#V/Rthingofbeauty

[unispiredunicorn2]

A THING OF BEAUTY

Pairing: V/River Ward

Rating: Explicit

Summary: V and Johnny have an interesting time in the records store before they head to the hospital to pick up Randy. The situation gets slightly tense, and both V and River realize something. Their wait turns mildly smutty.

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BAD THINGS

V had finally managed to shake off River by suggesting they divide their errands — she’d get the album while he took care of the groceries, conveniently masking her ulterior motives. As River melted into the crowd, oblivious to her plans, V felt the crackle of anticipation igniting her veins before pressing forward through the bustling market, her steps echoing determination.

Little did River know that V had gone to extraordinary lengths to acquire the special edition of the new Tainted Overlord album, signed by all members. She had tapped into her web of contacts, traded favors, and paid a substantial sum of eddies to secure this gift, which awaited her at the store.

V knew River well enough to realize that he wouldn’t have spent the scratch on what was deemed a luxury, especially now, when money was tight, and all of it went into necessities. She couldn’t deny the extravagance of this gift. It indeed, was a luxury, especially for someone in River’s situation, but not for her.

She had enough eddies to share and help ease his financial burdens. She had tried, oh how she had tried. But his stubborn pride was a formidable barrier, determined in its refusal to accept her help. V couldn’t fathom it fully; she couldn’t wrap her mind around the complexities of his adamant pride. She remembered all too well the days spent on the streets, her stomach gnawing with hunger and her body shivering with cold. If someone had approached her then, offering help, she would have snatched it in a heartbeat.

River and his family weren’t hungry, lacking in clothing or a roof over their heads; however, they were teetering on the edge of financial stability. The small income they scraped together barely covered the essentials, leaving little room for anything beyond mere survival. So V couldn’t understand, not entirely. But she knew enough to recognize that same pride, the same fierce stubbornness that made him refuse her help, would also make him hesitant to accept this gesture. Thus the secrecy, the careful planning, and the question that gnawed at the corners of her mind — the one she failed to find the answer to.

“So, what will you tell the boyfriend when he starts asking questions?” Johnny materialized by the stairs that led into the basement, accompanied by a swirling haze of smoke, a twinkle of amusement glinting in his eyes.

“That I know some people?” V flashed a hesitant smile. “That some gonk owed me a favor? I don’t know. I’ll think of something.”

“Thin lies for something like this.” Johnny tsked, shaking his head. “Come on, V. Boyfriend’s not an idiot. He’ll see right through you,” Johnny reluctantly admitted, a flash of discomfort distorting his features. “You couldn’t pick some dumb gonk to fuck. You had to pick a detective,” he added mockingly. “Now you’re in trouble.”

V sighed, massaging her forehead. “Are you here just to fuck with me, or do you actually have a solution?”

[unispiredunicorn2]

A THING OF BEAUTY

Pairing: V/River Ward

Rating: Explicit

Summary: V and River spend some quality time together, even if the time is ticking.

Read on AO3

HERO

Her arm sleepily brushed against the sheets on the other side of the bed, the familiar touch absent this morning. V slowly opened her eyes with a sleepy yawn, resembling the low rumble of a dozing beast. Squinting against the gentle assault of morning light streaming through the window, she groaned, rolling onto her stomach and burying her head into the softness of the pillows. The idea of buying some thick curtains for River’s room crossing her mind.

The realization dawned on her that River had long been awake; his side of the bed was cold to her touch. She missed the sensation of waking up to find his arms tightly wrapped around her, his steady heartbeat against her back. Or the morning before, when she discovered him sleeping on his back, and she flung her arm over him, perhaps a bit too eagerly, smacking him square across the chest and jolting him awake. She smiled into the soft pillows as she reminisced of his pained laughter that followed and his playful retaliation as he grabbed her arm and bit it in punishment.

V buried her face deeper into the pillows with a contented sigh, inhaling the scent that lingered there – a heady blend of sandalwood and musk that was uniquely River’s – letting his soothing scent envelop her.

“I’d offer my morning services, but it seems you don’t need it,” Johnny quipped, casually leaning against the window, a plume of smoke swirling from the cigarette dangling between his fingers.

Startled by the unexpected sound, V jolted, her heart racing as she turned to him. “Where the fuck have you been for two days?” she demanded, her frustration laced with an undercurrent of relief.

Johnny merely shrugged as his posture sheepishly tilted, his eyes momentarily faltering. “You seemed busy,” he muttered under his breath. “Didn’t want to interrupt.”

V’s lips parted as if preparing to delve deeper. An awkward and embarrassing question hanging on the tip of her tongue.

Did she even want to know?

Doubt crept into her resolve, morphing the words into something else. “I was half convinced you were gone. I had to check if the relic was still in.”

“Aww, don’t tell me you missed me,” he smirked, taking a drag of his cigarette. His tone rode the fine line between arrogance and mockery. 

[unispiredunicorn2]

A THING OF BEAUTY

Pairing: V/River Ward

Rating: Explicit

Summary: V’s morning might be the best one she had yet, until it all goes wrong and then a bit better. (the snippet is under a cut because, tumblr 2018 happened.)

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THE PLEASURE & THE PAIN

V awoke with a soft moan escaping her lips, her body slowly emerging from the depths of slumber. Consciousness crept in, accompanied by a hazy pleasure that clung to her senses. A strong arm enveloped her waist, its warmth seeping into her skin, while a hot breath danced against the back of her neck. With another contented moan, she melted into the embrace, relishing the comforting press of another body against hers.

With half-lidded eyes, she gazed lazily at the window and was greeted by the gentle glow of sunlight streaming through. The warm sun kissed her skin, casting a golden hue upon the sheets.

It took a moment for her to piece together the fragments of the night before – the fight, the exhaustion, the burning desire, and a raw need for connection. She remembered taking a hasty shower, washing off grime, dirt, and blood with an anticipation that filled her every fiber as she couldn’t wait to share the bed with River again.

She remembered just how spent and weary they both had been and yet so consumed by an insatiable hunger for one another that they slept naked. Their bare bodies pressed together in a tight embrace, exploring, feeling, and caressing each other throughout the night. It would have been easy to dismiss it all as a dream, a fleeting fantasy conjured by her exhausted mind. But the weight of his body against hers, the warmth that enveloped her – it was all too real.

As V’s heart quickened with the sudden realization of River’s presence, she felt a rush of electricity coursing her veins. His lips trailed a path of sleepy, nuzzling kisses along the delicate curve of her neck, igniting a fire within her core. 

“Morning,” his raspy whisper caressed her ear, punctuated by a soft nibble that sent shivers down her spine as he drew her closer into his embrace. And then, with a gentle tug, he pulled her hips against his own, pressing her ever further into him.

[unispiredunicorn2]

A THING OF BEAUTY

Pairing: V/River Ward

Rating: Explicit

Summary: V is on a mission to save River and his family, and there’s nothing that could bring her down. Not bullets, not exhaustion, pain, or the secrets she uncovers along the way. All of it is worth going through for the long-awaited reunion that leaves her in shambles.

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IRIS

The desert wind whipped against V’s face. It was a fiery force that howled through the shattered windows of her banged-up car; remnants of the crash from a night before. The twisted metal groaned in protest, but she paid it no mind. She didn’t have time to fix it, nor did she care to take another one from the garage when Panam called. Not when this one was kindly parked in front of her building by Vik, ready to go.

It still ran, and that’s what mattered.

She ignored the wind playing with her hair, tugging at the strands as if tempting her to slow down. With a firm grip on the wheel and determination etched into her features, she pressed the gas pedal to the floor, urging the engine to propel her forward with maximum speed. The car responded eagerly, its roar echoing, the lights flickering and blurring into one line as she sped through with reckless abandon, leaving a cloud of dust in its wake.

The absence of traffic was a blessing, allowing V to weave through the empty lanes with ease. But, even if the road had been teeming with midday chaos, it wouldn’t have deterred her.

No.

She would have bulldozed through any obstacles with the same unwavering determination. She would have driven over people, gravel, water – nothing would have stood in her way. And if that, somehow didn’t work, she would’ve run and then walked, and if all of that still didn’t work… she would’ve crawled.

Even Panam couldn’t stop her. Consumed by an urgency that shadowed everything else, V had to shove Panam aside. It was a moment of raw, unapologetic need that left a lingering taste of regret in V’s mouth. She wished she could have handled it differently. A twinge of guilt nestled within her chest, but there was no room for self-reflection.

Regret would have to wait.

Right now, her mind raced with a thousand thoughts of River, Joss, and the kids, each fighting for attention amidst the chaos of her emotions. The road stretched before her like a lifeline, connecting her to the ones she loved, but it seemed endless as if she drove to the other side of the Earth.

Her heart hammered in her chest, the sound echoing in her ears like a relentless drumbeat. Chilling shivers ran down her spine, riddling her body with a sensation of cold that seemed to seep into her very bones. Her trembling hands tightened around the steering wheel in a desperate attempt to maintain control.

If he’s… If they…

[unispiredunicorn2]

A THING OF BEAUTY

Pairing: V/River Ward

Rating: Explicit

Summary: V tries to help Panam. However, the mission goes awry, and V seeks solace in alcohol, but finds the comfort somewhere else. It all escalates into a whirlwind of tension, until V answers a chilling phone call.

Continue on AO3

THE GREATEST BASTARD

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the cracks in the roof, and still, V felt anything but warmth in her heart. It had been less than twelve agonizing hours since she dialed River’s number for the first time, hoping for solace.

But she only found silence.

The hours that followed that first call were cruel, stealing away her sleep as she found herself in a web of thoughts, each more tormenting than the last.

Her fingers dialed his number repeatedly, the phone almost overheating. With each unanswered call, the frustration grew until it finally transformed into anger, and she found herself typing messages that echoed the rage inside her. The words that flowed out were nothing short of spiteful, and V didn’t even dare to open them again, fearing the sting of her own spew.

She had expected some sort of response, even if it was just anger mirrored back at her. A simple “fuck off” would have sufficed, anything to break the deafening silence that enveloped her. But there was nothing, only the indifference from the man who once held her like a drop of water in his palm. The sudden coldness and detachment felt like a betrayal, piercing her to her core.

She wondered why even bother; why even save her, only to ignore her now? Why be gentle and caring and tell her in all the ways but with words, that he loved her? Had she suddenly served her purpose, fed his ego, and now she didn’t matter?

Though she felt a profound connection to him even before stumbling to his doorstep, it was within those moments that followed her awakening in his bed, that she realized she was in love with him. She had fallen for it all – days spent wrapped in his embrace had etched themselves deep into her soul, creating a longing that surpassed anything she had felt before.

So why, she pondered bitterly, why take it all back? Did he enjoy it, knowing that someone was desperate for his touch? Did he find satisfaction in her vulnerability? Did it flatter him when he saw her name on the screen, calling for the hundredth time? Did he crack a menacing smirk, seeing how weak and pathetic she was for him?

[unispiredunicorn2]

A THING OF BEAUTY

Pairing: V/River Ward

Rating: Explicit

Summary: V stumbles upon someone from the past and get revenge, closing a chapter of her life. Vik gives V a pendant that causes a storm of emotions within her and she finally calls River.

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RESTLESS HEART SYNDROME

“Get up, V.”

He said it for the millionth time. His persistent voice echoed through the room like a relentless mosquito in the middle of the night that refused to let her be. V tangled herself in the sheets, shifting to the other side of the bed, hoping to drown out Johnny’s ceaseless barrage by turning her back to him.

“This has gone on long enough.” Johnny’s voice, sharp and piercing, cut through the sweet silence.

V let out an audible groan, covering her ear with her palm.

“This is depressing to watch. You stink not only of sweat but of self-imposed misery and pity. Disgusting. At least take a shower!” His voice erupted with frustration, a sudden burst that jolted V from her semi-conscious state.

She couldn’t deny the truth in his words. The stench she exuded begged to be washed, and her once carefully cared-for blue hair now hung dirty and disheveled. Each strand was heavy and sticky under her fingertips. “Go away, Johnny.” She muttered, her voice muffled by the pillow.

“Do I need to take over again?” Johnny’s voice morphed into a low growl, a note of threat laced within his words. “But this time, I will pick a fight and leave you to deal. At least then, either you’ll start fighting back or you’ll die.”

“You wouldn’t.” She hissed, a defiant spark flaring in her eyes. “You love yourself too much to let me die.”

Johnny scoffed, his form leaning back, hands folded with casual dismissal. “You sure?”

[unispiredunicorn2]

A THING OF BEAUTY

Pairing: V/River Ward

Rating: Explicit

Summary: Chapter dedicated to River’s POV. He is grappling between his emotions and his work and has to make a decision.

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TOO LOST IN YOU

The chill of the air brushed against River’s skin, carrying within the freshness of the Night City morning, although he was well aware it was anything but. Despite the early hours, the streets were already alive with bustling footsteps, distant chatter, and the hum of the traffic. The morning sun, low on the horizon, cast its warm rays upon River’s rugged features. His sharp, narrowed eye squinting against the gentle assault of the sunlight. Determination etched every line of his face as he sat there, resolved to witness that fleeting moment unfold before him.

River found himself entangled in a ritual ever since he walked away that day. A ritual born out of curiosity and longing. There was a sense of surrender within him each time he left his home. It was a journey he couldn’t resist, a magnetic pull that overruled any rational thought or hesitation. Every morning, like clockwork, as if some invisible hand dragged him, he would find himself cramped in his Thorton, parked outside her building.

His thumbs tapped in a fast rhythm against the worn leather of the steering wheel, mirroring the rising tempo of his heartbeat and betraying the anticipation within him. A nervous energy coursed through him, manifesting with a subtle jitter of his leg as the confines of the Thorton seemed to tighten around him.

As River sat in the familiar driver’s seat, he wondered if today would be the day the yearning ache in his chest would find its resolution.

River wondered if today he would finally see her long, flowing blue hair again. He could almost feel its silky strands slipping through his fingers just by thinking of it, reminding him of the hours spent within the confines of his bed. Wondered if he would be honored enough to trace the contours of her body, to once again marvel at her flawless, yet scarred skin, that bore stories of resilience. He envisioned her washed in the warm morning sun as she stepped out, wearing almost nothing. That thought alone had him gripping the steering wheel tight. But what he wondered and ached for the most was to see her eyes. Her two deep brown gems that seemed to hold the secrets of a thousand worlds within them. Would today be the day when he’d dive into the depths of those eyes and lose himself in the oceans of her gaze? Would he finally find solace once he does?

[unispiredunicorn2]

A THING OF BEAUTY

Pairing: V/River Ward

Rating: Explicit

Summary: V grapples with the aftermath of River leaving as the storm rages outside. Misty brings some comfort to V before she is forced into the clutches of past.

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THE NIGHT WE MET

The city outside her apartment window looked grim, its early afternoon hours draped in a melancholy gray. The sky, cloaked in heavy ashen clouds, cast a shadow that made it seem like the night started to settle. The rain fell with an unrelenting force, like it hadn’t in years, as if nature itself ached for some form of revenge. 

Lightning tore through the sky frequently, illuminating the city in brief, stark flashes. Each burst of light was followed by the thunder’s roar that resonated in a loud mountain-like crash. And every strike seemed to shake the city to its foundations. 

She pressed her cheek against the icy surface of the window, the cold seeping through her skin as she peered through the stream of rain cascading down on the other side. Her breath created a mist on the glass as she traced the rain patterns with her fingertips. 

The rainstorm pounded relentlessly against it, drowning out the usual city noise with the rhythmic blast of water droplets. Each watery drop distorted the familiar streets she thought she knew so well. The comforting glow of neon lights became muffled and flickered like distant stars behind the drenching curtain. 

People on the streets below wore their umbrellas like lifelines, V narrowed her eyes, barely discerning as the thin fabric above their heads failed to protect them from the fury from the skies. As V continued to watch, the rain intensified, transforming the asphalt into a reflective pool. The swelled-up water, now ankle-deep, seemed determined to wash away everything in its path. People hurried along the flooded sidewalks, their footsteps creating ripples in the water that mirrored the chaos above. V felt a strange kinship with the resilient souls below as if their struggle against the ankle-deep river reflected her own.

The cascade of rain against the glass became hypnotic, captivating her gaze as she traced the path of each droplet that the skies above released. Her cheeks resembled the drenched window she leaned against, as if the very heavens wept in symphony with her, blurring the line between the tears of the sky, and her soul.

[unispiredunicorn2]

A THING OF BEAUTY

Pairing: V/River Ward

Rating: Explicit

Read more on AO3

HURRICANE

Summary: V is struggling with her actions and tension between her and River lingers, erupting at the end.

The air in the car was thick with tension hanging heavily between them, and the occasional glances at River revealed the tightness in his jaw and the distant look in his eyes as his hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. The hum of the engine was the only sound punctuating the awkward silence.

She wished she could read his thoughts and understand the storm that brewed beneath the surface. Each time she looked at him, a silent prayer echoed in her mind, grateful he hadn’t met her gaze in return. 

She was furious with herself, and the taste of regret lingered on her tongue, bitter and unrelenting. Her grip on the edges of her seat tightened, nails digging into the fabric as the anger clawed at her insides. Anger at the loss of control, anger at the jealousy that had risen up within her, anger at the desires that had driven her to this point. But beneath it all, there was a raw truth - she was angry at herself for hurting the one person she had never wanted to. 

A suffocating heaviness settled over her. The urge to escape clawed at her, a desperate desire to leap out of the car right there and run as far as her legs could carry her.

At that moment, everything seemed overwhelming. The idea of running away, staying put, being alone, being with River swirled and clashed within V in a chaotic hurricane. And every path she thought of ended in darkness. She wanted to scream.

“Poor bastard.” Johnny drawled from the backseat of the car. “First, he has to relive an old rejection and then gets rejected on the same day. If I had real arms, I would have hugged him.”

V couldn’t find it in herself to entertain Johnny’s commentary as she snapped back at him. “You think I need your mockery right now?”

[unispiredunicorn2]

A THING OF BEAUTY

Pairing: V/River Ward

Rating: Explicit

Summary: V is a mess! I’m sorry.

Read more on AO3

MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

Awakening from the dream left her body coiled with tension, a potent longing coursing through her. Vivid scenes replayed in her subconscious, imprinting an undeniable intensity resonating throughout her body.

His proximity appeared to have sparked dreams that stirred profound thirst, leaving a flush of heat and her underwear wet in its wake. The tension, the unquenchable fire that smoldered between her legs, only intensified with each flashback. In an attempt to alleviate the lustful ache, she squeezed the muscles within, hoping for some respite, only to find the arousing tension escalating to new heights. 

Her body teetered on the brink of trembling as she delicately brushed her fingertips over her breasts, the sensation sending shivers through her. The heightened sensitivity made her nipples hard under the gentle caress, their firm peaks spilling out of the fabric of her shirt. A silent cry escaped her lips, a desperate plea for a touch of pleasure. 

How could she leave the room like this?

Her head shifted to the side, her gaze drawn to River’s form, peacefully lost in the depths of sleep. V couldn’t help but appreciate the view. A subtle thrill coursed through her as her eyes lingered on him. The sensation between her legs heightened in response to the sculpted muscles before her.

Why does he persist in sleeping without a shirt? 

She thought, a sigh escaping her lips, the question echoed in her mind, filled with desire and frustration at the same time. Attempting to regain composure, she knew she needed to calm herself down, but the image of his half-naked body made her feel anything but.

Her desire surged, an insistent longing that ached for her to reach out, to touch, to trace a path of thrilling kisses downward. The mere thought of it made her eyes flutter with anticipation, a vivid fantasy unfurling in her mind. 

It felt only fair — returning the favor after the way he had eaten her in that dream. How his fingers, skilled and unrelenting, filled her with a delicious urgency. How his tongue sang in a rhythm that quickened ferociously, pushing her to the brink.

[unispiredunicorn2]

A THING OF BEAUTY

Pairing: V/River Ward

Rating: Explicit

Summary: V faces the aftermath of her injuries and struggles with the weakness of her own body, forcing her to accept River help. V contemplates her identity and battles with conflicting desires as River’s family bring a sense of comfort and belonging.

Read more on AO3

MUDDY WATERS

“Wake up, V.”

The murmur of a familiar voice permeated the depths of her consciousness, pulling her from the clutches of dreams. 

Her eyes snapped open suddenly, greeted by the sight of a stuffed bear mere inches from her face. Confusion clouded her still-waking mind as she tried to make sense of her surroundings.

Rolling onto her back, V was met with a tidal wave of searing pain that gripped every inch of her body. It was as if a truck had crashed into her sternum. Each breath felt like a blade repeatedly stabbing into her chest. Her head throbbed with every move, reminding her of Johnny's ‘nights out' . As she shifted, the sensation of cracked ribs sent shivers of discomfort through her, audible winces escaping her lips.

Her fingers traced a delicate path beneath her ribs, encountering a carefully arranged dressing. The precision and neatness of the bandaging hinted at a skilled touch, leaving her mind to grapple with the questions.

Curiosity prevailed as she pressed upon the dressing, probing the boundaries of the wound beneath. A sharp jolt of pain surged through her body, causing involuntary spasms that reverberated through every fiber of her being.

“Aww, look.” Johnny drawled, his gaze flickering to the stuffed bear. “Someone left you their toy. Don’t they know you like different kinds of toys to play with?” Johnny’s insolent grin played on his lips as he casually settled onto the bed, hands behind his head as he reclined against the wall.

A deep sigh escaped V’s lips. “Johnny…”

He smoothly transitioned, shifting from the bed to lean against the desk, positioned squarely in front. “I meant guns, of course.”

Her eyes, still glazed with the remnants of sleep and strained by the effort of waking, darted around the room in a confused dance. The sun seemed bright and high in the skies as she looked through the window. Scanning around further, it was a space that her mind could almost make out. “Where am I?”

[unispiredunicorn2]

A THING OF BEAUTY

Pairing: V/River Ward

Rating: Mature (for now)

Summary: V is hurt, on cusp of death as she seeks the familiar face for help, or at least a final goodbye. River does everything in his power to save her as he battles with the possibility of her death.

Read on AO3

ECHOES OF A BULLET

“River!” 

Her cry tore through the stillness of the night, desperately pleading for salvation from the darkness that threatened to consume her.

With a trembling hand, she pushed open the car door, her muscles protesting with every movement. She screamed in agony, tumbling out of the car and meeting the harsh ground. The world spun around her in a dizzying whirlwind, each labored breath burning her lungs as the taste of dust coated her tongue. But she refused to surrender. With a fierce determination etched into every line of her battered frame, she dragged herself forward, her fingers digging into the gritty soil, leaving behind a trail of sweat and blood.

“River!”

Her voice echoed through the dark again. But the night remained indifferent and cruel, its small hours offering nothing but the silence. Even Johnny’s usual quips, his constant presence, and assistance in dire moments were absent, swallowed by the darkness as if he had succumbed to the same weakness as her.

Just how close to death was she? 

Every breath was a struggle, the air thick with the taste of defeat, but V pressed on. Dirt mingled with blood, staining her hands as she clawed forward, determination etched into every line of her battered frame. As she reached the stairs of River’s home, her heart suddenly slowed down. Feeling herself fading, V summoned the last remnants of her strength, unleashing another desperate cry into the night, her voice cracking with the strain. 

“River!”

His name echoed off the red rocks of the Trailer Park, only to be carried away by the chill wind and the cold night. 

Falling to the ground once more, her body wracked with exhaustion and agony, she couldn’t help but let despair and doubt overshadow her. The hope of reaching River, who was surely fast asleep at this hour, steadily waned with each passing moment, the weight of impending doom pressing down on her chest. She found herself grappling with the notion of death. It wasn’t supposed to end like this, not for her, not now, and certainly not for this reason. Clinging to the idea that if death were to claim her, it certainly would have been Johnny.