Superstar (Cyberpunk2023)

Faye

"Hey, you holding up okay?" Kerry asked quietly, leaning against the wall.

"Yea, why do you ask?"

"Well... it's been a long time since we've talked... since that night."

"It was tough, but Johnny made it. I'm okay." I insisted, wanted to put the conversation to rest. Kerry studied me for a moment, seeming to notice how my eyes betrayed the mask of nonchalance I put up. He knew me well enough to see right through it.

"That's not what I asking about." He kept his voice soft and gentle, not wanting to push me too far. "I know Johnny survived that day, but I'm asking if you are okay." I stared at the turned off TV in front of us. I felt weary, lost, and confused. Scared?

"I've been doing ok." I said, smiling softly. I'm... not ready to talk about it. I thought to myself. Him and I... that night... was he going to say what I wanted to hear? Am I ready to even hear that? I shook the thoughts from my head and continued. "I've been busy with work, but when I can, I usually go out, try to live." Kerry nodded slowly, his eyes still fixed on me.

"I understand." He said gently. "How long has it been since you've had a full night of sleep?" He took a step closer to me, his expression a mixture of concern and sympathy.

"I get a good enough amount." He studied me for a moment, noting the forced nonchalance in my voice.

"Faye, come on. You've always been a terrible liar. You can stay in the guest room if you'd like." He waved his hand towards the door.

"That would be nice. Uh, would it be cool if I used the balcony? I kinda need a smoke."

"Yea, sure. I'm gonna take a shower and head to bed. Are you gonna be alright by yourself? Do you need anything?"

"Yea, I'll be alright. I just gotta sleep off the buzz." I smiled. He nodded and headed off to his room. I sighed and made my way to the balcony, overlooking Night City. It was beautiful at this time of the morning. Morning, right? I look at the time on my phone. 2:22 am. I lit my cigarette. I'll worry about everything tomorrow.

I woke up at 5 pm. On the couch.

I groaned, grabbing my head in pain. Fucking hangover. I got up and made my way into Kerry's living room. It was... empty. At 5pm? I don't even remember falling asleep. Oh yea. I remember.

Earlier in the day, I woke up to the sensation of shaking. I struggled to open my eyes against the bright sun before it was blocked by something. Once my eyes adjusted, I realized it was Kerry trying to shake me awake.

"Hey, Faye. Wanna move inside? I'm sorry I didn't wake up sooner."

"What... what time is it?" I croaked.

"9 am."

"Oh." And then I leaned over and threw up on his balcony floor.

I made my way back to the scene of the crime in fear of my life, slowly sliding the door open to reveal....

Nothing.

Nothing at all. It was spotless. He.. cleaned it? He didn't wake me up to clean it? I was baffled for some dumb reason. I made a mental note to thank him and made my way to the bathroom hopping in the shower. I appreciated the fact he has always used the same body wash for years. Unscented. It helped make this process so much more comfortable.

I muttered a silent sorry to the nothing in the room as I stole some clothes to wear. As I smoked outside, I heard the front door open.

"I'm home!" His voice chimed.

"I'm outside!" I responded as he made his way over. "I stole some clothes. Hope you don't mind." I smiled.

"Nah, you're good." His eyes roamed my outfit, bringing a slight glow to my face. "It looks good on you."