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“So you worked as a bouncer at a club?”
“Hmm?”
He tends to do that; deep in thought when you're all just having drinks.
Well, Alex is bartending, so you and Sol are having a drink.
And he's off in lala land, so you're the only one drinking.
You miss Jackie. Haven't found a drinking buddy like him yet.
Haven't found a choom like him either, but you're not expecting that from anyone. Shoes too big to fill, and not because he was a size 15 wide.
“She asked about your old job,” Alex speaks up, somehow following the conversation better than him despite having made eight drinks simultaneously.
“Which one?” He's pretty sure you're not bringing up the whole FIA thing while in a crowded bar, but he wants to double check.
“Nevermind.” You nurse the whiskey Johnny bugged you to order.
“Hey baby.” Some Barghest reject sidles over to you and puts an arm around your shoulder, grazing your boob accidentally on purpose. “What can I get you?”
“I'm good.” You’re not gonna start a brawl just yet, out of respect for Alex. Any other place you'd break his wrist and kick him in the nads for good measure.
“Don't be shy, now.” His other hand reaches for your ass but Sol grabs it before it reaches.
“Lady said no. And you're interrupting.”
The guy gives Sol a dismissive once over. “Ain't no thing if you ain't got a ring.” He turns to touch your face but you back away immediately.
“Get out.” Normally one word from Alex and anyone would clear out, but this dude was either too horny or too stupid. He stays put.
“Just having a friendly chat,” he insists, making another grab at you.
You raise an eyebrow at Alex and she nods.
~Sweet. Waste him
“C’mere.” You crook your finger and the dumbass leans in. You bash his nose with your chin, then take Sol’s gun and shoot the hand that felt you up.
The guy screams in agony, and the bar goes silent.
“Get him outta here,” Alex orders, and two guys who are probably the bleeding guy’s friends drag him out by the elbows.
~Felt good, didn't it?
~Hell yeah
~And you used Reed’s gun so you could touch his thigh, didn't you?
~Helllll yeah
~V, you dirty old lady. Proud of you
You return the pistol to Sol, who's looking at you in mild amusement.
“Thanks for the assist,” you joke, sliding the gun back in its holster and purposely grazing his thigh again.
“Mhm.” He gives you and Alex a nod goodbye and heads out as well.
“I come on too strong?” You ask Alex, not really caring either way.
“Well, he left before he finished his gin and tonic.” She points to the half full glass. Or is it half empty? “Then again he's broken the arm of everyone who's tried to take his gun off him before you. Can't imagine someone touching his leg like that without getting killed.”
“Territorial?”
“Very.” She looks at you thoughtfully. “So I'd say you still have a shot.”
After a few more glasses, you wave goodbye to Alex and walk outside, not quite tripping on the door stop.
Sol is leaning against the railing, looking at the residents below.
“Still here?”
“Yep.”
“Whachu doing?” You ask as you lean on the railing beside him.
“Thinking.”
~Conversations must be this guy’s kryptonite
~But he's hot, so
~Superficial much?
~You judging?
~Nah
You decide to try once more, before writing tonight off as a loss.
“Thinking about what?”
He turns to look at you, watching for a moment.
You stare back, just to make him uncomfortable.
He doesn't seem to mind.
“Just wondering what's the difference between you and that gonk.”
~HA! Did not see that coming!
~Me neither, but I'm more intrigued than insulted
~Good, about time you had thick skin
Still, you put your hand on your chest like you're wounded. “What?! Me and him, the same?”
He gives you a mildly amused look again. “He felt you up without asking. Sound familiar?”
~Oh, he's got you there
“Well, Solomon,” you pretend to be offended. “First of all, we're not strangers.”
“You just asked me what my last job was, V.”
~Oh, Reed two, V zero. Still, it's anyone's game
You wonder if Johnny can get tipsy from your drinking too.
“But we've gone through some life or death situations. That's real bonding.”
“Hmm, I guess we can give you that one.” He lifts a brow. “Second of all?”
“Second of all, you had plenty of time to stop my hand while I reached for your gun.”
~That’s true. You hovered first, like a real gentlewoman
“Oh so if that gonk had reached slowly for your tit then it would be ok?” He asks with a straight face.
“He’d definitely still have his hand.”
“Alright, good to know.” He chuckles lowly. “Is there a third of all?”
~Alright, V, game point. Trailing behind but you still got a shot
“Third of all, you smiled real big when I touched you.”
~And the crowd goes wild!
~First we gotta see if he'll admit it, Johnny
“Smile when you groped me? Better get those optics checked,” He returns flippantly.
~Oh, a denial! Too bad, so sad
~Eh, was worth a shot
“I'll see a ripper in the morning,” you reply easily. “Night, Sol.”
~So, V, just you flicking the bean tonight?
~The gonk from earlier still has one good hand, right?
You look around for the blood trail, just out of curiosity, but you don't see one.
“Looking for the guy you shot?”
“I do hate to go home alone,” you offer with a flirty smile.
“Well, he's in the dumpster downstairs if you wanna take him with you.”
You look at Sol with interest. “You flatlined him?”
“Nah, he took an unfortunate tumble down those stairs. Must've owed someone money.”
You gaze at him in suspicion. “And did you kick him?”
“No.” His face grows intense all of a sudden. “If I kill someone, I'll damn sure take credit for it.”
You raise your palms in surrender. “Noted.” You turn to take the stairs down, but see the two guys on body delivery earlier staking out the ground below. Either they want revenge for that guy, or they're the ones who pushed him and want to clean up witnesses.
Either way, you don't feel like wasting bullets on them. You walk to the other side and stand on the railing to hop down. There's an alley you can squeeze through and you can call your car a few streets away.
“Wow, you sure take rejection hard.” Sol teases cheekily. “Don't do it, V, you've got so much to live for.”
“Very funny.” You bend your knees to jump but you're pulled back down from the railing. “I'm just trying to avoid those guys, Sol. Not offing myself.”
“Which guys?”
You turn and point but see two dead bodies where they were standing seconds ago.
“That was fast.” You can't even pretend you're not impressed.
“Yeah. I don't do shit like kicking someone down the stairs; they might live.”
~Okay that's a pretty good line
“Well, thanks for clearing them out.”
“Couldn't bear to see you jump, V.”
You give him a friendly scowl, and get on the railing again just to spite him.
This time he pulls you down and presses you against the bannister.
“This how you thank me for my help? Jump anyway?” He teases.
“I have a better way to thank you.”
~Okay, V, you win this round. I'm out
You give Sol a devilish grin and drop to your knees, tugging at his belt.
“Hey now, not in public.” He pulls you back up to your feet.
“So, in private?” You wink and he shakes his head, laughing.
“Get outta here, V.”
“I would, but you're trapping me.” You poke his arm that's caged you in.
He moves back, letting you pass.
“Last chance to come home with me,” you call over your shoulder as you walk down the stairs.
“Bye, V.”
~Well, that was disappointing
~For me, yeah. But now you don't have to take a nap
~I still have to witness your masturbation
~Man, sucks to be you, Johnny
~Don’t I know it
“I know you're rusty, Sol, but damn.” Alex pours him another gin and tonic.
“I just can't keep up these days.” He takes a large gulp.
“Yeah? Seems like you can get it up just fine. Or are we gonna pretend you sneaking outside wasn't to hide your stiffie?”
“This counts as insubordination, right?”
“Maybe, but you're not my handler anymore. Now you're just the dude my coworker is trying to bone.”
“So how long you been an agent, Sol?”
“Hmm?”
~Same shit, different day
The only thing that makes Dogtown tolerable is evenings with your new crew, but even that's stretching it.
“At least pretend like you're listening,” Alex quips as she pours ten shots in three seconds.
“Got a lot on my mind,” he replies apologetically, giving you his full attention.
“Just making smalltalk anyway.” Johnny was craving tequila today, so now you're drowning in centzon.
~I forgot, tequila makes you moody
~Or, you specifically asked for it because you think it's funny when I'm moody
~You know me so well
“Hey cutie.”
An admittedly gorgeous lady puts a hand on Sol’s shoulder.
“What.”
You almost laugh out loud. He sounds so unfriendly you expect her to take a step back. Instead, she licks her lips and whispers in his ear.
You can't hear what she says, but Alex with the superior tech is making a disgusted face so it must be filthy.
Sol keeps a bored look but you can tell by the way he's clutching his glass that whatever she whispered rattled him a bit.
“Pass.” Is all he says and you take another shot so you don't make a fool of yourself.
~Oh, please do
She pouts, plump bottom lip poking out, and trails a hand down his chest.
“Gentleman said no,” you interject loudly.
~I’m so excited. This is gonna blow up in your face and I get to watch it happen
“Who the fuck are you?!” She asks crabbily.
~Say you're his girlfriend. No, wife!
“Just a concerned citizen.” You answer glibly.
Sol smothers his laugh but Alex just guffaws out loud.
“Well, fuck off!” She shoves you off your seat for good measure.
You teeter a bit, finding your balance. You've evidently had significantly more than you remember.
She drapes her arms over him, settling her tits on his left shoulder. He tries to push her away politely but she latches on tighter.
“How about this?” You raise your voice so everyone can hear. “Give ya a thousand eds to go away.”
This time Sol actually laughs out loud.
~Savage. I like it
She gives you a withering glare and you give her a smug smirk back. “Not enough? How about five thousand?”
There's jeering from the crowd that's suddenly formed around you.
“How about I blow your fucking head off?!”
She reaches for her pistol and you go to draw yours as well.
But Sol is faster, brushing the small of your back as he takes the gun tucked in the waistband of your pants and fires. A bullet whizzes by a few millimeters from her ear.
“Quit interrupting.” His voice is calm, and stone cold.
She shrinks away and out of the bar. He tucks the gun back in your waistband, hand lingering on your back for a moment.
“Thanks for the assist.”
You grin, squeezing his forearm slightly. “Happy to help.”
He withdraws from your grip, draining his glass and nodding a goodbye to both of you before leaving.
“Something I said?” You ask conversationally.
“Eh, can never tell with him.” She motions you to the door. “If you catch up you can ask him yourself.”
“Cool. Later, Alex.”
You find him outside, leaning against the railing again.
“Leaving so soon, V?”
“No one else to pick up,” you answer smoothly.
~She shoots, but will she score?
“Too bad. See you later.”
~Struck down at the last minute!
~Time for a layup
“Before I go, should thank you for saving me earlier.” You drop to your knees again.
“All that tequila and you're still thirsty,” he muses, letting you play with his belt but stopping you when you're about to take it off.
“Guess I need something better to drink.”
~And that's my cue to delta
He squats down so he's eye level. “You always like this, V?”
“Like what?” You give him a mock confused look.
“Trying to get into a guy’s pants.”
You put a hand on your chest in shock. “I have no idea what you're talking about, Solomon Reed.”
“Mhm.” He stands up, pulling you with him.
You give him an appraising once over. “I can stop.”
“Can you, though?” He eyes you curiously.
“Sure.”
~Really?
You give him an innocent smile. “One kiss is all it takes.”
~That’s more like it
He points to the stairs with a scolding glance so you shuffle off.
“Night, Sol.”
He doesn't reply, so you suppose he's done with you today.
You walk down the street to your car, waving to the drunk pedestrians who lurch past.
You get into the driver's seat, wondering if you should even drive. You're contemplating calling Del when a gun barrel pokes you in the back of the neck.
“That a pistol or you happy to see me?” You drawl.
“You flirt when you're held at gun point?”
You recognize the smoky voice.
“If the dude holding me up is hot,” you sass back.
“You know, I'm a little worried you can get held up so easily. You're an agent, V.” His disapproval is real this time, instead of the light-heartedness when you hit on him.
~Fucking bootlicker
~Blinded by duty, huh
~Think that's why he keeps turning you down?
~Or he's just not interested
~But that doesn't seem to stop you
~Nope
“Look behind you, Sol.”
He turns and sees the mounted rocket launchers pointing inwards straight at him. He lowers his weapon, and you catch a small smile in the rearview mirror.
“Not the safest security feature but I suppose it gets the job done.”
You shrug, a little annoyed at him for breaking in and acting like you're the one who's at fault.
“How'd you beat me here, anyway?”
“You're not the only one who can jump over a railing.”
~Dude must have lynx paws, else you'd have heard him
“Right. Well, see ya.”
You wait for him to get out, but he doesn't move. In fact, he props up his feet and gets comfortable.
“Sol?”
“What's the matter, V? Thought you hated going home alone.”
~Well, I did not see that coming
You laugh in cheerful surprise, starting the car and taking him home.
You pull up to your temporary place safely after nearly crashing into a Barghest van.
~Swear those fuckers swerved on ya just to ruin your date. Well, not date. Hookup
“Not sure I’d want you as my getaway driver,” Sol comments.
“Did I or did I not get us where we needed to be?” You hop out of the car and open the backseat door like a chauffeur. “Next time just ride shotgun like a normal person.”
“You flirted with the guy with a gun to your head. Pretty sure you're not the definition of normal.” He steps outside.
Then, unexplainedly, starts to walk away.
“The apartment’s this way.” You point as if it's not obvious already.
“Said I'd go home with you. Didn't say I'd go inside.”
~This has got to be the strangest foreplay ever
You gape at Sol’s retreating form.
There's not a lot of things that can surprise you these days; sentient car trying to kill you, saving a sentient car from suicide, and that's just a Del example.
But this man?
You don't understand him at all.
You walk to your apartment, baffled and more than a little disappointed. At least Johnny has the decency not to make fun of you about it.
You're about to open the door when you're lifted in the air and swung around.
Your eyes fly open in shock as Sol leans in with a sexy smirk.
~Woah! Plot twist!
“Like being the one picked up for once?”
Sol’s eyes glint, mesmerizing you as he kisses you.
You're frozen for two seconds before you jump up, wrap your legs around his hips and kiss him back.
He's deliciously thorough, making sure every space inside your mouth is covered.
His hands hold you like you weigh nothing, like he could snap you like a twig if he wanted.
It's a thought that should dampen your mood, especially knowing his background. And yours too, if you're honest.
But he's not commanding, as he usually comes across.
Even though his tongue is insistent and his grip is firm. Even though his chest is muscular as it pushes against your breasts. Even though his cock is hard as you position yourself so you can rub against it.
He feels soft.
You melt into his embrace.
Your hips forget to grind along his length. Your hands forget to undo the buttons of his shirt.
Your tongue forgets to dance around his. It retreats into your mouth so you can press chaste kisses to his forehead, eyelids, and finally his lips.
He chuckles throatily, not making fun just amused, but it jerks you from your state of hypnosis.
“Didn't know you could be sweet.”
He regrets it as soon as he says it, watching the gears of the invisible faceplate you seem to wear whirr, despite the fact you haven't installed it yet. Sees the arousal blend with cool indifference. Helpless to stop it, because even admitting its fragile existence would splinter it.
You rub your mound roughly on his cock, but he holds back, even though he's straining at his zipper.
You let your legs fall, reaching for his crotch but he catches your hand easily, pulling it to his lips for a quick peck.
“Have a good night, V.”
He walks away, turning to watch you open the door and go inside without a look back at him.
~That was interesting
~You mean disappointing, Johnny?
~Nope, just interesting
Days in Dogtown blur together, as you wait for Hands to find an in for the Sapphire.
You avoid The Moth, favoring Heavy Hearts and the place where Aaron died. Morbid, the latter, but their food is good and it serves as a reminder.
Don't get caught up. FIA, gangs, in the end you're a name on a roster they can check or scribble out. Assuming Animals can even read.
Radio silence from Reed, not that you miss him or anything. It's as expected from someone who can walk away from you while sporting a boner.
If their dick can take it or leave it, companionship is definitely the same.
~Not that you're even looking for that
~A girl can dream
~Except you don't. River wanted to, remember? But you told him casual sex or nothing
~Why do you have such a good memory about my sex life
~Because I'm forced to live it. Still can't believe you made me fuck a cop
By the time Hands calls you back, you're about ready to storm the Sapphire through the front doors, with or without the man candy. You'll be over him soon enough.
You could do without the meet and greet, but the shard is legit and that's what matters.
So what if his creepy mustache and beard give you nightmares for the next week.
~Ah, yes, bane of V’s existence: facial hair
~Specifically bad facial hair
Still, one ring on Reed’s holo and you remember exactly how you feel for him.
Hard up.
“Alright. Meet at Alex’s.”
“On my way.”
~Forgot to add ‘to suck your dick’
~Consider in an unspoken rule
“You look good, V.” He hangs up while you stare at the screen in confusion.
~What does that mean?
~Hmm, maybe that you, I don't know, look good?! I'm not your fucking interpretor, V
~Yeah but I'm not wearing anything cute. In fact I think I actually have blood stains on my collar
~Maybe he's into that. Here's another thought, maybe he's into you. Probably real hard up for someone who doesn't think he's something so lame as a bouncer
~Dare you to say that to Emmerick’s face, Johnny
~Gladly. Then I can watch him beat yours in
“Okay. I'm on board with everything except for the diving suits.”
Alex lifts a brow. “The diving suits or the diving?”
You tap your chin in thought. “The suits.”
“Uh, why?”
“They’re really form-fitting in the worst way. Highlights every flaw and minimizes everything else.”
She snorts, rolling her eyes. “Nobody's gonna see you.”
You try a different tact. “How come Sol doesn't have to swim? He'd look better in a wetsuit than me.”
“I assure you I would not,” he says with complete seriousness. “Would you rather have to sneak past all the Barghest instead of watching my back?”
“I'm happy to do both, with 32x zoom,” you reply smarmily.
“So, dive and then sneak past all of them. Got it.” He intones.
~Is he being facetious or does he not get the checking out his ass joke
~Honestly, could be either
“Let's just stick to V swimming, Sol sneaking,” Alex announces before you get too sidetracked. “And if you're bummed about the wetsuit, you can take a look at my goodies.”
“That a euphemism?” You ask, wiggling your brows.
“You want sex jokes or you want loot?” She counters, not the least bit offended.
“How about both?”
Sol clears his throat at your antics, and you and Alex share a smile. “Either or, V.”
“Fine, loot. But it was a tough call.” You follow her to the stash, realizing belatedly that Sol has disappeared.
“Sheesh, quiet as a cat, that one. Skittish, too.”
“It's the training. And possibly escaping an awkward situation.”
“What could possibly be awkward?”
“You're joking, right?”
“Only partially.”
Exiting the bar via secret door feels unsatisfying, especially because you don't have a pensive Reed chilling on a balcony.
Still, you manage to catch up to him in the parking lot.
“Nice bike.” He nods at the Arch and you feel a slight twinge in your chest.
You've gotten to the point where riding it is more nostalgic than painful, but every time someone comments on it, the scales tip.
Reminds you of women fawning over it and Jackie clumsily avoiding their lines, while Misty watched on, not even ruffled. Of men trying to hit on you while you were keeping an eye on it, waiting for him to do his stupid errands.
It's not nice, not really. It's a bit beat up because you run over Claws in it just for kicks, it's a few years old unlike the flashy cars you got from AutoFixer, and it's never polished because Jackie let you down so why should you spoil his bike.
He left you behind.
Left you with a fuse-lit bomb in your brain and a gaping hole in your heart.
“Thanks.” You sit on the seat sideways, not ready to drive off in a cloud of grimy dust just yet. “You ride?”
He waits for you to make a dirty joke but you don't. Not about this.
“When I have to.” He cocks his head. “Didn't know you ran with the Valentinos.”
“Not in my file?” You quip. It's not your only vehicle with that logo either, though the Vato you like mainly for its shine.
“Contrary to popular belief, not every little thing is written in those. Just the relevant stuff.” He informs you, though gang affiliation should count as relevant, right? For an agent, even one coined out of necessity.
“Hmm, guess it's not relevant then.”
“Not to the mission. But to my attempt at smalltalk, it is.”
You laugh dryly, surprised he's actually admitting it.
~That he's trying to get to know you or that he's really fucking bad at it
~Yes
“Belonged to a guy I knew. A friend.” You feel your throat close up a little, and hate it. Hate how after all this time you can't talk about him without getting all goddamn emotional.
“You miss him?”
You bristle and narrow your eyes at him and he almost raises his palms just to let you know it's an honest question of pure curiosity. Not prying, not double checking his info.
“I just… I've lost good people along the way. People I cared about. I see it in you, a bit. That's all. Assumed.”
Your wariness fades a little. “Well, next time, don't. Assume.”
“Noted.” It's neutral, like he doesn't take it to heart, but that is what actually makes you feel bad.
Because by nature he's not. Not neutral, even at his most detached and calculating. There's fire and passion that even the cesspool that is Dogtown hasn't been able to put out.
You don't know how he does it.
Not when dying feels like drowning in a sea of ice and he's already done it once.
He doesn't need your apology, never asks for it, but you give him something better.
“I miss him so much, Sol.”
He puts a hand on your shoulder, heavy and solid in a way that feels comforting.
“Sometimes I wonder if it should've been me.”
“Don't.”
His other hand touches your cheek, smoothing away the phantom tear that you won't let spill out.
“I'm glad you're still here, V. You should be too.”
You move your face away, but stay close enough so his hand stays on your shoulder. “I'm looking for a cure, at least. Means I wanna keep living.”
He squeezes your shoulder, before finally dropping his arm.
You take a deep breath, forcing out the words that long to stay buried.
“Whatever happens… I'm glad I met you.”
He repeats them in his mind as you speed away.
For what it's worth, the wetsuit Alex got you isn't completely atrocious. In fact you'd say it's as flattering as the average potato sack.
As in, it hides any and all flaws, as well as anything remotely attractive.
Not that it matters, because the swimming was over in minutes and you're an eagle eye for Sol right now.
“Motion detector up ahead. I'll wreck the generator to disable it.”
“Good, anything else?”
“Patrols coming up the elevator, two guards down the hall, and a sniper on the roof.”
“Mhm. And?”
“Turned off the cams earlier, so that should cover it. Turrets are unpowered, but I'll keep an eye out.”
“Alright. Tell me when it's safe to pass.”
“Three more seconds… and go.”
There's an immediate explosion, and Sol’s voice comes through loud and angry.
“The hell, V?! How could you miss a mine in front of my fucking face?!”
~How did he miss it, is the question?
~Yeah, every time I hear the beeping I step back. Nine times out of ten it stops. And the one time it doesn't, you take a lil bounce back. Easy peasy
~So why you telling me, V?
“First the fuck up at the Voodoo hideout, now this?!”
~Ok he needs to calm down
~Just needs to get laid, am I right?
~Dare you to say that to his face, V
“No more mistakes, got it?!”
You're torn; he’s coming across harsher than necessary, considering all he's doing is sneaking while you manage every other device and guard.
But you're more comfortable with pissed off at your ineptitude Reed, as opposed to the other.
~You mean, actually has feelings Reed
~See, you get it, Johnny
~More like, you don't get it
~Should I?
~Probably wouldn't help
“Got it, Sol. I'll be more careful.”
“You do that.”
It's actually kind of funny how irked he is. No wonder Alex and him have such an interesting vibe. Thought they just gave each other a hard time because they were tight. It's probably the main reason, anyway.
~You mean friends aren't supposed to treat each other like shit?
~Not sure if you're being sarcastic, Johnny
~Honestly, I'm not sure either
Still, you manage to get Sol across to your side without getting spotted. And take out a few Barghest whelps while you're at it.
Once you're safely in a side room, he hands you a duffel bag, avoiding looking at you altogether.
You try to walk into his eye line again, and he actually turns around.
“What?!”
He mutters something, but you don't catch it.
~He said you're so ugly in that wetsuit he can't look at you without throwing up
~Like you could pull it off any better
“What was that?”
He clears his throat and speaks slightly louder, still facing away.
“The diving suit looks good on you.”
You give him a strange look. One, because the wetsuit is the least flattering outfit you’ve ever owned, and two, because if it does look good why is he averting his eyes.
“Then why so evasive, Solomon?”
The full name catches him off guard enough to turn back and look you in the eye.
A second later he has you pushed against a wall, leg shoved between your thighs.
“Because I won't be able to resist.”
You whimper as he ruts against your clit, so hard you can feel it through the protective layers.
“Need to get you changed for our grand entrance.”
He spins you around, pushing you face first into the plaster as he peels the diving suit off of you like it's paper. You drop the duffel bag and forget about it immediately.
You shiver from the cold air on your bare skin as he frees you from your undershirt and leggings.
His mouth is hot as it presses kisses to your shoulder blades and down your spine.
“Sol,” you mewl as he rubs his length along your cheeks, grabbing your hips and pulling them flush against his groin.
“Did some good work, V. Think you should be rewarded for that.”
His hand snakes around your waist and dips into your panties, gently tracing your clit.
You muffle a moan, arching your back so you can rub your ass even tighter against him.
He plays with your clit, slipping down to grab some slick and cursing when he feels how much there is.
“So wet already?”
You laugh, muffling another moan as he focuses on your clit again.
“Been wanting you for a while, Sol. Or was I not obvious enough?”
“You were. Guess I thought it was just talk.” He stills when you hear a few party goers chatting as they walk by.
You pick his hand up and lick his fingers clean. “Still think that?”
He steps away from you to turn you back around and give you a quick kiss. “No. But I do think we should get back to work.”
“All work and no play,” you complain, and he chuckles as he passes you the stylish suit Alex prepared.
“How about this? Perform well tonight, and when we get back I'll keep you company til tomorrow afternoon.” He gets dressed so fast you barely get to see him in his underwear. Maybe that's because he doesn't actually want you to see it.
So instead of ogling, you act like you're doing the math in your head. “Depending on how long this takes and when we get back, that varies wildly in terms of how good of a reward it is. Not to mention how vague ‘keep you company' is.”
He rolls his eyes, putting your arms in the sleeves of your fancy shirt. He murmurs in your ear as he helps you with your buttons.
“Don't make me say I'll fuck you til you can't walk.”
“Too late. You said it, it's on record, can't take it back now.” You grin widely as you finish getting dressed. “Now, let's go save Song.”
“Sex is almost too good of a motivator for you,” he scolds good-naturedly.
“Correction, Solomon Reed. Sex with you is the motivator.”
~I hate this so much. First a cop, now FIA. What's next, the president?!
~Keep asking, Johnny, and I just might try it
~Please God no
You take Sol’s arm in yours and walk with him to the main hall.
Say what you will about Hansen, he does know how to throw a good party. Lots of big shots around, which is actually perfect for blending in. No one cares who the nobody at the bar is.
Or in this case, the nobodies. You admire Sol in his suit as he nurses his gin and tonic.
“You're staring, V.”
“Yes, but it's at you. Which doesn't give us away in the slightest.” You rest your hand on his forearm and he gives you a disapproving look that seems entirely for show. “I'm just a smitten woman admiring a man.”
“Long as you don't get distracted.”
He tries to move your hand off subtly. When you hold on tighter, he decides to just go with it. Puts his hand on top of yours, like you're just a regular couple.
~But you're not. You know that, right?
~Even more than you, Johnny
There's a jolt in your head as Johnny's hologram glitches into black and white lines. A staticky sound in your ears as a sharp pain pulses behind your eyes.
You clamp your fingers around his arm and Sol looks at you in concern.
“V?”
“She's here.” You grit your teeth, trying to cope with the clash in your mind as Song pushes Johnny out.
“So Mi?” He looks around as discreetly as he can, pulling forcefully out of your vice grip.
~Sorry, V. Know it hurts when I jump in
~Glad you're ok, Song
~We got some catching up to do
Sol’s sudden disappearance is worrying, but you don't let it get in the way of your performance.
Too experienced by now to screw things up when shit hits the fan. If you think about it, you did complete the Soulkiller job, in spite of the hell you went through. And no job since has a cost that high.
You pick up the twins behavioral signatures easily, as a flirt first and a money grubber second.
Of course, things get real messy when Hansen gets involved.
You and Alex split up, and you make your way as calmly as you can to find Sol.
It's not going to end like last time.
Even if it does, you don't care about him the way you did Jackie.
It won't hurt. It won't be losing a friend, just an acquaintance.
~An acquaintance you caught feelings for
No feelings. Just horniness, and there's not even anything between you. You'll find a Joytoy to replace him.
~You don't really believe that do you
~It has to be true, Johnny. It has to be! It can't happen, not again-
~Chill, V. Look, he's two yards away.
Swept up in your panicked reverie, you almost walk past him.
You almost walk into him.
His chest looks cozy and the crook of his neck could fit your face and you're so goddamn glad he's ok you want to touch him, feel him to make sure.
No. You're not attached. You can’t be.
~Join the fucking club
The mask you've perfected that needs no chrome takes over, it's easy; you show the Barghest lapdogs nothing, walk out like you're too good for them with Sol beside you.
His eyes flash with anger, must've been taunted by security the whole time you were with the twins.
Proud veteran heckled by insolent rookies, must need time to decompress alone, space to sigh or yell.
You walk with him to a nearby street to call a car.
Fighting the urge to hug him, to let him know you care in even the littlest way.
Then the sea of ice is back, and you sink like a boulder to the bottom, too tired to reach for the surface.
An arm pierces through the veil, grabbing you before you hit the ocean floor. Too dark to see but it's pulling you upwards and you remember how to breathe.
You wake up in his arms.
“How you feeling?”
You groan, clutching your forehead, which has a cool washcloth on it for some reason.
“That bad, huh?” He deposits you on a bed. You look around, and see you're back in your apartment.
You laugh wryly. “You're the one who had a date with Hansen’s dogs. I should be asking you.”
“They didn't touch me. They'd have to kill me before I let him, anyway.” The anger resurfaces briefly, but fades quickly when you start hacking and coughing.
You take the washcloth and cover your mouth, staining it red when you cough up blood.
“Shit.” He helps you sit up, hoping it will stop the coughing.
“Used to it.” You toss the washcloth aside. “What was that for?”
“Was trying to wake you up, but didn't want to just pour ice water on ya.”
“Probably wouldn't have even felt it.” Frozen inside as it is.
He sits down next to you, and the dip in the mattress lets you slide over and lean on his shoulder.
“We'll get you well, V. Final stretch now.”
Is it, though?
Knowing why Song did what she did, why she is the way she is. Makes it hard to trust FIA. Hard to put your life in their hands.
~Rather try literally anything else. But unfortunately it's your call.
~I think you mean, I'll support you whatever you choose, V
~That’s what I said, isn't it
~In your own way, yes
“V? You still with me?”
“Yeah.” You sigh deeply, layers of sadness and regret with satisfaction folded in between. “And you're still with me, Sol.”
He looks at you curiously. “Where else would I be?”
“Anywhere but here.” You sit up straighter and turn to look in his eyes.
“You don't have to be here Sol. You don't have to help, not to this extent.”
He searches your face, trying to find the question in between.
“And?” He asks, because you haven't.
You reach your hand forward to touch his face. He flinches, like he expects you to smack him. Reflexes, perhaps, but it brings a pang to your chest all the same. You lower your hand immediately, and continue.
“And I'm wondering why.”
He lets out a noisy breath, something between a laugh and a scoff. “You already know, don't you?”
“Not really.”
He pulls away, looking at you accusingly like you're messing with him.
He scans your faceplate, the one you wear and don't truly realize, not quite believing that you can't read him in this way when you can read everything else.
“If you still don't know, there's nothing to say.”
He stands quickly with that statement, striding away from you.
His hand is on the doorknob when he feels your arms wrap tightly around him.
He gently pries them off but you just hug him again, clinging to his back.
“You promised to keep me company.” You mumble and he laughs, more bitter than sweet.
“I did, didn't I?” He turns around and picks you up, carrying you back to the bed.
“You also promised to fuck me til I can't walk,” you add cheekily.
His face clouds over but a kiss on his forehead from you clears them away.
You roll over so there's room for him and he reluctantly lays down next to you.
You tuck your head in the crook of his neck, murmuring.
“I'm so glad you're ok.”
He watches you drift off, gentle snoring gradually turning into a buzzsaw. A fact that does nothing to stave off his own sleepiness.
Still, he leaves quietly, allowing himself a kiss on your cheek before he goes.
It's just one of many promises he's broken, and certainly not the last. Not that he's dishonest necessarily, but his words bow to a greater authority that changes irrespective of his will.
He hopes that it will be the last time he breaks a promise to you.
He doesn't have a good reason for doing it, insofar that he has nowhere else he needs to be.
But he can't fall asleep in you in his arms, not if after everything you still don't know he cares. Every sincere word, every deliberate touch was chipped away from his own soul, long crushed by darkness into an untouchable diamond.
Not if even the hardest stone can't cut past the skin you wear for a mask.
Not if he's just a guy in your bed, when you are what you are to him.
You wake up alone.
Your eyes open and you don't see him right away, but you stretch carefully as if he's still there and you might accidentally punch him in the eye. Maybe he's rolled over to face the other side and you're not ready to check and make sure.
You should've been more careful last night trying to touch him. Of course his face is guarded, who knows if slapping is some sort of hazing or ritual or training exercise.
Should've stuck to the arm or shoulder, but you had to be a brain dead gonk and go for his face.
~Probably was hoping you'd go for his dick
~You saw his face when I mentioned sex. Was definitely not in the mood
~Then I have no advice
You finally turn and see for sure that he's gone.
This is your fault. Why'd you have to say something as corny as ‘I'm so glad you're ok?’ Why not just ‘glad,’ or even ‘it's good you're ok.’ You probably scared him away.
And asking why he stayed? Unnecessary. Shouldn't have even asked. Why not just be happy? But no, you gotta push. Course he backed off.
~Insert something about honest communication
~Now is no time for sarcasm, Johnny
~I’m being serious
~Apparently I was too, and too much at that
~Maybe he's distancing himself because he feels he cares too much, not that he cares less than you
~Very funny, Johnny
~Again, I'm being serious
You send Sol a breezy text, and as usual he doesn't respond.
Yup. Called it. Scared him off.
Well, there's only one thing to do.
Pull back as well so he can relax.
~This is going to end horribly
Sol barely looks you in the eye then you see him next. Even when telling you the funny story about Alex, he keeps his eyes elsewhere.
“Luckily, we have plenty of information this time around.” Alex announces, sending you some notes about the twins.
The two of them start reminiscing, and you think back to your last conversation with Song.
###
“So you and Sol. Acting or for real?”
“If even you can't tell, must be doing my job well.”
“Looks real enough. Don't think he has it in him to pull that off. Just hard to imagine him having feelings for anyone.”
“Maybe he doesn't.”
“Would make things easier. If we end up at odds with him in the end.”
“Why would that even happen?”
“Myers has a vindictive streak. Not sure even Sol could convince her to let me go. Could end up having to choose between him or me. Think you can do that?”
“Here’s hoping I won't have to.”
##
“Can't wait for this to be over.”
You tune back in at the conviction in Sol's voice.
“Gonna go on a diplomatic mission like me?” After everything, Alex deserves a tropical extended vacation.
“Retirement doesn't suit me.” He leans forward, elbows on his knees.
“Guess I'll go wherever they send me. Nothing keeping me here.”
It's like you were just splashed in the face with ice water. Looks like you'd feel it after all.
You'd forgotten all about it. What life would be like once you finished up here. Weren't used to turning off the tunnel vision, even less thinking about the future.
Living to tomorrow is a big enough uncertainty, how are you supposed to imagine a life different than this, let alone better than this?
You want out of this garbage heap, out of Arasaka’s clutches, but beyond that, how do you even hope?
Just gotta accept he's leaving. Because what else would he do?
Stay? For you?
What a joke.
“Don't forget to write.” You add nonchalantly, like your stomach hasn't dropped to the floor along with your heart.
“Mhm.”
You motion at Alex to get started on reviewing the plan. Once everything is decided, you get out of there.
“Real subtle, Sol.”
“What?”
“‘Nothing keeping me here.’ Might as well shout ‘notice me’ from the rooftops.”
“Not that it matters. She doesn't give a shit.”
“Or maybe she does, and you just made her think that you're the one who doesn't give a shit.”
“...can it even be interpreted that way?”
“Quite easily, actually.”
“Fuck.”
Your chest feels hollow as you jog to where you parked, needing to get away before you accidentally tell Sol you don't want him to go.
Gotta keep things status quo casual, so you don't fuck up something as important as this mission. Especially compared to something as trivial as how you feel about him.
You skid to a stop as you see three punks pissing on and carving up your bike.
Jackie's bike.
~Well, V, ready for some stress relief?
~I’m gonna rip em to shreds
There's a hand on your shoulder, solid and heavy but it's dragging you back like a ball and chain.
“Just scare them, V. No need to draw attention.”
You jerk out of Sol’s grasp, breaking into a sprint.
They freeze in fear, at least until they see it's just you.
Not some bull of a man about to bust their asses.
“Hey girlie. Looking for some fun?”
They barely register you pulling out your monowire before you slice their heads off with one clean whip.
The Barghest, of course, are alerted immediately, and you jump on Jackie's defiled bike, gunning it to the Stacks.
You park by the cement dividers and duck into a storage unit, watching the dogs come sniffing. They give up after a compulsory search; no one cares about pedestrians anyway.
You’re about to call in a tow to your preferred garage when Sol bursts in, furious.
“What did I say, V?!”
Who the hell does he think he is?!
For God's sake, he knows what that bike means to you. Better than almost anyone.
He has no right to react like this.
But you shouldn't be surprised.
Your own stupid fault for expecting him to get it, for expecting anything other than a soldier forced onto the battlefield with you.
“Said there's nothing keeping you here,” you reply harshly.
He's taken aback, and you shove him out of the way, texting coords to a local shop so they can pick up the bike.
“Told you not to cause a scene!” He grabs you to stop you from walking away.
“Ain't the first time, ain't the last. They got bigger problems than dealing with me. Not gonna screw up our plan.” You sidestep and jump out of the storage unit.
“Ok, let's put that aside.” He chases after you as you dial Del to pick you up. “Those guys were young, V. Practically kids. Death sentence wasn't necessary.”
You whirl around, stabbing your finger in his chest.
“Don't you dare judge me. Not when your hands aren't clean.”
“They aren't.” He pushes your hand away, returning your piercing gaze. “But I only pull the trigger when I have to. You just popped 'em cause you were mad.”
You sneer, disappointed in yourself for thinking he'd get it.
He's shielded by duty, given a reason to live by the flag.
You're not so blind.
“I sucked in my dying breath, buried under a mountain of garbage. That stench is burned into my lungs. I didn't crawl out of there to be a goddamn hero.”
“You're not the only one who's almost died, V. Not the only one who's lost hope.”
“There's no fucking thing called hope, Sol. Only living, and dying. One for me, one for anyone who gets in my way.”
Something flickers in his eyes, beyond incredulity and righteous fury, something that's somehow sad and beautiful, in a way that hurts to look. When he speaks, it's soft, just like how he felt when he held you.
“Isn't that lonely?”
You close your eyes so you don't have to see the pity and inability to understand etched on his face.
“Don't act like you care, Sol. You'll leave just like everyone before you.
I don't mean anything to you, just like you don't mean anything to me.”
You turn and storm away.
You don't see the hurt and betrayal in his eyes.
You drive through Pacifica, finding the station and hacking into the server easily. You locate the twins’ car, spiking it with a virus so you can take control tomorrow.
You text Alex and Reed that you're done, flipping off the kid who tried to bum eds off you. They can find another patsy to swindle.
Then it's off to Song’s hidey-hole for a midnight rendezvous.
Her hologram sits beside you on the concrete, after you clear the scavs out. Not such a great hiding spot anymore, but she's here for nostalgia.
Not that she's really here.
Just shoves Johnny out, when you're actually starting to enjoy his fucked up sense of humor.
“You have a place that reminds you of home, V?”
What is home? Somewhere you belong? Somewhere you actually want to return to?
There's no place like that.
Is there even a time in your life that you want to repeat, or at least pause?
Only thing that comes to mind is going back in time and telling DeShawn to fuck off.
Telling Jackie the big leagues ain't worth it.
“Maybe. But it's gone now.”
You don't tell her what's in store, because you don't even know what you're going to choose.
By the time you arrive at Heavy Hearts, eager to get blackout drunk, Johnny's back. Grumbling about getting dragged to hell every time Song gets in your head. Like he didn't live in one for fifty years before he got stuck in yours.
Helen recognizes you and pours you a tall glass of Centzon, that you down as easily as club soda.
There's a handsome stranger sitting a few seats away. Tall, dark and brooding over a drink that's clearly been sitting a while.
You tap the counter and Helen gets you a refill, while you watch the guy’s furrowed brow and deep frown.
He stiffens when he feels eyes on him, turning to glare at you.
Instead of getting embarrassed, you wink and blow him a kiss, finishing your second glass and paying your tab.
You sashay out of there, daring him to follow you.
~Seriously?
~Best case scenario, we fuck. Worst case, his day gets a little more colorful
~How have you never gotten your ass kicked for that
~What, blowing a kiss at a stranger?
~You’re right. It's flattering even if you're ugly. Nice move
Jackie's bike is in the shop, so you’ve decided to give Dino’s car a try.
You start the engine, but there's a knock on the passenger window. You roll it down and it's the stranger from before. Peering at you carefully, before he angles his head towards the seat questioningly. You nod and he slides in.
~Now this is a real plot twist!
You decide to take him to your apartment; not coming back after tomorrow, anyway.
He leans back lazily, one arm propped on the side door and his other hand resting on your knee.
You drive in silence, as Johnny natters in your ear.
~I can't believe this is happening
~It’s a one night stand, what’s so surprising
~Thought you'd have to pay someone
~Rude
~Not rude, realistic. But look at you, punching above your weight class. Just a wink and he's in your car. You could be a murderer and here he is following you like a lost puppy. I really don't have anything left to teach you, V
~Good, because after today you're not gonna be able to anyway
The thought echoes in your head, waking you from your hedonistic haze.
Today's not just your last day in Dogtown.
It might be your last day with Johnny.
~Johnny, I-
~Yeah yeah, you'll miss me yada yada. Told you I'd give you my life for you already
~But-
~Don’t get mushy on me. I'm dying for the bitchy, selfish, bitter V and that's final. I know you, I've lived your life. And you don't need to change or be better to deserve to live.
~Don’t make me say I love you, Johnny
~Just shut up already
You laugh softly, pulling up to your apartment and squeezing the stranger's hand. “Let's go.”
You lead him into your apartment, cracking open two lagers and handing him one.
“Nice place.”
His voice throws you a bit; not sure what you expected, considering that's the first you've heard him speak, but just doesn't seem to fit his face.
Thing is, it's not a nice place. Not at all.
Clothes strewn about, a bloody washcloth on the ground you haven't thrown away, takeout containers stacked on the counter with flies buzzing around, because you don't give a shit about this place.
“Don't need to lie. You’re here already,” you comment, downing your bottle and motioning at him to do the same.
“Force of habit,” he replies, somehow sounding sincere and sorry.
“We're all liars. Dogtown, Night City, wherever.” You shrug indifferently. “Lie like we breathe.”
“Not lying. Always trying to make you smile, V.”
Deactivating his faceplate, Sol stands before you, holding out his hand.
You're struck silent, eyes wide and frozen.
“Not sure if I should be creeped out or flattered you chose me twice.”
You recover with a smirk, batting your eyes. “Guess I have a type.”
“Guess my question is why you chose a stranger ‘stead of me to spend your last day in this dump with.”
“So it won't hurt when I wake up alone.”
The words jump out even as you try to silence them, shocking you as much as him.
You turn away quickly, feeling hot shame spread across your face.
“Just go, Reed.”
“Not this time.”
You try to break out of his grasp as he grabs you but he holds you tight, kissing the top of your head.
You struggle and thrash but he doesn't let go, until you burst into sobs that wrack your whole body.
He picks you up and sits on the bed, holding you snug against his chest like he wanted to when he told you they'd get you well. Like he's always wanted to.
“That's the last time I'll ever break a promise to you, V.
I won't let you be lonely anymore.”
You shake your head furiously, hiccupping too hard to fight him off just yet.
“You're just saying that. Once you save So Mi you'll get posted elsewhere and I'll be alone, like I always am.
You don't get to promise me anything if you've already broken the only one you’ve made.”
He wants to swear he'll stay by your side, he'll make sure you’re always posted together, and if that fails he'll be a text, a call away for the rest of your life.
He can't.
It's out of his hands, like it always is, and if he wants to keep all his promises to you then he’ll only make ones that are his alone to keep. Ones that no one can stop him from keeping.
“Actually I made you two.”
You ignore his statement, taking a few shaky breaths, getting ready to fight your way out of his arms.
“Will you let me keep the promise I really meant?”
He cups your face in his hands, bending down to kiss you gently.
The earnest sigh when he pulls away, the pleading in his eyes, saps the stubborn strength from your limbs.
The mask that's become your second skin peels off around the edges. The breath he steals with a press of his lips blows the rest of it away.
You look at him, bare with vulnerability that a wrong move could shatter like glass.
You nod.
He groans as his eyes rove your face, taking in every honest blink like a man starved.
His hands rip the shirt off your body, tracing every dip and curve as you lean into your touch.
“Oh, Sol…”
“I've got you.”
He kisses your neck, nibbling at your jawline. Making his way down the valley of your breasts, lips never leaving your skin.
He mouths at your nipples as you straddle his hips, grinding desperately against his clothed dick.
“I want you so bad…”
“You'll have me, V. All of me.”
He sucks your nipples into stiff peaks as you moan, lifting you up slightly to get your pants and underwear down your thighs.
He groans when he sees your soaked panties, slick dripping from your slit.
“So empty,” you whimper pitifully and he dips his fingertips between your folds, stretching you open slowly so he can push his fingers all the way in.
You keen, feeling him stroke your walls and search for that spongy spot.
“Right there,” you whine when he finds it, petting it gently. “More, Sol.”
“I'll get you there, V. I promise.”
This one he’ll die to keep.
He curls his fingers rhythmically, pressing the heel of his palm against your clit.
You hump your hips down, trying to take him even deeper.
Gradually, you fall apart in his hand, gushing onto his lap with a cry.
“Feels so good,” you whisper, and he kisses you again and again through the aftershocks.
You whine when he pulls his fingers out, wailing in pleasure when he thrusts his cock in quickly to replace them.
You hold on to his chest for dear life as he fucks up into you. Spearing you open with each thrust, he pounds that perfect spot mercilessly.
“Fuck, V. It's like you're made for me,” he growls as he pistons his hips.
His guttural voice and powerful thrusts pull another orgasm from you, spasming around his cock violently as you scream out his name.
Your desperate clenching brings him to the edge as he rams into your cunt.
“Where do you want me, V?” He grunts out as his rhythm grows unsteady.
You press down on the bulge he's making in your stomach with a mewl and he cums with a shout, filling you with pulsing warmth.
You rest your chin on his shoulder, sagging into him.
“Want you to stay inside.”
“Don't want me to pull out?” He teases with a grin.
“No. Feels lonely.” You say with a pout.
“Don't worry, V.” His softening cock grows hard again when you kiss his cheeks sweetly.
“Promised I’d fuck you til you couldn't walk. I ain't close to done yet.”