Neon Cogs: Chapter 2 (Patreon)

Hiro didn’t give her a chance to process what just happened at all as he called right after his big damn speech. She jolted in surprise as she saw the caller. She crossed her arms and huffed in annoyance as she stared at the number. She had half a mind to ignore him and his stupidly cute voice but she forgot that her crew was there with her.

Squatting beside her with a stupid grin on his face, Maine started poking her cheeks as he said “Hey, hey, is that who I think who it is?”. She looked away in annoyance, refusing to make eye contact with Maine even when he redoubled his effort in poking her.

Even Dorio joined in as the bigger woman ruffled her hair. She swatted the woman's hand away in annoyance but Dorio only cooed in response. “Oh come Bee, just give the boy a chance. You know what they say about people in love~?” She then added

Recca reluctantly looked up to the other woman before asking “What?”

“Love makes a fool out of us all.~” Maine replied as Dorio pulled the gonk in for a kiss. Rebecca screamed out in frustration as she pulled at her own hair.

“Fine! Fine! I’ll go answer the stupid call” She shouted as she finally accepted Hiro’s call. She felt her face was on fire by the time she answered the phone but she powered on as she wished to give Hiro a piece of her mind.

“What the fuck was that choom!?” She practically screamed at the line as she fumed and huffed. Hiro was getting under her skin like no one else and it was throwing her off her game. She should be the one getting him all hot under the collar, not her!

“Just some light teasing Becca.” Hiro casually replied with a hint of amusement in his voice.

She stood up and paced around and practically growled in both annoyance and embarrassment. Maine and Dorio wisely gave her some space as she moved back to sit on the sofa. The only consolation prize she had was the look of surprise on Maine as he flailed around as he sat on the spot where Smasher destroyed their sofa. Heh, no one in the city could boast that they have a cast of Smasher’s ass. “Oh light teasing he says. You practically called me out to everyone in the city!” She shouted in reply.

“I might have gotten a bit hasty. I just miss you is all.” Hiro replied and sounded like a kicked puppy. Oh now he’s starting to make her feel bad. She hated how sincere he sounded. She really couldn’t hate a puppy dog like him for too long.

“Fucking… fuck.” She cursed as she rested her forearm against the wall before leaning against it. She gave in as she replied, “Fine! Fine! Your gun’s good, terrifying even, but it’s not enough to make up for your gonk ass stunt, got it!?”

Yes, she was letting him off the hook but she was going to make it as ugly as she could. She was feeling a bit petty right now. She heard him chuckle nervously on the other line as he admitted, “Ok, I fucked up hard on this one. I’ll pay you back, I promise. Say, I did offer to take you out on a date right?” Hiro admitted his mistake and tried to own up to it.

Which only made Becca blush all the harder as she replied, “Y-yeah, What about it? It’s not like I’m interested or anything, ok!?” She quickly added on the end just to set things clear between them. Yes, she totally didn’t want to give him a head pat or anything.

“My grandfather's throwing a party in my honor. Just something he wanted to do after I set up my lab here in the States. So, wanna come to the party at Arasaka tower?” Hiro offered which left her even more flabbergasted and confused than ever before.

“Eh!? But I don’t have a proper dress!” She shouted in panic making Kiwi quirk an eyebrow at her while Dorio and Maine waited eagerly in the sideline. Pilar on the other hand was muttering under his breath as he crossed his arms across his chest.

“I could send my driver to your apartment?” Hiro offered and she could already hear him offering her how he could buy her a dress for the occasion.

Taking a deep breath to calm herself down, she replied placatingly, “No need Hiro. What’s the dress code though?” She might have to ask some of the Mox for help but she won’t be taking any more of Hiro’s money. Anymore and she’ll be practically indebted to him and she really didn’t want that to happen. It’d just sour everyones opinion in her opinion.

“It’s freestyle. Just go with whatever you like.” Hiro replied reassuringly, which eased Becca’s mind. Still, it seems like she’ll have to make some call with her old buddies back in Lizzie’s bar. She might have an idea on what to wear just for the occasion and she had the eddies to have it made. “Oh by the way, you can bring up to… four other people with you. Just show them this pass. Wait, I need to talk to some people. I’ll be looking forward to you coming in later. See you then!” He then suddenly dropped on her.

“H-hey! You just can’t… leave like that.” She tried calling out only to trail out before sagging in disappointment.

“So, how was the lovers spat?” Kiwi asked as she flicked the spent cigarette butt right out of the gaping hole in their apartment and fished out a new one to smoke. Odd, Kiwi’s using way more cigarettes than normal. She shrugged it off as she flipped the bird at their netrunner.

“Oh fuck off, will you?” She replied without any heat as she pulled away from the wall and plopped down on one of the seats. “So… he called me out on a date? Goddamn impulsive gonk actually asked me out!” She then added as she felt all riled up again. She kept staring at the tickets now on her inbox and she still couldn’t quite believe they were there.

“Pay up.” Maine said to Dorio who responded by rolling her eyes. Becca was often jealous of how Dorio and Maine were. They were real partners in crime. What was she with Hiro? She still wasn’t sure.

“Sounds like a pain. Good luck on that. Come on Lucy, let’s blow this joint.” Kiwi waved as she walked out toward the door.

“Oh no no no, Hiro didn’t just invite me, he also gave me enough tickets to invite all of you! You're all coming with me whether you like it or not!”  She shouted. She wasn’t going alone on this one, she was going to bring the entire crew with her. If she was going to share the pain of having to deal with corpos with them.

“And what makes you think you can force me to go with you?” Kiwi asked as she looked back at her with an amused look on her face.

She grinned back as she replied, “Everyone important in Arasaka will probably be there. It’s the best place to network.”. It wasn’t a secret to everyone that Kiwi wanted money, a lot of it, and she banked on her being greedy and she was right about it. Kiwi’s eyes widened as she realized how big this was.

“Fuck… I don’t have a good dress.” Kiwi replied as she gave in. Her grin grew all the wider as she turned to the others.

She then pointed at the others as she started firing off reasons why they should back her up on this particular dinner party. “Maine, the party is for Hiro’s lab. He has all the chrome. Dorio, Maine needs a tard wrangler.”

Maine blinked as he shouted “Oh come on! I’m not that bad! Dorio, babe, back me up.”

Dorio pat his back before giving her a thumbs up. Maine gave her a look of betrayal. Rebecca continued on with her brother and Lucy, “Pilar, there’s a lot of girls there and Lucy… You’ll be left out if you don’t go. Also, sisterly solidarity?” She really wasn’t that close with Lucy if she was going to be honest. She was Kiwi’s responsibility and Kiwi, as unlikely as it seems, was a great mom to raise Lucy.

“We’re all going ok! Yes, even you Pilar… just behave.” She announced, to which everyone cursed about their lack of formal wear; all except Dorio.

“Finally I can wear that dress my mother gave me!” Cheered the amazon. Maine and Pilar meanwhile grumbled about their suits not fitting anymore.

“I’ll be skipping on this one.” Lucy replied without hesitation. She nodded at that. She could respect that, and it’s not like she has anything that Lucy would probably like. That and the fact she always kept targeting Arasaka might have a hand in that. The possibility of someone recognizing her there would probably be too much. Who knows just how many eddies she filched from the Saka corpse? She’s definitely on some watchlist by now. “It’s cool Luz.” she said.

“As for you gonks, You guys will be fine. Don’t sweat on it too much.~” She waved off their concern. It’s not like the party had a strict dress code. Besides, they’re all kitsch. Loath as she admits it, even her brother was also kitsch to a certain degree. He’s the only one she knew that could sport that gangly look with his extremely long limbs and that ridiculous mohawk without looking like a fool.

“Anyways, I need to make some calls and go places because the party’s tonight. Be here before six or I will be coming for your ass.” She shouted as she sauntered off to the door. “I’ll be at Lizzie’s bar if you need me.” she added before going off to her old watering hole.

-x-x-x-

“You sure we won’t get blocked in the entrance?” Rebecca asked as she fidgeted in her seat. She tugged at the custom made dress she had ordered from an old friend of hers. It was amazing but she just wasn’t used to wearing it. It was both freeing and, at the same time, restrictive. She’d rather have her jacket any day of the week, but she wanted to get back at Hiro right now.

“Don’t worry Becca, I made sure of it. Just show them the badge if they don’t budge, I’ll call Adam.” Hiro replied over the line.

“Please don’t.” She begged him. She still shivered at the memory of the infamous borg.

“Fine, but seriously. Just call when you get here ok? I have to talk to some investors now. Bye!” He said then as the line cut off. She felt their ride started to slow down. Falco was nice enough to be their chaperone after Lucy declined her offer. It was her loss as Falco was going to be hanging out with her and the crew. There was also the fact that he might just be the only guy they could trust with a rented limo.

Maine was dozing off before the party with Dorio leaning against him. The two were quite the pair with the stunning red dress Dorio had, which showed off her figure and muscles together, while Maine had a red suit with the sleeves ripped off. Not a bad look for the big man. Meanwhile, Kiwi was wearing a flapper dress in her usual color, though this time around she was bringing a long cigarette holder for her smoke. As for her big brother… he was just wearing his usual outfit. He might have brought out his more expensive clothing but it was still the same.

“Really bro?” She asked as she glared at him. Here they were, the whole crew all dressed up and Pilar went with a Neo Kitsch look. Her disappointment for him was immeasurable for how he was rolling in with literal streetwear.

“What? It’s boga alright? Chicks dig the biker look! Just you wait.” He laughed out confidently as she leaned against the seat of the car.

“Whatever. Just do your thing away from prying eyes.” She reminded him off as she crossed her arms and looked at the crowd of vultures outside the packed entrance of the Arasaka tower. There were a lot of newscasters and paparazzi parked right around the red carpet and each of them baying and shouting for attention to get that perfect shot to sell and peddle to the masses.

The line of cars and aerodynes ahead slowly shrank until it was their turn. The moment she and the crew stepped out of the car, they were immediately bombarded with photographs and requests for an interview. It was quite jarring being in the receiving of these, supposed, people instead of being one of the ones watching them sell their wares on TV.

She was half tempted to pull her pistol at them, but she stayed her hands as she gestured for Maine and the others to follow her lead. She walked ahead, strutting like she owned the place and pushing people aside when they got in her way. The bitch she nudged aside turned and glared at them as she stumbled in front of the camera’s. Rebecca can’t help it, she was hogging the entire carpet and blocking everyone else and her patience was already frayed.

“Excuse me! Who the fuck do you think you are?” Shouted the harpy as Rebecca ignored her.

“Fuck off, I don’t have time for this.” She succinctly replied but all it did was enraged the diva.

“You fucking proles bitch! Think a nobody like you can walk in here!? Guards!” She shouted, calling the attention of the Arasaka guards. They looked angry and armed. Maine was about to pull his gun on them but Rebecca gave him a look that she had this handled. She kept her cool as she simply pulled out the digital badge that Hiro sent her way.

The way the guards choked as they backpedaled and apologized was simply cathartic. “Our apologies miss. We did not realize you were the young master's guest. Please, let us escort you.” The guards said as they bowed deeply in front of her.

“No need? I just want to get to the party.” She waved them off. She ignored the further cries of outrage as she saw the woman getting dragged away.

“Understood. Right this way, miss.” The guards said as they guided her and the group inside the tower. Leaving the flashing lights and sound behind them, they finally entered the belly of the beast. The tower from a distance was a monolithic structure of neo gothic architecture. It was foreboding from a distance and now inside it, she couldn’t help but feel dwarfed by the huge vaulted ceiling and sharp architecture. It was both old yet new with all the tubes of metal running across the walls along with the lights keeping the place lit. It felt more like she was in a church or castle rather than the heart of the Arasaka operation in Night City and America.

“Damn impressive.” Whispered Maine as the guards led them to the elevator. One of the guards called for an attendant who quickly rushed to their side.

“Take them to the party and don’t let anyone stop them.” One of their guards said before walking off back to the entrance. The receptionist bowed at them before guiding them inside the elevator. Without command, she punched in the floor where Rebecca thought that the party was being held, and took them to their destination.

One boring elevator ride after, they arrived. The receptionist took them down a long hallway before leading them to a large decorated double door. Pushing them open, Rebecca and the crew would find themselves atop a flight of stairs leading down to a crowd of the wealthy and the elite. From famous celebrities to influential movers, to even powerful execs from not only Arasaka but from various other corpos who are aligned with the huge mega corporation. There was even Kerry Eurodyne in the distance, though he might be a tad bit drunk with how he was being helped by one of the waiters. These were the elite of the elite and they were all here mingling and talking to each other.

“That’s a whole lot of eddies right there. Think we should nab- oof!” Pilar absentmindedly said before she silenced him with an elbow to the stomach.

“We’re here to party, so shut it!” She whispered harshly to her brother. It would look bad if they were escorted out of the building if Pilar stole something or maybe even worse like getting shot on site. “Please, just behave for once?” She begged him.

Pilar gaped at her request before nodding and crossed his heart. She rolled her eyes at his childish display but still accepted it nonetheless as she walked down the stairs. Eyes turned towards their group as they descended down the stairs. They were newcomers afterall, fresh meat in their leering and judging eyes but she refused to let any of them affect her as she held her head up high and walked with pride.

“Becca!” Shouted a familiar voice as Hiro came running to her direction. He was happy as a clam with that huge smile on his face and she couldn’t help but crack a smile.

“Hiro! Looking sharp there.” Rebecca replied as she looked up and down at Hiro’s choice of outfit. She didn’t peg him for someone who loved the classics. He was wearing a simple three piece suit. He might be hiding a kevlar vest under his coat and he certainly came in armed with an iron hidden on his belt.

“So, I take it that you’re Becca’s crewmates?” Hiro asked as he looked up at them. Maine gave him one of his winning smiles while Dorio gave him a polite smile. Pilar stood behind Maine trying to act all tough while Kiwi made herself scarce as she gave Hiro an acknowledging nod.

“Right there you are. Name’s Maine and Becca’s part of my crew.” Maine replied as he extended a hand over to Hiro.

“Hiro, Hiro Arasaka.” Hiro replied as he took his hands without hesitation and gave him a firm shake. Rebecca could see the slight flex on Maine’s hand but Hiro didn’t even twitch.

Letting go of Hiro’s hand, Maine then said, “We heard a lot about you from Becca over here. She might be a foul mouthed and violent girl but don’t let that fool you. There’s a golden heart beneath all those shell casings and guns.” She didn’t know if she was going to punch Maine for that or give him a hug because that was one of the nicest things he’d said in a while.

“It’s one of the reasons why I like her.” Hiro responded. He shocked her and was about to say something before Pilar suddenly barged in between her and Hiro.

Pilar stared at the boy and she was about to pull him away before Pilar said, “Hurt my sister and I'll hurt you even if I die trying.” There was a certain finality in his tone, a certainty that he would do as promised.

“I’ll protect her. Even if I have to protect her from myself.” Hiro replied as he met her brother's gaze. Pilar nodded in satisfaction before he returned to his usual self.

“Well that settles it then! Take care of her for me while I~ go get myself a date!” He laughed as he walked away from the group. For a second there, she almost liked him but he had to ruin it for her by being himself.

Hiro broke her out of her musing as she grabbed on to her hands and dragged her away. “Come on Becca. I want you to meet my Aunt!” He shouted as he eagerly dragged her away. A small smile spreads across her face as she lets herself get dragged along. He really was just an adorable and well meaning gonk.

-x-x-x-

David stared down at the steaming bowl of chicken mole before him. Beside it were two steamed corn cobs. No matter how much he poked it or stirred it, it didn’t fade away like some dream. It was as real as it could get as the savory scent of the dish filled his lungs and it wasn’t just some tiny serving people usually got from a high end restaurant but a full bowl enough for second servings and some more as well as enough rice for both of them.

“Well, what do you think?” His mother asked as she gave him a large serving. “The last time I cooked was when I was still a little girl. My abuela was adamant we learned the old ways even if we couldn’t afford it. She would come back all dusty after capturing some gophers. It was…fun.” His mom trailed off as she smiled fondly at the memory. “But I Iearned! Hopefully I’m not that rusty. I also didn’t get to buy all the ingredients at such a short notice and I had to use some stop gaps for the missing ones but this is as authentic as you can get!” She then added, adamant about her claims.

“Wow…” He whispered as he looked down on the meal before them. “Mom, you didn’t have to cook this much. I know we're a little tight on the budget but real food? Like how much of our savings did you-” He said before his mom stood up and cut him off.

“David, you deserve this ok.” She whispered as he reached out to him, resting her hands on his shoulder before smiling at him even as tears started forming from her eyes. “I… I’ve been a bad mom. I should have been able to give you this but I couldn't but now… now I can finally-!” she whispered as tears welled in her eyes.

She wiped her eyes as more tears flowed down her cheeks. He couldn't help but feel a bit misty eyed as well as he was now on the verge of crying. “God damn it mom. Please don’t cry because if you do… you’re going to make me as well.” he replied as he tried to keep it all in and stay strong for her.

“It’s just, I’ve been working so hard and I can’t even give you what you need but now that I got hired at Arasaka…” His mother let out an ugly crying laugh as she pulled back and sat back down on her seat. “Just, just enjoy this with me David ok?” she asked with a wide happy smile across her face.

Grabbing the serving spoon, he poured some of the mole over the peeled corn cob and let it swim in the meaty sauce. He allowed himself to be generous just to see his mother smile. Grabbing the cob, he lifted it up to his mouth and took a bite. He could taste the burnt garlic and the large amount of spice overwhelming his taste but it was the best meal he ever had. He kept on eating even as tears started dripping down on his food.

“N-now you’re the one making me cry here.” Her mother claimed as she laughed and cried at the same time. Both of them cried and laughed as for once, they didn’t have any worry in the world. It was a feeling that David would never forget.