Goro Takemura x Reader

Thirty-Seven

"Where will you take me next?", you asked as your head leaned against the cool glass of Takemura's car once more. "Are we still playing bait?"

He did not answer.

His fingers wrapped tightly around the steering wheel while his gaze was fixed onto the street outside. It was a bit unnecessary, cars drove on their own these days.

Every now and then the expression on his face changed, only to return to the same, thoughtful shadow.

Wordlessly, he took a turn.

Before your window the wide seaside opened. Struck by surprise a mesmerised gasp escaped your lips. Even though you knew Night City on the map, you had never wasted a thought of paying the ocean a visit.

It was heavily polluted, obviously and therefore you weren't able to swim in it. But the sight of the water was enough to make your heart feel at ease.

Your eyes followed the long white lines of foam that passed by as waves gently washed up on the beach, or rather sand that had been shaped by human hands.

The golden light of the sun shimmered on the surface like millions of crystals as Takemura made the car turn once more and everything faded behind walls of concrete and graffiti again.

Disappointment filled your heart.

"Where are we going?", you asked with a glance at him. This isn't the way back.

Now, finally, his eyes moved to have a look at you. It was barely more than a second yet enough to tell that he wasn't in his right mind at the moment.

Or at least not the man Saburo had formed him to be.

The outskirts of the city appeared. No more mega buildings and instead wide estates with proper houses appeared.

Your heart started to beat like crazy.

Did he want to leave the city?

But there was nothing behind the borders except the badlands.

The badlands.

You hated to even think about them. Memories and feelings of that night resurfaced. The urge to vomit scratched your throat.

No, never again did you want to set foot in the badlands.

Panic-stricken, your hand jumped forward to wrap around his and push it into the steering wheel. You had used more force than intended because his fingers curled and a hint of discomfort appeared on his face.

You felt like you couldn't breathe. Your lungs clenched.

"Arasaka-sama!", all of a sudden he let go of the wheel and grabbed your wrists with both his hands to hold them into the air.

The car shifted into self-drive mode.

Through a veil of water, with your teeth clenched, you managed to look him in the face. Your lips trembled but you refused to break under the trauma.

You felt stronger than that. And he wasn't the right person to shed tears in front of. Or at least that was what you thought.

"Takemura.", your voice was firm, almost aggressive as you spoke his name. "Where are you taking me?"

His eyes locked with yours.

Silence.

All that filled the car was the warmth of the sunlight that fell through the windshield and the scent of his cologne.

Your hands trembled in his grip but you weren't sure if it was because the fear or die to anger that slowly started to grow in the pit of your stomach.

"(Y/N).", your heart stopped a beat as your name left his lips, calm, gentle and without doubt.

Your eyes narrowed as you let out a sound of annoyance.

"Leave me.", you demanded.

His grip loosened. But he refused to give up the feeling that your skin caused in him.

"Please listen to me.", there he was again, the stern samurai who couldn't be shook. "I must ask for your trust. Just this once."

"What is your plan, Takemura? And what would Hanako think? Or my father?"

For a brief second there was doubt on his face. He thought. Then his eyes fell shut and he nodded as if he had weighted the risks and the benefits and was satisfied with the outcome.

"You asked me what I'd do if I would have to serve. This is my answer.", his words were picked wisely, not too gentle on you yet with a certain demand. "I want to know you safe. But this will never happen unless I kill who is responsible for your injuries."

The injuries.

At the reminder, your muscles clenched. Yes, the kidnapping had left its scars. Quite literally. The only reason why you were able to be up on your feet was an unholy amount of painkillers and supplements.

Without them, your body feel into a sickly state, just like the fevers and you weren't able to walk no more. It would take long for you to return to your old self.

If it even was possible. Flesh did not heal well and often resented their owner of the injuries. It could backfire, especially when you'd age.

But what were you doing?

You had corrupted his mind into believing it was a good idea rebelling against Arasaka's orders. It would be his death. And you didn't want that.

You had caused enough trouble for too many people already.

"Leave it...", your resistance fell and all you could do was sigh so heavily that it made your heart cramp. "There is no use."

"Your protection is enough reason to me.", finally, he let go of your wrists.

"Goro.", you wiped your face with both of your hands. "I am tired of this city. Even if you hold these two accountable, someone else will take their place. Being Arasaka means having a target on your chest."

"Then I will kill everyone who dares to touch you."

Your hand slipped into your pocket and wrapped around a small piece of metal.

The relic. The only thing that would keep Yorinobu alive if he were to give up his body. Or loose it, depending on his decision to fight or not.

"I need to go back to the Arasaka Tower.", you suddenly said with a blank face as your gaze wandered back out the windshield. "We both have duties to fulfil. And I'm falling behind on mine."

"(Y/N)."

"Enough.", you had to squeeze your eyes shut. "Please. It is time to be a servant, to serve and obey."