Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Night City was currently in the holiday season as its streets was littered in holiday savings, Santas asking for "charity”, and decorations all around. For a certain white and purple-haired Netrunner, all she sees was an annoying marketing gimmick. Corps will push anything to sell their products and services at “affordable” prices around this time of year.

She was currently boarding the NCART tram to get to Afterlife to meet up with her lover and the rest of the crew. David said he had to leave early to meet up with Jackie to set something up. Lucy was wondering what they had in mind for the crew. Was it a big gig? Or maybe another lead in fixing David’s Johnny problem. She could only hope.

But when she got off and made her way to the crew’s usual booth at Afterlife, she was totally not expecting this…

“A holiday party!” Jackie announced, catching almost everyone offguard, save for David.

“Hold up, you called us for a meetup for a stinkin’ holiday party?” Rebecca asked.

David and Jackie nodded.

“I got the idea from Jackie when he told me about how he used to do this with his buddies all the time back in the Valentinos.” David explained. “Since we’ve been doing jobs and trying to get my head fixed, I figured we could use some holiday cheer and R&R.”

“Even went out of our way to reserve a room at El Coyote and invite a few of our friends.” Jackie revealed.

“That’s why you two met up so early?” Lucy asked, getting a nod from the guys. “Unbelievable…”

“What did Maine usually have you guys do during the holiday season?” David asked back.

“He usually just has us chill and drink.” Rebecca explained.

“Wow, that’s a little depressing.” Jackie remarked.

“Just think of that, but we’re expanding on it.” David assured before getting a Santa hat. “And as added fun for the whole crew, we’re gonna make a Secret Santa gift exchange!”

“What?” Lucy asked befuddled.

“Don’t know how a Secret Santa works? Well, we have the names of every crew member in this hat and whoever any of us draw, we have to get a gift for that person.” David explained.

“T-That’s now what I-.” Lucy then stopped herself as she grabbed her boyfriend by the arm and took him around the corner. “Are you and Jackie having a laugh at this or are we really doing this?”

“We’re really doing this.” David answered genuinely, perplexing Lucy even further.

“But why!? Your clock is counting down and we’re still no much closer to fixing you!” Lucy argued.

“Come on, Luce. The gang’s been working hard for a while now and with the holiday coming, this would be a perfect time to cut loose. You heard Vik too. My condition isn’t likely to deteriorate for a couple months at least.” David argued.

“…” Lucy stared at him as her arms crossed, thinking there was more to this.

“Alright, maybe there’s a little more to it.” David said as he took a deep breath. “While my mom was still around, she’d go out of her way to make time for me during the holiday season and we spent those days having a small party.”

He then had a saddened expression on his face.

“And since mom’s gone and I have no clue if this is my last holiday, I want to spend this one as best as I can.” David explained.

“Oh David…” Lucy let out, feeling a bit guilty for snapping at him like that. Maybe they could use a small break and just relax for a time. “Alright, I’ll go along with this.”

David smiled as he gave Lucy a quick peck to the lips.

“Thanks. Come on, let’s get this show on the road.”

Lucy nodded as they rejoined the others.

“Sorry about that.” David apologized as he grabbed the Santa hat holding all the names and shook it. A few times. “Alright everyone, take a name out of the hat. Whoever you’re stuck with, you’re stuck with. No trading.”

Everyone nodded as they took turns taking names out of the hat. They soon read who they got to get a present for.

David looked at his name to see that it was…Lucy. A part of him shouldn’t feel surprised, but he then realized that he never gave a real gift to her since they started dating. This would be a good time to express how much she means to him.

The young Edgerunner leader looked at Lucy and wondered who she drew. At the same time, for Lucy, she subtly looks at the name she drew…which was Rebecca.

A part of her is disappointed that she couldn’t get David, but she can still get him something right? No rules against that. Also, it shouldn’t be too hard to get Rebecca gift. The ideal weapon would be another weapon like…like…

‘Yeah, this may be a bit harder than I though.’ Lucy remarked internally as she has seen Rebecca used literally every weapon she can think of since working with her.

“Alright, holiday party is in a couple of days, so be sure to get what you need for your Secret Santa!” David urged.

Everyone nodded before leaving with only Lucy left. David sighed as he sat down on the seat before Johnny appeared.

“Well, ho, ho, ho…really trying to sell the whole holiday spirit here, huh?” Johnny asked sarcastically. “What’s next? Ugly Christmas sweater contest? Homebrewed eggnog?”

“Oh look, it’s Scrooge.” David remarked, getting a small chuckle out of Lucy as she knew who he was referring to. “You’re gonna say, ‘Bah Humbug’ or something?”

“Never known to be a party pooper myself.”

“How do you usually spend your holidays back in your own body?”

“Same as any other day. Rock out, get drunk or high, piss on Arasaka, rinse and repeat, you know.”

“So, you never had a normal holiday season?”

“Nope, closest I had was Alt inviting me to spend the holiday season at her parents’. Of course, that was when our relationship was very early and she had no idea what she signed up for.”

“And I take it you didn’t leave a lasting impression?”

“Never got the chance to. It’s a long story.” Johnny explained. “But your Output does make a point. Are you really comfortable making this kind of distraction?”

“Come on, it’s only a few days. I can take it. Plus, the way I see it is that we’re still waiting on some leads and we can’t spend our time twiddling our thumbs. It’ll be fun.” David tried to convince, only for Johnny to sigh.

“Fine, I guess a party wouldn’t hurt. Just don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Johnny joked.

“Says the ghost of Christmas past.” David joked back.

Johnny actually chuckled at that before disappearing.

“So, what did he want?” Lucy asked curiously, hoping that Johnny didn’t sour the mood.

“Actually, he had similar concerns to yours.” David revealed, surprising the young woman. “Maybe you two have a lot more in common than you think.” He joked.

Lucy, however, paled at that thought.

“If I suddenly had the urge to bomb Arasaka Tower, do me a favor and flatline me already.”

David just laughed at that.

“I’ll be sure to keep that in mind.” The young Edgerunner said as Lucy tried to peek at the name he’s gotten.

“Who did you get?” Lucy asked, causing her boyfriend to go on the defensive.

“I-I can’t tell you! It’d ruin the surprise!” David argued as Lucy had a teasing smirk on her face.

“Is it me…?”

David blushed and stuttered a bit before violently shaking his head in denial.

“N-No!” David lied; however, Lucy has been with him long enough to tell his fibs. She had a VERY good feeling that he got her name.

“Alright, whatever you say.” Lucy seemingly relented as she already promised David that she’d try to get into the holiday spirit or whatever. Whatever makes him happy, really.

The two started making their way out of the bar as David looked at her curiously.

“So, uh, you never really celebrated the holidays, huh?”

“…Never saw the point.” Lucy said coldly. “To me, every day was just another day to try to survive. Plus, given that the corps always like to milk the populace out of everything they got, I’ve always assumed that the holidays was just some sort of marketing scheme.”

“So, when it comes to Christmas or even New Year’s…?”

“I just spend those days doing whatever before I met you.” Lucy said as David shook his head.

“Okay, unacceptable! This holiday party and Secret Santa thing we got going is now gonna be important to you as it is to me!” David declared, surprising Lucy. “You’ll see! I’m gonna make this a holiday that you won’t forget! That’s my new promise to you!”

Normally, had it been from anyone else, Lucy would’ve dismissed the idea. But since this was David, the love of her life, there was a certain allure to the idea of spending the festivities with him. No gigs, no bounty hunting, no gunshots, no hacking, just them together with the others.

“Okay, I’ll hold you to it.” Lucy smiled softly. While she did get Rebecca as a gift assignee, she was now more than confident to give David something extra for all the work he’s putting in for this. “So, any ideas what you’re gonna get as your Secret Santa gift?”

“I, uh…” David stopped himself as he just realized that getting a gift for his girlfriend may be harder than he thought. She does love the moon, but anything he can get her with that theme would pale in comparison to her custom moon BD…except maybe the moon trip tickets, but that’s whole other can of worms entirely.

Maybe he could go try to buy her a new cyberdeck or something, but how much would a high-end model cost and where could he even get one? It’ll probably put a dent in his savings too, but Lucy was worth it and more.

“David?” Lucy called, snapping David out of his thoughts.

“Huh? What?” David asked, giving his girlfriend his full attention.

“You alright? You’ve been spacing out.”

“Oh yeah, sorry, got distracted.” David admitted. “So, to answer your question, I’m gonna need time to think about what to get and how to get it. May have to take some side gigs to earn enough scratch.”

“That so? Mind if I join up with you then for mine?” Lucy asked. While she did want to get a gift for David, she has to place Rebecca as a higher priority. It wouldn’t be hard to get Rebecca a weapon from 2^nd Amendment or any other gun store, but she needs to be prepared for the kind of weapon she needs to get her.

David nodded.

“Of course! We’ve always been a team!” David smiled as he then called the local Fixer around this district.

“Hey David, what’s up?” Regina Jones asked, picking up his call.

“I’m short on eddies for the holiday and was hoping you could help with that.” David explained briefly. “Anything you have that can be done by two people?”

“Well, it’s a Christmas miracle for you, David! Got a new set of contracts for you to take and a couple of cyberpsycho sightings. One in Watson and one in Santo.”

“Nova, send them to me.”

[REGINA has sent you 5 attachments]

“Looking forward to hearing back from you, David.” Regina smiled as she hung up.

“Alright, I got some jobs for us that should be able to help cover our gifting bills.” David announced to Lucy.

“Okay, guess we should get to it then. By the way, think we can go on another NCART Shard run?” Lucy asked and David responded by holding her by the wrist and rushing the NCART terminal in tow.

Lucy laughed at how eager David was. It reminded her of the innocent goofball she met on the NCART tram, which seemed like a lifetime ago now.

‘Maybe the holidays this year won’t be so bad…’

Chapter Text

“The fuck did I have to get this person?” Rebecca questioned as she looked at the name assigned to her for Secret Santa.

She spent a good while in her truck trying to think what she can get this person in question before she got a text from Judy.

JUDY: Hey, you available for work?

REBECCA: Sure, what’s up?

JUDY:  A few of the Mox went silent at a shipping warehouse we run. Haven’t heard back from them in a long time.

REBECCA: Suze isn’t sending anyone to check?

JUDY: She has her plate full with setting up holiday stuff for the Mox. If it ends up being nothing, then she’d bitch to me about how her time was wasted. Plus, I’d rather have someone dependable on this.

REBECCA; Alrighty! Will see what I can do.

JUDY: Thanks, Becca! 😊

[JUDY has sent you 1 address]

Rebecca started up her truck and got moving.

(With Falco)

“Well, at least this person ain’t gonna be hard to get a gift for.” The Nomad remarked as he was currently walking to a garage with his toolbox in hand.

He looked around and saw no one around. Falco then unlocked the garage and pulled up the door.

The man walked in and closed the door before eyeing his project, which will be his Secret Santa gift.

“Why hello there, beautiful.” Falco greeted as he placed his toolbox on the ground and got on his knees to get a better look. “Let’s see if we can make you as beautiful on the inside as the out.”

He put on his gloves, grabbed the right tool for the job, and started working on the vehicle. With some luck, it’ll be ready by the time of the party. At the very least, this will be fun for the Nomad as it is rewarding.

(With Jackie)

“You’re really thinking too hard on this, babe.” Misty said as the couple were currently.

“I know, it’s just…it my first holiday with the gang and all that. Need to make a lasting impression.”

“So? You’re usually thoughtful? Who’d you get?” Misty asked before Jackie showed her the name he drew. “Okay, that may be a tough one.”

“Yeah, especially, since I haven’t been around long to know the guy’s personal tastes.” Jackie complained.

“Well, if you really think of the crew that highly, maybe you should give them something you have that is just as meaningful.” Misty suggested and that caught Jackie’s attention.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, you’ve told me a lot about the cool stuff you’ve gotten over the years. I’m sure you can lose one of those items as a Christmas gift. You give one of those to him, I’m sure the crew will realize how much they mean to you.” Misty explained.

“Hmmm…” Jackie seemed to think about it for a while before snapped his fingers in realization. “That’s it!”

He then gave Misty a quick peck on the lips in appreciation.

“Misty, mi amor, you just gave me a great idea!” Jackie thanked.

Misty only giggled in response.

“That’s what I’m here for, babe.” Misty replied as Jackie eagerly left.

(With David and Lucy)

The two have spent the next few hours doing Regina’s work. The gigs that they handled was easy enough. One consisted of stealing a truck loaded with leather jackets from a distribution center owned by Tyger Claws.

The couple were able to clear that gig with ease, thanks to Lucy’s hacks and David using his Sandevistan for a few stealth kills. Though, the bigger challenge was David driving the truck out of there. Luckily, Lucy took the wheel almost immediately after David got out of the facility.

The next gig was getting a ripperdoc out of a Maelstrom clinic, who also goes by Lucy. After dealing with the gang members, it took some convincing for Doc Lucy to come with them. However, she was helping a downed Maelstrom member and David reluctantly helped her.

Now, they were currently dealing with a Cyberpsycho on a bridge in the Northside area. David and Lucy got off their bike and noticed an empty cop car nearby.

“Hey!”

David and Lucy turned towards a fleeing cop.

“Get out of here while you can! Call Max-!”

BANG!

Soon there was a big hole in the cop’s head, causing him to collapse onto the ground dead.

“Fuck!”

David and Lucy hid behind the cop car as it would seem that the Cyberpsycho was a sniper. David took a peek around the corner of the vehicle and it looked like their target hasn’t noticed them yet.

“Doesn’t look like he saw us.” David stated as he tried thinking of a plan. “How long do you need to Breach him?”

“A couple minutes, but I need good line of sight.” Lucy replied.

“Okay…” David then thought of something. “I’ll try to get his attention and distract him. You can Breach him during that, right?”

“Against a sniper? Are you crazy?” Lucy asked, looking extremely concerned.

“I’m a guy with a military-grade implant that belonged to a Cyberpsycho and a literal ghost in my head.” David deadpanned.

Lucy sighed in frustration.

“Fine, just be careful.” Lucy relented as David nodded before the latter rushed out of cover.

“Hey, asshole!” David called, getting the psycho’s attention.

He aimed his scope at David, but before he can fire, David seemingly vanished.

“Over here!” David called out again, having used his Sandevistan.

“Grrrr…!” The Cyberpsycho snarled as he aimed his sniper again and fire, only to miss.

“Not there! Here!” The young Edgerunner called once more, being in a different location thanks to his implant.

While the two played this game, the Netrunner managed to quietly get close enough and started Breaching the sniper.

It didn’t take long before Lucy got through the ICE and uploaded a QuickHack. Within a few moments, the sniper’s optics shorted out, making him only see darkness.

“David, he’s blinded!” Lucy reported.

David nodded and made use of the opportunity by charging and ramming into his body with the Sandevistan on.

The Cyberpsycho flew and landed on his back, only for David to grab him by the collar and punch him square in the face with his cyberarm, knocking him out.

“You okay?” Lucy asked, getting a nod from David.

“Yeah…” David confirmed. Even though he wasn’t at risk of turning cyberpsycho or stressing his body thanks to a certain biochip, Lucy still worries about David using the Sandy.

“Let’s see what we can learn about this guy.” Lucy said as she looked at the knocked-out target before doing a full hardware scan on him. “Woah, he’s got a lot of combat implants.”

“Merc, then. But he wouldn’t have that many unless someone powerful was backing him. Even so, why throw him out here?” David wondered.

Lucy then noticed a dirty couch nearby with an open laptop, probably belonging to the target.

“Gimme a minute, watch sleeping beauty here.” Lucy instructed as she approached the laptop and hacked her way. She started reading the emails and finally got a good image. “Alright, got the target’s info. Ex-merc that ran for a corp, but outlived his usefulness. This shitty living space is basically his severance package. Guy kept the implants though, had PTSD, stopped taking his meds…need I say more?”

David shook his head.

“Poor bastard. Call Regina to send someone to pick him up.” David instructed, still keeping an eye on the target.

Lucy nodded as she called Regina, reported the Cyberpsycho, and had her send someone to pick him up.

Within a few minutes, a car approached them and out came one of Regina’s guys. He examined the Cyberpsycho to confirm.

“Yup, looks like he got a minor head injury, but he’s still viable.” The guy confirmed as he cuffed the Cyberpsycho and stuffed him in his car before driving off.

David and Lucy soon got a conference call from Regina.

“Preem work, thanks for going the extra mile!” Regina thanked as she then uploaded the money to both mercs. “You guys also gonna hit that Cyberpsycho sighting in Santo?”

“Y-.”

“Actually, I think we’re about done here. Worked long enough for today, Regina.” Lucy reported, surprising David.

“A shame, but I get it. Alright, I have other people that can take that Santo sighting. Be in touch.” Regina said as she hung up.

“Never saw you actively declined a job like that. You sure you’re okay with that?”

“We should have more than enough money to get our gifts, plus…to be honest, not sure how I feel about taking the psycho jobs when it’s just the two of us. We were able to take this one on, sure, but I don’t want to push our luck. Plus, like you said, it’s the holidays and we shouldn’t spend them working our asses off.”

David nodded in understanding, thinking back to other cyberpsycho attacks they had to deal with. Most of the time, it was indeed a pain in the pass to wear them down and knock them out. Would be easier to do these jobs with everyone on board.

“Alright, I see your point. May have to skim my rent off a bit, but it’ll be worth it.” David smiled as they started walking back to the bike. “By the way, have you thought about what you’re gonna get for your Secret Santa?”

“Yeah, can you drop me off at the closest 2^nd Amendment? Need to check a couple things.”

“You got Becca?” David guessed as no one else would be more into guns than Becca.

Lucy, in response, gave David a playful shove.

“Come on, I didn’t press you for yours!” Lucy reminded, getting a chuckle out of her boyfriend.

“Alright, alright…” David said as he got on the bike and placed on the helmet before offering Lucy’s hers.

Lucy placed her helmet and wrapped her arms around David’s waist as the couple took off.

(With Rebecca)

“Woah! Woah! I really don’t want to hurt you-!” Rebecca said as she dodged the Mantis Blades of a Mox, who had just gone Cyberpsycho.

A short while ago, Rebecca went to the warehouse that Judy mentioned to find a dead Mox and one that has gone Cyberpsycho.

The Cyberpsycho was fast and had Mantis Blades equipped. A of part of Rebecca regretted, not bringing the others.

“Come on, really want me to do this!?” She questioned as she pulled out Guts.

“Grrrr!” The Cyberpsycho snarled as Rebecca sighed before shooting her with the shotgun.

The crazed room flew and landed on her back before she quickly got up.

“Fine, guess you give me no choice…” Rebecca said, looking a little sad as she activated her Berserk implant. The short woman needed to end this fast. “Well…COME ON!”

The rogue Mox roared as she charged at Rebecca. When she tried to slash at Rebecca, the latter grabbed her mid-swing cyberarm before she shot it off with Guts.

“AAAAHHHH!” The Cyberpsycho screamed in pain as her arm’s fluids leaked. She tried charging and slashing again, only for Rebecca to block the attack with her gun.

During the clash, Rebecca used her free hand to grab the other arm…and ripped it off of her.

The psycho screamed in even more pain before Rebecca threw Guts at her face, instantly knocking her out.

“No more talkie!” Rebecca shouted as she picked up Guts and called Regina.

“Yo Becca, what’s up?” Regina asked.

“Got a Mox that just turned Cyberpsycho. I put her down, but she’s alive. Thought you might be interested.” Rebecca explained.

“Of course, I’m interested. I’ll have someone come and collect. Once they confirm, I’ll send you the payment.” Regina assured.

“Preem.” Rebecca responded as she hung before…

BANG! BANG!

“Hello! Is it safe?” A voice asked from a nearby shipping container.

“The hell?” Rebecca examined the shipping crate before it unlocked from the inside and opened, seeing a guy hiding away inside. “The hell are you inside here for?”

“I locked myself inside once the girl started to go Cyberpsycho. She killed almost everyone, but I think I heard some survivors made it upstairs.”

“Upstairs, huh? Stay right there.” Rebecca said as she went upstairs and saw a wounded Mox. “Oh fuck!”

She rushed to her aid.

“Hey, you okay!?”

“B-Barely…oh shit, you’re Fugitive Becky.” The wounded Mox recognized. “Did…did Suze sent…you?”

“Nah, Judy did. You guys went radio silence. Wanted me to make sure that everyone was safe.”

“Yeah…don’t…don’t think I need to tell you how fucked that went….”

“What were you even doing?”

“The guy we had, Hal…s-supposed to crack a BD…for us. He did….least, we think so…until Annie….took a look. Never heard her scream like that…think you can figure out…the rest.” The wounded Mox recalled. “Is Annie…?”

“Scratched up, but she’s still alive. Same with Hal.” Rebecca said. “I sent for someone to pick up Annie, I’ll make sure they pick you up too,”

“T-Thanks…” The Mox then took out a bloodied key and gave it to Rebecca. “T-Take it…container outside…12-B.”

Rebecca reluctantly took it before going into her bag and taking out an airhypo. She gave it to the wounded Mox, who immediately used it.

“That should hold you together until we get you to a ripperdoc.” Rebecca assured as the wounded woman nodded in gratitude.

The woman went downstairs and saw Regina’s man, prepping Annie for extraction.

“Yo! Got a wounded Mox upstairs. Needs help just as bad!” Rebecca alerted, getting a nod from the worker as he picked up Annie over his shoulder. “And you!”

She looked at Hal.

“Y-Yeah?”

“Next time, check your work on BDs.” Rebecca warned as she then received her payment from Regina.

She then went out in the back, looking for the container, and soon she found it. Rebecca inserted the key and opened the container.

Her eyes widened at the contents before smiling widely.

“I think I just found my Secret Santa gift…” Rebecca smiled before she called Judy to let her know what happened.

(Later with David)

“Gotta be fucking kidding me…” David sighed in frustration.

After dropping Lucy off at 2^nd Amendment, the young man tried going to the Kabuki markets to find the best cyberdeck that he can afford Lucy. Unfortunately, all their cyberdecks and tech are sold out for the holidays. Those markets can be just as scummy as the actual corps.

Currently, David was in Santo filling his bike up on CHOOH2 as he was trying what to think what to do.

“Why not give her a turd wrapped in crepe paper?” Johnny sarcastically asked as he appeared, leaning against the wall.

“How thoughtful. You got Alt, Rogue, or any of your exes that when you were still around?” David sarcastically asked as he finished filling up and paid.

“Oh yeah, you should’ve seen the looks on their faces.” Johnny chuckled. “If you’re serious about getting your girl a gift, what about-?”

“No! No! That is a last resort!” David protested as he didn’t even want to think about the backup gift.

David was about to leave before he heard some arguing in the parking lot. Out of curiosity, David got a closer look and saw a bunch of homeless trying to pry open an expensive-looking laptop.

“Hmmm…maybe I can use that.” David said as he knew these idiots couldn’t afford tech like that.

He then approached them, getting their attention.

“Hey, you lost, kid? Sorry, ain’t got a map for you. Rick?”

“Nope, used mine for smokes. Nothing you want here, kid.” Rick protested as he was trying to hide the laptop behind his back.

“Except maybe that laptop right there. How’s a bunch of you gonks get your hands on this?”

“You want this? Well fat chance, buddy! We got to it first!”

“You guys just blurted out that you klepped it from someone. Who and where?” David asked, sounding more intimidating.

One of the homeless guys was about to say something before noticing David’s mechanical arm.

“O-Oh shit guys, that’s David fucking Redhand!” He recognized, causing the other two to look extremely scared.

“The Redhand that wiped out the VDBs and corpo soldiers!?” Rick asked before looking at David fearfully and stepping to the side. “Here. Take the damn thing!”

“Thanks, but you still didn’t answer my question.” David pointed out.

“Corpo corpse around the corner! He was already out when we got the tech!” Rick explained. “You can see for yourself! We want nothing to do with this!”

The three homeless ran for their lives, leaving David slightly amused and surprised.

“Guess that name does have its benefits.” David remarked as the young man went around the corner and found the corpse laying among the trash bags. “If any of those idiots were smart…”

David searched the corpse’s body and found an access Shard.

“Bingo.” David walked over to the laptop and inserted the Shard. After a couple of beeps, the light on the machine went green before David opened it.

He read through a few emails as it looked like the corpse was a Militech Corpo, who got terminated. He then noticed a program labeled, “launch.exe”.

Seeing no harm in it, David launched the program before getting an alert on the minor.

“ITEM 64F5B SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED. LANDING VECTOR COORDINATES CALCULATED…”

Soon David saw a bunch of coordinates that were out in the Badlands. Again, his curiosity got the better of him as he memorized the coordinates and closed the laptop before taking it with him.

He loaded up the laptop and got on his bike before he spent the next half hour or so, driving out to the Badlands where the landing coordinates would be.

David drove up to a field and saw a drop-pod…surrounded by Militech forces.

“Fuck…they must’ve been alerted.” David thought out loud. “Fighting them is gonna be a pain in the ass.”

“Why you gotta fight them?” Johnny asked as he appeared.

“…I’m a gonk.” David admitted as he just realized what the NC Legend meant. The Edgerunner activated his Sandevistan and rushed out into the field. He made it to the pod, opened it, and grabbed the package before running back to his bike.

He then deactivated it before loading up the package and driving away to avoid Militech’s alarmed forces once they realized what happened.

David drove to a nearby fuel station and got off his bike to look at the package.

“Alright, time for the big reveal…” David opened the package and found a…painting. “The hell is this?”

“What do you think? Brancesi, 2021, ‘Untitled number 18’, oil on canvas.” Johnny explained as he appeared next to David, looking at the painting. “Sheesh…pearls before swine.”

“Okay, but why was this in an orbital drop pod?” David asked.

“Why else? Some bougie prick hung it on his wall. Half the Louvre’s is stored on the moon with this.”

“A rare painting from the moon, huh…” David remarked as his eyes widened. This would be the perfect gift for Lucy. But then another thought came to mind. “By the way, how do you know so much about art? Never took you for an artist, outside of music.”

“One of my exes was a painter. Bona fide psycho, like the rest. The sex, though…can’t even begin to describe…” Johnny smiled as he thought back.

“TMI, choom…” David groaned as he wrapped the painting back into the package and loaded it on the bike. “Alright, got a free Secret Santa gift with a laptop to boot. Let’s roll and get this thing framed before Militech does a sweep of the area.”

Johnny nodded as he vanished while David got on his bike, put the helmet on, and drove back to Night City with a satisfied expression on his face.

(With Lucy)

“Alright, that’s good.” Lucy said as the delivery man helped her bring Rebecca’s large boxed gift from 2^nd Amendment into her apartment. She found the one weapon that Rebecca didn’t have and it was this.

“Where do you want me to leave it?”

“Anywhere is fine.” Lucy answered as the delivery man dropped it next to the couch. “Thanks.”

Lucy sent the man a generous tip.

“And thank you.” The delivery man smiled before leaving.

Lucy looked around and it would seem that David isn’t home yet. She used the opportunity to call Judy, who answered.

“Yo Lucy, what’s up?”

“Hey Judy, you busy? Need some help on a holiday project.” Lucy explained.

“We can meet in my office. Got nothing that needs my immediate attention, sure. What kind of help?” The Mox woman asked as Lucy grabbed a blank BD Shard from her desk.

“I’ll explain when we meet.” Lucy pocketed the Shard as she then left the apartment, hoping David likes what she has planned.

Chapter Text

The days following the events of the acquisition of their Secret Santa gifts have been mainly uneventful, only training and doing gigs as they were waiting back on certain leads regarding David’s condition.

Soon the day came for the holiday party that David and Jackie had planned at El Coyote Cojo. Right now, David and Lucy were currently riding to the place on the bike with David as the driver.

“So David, how much do you know about El Coyote Cojo?”

“It’s in Heywood. Valentino territory, but Jackie’s mom runs the place, so you don’t have to worry about us getting jumped. Plus, Jackie is an ex-Valentino. He can keep the guys off us.” David assured. “My mom and I also went there a few times way back. Of course, I hadn’t been enrolled into Arasaka Academy yet, so she had more free time for me and we always came here.”

“She was fine with taking a kid to a bar?” Lucy asked, eyebrow raised under her motorcycle helmet.

“Bartender is a longtime friend. I trust him. Been a while since I’ve seen him too. Wonder how he’s doing.” David thought out loud before he found the bar and parked nearby. “Sure it was a good idea to leave the gifts back at the apartment?”

“They’re too big to bring on bike. I got Falco to pick them up for us. Even gave him a spare key.”

David nodded as he mentally prayed that his lover would like the gift that he stole from Militech.

“What are you worried about? It’s from the moon and she looks artsy too. It’s a win-win.” Johnny remarked as he appeared

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” David said out loud.

“Johnny?”

“Johnny.” David answered before looking back at the dead rockerboy. “And what about you? What gift did you bring to the holiday party?”

“What? You’re gonna invite the ghost of Christmas past to your holiday party?”

To his surprise, David genuinely nodded.

“Sure. Why not. Since you are a part of my head technically, you’re also invited.” David said as he was in a holiday mood. Plus, he didn’t want to spend every waking moment ribbing into Johnny whenever the opportunity came up.

“Well, I’m flattered.” Johnny remarked as David couldn’t tell if he was being sarcastic or genuine. “Not sure what you expect for a gift from me of all people.”

“Eh, I’m sure you’ll think of one.” David replied as he and Lucy finally entered and were greeted by Jackie’s bearhug.

“Amigos! Feliz Navidad!” Jackie greeted as he unknowingly started crushing the two’s lungs, even being lifted off their feet for a bit.

“Hey Jack…good…to see you…!” David wheezed with a very strained smile on his face.

“Glad you’re in…high spirits…” Lucy got out before Jackie laughed and let them go.

“Everyone should be on this kind of day!” Jackie smiled as Misty walked up to them.

“Hey guys, happy holidays!” She greeted.

“Hey Misty, happy holidays! Glad to see you were able to make it!” David smiled.

“Thanks, Vik sends his regards. He’ll be in late due to the number of patients that he has scheduled today.” Misty stated.

“It’s fine. Better late than never.” David assured before an elderly woman noticed the couple.

“Oh David, it is good to see you again!” The woman greeted before looking at Lucy. “Is this your girlfriend? She looks lovely.”

“Yeah, I’m Lucy.” Lucy greeted.

“Guadalupe Welles. People here call me Mama Welles though. I run El Coyote and I am Jacquito’s mother.” Mama Welles introduced before Lucy looked at the embarrassed Jackie with an amused expression.

“Jacquito?”

“What? It’s an endearing nickname!” Jackie protested.

“Anyways, I have to check in with Pepe to ensure that all the food and drinks are ready. Hope you all enjoy yourselves tonight. Mi casa es tu casa.” Mama Welles said as she went to the kitchen in the back.

“She seems really nice.” Lucy remarked. But then again, she doesn’t have much experience when it comes to mothers. Save for Alt and that one visit from Gloria when the latter checked in on the crew that one time.

“Mama can be a bit harsh, but she usually means well.” Jackie assured.

“Maybe to you.” Misty said, looking away slightly.

“You guys not on good terms or something?” David asked.

“Mama Welles doesn’t really see me as daughter-in-law material.” Misty explained.

“Come on, we don’t need to think about that now.” Jackie said. “It’s the holidays and the fact that you’re here with us gotta mean something to her, right?”

“I guess, but you’re right. I shouldn’t ruin the mood with my stuff.” Misty said as she and the others settled at the bar.

The bartender recognized David and approached him.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the little man all grown up!” The bartender noticed.

“Pepe!” David smiled as the two hugged.

“Jeez, look you, little man!” Pepe smiled before having a frown on his face. “I’ve, uh, heard about what happened to Gloria. My condolences.”

“Thanks, Pepe…I appreciate it. Wanna pour one out for her?”

“Me, sure. But you…you’re still around 17, right? Pretty sure Gloria would come back and haunt my ass if I served you as a minor.”

“Come on, I can take it!” David insisted.

“No, he can’t.” Lucy added with a chuckle. “You almost choked on your first Broseph.”

“Oh fuck off!” David replied, getting Lucy and Pepe to laugh at the remark. Pepe poured a shot for himself and Lucy.

“Salud!” Pepe toasted as he and Lucy drank. “Damn, that always hits the spot.”

“Rub it in.” David groaned before they heard the doors opened and looked at who just came in.

“Yo! What up, chooms?” Rebecca said excitedly as she entered the bar with Judy, Evelyn, and a couple of the other Moxes in tow.

“Hey, you guys made it!” Jackie greeted as the girls approached them.

“The Mox don’t have their own holiday thing going?”

“Yeah, but they prefer to do it on the actual day tomorrow.” Judy explained. “Plus I think Evelyn could use the excitement. She’s been holed up in my apartment for weeks now.”

“It’s called being cautious!” Evelyn protested.

“I wasn’t complaining.” Judy replied before looking at Lucy. “By the way, it’s all compiled. Here.”

She passed Lucy the finished BD Shard, which David noticed.

“What’s that for?” David asked.

“I’ll explain later.” Lucy replied as Rebecca took the stool next to them. “So where’s your gift?”

“Outside, obviously it’s too big for me to bring it in.” Rebecca explained. “What about you guys?”

Jackie responded by pulling out a wrapped gift from his jacket.

“Falco is picking up our gifts. They were too big to carry on the bike.” Lucy explained.

Rebecca nodded in understanding.

“So can we reveal who we got now as a Secret Santa?” Rebecca asked David.

“No, Falco is still not here along with our gifts.” David said sternly.

“Come on, this bar is starting to get crowded.” Jackie remarked. “Mama said that the bar should be reserved for us for the whole day.”

“Not worried about losing business?” Lucy asked.

“El Coyote can take a dive for one day. Plus, everyone has their own shit to do during the holidays.” Jackie explained before the doors burst open.

They all turned and saw a bunch of Valentinos enter the bar. The one leading them had dark skin, a black moustache, and white optics that had black Xs on them.

The leader looked at Jackie with an expression of disdain.

“So you’re the piece of mierda that shut down El Coyote Cojo for the day?” The leader asked as Jackie recognized the voice.

“Gustavo Orta…” Jackie approached him and just as the atmosphere started to get a bit tense, the two laughed and suddenly hugged. “Hermano, I can’t believe you came!”

“I wouldn’t miss this for the fucking world, Hermano! Doesn’t matter if you’re not a Valentino anymore, you’re still the shithead of a brother that I look out for!” Gustavo laughed as Jackie looked at his team and the others.

“This is Gustavo Orta, we started out together.”

“In the Valentinos?” David asked.

“No, the fucking bible book club!” Gus sarcastically answered before he and Jackie laughed at that.

“Listen Gus, we’re gonna be partying with some of the other gangs, like the Mox here. Think you and your boys can keep it cool? Not start shit?” Jackie asked as Gus walked up to Judy.

“You the head Mox of this group?”

“Yeah.” Judy replied, trying not to show any hostility.

“For the sake of Jackie and the holiday spirit, I’m willing to call a truce here. Just don’t step on my guys’ toes and we won’t step on yours.”

Judy nodded in agreement.

“We’re just here to get shitfaced, just like you.”

“Alright, I can respect that.” Gus said and a temporary truce was formed before everyone started to spread out and take up more of the bar.

The place started to fill with talking and laughter as Mama Welles turned up the volume of the music, allowing the atmosphere to be festive.

After an hour or so, Falco finally waltzed and his crew noticed his appearance.

“Look who finally decided to show up!” Rebecca remarked as Falco approached their table.

“Yeah, yeah, sorry…I had to make some last-minute adjustments. I also bumped into a couple familiar faces.” Falco said and as if on cue, Val, Panam, and Mitch waltzed with couple of moonshine jugs.

“You all ready to get shitfaced!?” Mitch questioned and everyone cheered as he set up the jugs and glasses while the ladies approached the crew.

“Val! Panam! I’m so glad you guys came!” David said as he greeted them.

“Well, not ever day you see a nice party in NC.” Val smiled as she looked around. “Looks like you got the Mox and Valentinos to play nice for a bit.”

“Just for tonight. No one like a Scrooge.” Jackie replied.

“Sorry if it’s just us, Mitch said that Scorpion is still recovering and that the other vets are making plans for the Aldecaldos’ holiday.” Panam explained.

“How do the Nomads celebrate the holidays?” Lucy asked out of curiosity,

“For the kids, we usually give them their own little party in the camp. Saul one time dressed up as Santa for them and gave them toys that we could afford. As for the adults, well…”

Panam gestured to the other area where Mitch was serving spiked eggnog. Everyone was drinking, laughing, and even did some dancing.

“Think of it like that.” Panam explained.

“No so different when we were in the Bakkers.” Val recalled.

“Let’s try to relive some of those nights.” Falco proposed, getting a chuckle out of his former fellow clan member.

“I’ll drink to that.” Val said as she grabbed herself, Falco, and Panam some beer bottles. The Nomads toasted and drank.

“Anyways, just go out and try to enjoy yourselves.” David advised.

“Thanks, we will.” Panam smiled as she and Val left the crew’s table to go out and mingle with the others.

“Alright, since everyone is here, I guess we can do the Secret Santa exchange.” David suggested before looking at Jackie and Misty. The former still had his wrapped gift out. “Jackie, since you have your gift is the only one here right now, why don’t you go first.

Jackie nodded as he passed the box to David, who seemed surprised.

“I got your name, hermano. Open it.”

David nodded as he undid the bow and tore the wrapping paper, revealing a brown box. He opened the box and pulled out a bottle, which he soon read.

“Centzon Tequila…First Edition!?” David was surprised he was getting this as there was only a hundred of these bottles out in the world.

“Alright, even I gotta admit that’s fuckin’ preem.” Johnny remarked as he appeared next to David.

“Yup, made by Jesus de Abajo himself. The founder of Centzon Tequila.” Jackie confirmed.

“How did you get this?” David asked.

“Well, a long time ago, a shriveled up abeula in Mexico sold me this when I was on biz. Told me that de Abajo had stolen her recipe.” Jackie recalled.

David examined the bottle it and it all seemed legit.

“You’ve had this for a while, right? Why give this to me?” David asked.

“Well, uh…after my fallout with V, I genuinely thought I fucked everything up. My friendship, my rep for my scene at the bar, a whole lot of stuff. You offering me to sign on here, it really means a lot. So, I want you to have a lucky charm of mine that I consider as thanks.” Jackie explained and David looked touched.

“Wow Jack, that’s really thoughtful.” David smiled as he looked at the rest of the crew.

“I told you he’d like it.” Misty assured as she gave Jackie a quick peck to the cheek.

“Alright, who’s up next?”

“I reckon that means it’s my turn. Come on, I’ll show you.” Falco said as he, the crew, and Misty went outside to the parking lot. “And ta-da!”

They see Falco presenting…Jackie’s bike.

“You’re, uh…giving me my own bike?” Jackie was confused.

“It may look like your bike, but I gave her a bit more than the usual spit and shine.” Falco explained. “I’ve been secretly repairing and upgrading your bike with some Nomad secrets. Should be as fast or even faster than the current models out there. Give her a whirl.”

Jack shrugged and got on his bike before starting it up. He then let out a yell as he started moving MUCH faster than his bike usually does.

After a couple of laps around the place, Jackie came back and parked his bike with a wide cheeky smile.

“Chingada…that was the fastest ride I ever had!” Jackie laughed before wrapping Falco in a bearhug. “Gracias, Falco! You just inspired me to take start doing Sunday drives!”

“Just don’t expect me to go on those rides.” Misty warned.

“Alright, that’s my gift done right. Who else is up to bat?” Falco asked.

“Well, since we’re talking vehicle gifts…” Rebecca started as she grabbed the Nomad by the wrist and started dragging him to a different part of the parking lot. “Alright, here we are!”

Rebecca presented a pristine Chevillon Emperor with a big bow on the top.

“W-What…how…?” Falco was honestly speechless at look at this new vehicle.

“You can thank a Mox gig for giving me this freebie, but as you can tell, it’s not my style.  Figured you should have it.” Rebecca explained as she tossed Falco the key.

Falco got in the vehicle and started it up, savoring the sound of the engine roaring to life.

“That is music to my ears, girl. Mighty fine of you.” Falco said in appreciation.

“Don’t sweat it. Welp, one down. Two to go.” Rebecca said, looking at a certain couple.

“Alright, since I’m gonna be moving some stuff into my new van, let’s get your gifts.” Falco said as he walked to his older van and pulled out the two remaining gifts.

“Alright Becca, here you go.” Lucy said plainly as she pushed the crate towards the green-haired gunwoman.

Thanks to her enhanced cyberarms, Rebecca managed to peel that crate wide open before looking down on the contents.

“Holy fucking shit…” Rebecca awed as she pulled out…a minigun from the crate and a spare ammo belt. “I’ve been looking for this kind gun forever, choom!”

“Yeah, it was kinda hard finding a weapon that you DON’T have.” Lucy stated.

“And you can afford shit like this!?” Rebecca asked a bit concerned.

“Can you afford shit like this?” David whispered to Lucy, worried there may be a dent in their moon fund.

“Relax, there’s no dip.” Lucy assured before looking at Rebecca. “Worked our asses off for a while, trying to earn that. You better mow down a fucking army with that.”

“Oh, I’ll tear down more than that with this….” She smiled as she walked to her truck and tossed her gift in the truck bed. “I swear Lucy, if you weren’t fucking Davey here, I’d be fucking you in gratitude.”

“I’m flattered…I think.” Lucy said before everyone looked at David.

“So I’m the last, huh?” David nervously chuckled as he held his gift.

“And since you got a special tequila bottle, Jackie got an upgraded bike, Falco got a new car, and I got Becca a minigun…I think we all know who this gift is for.”

“Alright, alright…” David said as he nervously gave the gift the Lucy, who soon unwrapped it.

They all see the painting and the others seemed a bit confused while Lucy seemed to recognize it.

“Untitled No. 18 by Brancesi?” Lucy recognized as Johnny appeared next to her.

“What do you know? Your Output has taste better than you.” Johnny sarcastically remarked.

“How’d you get this copy?” Lucy asked as she examined it. “It looks so real.”

“It IS real.” David said, shocking his girlfriend.

“You got a painting from the moon?” Lucy asked with a look of disbelief on her face. As much as she loved David with all her heart, she couldn’t help but call bullshit on this…but only a little bit.

“How’d you know it was on the moon?”

“…” Lucy raised an eyebrow at that remark.

“Right, sorry.” David apologized, realizing who he was talking to. “But yes, that is a genuine rare painting that came all the way from the moon.”

“And who’d you kill to get it?” Lucy asked. Even if it was real, there was no way a copro would give this up without a fight.

“The corpo was already dead when I found him.” David replied.

Lucy and the others glared at him, wanting to hear the details.

“Long story short; I found a dead corpo in Santo with a laptop. I got access and found out he was an ex-Militech employee, who wanted the last laugh by stealing this painting. I…kinda finished the job for him and klepped the painting when it was launched from the moon.”

“Hmmm…well, as long as you covered your tracks and Militech won’t be knocking on our doors: I love it!" Lucy smiled as she looked at the painting intently. It'll serve as a reminder of going to the moon…and David’s love.

“Alright, that should be everyone!” David noted. “Come on, let’s go get fucked up.”

They all noted wholeheartedly as Lucy left her gift back in Falco’s old van. They soon entered El Coyote Cojo and saw Takemura by himself at the bar, while Vik, who just arrived, is having a laugh with the other guests here.

“You invited the ‘Saka suit?” Becca asked.

“I felt bad for him.” David replied simply. “You guys go have fun. I’ll go make sure he does the same.”

Everyone nodded as David approached Takemura, sitting next to him.

“I’m surprised actually came.” David remarked.

“I had nothing better to do. During the holiday season, corporation execs are at their busiest.”

“What? Corpos hold holiday parties?” David asked incredulously.

“They do, but they are more like masquerades. People putting on a friendly front for their own benefit. They scout out potential allies that they may use in the future.”

“Wow, even Corpos can ruin parties.” David remarked as the holiday parties were supposed to be about cutting loose and spending time with loved ones. There wasn’t supposed to be a political game behind all this. “At least tell me you guys used alcohol.”

“What do you think?”

“God, I have never been so glad that I got expelled from Arasaka Academy.” David remarked. “And I’m gonna assume that all you did was stand with Saburo, just looking tough and all that?”

“You can say that. Sometimes I mingle, but that’s about it.” Takemura recalled. “I couldn’t afford to let my guard down, even during those times.”

“Well Saburo isn’t around here anymore and it looks like you could use the company. Why don’t you get a drink or some food or something? You’re not on the clock. Like you said, everyone’s busy this time of year, so you earned a chance to kick your feet up.”

“Hmmm…I suppose I have nothing better to do, but Night City couldn’t tell what real food is if a gun was pointed at its face.” Takemura remarked, remembering his first attempt at a slice of pizza from Buck-A-Slice.

“Mama Welles knows how to make the food here authentic enough. Give it a shot, along with an actual shot.”

Takemura sighed as he seemed to swallow his pride.

“I suppose drinking or eating something here would be a nice change of pace.” Takemura said as he looked over and saw Mitch still serving moonshine to the Valentinos and Mox. “Would that be a good start?”

“It will definitely be.”

Takemura nodded as he hesitantly went to where Mitch was before Johnny appeared in his seat.

“Well, well…a ‘Saka suit trying to genuinely enjoy a party. Thought I’d never see the day.” Johnny remarked.

“It’s a Christmas miracle.” David joked. He felt it was okay to talk to Johnny out loud right now since most people can wave him off as drunk or ignore him.

“Suppose so.” Johnny agreed as he looked around, taking in the scene. “Really gives off the holiday vibe.”

“What? Don’t tell me your heart grew three sizes.” David joked, getting a chuckle out of the ghost.

Johnny actually chuckled.

“Actually, just throught of something that I can do to improve the holiday mood here.”

“Like what?’

“Well, first, I need to take control of your body for a bit.”

“That’s a big Christmas gift you’re asking from me.” David remarked. Even his holiday spirit had its limits.

“Come on, at least hear me out.”

That was when Johnny laid out all the details of his idea to David. While the latter was understandably worried about giving his “guest” temporary control of his body, Johnny assured him that he’ll give it back. Even promising that they’ll let Lucy know first what they have planned.

However, despite all of this, there was still one thing that David didn’t understand.

“Why do you wanna do this? You usually come off as more of a Scrooge or Grinch most of the time.”

“…Remember how I told you how Alt tried to get me to come over for the holiday season when she and I were very early in our relationship?”

David nodded.

“I told you that the visit never happened, right? Well…not exactly.” Johnny revealed. “Truth be told, we were settled on a date and everything. Figured I had nothing else better to do. Would be a nice change of pace. Then, a week before we were supposed to visit, I get word of an Arasaka convoy strolling through the Badlands. Got a few mercs along for the ride, Rogue included, and we hit that convoy hard before destroying it.”

“And how does Alt fit into all this? Sounds like an ordinary day for you.”

“Her father was in the civilian casualties. Didn’t know until Alt told me what happened.”

“Did she know it was you there?”

“Not from me. Her mom told her, said she wanted nothing to do with me and advised Alt to stay the hell away from me.”

“And yet she stuck by you to the end.” David remarked.

“Yeah…she should’ve taken her mom’s advice. Anyways, I guess you can say I want to do her right by doing something I should’ve done for her folks.” Johnny added and David thought about it.

“Fine, but we’re letting Lucy know what’s up. Need someone to restrain you if things go south.”

“Fair.” Johnny said as David approached Lucy, who was in the middle of a talk with Val and Panam.

“Hey Luce, can I talk with you for a moment? Alone?” David requested.

“My, how reckless of you, Davey. Would’ve thought you wanted to do that AFTER the party.” Val teased.

“Ha ha, fuck you.” David said, getting a laugh out of the two Nomad women before the couple went to the side.

“So, what’s up?”

“I, uh, Johnny wants to be let out for his Christmas gift…and I’m gonna do it.” David said, causing Lucy to blink.

“I’m sorry, but I think Mitch’s moonshine is starting to get to me. For a second, I thought you said that you’re gonna let Johnny take the wheel.”

“I…am.” He confirmed, immediately putting Lucy on guard.

“Are you fucking circed!?” Lucy quietly questioned. “You know what Johnny is like! He’s most likely to set off a powder keg here! And that’s the BEST-case scenario!”

“I know, but…he sounded genuine about it. I’ll let him out for a bit as my gift for him. If he does anything funny, give him a Short Circuit or something to knock him out.” David proposed as Lucy sighed in frustration.

“Fine, less than an hour. That’s it.”

“I’ll be on my best behavior. Come on kid, let’s roll.”

David hesitantly nodded as he went to the bathroom. He locked the door and took a deep breath before going to his jacket and took out Misty’s pills.

“Here goes nothing.” David swallowed a pill and put the bottle away as he shook his head a bit before opening his eyes.

“Well, Happy Holidays to me.” Johnny remarked before looking at David’s reflection in the mirror. “Don’t worry kid, I’ll fulfill my end of the deal. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Johnny then exited the bathroom before approaching the kitchen, where Mama Welles and Pepe were. They took notice of the possessed Edgerunner.

“Hola David, finding everything okay?” Mama Welles asked.

“Just about fine. I was wondering if you can me another solid.” Johnny proposed before explaining the details of his plan to the two.

Meanwhile Lucy was a bit tense as she stopped drinking for the night, slightly fearing what the deceased rockerboy had in mind.

Within a few moments, Johnny, with an electric guitar strapped on, cleared others away from the pool table before moving it and replacing it with a chair and speaker. He plugged everything and started setting up a mic in as Mama Welles shut off the music, getting everyone’s attention.

“Hey, uh, I just wanna say that…I’m glad all of you can make it tonight.” Johnny started, trying to sound genuine and as much as David as possible. Those who knew David’s condition were understandably worried, especially a certain Netrunner girlfriend. “Times like these, it’s good to know that not everything in Night City has to be blood, violence, and sex. Not that there’s a problem with the last one.”

Most people laughed at that joke.

“Anyways, just consider this as my last gift for you guys. Happy holidays!” Johnny said as he started playing.

When we are born we are swaddled and suckled
Whispered to, fussed over, tickled and cuddled
When we grow up things get muddled
And here it is, Christmas time

Will you stop by for a piece of delicious
Peach pie while I tell you my yuletide wishes?
You can help me do the dishes
'Cause here it is, Christmas time

Everyone started to cheer as they listened to the music intently while the people that knew about Johnny seemed pleasantly surprised. Johnny kept playing the song and it seemed it got a lot of people in a dancing mood.

We all want someone who will love us and hold us
To curl up alongside when nights are the coldest
We all want someone who will hug us and kiss us
All I want is you for Christmas

Soon the people that knew about David’s condition eventually cooled and backed off, but Lucy kept watch at the bar. Not only because Johnny was in control, but there was something about seeing David’s body play the guitar and sing that made her heart flutter. If she didn’t know David was being controlled right now, she’d be a little turned on.

Lucy then started to record everything on her phone. Not only for her memories, but David’s. He was not gonna remember any of this when Johnny goes back.

Let us examine the holiday spirit
Let the small kids sing so we can all hear it
Light up a fire and pull the chair near it
'Cause here it is, Christmas time

For Jackie and Misty, they were doing a close dance (much to Mama Welles’ displeasure). The former pulled a small, wrapped gift from his jacket and handed it to the fortune teller. The woman looked briefly confused before she unwrapped and to her shock, it was an ornate box for her cards.

Misty seems touched by the gift before wrapping her arms around Jackie’s neck and giving him a quick peck, causing Jackie to laugh in delight.

We all want someone who will love us and hold us
To curl up alongside when nights are the coldest
We all want someone who will hug us and kiss us
All I want is you for Christmas

Johnny started playing a guitar solo, getting mostly everyone to cheer. Meanwhile with Falco, he was still drinking and laughing with Vik, Mitch, and Takemura. The former Arasaka bodyguard seemed to be extremely drunk as he was uncharacteristically laughing and saying certain things that the older man would never say.

For the sake of his pride, it would be best never to go into full detail of this account. All one needs to know is half his ramblings were mourning Saburo Arasaka while the other half is listing all the creative ways he’ll have his revenge on Yorinobu.

When we are born we are swaddled and suckled
Whispered to, fussed over, tickled and cuddled
When we grow up things get muddled
And here it is, Christmas time

As Panam and Val were talking, Evelyn noticed Judy giving the occasional glare to one of the Nomads. The former Doll gestured for Judy to try something, but the latter shook her head once more.

Evelyn looked at Rebecca with a pleading look. Rebecca smiled as she nodded…before pushing Judy into the Nomads’ directions. Judy moved and almost tripped, but Val caught her before the Mox could faceplant.

Judy looked at her savior with a deep blush on her face while Val chuckled and helped her stand on her feet. She soon started talking with Judy while Evelyn and Rebecca looked at each other with satisfied expressions.

We all want someone who will love us and hold us
To curl up alongside when nights are the coldest
We all want someone who will hug us and kiss us
All I want is you for Christmas
All I want is you for Christmas
All I want is you for Christmas

Johnny soon finished the song and everyone cheered at that while the literal ghost placed the guitar away, bowed, and joined Lucy at the bar.

“So, when did you learn that song? Wasn’t in any of your albums.” Lucy pointed out.

“It’s not mine. Belonged to a friend of mine, back when I still had genuine friends.” Johnny replied as he grabbed a beer from behind the counter when Pepe wasn’t looking. “Played that song a dozen or so times during the holidays. Beaten it into my head.”

“Well, for what it’s worth, it was nice to hear David play and sing it. He’s got quite the voice.”

“Yeah, yeah. Speaking of which…” Johnny took out the other medication bottle and took out a pill. “See you around.”

Johnny placed the pill in his mouth and downed it with his bottle of bear before finishing it. The man young man blinked as his eyes briefly rolled before he regained his composure.

“David?”

“Yeah, yeah, it’s me…” David smiled. “Take it that Johnny did good?”

“For once, he did…” Lucy smiled back as the two enjoyed themselves while watching the party go down for the rest of the night.

(Later at Lucy’s apartment)

“Finally done with all that.” David remarked as he carefully brought Lucy’s new painting in. “So, how’s your first holiday party?”

“I won’t lie; you certainly made it memorable.” Lucy smiled. “You kept your promise.”

“One down, one to go.” David smiled back as he looked at the painting. “So, where do you want me to hang this?”

“Just leave it on the couch.” Lucy said as she took out the BD Shard that she and Judy worked on before approaching her boyfriend. “Hey David, there’s still one more gift I want to give you…”

“Another date on the moon?” David asked, getting Lucy to giggle a bit.

“Not quite. You’ll see.” She smiled, looking a little nervous.

David agreed and soon they placed on their wreaths, inserted the Shard, and established the link before going in.

Within a few moments, David felt a certain warmth as he opened his eyes. To his surprise, he found himself in a chair in a well-furnished wooden lodge. David took in the detail as he opened the door, revealing a snowing forest.

“Woah, this resolution!” David remarked as Lucy appeared behind him.

“So, you like it?” Lucy asked, a little nervous.

“Yeah, I can feel the snow!” David remarked as the couple felt a pang of déjà vu.

“Good, admittedly, I was a bit worried. This was a rush job, so I enlisted Judy to help me in creating this place.” Lucy explained.

David smiled as he bent down and touch the snow, savoring the cold feeling.

“You kidding me? This place is just as preem as the moon BD. You outdid yourself.” David said as he slowly started to gather all the snow in his hands.

‘Thanks, I think you rubbed off on me in terms of the holiday spirit or whatever. So, I’m, uh…really glad you like-.”

WHAM!

Lucy’s face was suddenly met with a snowball, followed by David’s laughter. The Netrunner wiped her face clean of the snow as she had a playful yet vengeful expression on her face.

“Oh, you asked for it!” Lucy made a snowball of her own and threw it at David, hitting him in the chest.

“This means war!” David declared as the couple started engaging in their own snowball fight. Gathering up as much snow as they can and throwing it at each other, followed by their own laughter. They didn’t care about who’s winning, it was all about having fun.

They then spent few hours screwing around as they had done in the moon BD. They made a snowman with the Edgerunner logo on it that David affectionately named Gloria.

Surrounding Gloria were the imprints of snow angels on the ground that the couple made, citing that they made the snowman new friends.

Their fun didn’t stop with just the snow, as there was a frozen lake nearby. Lucy was skating flawlessly on the ice while David looked at her and his skates a bit nervous. He tried to glide on the frozen surface like her, only to lose control of his legs and slip.

Luckily, Lucy caught up to him just in time.

“Just copy me.” Lucy instructed as she held David’s hand before they started skating together on the ice.

David smiled intently at Lucy, touched at the digital world she made for him and her. He gently squeezed his hand before the two stopped at the edge.

“Alright, I think that’s enough skating-.” Before Lucy can finish, David leaned in and gave her a passionate kiss. Lucy’s eyes widened in surprised before relaxing and closing them, allowing herself to kiss back.

As they made out, Johnny appeared in the wooden lodge and watched the couple from the window.

“Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.” Johnny quoted as he took out a cig and smoked it.

(With Jackie)

After the party and dropping Misty off at her home, Jackie held a wrapped present as he sighed and looked at a certain apartment door.

He approached the door and laid the present down on the floor in front of it before knocking. Jackie made his way out right before the door opened, revealing V.

V looked around before noticing at the present at his feet. The merc took the box and saw the tag, detailing who it’s from which totally surprised him.

V then looked around more, but didn’t find a single soul nearby.

“…Ah, fuck it.” He shrugged before taking the gift with him inside.

(Later in the morning)

David stirred as he woke up and looked around. Again, his and Lucy’s clothes were scattered after they got out of the BD to continue the “festivities”.

The young man then noticed his yellow EMT jacket on the floor with a small black box sticking out of the pocket.

‘The backup gift!’ David recognized as he turned over to see Lucy still sleeping soundly. He quietly picked up the box and opened it, revealing a silver ring with a diamond in the center.

David stared at the ring intently before closing it and putting it back in his jacket. He then returned his focus to Lucy, who he wrapped his arms around. This caused the girl to smile as David kissed her forehead.

‘As soon as all this is over and I’m fixed…I’m asking her.’ David decided as he closed his eyes and went back to sleep.