A few days drifted by in relative calm. I spent most of that time quietly recovering at Mama Welles's place, letting my shoulder heal under her watchful eye and enjoying her home-cooked meals. Jackie came and went, juggling some odd jobs and swinging by whenever he could to check on me. V had popped in once, too, but she got wrapped up in her job, so she stopped coming.
Finally, one morning over breakfast, Jackie turned to me with a big grin on his face.
"Got you an interview for that apartment in H10," he announced. "Landlord's expecting us this afternoon."
I nodded, surprised he'd managed something so quickly. He said he knew a guy who knew a guy. He said he didn't mind hoofing it over there with me; plus, it gave us time to talk.
Despite my lingering soreness, I was eager to move on and secure a real place, a place I where I didn't need to climb to get into it, like I did before I wound up in Mama Welles's care.
"Thanks," I said simply, pushing a half-eaten tortilla around my plate. "You sure they won't mind my blank record?"
Jackie gave a casual shrug. "I smoothed it out," he replied. "They might dig a bit, but they won't look too hard if the eddies are right."
Mama Welles, who was standing at the sink washing dishes, shot Jackie a narrow look. "No trouble, hmm?"
"Aw, Ma, no trouble," he promised, raising his hands in mock surrender.
I finished breakfast, thanked Mama Welles for everything, then packed up my meager belongings, mostly a change of clothes, some personal items, and my guitar, that Jackie had gone and gotten for me from my place. Jackie insisted on walking with me, so we set off, crossing through Heywood's busy streets.
The day was warm, the sun high overhead, and it felt strangely peaceful for a city usually full of noise and neon glare. We strolled through a few blocks, took a short detour to avoid some traffic, and then made our way toward Little China, where Megabuilding H10 was.
Jackie nudged me lightly as the massive structure came into view. "Not nervous, are you?"
I exhaled, adjusting my guitar strap on my back. "Not really," I said, meaning it. "I've got enough saved to cover a few months, plus deposit. So I'm good."
"That's what I like to hear," he said with a grin, pushing through the crowd.
As we neared the entrance, I craned my neck, looking up. H10 soared so high. I knew from Jackie's explanations that every ten floors or so, there'd be a cluster of small shops, places to grab a bite, buy random household goods, that sort of thing. Handy for folks who didn't want to leave the building for life's essentials.
We passed a couple of local vendors set up near the lobby, hawking everything from quick noodles to keychain trinkets. Jackie joked about needing a new keychain, and I snorted; he still didn't even have a car to hang keys from.
Inside, the lobby was busy but orderly. A couple of security cameras tracked our movement, and the front desk had a bored-looking guard who barely glanced at us. Jackie guided me to a grimy elevator bank.
We stepped into one of the elevators that looked slightly better maintained than the rest. The metal doors slid shut behind us with a mechanical hum, and the console let out a beep as Jackie keyed in our destination.
"Fifty-eighth floor," he confirmed, tapping the keypad.
The elevator started its climb, lights flickering as we passed each set of floors. Occasionally, it would lurch or slow down when it reached those shopping levels, letting people pile in and out. I kept my arms folded, ignoring the stale smell and faint rattling noise overhead.
"You're certain you want to be this high up?" Jackie asked, glancing my way.
I rolled my shoulder, the one that had taken a bullet not long ago. "Yeah. Good view," I said, giving a small shrug. "Besides, I've lived in worse."
He gave a short laugh, picturing the rundown place I'd told him about when I asked him if he could get some of my stuff. "Alright, just don't go climbing outside your window for fun," he teased.
The elevator finally dinged at the fifty-eighth floor, and the metal doors slid open with a hiss. Jackie motioned me out ahead of him. Just like the game I watched my brother play, it looked the same: people hanging out, smoking, or eating from one of the stalls.
We followed the signs to the landlord's tiny office, basically a converted storage room with a digital nameplate that flickered. A bored assistant behind a desk waved us in, so we stepped inside.
A middle-aged woman wearing heavy makeup and a cheap business suit looked me up and down from behind a holo-screen. "Name?"
I cleared my throat. "Yumi Reyes."
She tapped through some files, squinted at me. "Background check's incomplete. Gonna be a problem, unless—"
She paused, letting the unspoken request hang. Jackie and I exchanged glances. I fished out a neat stack of eddies, 1,000 of them, and slid it across her desk. Her eyes lit up at the sight, and she pocketed them with a tight-lipped smile.
"Never mind," she said quickly, tapping in a few commands on her holo-screen. "Everything looks fine."
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. She pressed a button, and a small device opened where I needed to scan my hand. as well as setting a code.
"Unit 58-09," she announced, handing the card to me. " You better pay on time, or you'll hear from security. Rent includes water and power up to a point. Anything more, you pay extra."
I just nodded, taking in the details. "I can pay four months upfront," I said. "Plus deposit."
She blinked, obviously impressed at my casual mention of dropping that much cash. "You can head over now. Your scan is in the system now. If you need anything, come see me."
"Thanks," I replied, then turned on my heel. Jackie followed me out, giving her a polite nod.
Once we were back in the corridor, he let out a low whistle. "You see her face when you said four months?"
I shrugged, slipping the keycard into my pocket. "Don't see the point in messing around."
He gave me a solid pat on the back. " C'mon, let's see your new pad."
We walked down the hallway, passing a couple of doors with numbers close to mine. The building layout was straightforward. Here and there, I looked at my neighbors who were out in the walkway: a man tinkering with a radio, a tired woman carrying groceries, a kid chasing a battered toy drone.
At last, we reached Unit 58-09. The door was sleek metal, a small scanner next to it. I pressed my hand on the scanner, and the door slid open with a hydraulic hiss.
"Nice," Jackie muttered, stepping aside so I could go first.
I wandered inside, the lights turned on by themselves. It was a studio layout, vaguely like the apartment I'd seen my brother have in the game for V. I had to admit I really liked the view.
I placed my guitar on the couch. I would need to buy a proper bed and food. Thankfully, there was a couch, but that was about it. I checked the side room where I could store any weapons. This was pretty good.
Jackie looked around, poking his head into the bathroom. "You got hot water, real toilet," he reported. "Better than that hole in the wall you were sleeping in, yeah?"
I let out a laugh. "Big improvement."
There was a faint hum of the ventilation system. A few scuffs on the walls, some cracked tile in the bathroom.
Jackie strolled across the living area, tapping the kitchen appliances. "These still run. Might not be brand-new."
I joined him, noticing a coffee maker built into the wall. "Hey, that's something."
He snorted. "Need coffee, huh?"
"Always," I said, half-joking. "That and some toasted bread."
We spent a little time looking around, pulling open cabinets. Everything seemed functional enough. The view from the window was surprisingly good, letting me see a slice of neon city lights below.
"Nice vantage," Jackie observed, admiring the skyline.
I nodded, quietly satisfied. "Yeah. Not bad at all."
We ended up standing there, side by side, taking in the view. In the reflection of the glass, I saw Jackie cast me a sidelong glance.
"You sure about living alone?" he asked, a note of genuine concern in his voice.
"I'll be fine," I assured him. "Got my job, got my gear. And my gun." I said, pulling it out of my back pocket.
He nodded, accepting my answer. Jackie was the only one who knew the full story, that my 'deliveries' were more than just packages from the local shipping service.
After a moment, Jackie tapped the window with a knuckle. "Hey, next step is furnishing this place. Gotta make it feel like home, you know?"
I let a slight smile curl my lips. "I was thinking maybe get a decent bed, some shelves for my stuff. A proper PC and tv."
"Could do that," he agreed. "What about that guitar of yours?"
I shrugged. "That's priority. I'll probably keep it out where I can see it."
He laughed. "All about the music, huh?"
I shot him a playful glare. "Sure. More interesting than your keychain obsession." We joked back and forth a little, then decided we'd had enough for one day.
I glanced around my new apartment one last time, taking in the empty counters and bare walls. Jackie was still waiting by the window, arms crossed, looking half-relaxed and half-ready to go. It was odd seeing him so still, usually, he was all energy.
"Ready?" I asked. "I need to grab the rest of my stuff from that dump before I can fully settle in here."
Jackie straightened up, grinning. "Hell yeah. Let's go. Ma's friend's picking us up downstairs in about ten."
We locked up and headed back into the hallway, my keycard tucked securely in my pocket. The elevator ride down was punctuated by dull chatter from the other passengers. My mind was already drifting ahead, thinking about my stashed clothes and a few supplies. The place was a pain to get in and out of, especially now that my shoulder was still healing, so this time I'd have help. No more precarious climbs up broken walls.
Down on the ground floor, we stepped outside. Cars zipped by, and vendors shouted from makeshift stalls. Jackie guided me to the curb, where a battered old Thornton pulled up, engine rattling enough to make me wonder if it'd explode right there.
Jackie's friend hopped out, a big grin on his face. He was tall and lanky, sporting a bright green jacket that clashed with everything around him. "Jackie, you piece of shit," he said, clapping my companion on the back. "You owe me big time for this. I was in the middle of getting some, y'know?"
"Yeah, yeah," Jackie replied smoothly. "Yumi, meet Gabe. He's the best driver I know, at least the best that'll do me a favor for cheap."
I offered a polite nod. "Thanks for coming."
Gabe shrugged. "Hop in, kid. Let's get moving."
We piled into the Thornton, me riding in the back seat, Jackie taking the shotgun. The car smelled faintly of stale coffee and engine fumes, but at least it was wheels, much better than walking all the way to the Mox district.
"So," Gabe said, pulling out into traffic with a jolt, "where exactly are we heading?"
I rattled off the address, giving him the cross streets near the Mox bar. He snorted. "Lovely neighborhood. You sure your stuff's still there?"
I gave him a wry grin. "Yeah, it's not exactly prime real estate, but I've got a few personal things stashed away."
Jackie chipped in. "Don't worry, Gabe. You'll be in and out."
Traffic was surprisingly light for the time of day, so the ride didn't take long. Every few blocks, neon signs brightened the corners, each district sliding by in a noisy swirl of color. Eventually, we turned onto a street I recognized all too well. Mox bar, the flickering neon silhouettes marking the front. My old building across from it, exactly the same as ever.
Gabe parked in a side alley. "You want me to hang here?" he asked, eyeing the bar from afar. A couple of Mox girls lingered outside, their hair vibrant and their clothes even more so.
Jackie gave him a thumbs-up. "We'll wave you over if we need a quick exit, right?"
The three of us got out. I led the way down the block, ignoring the curious glances from passersby. Mox members recognized me and greeted me with nods. Jackie was less familiar in these parts, and he kept his posture casual but alert. We were nearly to the building's crumbling side entrance when, out of nowhere, I heard a familiar voice.
"Oh, Yumi my girl! What's goin' on? Everything good, who's that?"
I turned to see a petite figure bounding across the cracked pavement, short hair swinging. Rebecca. She wore a ripped tank top beneath her half-jacket, the butt of a shotgun peeking over her shoulder.
She stopped short a few feet away, eyes darting between me and Jackie. "Yumi, who's this? He better not be trouble." Her grip on the shotgun tightened as she aimed it.
Jackie lifted his hands in a friendly gesture. "Whoa, hey. Name's Jackie. I'm just helpin' Yumi move."
Rebecca narrowed her eyes at him, then at me. "Move?" She jabbed the barrel of her shotgun toward the old building. "You're ditchin' this place?"
I nodded, motioning for her to lower the gun. "Yeah, I finally found a real apartment in H10." I paused, gesturing at my sling-bound shoulder. "Also can't climb worth a damn with this bullet hole healing up."
Rebecca's tough-girl act cracked for half a second, replaced by genuine concern. "You still hurting from that? Figures. You do find trouble like a magnet." She shifted her gaze to Jackie again. "Anyway, sorry about the shotgun. Don't like strangers creeping around the Mox turf."
Jackie smirked. "No harm done. I'd be watchin' out for me too."
Rebecca relaxed, slinging her shotgun behind her back. "So," she asked, "you need help grabbing your stuff?"
I nodded. "Wouldn't mind. Jackie's buddy's got a car waiting, so we won't have to haul everything on foot. And I sure as hell can't climb."
She wrinkled her nose at the old building. "The usual route to your hidey-hole is out front, right?"
"Yeah," I admitted, "but I can't scale that busted window. Maybe we'll find some other way in."
Rebecca tapped her chin. "I might help. But only if your big friend here doesn't mind me tagging along." She flashed Jackie a daring grin.
Jackie just laughed. "Sure, you lead the way, short stuff." He waved for us to move on. "I got your back."
Rebecca bristled at "short stuff," but she let it slide, turning around to march ahead. I glanced over my shoulder at Jackie, who gave me a quick wink. He was probably enjoying the comedic contrast – Rebecca looked like an impulsive powder keg, while he was more the gentle giant type (until you got him mad).
The three of us approached the building's side. Two flights up, the windows were shattered, the old fire escape half-collapsed. That was how I used to get in, clambering up like a stray cat, but with my arm out of commission, that wasn't happening today.
Rebecca clapped her hands. "Okay, so who's going up?"
Jackie angled his head up, eyeing the rusted frame. "Should hold me," he said carefully, then cracked his knuckles. "Let's see."
He hopped onto the first rung, testing his weight. The metal groaned but didn't give. Slowly, he made his way upward, swearing under his breath whenever a bolt rattled. Meanwhile, Rebecca leaned on her shotgun, snickering. "Big lug might just bring the whole thing down," she said, not entirely joking.
I grinned but tried to hide my worry. Jackie was strong, but old, rusted beams didn't care how many reps you could do at the gym. Still, he managed to reach the second floor window, hooking an arm through the frame before pulling himself inside. A moment later, his head popped back out.
"Alright," he called down, "where's your stuff at?"
I cupped my hands around my mouth. I told him where my room was and about what should be there as well as the trap I made near the door, which was connected to an old shotgun.
He gave a thumbs-up and disappeared again. Rebecca stepped closer to me, stashing her shotgun behind her. "So, you're serious about this new place, huh?"
I shrugged my good shoulder. "Yeah, it's about time. I've got money saved. Might as well stop living like a rat in a gutter."
She snorted. "Fair enough. I was gonna tease you for going soft, but… maybe I'm a little glad. You had me worried sometimes, living here."
A pang of guilt tugged at me. I remembered all the times she'd told me to come crash at the Mox safehouses and how I always turned her down. "I appreciate your concern," I said quietly. "Just needed to handle things my own way, y'know?"
She nodded, looking away. "Yeah, I get it."
We waited, listening to the distant clangs of Jackie rummaging around inside. After a few minutes, there was a shout from above. "Got it all in a bag, I think. You want me to toss it down?"
I shook my head quickly. "No, we'll bring the car around if you can get to the front door."
"Roger that," he called back. There was another series of muffled bumps, and finally, Jackie emerged from the building's main entrance, pushing it open from the inside with a loud creak. He held a worn duffel bag stuffed with my clothes and some leftover canned food. And a box with the drone I hadn't ever used.
Rebecca chuckled. "So that's your grand stash, huh?"
I shrugged, stepping forward to take the bag from Jackie. "What, you expected a gold trove? I just had clothes and supplies here. Maybe some spare ammo hidden around, but I can come back for that later."
Jackie lifted an eyebrow. "More ammo, huh? I might've found some boxes. Scooped 'em up just in case. They're in here too."
I patted the duffel. "Good. That'll save me a trip."
Rebecca looked the building up and down, a faint scowl on her face. "Place is practically falling apart. Surprised you stayed here so long."
"Me too, sometimes," I admitted.
Jackie jerked his head toward the alley. "Come on, let's load up. I don't like hanging around here too long. Don't need scavs or some rando gang picking a fight."
Rebecca hefted her shotgun with a smirk. "Let 'em try."
I grinned, shaking my head at her boldness. "Sure, tough girl."
The three of us made our way back toward Gabe's car, which was still idling in the alley. A few Mox members out front gave us curious glances but didn't interfere. The city's neon haze was starting to intensify as day dipped closer to evening, making the bar's lights flicker more vividly against the cracked street.
Gabe rolled down his window, eyeing the duffel bag. "That all you got?"
I nodded. "Yeah, that's it. Just clothes and a few supplies."
Rebecca sized up Gabe from behind me, suspicious as ever. "Who's your friend?" she asked, leaning in close to me.
"Gabe," I said. "He's the driver. Jackie called him in for a favor."
"Huh." She gave him a little wave. "Guess you're alright."
He shrugged. "Nice to meet you too. Now can we go, or you folks want to stand here all day?"
Jackie opened the trunk, stuffing my duffel bag inside. "Alright, get in," he urged.
Rebecca slung her shotgun over her shoulder. "Mind if I hitch a ride for a bit? I'm heading back that way anyway. Figured I'd spend the night to make sure no one picks on you but me."
Gabe groaned, but Jackie shot him a look that said "deal with it." So the door clicked open, and Rebecca hopped in the back seat with me.
It was a tight fit. But nobody complained; at least we weren't hauling it all on foot. Gabe pulled out of the alley with a squeal of tires, the engine rattling ominously. We wove through a few side streets, trying to avoid the heavier traffic lanes.
Rebecca's eyes darted from one side of the car to the other. "So, Yumi," she piped up, her tone surprisingly friendly for someone who'd aimed a shotgun at Jackie earlier, "when's the grand housewarming party?"
I rolled my eyes. "Let me get some furniture first. Right now, it's just a couch and an empty fridge and an old bed."
Jackie snickered. "And a coffee maker."
Rebecca raised an eyebrow. "Alright, couch, coffee, and… the guitar?"
"Pretty much," I admitted, half-smiling. "That's all I need to survive, right?"
She laughed. "Sure, sure. I guess I'll swing by someday and bring an actual shotgun instead of this old rusty one you had before. Maybe mount it above your couch."
Jackie burst out laughing, and I couldn't help but grin at the ridiculous mental image. "Thanks, I won't say no," I said dryly.
We fell into easy chatter after that. Gabe mumbled something about "these crazy kids" and kept his focus on the road. Eventually, the narrower side streets opened up into the main avenues of Night City. Neon signs blared from building fronts, and crowds of pedestrians bustled across crosswalks under the watchful glow of corporate advertisements.
Jackie directed Gabe to take us back to H10 parking. A short while later, the huge silhouette of the megabuilding loomed overhead once again. We pulled up in front, and Gabe parked. Me and Rebecca climbed out, stretching cramped limbs.
"Well, that's it," said Gabe, slamming the trunk. "Yumi, your fancy new hideout awaits."
Rebecca shut the trunk with a satisfied thud, then hefted my duffel bag over her shoulder. Jackie clapped me on the back and nodded at Gabe, who was already revving the engine to head off.
"All right, chica," Jackie said, turning back to me. "I'll catch you later. Gotta help Gabe with something, but I'll swing by sometime this week, yeah?"
"Sure," I replied, offering him a small wave. "Thanks again for the ride."
"No problem." He tapped his temple in a mock salute, then slid into the passenger seat. Gabe pulled away from the curb with a squeal of worn tires, leaving me and Rebecca standing under the massive glow of the H10 megabuilding's neon signage.
"Fancy," she remarked, eyes sliding across the neon-lit exterior. "You sure you won't go soft up here?"
I rolled my eyes. "As if. It's just an upgrade. Doesn't mean I'm turning into some corpo cunt." Well, V was alright for a Corpo.
She let out a bark of laughter. "Hey, nothing wrong with a cunt vibe once in a while. Long as you still got the gun to back it up." She winked, then jerked her chin toward the building's entrance. "C'mon, lead the way. My arms are gettin' numb."
Inside, the lobby was still busy, people hanging around, holoscreens advertising everything from sex upgrade's to foods. We sidled past a bored security guard and made for the elevators. Rebecca eyed the folks around us, her posture equal parts curious and confrontational, like she was ready for trouble at the first sign of it.
A few onlookers stared warily at the shotgun slung over her shoulder, but nobody dared question it. Guns were a dime a dozen in Night City, after all. Well, she did have nice guns.
We crammed into an elevator with a handful of other tenants, most ignoring us while they stared at their phones or chatted among themselves. Rebecca tapped her foot, glancing at me with an impatient grin as the elevator dinged from floor to floor. At last, it reached the fifty-eighth level, and we filed out into the corridor.
I led her along the hallway until we got to my door, 58-09. The scanner hummed, recognizing my handprint, and the metal door slid open with a neat hiss. Stepping inside, lights flickered on, revealing the wide, open studio layout. A big couch faced where I needed to place a tv, the kitchenette was off to one side, and the massive window at the far end showed off Night City's glow beneath us.
Rebecca gave a low whistle. "Damn," she muttered, scanning every corner. "Not half-bad, Yumi. This place is bigger than I expected. Like a real apartment. Hot water, yeah? Actual bed?"
I shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Yeah, all that. Makes a difference from the old building."
She snorted. "You think?"
Dropping the duffel onto the couch, she leaned her shotgun carefully against the armrest; well, it was one of her babies, after all. The movement sent a puff of dust into the air. I started rummaging in it for the clothes Jackie had salvaged, just to see if anything was missing.
Rebecca pivoted, scanning the apartment again. "So this is it, huh? Good vantage out the window." She marched over, pressing her fingertips to the glass and peering down. "Look at those poor souls below. Suckers."
I rolled my eyes, but a grin tugged at my lips. "Rebecca, you literally came from the street, like, five minutes ago."
She turned around, crossing her arms with a dramatic huff. "Yeah, but if you got a view, might as well enjoy it, right?"
"Fair," I admitted.
As I pulled out a smaller bag within my duffel, something soft tumbled free, a pair of cat-print panties. They fluttered to the floor between us, drawing both of our gazes. Rebecca snorted loudly, stooping to pick them up with a flourish.
"Well, well," she teased, waggling the panties in the air. "Didn't know you were into cutesy cat stuff. Thought that was my vibe."
"Shut up," I muttered, cheeks warming. "And you're the one who struts around in nothing but your underwear half the time."
"Hey, that's different," she shot back, flipping the elastic. "Mine's usually… well, I guess it's also kinda cutesy sometimes."
I snatched them away, pouting. "Don't judge me. At least I'm not running around the city in a bra and ripped shorts like you were."
"Oh, you calling me out?" Her grin turned wicked. She flicked my arm in retaliation. "And here I was, thinking we matched the cat theme."
That gave me an idea, purely for the laugh. I dug deeper into the duffel until I found another item: a pair of cat-themed pajama pants in a fluffy fabric. I held them up, letting the silly cartoon cat faces sway in the air. "That's yours, by the way. Or it was going to be if you ever needed extra clothes."
Rebecca's eyes lit up, simultaneously amused and excited. "No shit? You been hiding cat PJs from me all this time?"
"I forgot I even had them," I said with a shrug. "Figured you'd hate it."
She snatched them out of my hands, sizing them up with a critical stare. "Well, they're not exactly my usual style. But I'm down for matching cat gear, if you are."
She wiggled her eyebrows, then pointed at the panties I still clutched in my hand. "Give me those, we'll see who rocks the cat look best."
I laughed, tossing the underwear at her. "Knock yourself out. They are still fresh and unused."
She deftly caught them, hooking the waistband around her fingers. "You won't regret this," she promised, though her eyes danced with mischief. "And if you do, too late."
Still chuckling, I unzipped the bag further to gather the rest of my clothes. Then I started peeling off my jacket and shirt without much fanfare. Rebecca and I had been friends long enough that changing in front of each other wasn't a big deal. She didn't even bat an eye, just hopped around the living room, rummaging for a place to ditch her clothes or lack thereof off.
Before long, I'd swapped into a comfy tank top sweater with cat ears hoody and my fuzzy cat pj pants, letting the air hit my sore shoulder. Meanwhile, Rebecca literally tore off her top and panties, tugging on the cat-print PJs with an exaggerated flourish. Snapping the waistband. The look was definitely comedic, but also weirdly adorable.
She posed with a ridiculous grin, propping one hand on her hip. "Whaddya think?" she asked, wiggling her butt a little so the cat faces wiggled too.
I snorted. "You look like you crawled out of some kitty dimension."
She cackled, apparently enjoying every second. "Hell yeah, that's the vibe I want."
I grabbed the hem of her new pajama pants and gave it a playful tug, pulling the waistband out just enough to let it snap back onto her skin. She let out a mock squeal. "Hey, watch it, girl. I bite."
"Sure you do," I teased, plopping down on the couch. "Anyway, if you're staying here, we gotta figure out dinner or something. I've got basically no food in the fridge, so it's either we check the shops in the building, or we order in."
Rebecca flopped beside me, propping her feet up on the coffee table. "There's gotta be a place that delivers around here. I'm not in the mood for a big crowd right now." She glanced around the apartment. "Besides, I kinda wanna just vibe in here, drink a little, talk about life. I, uh…"
She paused, expression flickering from playful to something more subdued. "I got kicked out of the Mox today."
My eyebrows shot up. "Wait, what? Why?"
She shrugged. "Apparently, I 'crossed a line.'" Her tone dripped with sarcasm. "You know me, I speak my mind. They didn't like that I was a too reckless all the time. Plus I ended up pissing off one of our big clients."
I frowned, leaning closer. "Seriously? Sorry, Becky. That's messed up."
She huffed. "Whatever. They can screw themselves. I'll survive. But I guess I gotta figure out my next move, right? So I thought, maybe I'll hang with you for a bit, until I sort things out."
"Sure," I said without hesitation. "You can crash here as long as you want. No problem."
A hint of gratitude glimmered in her eyes before she masked it with a casual shrug. "Alright, then. Let's celebrate us both being free agents, yeah?" She dug around in the big duffel bag for a second, eventually pulling out a small bottle of something amber-colored. "Aha, I forgot I stashed this. Liquor. It's cheap, but it'll do."
I let out a short laugh. "You were holding out on me. Fine, we can have a drink."
"Damn right." She hopped up, rummaging in the kitchenette for glasses. "I assume you at least have cups?"
"You assume too much," I teased, though I did find a couple of mismatched mugs in my bag. "Might taste weird, but better than swigging straight from the bottle."
Rebecca poured the liquor with exaggerated care, handing me a mug. She raised her own in a mock toast. "To new places, new cat outfits, and flipping off anyone who can't handle us."
"Sounds about right," I agreed, clinking the mug to hers. We both took a sip, and I made a face at the cheap burn. She laughed, apparently used to the taste.
We settled on the couch, me leaning against one armrest while she sprawled out across the cushions. The city lights streamed through the window, painting streaks of neon across the floor. I scrolled through a local delivery app on my phone, searching for anything resembling decent food.
"Got ramen, burritos, sushi…" I murmured. "Anything in particular?"
Rebecca shrugged one shoulder. "Whatever's quick. I'm not picky."
After a minute, I found a place that delivered noodle bowls and fried dumplings. Perfect. I tapped in an order, then set my phone aside. "We've got about thirty minutes to kill. More booze, or what?"
She grinned. "I'll try not to drain the whole bottle, but yeah, I'll take one more splash."
I filled her mug again, topping up my own. The apartment felt cozier already, with both of us in comfortable clothes. I couldn't help but let out a small laugh at the sight.
She glanced at me, arching an eyebrow. "What's so funny?"
"You," I answered simply. "You look real cute right now. Shotgun in the corner, cat pajamas, big attitude."
"What are ya gay," she shorted with a smile.
"Maybe," I teased. She ended up laughing.
I sipped my drink, feeling the warmth spread through my chest. "So what's your plan, long-term?"
She leaned back, arms draped across the couch's back. "Not sure. Maybe I'll do some freelance work. Maybe I'll join a new crew. Or I'll just join my brother's group."
I nodded, understanding the appeal. "Makes sense. If you need any deliveries done, I'm your gal. Not that I'm short on clients." My lips quirked. "But still."
Rebecca gave me a knowing look. "Still runnin' those 'special' errands, huh?"
I shrugged. "Pays good. Gotta keep my new roof, right?"
She smirked. "Guess. Just don't get too comfy, princess."
"Yeah, yeah." I stuck my tongue out at her. "Don't you start with the 'princess' crap. That's the second time I've heard it today."
She raised her mug in a mocking salute. "Your Highness, I humbly request another glass once this one's empty."
We both cracked up, any tension dissipating as we sank deeper into our usual banter. Despite her edgy persona and the fact she could blow a hole through someone without blinking, Rebecca had always been there for me. I was glad to return the favor, especially now that she'd parted ways with the Mox.
Before long, the door buzzer chimed. Our food was here. Rebecca hopped up, rummaging for some eddies. I made my way to the door, checking the pad near the door to see who it was.
They handed over a paper bag smelling of fresh noodles, dumplings, and spices that made my mouth water. "Enjoy," the courier said with a polite nod. Then they were gone, leaving me with the goods.
Rebecca cleared a spot on the couch, shoving aside my half-unpacked clothes to make room. "Let's see what we got," she said, rubbing her hands together.
We divvied up the contents: big bowls of savory noodles, crispy dumplings, and little packets of sauce. She snatched a pair of cheap chopsticks, slurping a noodle with gusto. "Mm, not bad for a random place."
I took a bite of my own, savoring the taste. "Better than instant ramen, that's for sure."
We ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the only sounds being the city thrumming beyond the window and the occasional slurp of noodles. Then Rebecca spoke up, her tone a little quieter.
"Hey, thanks, Yumi. For letting me stay."
I gave her a small, genuine smile. "You're welcome. I mean, you practically saved my ass a dozen times out there. Plus, you're my friend. Could use the company anyway."
She nodded, letting that settle. Then she brightened, lifting her bowl. "Alright, enough sappy talk. Cheers again."
We tapped our noodle bowls in a mock toast, both of us laughing at the ridiculousness. With the neon city stretching out behind us.