"Set the whole city on fire, then breathe new life and order into it!" Jackie lingered on the idea, blood roaring in his ears, "Chingón… that's so damn cool."
Right then, he had no idea Vash's words would one day become reality. But that was a story for another time.
The car wound through the streets and rolled into a sprawling residential complex — Night City's real flesh and bones. It was nothing like those spotless streets that looked too clean to have ever held a human life. Here, everything felt lived-in — messy, loud, and unmistakably down-to-earth.
Minutes later, the car eased to a stop in front of Lizzie's Bar, marked by its unmistakable sign: a neon silhouette shaped like a coquettish human figure.
Two women guarded the entrance — beautiful, well-dressed, and polished, if you ignored the cyberware.
"Hey, buenas noches, chicas." Jackie greeted them with easy charm.
"Jack."
Recognizing him, the two leaned in and kissed his cheek before turning their attention to Vash.
"How come we've never seen you bring this handsome guy around before?" One of them asked, eyes lingering on Vash with open interest.
Vash really was handsome — so much so he could've passed for a model or a famous actor. In 2077, when almost everyone wore cyberware, someone who looked that good naturally drew attention.
"Heh. Name's V — mi hermano." Jackie said, slinging an arm around Vash as he introduced him.
The women studied him for another moment, then smiled, "We'll remember that. Welcome, V."
"Go on in and have fun."
They stepped aside.
"Catch you later." Jackie said, steering Vash inside, "See what I mean? Night City knows me, mano. I know plenty of chicas. And those two at the door? They were feelin' you. If you want, you could spend the night with 'em… or even—"
Vash coughed hard, "Let's not. Let's drink."
Jackie gave him a knowing look, "Heh. Subtle type, huh? I get it."
Vash was too tired to argue. You don't get it at all!
He simply wasn't interested in anyone whose modifications dulled their beauty. If they were natural beauties, that would be another story, their screams of pleasure would reach the sky.
Stepping into Lizzie's Bar felt like crossing into a different world — deafening music slammed into them the moment they entered.
The place ran on a membership system, but with Jackie leading the way, getting in was effortless. Security guards in black suits stood everywhere, keeping the peace and making sure no one got any bright ideas.
They slid into a booth with a clear view of the stage. On it, a parade of hot-bodied dancers moved to the beat, clothes disappearing piece by piece. On the floor, bodies pressed together in the kind of close, fevered dancing that left little to the imagination.
Lizzie's Bar really was something: nerve-numbing alcohol, ear-splitting music, and a show designed to stir desire — everything about it could pull you out of the city's constant grind.
"V — here's to us." Jackie said, pouring two glasses.
Vash raised his glass, clinked it against Jackie's, and downed it in one go.
"Hahaha! Welcome to Night City, choom!" Jackie roared.
Vash rolled his eyes, "I've heard that so many times my ears are growing calluses."
"Nah, this time's different." Jackie insisted, "Got a feelin' — you and me together, we're gonna do somethin' big."
Tired of the speech, Vash flagged down a waiter for two more bottles. He popped them both open and shoved one toward Jackie.
"Stop talking, yeah?"
Jackie hesitated, "You know how high the alcohol content is in this? …So we're really doing this?"
Vash clinked bottle to bottle and started chugging.
"Alright then — ¡a huevo! I'm with you all the way!" Jackie shouted, catching the mood and drinking too.
When the bottles were empty, the world felt lighter.
"Hahaha! V, you're the first choom I've really clicked with — like we came outta the same damn womb." Jackie said. His word choice was, as always, questionable, "So — what d'you say? Want me to introduce you to a friend?"
"Sure." Vash said.
He'd already gotten familiar with plenty of key figures back when the main story began. Starting over, step by step, didn't sound bad.
"C'mon. Let's roll." Jackie stood and led the way, Vash right behind.
Jackie took him straight backstage. The guards recognized him and didn't even pretend to stop them, letting the two pass down into the underground level.
The space below was wide, but packed with servers, computers, and electronic equipment. Along one wall sat a workstation, and in front of it stood a shapely silhouette.
"Jack, didn't I tell you not to come down here unless it's necessary?" A pleasant voice called out.
"Judy!" Jackie said, "Brought someone down — want you to meet my friend."
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T/N: Comment, give me Power Stones, like and favorite, it all supports me and makes me go foward with this. Appreciate my other stories as well, I guarantee the good work!
That's it and happy reading! (-‿◦)