Across the bar, a couple is celebrating their anniversary.
Man : To five years of ups and downs! But mostly downs!
Woman : (laughing) Screw you Peter!
V : That’s a milestone in Night City.
Saul : Guess some things are worth staying after all.
V : Right...
V : Shame that’ll never be us.
Saul : That’s messed up V... Why are you saying that?
V : Shit, sorry I’m... I’m not thinking straight.
Saul : I know, but still--
V : Can I have a cigarette?
Saul : What?
V : Just give me one will ya? I know you still stash them in your pocket.
Saul : Those are for emergencies only.
V : Exactly why I need one right now. Please don’t make me beg again...
Saul : Alright alright.
Panam : Thought you were going out or something?
V : Yeah, but kinda sucks here.
Panam : Then why’d you insist to go there?
V : Dunno, tryna make it feel like a normal relationship I guess.
Panam : But you don’t have a normal relationship V. You don’t have to do all this, just relax together and please, stop making him feel like it’s already over!
V : I know Panam, I feel like a giant asshole... but I can’t pretend. I can’t be optimistic like him, I don’t see any other option.
Panam : It’s not always about you.
V : Think I don’t know?
Panam : Then try harder for christ sake!!
V : Saul?
V : I’m so sorry for all this, I...
V : I just wanna be with you. More than anything.
V : Hey look!
Saul : What is it?
V : Remember when I told you about that dirty pun you can only see around 2:30 a.m. on the billboards near my building?
Saul : The one with the airline?
V : Yep.
Saul : Hmm...
V : What?
Saul : Tryin’ to put ideas in my head?
“I won’t pretend... but don’t tell me it’s over yet.”
Oldest story that got stuck in my draft since summer last year. Be free now!