more relaxed. "I'm just looking to find some good food for nights when I'm too tired to cook. I found that coffee cart on the next block over on accident, but they have some good stuff."

"That's actually where I was heading." His eyes drifted to the bag in her hands. "Did they still have a decent selection?"

Citrine's Coffee Cart was a hidden gem in the area, but was only open as long as she had stuff to sell. It wasn't uncommon for her to sell out of stuff within an hour or two after setting up.

"Well, I got the last two cheeze danishes. But there was still plenty of muffins and cinnamon rolls." She gently bounced the bag, as if to show off her prize. "Not sure how much coffee they have left."

"Appreciate the information." His eyes went from the bag to her face, noticing her watching him. Once again, David thought she looked a little uncomfortable at the situation. Or maybe she was just hungry as her attention shifted to her bag. "Anyhow, I should probably let you go so you can eat your breakfast." His stomach growled, making her giggle. "And probably go get my own."

"You should," Takami agreed, giving a tiny bow, "take care Martinez-san."

"You as well." He called, giving a nod as he made his way out the door and down the street to the cart. Fortunately for him, there wasn't too long a line and he was able to get his hands on four of Citrine's mixed berry muffins, a cup of coffee for himself, and some green tea for Lucy. She had been dealing with stomach problems the last few days, and more than one source recommended green tea to help soothe them.

Stepping into the apartment, he was surprised to see Lucy already awake and sitting on the couch. Playing on her agent with one hand. And petting Nibbles with the other. Miraculously, the cat had left them alone the night before while they worked out their aggression, and now seemed to be making up for lost time.

"Honey, I'm home!" He called, holding up the box of muffins and drink tray as Lucy turned around, making her laugh. "And I brought muffins, muffin."

"You really need to work on your one-liners." She quipped, happily reliving him of the drinks as he set down the muffins on the coffee table.

"That wasn't meant to be a one-liner. Just letting you know I was home. And got breakfast." He move into the kitchen and grabbed a couple plates before returning to sit beside her. Ignoring the annoyed meow to come from Nibbles as his rest was disturbed. "You just get up or?"

"Got up shortly after you left." She took a long sip of her tea, humming contently. "I made an appointment at one of the clinics at ten."

"Still waking up with nausea?" He asked, letting her have first pick of the muffins.

"Yeah." She nodded, picking up a muffin and taking a bite. "Hoping they might be able to shed some light on it."

"Hopefully." David sipped his coffee. "How long you think its going to take?"

"Not sure, but I should be done before the meeting." Lucy ate another bite of her muffin, chasing it down with some tea. He took a bite of his own muffin, mind once again circling back to his earlier thoughts. She must have sensed his feeling, as her hand was now comfortingly resting on his knee. "How are you feeling?"

"Still conflicted about this afternoon." He admitted, turning to face her. "I mean, I knew something like this was coming. But to happen so soon after everything else? It's just...I feel, nervous maybe?"

"Understandable, I'm a bit nervous about it too." Lucy gently patted his leg. "Mostly because we're going to be dealing with V and what sounds like next level corporate bullshit."

"Is it bad of me to hope that your appointment runs long?" A teasing smile was on his face, "or to want to 'play up' whatever the doctor might find wrong?"

"And worry your mother? And the crew?" She returned his smile with an added level of indignance. "Like I said last night, much as I want to delta before we even get there. You need closure on the matter with V, and I suspect this meeting will give you that."

"I know." He took a large bite of his muffin, thinking. "Just, really wish I knew what brought this one. I mean, yeah V mentioned wanting me to meet his parents. But mom said V's father is the devil, and Jackie said that V's parents fucked him up at one point?" His foot started tapping. "And then Becca tells us he's dealing with some shit. That something's gone wrong with his brain. But that doesn't seem right? Like, does she mean he had another fight with cyberpsychosis? Or a problem with his chrome...Then again, he told us he got new chrome..."

"You pick the weirdest times to show off your book smarts." Lucy muttered into her tea cup. "Look, I don't know enough about V, or much about your family in general to be honest. I mean, I know a little, but nothing that would help me figure this out...Or prepare."

"Meanwhile I've got the knowledge but...I'm not sure what to do with it?"

"Puppy, do you want my advice?" She took a sip of her tea, polishing off her first muffin.

"Please."

"Take a step back, and think about what you know." Lucy picked up her second muffin. "Know you're out of school, but pretend you're back in class and you have to write an essay." She held the muffin up and turned it, letting David see it from multiple angles. "Put down what you know, and go from there. Now, I'm not saying you need to write an essay...But maybe review the notes?"

David took a long drink of his coffee, considering the suggestion. He had to admit there was merit in at least compiling everything he knew about V...and the man's past. It was possible that he might figure something out if he had everything in one place.

"Sure, why not?" David shrugged, picking up his second muffin. "At the very least, it's something to occupy my mind while I wait for the meeting...And to distract me from worrying about you and your appointment."

"Don't worry about me-"

"Not gonna happen." He smiled, booping her nose.

"You know what I mean. It's probably just a minor case of food poisoning. Or I caught that bug that's going around." She frowned, but David could tell she wasn't actually upset. "But you're right. It would give you something to focus on. And prepare you for this meeting."

He nodded in agreement, the two finishing their breakfast in a comfortable silence. While Lucy cleaned up the crumbs and disposed of the trash, David set about looking for the datapad he had bought but never used when he first moved into the new apartment and was still in school.

"Look under the stairs. Thought I saw it near that punching bag you don't use." She replied, and David grumbled even as he found the datapad. He booted it up and brought it over to Lucy, wanting her to make sure everything was in working order. Confirming that it was, she handed it back to him before giving him a kiss. "If you're good here, I'm going to head out, see if they can't take me earlier."

"Sure, keep me posted how it goes." David gave her another kiss, smiling as he moved over to the couch. Opening one of the word processing programs, he began to note down the various things he had heard from different sources. He started with the most obvious ones that came to his mind:

V has money to burn

Impressive netrunning skills (I guess? IDFK)

Both my parents hate V's father (not sure on V's mother)

V's Corpo, born and raised

V's amazing at fighting and killing

V was responsible for Neo-Oaxaca

V's scary when he gets angry

He laughed at that last one, feeling it might have been an understatement as he continued to try and add to the list from various sources. There was information from Jackie, Abuela, and his mother. A few things from Becca, his own experiences, and some information from V himself.

"What else? V's taste in music? In food?" At the mention of food, a meow came from somewhere at his side. He looked over, seeing Nibbles sitting by his feet. "Look, just because I said food doesn't mean you're getting any. Oh don't look at me like that, I haven't had to study or make notes in months."

He wrote it down despite feeling it would serve no purpose in his overall goal to figure out just what he knew about V. And what might help him prepare for the impending meeting. Sighing, he took a moment to read over the more jumbled parts of his list, muttering as he removed some of the most mundane information.

"Should probably make a definitive list of facts..." He opened up a second document and set up a split screen so he could see both at once. "And start to expand on what I know for some of these..."

There wasn't much he could add to some of his notes, and those were transferred over to the definitive list without additional information. But other parts made him pause as he read them over, trying to refine them before deciding if they should go on the definitive list or not. Starting with an easy one...

"V is scary when he gets angry, but what triggers it? He wasn't happy when he learned about how Katsuo's dad was pulling strings behind the scenes at the Academy, something he could only do because his son was there. And was pissed off that time Maine accused him of using me to get a promotion..." His eyes went wide as he refined the note about V's anger in the definitive list:

V gets angry when compared to corpo-rats who use their kids to get ahead

"He's also skirted, and crossed the line of cyberpsychosis because of his anger. And his anger flared up anytime me or mom were in danger..." David's mind wandered back to the memory of Nadia needing to sedate V when they thought she had died. And how he had shredded some guys that time he had been shot while picking up supplies. "Yet V also seemed scared during those times? And yet he calmed down once he realized we were out of danger?"

He nodded, adding another couple notes to the definitive list.

V will push himself to cyberspychosis when angry

V gets scared when he thinks those he cares about are dead or have come to harm

V also gets angry and violent as a result of those he cares about coming to harm

Additional memories started to surface of seeing V in action. How calculated the man could be, how well he could coordinate others. David recalled V talking him through running away from the hired goons. How on multiple occasions he had refined plans the crew made to let a gig run smoothly. He was about to transfer over the note about V's skills in combat when he realized something strange about it.

"Wait, isn't V a desk jockey?" He looked at Nibbles, the cat staring blankly back at him. "Why am I asking you? Not like you know who V is." Nibbles jumped up and gently headbutted him. "But its true. I mean, yeah. The guy's got experience in the field...But how did he get it?"

David closed his eyes, gently petting the cat as he thought about conversations with V and Jackie about the man's work. Yes, V did field work; actually going out to places to gather intel, taking care of loose assets, digital paperwork. Although David wasn't quite sure how long V had been with Counter-Intel. Even with the longest amount of time, David felt there was no way V could have gained all the experience he had in, for lack of a better way to put it, combat zones.

His eyes wandered around the apartment, as if he was hoping to find the answer. They lingered on the door to the 'storage armory' – as Lucy dubbed the room before wandering to look out the window. V knew the location of several gun shops and ranges. Maybe he was training there in his spare time? His eyes fell on the TV, drifting down to the drawers that held the media collection. Perhaps the guy learned the skills from watching movies or-

"BDs..." The lights slowly started turning on in David's mind as he looked at his notes, one in particular jumping out at him.

V HATES XBDs

The lights got brighter as David recalled the various times V had called him out for his enjoyment of XBDs. How the man had smiled, genuinely smiled, when David had mentioned seeing that Jimmy Kurosaki had been killed. He quit the couch in favor of moving to the media drawers. With careful hands, he searched through them finding movies, music, TV shows, books...But not a single BD. He thought V would at least have the 'nature' BDs like he played with at the Academy, but nope.

Nothing.

"But why?" He asked, noticing a cooking training shard among the cooking shows. Picking it up, something clicked in his brain. "Wait. BDs can let you live out the experience of things you could've never experienced." David recalled the last XBD he watched; how he watch the guy zip around with the Sandevistan (the same one that was now in his back). How he felt he knew how to move around and get Katsuo that time despite having never trained on how to even use the thing. "BDs can impart knowledge and experience...What if. What if V was trained via XBDs on how to be a killer?"

A shudder ran through his body, and he moved back to the couch. Was it possible that V had been exposed to dozens of XBDs so that he could learn to be a killer without the risk? "No risk, all reward..." It both made a ton of sense, yet none at all. But it would explain why he was so pissed off that his son would willingly expose himself to such horrors.

David sighed, trying to shake off the feeling of unease that had overtaken him. Adding those observations to his notes, he distracted himself with a few more of the mundane items on the list.

V has connections that corpo-rats don't normally have

Easily explained by his friendship with Jackie. He knew his uncle was an ex-gang member, but apparently respected enough to still have an in with the Valentinos. Not to mention, many of the Valentinos seemed to hold a deep level of respect for Mama Welles...But whether or not his adopted Abuela is or was part of the gang too was something for another day.

V was a rocker-boy when he was younger.

Every time he rode with V, the radio was set to one of the rock stations. And while there was a little bit of everything in the music library, a good percentage was dedicated to various types of rock music. It was something he had never questioned, chalking it up to just being V's taste in music. David was about to write off that particular note, but the memory of his trip to the cafe in Arasaka tower triggered something in his brain. There had been soft classical music playing in the background.

Come to think of it, every time he visited some of the finer establishments. Places that suits and other corporate types preferred, the music choice was always classical, jazz, or other softer types of music. He noticed that V would occasionally listen to these stations himself, but only when he had to keep up appearances. Otherwise...

Memories of his mother talking about her younger years invaded his mind for some reason. She always kept it 'age appropriate' for lack of a better term – especially when it came to his father when he was a kid. He recalled the initial time he had asked about him, and was told that the man had left before he was born because of business. Not a lie, but not the whole truth either as he now knew. But he couldn't fault his mother, and it made sense at the time for her to paint V as the 'bad guy'.

But now that he was older? And V was back in her life? And becoming a part of his?

She told him of how the two of them would sneak out to parties in the Badlands. About how while she was a ball of energy from the start; V always showed up looking tired and beaten down for lack of a better way to put it. But that he'd perk up once he saw her, and usually would be smiling and looking alive by the time the party would wrap up. Almost like...

"He got to have a normal life outside of the corpo world..." He muttered, looking at another section of his notes. "Not all the time, but when he did? He probably savored it." His eyes drifted to the picture of him and his mother that had been taken when he had been accepted to the Academy. "I mean, how else could I have been born? Oh. Gross. Ew."

David shuddered out of disgust this time, hating himself for the image that went though his mind. Despite not knowing V or Gloria, it seemed Nibbles shared his disgust as the cat let out an odd cough. But it made a scary amount of sense the more he thought about it.

V's parents, probably his father more than his mother, wanted another foothold in the corporate world.

Grand-bastard raised V so that he'd follow in his footsteps.

Something happened that made V want an outlet, leading him to meeting his mother.

V started coming into his own, but grand-bastard didn't like that, and stepped in to separate the two. Okay, he wasn't a hundred percent certain about that, but given that both his mother and father hated the guy? It seemed logical.

It also filled in the blank as to why, as Becca had pointed out at their last meeting. V is a bit awkward when it comes to how friends and family work. Sure, he can banter with Jackie as easy as the crew does with each other...But the two had been through hell together. It made sense that the two of them had formed the bond they did.

V hadn't exactly gone through hell and high water with him and his mother. Sure, the guy was called in to a disaster, and saved his ass more than once. But David might as well have been comparing EezyBeef to 'ganic sirloin for how different those events were. Yes, V was affectionate with Gloria, and always paid attention to what he had to say during 'Family Dinners'. But at the same time, the guy always seemed on edge. Or maybe guarded was the better term.

As if he feared what might happen if he said the wrong thing.

Or maybe it was just nerves at having dinner with the family he never knew he had but always wanted?

David took a moment to think about his own relationship with his mom. How he could (but often didn't out of teenage pride) have talked things out with her. Much as he loathed the Academy, he did his best to maintain his grades so as to not disappoint her. Looking back, he couldn't help but wonder what she would have done if he got expelled for his frying of the servers? Or his fighting with Katsuo?

"She'd have been pissed, but probably wouldn't have thrown me out. Might have made me get a job and increase my chore list but...Would have forgiven me in time. I think?" He looked at Nibbles, who was licking his paw. Trying to ignore the little voice telling him that his mother probably would have been dead and would have never known.

He tried to think of what V's parents would do in that situation. Just as quick, he decided he didn't want to know as he didn't like the picture that was beginning to form given the other evidence.

"They probably wouldn't have been happy." He replied, feeling Nibbles' eyes on him. "Do you think they'd..."

"David?" The sudden appearance of Lucy's head beside his own made him jump. "Are you talking to the cat?

"Just sounding with him." David tripped over his words, seeing Lucy raise an eyebrow.

"What does sticking things down your di-"

"What?! No! I was using him as a sounding board...Wait, why do you even know what that is!?"

"Oh my god, calm down." The playful grin on her face was a sharp contrast to his own mildly disgusted glare. "I was just teasing. Anyways, much as I love the studious school boy look, it's quarter of one. If we're going to pick up your mother and make it to the Cojo, we should probably head out soon. I've already contacted her and told her we'd be over in a few."

"Oh shit, yeah." He saved his files, shutting down the datapad as he watched Lucy move to check Nibbles' water bowl. His eyes drifted to her right arm. "See they gave you an external biomonitor. How'd the appointment go?"

"The appointment went fine, and my vitals are in great shape." She smiled, but David could tell her heart wasn't fully in it. "They couldn't find anything wrong with the base examination, so they took a couple samples. Unfortunately, it's going to be a couple days before I get the results back from the lab."

He nodded, gesturing for her to continue as he moved to the bathroom.

"In the meantime, they want me to wear this so they can monitor things like my heart rate, hormone levels, body fat ratio, sleeping habits, and so on." Lucy held up her wrist so he could see it in the mirror, as if showing off a watch.

"Well that's good, I guess." David smiled, taking a moment to fix his hair. "They give you anything to help your stomach in the meantime?"

"Got some pills." He heard the rattle of a bottle. "I'm supposed to take one before meals three times a day."

"Have you taken one yet?"

"Just took it. Taste and feels like swallowing chalk. Doc said there's no guarantee that it will help but it won't hurt." She grimaced, sticking the bottle in her pocket. "How'd things go on your end?"

"Good." His eyes drifted to the datapad as he stepped out of the bathroom. "Although I'm still not sure how I feel about everything given the newest revelation I've had."

"And that is?" She prompted, moving towards the door.

"Let you know as soon as I confirm something." David slipped on his shoes. "But let's just say that V's parents might be challenging Pilar and Becca's for the 'Worst Parents Ever' award."

"That bad?" Lucy asked, both of them familiar with the siblings parental situation.

"Worse." He called the elevator, seeing Lucy grimace. "Anyhow, let's go pick up mom and get this shit show on the road."

"Alright puppy." Lucy agreed, and David gave her a quick kiss, an understanding to drop the subject for the moment passing between them as they hopped the elevator.

=[+]=[-]=[?]=

The drive over to the Penthouse was quiet, with Lucy deciding to 'rest her eyes' while David drove. He couldn't blame her, figuring she earned it after spending most of the morning at the doctor's office. It also gave him a little more time to think and sort out his own thoughts.

He was worried about what he had learned about V. But that was a drop in the bucket compared to the concern he had about his mom. How did she feel about the whole situation? Is she angry? Upset? Indifferent? Lucy had been the one to talk to her, and it hadn't occurred to David at the time to ask Lucy how she sounded.

Or to call her and find out himself.

"Just have to wait and see." He thought, shaking Lucy 'awake' and informing her they had arrived. She nodded, and the two of them took the short walk though the lobby and hopped the elevator up to the Penthouse.

"Mom?" David called as he stepped out of the elevator, looking for her.

"Espera Mijo." Gloria's voice came from the bathroom, and David gave an unseen nod as him and Lucy moved into the living room. They had just sat down on the couch when Gloria emerged from the bathroom. "Well, how do I look?"

"You look good." David smiled, and Lucy nodded. "But don't you think you're a little overdressed for the occasion?"

David might not know a lot about fashion, but he could tell his mom had opted for 'Corporate casual' in her outfit. A soft yellow sweater jacket over a white button-up shirt with a knee-length tan skirt and comfortable-looking flats. And he might not know much about what her full body augments could do, but she also appeared to be wearing a little bit of make up.

"Not really." Gloria adjusted her jacket, "but I got a call from Jackie not too long after Becca's call and he told me that I would be meeting his mother...And I'd like to make a good impression."

"Can't be any worse than when I met her." He replied, recalling meeting Abuela in dirty and rumpled clothes...And the woman still accepted him in a heartbeat. Then again, that was meeting a grandchild versus meeting a girlfriend. Would it really be that different? He knew, for whatever reason, that Abuela wasn't fond of Misty...and far as he knew, Misty had a much cleaner history than his mom's.

But the woman also accepted V as her own...So maybe history had nothing to do with it.

Would it help that Gloria was also of Hispanic descent? Was it racist of him to think that? Either way, he hoped that the woman would welcome his mother with open arms...and wouldn't hold anything against her about leaving V.

"David? You okay?" Lucy asked, the touch of her hand on his shoulder bringing him out of his thoughts. "We should probably get going."

"Yeah. Yeah. Sorry, I was just...thinking." He replied, turning to his mother with a smile on his face that he didn't quite feel. "And I'm sure Abuela's going to like you."

"I know. But it's not just her I'm worried about..." Gloria replied, adjusting her jacket and she moved towards the door with the two following close behind. "There's V. The crew-"

"I know mom." David placed a hand on her arm, keeping it there as they followed Lucy to the truck. "Believe me, I'm worried about this too."

He shared a silent look with Lucy, who understood the unspoken request and went for the driver's seat while David sat in the middle, letting his mom have the window.

"I think we all are." Lucy offered as they got settled and she started to drive. "Like, I know I slept last night but it didn't seem restful?"

"Same." Gloria agreed, "while I don't need to sleep per say. It's strongly advised as it eases the neurological strain on my brain. Just wished it also helped my nerves about this."

"Talk to us mom." David requested, gesturing to the long line of traffic they suddenly found themselves in. "Looks like we have time before we get to the Glen..."

"Wonder what's the hold up?" Lucy hummed, pinging the area to see if she could get an idea. David meanwhile fiddled with the radio, wondering if he could find a traffic report.

"Who knows...Maybe we'll be stuck here and miss the meeting?" Gloria offered, a tiny but hopeful smile on her face. Seeing it, David let out a tiny huff while Lucy rolled her eyes.

"If I ever wanted further proof Gloria's your mom..." Lucy muttered, a tiny smile on her face as both mother and son frowned. "What? David wanted to stay home today too."

"Like you didn't?" His frown turned into a mocking smile. "Miss 'I scheduled a doctor's appointment the same day as an important meeting."

"Doctor's appointment?" Gloria's frown grew and David noticed his mom's eyes narrowing as she tried to discern what might have been wrong with her. "What for?"

"Nothing serious, just some issues with my stomach." Her right hand moved from the steering wheel to her stomach. "They've given me a biomonitor to wear for a day or two to get some additional data while they run some tests." Lucy brought her hand up, showing off the device. "And before you ask why I didn't call or go see you or Nadia for a check up – I didn't want to worry everyone. Or risk the crew gossiping and making all sorts of theories about it."

David didn't know why, but he heard Pilar's voice clearly saying something about being right. He shook it off, noticing that some of his mother's anxiety seemed to have faded, and David could tell she was thinking about what little Lucy had offered about her symptoms.

"Well, I have a few theories we can talk about later if you want. In private." Gloria gave her a tiny smile. "Plus, you don't have to worry about me spreading anything around. And I guarantee Nadia would also stay quiet." She hummed, "biggest risk would be if Pilar found out Nadia went to see you or vice versa."

"Probably." Lucy nodded in agreement, before looking at him. "And David? It was either take the appointment today, or wait another two weeks...And I know you're concerned about me and would rather I do something sooner rather than later."

That answer made him sigh and shake his head as he looked skyward.

"I just can't win this week, can I?" He shrugged. "First you might be getting sick. Then V's acting weird. Then Becca saying he's better and wants to meet? My mom's meeting my adopted grandma." David brought his hands up to his face and groaned. "Ugh, what is my life?"

"A good one, Mijo." Gloria placed a hand on his arm, and he could see pride mixed with concern and fear. "You've got your education. A strong roof over your head. A loving family. Good friends. A caring partner." The tiniest hiccup escaped her. "This is just a...little bump in the road. But together. We'll handle this, this thing, with your father. Then, then we...We can..."

Whatever dam had been holding back his mother's feelings broke, and she clung to him like koalas used to cling to the trees, muttering. David couldn't really blame her; while she also had everything that he had...or did. He knew Gloria enjoyed having V back in her life. Having back one of the things she had to leave behind when he came along. Not that Gloria ever blamed him for that. She had seemed just as surprised as him when V first came back, and even more so that V also still felt something for her. All of that had brought a joy to his mother's face that David had never seen before. A strange, but not unwelcome change to the woman who had given up everything for him.

But now, that joy was at risk of breaking. That almost everything that had happened in the last few months was at risk of shattering beyond repair.

This wasn't the first time he had seen his mother like this, but that didn't mean it wasn't awkward as hell.

"You've been through Shark week with your mother, and Lucy now. You can handle this." He cheered himself, starting to rub small circles on her back. "That's right mom. Like I said, try to talk it out. Let out the frustrations."

"David's right, it's been a long couple of days..." Lucy added, hand straying from the steering wheel to briefly touch Gloria's shoulder. "And we've got plenty of time if the NCPD feed's to be believed."

"What happened?" He asked, hands still holding his mother who let out a whine at Lucy's news, muttering she just wanted to get this over with.

"Some guy flipped his truck, on purpose, to spite his boss apparently." She replied, withdrawing her hand. "Guy must have been in the engineering department as he did it so its blocking one of the streets perfectly and they can't quite get a tow in to move it with everything else around."

"Great." He sighed, deciding to try and inject a little humor to try and calm his mother. "Least you'll have time to fix your make-up before we get there."

Gloria gently slapped his arm, and David took it as a win as he heard his mother speak clearly for the first time in the last few minutes.

"Sorry, I'm just so nervous about all this..." She whined, and David could feel her shaking her head against him. "I mean, I was overwhelmed by everything V was telling me."

David saw Lucy's mouth move, but Gloria continued before she could say anything.

"I was angry when he told me he went cyberpsycho in the mall and nearly killed himself. And then I was pissed off when I learned how much danger you were in." David felt like a child again as Gloria's eyes bore into him.

While he was thankful that she didn't ask why he was there and didn't tell her. David knew there was a slipper with his name on it somewhere in the future.

"I kinda wonder what happened to that virus he used..." He heard Lucy mutter, praying that Gloria didn't hear. Fortunately, she seemed more occupied with her thoughts and didn't notice...or care.

"I mean, here he is. Trying to open up and be honest with me after all these years." A groan escaped her. "Telling me things about his past that I didn't know...And I pushed him away because of it." Gloria released her hold on him in favor of covering her face with her hands. "I probably screwed everything up. He's a monster whose done horrible things and I know I shouldn't love him but I do and I feel...guilty because of it." Thank God his mother didn't actually need to breathe, as she probably would have passed out from lack of oxygen as she ranted. "And I can't help but feel we're both in the wrong here but I want to fix this. I want him to try and fix this. I want him back. I want him properly. I want us to be a family but we need to work through this."

"And that's probably why he wants to talk to us...To everybody." David replied, seeing Lucy nod. Thinking about it, it made sense to him that V wanted the whole crew together to explain his actions. Less chance of a misunderstanding as everyone would be getting their information from the source and not second-hand accounts.

"But I don't see how that's going to fix...us?" She pointed at herself, letting out a whine as she shifted to resting her head on the truck's window. "Shouldn't he just talk to me? Or to you? Or the two of us together?" Gloria shook her head, "I just can't see how him talking to the crew as well will help."

"Maybe..." Lucy started, one hand tapping the steering wheel as she tried to get her thoughts out. "Maybe V's hoping they can help him with this." She gestured to the two of them, but there was a knowing look in her eyes that he shared with her. "Now, I'm not sure how the others could help, but..."

Long-winded and emotional as it was, maybe Becca's speech was something they all, including V, had needed to hear.

"But he's trying, at least." David nodded, face shifting from contemplative back to a small smile. He met his mom's eyes in the reflection of the truck's window. "And I can't help but feel that's all we can ask of him."

"I know mijo, but...after everything I've seen from him. Before, after, and now? I just don't know what to think. What to do? How to feel?" She turned to face him, and David noticed her hand tapping her leg. A tell-tale sign of his mother's nervousness. "And on top of that, I'm meeting his adopted mother? Yes, she took a liking to you...But what will she have to say about me?"

David didn't know how to respond to her first few questions, he was still trying to figure out his own feelings. But the second question?

"Again, she's probably going to love you." He assured her, hoping his face didn't reveal his own hang-ups on that matter. "Not sure if I or V told you, but she actually mentioned you when I first met her." Gloria's head turned to look at him, eyes swirling with uncertainty. "Did you know she told V that he should have looked you up? Seems you were one of V's favorite things to ramble about when he was drunk."

"Really?" Was that a laugh from her? And did Lucy snort at that little piece of information?

"Yeah, and Jackie confirmed it too." He nodded, noticing his mom was looking a little more relaxed. "Say, did I tell you she hit V with La Chancla for not taking her advice?" Gloria shook her head. "Hit both V and Jackie actually. Can't help but wonder if V's going to have another slipper shaped indent somewhere on his body after this."

"Thought that was just a stereotypical trope. Are those things actually that powerful?" Lucy asked, looking both impressed and scared as she looked from him back to the road. "Oh hey, I can actually see the way in and out of Heywood now!"

Looking forward, David could see the directional sign clearly. It both cheered him, and also filled him with a slight sense of unease that he tried to ward off by answering Lucy's question.

"When thrown by an angry enough mother. Yeah, they are." David brought a hand up and rubbed at a particular spot on his scalp. Memories of a phantom pain lingering under his fingers.

"He's exaggerating." Gloria whispered, a weak smile on her face as she winked. "Anyhow, how much longer do you think we'll be stuck here?"

"Maybe another couple minutes, then about another ten to the Cojo." She replied, and Gloria cursed. "Yeah, my thoughts exactly."

"Lucy. Mom." David's eyes went between his mother and his girlfriend. "I though we all agreed that we're going to deal with this together?"

"Did either of us say we wanted to leave again?" He recognized the teasing tone in Lucy's voice.

"It was implied." He shot back, giving her a wink of his own as he heard his mom let out another light laugh. "Look, there's a opening. You can just-"

"I'm not turning this car around." Lucy gave him the side-eye, and any arguments died on his lips as he heard his mother agree. He was about to make some comment, but when he heard his mother sigh and saw her go back to resting her head on the window, he stopped.

Unsure of how to proceed, David just gave a nod to Lucy's answer, before resting a hand on his mother's arm while placing his other on Lucy's shoulder in silent comfort as they finally got into Heywood.

=[+]=[-]=[?]=

True to Lucy's guess, it took another ten minutes to reach the parking lot near the Cojo. Sure, they could have parked right out front, but Lucy felt it better if they had some space between them and the bar. As they took the short walk to the Cojo, David kept his eyes and ears open for anything out of the ordinary. He heard Lucy mutter that his 'merc training' was paying off, and scoffed, but didn't break his scouting.

"No drones, low foot traffic." He noticed three Pacifica-looking homeless guys sitting almost childishly on the roof of a nearby building, just watching the city. One of them caught his eyes and gave a wave, falling backwards onto the roof. "Drunken bums, no threat."

"Mijo? What's with the guards?" Gloria whispered as they neared the door, indicating the two Valentinos standing before them.

"Little extra security." He answered, familiar with the scene before him. "El Coyote Cojo's neutral ground for the Valentinos, and they're more than willing to lend their services to Abuela if needed." David pointed to the 'closed' sign hanging on the door. "Looks like V's rented the place to keep this private, and they're here to turn away anyone who might get rowdy."

Recognizing David and Lucy, the two Valentinos gave a nod as they approached the doors. One of them raised an eyebrow upon seeing Gloria, but didn't try to stop her as the other opened the door to allow the three to enter. Nodding their thanks, David went in first with Lucy beside him and Gloria bringing up the rear.

The place was nearly empty, with only the crew, Abuela, Pepe, and a handful of Valentinos (no doubt hand picked by Jackie) as extra security present. He looked at the crew; Pilar was playing Roach Race with Kiwi, who had once again traded out her mask for a proper jaw, spectating. Nadia was talking with Falco, Maine, Dorio and Pepe at a nearby table. Becca was missing, but he saw her emerge from the kitchen with a tray of food, followed by Abuela and the Valentino girl he recognized as the one who had patched up his wound after the mall. The three of them moved over to a set of tables that Jackie was standing beside, the man taking their offerings and arranging them on the tables.

It took him a moment to find V, or at least someone who looked uncannily like V as the face was just slightly off. He was standing near the jukebox, and even with a jacket on, David could see what V meant when he said he had gotten some new chrome.

The half empty bottle of booze loosely held in his hand was a new detail as well.

V's attention seemed fully focused on the jukebox, but David knew V was well aware of their arrival.

A tiny whine came from his side, and David turned to look at his mother. Gloria had wrapped her arms around herself and had a watery expression on her face. Initially, he thought it was from nerves at seeing V, but then his ears picked up on the song playing in the background.

"I couldn't wait for you to come and clean the cupboards..."

The next thing he heard was an impatient snapping of fingers, which dutifully summoned Jackie to Abuela's side. After a brief conversation, Jackie gave a nod and moved over to V and delivered a punch to his shoulder blade (one of the few 'ganic spots left if the way V flinched was any indication). Following that, Jackie unplugged the jukebox and shook his head at V, mouth forming the word 'no' as he dragged V away from it. From the crew, he could hear a few light chuckles that set him at ease.

At least until he noticed Abuela coming his way.

"Nieto, Lucy." She greeted him and Lucy with a hug, and all chatter in the Cojo paused as the older woman's eyes fell on Gloria. "And you must be Gloria."

David held his breath, eyes on his mother who had a nervous but determined smile on her face. He watched as she gave a tiny nod, her smile turning to one of surprise as Abuela Welles pulled Gloria in and gave her a kiss on her left cheek, then her right, before fully embracing her in greeting.

"Though I feel I know you well enough thanks to stories from the boys. It's nice to finally meet you in person." Abuela pulled away, but kept her hands on Gloria's arms, keeping her in place.

"It's nice to meet you too..."

"Guadalupe Alejandra Welles. But everyone calls me Mama...except mi nieto." The older woman smiled with pride, and David felt just a little bit of the original awkwardness he felt with the woman return. Was she really that proud of having a grandchild that she allowed him the honor of calling her abuela? And what would happen if he had a child? Would she insist that kid call her 'Bisabuela'?

"Alright, Mama..." Gloria visibly relaxed, and David let out the breath he had been holding. "Did you need any help with anything?"

"Not really, but I'd welcome the chance to talk with you a bit." She started walking towards the kitchen, motioning for Gloria to follow. "Nieto, go join your little friends."

He nodded, seeing Lucy had moved over to the rest of the crew while he kept his eye on his mom and grandma as they moved into the kitchen. He saw V start moving towards the kitchen, the man stopping behind the bar a moment in favor of reaching for one of what David knew to be the 'top shelf' stuff. At the same moment, Abuela had stepped back out, armed with a wooden spoon.

"No. No. No." She smacked V's outstretched arm, and he pulled it back in surprise and stumbled back, knocking a couple decorative items off the shelf behind the counter. "You've had enough. Jaquito, make sure V stays away from the hard stuff?"

"Sí mamá."

"And V, pick that stuff up." She gestured with the spoon to the displaced decorations as V nodded.

"Yes Mama." V bowed, rubbing the spot on his arm where she had struck him. David watched V a moment, seeing Jackie move to tease him a little more as he worked.

"Here kid, take my spot." Pepe stood up, gesturing for David to sit where he had been.

"Thanks." David gave a nod, taking the seat and watching as a little shuffling happened so that Lucy could sneak in beside him.

"No problem, was getting up to get these guys some drinks." Pepe gestured to the gathered crew. "Flor de Muertos for Maine and Falco, Quinceañeras for Nadia and Lucy, and a glass of Mama Welles' famous mango ice tea for Dorio."

"Ice tea sounds good. Mind getting one for me too?" He gave a nod, watching as Pepe checked in with Pilar and Kiwi on what they might want before looking at the only crew member to not order booze. "Still swearing off alcohol Dorio?"

"Yeah." Dorio sighed, "don't even really want to smell the stuff, but I'm not gonna stop you guys from drinking."

"Still?" Maine draped an arm around her shoulders. "Wait, are you still mad because the last time we got drunk I got a little over eager and stuck it in you-"

Maine was cut off by Dorio's fist connecting with his chin.

"Don't talk about our sex life in front of the crew!" She smiled dangerously, giving him a kiss while her eyes warned him to keep it shut as Kiwi and Pilar joined them. They fell into some light chatter as Pepe returned with their drinks, accompanied by Abuela and Gloria. Once everyone was served, Abuela excused herself to the kitchen, taking Pepe with her so it was just the crew.

David saw Jackie take a seat at the counter, the Latino man's eyes still on V. A silent command seemed to pass between the brothers, and V cleared his throat, getting everyone to focus on him. He expected the man to start speaking, but instead V held up a finger and picked up one of the bottles of Tequila, or maybe it was vodka. Whatever it was, it seemed to go down smooth as V drained the entire thing in less than a minute.

"Alright, think I'm buzzed enough to get through this." His father gulped, setting the bottle down heavily. Somehow paradoxically buzzed and sober all at once. "I'm just gonna come out and say it. We're all in deep shit."

This was not the set of words David was expecting to hear, nor was it a welcome proclamation.

The crew began muttering among themselves, and David felt Lucy reach for his hand, seeking comfort. He looked over to his mother, who had put herself between Maine and Becca. The shorter girl was hugging her, offering comfort as V continued.

"Months ago, I promised that I'd give you things to do. Gigs, jobs, errands...And also the supplied to do them. Now, I personally like to think that I've done that, but we need to change plans now." There was a lopsided, almost mockingly morose smile on V's face. Even as a murmur went through the crew and concerned looks started sprouting, he stood in front of them with a devil-may-care grin. "Now, not a big change. Just that instead of screwing with a lot of people, we're going to fuck around with one Arasaka Suit in particular." Again, they started muttering, only louder. "Now now, before you all protest – I want you to know that you'll make a lot more eddies for this compared to all the past work I've had you do."

"Heard that one before." Maine scoffed, and David saw the others nod. "Just who is this suit in the first place?"

"Robert John Linder, Junior." Why did that name sound familiar to him? "My father."

Various exclamations came from around the table, with an audible whine coming from Gloria. V raised his hands, asking for silence as he started to summarize how he wanted to use the crew to knock the man down a few pegs.

"I'm calling dibs on being the one to ice the bastard, but I need you guys to take care of everything else." He held out his arms, as if embracing the crew. "You'll burn job sites he wants me to check out. Pick away at his resources. For example? he says there's supposed to be a fuckton of guns at a drop site? Reduce it to a butt load. Meanwhile, I'm the man on the inside. I'm coordinating your efforts behind his back while I play the part of a loyal son like he thinks I am."

"What do you mean thinks you are?" Dorio asked, eyes narrowed as she studied him. David knew that aside from himself and Jackie, she was the only other member of the crew with a good relationship with her parents. It made sense that she'd be curious about that aspect of V's life.

"Two words: Doll. Chip." V pointed to his head. "Years ago, the bastard installed a custom doll chip in me. One buried so deep that the odds of anyone outside of the top neurosurgeons in the country being able to remove it without killing or turning me into a vegetable were slim to none. But I knew what the old man had done. Knowing I couldn't remove it, and that I couldn't make an inoculation without the chip's soft activating...I set up a fail safe. One designed to fry the things after a time if it went active."

"That's why he sounded so weird..." David blinked, and suddenly some of V's behavior over the last few days made sense. "He made V into a puppet an-"

"Damn, how'd you pull that off?" The curiosity in Kiwi's voice pulled David out of his thoughts, and he leaned forward.

"Honestly, not sure anymore." V picked up another bottle and took a drink. "Heard a tale awhile back, about some scumbag suits pulling their own memories out of their heads and putting them in storage. Some sort of 'confidential' details or another...Don't know, didn't care." He tapped his head, "what I know for certain now is that I set up the fail safe, then made myself forget that I did."

"Alright, so how do you think it worked?" The blond netrunner pressed, and David heard Lucy hum in interest.

"Best guess is that I had a code or signal that I sent it everyday to keep it from activating. If the doll program went active, it would stop me from sending the signal, which would then trigger the fail safe...At least I think it was something like that. Again, I've forgotten most of the finer details. But what I did know then, and know now, was that if the fail safe activated in some way. I would be free of his control."

"You're lucky you didn't end up dead when that thing fried." Falco raised his glass in a toast to V's luck and took a drink. "Had a buddy go out because of a fried neural-chip. Not pretty to see a man with smoke literally comin' out his ears."

"Point still stands. Fail safe works and I live, free of his control. Or fail safe works and I die, again freeing me from his control." V raised the bottle in toast back to Falco and took a long drink.

"Okay, but how do we know it worked?" Lucy fixed him with a hard glare. "How do we know you're not just playing at having broken free?"

"Lucy..."

"No David, she's right to be concerned." Gloria added, her voice shaking slightly even as he saw Becca stiffen slightly.

"It's true." The green-haired girl met Gloria's gaze. "V slipped the leash. I spent the last few days taking care of him with Jackie. I mean, sure blood loss and meds made him seem like a...A...I don't know how to describe it. He was just fucked up, but when he was lucid? He was himself."

"Delirious." Nadia offered, "but she's right. Aside from that, when I was talking with V about his most recent set of injuries, he seemed like himself."

"I'd say he was acting more like drunk V, but still like V." Jackie added, and David saw Becca nod in agreement. He looked back at V, seeing the man give an approving nod to Jackie before clearing his throat to pull the attention back to him before any arguments could continue.

"Look, I'm not sure what I could say or do to prove to you I'm me...Other than show you this." He took off his jacket, showing that he was only wearing a tank top underneath. V flexed his arm, the silver Arasaka logo a sharp contrast to the black and red of the chrome. "And this."

He gestured to his face, making sure everyone in the crew got a good look at him. This time, David knew it wasn't a trick of the lights. V really did look different.

"Given what you know about me. About all the stuff I've done against the company...Do any of you think I would willingly choose Arasaka branded chrome? Or cut off my face?"

"Maybe..."

"He wouldn't." Abuela replied, making them all jump. When had she gotten back? "I've known V long enough to know that he prefers civilian chrome to corporate."

"Could be a cover." Lucy wasn't convinced, and David noticed the others also seemed to be having their doubts. It was only Nadia, Becca, Jackie and Abuela who seemed to be on V's side. "How easy would it be to slap the Arasaka logo on some basic tech?"

"Wouldn't that be copyright, or maybe trademark infringement?" David asked, trying to understand her logic. It seemed V was also trying to understand her thoughts, if the tilting of his head was any indication.

"He works for Arasaka." Lucy gestured to him. "Most companies have stickers they can give to associates to slap on their cars. What's to say that he didn't just get a few of them and stick them on his arms?"

"Okay, going to take a leap of faith here." V took a long drink from his bottle. "Lucy, you've dabbled in deep diving, yes? Before I regret this offer, or change my mind." He turned his head and tilted it so she could see his neck, one hand pointing to his data ports. "Feel free to root around my head. My chrome. I'll trust you to not further fry my brain, and in turn I won't fry you."

"David?" Lucy turned to face him, her eyes searching his for the answer.

"Didn't you and Kiwi try to scan him months ago, only to be shut out?" She nodded, "well now's your chance. And personally, I don't think you'll ever have a better opportunity than now." He looked over at V, seeing him give the slightest nod of approval. "Besides, everyone's here. If he tries something, you know they'll put him down."

With the light chuckles to come from the crew, David couldn't decide if he felt bad about making that comment. But it seemed to work as he saw Lucy nod and get up from the table and move to the bar.

"Don't worry, promise I'll unplug you at the first sign of a problem." Jackie assured as Lucy connected her personal to V. A heavy silence fell over the bar as Lucy's eyes glazed over as she began poking around V's head.

"Find anything Luce?" Kiwi asked, daring to move to the young netrunner's side after a few moments.

"I don't recognize the models of the arms or legs, just that they've got Arasaka R&D tags. I do recognize some of the organs, but there's also a lot of R&D tagged guts...And a, I think it's supposed to be a secondary drive attached to his OS chrome. But it's blank? There's no software or network connection. I mean, I can tell it was supposed to connect to...something, but not what." She hummed, opting to disconnect her personal.

"Sounds like a lot of chrome to shove into your head for a bluff." Maine scratched at his own head, and David saw the others nod in agreement. While he had his own doubts, David couldn't help but feel slightly cheered by the fact that it seemed the scan was winning over some of the crew.

"So what's the verdict girl?" Falco leaned back in his chair. "Is he tellin' the truth or is he still a puppet?"

"I'd say he's telling the truth." The younger netrunner looked at Kiwi. "You want to take a look?"

"I'm gonna have to say no to that." V answered, one hand moving to cover his neck ports. "It was awkward enough having one of you poking around. And no offense meant but you're not the woman I want inside me..." A collective shudder of disgust moved through the bar. V himself twitched as it seemed whatever he had been drinking was catching up. "Wait, that came out wrong. I mean...Not that I can't trust you but..."

"I get it." Kiwi gave an understanding nod. "Probably doesn't help that you're, maybe three bottles in?"

V drained the last of the bottle of centzon he was holding.

"Four." He shook the now empty bottle. "No way could I get through any of this sober."

"Wait, wait." Pilar raised his hands. "I might not know your internals, but how did you manage to actually get drunk with all this new super chrome?"

"Fortified vodka, energy drink chasers, beer starters, and a few other chemical fuck ups to keep it going."

If looks could kill, V would be dead by Nadia's glare. David had seen the expression a few times. Mostly on his mother after she'd get off a sixteen-hour shift only to be told she needs to work another four the moment she walked through the door. And once from Lucy when she was having really bad menstrual cramps.

"But as Lucy said, there's nothing in here that's not supposed to be. No uplinks, no malware. Nothing." V's expression had switched to a more serious one. "As I said, I just need to play the part of a filial child. That's why I haven't tried to mess with my chrome or change it. He hand-picked everything, just so I would be his perfect son."

David noticed the older parts of the crew had formed a huddle of sorts with only Becca and Gloria on the outside. After a brief exchange, Maine spoke up again.

"If you don't mind my askin'...Why'd your old man go through all that trouble to begin with? Why didn't he just beat your ass or instill a sense of loyalty in you from the start?"

That question made David perk up just slightly. Notes from his earlier research coming back to him as he listened to V confirm his hypothesis. Heard how the bastard had used XBDs to train V because he couldn't actually train V physically. Not because he didn't have the means or the skills, but because he didn't want his bosses to accuse him of 'child abuse'.

David let out a tiny whisper of a gasp, the final piece of the puzzle falling into place as to why V acted like he did. It was the result of his shitty upbringing. It was the result of having no real guidance or family. Of being a lonely child victim. A city-living child-soldier. Oh sure, there were no physical markers or lingering scars to see, but the mental and emotional ones were there. It didn't excuse the behavior in David's opinion, but damn if it didn't explain it.

"Got any other shocking revelations for us?" The shocked son asked, voice a bit more snarky than the sass he intended.

"I, uh... I have a sister. So, you have an aunt?"

David failed to vocalized it, but loudly mouthed the words 'The Fuck'.

The nuke dropped on Arasaka had nothing on V's latest drama bomb.

"You have a sister!?" Nearly everyone in the Cojo said it.

"Mazeltov?" Trust Pilar to try and inject some humor into a serious situation.

"I have an aunt?!" David practically fell out of his chair. It was only Lucy's hand on his arm that kept him in place. He stammered, all the questions he had jockeying to be the first one out. His eyes drifted to Lucy, and he could see the gears turning behind her eyes as she found her voice and asked one of David's questions.

"What does she look like?" That question caused the chatter to die down, and V let out a sigh.

"European-American look. Dark hair, dark eyes. Kind of like old me, but much more feminine? Couple years younger than David. " That made him flinch, "nothing super remarkable or note-worthy about her. She's just a typical over-achieving corporate teenager."

He heard Lucy hum and saw her shake her head, as if discarding a thought. The rest of the crew too had similar expressions that all confirmed they didn't recognize the description. David let out a relieved sigh that was mirrored by V, both seeming thankful that no one outside of V had tried to contact the crew.

"Anymore questions?"

"Yeah." Pilar spoke up again. "Why the hell are you telling us all this? I mean, I get that Becca wanted us to see you more as a friend as opposed to a fixer...But I don't see how airing your dirty laundry helps with that?"

"Because like I said, we're all in deep shit..." V sighed, grabbing a bottle of beer. "And I need your help to make sure we don't get buried any deeper."

"Okay, but how does you slipping your leash put us in trouble too?" Dorio asked, arms crossed. "Because last I recall, you said that if stuff went tits up it was only you who'd pay the price."

"Because you lose your supplier. Not to mention, remember when Faraday had watchers on us?" Nods came from around the group. "There's no doubt in my mind that regardless of whatever hole he's buried in he'll pop up the moment we're cut off from each other. That's why I'm making sure that you guys' part in this is simple. That all you have to do is help me sabotage my target at every turn. Do that and you'll be able to get away without issue if everything goes well."

"And aside from safety. What's in it for us?" Maine looked at the gathered crew.

"Like I said before, help me with this, and I'll make sure that you'll all be swimming in more eddies that you ever thought possible."

"How much we talkin'?" The musclebound man pressed, "like a million eddies each?"

"Not a lump sum, but a persistent payment over time thanks to my money laundering. A never ending payday until someone breaks my network." V took a sip of his drink, giving the crew a moment to think about it. David wasn't the best when it came to economics, but he felt that smaller payments over a longer period offered more stability than a lump sum. He noticed the others nodding, heard the occasional mutter that lined up with his thoughts. Dorio was grinning like a street bum who won on a scratch ticket, while Maine looked confused. David saw the musclebound woman place a hand on Kiwi's arm and say something to her before moving for the bathroom.

Kiwi waved a hand in her team leader's face when he was getting lost in thought. "Maine, remember how you got paid weekly in the service?" He nodded. "If I'm understanding V correctly, it will be like that except instead of a single large payday. You'll get an endless paycheck for sitting on your ass." The two looked to V, who nodded.

"Exactly. See, I've been charging careless people all across NC a fee for a fake secure payment service. The process skims a little less than a percent off every transaction it touches and calls it a 'service fee'. Which might not seem like a lot until you consider this is off of hundreds, if not thousands of transactions every day. All that money gets relayed through proxies. Bouncing around various points to camouflage it before it ends up in an account that I can access whenever." V smiled. "Finale of it is, when this gig is done – I'll set that account to forward an even portion of that account to be wired directly to all of you on the weekly, or daily if you'd prefer. Long as my network stays up, you'll get paid."

"And how much is in this account?"

"Remember those trucks and guns I bought you when we first met?" Maine nodded. "All that gear was paid for from that account, and I still had enough left in it at the time to where I could have bought everyone on the crew their own Quadra at least twice over."

"Alright, that makes a bit more sense." The big guy nodded, "but Kiwi? Did you have to explain it to me like I was a toddler?"

"Yes." Kiwi's response was echoed by Dorio, who placed a kiss on Maine's forehead as she came back. "What I miss?"

"Not much." He answered her, but met V's gaze head on. "And I still think it sounds too good to be true."

"I know. And I know I'm asking a lot of all of you. That's why I wanted to have this meeting here, in a place we're all comfortable." V gestured to the tables of food, their drinks. "And that's why I've rented out the Cojo for a peace offering. Please, take some time to think it over. Sit and relax, eat and chat." V tried to move around the counter, but there was a slight stumble in his step as he moved around the counter. "Know I need to sit down a moment."

David watched V slide around and sit on the nearest bar stool. That seemed to signal to the others that their current meeting was over and they could relax themselves. Most of the crew got up to get something to eat, with only himself, Lucy, Becca and Gloria hanging back.

"David you okay?" He felt Lucy's hand on his arm, and saw the concern on her face.

"Yeah, just...a lot to take in." His eyes drifted to his mother, who was currently being held by Becca. "You good mom?"

"I just...need a minute." She sighed, "I mean. I knew some of what V told you, but to hear him confirm it? And add to it? And reveal that...that monster is still around? And after him? Us?" Gloria's hand came up to hide her face. "And yet, here he is. Once again opening up and coming clean. Asking for help? I...I just don't know how to feel."

"Well, I know how I feel." Becca piped up, a hint of true mischief in her eyes despite the forced smile on her face.

"How's that?"

"Hungry." The green-haired girl's hands went to her stomach, and David was about to scold her until he heard a airy laugh come from his mom. It seemed to be contagious, as Lucy let out her own giggle while he sighed. David couldn't bring himself to be angry at Becca however, and simply shook his head as she pulled his mom up and over to the food tables.

"Think everyone's got the right idea." Lucy gently pulled on his arm, "let's have something to eat and think about it."

"Sure, things always seem cleared on a full stomach." David offered no protest as he let Lucy 'help' him up and over to the buffet table.

=[+]=[-]=[?]=

After V's initial speech, the atmosphere in the Cojo seemed a bit lighter, but there was still an air of tension. Fortunately, it seemed V's strategy of giving the crew a peace offering of food and booze was the right course of action if the current scene before him was any indication.

Since the meeting at Turbo's, there had been an awkwardness between Becca and the rest of the crew. But that seemed to be gone if the way she was laughing with Dorio, Lucy and somehow Kiwi was any indication. He looked to his mother, who was talking with Nadia and Pilar. He could tell she was still a bit stressed out, but it seemed Nadia's medical stories and Pilar's sense of humor were enough to keep her distracted and from totally breaking down.

David looked over to the bar, noticing that Maine and Falco had struck up a conversation with Jackie. V was still seated slightly off to the side of the three, and David thought they were ignoring him until he heard his father laugh and reply to whatever had been said.

For some reason, that annoyed him. The crew was debating and pondering futures and dealing with corporate devil-rats, then here's V sucking back another bottle and cracking jokes.

Maybe he was mad that his father was happy while his mom seemed locked in a battle with her own emotions? No, that wasn't it. If he had to be honest with himself, after everything he learned and heard. He was kind of glad that V seemed happy.

Or maybe V's supposed happiness was only just a side effect of alcohol if the pain to cross his face as he let out a loud burp was any indication. He watched as V placed a hand on his stomach and get up, his steps slightly wobbly as he made his way to the bathroom.

Which would take him right past the table where Gloria was.

With more scrutiny than the security cameras surrounding Arasaka's Tokyo HQ, David kept his eyes trained on V. It didn't go unnoticed that as he passed Gloria's table that she pointedly looked away...and that V's own went anywhere but at his mother.

"Asshole. At least have the dignity to give a nod or acknowledge her..." David fumed, suddenly realizing why he was annoyed at the man.

V had yet to reach out to Gloria in particular.

His speech earlier had been directed at everyone. A way to explain his recent actions to everyone. Maybe he did it because per social expectations Gloria wouldn't be able to freak out and cause a scene as she had back at the apartment? Doubtful. V had no issues with Maine and the others making comments. Not only that, but V had since checked in with the others. It was only Gloria he seemed to be avoiding.

But why?

He heard the bathroom door open and V stumbled out. Again, the man kept his eyes forward and off of Gloria and the others as he returned to the bar.

"Fuck." David muttered, deciding to trade his iced tea for a bottle of beer. He popped it open and took a drink, wondering if V was onto something about alcohol being able to help loosen up his thoughts. Even with his theory confirmed, David couldn't help but feel confused over the whole situation. V went through hell, physically and metaphorically, yet here he was spilling everything to the crew. Not only to help save himself, but to save them?

"Puppy?" He felt Lucy's arm on his and turned. "You feeling okay?"

"Yeah, just conflicted." She hummed, inviting him to continue. "I'm glad that V's trying to come clean, but at the same time, he's not? I mean, yeah he's told the crew almost everything. And seems to have reconciled with them if their acceptance of his peace offerings is any indication." He gestured to the others, who were refilling their plates. "Oh, and he confirmed my theories about him being a victim of child abuse..."

"But?"

"But he hasn't done anything to settle his differences with mom." His eyes drifted towards his mom, noticing that Becca and Kiwi had joined up with Pilar and Nadia. "Can't help but feel he's ignoring her for some reason."

"David." Lucy let out an airy huff, "you haven't been paying attention to V that much since the meeting, have you?"

"I've been watching the guy since he sat down."

"Not close enough apparently." She replied, taking a seat beside him. "I've been watching him too. V's been stealing glances at her every chance he's gotten. I think I even saw him crack a smile when he saw her try one of Mama's mini-churros for the first time."

David blinked at that, replaying his watching of V over the last hour. How the man's head had twitched towards Gloria's table, only to look away if her own head moved. How his expression changed just slightly if Gloria was laughing. And even when he went to the bathroom, David realized that while V's head wasn't looking at her...His eyes were.

"Shit, you're right." He gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek, taking comfort in her smile. "But then why hasn't he made a move to talk with her?"

"Gloria told me she thinks he's mad at her." Dorio's voice came from his side, and he turned to see the musclebound woman standing nearby. "And she doesn't want to provoke him by causing a scene given that he's finally opening up." She leaned in closer, "between you and me? I suspect V has a similar line of thought."

"You mean he thinks she's mad at him?" Lucy asked, and Dorio tapped the tip of her nose before moving to join Maine at the buffet table. "That...would explain it."

"Yeah." He sighed and leaned into her shoulder. In response, Lucy wrapped an arm around him in silent support. "Just wish I knew what I could say or do that might help either of them."

"Hate to say it, but there's nothing you can do." She kissed his forehead. "It's going to be up to the two of them to resolve this."

"I know, but it doesn't make waiting any easier." He kissed her cheek, thanking her for the advice. Lucy let out a content sigh as he embraced her. The pair stayed like that a few minutes, just watching the crew before David noticed his mom coming over to join them.

"How you holding up, mijo?" Gloria asked, taking a seat nearby with a plate of food..

"I should be asking you that mom." He replied, seeing the glassy look in his mother's eyes. "But I'm fine. How are you enjoying Abuela's cooking?"

"I'm alright." She replied, understanding the request to change the subject. "And I need to see if Mama Welles will give me this salsa recipe. It's perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy..."

"Doubtful." Lucy answered, "according to Jackie, Mama guards those recipes tighter than anything. Couldn't even get her to give me an ingredients list for a batido? Did I say that right?"

"You did, and I have a recipe if you want it." Gloria smiled, "probably not the same as Mama's but if you're interested?"

"Hang on..." Lucy pulled out her agent, and tapped at it. "Okay, go ahead."

"So you want to use a 'meaty' fruit like papaya but..." David was only half listening as his mother went over some more of her recipes with Lucy. His attention kept shifting between his mother's conversation with Lucy, and V's reactions to everything going on around him. He also watched the others, noticing in particular that Abuela was also observing her restaurant's occupants as she checked how the food was doing.

Her eyes caught his briefly, and he saw her eyes go to Gloria, before moving to V. What might have been a nod came from the woman as she broke eye contact and moved towards the bar. David saw her tap Jackie on the shoulder and gesture with a finger for him to go with her. The man laughed, excusing himself from the group as both members of the Welles family vanished into the kitchen.

"Probably wants his help putting out more food." David mused, eyes going to the bar. He noticed that V's free hand was twitching slightly, while his other hand had a deathgrip on the bottle in it. "Is he uncomfortable now that Jackie's gone and he's alone with some of the crew?"

The door to the kitchen opened again, and Jackie stepped out with a small frown on his face. David couldn't help but tense up slightly as his uncle moved over to their table. Jackie's expression morphed into an apologetic smile as he came even with the table and spoke.

"Hey Gloria?" The red-head turned to look at him. "Sorry to interrupt, but Mama's requesting your help in the kitchen."

"Why can't you help her?" David blinked, noticing his mom looked just as confused.

"Cooking related." He rubbed the back of his neck, voice dropping slightly. "That, and Mama was armed with a wooden spoon when she asked me to get your mom." Jackie's eyes locked onto his. "And you never disobey a Latina woman holding a wooden spoon it the kitchen."

"Especially when its Mamá." Gloria laughed, accepting Jackie's outstretched hand as he lead her across the floor before the two disappeared into the kitchen. David had to admit he was cheered greatly by the fact that Abuela had only known Gloria for maybe a couple hours and was already accepting her into the 'familia'.

"Go on David." He felt Lucy's hand gently swatting his back.

"What?"

"Know you want to get up and see if you can't spy on your mom and abuela." She smiled, and he playfully frowned. "Look, if you need an excuse. Pepe's over at the bar right now, tell him I want another one of those mixed drinks I had earlier. The quin-cen-yera I think he said it was?"

"Thanks Luce." He kissed her quickly, "owe you one!"

David ignored the sound of her light laughing as he casually walked over to the bar and placed Lucy's drink order with Pepe before deliberately taking the seat furthest away from V. Idly, he wondered if V might try to talk with him, but those hopes were quickly dashed as Jackie reemerged from the kitchen.

"Hey V?" Jackie looked a little embarrassed as he addressed his long-time choom. "Think you can give Mama a hand out back a moment? She's got a shipment coming in later, but the keypad for the 'receiving' door is messed up. Wants to know if you might be able to fix it before we have to call in some repair guy."

"Sure, I'll take a crack at it." V nodded, sliding off his seat in favor of following Jackie out back. "If it's software related..."

The conversation fell away as V passed through the door, leaving David with a raised eyebrow even as Pepe handed him Lucy's drink. Wanting to linger just a little longer, he took a small sip of Lucy's drink. It was sweeter and nuttier than he expected, but tolerable.

"Say, you mind mixing me up one of these too?" He took another sip, hearing Pepe make some comment about his level of subtlety as he worked. David just shrugged, taking another sip of what was now his drink, as he tried to see or hear anything going on behind the kitchen door.

"Here you go kid." Pepe handed David his drink in the same moment that Jackie had emerged from the kitchen, eyes lit up to indicate he was on a holo call. He watched as the man made his way across the floor and out into the street, effectively removing himself from any conflict.

"Damn it." He took the drink, thanking Pepe as he knew he had no choice but to leave his post for the moment. That didn't stop him from peeking over his shoulder as he moved back to the table he had been sharing with Lucy.

"Any luck?"

"Nope." David handed over Lucy's drink, taking another drink of his own. "First Abuela wants mom for something, then she wants V? Ugh, I hope she's not trying to play Devil's Advocate between them."

"Well, if Jackie's to be believed – wooden spoons and sandals are some of the most powerful negotiation tools out there." The pastel-haired girl replied, trying to distract him. "And Mama Welles seems like a very persuasive woman. "

David hummed, taking another drink. She wasn't wrong. And everything he had seen and heard from visiting Valentinos, Jackie, V, and others only backed up his own observations of the matriarch in question.

"I know, but I'm still not-" He saw the kitchen door open, but instead of seeing V or his mom, it was only Abuela who stepped out and started checking in with the crew. His leg jerked, but the feeling of Lucy's hand on his shoulder stopped him.

"Don't." She cautioned, eyes flicking first to Abuela and then to Pepe who was still behind the bar. "Wait just a little longer and you'll get your chance."

"Fine." David sighed, taking another drink and waiting as Abuela made her way over to him and Lucy.

"And how are you feeling, kids?"

"Tired." David replied, "but I'm here."

["Be ready to move."]

The message from Lucy came over the holo, and he gave a tiny nod in understanding as she struck up a conversation with Mama Welles.

"Fine. Maybe a little surprised at V being so open but." Lucy shrugged, "can't really complain about the free food he's giving in exchange.

"Lucy..." While not directed at him, David could feel the disapproval in her gaze. "I know you don't like V, or any corpo types for some reason. But can you at least pretend to have some sympathy?"

"I do, but at the same time I don't?" She replied, "sorry. I'm not sure how to explain it?"

David saw his grandmother nod and pull out a nearby chair and sit down, inviting Lucy to at least attempt to explain her feelings. He saw her eyes look around, and saw her watch Becca head into the bathroom. ["I'm going to get Pepe out from behind the bar, start moving towards it and be ready to go for the kitchen."]

"I'll let you girls talk." He smiled, "got a question for Pepe anyhow."

Both girls nodded as David started walking towards the bar. Much as he wanted to see what Lucy might have been up to, he kept his eyes on the prize and walked over to the bar.

"Oi Mama!" Becca's whined. "The toilet paper dispensers broken."

"Seemed to work fine when I went." Dorio commented, looking confused.

"Might have jammed." Pepe replied, pulling a set of keys from underneath the counter. "Let me take a look..."

The barkeep came out from behind the counter, apologizing to David that it would just be a minute.

["Now's your chance."]

Taking a precious second to make sure all eyes were off him, David dipped into the kitchen. He expected to find the place destroyed – be it from his mom's emotions running high, or V in a drunken stupor. Instead, everything was in perfect order. Dishes and cups stacked neatly in a drying rack. A couple pots in a slow simmer on the stove, while a synth-meat roast was in the oven. Even the spice jars were undisturbed.

"Where..." He whispered, getting the answer to his question a moment later as he found the storage room.

His parents were locked in each others arms, with V holding Gloria against the back wall. One of her hands was holding his short hair, keeping him held down as their lips were locked in a heated kiss. Gloria's other hand kept alternating between grabbing or stroking V's butt. A occasional moan or gasp of pleasure would escape her as she ground herself against his leg. The man had bent it at the perfect angle that it slotted between her legs and granted her the friction she so desperately craved.

V seemed just as voracious in turn if the way he was pulling away from Gloria's kisses in favor of giving her little love bites along her neck and arms was any indication. It seemed his hands and arms couldn't decide where they wanted to stay. One of them remained locked around her torso, occasionally moving from behind her back in favor of fondling her breasts...Or to grab her head and keep her locked in a searing kiss until he needed oxygen. His other arm seemed at home hanging out around Gloria's waist, hand playfully crawling down her side until it found the end of her skirt. V's face split into a smile as his hand slipped underneath the fabric and started to climb back up.

David saw all of this in slow motion, as the moment his brain had registered what he was seeing. His situational awareness and heart rate increased. And his sweat glands went into overdrive as his fight or flight response activated. The Sandevistan activated on instinct, and David delta'd the fuck out of the kitchen in record time and back over to where he had been sitting with Lucy.

Thankfully, she was alone at the table with a plate of taquitos, chips and salsa as her only company.

"David? You okay, puppy?" The coolness of her prosthetic hand on his face felt wonderful after the heated escape he had just experienced, and he leaned into the touch.

"Found my parents..." He reached for what remained of his drink.

"Were they fighting?"

"Nope." David drained the remains of his drink, now reaching for Lucy's. "I think they made up..."

"That's...what you wanted, right?" She didn't resist as he grabbed her glass and nodded. "So then why do you look like someone smacked you with a dick?"

"Saw them... together." He finished off Lucy's drink, his head hitting the table the same time as the glass. He heard her let out a hiss of understanding, before excusing herself to get something. David just hummed, unsure of how much time actually passed before Lucy returned with a shot glass that was pressed into his hand.

"Here, drink this."

David needed to further encouragement and downed the shot. It burned his throat as it went down, and he felt a rush to his head shortly after.

"Fuck. What was that?"

"Pepe called it a Delete Button." She replied, sliding him a glass of water. "Said its the youngest sibling in the Forget-Me-Shot family, but that its guaranteed to wipe the last half hour or so from your memory."

"Hallelujah." He grinned, giving Lucy a peck on the cheek. "Owe you one for this."

"No trouble puppy." She slid the plate of food closer to him, "now have something to eat and relax."

David nodded, giving Lucy one more kiss before taking a taquito and letting the alcohol do its job.

=[+]=[-]=[?]=

Thanks to Pepe's knowledge of mixology, David wasn't quite sure how much time had passed between V's first meeting and now. Most of the food had been eaten, and Abuela had roped him, V, Jackie, and Gloria into helping her clean. By now, most of the tension between all parties was gone, and David couldn't help but smile (but also feel a bit unsettled for some reason) as he saw Gloria blow a tiny kiss to V as he took a particularly large stack of plates from her.

"Alright, I think I can take it from here." Abuela told the four of them as the last tray was left near the sink. "Go on with your little meeting. It'll be another couple hours until dinner anyways."

"Yes Mama." V, Jackie and Gloria said together.

"Yes Abuela." David nodded, seeing V hold the door open for Gloria as they stepped out. He followed behind his mother with Jackie bringing up the rear.

"Alright guys, gather round." V took the floor again, gesturing for the crew to bring it in. "Now that you've had time to think about my offer. What do you say?"

"I think we're all for it." Maine took the lead, and David saw several others nod. "But I know I, and a few others, still have some questions."

"Ask away."

"If you're going to be sending me and my crew into jobs to spite your father-"

"Ugh. Can we not call him that please?" V sighed, "rather not think of that man as anything more than a political entity."

"So what should we call him? El Diablo?" Of all the people who could have made that suggestion, his mother was not the one David expected.

"No matter how accurate, we are not calling him the Devil." There was a fondness in V's voice as he turned down the suggestion.

"Dark lord!" Pilar snapped his fingers. "He's certainly fitting the bill."

"You've been reading my books again, haven't you?" Becca gave her brother the side eye as he nodded.

"Too cliché." Dorio shook her head. "Then again, my suggestion of calling him 'хуй' isn't much better."

"Nah, 'dick' is too soft." Pilar quipped, before laughing at his own stupid joke.

"You speak Russian?"

"Translation software." The techie grinned, "also, probably gonna butcher the pronunciation but we should call him 'starshiy chlen'."

"Were you trying to say 'Elder Dick'?"

"Yeah!" He grinned. "I think it works for him. David can be a little dickish, V's a huge dick, so grampa satan must be the Elder Dick."

"We're not calling him Elder Dick." V sighed, "nor are we calling him any variant of the word dick."

"M'rohoj." Falco suggested, ignoring the confused looks coming from the others.

"The fucks a M-ro, mai-ho...The fuck you just said?" Kiwi blinked, "my translation software isn't picking anything up."

"Old world name for a demon moth." The driver leaned back casually, as if the name dropping of unthinkable forgotten horrors was an idle event. "Had a whole cult following that worshiped it. Do not look it up."

"Nixing that one on the grounds that no one can pronounce it." V covered his face with his hands. "Can we please get back on topic?"

The newest tier on the familial totem pole had an idea brewing, "Why don't we just call him 'The Bastard'." David suggested, "I mean, it fits in more ways than one, right?"

"But that's so non-descrip...tive..." Becca started, but faded off. "Actually, didn't you mention that old and rotten was a legal bastard, yeah?"

"Yeah." V's hands fell away, revealing a small smile. "And its such a vague title that if anyone asks, we can just pick any other person to refer to. If he ever figures out who we ment it will piss him off too. I know for a fact he lothes any mention of his heritage. So win-win."

"Great. Now that that's settled," Maine leaned forward. "You mind tellin' me and the others how you plan to keep us safe as we work to undermine The Bastard? Oh damn, that does rolls off the tongue."

"That all depends on the job, but we space out the hits and no one does a job again until everyone's had a chance. So say The Bastard's got a shipment coming in Monday and Thursday. We only hit the Monday." He looked at the crew, in particular at Lucy and Kiwi. "Only problem is, I know we're limited on manpower in some departments. It's only the two of you who have netrunning and deep dive experience, yes?"

"Pretty much." Kiwi replied. "I mean, Pilar's been able to assist in basic running every now and then, but he's a rookie at best."

"Appreciate the compliment, but I wouldn't even count myself that good." Pilar looked down. "I'm better developing programs and messing with hardware than Netrunning."

"Right, and dealing with Arasaka's security is not for the feint of heart." V kept his eyes on the pair. "And I know I'm asking a lot of you with some of this."

"Not really."

"That's easy for you to say Kiwi, given that I know you're only in it for the money." He looked at Lucy, "and Lucy. I know you've got your reasons to stay away from 'saka."

There was something in V's expression that David couldn't quite place, but Lucy could see clearly. He also noticed Kiwi and the rest of the crew were now looking at her.

"You know?" Her response was so quiet, David would have missed it if he wasn't right beside her.

"I've known for awhile, I just haven't said anything."

"Fuck." Lucy started to shake, and David couldn't tell what she was thinking. He noticed the crew was now on edge as well, all waiting and watching.

"Calm down everyone. She's safe here." V moved closer, and David instinctively put himself between her and V. "Look, the project you were a part of has been dead for awhile, least the Night City branch has. I would earn nothing from reporting or turning you in, save the ire of my son."

"Well shit." She looked down, "you mean I've been nervous for nothing."

"Oh no, company would still gladly reclaim you as an asset." V's voice was firm, yet soft. "I'm just telling you I've no reason to help them find you."

"Lucy?" David could feel the emotions radiating off her.

"We'll talk later, puppy." She hissed, finally looking up at him with an odd fury.

"As you should. And we should probably talk a little more later on as well about this. But for now..." V moved back to where he had been standing before. "Like I was saying, we're limited on man power in some departments. But that can be overcome if we work on rotation. It will also lessen the chances of being caught if its never quite the same group twice."

"Makes sense." Dorio nodded, "so on that note, do you want the rest of us to have dedicated rolls? Or just do what the situation calls for?"

"Dedicated would be nice, if it's not stretching everyone too thin." He gave her an apologetic look. "May have done some scans and background checks...but I'm honestly not a hundred percent certain on what some of you are capable of. Anyone care to enlighten me on some of your hidden talents? Or connections?"

"Dorio's apparently a competent interior decorator, and building superintendent." Becca grinned, ignoring Dorio's death glare.

"I know that. I meant in regards to being Edgerunners. Even if its just something minor like being able to repair your own chrome." The reply made David listen just a little more intently as some of the crew talked of skills he wasn't fully aware of.

He knew Maine and Falco were sharpshooters, but didn't realize that Pilar was a skilled sniper as well. And he had to admit he was surprised that Kiwi admitted to being able to work on repairs and maintenance of motorcycles like Jackie could. In a similar vein, Dorio knew just as much about cars as the rest of the boys. Becca was ridiculously knowledgeable about guns and could modify them with the best of them. She also had yet to meet a non-electronic lock she couldn't pick.

Connection wise: Kiwi reluctantly mentioned knowing someone among the scavs, but threatened to ice everyone if they ever thought of asking her to contact them outside of the most dire situations. Becca meanwhile had an 'in' with some of the 'street urchins' (a 'gang' made up of children in her neighborhood). Nadia revealed she had access to medical supplies and resources that civilians wouldn't normally be able to get their hands on. Gloria mentioned that she still had contact with a few of the EMTs she used to work with. Namely the ones who weren't above doing a little 'salvage' for extra eddies. A flushed face Dorio admitted she had some minor corporate connections of her own. And the less said about the people Falco knew, the better.

Becca cut off their driver from naming names the moment Richard Longshaft was mentioned.

Indeed, by the time they were done it seemed it was only him and Lucy who didn't exactly have anything else to offer except their skills as a solo and netrunner respectively.

"Now it's just a question on how best to use everyone."

"Well, you've got your netrunners in Kiwi and Lucy with Pilar as a last resort back up." Maine started thinking out loud. "If you need assistance on the corporate side, Dorio's probably your best bet."

"Problem is, he's probably going to be putting up defenses on multiple sides."

"So like you mentioned, we split his attention." David offered, and he felt the eyes of everyone shift to look at him. He felt a little unsettled, but knew he had to continue. "Right now, it seems everyone is only focusing on V's mention that he wants us to sabotage whatever jobs The Bastard might send him on. But remember that V said he'd be the man on the inside, so no matter, we'd always have some sort of 'heads up'." He looked at Maine, "but that's not to say that your concerns are not needed. There is considerable chance that one or more of us could be caught after hitting his stuff time and again."

"That's true. But that's why I said we don't always strike." V crossed his arms, appraising him. "We can lull him into a false sense of security that way, so he'll never know when to expect us."

"Okay, but whose to say he doesn't up the security after the first time?" David countered, "Makes it so that we don't know where something's going until day of and increases security." It wasn't unheard of. Hell, he recalled seeing a message from one of the other tenants in his building asking about the cost of having an extra lock installed on the windows after a single break in happened to the place next to his.

"Again, true." David felt the critique of V's calculating gaze, "so what do you suggest then?"

"As said, we hit him from multiple sides. V, you said you think of him as a political entity. And that we should pick away at his resources, yes?" The man nodded. "So we do just that. Fuck with his reputation, resources, assets, and so on. Using the earlier example. If myself, Maine, and Becca have been sent to steal a shipment of guns he ordered...Have Kiwi steal some data from him and give it to Militech the same day."

The crew started to mutter and shift at that, and David noticed it was only V who seemed unmoved by his logic. Indeed, the man was eyeing him more critically than ever.

"Doesn't need to be anything big. Just enough to put him on Arasaka's radar, make them doubt him. Hell, we could probably just prank him with minor annoyances like popping his tires, or setting off his alarm clock an hour early. Or even turning off some of his alarms." David smarmed, ignoring the eye roll Lucy gave him at that. "Rather than one big hit to burn The Bastard every now and again, we hit him constantly and keep the sparks going. Just enough to keep his attention divided before the big ones land."

"And how do you propose we do all that?" Maine asked, an impressed smile on his face.

"Being honest, that's probably something best left to you and V." He raised his arms to stop any protests. "Just saying, it's a lot better to have the experts take change. You guys know how to do shit I don't...and I'll admit that sometimes opening my mouth makes me feel stupid. I'm just sayin' if we hit and rest, he's got time to recover. Keep swinging, and he doesn't get a chance to prepare when the next real shot comes."

"Common sense did stop being common in the twenty-twenties..." Falco answered almost sagely, making David wonder not for the first time just how old the driver actually was again.

"Well said." V's voice stopped any additional conversations before they could start. Instead, it seemed everyone decided to stay on track as they took to discussing various skills and ideas in further detail. David was thankful to see that Lucy had calmed down, anger at V replaced with amusement at him showing off his book smarts again. Even his mother seemed happier, but whether that was from V including her in the discussion or something else, he couldn't tell.

David looked over at V, who caught his eye and slyly raised a glass slightly as if in toast to him. It might have just been a trick of the light, but V actually looked proud of him. Picking up his own drink slowly, David returned the hidden gesture as the discussion continued.

=[+]=[-]=[?]=

By the time Abuela brought out another round of appetizers to signal the dinner round, it seemed everyone was behind V's new job for them. With rough plans that everyone would further refine as V got more information in mind, discussions slowly started turning back to more casual ones. As plates were made and spots filled at the various tables, all thoughts of gigs and work had taken a back seat.

Instead of being scattered around like at lunch, everyone had congregated around the same two of three tables to laugh and talk. Indeed, looking at the smiling faces of the crew, David couldn't help but feel it was like old times.

Or at least it would be if it wasn't for the fact that his parents were here.

Okay, so his mom seemed right at home talking with Nadia, Maine, Dorio, and Becca. The five of them sharing a plate of nachos in addition to what was on their own plates. Knowing her history with them now, he supposed his mom had always been part of the crew. And he could trick himself into believing that she had always been 'too busy' to attend any of the meet ups.

V's presence was a different story.

"Lucy? David?" V's voice brought the two of them away from the conversation they were having with Falco and Kiwi. "Can I see the two of you a moment?"

"Uh, sure." David replied as Lucy excused them from the conversation and followed V out back and into the kitchen, then into the small dry goods storage room.

David was not happy about standing around in this part of the Cojo.

"So what's this about?" Lucy asked, her tone indicating she already knew.

"About the project you were apart of." V looked at her. "How much have you told him of your past?"

"Not much." Lucy looked at him almost apologetically. "I don't exactly recall how it came up. But I told him how I was recruited to 'saka as a child to become a Netrunner along with a dozen or so others. That after several incidents, we decided we didn't want to work for 'saka and decided to run for it. That they didn't like it and, long story short, I'm the only one left."

"So you kept it vague?" V asked, as Lucy wrapped her arms around herself and nodded.

"She has her reasons." David replied, letting his arms replace hers. She snuggled into his embrace willingly as he met V's eyes. "And I don't mind. And I don't care if she never tells me the full story."

And it was true, mostly. He did hope Lucy would trust him enough one day to divulge the whole story, but if she didn't? Well, he still loved her.

"Shit, seems everyone's been smarter about sharing their history than me..." V muttered, eyes going to the floor before looking back at the two of them. "That aside, the reason you were afraid of me from the start is because you knew I had ties to Arasaka, yes?" Lucy nodded. "Probably thought I also knew who you were, yeah?"

Again, she nodded pushing into him just a little more.

"Wasn't sure at the time, and only figured it out after doing some digging of my own." The suit shook his head. "Found the project, and your name among the participants. Once I was certain it was you, I honestly considered sending a team to bring you in as retribution for nearly getting David zeroed in the beginning. Oh, and borderline grooming him."

"So your options were turn her in out of spite, or let her be free to be with me?" David asked, and V nodded.

"I will freely admit, I went back and forth on it." His eyes went back to Lucy. "Lucy, I know I always looked at you with disdain...But that's because I was concerned about what might happen if Arasaka came after you while you were with David. But then, I did a little more research into the project. That's when I found out it was scrapped, and there would be no benefit to anyone for turning you in or telling them where to find you."

"Not even for Arasaka?" David felt it was a stupid question, but the slight tilt of Lucy's head told him it made her curious as well.

"Arasaka has more Netrunners working for them in Night City than Biotechnica has protein farms." He almost laughed. "And Lucy wouldn't be worth the trouble. No offense."

"None taken." She replied, "but V. What do you think they'd do if they did catch me?"

"I'll let you decide which is better or worse but they'd either give you a 'recruitment' treatment and make you another runner or save themselves the eddies and put a single bullet in your head."

"Fair enough." Lucy replied with an airy huff. "So just to be clear, I don't have to worry about you doing anything that would put me back in 'saka's hands?"

"Nope."

"Great." David smiled, feeling her relax in his arms. "Now does that mean you'll stop glaring at her?"

"No promises." V's mouth was set in a line. "You did nearly get my boy killed, and I may still be 'new' to the whole parenting thing but that's a pretty serious offense."

"Was...Was that an attempt at dad humor?" He asked, noticing Lucy looked just as confused as he felt.

"Maybe? I mean-"

"V, Lucy, Neito." The three turned to see Abuela standing in the door. "Not to interrupt your important conversation, but dinner's ready to be served." Her blue eyes shined with mischief as she looked at him and V. "Unless the three of you want to help me bring everything out."

"That's not an actual question, is it?" David hissed, seeing V nod as he gestured for them to step out.

Between the four of them, they had brought out the various main courses and sides she had prepared.

"Help yourselves everyone." Mama Welles announced to the crew as Lucy set down the last tortillero. Taking advantage of being so close, David helped himself and watched as Lucy and V did the same. He could sense there was still an air of caution between his girlfriend and father, but it wasn't as heavy as it once was.

Walking over to one of the tables, he took a seat and was soon joined by Lucy, V, and his mom. Maine and Dorio soon joined, and eventually the whole crew was gathered around discussing various things. Currently, he was listening to V and Dorio talking about some of the more humorous elements of 'growing up Corpo'.

"Okay Dorio, not sure if you had to deal with this when you were a corpo kid." V took a drink, addressing the woman. "But if you did. Would you say it was worse being dragged to meetings, or functions?"

"Functions, hands down." Dorio actually placed her hands on the table. "Meetings I could wear whatever the fuck as long as it looked nice. And could entertain myself by reading, drawing, or even playing a portable console. Functions you have to get all dressed up and act proper. With the only chance of entertainment being listening to whatever music was playing OR finding another kid who also got dragged along to talk with for the night."

"Oh yeah, and God help you if that kid was close to your age and the opposite sex."

"Let me guess." Nadia's face twitched into a smile. "Parents would force you to dance with them?"

"Every. Single. Time." Dorio's answer made Pilar snort. "Alright, what's so funny?"

"Sorry, just the thought of you in a dress is funny...Because I'm used to seeing you in street clothes!" Pilar added quickly, saving himself a beating (for now). "That and I can't help but wonder if you and V might have met in the past, and got forced to dance together." Pilar's eyes went back and forth between the two Corpo-Kids. "Think you ever did?"

"I was only ever forced to dance at two of them." V closed his eyes, thinking. "The first at one held in Konpeki Plaza, and the second at the North Oak casino and country club."

"Summer of twenty-fifty-one for North Oak?" The blond asked, shifting in her chair.

"Winter of fifty-two." V replied, and David could see him and Dorio relax even as Pilar snapped his fingers in mock-disappointment.

"Darn, there goes my idea of having you two recreate it." He wheezed, and David was impressed at how he could ignore the glares being sent at him.

"Pilar." Dorio reached into her pocket and pulled out a cred chip. "There's two hundred eddies on this chip. Its yours if you drop the subject, right now."

"Deal." The techie reached across the table and plucked the shard from Dorio's hand. "So how 'bout them sports teams?"

Laughter came from around the table as conversations changed subjects and members. Aside from the awkwardness that surrounded V, the only other point of contention seemed to be coming from Becca. The girl would only speak when asked a direct question, but otherwise she seemed more interested in the food on her plate. Or the drink in her hand. More than once, David saw Becca steal a glance at V, or at Gloria as the two would laugh or trade bites. And while she smiled at their actions, David couldn't help but think it looked faked.

And while the smiles she would give the rest of the crew were genuine, he knew it wasn't a trick of the light that the one she sent Lucy's way was forced. He was about to ask her if she was okay, but Becca apparently decided to solve her problem herself.

"Lucy?" Becca's voice was soft, lacking its usual energy.

"Yeah Becca?" If Lucy had a problem with Becca, she kept it better hidden than the green-haired girl.

"I just want to apologize. For earlier and the day before." She swallowed, "I know I let my emotions take control. And I can understand now why V in particular set you off. And why you weren't as...sympathetic towards his plight as the others."

"It's alright. I can see how things might have looked from your side." Lucy sipped at her drink, thinking. "And I'll accept your apology. On one condition."

"Name it."

"In addition to apologizing to me...Apologize to Kiwi for being a bitch all the time." A collective 'oof' made its way through the bar as Becca grumbled and hummed. But she had agreed, and moved from her spot over to Kiwi.

"Kiwi?" The blond netrunner hummed, smilingly knowingly. "I...just want to apologize for being a bitch all the time."

"And I accept your apology." Kiwi gave a nod, before taking a long sip of her drink and returning to the conversation she was having with Nadia.

"I still can't tell if they're friends or not..." David whispered, and Lucy giggled in amusement. "Since everyone's airing secrets, what's their deal?"

"Not sure. All I know for certain is that they've been like this since I joined up." She shrugged, getting to her feet. "I'm going to hit the bathroom, and get another beer. You want one?"

"Nah. This one's still near full." He held up the bottle and took a drink, watching Lucy until she disappeared into the bathroom. He turned his attention to Maine and V, who were now discussing combat tactics.

"Think there's any chance I could borrow a military study chip or two? Kind of feel my skills have gotten rusty since I...you know."

"You'd need more than that. Each one covers a book's worth of information on its own." He hummed and Maine grimaced. "Not to mention, you can't exactly use them all in a day without frying your brain. And no offense, but I'm not sure your brain could stand up to the strain even one of them can bring." V went to take another drink, but stopped. "Excuse me, got to make a head call."

"Heh, fair enough." Maine shrugged as V departed, turning his attention to Dorio who had returned with another beer for him, a soda for herself, and a plate of empanadas. The man grabbed an empanada and took a bite, before addressing David. "How you holdin' up, kid?"

"Well as I can be, given the circumstances."

"You're built different kid." Dorio raised her soda in toast to him. "Grow up with one parent, get the other. Parents hit a rough patch, then make up? I could understand dealing with it over a few years, but you've taken it all in stride over less than a year. So kudos."

"Thank you." His eyes drifted to the plate of food Dorio had brought over. "You mind if I take one?"

"Go ahead." A small burp escaped Dorio, and she groaned. "Think I ate too much or too fast."

"Mom's usually got some antacids on her. Want me to ask?"

"That would be great. Tell her I'll even pay her for them." David gave a nod as he looked around for his mom. He found her near the bar, talking with V and smiling. "Hey mom? Sorry to interrupt, but do you have any stomach pills on you? Dorio's is bothering her."

"Oh, I didn't bring my purse. Nadia or Mama Welles might have some though." Gloria smiled apologetically, and David noticed that his mother looked a little flushed.

"You feeling okay?"

"Just a little hot." She shed her sweater jacket, and David cringed as he heard V made a quip that she is hot. "Excuse me boys, think I might head out a little early. You don't mind, do you V?"

"Not at all." He pulled her into a hug, "if you want. I'll drive you home."

"No V, stay here and get to know the crew." Gloria gestured to everyone. "But if you want to call me a cab?"

"A Delamain should be here in the next few minutes..." V gave her a quick kiss and whispered something in her ear that made her shiver before he moved back to the crew. David meanwhile stayed by her side, watching as her hand tapped against her drink.

"Are you sure you're okay?" It wasn't lost on him how her hand was shaking as she picked up her drink and took a sip.

"I'm fine..." She paused, taking another drink as her eyes lit up. "Oh, my cab's here. Don't want to make it wait and run up the meter."

Gloria seemed to be in her own little world as she hopped off her seat and moved towards the door. Something that made David a little nervous.

"Uh sure." He gave a nod, "I'll stop by your place later with anything you might have missed, alright mom?"

"Oh sure." She called, stepping out the door and leaving him alone at the bar.

"Hey kid, any luck?" Maine's voice brought him back to his current situation and he apologized that Gloria was out of antacids. Fortunately Nadia overheard and was able to offer Dorio a couple pills to ease her suffering.

"Well, fun as this has been...I think I might head out too." Nadia took a moment to stretch. "Got a couple house calls to make tomorrow morning."

"That's fine baby." Pilar slipped an arm around Nadia and lead her to the door. "You don't mind if I hang out here, do you?"

"Go right ahead." She gave him a kiss and let him open the door for her, the two stepping outside. A couple minutes passed before Pilar returned, and David was the first to notice that he wasn't alone.

"Hey guys, look who I found!" The techie called, gesturing to the newcomers. David narrowed his eyes, studying them.

The first was a young man who David guessed was the same age or maybe a little older than himself. He had light brown hair, dark brown eyes, and basic cyberware. He was wearing what might have been an old armored vest over a tank top and a pair of baggy cargo pants. A pair of goggles rested on his forehead. A huge smile was plastered on his face, despite the fact that he seemed worn out.

The second was a frail-looking young man with messy hair just a few shades darker than his companion, and David couldn't tell the color of his eyes given how red they looked. This one was wearing a ripped t-shirt that showed off a whole host of bandages wrapped around his chest and arms, and a pair of gray sweatpants. What might have been a sweatshirt or jacket was draped around his waist.

"And just who are these people?" Maine asked, watching as the older guy placed a hand on the younger one.

"Name's Julio." His smile didn't waver, "and this is my bro-ther..."

The bandaged figure behind him stumbled slightly, and Julio was quick to catch him and support him.

"What?" His brother looked up, confused. "You called me?"

"No, I was just introducing you...Sorry gang, hang on." David watched as Julio lead his brother over to one of the tables in the corner. It was as out of the way as he could manage, but still gave both sides a near full view of the bar. "Take a seat and relax bro." With more patience than he had expected, he saw Julio help his brother slide into the booth. "Are you comfortable?"

"m'cold." He heard the brother slur.

"Let's put on your coat then." Julio gently pulled the jacket up, and David realized the kid was actually wearing a one-piece sweatsuit. "Better? Good. I'll come back in little bit to check on you, alright? Just need to talk to these guys first."

A nod was the kid's answer as his head fell forward slightly, eyes focusing on a stain on the table.

"Again, sorry about that." Julio rubbed the back of his neck. "Kid's got a bit of a drug problem. Promise he won't raise a fuss or cause problems. He's just a little out of it right now. But like I was saying I'm Julio and Wakako told me-"

Seeing movement come from V, David was only half-listening as Julio finished his introduction and started personally greeting the others. Instead, he focused more on V, seeing the man exchanging a few words with Jackie. He saw Jackie smile and playfully slap V's arm a few times before giving him a salute. V returned the smile, before making his way over to the door.

Barely a second later, David decided to try and intercept V, but his attempt was thwarted by the sudden appearance of Julio in front of him.

"Yo! Seriously! I can't believe I get to meet David Martinez!" David lightly pushed Julio out of the way, ignoring the comments about him not wanting to deal with 'a fan' as he saw V reach the door.

"Got to use the-"

"-The Sandevistan Samurai!" Julio exclaimed.

"What?" The name made David lose his focus, and he watched as V slipped out the door. Any attempts to go after him were thwarted by Julio effectively blocking him as he went into fanboy mode.

"Yeah. Folks call you that because you've got the sword and you zoom around like whoosh! Slice! Zoom! And then everything just falls apart." Julio couldn't help but act out the motions. "You're awesome. Please, let me buy you a beer."

"Uh, thank you? But no thank you..." He tried again to get to the door in the faint hope of seeing which way V might have gone, but was denied as he felt Julio's hand on his arm.

"Aw come on. Just one?" Julio was hitting him with puppy eyes, and David could only sigh and roll his eyes as various comments from the crew met his ears.

"Aw, you've got your first fan that isn't Lucy or your mom." Becca quipped.

"Sandevistan Samurai...I like that!" Pilar started chanting the phrase 'sandy samurai' like a soccer hooligan.

"Good job David, you're getting a rep out there." Falco raised his glass, something that was echoed by the rest of the crew. The only voice he didn't hear was Lucy's but the why soon became obvious as he found her laughing into her drink.

"Come on, humor the guy David." She told him, even as Julio cheered and signaled for a couple beers. "You can always go after V later, for now. Relax."

"Fine, just one more beer." David relented, not realizing that phrase was often among the list of famous last words. Moving like he owned the place, Julio grabbed two beers from Pepe and handed one to him. While David was able to open his, Jackie's hand was over Julio's before he even touched the cap.

"Hold up, you know this is a private party, right kid?" There was something in Jackie's gaze that had David pausing over his own drink.

"One reserved for the crew that no one outside knew about." Maine added, gesturing to everyone while narrowing his eyes at the newcomer. "How did you find out about this?"

"I didn't." Julio looked at one man, then the other. "I was in the area, and I heard this place had really good food. I went for the door, but the two guys out front said the place was closed for a private event. Hearing that, I was all set to take my bro and find somewhere else to eat. But then I heard the door open and saw Pilar and that brunette step out. Remembered him from Wakako's brief, so I introduced myself and he got the bouncers to let me and my brother in."

"Pilar..." There was a growl in Maine's voice that David knew meant pick your next words carefully.

"In my defense, he dropped Wakako's name and your name." Pilar held up his hands. "And was able to match the story about why he had to bounce from the last meeting. Figured the best answer was to bring him in and let you make the final call."

"Kiwi? Scan him." The older netrunner was on Julio in an instant, one leg wrapped around his own as her arms went over his torso to hold him as she scanned him. It wasn't lost on David how the guy tensed up as she did. "If you find anything off, zero him."

The woman hummed, releasing him a moment later with a nod. "Checks out."

"Told you." He let out a relieved sigh as he was able to move again. "Just dumb luck that I was here."

"Well, I'm still going to give Wakako a call." Maine grunted, gesturing to the food. "In the meantime, help yourself. I guess."

"Preem! Thanks boss." Julio finally opened his drink and downed it one go before going to grab another and some food. "Man, if this is how you guys celebrate after a gig. I can't wait to get out in the field with you!"

"Fuck, and I thought David was the eager rookie." Dorio staged whispered to Maine, making everyone smile.

"I was not that bad." He replied, no anger behind the words.

"No, no you were not." Lucy had his back. "You were more...Nervous at first. But you quickly got into the swing of things."

"And look at you now." Pilar grinned, "you got yourself a girl. Some street cred. Even a name."

"They grow up so fast." Jackie mimed wiping a tear, "I'm so proud."

David smiled, accepting the ribbing the crew was sending his way even as Julio returned with another beer for himself, and for him.

"So what's it like? Zipping around with that thing?" Julio pointed to the Sandevistan. "Does it look like everything's in slow motion or is everything accelerated or-?"

David sighed, but decided to humor Julio and started talking with him about his speedwear. As Julio expressed interest in getting some additional chrome of his own, other members of the crew started joining in with the discussion. Eventually, the subject shifted away from chrome and more onto Julio himself.

"Now, you said your brother's got a drug problem?" Becca's eyes went from Julio to his brother and back. "Given how much you know about all of us. I'm sure you know Pilar and I don't take kindly to addicts."

David's eyes wandered over to where Julio's brother was sitting. True to his earlier statement, the kid hadn't really moved or caused a fuss. At most, David had noticed him staring blankly at the crew, or at the walls. Deciding to at least try and be cordial, Dorio had walked over to sit with him and start a conversation. Unfortunately, it seemed he wasn't in the mood to talk, and after answering a couple questions had pillowed his head on his arms and fell asleep.

"So I've heard." He ignored the looks coming from the siblings. "But that's partially why I want to join a crew. Get a decent amount of eddies so I can get him into rehab and get him off that junk. And if I get to bust a few drug labs while doing it? All the better!"

"He's good in my book." Pilar gave a thumbs up, and Becca nodded.

"And the other reason?"

"Make a name for myself, become a legend." He gestured to all of them, "I mean. Look at you guys for example. Sure, you're not huge but people know you. You've got respect. I mean, you guys can get a bar to close just so you can party!"

"Heh heh, to be fair." Jackie looked a little sheepish, "mi Mamá owns this place."

"Hush Jaquito, he doesn't need to know that." The woman in question appeared beside him. "Anyhow, sorry to interrupt but are you sure your brother's okay?"

David followed his Abuela's hand over to the table where the sleeping drug addict was twitching.

"Uh, yeah..." He took a drink. "Poor guy's just goin' through withdrawal. Tryin' to make him go cold tofurkey while I work on gettin' some eddies."

"You're a good kid, Julio." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "He might not want it now, but I'll make you a to-go cup of my Caldo de Syn-Pollo. A Mexican chicken soup full of nutrients that might help your brother recover once he wakes up."

"Uh..." Julio seemed to blue screen, "thank you m'am."

"Mama." Everyone in the Cojo said as one, making her nod in approval as Julio apologized to 'Mama'.

"She, she always that nice?"

"Most of the time." Jackie gave him a reassuring smile.

After an hour or more of reluctant socializing with the new rookie, David felt Julio was distracted enough by everyone else in the crew to where he felt his presence wouldn't be missed. David had tried calling his mother twice to see how she was doing with all the revelations only to be ignored. Something that was digging at him and giving a very insistent urge to check on her, just in case.

It didn't take long for David to make excuses and pull his girl aside, "Come on Luce, let's delta."

"So soon? Don't you want to spend more time with you, number one fan?" She snickered, but quickly apologized as he frowned.

"Want to go check on mom." He caught Jackie's eye and pointed to himself and Lucy and the door, indicating his intentions. In reply, Jackie gave him the same salute he had given V, and David knew his uncle would cover for him. "She looked a little out of it. I wanna make sure she's handling all this well."

"Sure, let's go." Lucy nodded her agreement, and willingly followed him out of the Cojo and to the truck.

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Upon arriving at their vehicle, David wasted no time in driving him and Lucy back over to Gloria's place. He probably shouldn't have been driving with a bar-list's worth of booze in his belly, but worries were overriding reasoning. That and he was probably good to drive... or at least better off than most of NC's road warriors.

The fact that he tried calling his mother a third time with no answer wasn't helping his ever growing, and blood-alcohol level boosted paranoia.

"I'm sure she's fine." Lucy tried to reassure him, but it didn't help. "Probably just got a little tipsy and overwhelmed. I mean, you've seen the crew, we can get a little rowdy."

"I just want to make sure." He pulled the truck into the nearby parking lot, locking it the moment he and Lucy were clear.

"You are such a momma's boy. We're gonna see she's passed out on the couch with her phone turned off." She teased, but didn't try to stop him as they hopped the elevator up to the penthouse. As the elevator climbed, so did David's anxieties about the situation.

"Lucy's probably right. Sure mom liked to party in her younger days but you saw how worn out she looked after the last few times the crew stopped by the place." He told himself, leg shaking slightly as the elevator slowed to a stop. A soft ding announced their arrival, and David had to restrain himself from using the Sandevistan to quickly search the apartment.

"Mom?" He called, stepping out with Lucy close behind. Only the soft whirring of the cleaning robot met his ears.

"Maybe she's in the bathroom?" Lucy offered, even as David started to take in his surroundings.

"Don't hear water, so she's not in the shower...Bathroom light's not on either." He looked away from the bathroom door, seeing what looked like the shoes his mom had been wearing by the door that lead out to the front and the landing pad. He also saw the sweater and jacket she had on sitting near the laundry basket."Maybe she went to look out at the city? Or mess with her flower garden?"

"Stay here Lucy, I'm going to check outside." David slid the 'front' door open, and stepped out onto the stone walkway. The door had just clicked shut when he heard it.

A whimper.

In particular, one that sounded like someone could be in miserable pain.

"Mom!" David gasped, realizing the sound was coming from the pool area.

Oh God – what if something happened to her? His mind ran wild with possibilities – some mild, some horrible. At best, his mom had gone for a swim and slipped and damaged her servos and couldn't move. At worse? Maybe The Bastard figured out that V wasn't under his control anymore and targeted her. Maybe he sent Maelstrom or other gangoons to capture and hurt her. Wait, were any of them even capable of pulling off something like that at this altitude?

As he rounded the corner and the pool and hot tub came into view, David felt conflicted on if the truth was better or worse than any of his imagined scenarios.

His mom was in the hot tub...At least, her calves were.

The rest of her was out of the water...And on full display for anyone with a window at or higher than the Penthouse's yard to see.

And she wasn't alone...If the pair of red and black arms encircling her torso meant anything.

And while she was whimpering...it was not from pain.

Nor were the wet, slapping sounds being caused by the sloshing waters of the hot tub as his mother's leg trembled.

For some reason, David made the mistake of looking at his mother's face. Her eyes were closed, mouth hanging slightly open as her face contorted in an ecstasy that he had only ever seen on porn stars. And Lucy.

Oh god, did he just compare his mother to his girlfriend? What Fruedian hell had he fallen into?

A grunt alerted him to the fact that V's head was resting on Gloria's shoulder. The man's mouth moving as he alternated between whispering in her ear and nipping at her neck.

And while his arms remained locked around her, his hands kept roving up and down. Squeezing and grabbing at anything they could.

One of V's arms finally decided to make itself at home under her thigh. The cybernetic limb lifting her leg just slightly...Something that improved the angle for both of them if the cry from his mother and the moan from V was worth anything.

Breaking through the paralysis he felt, David made the fatal mistake of trying to look at the ground instead of the sky or anywhere else. As his eyes traveled downward, he got to see his mother's back arch away from V. Got to see the deliberate thrusting of V's hips as he drove himself into her with desperation.

David wished he had blocked his ears as he heard his mother's scream of pleasure be joined by a loud grunt from V as the man buried himself deep within her and found his own release.

"Oh fu-" Was all David got out before his stomach remembered that it was full of at least six beers, two mixed drinks, and several shots. And that was on top of everything else he had eaten at the Cojo. He burped, learning the hard way that Abuela's cooking is nowhere near as good the second time around.

The sound of traditional Mexican dishes splattering against stone, coupled with his own moans of gastrointestinal and psychological pain were enough to override his mother's post-coital high as David instantly became aware of her eyes upon him.

"D-David!" Her voice sounded oddly hoarse. "D-Dios mio. I'm sor-"

"N-no." He coughed, one hand held out before him to stop any advancement. He couldn't bring himself to look up as he heard the sound of water sloshing. "I'll...I'll come back."

He started staggering back towards the door.

"David!" His father called out awkwardly.

"Sorry Mijo, we- I- It-"

His hands came up to cover his ears, physically trying to ignore his parents calls. Fortunately, they seemed to understand his desire for space if the lack of footsteps following him was anything to go by.

"David?" Lucy's voice met his ears as he slid the door open. Only when he was inside did he finally look up and see Lucy looking at him in shock. "Fuck, David what's wrong? Where's Gloria?"

"Outside. Hot tub. Naked." He grimaced, swallowing back his nausea. "With V. Also...naked."

"Skinny dipping?" She asked, sliding an arm around his in support even as he continued moving for the elevator.

"No..." He shook his head, hoping the thousand-yard stare in his eyes would tip her off so he didn't have to say it.

Lucy blinked, her eyes briefly going to the door then back to him. He moved just the tiniest bit closer to her as understanding slowly worked its way onto her face.

"You don't mean..." He nodded, slipping an arm around her waist as she shuddered in disgust. "Do...Do you want to...talk about this?"

"No." David straightened out just slightly as he pressed the button for the elevator. "I want to go home. Take a scalding hot shower...and see if I can't get my hands on whatever program V used to wipe his memories."

"I'd offer to make you forget about it in other ways but-"

"Lucy, I love you. But it's going to be awhile before I can even think about anything sex-" He burped, one hand flying to cover up his mouth as they boarded the elevator.

"It's alright puppy." Lucy's hand started rubbing gentle circles on his back as he tried to settle his stomach. "Now that I have V in the same part of my brain as, you know...Think it might be awhile for me too."

"Right." He sighed, only the tiniest part of him annoyed at V for the "inconvenience" the man had put on the more physical side of his and Lucy's relationship.

Damn it. If giving up sex for awhile was the price he had to pay to ensure his parents happiness...He was willing to pay.

...

He was also going to pay out the ass for alcohol on the way home, because David was more determined than ever to forget this moment ever happened.