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James arrived at Misty's shop just as the neon lights outside flickered to life. Normally, Misty would be sitting behind the counter, quietly arranging tarot cards or chatting with customers in her calm, soothing voice. Today, however, her usual seat was occupied by someone else.
A burly man with short hair sat there instead, his arms thick with muscle, his posture relaxed but alert. Tattoos associated with the Valentinos were clearly visible on his skin, and the religious earrings he wore were unmistakable. He looked like someone who had lived through Night City's worst and survived.
James recognized him instantly.
It was Jackie Welles.
"Welcome," Jackie said, lifting his head. He deliberately softened his naturally rough voice, clearly trying not to scare off Misty's customers. "You looking for Misty? She's busy right now. Might have to wait a bit."
James sat down across from him without hesitation.
"You're Jackie, right?"
Jackie blinked. "You know me?"
"Yeah. Viktor Vektor mentioned you," James replied casually. "Said you've got strong fists, a good heart… and that you're Misty's boyfriend."
At the praise about his strength, Jackie straightened unconsciously, pride flashing across his face. But the moment Misty was mentioned, he stiffened.
"Uh—actually," Jackie said quickly, scratching the back of his head, "we're not officially together. Not yet."
"Not yet?" James raised an eyebrow. "That's great."
"What?!" Jackie jumped up like he'd been shocked.
"Means Misty's still single," James said with a grin. "So I'll pursue her myself."
Jackie looked like he was about to explode.
Before he could respond, a calm voice interrupted them.
"James, stop messing with him."
Misty had returned, standing nearby with her arms crossed.
"I'm serious," James replied innocently. "How could I miss a chance with a girl like you? Right, Jackie?"
James nudged Jackie with his elbow, still smiling—until Misty spoke again, completely unfazed.
"Fine. I'll send what you just said to Lucy. If she agrees, then maybe I'll consider your confession."
James surrendered instantly.
"I was wrong," he said solemnly, bowing his head and clasping his hands together.
Misty rolled her eyes but smiled slightly.
"Viktor's surgery is almost done," she said. "You can head downstairs soon."
James leaned back in the chair, deliberately not leaving right away. His eyes moved between Jackie and Misty, making both of them increasingly awkward.
Finally, he stood up.
"But I mean it, Jackie," James said seriously. "You've made Misty wait too long."
"James!" Misty snapped.
James raised both hands in surrender and left quickly.
Once he was gone, the shop became quiet again. Misty's expression softened as she turned to Jackie.
"You don't need to listen to him," she said gently. "He jokes a lot, but he's reliable. And Viktor trusts him."
"I'm not mad," Jackie replied, taking Misty's hand. "I think he's right."
Misty froze.
Jackie had always known how he felt, but fear and hesitation had kept him from taking that final step. James' blunt words had pushed him forward.
"Jackie…" Misty whispered.
Her gaze lingered on him, warm and emotional, like a thread slowly tightening between them.
---
James didn't stick around to watch what happened next. After confirming—through very unprofessional eavesdropping—that progress had been made, he headed downstairs.
Inside Viktor's clinic, Viktor was cleaning surgical tools. His face lit up when he saw James.
"You haven't come to spar in days."
"Busy lately," James said. "You know how it is."
Viktor handed him a small box.
"Sedatives. Strong ones."
"No problem," James replied. "I know how to use them."
"Oh, sure," Viktor laughed. "I can't afford you as an assistant."
After packing up, Viktor looked at him.
"You got time?"
James caught the boxing gloves Viktor tossed at him.
A minute later, Viktor was slammed into the fence of the training ring.
Even with protective gear, he hissed in pain.
"You're getting stronger again," Viktor groaned.
"Still growing," James said calmly.
In truth, his power had increased because of a recent internal upgrade. His physical strength, reflexes, and learning speed had all improved steadily.
Before Viktor could complain, Jackie entered the clinic.
He stared in disbelief at Viktor being completely overwhelmed.
"That still the same boxing champ?" Jackie muttered.
"I'm done," Viktor gasped. "Jackie, your turn."
Jackie hesitated but put on the gloves anyway.
"So," James said casually, taking stance, "you and Misty official now?"
"Yeah," Jackie replied. "Thanks to you."
James smiled—and punched.
Jackie barely blocked it, the force shaking his arms violently.
"Your fists are terrifying," Jackie admitted, excitement rising despite the pain.
They exchanged blows. Jackie fought fiercely, but James' footwork and timing kept him in total control.
"Left the gang?" James asked calmly. "Looking for work?"
"Yeah," Jackie replied grimly.
Leaving the Valentinos hadn't freed him—it had trapped him. Fixers hesitated to work with him. Jobs vanished before they even started.
Night City didn't forgive past affiliations.
"I've got a job," James said suddenly. "Interested?"
Jackie was knocked back by a heavy body shot but stood up anyway.
"I'm broke," he said. "I'm in."
---
By evening, the two stood outside Jig-Jig Street.
Jackie's face was bruised and swollen, his expression permanently fierce because smiling hurt too much.
"Who we waiting for?" Jackie asked.
James checked the time.
"He's coming."
Soon, a well-dressed man appeared.
"That's him," James said. "Takahashi Hayami. HR head at Arasaka Corporation."
"A corp-rat," Jackie grinned. "Big money."
"Your job," James said, "is to distract him."
"With… what?"
"Your chest."
Jackie stared at him in horror.
"He's got weird tastes," James shrugged.
Reluctantly, Jackie stepped forward.
At the same time, Lucy arrived on her motorcycle.
"Jackie looks good with Misty," Lucy commented.
James smirked. "What about me?"
Lucy hooked his chin with one finger. "Still lacking."
Then the operation began.
While Jackie distracted the target, Lucy deployed a shard. James intercepted it mid-air and passed it back.
Minutes later, Takahashi realized something was wrong—but it was too late.
A needle pierced his neck.
He collapsed.
---
The job had begun.
Jackie sat in the passenger seat of Takahashi's luxury car, whistling.
"You drive," James said from the back. "Destination sent."
Night City lights reflected off the windshield as the engine roared to life.
This was Jackie's first real step forward.
And James knew—
it wouldn't be the last.