David plopped himself on his chair, equipping a medical face mask and a pair of sterile gloves in complete silence. Before him lay a fully intact human spine, covered by a protective layer of sterile plastic.
He cringed when the ripperdoc removed the cover, the large piece of connected bone and nerves ready to be chromed.
Where Doc manages to get his hands on literal human body parts, he'll never know. And he never wanted to know. It's sometimes best not to ask such intrusive questions.
"Bring back any pleasant memories?" Doc teased.
"Fuck no!" David responded. "I'm starting to think you never used anesthesia for my Sandevistan."
"Definitely used the lethal amount, choom. Anymore and you would've been dead meat," Doc stated. "Shoulda learned that at 'Saka 'Cademy. Nerves are literally connected to your spine. Fuckin' right you're gonna feel somethin' with that many bunched up in there."
With a handy sharpened blade, he began to cut away at some of the vertebrae here and there. The ones cut out got discarded into a special bag.
"Are you gonna… dispose those?" David asked curiously.
"Nah. Know someone who collects these trinkets. Always a deranged choom in this world who finds a use for every part," Doc explained.
David watched in silence as the ripperdoc finished trimming the bone, leaving some open pockets. He speculated those were for the chromed spare vertebrae pieces that were sitting next to the medical table.
"Time for the real beauty," he heard Doc say in pride as he retrieved one of the special vertebrae, using a specific tool to properly place the piece together with the natural bone.
It only took a few seconds, and David could now see a small red light emanating from the center of the chromed bone piece.
"Don't fuck this up, Davey," Doc warned, handing him the tool.
That was all the training he was gonna get?! It seemed easy, but usually Doc always showed him three times before actually engaging.
Swallowing away the anxiety creeping up to him, he took the tool with confidence, grabbing a new piece of the metal vertebrae and aligning it in place, eyes carefully focused at the task at hand as he connected the piece…
…
"What a fuckin' beauty," Doc commented at the finished work.
David inspected the new chromed spine, well half-chromed. It looked nothing compared to his Sandevistan, but the customer wasn't looking for something flashy. They also had limited funds, which explained a lot. Overall, the outcome looked great.
He took off his medical cap and ran a hand through his hair. This whole procedure took longer than expected, and it wasn't because of his lack of experience—Doc had to add a special thermal paste to the chromed pieces. Not only that, but the spinal fluid had to be replaced with a synthetic kind of material so that the organic pieces wouldn't reject their new artificial counterparts. David helped along the way, but that last part had to be done slowly and carefully.
It felt good to be back in the clinic. It almost felt natural. This was a nice distraction to take his mind off of the events yesterday with…
He sighed, rubbing his eyes tiredly. Looking back, he should've declined Katsuo's invitation in the first place. It was all a big mistake, and he was partly to blame too, having an uncontrollable crush on the blue-haired boy and all. He felt his gut wrench. That feeling was still there, damn it. And he hated it, wishing Katsuo never held him. If he didn't care before, why would he care now? Why would the rich bastard wait months to tell him he's sorry? Did the Ghost of Christmas Past pay him a visit one night? He did mention having nightmares…
David clenched a hand in his hair, teeth gritting, thankful he had the face mask still on. Katsuo really did look like shit that day—very noticeable dark bags under his eyes, and those blue eyes didn't hold a lot of shine to them either, the white parts red with fatigue and exhaustion. He doubted the rich boy got any sleep last night after what happened
Good, David thought. Maybe he'll learn a lesson from this. The blue bowl-cut had always been an asshole to him. A few days of no sleep will do him justice. Let him continue those nightmares. Besides, he's the one that brought it on to himself.
And yet—despite everything going to shit yesterday—David couldn't help but feel… bad for him? His hand now rested on his thigh, Doc's words sounding like background noise while David wrestled with his thoughts. The rich boy insisted he hail a Delamain Cab for his ride home, but David firmly declined, and instead used the usual NCART.
His eyes began to slightly water, remembering how he said he was going to revise his essay today with Katsuo, and he was so looking forward to it, but that was never going to happen now—
"We can explore the mall some other time. I've only ever browsed the first floor. Kinda curious what else is up there…"
Katsuo had said that the day prior.
David quickly blinked his tears away, not wanting the ripperdoc to notice. Through all the emotional damage and pain, he had hoped the blue-haired boy would become his friend. He mentally slapped himself. Why…? Why did he have to bring up all that negative past? They would've been fine if none of it was ever mentioned. But it was inevitable. Even if they were friends now, the rich boy would have noticed the urn containing his mother's ashes sometime later…
Doc gave an unusual look at David's sulking form. Not again… he thought, having a strong sense of why the choom was suddenly feeling down.
"The fuck is it now? Cupid flatline early on that not even Trauma Team could rezz him?" Doc asked annoyingly. He was a surgeon and a ripperdoc, not some sort of shrink, or therapist, or whatever the fuck people called them these days.
David perked his head up, not realizing he was doubled over in his seat. He sighed, removing his face mask. "It's complicated…"
Ahh, good—he didn't wanna talk about it. Doc hummed in response to that. The last thing he wanted to hear was David's failed attempts on winning his school crush—
"It's just…" he heard David sigh out in hesitation.
Ah, shit… here we go again… Doc braced himself for cringe.
"Something happened yesterday. Really messed up our vibe," David finished.
The ripperdoc leaned back against his seat. "Hmm… This about your boyfriend?"
David tensed, face warming. "He's not my boyfriend!" he quickly corrected.
"S'what they all say," Doc said teasingly. "Said you were gonna forget 'bout him."
"Y-yeah, but…" David sighed, slouching in his chair. "He invited me over to his place a few days ago."
Doc's eyebrows raised in interest. "Ha-ha! High time you got your cherry popped!" He gave a short laugh.
David gaped at him, eyes wide and face burning. "We didn't do anything like that!"
The ripperdoc stopped laughing, and he gave David a disappointed look. "Then why the fuck would he invite you to his beaverville?"
"We just worked on our midterm, that's all," David clarified.
Doc pinched the bridge of his nose. "Not even a make out session?"
"No!"
He saw the ripperdoc facepalm himself, and he added, "Well… we almost did in a BD that he showed me… Actually it's more like we could've, but—I dunno—none of us made a move."
"A BD? Corpo boyfriend showed you a BD at his place? Sounds like he was taking you on a date, Davey," Doc commented with a sly smile on his face. "What kind of scroll?"
"It was a beach braindance," David said, quietly adding, "White tier, too."
Doc sat quietly in shock, immediately recognizing what David was talking about. "Your Corpo boyfriend showed you one of DET's scrolls—"
"He's not my boyfriend, Doc!"
"—and you don't consider it a date?!" the ripperdoc asked in bewilderment.
"I—! You know about DET?" David asked with wonder.
"One of the best scrollers in the world, Davey. Happen to own two of his chips. Choom's got fuckin' talent for making braindances," the ripperdoc complimented. "That's why they call him DET, 'cause he adds all the details to his masterpieces."
Even Doc described him with such high praise. Katsuo wasn't joking around when he was explaining the artist to him. Now he understood why the rich boy held so much respect for him. And that given name made much more sense now.
"Yeah, he told me about him too," David said.
"Let me get this straight, Davey…" Doc sighed, stretching and placing his legs up on the empty medical table. "This boyfriend—"
"Doc—!"
The ripperdoc held up his hand. "—let you experience a five-million Eurodollar braindance—"
David's eyes went wide. "It costs that much—?!"
"—just for what, 'fun'? Nah, choom. People don't show off their white tier BD's like that. Goes to show how precious those babies are."
"It wasn't a date…" David grumbled, crossing his arms. "At least, I don't think it was. We only spent a little time there. We were taking a break from our work."
The ripperdoc waved off the feeble excuses. "Say what you wanna say, but it doesn't get more romantic than that. 'Specially in a place like Night City," Doc commented.
What really surprised David was hearing the current price for such a scroll. He didn't doubt for a second Katsuo having the available funds to purchase such a thing, and just the thought of spending that much made his stomach hurt. Perhaps the rich boy acquired it when it was at a lower price.
Maybe the ripperdoc was right; his classmate did provide other things for him, despite him not needing too. Even back in the bathroom—when Katsuo first asked him if he was free—he seemed nervous and shy. David's heart jumped. The way the rich boy worded his invitation did sound like he was asking him out. How had he not seen it before? The right signs were there, weren't they? Or was he hopelessly grasping at straws again?
His mind traced back to the memory of when Katsuo called him out for staring too long. The blue bowl-cut even pointed out his obvious attraction towards him. That moment felt perfect for just spilling their feelings, but his classmate seemed uninterested, brushing off the whole conversation entirely. But then there was that shy smile that Katsuo gave off, his face blushing too.
David wanted to kiss him right then and there, but he didn't have the courage to actually go for it. And even if they did, would he himself still have the same reaction that occurred yesterday?
His eyebrows furrowed. "He was such an asshole to me…"
The ripperdoc gave a confused look, slightly taken aback from the sudden statement. "This about yesterday?"
"No…" David sighed, shifting himself on his seat, elbows coming to contact with his knees. "Before… way before. Months ago."
Doc stayed quiet, not knowing what was to come.
"He was just… so mean to me. Every opportunity he had, he would degrade me for being poor," David explained quietly. "And yet, he would still buy some XBD's off me."
The ripperdoc didn't know what to say. Is this what therapists do? Just sit back and listen to their patients?
"But he really pissed me off one night," David continued, hands gripping his knees tightly. "The day after you installed the Sandevistan, I immediately went straight to class—"
"The literal opposite what you should've done, choom," Doc interrupted sternly. "Those nanites can't play god."
"I know, I know… but I was too pissed off to care," David said. He scoffed. "He even taunted me when he saw me walk in."
"Check it out. Get a load of this guy…"
"I punched him as hard as I could. Ended up breaking his nose."
The ripperdoc rubbed his face. "You activated the Sandy…"
David blinked, looking up. "Obviously."
"Christ in mighty hell, Davey…"
"Relax! I only used it once—" David stopped, remembering he used it to get home faster. "Well, maybe two times… but that's it!"
Now it was Doc's turn to cross his arms, and he groaned. "And you like this Corpo why…?" He didn't understand; why would David want to go after someone who treated him like shit?
David hesitated on answering the question. "I don't know, Doc. I didn't want to like him, but I can't shake the feeling—it's still there. Can't help but feel attracted to him…"
"This is why I don't fuck with Corpos—literally," Doc murmured.
"But I somehow get the feeling he may feel the same way, too," David added.
Doc raised an eyebrow. This was starting to sound very cliché, like something out of a drama series. "High school bully fancies you, huh? How the fuck did you get that Corpo guy to do that?"
"I-I don't know. He's just been acting really nice since I've been to his place—" David began explaining, but froze, immediately flashing back to the surprise kiss in the bathroom. He gave a small chuckle, combing a hand through his hair.
"I may have… kissed him one time…" he explained nervously.
Doc gave him a deadpan look. Fuck, he was going to need a smoke after this. "Sounds like you awakened something in that Corpo brat."
"It was just a small kiss, nothin' special."
But it did feel like it was the beginning of something new. And back then, he had the balls to actually kiss the blue-haired boy, not caring what the circumstances would be afterwards. Katsuo still didn't like him back then, but that small action made him freeze in his spot, and David vividly remembered seeing how red his face had gotten, eyes wide with shock, mouth slightly gaped, but clearly at a loss for words.
And then there was that second time their lips met, but that time it was Katsuo who initiated it. That had to mean something, right? It was so out of the blue. David had wanted to reciprocate, but again, he was too scared to continue. Huh, that's probably what Katsuo felt like in the bathroom…
The ripperdoc got up, heading towards his computer. "You two choombas do 'Saka 'Cademy homework at his place, then go have some fun at a beach BD… and you come back here actin' mad and sad and for what, Davey?"
David groaned. Of course this old fossil wasn't going to understand. "He ruined the vibe, Doc—"
"Fuckin' hell, Davey. Don't tell me you're mad 'cause he didn't give you any dick—"
"We didn't fuck!" David retorted, face burning.
Doc laughed as he typed away at his keyboard. "Don't worry, choom. You'll get there… eventually."
David curtly got up and went to grab his jacket. "We done for today?"
In a cooed mocking voice, Doc asked, "Need another orange tier BD tonight—?"
"Shut up! I'll see you tomorrow…"
———
There was loud music playing in the background, vocals unintelligible from the many voices talking simultaneously. Lights of different colors painted the area, switching to different themes with the beat and rhythm of the music. There were many people here tonight, and he knew why.
Behind him, he could hear the sounds of moans and cries as several students went at it without any second thought. Before him was a grand and large coffee table, several lines of a certain white powder being prepared for eager users.
Katsuo pressed his forehead on his hands, slightly leaning forward. This was a huge mistake, and he knew better, but he needed something to ease his mind. Drinking was strictly off the table, knowing that if he drank too much, he would most likely sleep for two days straight.
Severely sleep deprived and body still going from caffeinated boosters; cruising to a wild party to celebrate their scores of the midterm; thoughts still thinking about David; drugs of all sorts displayed right in front of him… Yeah, he definitely knew better.
Earlier in class today, they all received their final scores on their ten-page midterms. They all passed, obviously, but only three students made it to the top three. Katsuo and David were on that list. The rich boy's eyes lit up at seeing their names receiving praise, and he looked over to David out of curiosity, but the choom didn't seem to share that kind of enthusiasm with him, a small frown visible from his seat. Katsuo had noticed that his leg was bouncing too.
He may as well be considered some sort of walking anxiety if the choom was going to do that nervous tick whenever he was around. The movement never caught his eye before, but now, it was almost hard to not notice. On top of the past abuse he's given his classmate, was anxiety a new thing that's been added to the list?
Closing his eyes, Katsuo sighed. Aside from the ones that were fucking behind him, there were some others making out in different areas of the living room. Two of them were literally on his right, lips smacking like hungry beasts. He cringed at the sounds—barely audible but still there. Blue eyes peeped to his left, staring at that empty space of the sofa, and he briefly regretted not asking David if he wanted to come. The choom would have strongly declined, he knew, but he just wanted to talk to him. He would also get looks all around him; everyone knew his socioeconomic background.
A party full of rich students, all with rich families. It was no place for someone like David, but it wouldn't hurt to get him to experience such events at least once. Katsuo pondered. Did David do drugs? He already knew the choom drank alcohol, cheap as it may be. It wouldn't be hard to picture him taking something commonly found in the streets. Or maybe he stayed far away from them, being mostly organic save for the chrome in his back. His mother probably warned him of the many different kinds in Night City—
Katsuo winced. Everyone around him had someone to go back home to—someone to congratulate them for passing the midterm, whether it be a holocall, a simple text, or just a dinner conversation. And afterwards, there would be some sort of celebration. This event where he was at was just something for students to hang out.
And his classmate no longer had that loving mother. There was no one he could share about his achievement to. Just himself, alone in that apartment. Katsuo imagined what it would be like, to have that kind of caring and loving parent that David once had—someone who paid attention to their child's needs simply because they loved them. The dinner with his father this evening felt dull, and he shouldn't have been surprised. Of course he wouldn't care if he got a top score—
"Yo, Katsuo! Wanna take a hit?" a voice called out to him. It was the one preparing the lines of synthcoke—or his 'candy', he called it.
The rich boy looked at the coffee table, thinking about it. He really shouldn't, but it's not like one hit would hurt, and this could probably help him ease his nerves. But synthcoke by itself wasn't going to do the trick.
"Got any blue glass?" Katsuo asked, scooting closer to the coffee table.
The choom grinned widely. "Now you're talkin'!"
The blue-haired boy watched as the student grabbed a small bottle next to him, screwing the cap open. Through little taps of his index finger, he gently sprinkled a nice coating of the blue powder on top of a laid out white strip.
"Bon appétit," he said, handing a dark straw.
Katsuo took it, lining it up to the mixed line. He inhaled it quickly through his nose, eyes widening a bit before fluttering tightly closed. He leaned back against the couch, letting the mixed drugs do its thing as the euphoric feeling coursed his whole body.
At that moment, he didn't feel tired anymore. Those thoughts about David eroded as his mind was just filled with a good sensation. The lights were becoming a bit muddled, and it wasn't his cyberoptics that were making these colors look more swayed, different shades conjoining together. The music sounded a bit distorted, but the other sounds—the moans and groans of pleasure—were more prominent to his ears.
He looked to his right. The couple wasn't there anymore—they had moved somewhere to the other grand sofa, both of them slightly nude as they participated in intimate acts.
Impulsively and without thought, his hand began palming his groin as he watched the two go at it. He continued to fondle himself until he was fully aroused, erection pressing against his trousers, eyes pierced on the couple. Some part of him wanted to get up and ask if he could join them, but the other just wanted to lay back and watch the show.
He was about to go for his belt until he felt another hand replace his, body pressing to his left. A soft hand cupped his face as he was pulled into a kiss. Not bothering to care who it was, he pulled them closer, hands roaming behind their back and bottom as they straddled him, kissing back hard.
It was almost feral—a little desperate on his part, but his partner didn't seem to mind. It wasn't until he heard a soft giggle did he recognize whose voice that belonged to. Her perfume radiated nicely, and he kissed her neck, inhaling.
"Heard you were top three," she whispered to his ear, softly biting the earlobe.
"Mmm…"
He didn't respond—didn't want to. Right now he was too horny to engage in small talk, and his body language said it all. His hands undid her jeans, and he hooked his finger under her waistband. A soft sigh escaped him as he felt her warm hand wrap around him, slowly stroking—
"Ay yo—not the candy table! You know the rules!" Katsuo heard the student from before say. He gave him an unimpressed look. "Find a bedroom, bathroom, the kitchen, a corridor, even outside—anywhere but here!"
Katsuo groaned in annoyance, hastily getting up. He held his partner's hand as they walked out of the large living room, heading outside. No words were said as he brought them to a secluded area, body pressing against her as he leaned his head down, kissing her.
She said something in French, but he couldn't decipher the words in time, mind hazy from the blue glass and arousal. Her back was now pressed up against a wall, and he quickly lowered her jeans and underwear, fingers working their way between her legs.
"So eager…" she gasped, hand stroking him faster. He couldn't take it anymore.
"Turn around," he said, voice raw with arousal.
She kissed him once more before bracing herself against the wall, bending over for him.
Katsuo lowered her jeans some more before salivating on his hand, smearing his drool around his cock. Proper lubricant would have been better, but this was just a quickie, and neither of them wanted to go back to retrieve a bottle.
He aligned himself and pushed forwards, not stopping until he was fully sheathed in her warmth. He let out a soft moan, closing his eyes as he sloppily rocked back and forth. The euphoric high made everything feel more intense—the way he was moving against her, wet heat surrounding him deliciously as she tightened around him. His hands moved from her hips to her dress shirt, hastily undoing the buttons. Even the softness of her breasts felt amazing on his hands, thumbs flickering against the small erect buds.
She moaned audibly, and he turned her head to kiss her, hips now moving at a more appropriate pace for both of them. He closed his eyes, placing kisses along her neck and shoulder—
His cock momentarily slipped out, and he let out a groan. He didn't think he was going that fast, but he paused for a second. When he opened his eyes, he saw something different. What was fair skin was now a light tan shade. That short raven hair was no longer there; instead, it was now a very familiar buzz cut hairstyle with brown hair. Those lightning haircut lines made Katsuo silently gasp.
D-David—?
No, it was just a figment of his imagination, a common hallucination from the blue glass. But no matter how many times he blinked, the choom's presence was still there. He found himself smiling at the illusion, even if the brown-haired boy really wasn't there.
Blue eyes met those pretty brown ones, and he heard those two words for the second time. Katsuo repositioned himself again and slipped inside, hands now gently holding onto his classmate's hips as he rocked his hips back and forth. He watched as the choom's hand sneakily went down between his legs, and Katsuo gave out a small laugh.
"Let me," Katsuo breathed out, placing kisses on his shoulders. His mind was playing dirty tricks with him, and it was torture, but he swore he felt his hand wrap around David's familiar length. In reality, his fingers were lazily rubbing around his partner's clitoris, but he didn't care.
There were many things he wanted to tell him, most of them apologetic phrases that had been tantalizing his mind as of late—perhaps it was the severe fatigue early this morning in class, but he swore he saw David walk in with red eyes. And it hurt to see him like that. All the more reason to get irresponsibly wasted.
He was gentle with his thrusts, and it wasn't until he heard the choom protest to move faster that he granted his wish. His classmate's moans were like music to his ears, and Katsuo was content to hear those noises again. But he wouldn't last long now, the illusion of David turning him on so much that all he wanted to do was fuck him to completion.
"Please…"
It sounded just like him, and he wished it was him instead of—
His thoughts were cut off as he felt warm lips press against his. He sped up his pace, thrusting harder, both their mouths not stopping. Fuck, he was getting close, and he pulled back, trailing kisses down the choom's jaw to his neck. His mouth never left that spot, and he sucked hard, wanting to leave a mark that'll last.
Katsuo's moans were starting to sound more and more audible as he neared his orgasm, hands tightly holding his classmate in place as he relentlessly fucked into him. The urge was becoming more desperate now, and he briefly pondered if he should come inside or pull out—
Fuck it. It was too late now anyways, and he slowed his thrusts as he came inside that warmth, head resting on a shoulder as he panted.
Katsuo closed his eyes, nuzzling against the warm neck as his breathing calmed. When he opened them, he was met with a wave of guilt. David's presence wasn't there anymore, and the music and colors had returned to normal. The high had dissipated, save for the after effects that would occur much more later.
He gently pulled out, tucking himself back into his trousers before helping her with her jeans. She said something in French, and this time he could read the translation.
"That was fun," she commented, embracing him and pulling him down for a kiss. "Blue glass?"
"Yeah. Really intensified everything," he said, hiding a horrible feeling deep down in his stomach.
"What are you wearing…?" she asked in distaste, eyeing him up and down at his form.
His clothes were more distinguishable outside, away from all the flashing lights. He was donning the dark cyberpunk outfit back when he accompanied David to his apartment. What he didn't bring was the raincoat poncho, thinking it was overkill.
"Thought I'd try out a new fashion sense," he lied.
"Doesn't seem to suit you…"
It hurt hearing that comment, but he ignored it, instead remembering how David told him he actually liked it.
"Let's go back to my place?" he heard her ask. "Party's overcrowded anyways."
"Can't," he said. This time it wasn't a lie. "Haven't been getting enough sleep lately."
She raised an eyebrow. "Sleeping boosters exist, y'know."
He scoffed. "Heh, please. Don't wanna add another booster on top of the other two I'm taking. Next thing I know, I've developed some sort of addiction for one of them."
She rolled her eyes. "What other two are you taking?" Surely they couldn't be that intense.
"Caffeine and aspirin," he replied, leaning against the wall.
"I can guarantee you most of us here take those too."
Yeah, but not to an excessive amount like I am, he wanted to retort.
He didn't really realize how tired he was, both mentally and physically. Staying at this party wasn't an option, and neither was going home with her.
"Besides…," Katsuo began to say. "It's a school night. I shouldn't even be here." That last sentence was just a fracture of the thoughts swimming in his mind that happened to escape, and he mentally cursed himself.
"You're no fun, Katsu," she sighed in a teasing tone, embracing him one more time. "I'll walk you out."
…
Back at his home, he stood in front of the large mirror in his bathroom, staring menacingly at his reflection. His hands clenched tightly against the sink, the urge to slap himself across the face too great.
Everything that happened was all a big mistake. But he couldn't run away and say it wasn't his doing—he was staring at the coffee table with the plethora of different drugs like it was candy, fucking his hook-up partner out back, thinking about David whilst fucking her—
'Never again' is what he had said to himself that other time, and he should've known better, those two words taunting him. What made this whole situation more serious was knowing that after today, he wasn't going to see her the same way like he used to. There was no affection towards her anymore. The craving and lust for her have all officially dwindled away. His needs and wants were now directed towards another person—someone who had been hurt by him in the past; someone who had been driven away from recent events.
You like him…
His thoughts never resonated so soundly before. And they were right. His eyes widened at the revelation within him, a small blush forming on his cheeks. That warmth in his stomach settled too, comforting him.
"Yeah…" he told himself, looking at his reflection. "I like him…"