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V wasn’t certain how her life had changed so quickly over a mere matter of weeks. She’d gone from having next to nothing, in terms of Eddies, in terms of a future. She’d been hustling day and night by Jackie’s side, an unofficial member of the Valentinos, when her talents called for it. She’d transformed her life from that of a lost nomad to that of a lost soul in Night City, which was infinitely worse.
Konpeki was supposed to change everything, granted. Just, not in the way it had.
One failed mission, a downloaded life saving construct, and an entire series of events later- and V found herself somewhere entirely new. In the weeks following the massive failure of a job, and the murder of an Emperor, V ironically found the sole source of hope and happiness she’d never expected: in one Judy Alvarez.
Sure, she’d have loved to have run into Judy in any other way. She and Judy could’ve met in any old bar- maybe Lizzie’s, even.
But normalcy wasn’t in the cards for V, and she was slowly learning to accept that- not that she had much time, either. She was racing to find the solution to the ever-snarky construct that manifested itself in the form of a jaded rocker, constantly sharing his input on all she did.
“You’re late.” Johnny’s voice echoed in V’s mind as she approached the door to Judy’s apartment, heart picking up since she entered the dimly lit parking lot in the rear of the building.
“Who’s fault is that?” V shot back, running a hand through her shoulder length hair, dark red and falling in slight waves.
“ Now it’s my fault that you blew up a van of audio equipment for a bunch of little girls?” Johnny snorted.
“You’re the reason why I know Kerry in the first place….so yes.” V hissed. “Now can you delta already?”
“ You could’ve at least brought her a gift.” Johnny’s parting shot made V wince.
He was right.
Showing up late, with nothing more than a bag of food in her grip, her leather jacket smelling like the flames and ashes of an explosion she’d just caused?
Fucking Nova.
Before V could nervously run her hand through her hair again, the door to Judy’s apartment slid open, revealing her output- (the word still made V tingle all over)- standing with her arms folded.
Judy looked beautiful, despite being exhausted from a long day of work. Her smirk made V’s knees weak, and any thought of Johnny Silverhand sailed right out the window.
“You gonna come in or do you wanna spend a few more minutes gathering the courage?” Judy drawled, enjoying the effect she had on V’s cheeks, now blushing.
“Fuck, Jude, sorry.” V awkwardly reached out with the bag, then retracted it, watching Judy’s quirked brow.
Weren’t things supposed to get a little easier after sleeping together?
V assumed Laguna Bend had been the start of a more serious turn in their relationship. While she knew that to be true, she couldn’t help the occasional heart palpitations Judy still gave her. V wasn’t sure if those would ever go away, in complete honesty.
“I’ll take that…” Judy gratefully snatched the food from V’s grip, stepping forward. V’s body seemed to know exactly what to do, as she molded herself to Judy, leaning down slightly to capture her lips in a slow, languid kiss.
V wasn’t certain how long they’d kissed, standing there in Judy’s doorway, listening to the soft, throaty moans she’d managed to pull from her output. Eventually, Judy did lean back, licking her lips, the bag of food crinkling in her free hand.
“Um…hey.” V finally mumbled, smiling like an idiot, enjoying the amused twinkle in Judy’s eyes. She stepped forward and the door closed behind her.
“Hey yourself.” Judy led her into her apartment, setting the bag down on the counter.
“Sorry I’m late.” V took off her jacket, somewhat oblivious to the way Judy’s eyes hungrily locked on her form, growing more slender as she shook off the bulk of the jacket, revealing lean, tattooed arms.
“S’okay.” Judy called over her shoulder, disappearing into her fridge for a moment before turning around with two NiCola cans. She slid one over to V. “Was just catching up on some work I didn’t finish.”
V looked intrigued, like she always did, whenever Judy brought up work. Judy’s work, her artistry specifically, fascinated V to no end. “Anything interesting?”
Judy shrugged. “Hardcore smut.” She said it like it was nothing, and V watched her delicate fingers wrap around the can, admiring her ring-like tattoo and the way her black polish reflected the light.
“So…business as usual?” V popped her can open.
“Nothing compared to tuning our virtu from the dive.” Judy sighed wistfully.
“Maybe we can make another, soon.” V offered softly, and Judy met her gaze, nodding quietly, hopefully, before turning her attention to the food.
“What’s in the bag?” Judy jerked her head.
V smirked. “Go ahead. Open it.”
Judy obliged, laughing when she did so. “Someone’s a good listener.” She praised.
“Honestly, you may have requested them, but uh…I got them for me, too.” V smirked.
“Yeah?” Judy played along.
“‘Jus’ wanna hear you say it.”
“Say what?” Judy chuckled. “Scopdogs?”
“C’mon.” V whined. “Say the whole thing.”
“Scopdogs from Capitan Caliente , extra caliente …with hab-”
“ Habanero sauce .” V joined in, perfectly mocking Judy’s accent.
“Happy?” Judy grinned, taking a bite. “You’re getting better.”
“You have no idea.” V exhaled blissfully. “Your accent is so sexy it almost makes the food delicious.”
Judy laughed, but V caught her blush all the same. She looked up with playful mirth in her eyes, and V was absolutely addicted to the sight.
“What? Too spicy for you, Val ?”
“You’re cruel, Jude.” she took a bite, the two of them sitting in comfortable silence. “I mean, it’s no toasted marshmallow, but it’ll do.”
“ Pobrecita.” Judy cooed playfully, then grinning and dodging the napkin heaved her way.
“What about you?” Judy finally broke the silence, finishing her scopdog. “What’d you get up to today?”
There was an unasked question that lingered in the air between them. Judy had hinted at it as best she could. But really, what she wanted to ask was something akin to, “ Have you gotten any closer to getting this out of your head?”
Though they hadn’t talked about it too much, they seemed to be on the same page. They both wanted out of Night City, and Judy was intent on waiting behind for V.
“Uh…yeah. Watch the news, by chance?” V replied, throwing her trash away as she stood up from her seat by the counter.
Judy’s eyes widened. “Don’t tell me…”
“Yeah.” V winced. She whistled and made an explosion sound, demonstrating with her hands.
“I don’t get it.” Judy pressed, clearly interested. “Why Us Cracks ? Why their audio equipment?”
“Well, I’m not really supposed to tell you…” V began, watching Judy’s narrowed eyes and frown. She put her hands up. “But of course I will!” She tried to recover lamely.
“ Whipped.” Johnny’s scoff annoyed the shit out of V, as she wheeled around.
“I’m not wh-”
“…think you’re a little ways past client confidentiality, V.” Judy pressed.
“Fine, yeah, who am I kidding? It’s you.” V shrugged. “Yeah, Kerry Eurodyne asked me to-”
“Wait, hold on.” Judy slapped the counter in response, eyes wider than ever. “ The Kerry Eurodyne? Washed old rocker?”
“Isn’t she a sweetheart?”
“Shut up, Johnny.”
“I guess it makes sense.” Judy paused. “Silverhand bein’ in your head and all. You’re bound to get to know his circle…but why the attack? Jealousy?”
“Somethin’ like that.” V nodded in agreement. “Speakin’ of Johnny’s contacts…Did I ever tell you about Rogue?”
Judy tried not to look as surprised as she was. Her output definitely seemed to rub shoulders with Night City’s most notorious. “...nope. But I have a feelin’ you’re gonna.”
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V and Judy found comfort sitting beside each other, sharing a couple of Broseph’s after dinner, a cigarette passed between the two as they sat on Judy’s rooftop.
The city was very much alive, its neon glow threatening to consume all the darkness, shooting holo ads into the empty pockets of air between megabuildings.
Safely tucked away in their corner of Kabuki were Judy and V, sitting side by side, knees touching.
Wordlessly, V had brought out her leather jacket from inside, draping it over her output’s slender shoulders, knowing that Judy was cold with just a look.
Judy thanked her wordlessly, but her gaze said it all.
They had such powerful moments of intimacy, without saying any words at all. It had started when Judy had turned to V in her time of need with Evelyn’s rescue, and her deteriorating condition afterwards.
Time and time again, V was there, a steady rock that Judy was so unbelievably grateful to have. Wherever she could help, she did, without asking for anything in return, and outright rejecting Judy’s attempts to compensate her.
Judy felt a chill reliving the desperation in those moments. She’d spent half a day trying to allocate the eddies- while she did make a good amount spinning virtus for Lizzie’s, V’s rates were exceptionally high.
She’d never, in a million years, expected V, the hardened merc, to laugh at the suggestion, drawling out a long “ Juuuudy, seriously? Cmon.”
Judy had forgotten that kindness- good souls, with genuinely pure intentions, still existed in Night City. Yes, they were a dying breed, but they still managed to slip through the cracks and survive, like persistent weeds in the cracked pavement.
“Enny for your thoughts?” V nudged her softly, taking a drag from the cigarette as Judy handed it to her.
“Thinkin’ of you.” Judy responded easily.
V’s holo rang out, and she frowned, silencing it before glancing up at Judy.
“Good thoughts, I hope?” V teased, surprised when Judy faced her, eyes glimmering with an undetermined emotion.
“Yeah.” Judy breathed deeply, nodding. “Yeah, V. I jus’....I don’t know if I’ve thanked you.”
V waved her off immediately. “You have, Jude. And I’ve told you. You’re welcome. I’d…I’d do a lot of things for you.” V felt pathetic, not coming out and just saying the words on her mind, on her heart.
Because I’m so fucking in love with you, Judy. Because your constant desire to help people, to do good, is the best thing about you, and I’ll be damned if anyone lets you think otherwise.
“I…I’m not used to this.” Judy gestured between them. “Fuck.” She blew out a breath. “My last relationship…I burned Maiko’s clothes.” Judy chuckled, most of the bitterness having faded with time.
V felt her fists clench at the mention of Maiko.
“Yeah…” V drawled. “Not really a fan.”
Judy couldn’t help the knowing little smirk on her lips. “I know. Could tell, the minute you came here for the meeting. Two of you were goin’ at it very first thing.”
V winced. “Well, she started it.” She shrugged. “‘Sides…I uh…might’a been a little jealous.”
“No kidding.” Judy was eating it up, reaching for the cigarette from V, enjoying the brush of their fingers.
“I don’t like the way she talked to you.” V added. “I mean…I know you don’t need anyone dealin’ with your shit for you. Hell, you hate it.” V snorted, and Judy blushed slightly. It was intimate, and strangely endearing, to be known so well. “But…between us, I wouldn’t mind paying Maiko a visit for what she did.”
Judy looked away, and V immediately felt badly.
“Sorry, Jude, I shouldn’t have said-”
“You’re a gonk.” Judy interrupted her firmly, squeezing her hand. “You don’t need to do that, but…thank you. For the thought.” Judy wasn’t always the best with words, but she knew how to convey her appreciation. It wasn’t easy, remembering how foolish and naive she’d been, while Maiko conducted her cutthroat business as usual.
V was nothing like that.
V had a hell of a heart. Her M.O. was risking her life for others’ benefit. Most of all- she was a killer by nature, yes, but she was ever so gentle with Judy’s heart, her affections. The same hands that made her the most notorious, dangerous merc in Night City, were the hands that were lightly caressing Judy’s thigh, coaxing her to think of happier thoughts than Maiko Maieda.
“You ever get tired of it?” V asked, breaking the silence, nodding to the view of the city.
“Fuck yes.” Judy answered, squeezing her eyes shut, sighing. “I was…startin’ to pack, actually. I got back from work one day an’ just…I wanted to leave, V.” Judy whispered. “I’ve had enough of this place…think the only good I ever got from it was you.” She added with a little smile.
V’s heart hammered in her chest at the confession. “I was thinkin’ the same thing.” V murmured.
This time, when her holo rang out, it was Judy who narrowed her eyes.
“You gonna take that?” She quirked a brow, resting her hand on V’s thigh.
“Shit, it’s Panam.” V rubbed her temples. “And she’s calling twice…maybe it’s important.”
At the mention of Panam’s name, Judy seemed to perk up slightly.
“So take it.” Judy encouraged.
V quickly typed out a message to Panam, shaking her head. “Not unless its an emergency.”
Judy leaned forward, eyes narrowed. “You know, V, you talk an awful lot ‘bout this Panam…”
V nodded. “Met her through Rogue, if you can believe it.”
“Not the weirdest thing you’ve told me today, even.” Judy replied.
“Right…yeah, she’s an Aldecaldo. I think I told you about them a little…” V thought back to the day in question, but she could only really remember the night that followed, and what she and Judy were getting up to until dawn. “...Or not.”
“You and Panam…any history there?” If Judy was trying to be cool about it, she was failing, just like V outside of Maiko’s office, when she’d gone to visit with Judy.
V snorted, almost spilling Broseph on herself. “Babe, no-”
Judy was frozen in place, deliciously turned on by V’s casual use of a pet name, and slightly more mortified that she’d misread the situation so quickly.
“Pan’s as straight as an arrow.” V reached out, linking her free hand with Judy’s, gently running a thumb over the tattoos on her knuckles, incredibly fondly.
Judy was always amazed at the way V handled her- like she was the most fragile, beautiful work of art, like each of her tattoos were a masterpiece waiting to be traced, discovered, re-learned with her lips. “Not only that, but she knows I’m in lo- I have an output .” V stammered, trying desperately to cover up her slip-up. The last thing she needed was to scare Judy away with intense feelings she might not have reciprocated.
After all, she hadn’t known Judy for so long. And while they were trauma bonded, and incredibly attracted to one another, she wasn’t sure what Judy truly wanted from her. She knew they had strong feelings for each other, and that Judy was willing to stay behind for her, so surely that meant something?
“I think you should meet her.” V continued, toying with Judy’s ring-like tattoo. “Think you’ll like her. She might be a way out for us…with a family that we can rely on…trust, even. And…you two both seem to be incapable of not getting into trouble, so there’s that.”
“ Look who’s talking.”
“ Look who’s talking”
Both Johnny and Judy spoke simultaneously, this time, effectively making V choke on her Broseph.
“Don’t you have somewhere to be?” V croaked, and Judy frowned.
“Johnny?” She asked, looking around, as though she’d be able to see him, sitting at the edge of the roof, legs dangling off, smoking a cigarette himself.
“He uh…agrees with you.” V explained.
“ Tell her you’re head over heels in love with her.” Johnny teased, clearly able to read V’s apprehensions and inner turmoil. “ Chicks love that.”
V’s gaze softened as she brushed away Judy’s hair from her eyes, gaze fixed on her red lips momentarily, before traveling back up to her eyes, where brown met a bright, passionate blue.
“ Digame.” Judy murmured, and V wanted to kiss Judy’s lips more than ever. “What’s up?”
“‘M thinkin’ we should go back inside.” V offered and cleared her throat as she stood.
Judy nodded, as she moved to take the jacket off, V shook her head.
“Nah.” V pulled it tighter over her shoulders. “You keep this one.”
“You sure?” Judy couldn’t quite believe it, but she found herself tugging it closer, and poorly hid her smile of bliss when she caught a faded scent of V’s perfume.
“Looks so much better on you.” V leaned down to seal the sentiment with a kiss, watching Judy flick the cigarette and crush it with her boot before turning and meeting V halfway, letting out a playful growl when V bit her lip.
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“You’re tired.” Judy settled on V’s lap, pausing from where she was hovering over V’s chest. Her own overall straps had been pushed to the side, and V’s hand was currently slipping under her tank top, skimming over bare skin and giving Judy chills.
V grazed a nipple and watched Judy’s back arch, a sharp gasp coming from her mouth.
“Am not.” V kissed the corner of Judy’s mouth, and enjoyed the way she got the techie entirely too worked up.
They usually couldn’t keep their hands off each other- what with the flirting, the constant innuendos, the references to their perfect night together by Laguna Bend. Judy hadn’t been with anyone since Maiko, and V was a completely different experience.
Judy remembered constantly worrying about Maiko’s feelings, how she’d react to everything, whether she’d be in the mood or if she felt like blowing Judy off, on any given day.
V was the opposite, like in everything else. She was a gracious lover, constantly putting Judy first. As much as Judy longed to make V feel good, V’s priority was Judy. V was also not good at playing aloof over their messages- she was always replying right away, amiable and joking, always excited to see or hear from Judy.
Judy wasn’t sure if she’d ever been in love before.
Yes, there were her childhood days of infatuation, crushes throughout adolescence. And that’s all that Maiko was, too. A crush that never lived up to any of her expectations, using her and offering little in return. Judy loved Evelyn as much as a friend could, but that was something else entirely.
The moment a certain crimson haired mercenary had all but waltzed into Lizzie’s basement, everything had changed. V was as beautiful as she was deadly, and as deadly as she was charming. In all honesty, Judy had been ready to hate her.
She’d never, in a million years, have imagined V to be making love to her, after their date night, with plans for them to flee the city together.
It was almost like a dream.
She glanced up, and stroked V’s cheek. She could see the tiredness in V’s eyes. Though she tried to hide it, Judy knew V’s muscles were aching, and rest was what she truly needed.
Though she hid it well with passionate, well timed kisses and touches, V was exhausted from constantly working gigs that paid handsomely but cost her greatly.
“C’mon V. Let’s turn in.” Judy gasped when V leaned forward, kissing the exposed patch of skin on her stomach, lifting her top up further.
“Don’t think so.” V huffed, enjoying the way her output was taut like a bowstring, about to snap, whether she knew it or not.
Judy had to give V credit- she spun BD’s for Lizzie’s for a living. She’d seen more than a lifetime’s share of lovers. She’d “experienced” so many different things- kinks, preferences, lifestyles.
Nothing compared to the way Valerie loved her.
It wasn’t even an exaggeration, or the sheer dopamine in Judy’s brain talking: V was a good lover. V paid attention to every tiny detail, knowing just how to get a rise out of Judy, how to tease and turn her on until she was a mess. Similarly, V knew when Judy was all about making love rather than fucking, and seemed to intuitively know just what Judy was thinking at any given time.
“You must get worked up.” V breathed, peppering her neck with kisses. “-Spinning those BD’s all day long, with no one to relieve you…”
“S’not true.” Judy gasped, rolling her hips against V’s lap. “Y-you sent me those nova pictures yesterday.” She remembered, and felt V grin against her neck.
“Oh yeah.” V drawled, expert hand working to undo Judy’s pants. Judy’s eyes widened and she bucked up involuntarily. “Pictures of what, again?”
Judy whined when V paused, enjoying Judy’s clear distress.
“Better have a good reason for this.” Judy growled.
“Thought you said you were tired?” V teased with a pout, shaking with laughter when Judy rolled her eyes.
“For you , gonk.” Judy jabbed a finger against V’s chest. “You’re tired. Can tell it from the way you’re movin’.”
V acted hurt. “You insinuating I’m not a good lay when I’m tired?”
Judy rolled her eyes again, but shrieked in laughter when V grabbed her arms, trying to hold them behind her.
“Shut…up…gonk…” Judy huffed.
and V was grinning, absolutely living for the sound, enjoying the way Judy smiled. Her heart did somersaults in her chest whenever she made Judy happy. She swore, seeing Judy smiling fully, unabashedly, gave literal days to her life.
Judy’s laughter quieted, and she slumped against V, resting her head against V’s chest, partially annoyed that she’d only managed to get V down to her tank top as well.
V gently stroked Judy’s back, tracing the twin seahorses on her lower back on either side.
Judy could feel V appreciating every line, every mark, giving deep thought to every word, every page, every chapter in the book of Judy Alvarez.
“We could just sleep like this.” V suggested softly.
Judy mumbled against V’s chest. “Could. But s’not as comfortable as my bed.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm, and V frowned, out of her sight. She’d been meaning to do something about that. She’d just been so busy with her damn gigs. It felt like she’d zigzagged across the entire city, doing work for everyone who had an Eddie to spare.
“I do work too much.” V mumbled, hearing Judy hum in tired agreement against her as she stood up slowly, Judy wrapping around her comfortably.
V made for Judy’s bedroom, wondering for the billionth time how she had gotten so unbelievably lucky and yet so horribly unlucky all at once.
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V woke up with a start, the construct once again wreaking havoc on her mind, causing her migraine-like headache to attack once more. She blinked, still, very careful not to jolt her sleeping output.
Judy was asleep, curled up against V’s back, an arm lazily slung over V’s bare chest. The rhythmic rise and fall of her chest was soothing, and V couldn’t help but adore the way her mouth was slightly open, her face completely at peace.
These were the best moments of her life, so far.
That wasn’t even an exaggeration.
She’d never woken up feeling as peaceful as she did with Judy. She’d never looked forward to seeing another day as much as she had when it was Judy’s gentle breathing that woke her up.
V checked the time, biting her lip when she realized how early it was. Judy would surely want to sleep in, as she usually stayed up late into the night working on projects she didn’t have time for during the day. With all the hardcore smut she had to tune for work, V knew that Judy liked to unwind with some robotics, or even working on personal BD projects.
V glanced at Judy once more, gaze softening as it found her. There was something particularly soft and innocent about the way she slept, reaching out for V’s warmth subconsciously. V’s heart ached for Judy- in a way, they were both still young kids with so much life to live, so much to learn.
V wished she could’ve known Judy in her youth. They would’ve been fast friends, likely something more, knowing how much she cared for the techie. When she’d heard some of Judy’s memories during their dive in Laguna Bend, she was filled with inexplicable anger on Judy’s behalf. She wasn’t sure how far along Judy was coming along with tuning their brain dance of the experience, but she had to admit, she was a little embarrassed.
Judy would have unfettered access to her thoughts during the entire ordeal. And when V wasn’t awkwardly distracted by the beauty of Judy’s ass in a tight wetsuit, she was aching for young Judy, wishing she could’ve been there for her.
Worse yet, Judy might accidentally overhear how much V loved her. V couldn’t help it- it was like every third thought in her mind was “ I think I’m in love with her- nope, definitely in love-”
And V wanted to tell Judy herself, in a memorable way.
As if Judy could hear V’s thoughts, Judy’s brows furrowed in her sleep. V made to pull away, to slowly slip out of the bed, but she felt Judy’s grip tighten around her.
“Mmmm.” Came Judy’s protest, in the form of a groan, as she buried her face in the crook of V’s neck.
V couldn’t hide her smile. Judy had the most fascinating balance of being ridiculously adorable, devastatingly sexy, and, at times, terrifying as all hell. There were so many layers to her- the beautiful, artistic braindance technician, with a penchant for helping people in need. She was playful when she was comfortable, yet she could be callous and cold when she wasn’t in a trusting mood. She was ridiculously intelligent, more tech savvy than even V. She was fiercely independent…but V could tell, Judy was enjoying having someone else to finally rely on. It was like the loneliness in both their souls was soothed.
It was a wonder that no one had taken Judy for themselves, though V realized Judy probably wouldn’t be cuffed by just anyone. What was it she’d said, out by the edge of the water?
I’m picky with my girls. The words came back to V, and she felt a slight blush coming on, feeling thankful to be among said “ girls” .
“You’re thinkin’ too loud.” Judy grumbled against her, leaning into V’s touch as V traced circles under her bra, against her bare back. “‘M tryna sleep.”
“Sorry.” V pressed a kiss to her head. “Just gonna slip out-”
“Don’t think so.” Judy pulled her tighter against the contours of her body.
“Jude.” V laughed softly. “Got work.”
Judy cracked an eye open, regarding V with a displeased stare. “Yeah? ‘An so do I, ‘cept I go in after dawn.” Her voice was dripping with as much edge as she could muster in the morning.
“I know. I didn’t mean to wake you. That’s why I don’t stay over every night, cause-”
Judy silenced her with a slow kiss, effectively shutting her up, as Judy’s leg slid between hers, drawing a gasp from V. When she pulled away, grinning, V was breathless.
“This has gotta stop.” Judy informed her, voice very tired, the hoarse quality somehow turning V on, still.
“Yeah, I know.” V sighed. “I’m sorry babe, I guess I shouldn’t stay-”
“Uh, no.” Judy tsked. “I mean your work hours, calabacita.” She mumbled. “Least cute thing about you.”
V laughed, and the sound was music to Judy’s ears. “Merc work is demanding.” She shrugged finally, running a finger up and down Judy’s back. “It’s a 24 hour gig sometimes.”
“Not sure I get why.” Judy mumbled. “Everyone will still be out there at noon, too.”
“Early bird gets the eddies.” V squeezed her hips, eliciting a moan from her output that gave her chills.
“Fuck eddies.” Judy grumbled. “Don’t go all corpo on me.”
“ Some of us don’t make bank as the hottest BD editor in Night City.” V snorted. “Some of us gotta get our hands dirty.”
Judy smirked, reaching to play with the top of V’s panties. “I can do that.” She drawled, enjoying the way V almost fell out of the bed, her whole body responding to Judy’s touch. “ ‘Sides, I gave all my eddies away. Had the place since my grandparents moved out. I do make some from Lizzie’s, but have you ever tried to help out dolls in need? Offer them protection? Shit’s expensive. I make enough to get by.”
“You’re so fucking talented, you could probably make triple that, easy.” V whispered, kissing Judy’s cheek. “You’re just too much of a rebel to accept that.”
“‘M not letting some corpo fuck make money off me and my art.”
“There’s my girl.” V’s words weren’t lost on Judy, who smirked.
“ Your girl, huh?”
V swore she was looking at the most heavenly sight, as Judy sat atop her, and V got a full view of her ink, her slender arms, their fingers twining together as they held hands on either side.
“Yeah…mine.” V mumbled, completely dazed, as she watched her output bend over to kiss her again.
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“The only thing worse than dining and dashing is leaving a note behind, thinking it fixes anything.” Johnny’s amused advice did nothing to help V, who was scrambling to write something coherent to leave behind for Judy, explaining her whereabouts.
“Dining and dashing?” V snorted. “Does it count if it’s my output?”
“ You’re still abandoning her after a good fuck where you both fell asleep together…so yeah. I’d say it does.”
V rolled her eyes. “I’m leaving her message! I’ll be back tonight.”
“Preem, she’ll totally forgive you right away when she wakes up alone.” Johnny added.
“Do you want me here or not?” V asked incredulously. “Whenever I’m on my way here, it’s C’mon V, what is this snoozefest?” V mocked Johnny’s baritone in a lower register, and it made his eyes twinkle with amusement behind his aviators. “And then, when I get here and wanna leave, it’s And how will your output feel about this? Like, pick a lane!”
Johnny grinned. “ Shouldn’t you be relaxed, anyway?”
V rolled her eyes. “How can I relax when you and Regina Jones don’t know when to stop talking?”
“ Hey now, she calls you way more than I chime in.” Johnny scoffed, leaning against the counter as V finished typing out the message on her holo. “ Why you doing this anyway, kid? You’ve got numbered days, yet you’re touring each and every fuckin’ back alley in this city. You catch enough of those cyberpsychos yet? Or you just waitin’ for one of them to finally do you in before the construct does?”
V glared at the space he occupied. She was careful not to raise her voice, knowing Judy was sound asleep in the bedroom, cuddling a pillow that she believed to be her output, for the time being. Until she’d wake up and be more than a little pissed that V had vanished off again.
“I need the eddies.” V pinched the bridge of her nose. “What is with everyone asking? It’s not a new concept. I need eddies to survive.”
Johnny rolled his eyes, barely visible beneath his aviators, but the sentiment was strong. “ You might be dead in a few weeks, who’ll need eddies then?” He asked as if it were completely obvious, and then he froze, seemingly realizing what was happening. “ ...This is for her, isn’t it?”
V put on her own aviators, turning to Johnny. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She lied terribly.
“ Oh, c’mon V. Is that really it? You’ve been dragging me on some of the most bizarre gigs I’ve ever heard of, and it’s…for the BD tech you’re hot for?”
This time, V’s eyes lit up dangerously. She took a step closer, challenging Johnny with her eyes.
“Shut the fuck up, Johnny.” She growled, voice low. “Her name is Judy. You know it. So use it, before I take a gun to my brain just to get some peace and quiet.” Her voice was menacing, and Johnny could see how exhausted she was from her unrelenting work schedule. “And yes, okay? They’re for her. Because I don’t know if I’ll be here next week, or if I’ll be in some landfill again, and the last thing I want is to be worrying about whether or not she has enough to leave this godforsaken shithole, ‘cause she was too busy caring for everyone else.” V huffed, almost forgetting this conversation was taking place entirely within her mind. “I know things were hard for you and Alt, and I really am sorry for both of you. But I will be damned if I spend my last days feelin’ sorry for myself when I could be helping her get out.” V’s shoulders shook quietly as she breathed, and Johnny sighed, shaking his head.
“ So what’s on the menu today? Rogue Delamains? Or maybe Kerry’s got another-”
V actually hid a smile as she shook her head and turned away, grateful that she’d gotten it off her chest, and even more so now that Johnny finally understood.
--------------------------------------------------------
Judy was not happy when she woke up. It was so like V to wake her up early, give her a taste of sheer ecstasy, and then slip away quietly while she thought she was curled up beside her.
And really, she knew V was being honest about work, but Judy just couldn’t figure out why .
She hated thinking about V’s predicament.
V was dying.
The news was like a hole in her gut, maybe in her heart itself. She hadn’t even realized how or when V had come into her life. Judy had hated her after Konpeki, choosing, naively, to blame it all on V, just because she was present.
And then V was there for her.
And V came again. And again. Always at Judy’s side, despite the gonk ideas Judy wanted to execute. Hell, V had put life and limb on the line for Judy, and Evelyn, many times.
To boot, V was the most attractive woman Judy had ever laid eyes on. Her striking looks, paired with her deadly capabilities…who wouldn’t fall in love with Valerie?
So of course, Judy just had to fall in love with the most notorious merc in Night City, dying from a construct in her brain that was rewriting her neural pathways to those of Johnny Silverhand.
It was a lot to fucking process.
Judy wasn’t sure how they’d had time to fall in love, really. It sort of happened, right after Evelyn’s passing. The way V supported her “revolutionary” idea for Clouds, the way she’d squared right up to Maiko, never once budging from her position beside Judy…
(Judy never told V what that did to her. Seeing V stride into her apartment for the meeting, getting all up in Maiko’s face, not backing down from her ex, even for a second…it did things to Judy).
Wherever Maiko had made Judy feel badly, V seemed to bolster Judy’s confidence. Judy could tell that V was genuinely fascinated by her work. V actually liked watching Judy work, despite the fact that it was a quiet affair. She loved watching Judy focus, moving her hands, manipulating content that V couldn’t see without the wraith…it was beautiful, seeing Judy so engaged. Plus, V had a head for tech, and Judy couldn’t describe how much it turned her on to have V rattling off names and fun facts when she first saw her home-studio.
And of course, how could Judy forget, her own abuelita loved V.
That in itself was a testament to how special V was, because abuelita hated Maiko with a burning passion. Not that they were even comparable, truly. Judy had never had her grandmother’s blessing before, and suddenly, even Ainara Alvarez seemed to be falling for the charm of V.
So, Judy was in love.
And yes, it terrified her, in some ways.
Since she was growing up, love was a tricky subject for Judy. The attraction she’d felt towards other girls growing up was difficult to deal with. She’d been ostracized for it, forced to reckon with herself until she came of age, and realized she wasn’t at all abnormal, or odd.
Unfortunately for her, Night City was unkind to those with good souls and pure intentions, and she quickly learned that not everyone had the same set of values that she did.
When Judy had crushed on Maiko, she’d been hoping to fill the void inside her. Maiko was young, ambitious, pretty enough- and mostly- just there. Between helping every doll that was sent her way, and working at Lizzie’s, Judy had accidentally learned to rely on Maiko for so much.
And when the job became more important to Maiko, with all this talk of eddies and promotions, corporate sabotage and etiquette, Judy realized her once- powerful crush on Maiko was nonexistent.
While V wasn’t at all the same, it made Judy a little weary to hear her discuss eddies and work as much as she did. V didn’t strike her as a work-a-holic type, in fact, she’d made it crystal clear that she intended to leave Night City and this job behind. Judy could never judge V for her work, especially under these circumstances.
V was dying, and any time spent on the streets was a chance she could get closer to a solution.
After all, she certainly wasn’t going to find it buried between Judy’s thighs, much as she loved spending her time there.
But to leave in the morning for a gig, after mind blowing sex, with only a note?
Judy was curious to say the least. She read her messages again.
Val
Morning baby.
Had to delta for a gig.
Left you breakfast on the counter.
Enjoy your beauty sleep ;)
Judy’s heart stuttered pathetically at the pet name. It was all so new to her, and it sounded so good when V was the one to call her those things. She felt a tug at her heartstrings when she noticed the breakfast on the counter.
V had gone out and gotten Judy’s breakfast from the bakery on the corner.
In truth, Judy wasn’t accustomed to anyone showing her this affection. Sure, sometimes Mateo would save her a drink at Lizzie’s, or Rita would pick up lunch for her, but V had a way of thinking about her all the time . Sometimes it was through texts, other times through gifts and surprises, but V made it known that Judy was always on her mind. She typed a quick reply, still blushing:
Mornin’ Calabacita :)
Thanks for the bite.
Gotta delta for work soon.
You comin’ over tonight? I get off at 9.
Judy didn’t have to wait too long for a response:
Val
Heyyy, she’s up :)
You’re welcome, in both ways.
And yeah. You’ll be gettin’ off alright ;)))
Judy snorted, grinning as she stepped into her bathroom, checking herself in the mirror. She rolled her eyes as she touched a particular mark against her neck, right under her jaw. That would explain the bite V was referring to. Grateful her hair would likely cover it, she felt an electric sort of thrill coursing through her.
She felt like a giddy kid around V, sometimes.
She sent back a quick reply.
Be safe out there.
I’ll be waitin’ on ya
Now, to get dressed and try to appear somewhat professional for the next twelve hours or so.
-----------------------------------------------------------
There was a reason Judy tended not to leave the basement of Lizzie’s during work hours. Unless she absolutely needed something, it was ideal for her to stay in the safety of the dark room. She was reminded of this the moment she came up for a little air, about halfway through the workday, stopping by the bar, unmanned during daylight hours.
V wasn’t answering any more of her texts, and while Judy knew she was busy with a gig, she just hoped that V was okay…there was always a chance she’d had another attack from the construct, and was just laying somewhere…unable to ask for help….She couldn’t think like that.
Judy was about to help herself to a little something behind the bar when she heard a bat drop on the counter above her. She squeezed her eyes shut, just praying it wasn’t what she thought it was.
It was.
“Alvarez.” Rita Wheeler, the front bouncer for Lizzie’s, looked positively amused. “Drinkin’ on the job?”
“Tryin’.” Judy grunted, reaching around her bat so she could pour herself a shot.
“That’s not like you.” Rita thought aloud. “Usually gotta drag you out by your overall straps.”
“Better not make this a habit, then.” Judy moved to down her shot and leave, but was stopped by Rita’s bat. “Get that shit outta my face.” She groaned, more tired than angry.
“C’mon, Alvarez. The girls n’ I wanna know.” Rita whined, and Judy was certain Rita was making her top ten most annoying voices of all time.
“Know what?” Judy sighed, pressing the bat tip out of her face.
“How’s red?” Rita smirked, enjoying the way Judy averted her gaze.
“Red?” Judy scoffed. “Seriously?”
“Do you blame us? Punchin’ Jude doesn’t leave the basement and all of a sudden she’s got Night City’s hottest merc visiting her in the server room of Lizzie’s? I mean, she barely talks.”
Judy rolled her eyes for the billionth time, it felt like. “Maybe you should try it.”
Rita smirked. “Poke allll you like, Alvarez. Rumors are bound to happen anyway.”
Judy’s eyes narrowed. “What rumors?”
“I hear your output’s got big plans.” Rita explained. “Planning on leaving the city any time soon?”
Judy licked her lips. “How do you know about that?”
Rita’s eyes widened. “So it’s true?” She exclaimed. “You’re leavin’?”
Judy hushed her with a motion of her hands, shaking her head. “‘Dunno, maybe.” She admitted, feeling a little sick at the memory of V’s condition. “I mean…probably.”
Rita let out a low whistle in lieu of a response.
“I know you guys got a pool.” Judy added, a little colder than intended. “I know you bet against everyone who leaves…seein’ how long ‘till they come back with their tail ‘tween their legs.” Judy’s fist clenched at her side, slightly.
“I wouldn’t bet against you, Alvarez.” Rita offered, more gentle than usual. “Not every gonk has a brain the size of yours…” Rita trailed off, watching Judy’s expression soften. “But the heart? That’s gonna get you in trouble, doll.”
--------------------------------------------------------
Judy was exhausted.
A full day of work had her head pounding, her eyes tired, and mostly- she just wanted to see, or hear from, her output.
Ever since her chat with Rita, if it could be called that, Judy was afraid of confronting V. While they had joint plans to flee the city, barring any disaster on V’s end with the construct- (Judy didn’t have the strength to actually think about that), Judy wasn’t certain what V’s plans were. Taking every job given to her by every fixer in the city seemed like a poor form of time management, especially given her unique circumstances.
If they were going to leave Night City, they had a lot of planning to do.
It was enough to make Judy’s head spin as she trudged up the stairs, nearly colliding with a figure at the top, leaning against her doorway. Judy jumped backwards, dropping her bag with a slight gasp, ready to go into full assault mode. Her days with the Mox weren’t simply for show.
“Hey- hey.” V turned, and Judy instantly relaxed, seeing her output’s face.
Then, she suddenly panicked when she realized how much blood was covering V. From her face, down to her boots.
Worse yet, from the tears on her clothes, Judy wasn’t certain if the blood was even V’s. It certainly looked like some of it was.
“V!” Judy’s bag forgotten, she was already reaching out, wincing when she apparently grazed an open cut on V’s arm. “ Carajo, V, what the fuck?” Judy was obviously concerned, V could tell from her expression alone, let alone the desperation in her tone. “What- what the hell happened?”
V bent over to grab her bag and winced, earning a glare from Judy that actually made V a little sheepish.
“Sorry.” She murmured, handing Judy the bag. “Didn’t mean to scare ya.”
“Where have you been?” Judy took the bag, tossing it aside as she ushered V through her door. “Were you waiting? You have the code, V, I-”
“Shhh.” V exhaled, resting a hand on Judy’s shoulder to calm her. She winced slightly at the motion, and that’s when Judy noticed the second gash, bleeding through her shirt, running along her side.
“V.” Judy exhaled shakily, and V realized she was probably triggering some fears and emotions that Judy had buried since Evelyn’s tumultuous passing. “You’re hurt.” She pressed through gritted teeth, like it was paining her to even notice the fact. She turned for her room, hurrying back with what little first aid supplies she kept on her. “You need a ripper.” She insisted, but she was reaching for a knife in her pocket.
V watched with entirely too much arousal for someone who’d gotten cut up- her brows went skyward when Judy flicked the knife open, grabbing V’s tank top.
“Didn’t know you kept that on you…” V drawled, catching Judy’s gaze.
“There’s lots you don’t know about me, V.” Judy growled, tearing V’s top open, tossing the bloodied fabric to the side.
“That was a favorite.” V grumbled.
“Yeah?” Judy shot back. “So was my floor.”
V guiltily glanced back at the trail of blood she’d left behind in little droplets, dotting Judy’s floor like a floral theme. “...Sorry.”
Judy paused, glancing up into her eyes. V could tell she was none too pleased about the injuries, and the mess had nothing to do with it.
“Sorry?” Judy echoed, moving to clean the cut. “V, this needs stitches…how did you manage to get here?”
“Magic of a MaxDoc. Should see the other guy.” V replied wryly. Then she frowned. “Well, maybe not. Poor guy…wasn’t much left of him. Psychosis already got him, his hands were practically saws, and Regina’s got this policy on killing them, right? So I-”
“Do you hear yourself?!” Judy finally broke, pausing mid-swipe, shaking V from her ramblings. She pressed the clean rag against V’s cut, watching her output hiss. “Do you hear what you’re saying?” Judy sounded breathless.
V was just realizing how bad of a scare she’d given Judy.
“You…you can’t do this shit any more, V.” Judy looked up into V’s eyes, and she was pleading . It broke V’s heart into a million shards. “You…you need to be careful!”
“I am careful, Jude…”
“No, V, this-” She motioned to her own blood stained hand, covering V’s wound so lovingly still. “This is not okay. I can’t…you just…I can’t lose you.”
It came out like that, a mess of words and tears blurring Judy’s eyes, even though she refused to cry, refused to be weak again in front of V. She couldn’t. “You’re fighting cyberpsychos , V. That’s what MaxTac does.”
“Judy…” V tried to calm her once more. “I can handle this.”
“You’re a gonk.” Judy shook her head. “You don’t…have unlimited time, V. Not yet. And yet you’re running around this city, taking every stupid gig you can find, for what?” She sounded exasperated, and V could tell she’d been stewing over this for days.
Of course she had.
Judy Alvarez was the smartest person V knew. There was no hiding of anything from her.
There was a moment of silence between them, as Judy carried on cleaning up the cuts, first the one on V’s side, then her arm. Judy’s touch was tender as ever, and that was how V knew Judy wasn’t truly furious with her. Otherwise, it’d be hard to tell, the way Judy was scowling, breathing heavy, looking downright cross.
“I just don’t understand why you’re-”
“I’m doing it for you.” V cleared her throat.
Judy took a single step back, looking as if someone had slapped her across the face.
“You what?” She repeated.
“Let me explain.” V reached out, gently taking Judy’s hand in her own. She pressed a soft kiss to Judy’s knuckles, thanking her silently for her tending hand. “As you know…I’ve been making some eddies…” V began.
Judy looked like she was going to be sick. “Eddies aren’t everything, V.” She felt like she was reliving part of her relationship with Maiko…until V’s next words.
“I know.” V murmured. “I wish they could buy me more time with you…then I’d know exactly how to spend every last one.”
Judy felt like someone dropped an anvil in her heart, and it was hitting her gut.
“I know eddies don’t mean shit. I probably know better than anyone, Jude, ‘cause where I’m going, I can’t take ‘em with me.” V spoke softly, and the words made Judy’s stomach twist.
“Stop, V.” Judy shook her head. “I don’t-”
“Please.” V pleaded. “‘Jus let me finish, okay?”
Judy nodded, and V took in a breath. She didn’t think it would be this hard.
“I’ve come into some money lately. “ S’kinda funny how that works, right? Look for something all your life, and the minute you find it…” V trailed off, eyes fixed on Judy’s lips.
Judy had a feeling she was referring to anything but eddies.
“I didn’t plan on meeting this braindance tech savant who’d be as beautiful as she is smart.” V murmured fondly, reaching out to caress Judy’s cheek. “Didn’t plan on falling for her, either. Didn’t plan on a lot of things…” V sighed, straightening out. “But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t plan now. With whatever time I have left. And Jude, when I think about you…leaving this place behind…I just want to do what I can to help. I want to help make that dream a reality, even if I’m not gonna be there to see it. Please don’t ask me why…if I don’t find anything else, Judy, this alone is a reason to get out of bed every morning… You are the reason.” V finished, eyes lighting up.
Judy had forgotten that V had taken her hand, and she couldn’t believe the sum she was reading.
Transfer:
€$ + 300000
—------------------------
Judy didn’t know how to react. She was still for a moment, unspeaking, unsure of what to say, or how to say it.
Her hesitance seemed to lead V to believe she was even more upset with her, if that were somehow possible.
“...Look, I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want this to be weird.” V winced, realizing it was far too late for that. “I…Didn’t want you to think I was going all corpo- on you, I could tell you were starting to think that. But I just wanna take care of you in the only way I can. And I know you can take care of yourself, Judy, everyone knows that, but-”
“I don’t want your eddies.” When Judy finally spoke, it was more of a croak, and she had tears in her eyes. It broke V’s heart all over again.
“Jude…”
“I don’t want them.” Judy replied fiercely, this time. “I want you .” She threw her arms around V’s neck, and V hugged her close, careful not to get any more blood on her.
“I’m here, Judy.” V soothed, hugging her output close, closing her eyes for a moment, savoring the feel of being in Judy’s embrace. The two of them seemed to fit so perfectly together, molding into one another. “I’m gonna try my fucking best to stay, I-” V’s voice caught in her throat, and Judy squeezed her tighter.
Really, V was just another lost young kid, terrified of death, terrified of being alone, in shambles over what was just around the corner. Judy could feel her trepidation, her fear, everything she’d been burying to save face.
“...So am I forgiven for the bloody floor?” V quipped, feeling Judy laugh against her.
“If you clean it.” Judy teased, muffled by her spot in the crook of V’s neck.
“...Y’know…” V murmured. “Could just buy you another apartment. Was totally gonna spring and get one in the corpo plaza.”
Judy pulled away and wrinkled her nose, eyes shining with disgust.
“Kidding.” V grinned. “I did think about it, though. Realized you’d be all, “Carajo V, I fucking hate luxury and having a shower with actual water pressure and a view. Fuckin’ corpo bullshit.’ Come to think of it, you and Johnny really would get along.”
Judy snorted at V’s impression of her. “I don’t sound like that, gonk.”
“Well, yeah, that but like twenty times hotter.” V obliged easily. “But uh…the eddies are yours, Jude. Buy an apartment, a few cars, save all the dolls in the city…Maybe surprise abuelo with a new set of wheels, huh?.” V gestured with her hands. “The opportunities are endless.”
Judy sobered at that, shaking her head. Of course V would remember the little details, like Judy’s grandfather mentioning how much he hated his truck over a single holo call that V overheard . “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, V. No one has ever cared about me like…you.” She exhaled shakily. “But I still don’t want your eddies.”
V rolled her eyes. “Good luck transferring them back.”
“ I can make eddies…That’s not the point.” Judy pressed. She grabbed V’s cheeks on either side, staring her down. “I…I need you to stay, V. You can’t leave. You…fuck, V, you’re too young. It’s way too fucking early…” Her voice broke, and V shook her head.
And I love you way too much, V.
“We’ll talk about this.” V promised. “ ‘M just gonna shower, and then you and I have all the time in the world.” It wasn’t entirely true, but Judy would take what she could get, at that point. “You, me, and some takeout?” She turned and kissed Judy’s palm.
“Ugh.” Judy feigned annoyance at the saccharine behavior, but V could tell it made her soul happy. “Let me finish fixin’ you up first.” She chided, feeling flushed as she glanced down at V, realizing she was just in her bra.
“Since you’re richer now, think you could spring for a new top for me?” V batted her lashes. “Seein’ as you ripped mine, and all…”
“Such a gonk.” Judy mumbled, very much enjoying the kiss that V leaned up to steal.
___________________________________________________________
Judy and V were curled up together on Judy’s couch, legs tangling as they always inevitably did. V was showered and in a borrowed tank top and shorts, much to Judy’s approval.
Judy draped a blanket over V, and V of course pulled it over both of them, unwilling to be apart for even a few seconds. Judy was learning that was simply a byproduct of V’s love, and it had nothing to do with how much time she had left.
V simply wanted to be touching Judy in some way, to be as close as possible. Judy realized V comforted her as much as she excited her.
“-So he offers me a BD, right? Says it’s the best I’ll ever see, and it can be mine for only thirteen thousand eddies.”
Judy’s facepalm was enough to tell V how she was going to react to the rest.
“You didn’t-”
“Just wait! There’s more! Thirteen thousand eddies, and it won’t even work on my BD wreath! He’s got a wreath, just in this building behind him! All I need to do is transfer the eddies, get comfortable, and plug in-”
“Val.” Judy pressed, eyes narrowing.
“I didn’t.” V laughed.
“Those were obviously scavs.” Judy scowled. “I can’t believe I’m saying this…Can’t believe it needs to be said.” Judy rewarded V with the biggest eye roll she could muster. “You. get. Your. BD’s. from. Me .” She emphasized each word with a jab to V’s chest.
“Can you believe his bad luck, though?” V grinned. “Pitching this scam to the most dangerous merc in the city, who happens to have an output who is the city’s highest demanded BD tech? What are the odds?”
“Surprised you didn’t fall for it.” Judy teased, and V pinched her side teasingly, drawing a little yelp from her.
“You never know where a lead could come from.” V replied wistfully, and Judy sighed, reminded of their conversation earlier. “I…just think, wherever we are…a city, or on the road with the Aldecaldos…I think you should be free to pursue your art, Judes.” V spoke thoughtfully, feeling Judy shift closer to her. “You’re so passionate about it. The way I saw you at Laguna Bend…I always want to see that Judy.”
Judy was blushing, feeling like her cheeks were on fire. She didn’t know how to handle affection so pure, so absolutely wholesome. V, first and foremost, wanted her to be happy . Prior to their relationship, before all else…V was there for her because she simply cared . Suddenly her whole scheme with the eddies, the secret gigs and extended hours…it was all making sense.
V, for fear of coming on too strongly, had quieted since then.
“You know what would make me happy?” Judy finally asked, and V listened with such rapt attention, Judy’s heart fluttered at the sight.
“You, ‘n me, and a whole bunch of days in front of us.” Judy informed her gently. “Don’t really care what we do. Diving, scrolling joint BD’s together, whatever…” She trailed off. “Think I jus’ wanna be with you, V. Eddies, no eddies…city, no city…”
“But I’m non negotiable?” V whispered, lips mere inches from Judy’s.
“You’re non-negotiable.” Judy confirmed, leaning in to kiss V tenderly, enjoying the throaty moan she was able to draw from V.
“Right.” V cleared her throat, dazed and very much blissful. “I’ll just have to stick around, then…But I do have a few questions.”
“Shoot.” Judy tapped her cheek affectionately.
“Were you bullshitting about your abuelita liking me?” V pondered. “Because Panam and I have been discussing the possibility of taking a route that goes right through Oregon.” V grinned when Judy seemed to realize what she was insinuating.
Judy would get to leave this nightmarish city behind her. She’d get to see and hold her grandparents again. Best of all, she wouldn’t be alone in doing so.
“Really, V?” Was all Judy could manage, a strong wave of emotion washing over her. If this worked, if V could make good on her promises…no. Judy believed her. Despite Night City teaching her to always assume the worst…V inspired something Judy hadn’t felt in a long time.
Hope.
“Who knows?” V teased. “Maybe you’ll get sick of me on the road and regret the whole thing.”
"Not if you get sick of me first. Now shut it. Wanna envision this." Judy closed her eyes for a moment, imagining it.
V, the hot sun beating down on them, warming their bones. The open air, the warm nights under the stars, and all the time in the world to simply live.
Yeah, that was motivation enough.
“We’re almost there.” Judy replied, allowing the bliss of the moment, and V’s touch, to bring her to happier times, that were hopefully right around the corner.