"Hop in, mano!"
Jack slapped the side of his silver-gray sedan, the metallic body reflecting the neon glow of Night City. With a grin, he slid into the driver's seat.
Leo settled into the passenger side, curiosity flickering in his eyes as he took in the vehicle's design. Despite the evident wear and tear, the dashboard was littered with futuristic controls, illuminated displays, and digital readouts. Yet, the faint traces of vintage style still lingered—chrome trimmings and a chunky steering wheel that screamed early 2020s nostalgia.
"Not a bad ride," Leo remarked. "Got that retro charm."
"Retro?" Jack snorted. "Try ancient. This beast belonged to my mom. Ten years old and still kicking."
He fiddled with the outdated nav system, its holographic map flickering to life.
"So, mano, where to? Corpo Plaza? Gonna shack up in some Arasaka penthouse?"
"Please," Leo scoffed. "I'm not made of eddies. I need something practical. Safe. Affordable."
Jack tapped his chin, thinking it over.
"Safe, huh? Lemme be honest, Leo—'safe' doesn't mean shit in Night City. Best you'll get is 'less likely to get shot.' But for a guy like you?"
He gave Leo an appraising glance, shaking his head with a slight grin.
"You look like corpo money. Soft hands, clean clothes, and no scars. Trust me, the wrong people see you, they're gonna smell eddies. And you? Not exactly the type to throw a punch."
"Ouch."
"Just facts, mano."
Jack navigated through a couple of interface options.
"There's a megabuilding not far from here. Locals call it the 'Ant Hill.' Dirt-cheap, packed with people trying to scrape by. Plenty of edgerunners, wannabe mercs. Someone gets flatlined every other week. Think you'd last?"
"Yeah, no thanks." Leo winced.
Living in V's old apartment? Not a chance. He respected the legend, but waking up next to a crime scene? Hard pass.
"What about Haywood?" Jack suggested. "My family's bar's there. Area's mostly Valentino turf, but I still got friends in the gang. You'd be safer under their watch."
"Wait, Valentino?" Leo tried to act surprised. "Jack, with your build and all, you're not some ex-gang boss, are you?"
Jack chuckled, puffing his chest out theatrically.
"Damn right! Was a big deal back in the day." Then, his bravado softened. "But that was then. Left the gang life. Now? I'm just a free man."
He shrugged, though there was a glint of pride in his eyes.
"Still, the old connections come in handy. Nobody's gonna mess with you if I vouch for you."
"That's the spirit." Leo nodded, checking the GPS. "Let's head to Haywood. I'll see if I can find a decent apartment."
"Buckle up, then!"
With a rev of the engine, Jack pulled onto the main road. As they cruised past the looming megabuilding, Leo cast a lingering glance at the chaotic hive that was the Ant Hill. Maybe in another life, he could've been neighbors with V… but not today.
Crossing the Watson Bridge, they entered the towering heart of Night City.
Glass skyscrapers gleamed under the artificial sky, massive holograms advertising the latest cyberware and neon nightlife. The streets were alive with luxury vehicles and corpo suits hustling from one meeting to the next.
"Left side, Leo." Jack gestured. "Corpo Plaza. The beating heart of greed and ambition. Some people dream of getting a corner office there… others dream of burning it down."
Leo took in the monumental structures, towering symbols of unchecked power. A grim reminder of what corporations could become.
"You ever been inside?"
Jack snorted. "Hell no. They'd take one look at me and call security."
"Their loss."
"Damn right."
Soon enough, they arrived in Haywood. Familiar murals and colorful graffiti marked Valentino territory. Religious icons blended with street art—a visual testament to the gang's unique flair.
"Not bad, huh?" Jack grinned. "Feels like home."
Leo checked his holo again, locking onto a promising property.
"There's an apartment complex nearby. Four grand to buy outright. Not too shabby."
"Four Gs?" Jack's eyes widened. "Damn, mano. Must be nice to have corpo money."
The apartment was even better in person—a sleek, industrial-style duplex with high ceilings, open spaces, and massive floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city skyline.
Jack gave a low whistle.
"Office space, weapon racks, a lounge… you've even got a bar and pool table. Shit, Leo. I'm starting to think I should move in."
"Not a bad idea," Leo joked. "I could use a roommate."
Jack laughed, shaking his head.
"Tell you what—add me to your contacts. I'll send you the location of El Coyote Cojo. That's my family's bar. Swing by sometime. First round's on me."
Leo nodded, his smile fading slightly.
"Jack, about protection… I need a bodyguard. Someone reliable. I can pay well."
Jack hesitated, visibly tempted. But after a pause, he shook his head.
"Wish I could, mano. But I'm still healing up. Give me some time."
"Fair enough. You're the expert."
Jack scratched his chin thoughtfully.
"Tell you what. Get settled, then meet me at the bar. I'll ask around. Maybe I can hook you up with someone who knows how to handle themselves."
"Deal."
Leo's grin returned. Haywood was starting to feel like home already. And if fate was kind, maybe he'd even bump into V.
But for now? He had a city to explore.
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