Chapter 23 — More Than Business
The message came late.
> Judy: "Got some braindance edits to finish… could use company. No pressure."
I smirked.
No pressure.
Right.
---
Her apartment was dim — rain streaking neon down the windows.
Judy sat on the couch, headset pushed back, eyes a little tired but soft when they met mine.
"You came."
I shut the door behind me — locking it out of habit.
"Didn't figure I'd say no to you."
She gave a half laugh — tucking her legs beneath her.
"I… didn't want to be alone tonight."
I crossed the room, sitting close — close enough for our knees to brush.
"Not the first time you've been hit with ghosts."
She looked at me then — really looked.
"No…
But this feels different."
I tilted my head.
"How?"
She hesitated… then gave a quiet smile.
"Because with you…
I don't feel like I'm fighting alone."
---
[System Notice: Judy Alvarez — Interest +20 — Emotional Vulnerability Triggered]
---
I reached out — slow, giving her space — and brushed her hand.
Judy didn't pull away.
Instead…
She leaned in — resting her head against my shoulder.
"You're trouble," she whispered.
I smiled — wrapping an arm around her.
"And you like trouble."
She gave a soft hum.
"Maybe."
---
We stayed like that — quiet, close, hearts syncing with the rhythm of the rain.
No pressure.
But a door had opened…
And neither of us was in a hurry to close it.
---
[System Notice: Judy Alvarez — Stage 5 Unlocked — Intimate Trust Achieved]
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Romance & Loyalty Recap After Chapter 23:
Evelyn Parker — Interest: +195 — Bonded
Judy Alvarez — Interest: +130 — Stage 5 — Intimate Trust
Rogue — Interest: +30 — Curious
Johnny Silverhand — Interest: +10 — Watching