David left the VIP room and returned to the bar, sliding onto a stool as Claire wiped down the counter nearby.
"Hey, kid," she called over her shoulder, her tone laced with curiosity. "Did you really pull that stunt last night?"
"Yeah," David admitted with a slight nod, though his brow furrowed. "But I didn't expect word to spread so fast."
Claire chuckled, shaking her head. "Come on, what did you think would happen? Night City's got eyes everywhere, and no one can keep their mouth shut for long."
She gestured toward the dance floor, where flashing lights and heavy bass pounded against the walls. "With all those people yappin', news like that'll hit every corner of the city before sunrise."
David glanced back, noticing a few curious glances from the crowd. It was just as Claire said—someone must've seen him in action, and the gossip had spread like wildfire.
At first glance, this would only mean trouble—the Tiger Claws were sure to retaliate. But after thinking it over, David realized the situation had its perks. Word of him taking down Jotaro Shobo in his own territory boosted his reputation among the city's mercs. With a name that carried some weight, he wouldn't have to deal with low-level punks looking to prove themselves.
Not to mention, fixers would start paying attention. More attention meant better gigs—and better gigs meant more eddies. And right now, money was what he needed most.
"Never would've guessed you had it in you, kid." Claire smirked as she rinsed a glass. "When you first showed up here, I thought you'd get chewed up and spat out like the rest. Guess you were just playing it safe, huh?"
David scratched the back of his head with an awkward chuckle. "Haha… C'mon, Claire. I was still new to Night City back then. Had to keep a low profile till I found my footing, right?"
"Uh-huh." Claire shot him a playful glare and gave him a light punch on the shoulder. "Don't give me that. You had me feeling sorry for you with those puppy-dog eyes. Turns out you were holding out on me the whole time!"
"No, really!" David held up his hands in mock surrender. "I swear, meeting you was the best thing that could've happened to me when I first got here. I mean it, Claire—you really helped me out when I needed it."
His tone was sincere, and Claire's expression softened at the honesty in his voice.
"Ah, you sweet-talker." She flicked a towel at him playfully. "I bet you've got girls lining up to hear that smooth talk."
"Haha! Nah, you're one of a kind, Claire—no one else could take your place."
"Oh, get outta here with that honeyed nonsense!" Claire laughed, shaking her head. As her laughter faded, her expression turned thoughtful. "So, what did Rogue have to say? She didn't chew you out too bad, did she?"
"Nah, she just told me to lay low for a while. Afterlife's got my back, but the Tiger Claws won't stop hunting me the second I step outside."
"Figures." Claire nodded, her smile fading. "Those guys are ruthless when it comes to revenge. You should stick around the bar for now—stay out of trouble till things cool down."
"Don't worry, I know the drill." David gave her a reassuring nod.
"Good. Wouldn't want to see you end up as a cautionary tale." She bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before continuing, "Say… since you've got your own merc crew now, think you could help me out with something once this Tiger Claw mess is over?"
David tilted his head curiously. "Of course, Claire. You don't even need to ask—I owe you that much."
Claire's eyes softened at his quick response. "Heh… You're a good kid, David. But this'll be a proper gig—no charity. I'll pay you for your trouble."
"C'mon, Claire." David waved off the idea with a grin. "I'd help you out for free, no questions asked."
"Pfft—easy for you to say now." She reached over and pinched his cheek affectionately. "We'll see if you're still so generous when you hear what I need."
"Alright, fair enough. But since we're talking favors, how about you treat me to a drink?" David suggested with a grin.
"Yeah? What'll it be?"
"Hmm… Can you make a margarita?"
At that, Claire paused mid-motion, turning to give David a sly smile. Leaning against the counter, she lowered her voice as if sharing a secret. "Hey, kid—be honest with me. Did something happen with that white-haired girl last night?"
David nearly choked on air. "Wha—?! No! Claire, where's this coming from?"
"Don't play dumb with me!" She wagged a finger at him, eyes sparkling with mischief. "You ask for a margarita out of nowhere—and you don't even know what it means?"
David blinked, confused. "What do you mean 'what it means'?"
Claire smirked knowingly. "The margarita's named after a bartender's lost love, y'know? It's got a romantic vibe to it. Not exactly something most guys around here order unless they've got a special someone in mind."
"Oh, crap…" David muttered, suddenly remembering the bartender at the Phoenix Club who'd called Lucy his "girl." The dim lights, the music, the drinks—it all made more sense now. Couples probably ordered margaritas all the time in places like that.
Claire laughed at his stunned expression. "Haha—don't worry, kid. Not like it's a crime to have a little romance in your life. Still… looks like you've got good taste if that girl's the one who ordered it."
"Uh… yeah, something like that," David mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Well, since you've got no date with you tonight, let's skip the lovey-dovey stuff. I'll whip up something more your style." Claire set to work behind the bar, her hands moving with practiced ease as she mixed and poured.
The clink of ice, the pour of amber liquid, and the faint aroma of coffee liqueur drifted through the air. After a few moments, Claire slid a glass toward him.
The drink was simple and striking: a short glass filled one-third of the way with light amber liquid, large square ice cubes glinting within.
"Alright, try this. Tell me what you think."
David took a sip, letting the flavors roll over his tongue. A hint of coffee liqueur blended perfectly with the rich, smoky taste of tequila, all with a cool, smooth finish.
"Damn… that's good," he said, eyes widening slightly. "What is it?"
Claire leaned on the counter, grinning with satisfaction. "It's a Brave Bull—tequila and coffee liqueur. Simple but strong. I added a little personal twist, though. Since you like it so much… let's name this one after you."
David blinked. "Wait—seriously?"
"Sure. Why not? I've been mixing drinks for years—it's about time I named one after someone who actually deserves it. So from now on, this one's called 'David.'"
A smile tugged at the corner of David's lips. "Thanks, Claire… That means a lot."
"Don't mention it. Just make sure you live long enough to order it again," she replied, her smile fading slightly. "And remember—if you need a place to lay low, Afterlife's always got room for you."
David raised his glass in a silent toast, the cool amber liquid catching the neon lights overhead.
"Here's to surviving another night in Night City."
Claire clinked her glass against his.
"To surviving, kid. And maybe… to finding a little happiness along the way."
The two shared a quiet moment, the hum of the bar fading into the background. But as David sipped his drink, he couldn't shake the feeling that the Tiger Claws wouldn't let him enjoy this peace for long.
End of Chapter 62