Chapter Text
The air surrounding us is coated in a thick layer of anxiety. Viktor's boxing match can be faintly heard from afar as cheers erupt for the bloody fight. The tension is high, accompanied by the constant pacing of heavy boots on concrete, which drowns out some of the blistering shouts.
A long sigh from Viktor finally shatters the silence in half before he can open his mouth to offer input; the pacing halts and someone else in the room beats him to the punch.
"I know you don’t want to see me chica, but I really need your help with this gig” Jackie’s voice tinged with uncertainty and a bit of optimism. He attempts to give a comforting smile, implying that everything will turn out fine.
“You really have some guts, Jackie. I already told you I won’t do jobs with you anymore. It’s been months and now you want my help?” Venus exclaims in disbelief as she runs her slightly trembling hands through her raven hair. She attempts to calm herself by doing so.
Viktor pauses the match and rises from his swivel chair, gradually moving toward the two with his hands on his hips, inhaling thoughtfully. Dried blood remains smeared on his dark button-up shirt from the previous client, with the stethoscope still hanging loosely around his neck.
"This is a big deal, chica! We'll be entering the big leagues!" His voice brimming with enthusiasm, his arms gesturing with every word he speaks.
"This is our chance to build our reputation!" Jackie's broad grin and gold-accented chrome on his face shine vividly in the poorly lit room.
"This entire situation is a death sentence! There are far too many factors involved; this isn't a simple stroll in the park; this is Arasaka we're discussing!" Disbelief at the stupidity fills her with annoyance.
"She’s right, Jackie. The job’s way too risky. Stealing from Arasaka, especially from Yorinobu himself, is a seal of death." Viktor's voice is tinged with tiredness and concern.
"Dexter Deshawn already has a questionable reputation; you guys might not make it out of this one alive."
The silence wraps around us once again, squeezing us in a tight grip; the room, though spacious as it is, feels suffocating once more.
"We only have to get the Flathead from the Maelstromers at All Foods and then hand it over to Dex.” Jackie attempts to keep persuading Venus but is interrupted.
“Who is ’We’, Jackie?” Venom coats her tongue as she struggles to suppress her fury.
"Por favor, al menos ven an All Foods conmigo, chica."
"Once we deliver it, we can go our separate way once more." Jackie exhales deeply, tilting his head side to side, attempting to make it pop. His hands sadly stay by his sides, reflecting and analyzing, unable to grasp her absence of excitement.
"Jackie, it's been months since we last spoke, and you want this to be our first conversation?" She pushes her butt against Viktor's desk, her hands placed on either side as sorrow wells up in her eyes, but it fades swiftly.
“You come to me about some death wish gig telling me we’ll make it big. That’s the whole reason why I left Jackie! I don’t care about being in the big leagues!” Her voice escalates while she shakes from the anger attempting to consume her.
“Jackie, being in the big leagues is your dream, not mine.” Combing her hair with her left hand again, she takes a deep breath and lets it out.
This time, Viktor steps in, attempting to ease the situation. "I understand you're upset, V." He exhales heavily as he steps closer to place a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
“Perhaps this job might help you two reconnect. Like Jackie said, you can always leave after dropping off the Flathead.” He smiles, giving her shoulder one final comforting squeeze as he steps back.
”Fine.” She massages her temples, sensing a looming surge of agony hitting her head.
"Once we deliver the item, that’s it." Although she’s already beginning to regret her words and can feel the impending chaos that’s sure to unfold.
Jackie lets out a breathe of relief. “You won’t regret it chica.”
"I'll go ahead and get prepared for tonight then; those chromed pendejos might give us a hard time, so it's best we prepare in case we have to shoot our way out."
Jackie turns to head out; though we all know he'll stay with Misty for a bit, catching her up to date with what we all discussed. His footsteps slowing fading out and only a silent echo follows him as he gets further away.
Venus, brimming with exhaustion, propels herself away from the desk to retrieve her data pad, which she left on the examination table. She takes a seat on the exam table and activates her data pad, showcasing her designs and drawings. Trying to start on a new design to distract her mind from the situation at hand.
Viktor gently shakes his head while a sad smile appears on his face, his eyes obscured by sunglasses; however, at the right angle, you can see the crow's feet developing around his eyes.
"Don't get into any trouble tonight, kid. I understand why you’re not happy, but just give it a try, okay?" Worry threads through his deep voice, while the pockets of velvet cloak his tongue.
“I know." She elongates the final word in a brief, melodic manner, placing her data pad onto her lap to meet his gaze, conveying her commitment.
"I'll be fine, Doc. I pinky promise.” Offering a soft chuckle, Viktor smiles back at her in return. “I’ll hold you to that promise then kiddo.”
“I just can’t believe that this is how our reunion went down. Not even a single fucking apology.” A grimace appears on her face.
“We did everything together, Vik.”
“Surely not everything, I hope.” He hints with a teasing tone.
“You know exactly what I meant, Vik.” Frustration permeates her tone.
”I know, kiddo. I know.”
“This really fucking blows, Vik, that this is how it went down. I know we never really saw eye to eye, especially towards the end. It just kills me that he acted like nothing happened.” Sadness envelopes her soul and she just wants to hide away.
“I understand your anger. Jackie can be just as stubborn as you, V. Perhaps in his own way, this was his attempt at an apology,” he suggests comfortingly, but it gives almost no comfort.
Viktor begins to ease back into his chair with a slight squeak. "Head home for the day; it’s been a quiet day anyway.”
“‘Sides, you got a gig to prepare for.”
“Thanks, Vik. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me.” She offers him a short embrace of thanks from behind, her arms encircling his torso.
He gently pats her arm in acknowledgment, eyes fixed on the screen as he rewinds the match to pick up where he left off. She pulls away and in the distance, her footsteps gradually fade away until only the thunderous applause and calls for blood remain.