Let's travel back to 2077. It's early December in Night City, and we find ourselves in the company of Max, Henry, and Luca. They have just returned from an 8-month stay in the Badlands, and we catch up with them as they sit in a diner.

Max is gazing out the window, patiently waiting for his food, while Henry is greedily devouring his stack of fluffy pancakes covered in maple syrup. Luca, on the other hand, is watching the news, silently hoping that the NCPD isn't on the lookout for them. The diner is bustling with activity, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingers in the air.

Suddenly, the waiter arrives with Max's order, a strange concoction of pancakes and a slice of ham drenched in maple syrup. Luca looks puzzled and asks Max “What the hell’s that?”.

Max, with a grin on his face, tells Luca “What? We’ve spent the last 8 months consuming nothing but shit with bits of sand, let me enjoy this.” Max takes a big bite, the flavors explode in his mouth, as he savors every moment.

Max, feeling anxious, asked Luca about the latest news. He was worried about being followed and didn't want to check his back constantly.

Luca reassured him that nothing about them was in the news, which was a relief. However, most of the news was about Arasaka, which was not surprising given their recent activities.

Luca turned away from the television and asked Max about their chances of sleeping in their own beds tonight.

They had been staying in one-star hotels since their return to NC, fearing that the NCPD was watching their homes. Max agreed that it was a valid concern and finished his meal before getting up to make a call.

Luca suggested calling Tom, as he knew that they were in the badlands, to find out if it was safe to return home.

As he walked outside to the payphone, Max couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He hoped that Tom would have good news for them and that they could finally get some rest in their own beds.

Max: “Tom. It’s Max”

Tom: “Ah, perfect timing. I have good news for you.”

Max: “What is the good news?”

Tom: “Well it’s two things. The first is that you aren’t on NCPD’s radar anymore meaning you, Luca, and Henry can sleep in your beds tonight. But don’t get it twisted! There still keeping tabs on the family.”

Max: “Funny. That’s the reason I called. I don’t think we could take another night in a one-star hotel. What's the other thing you had to share.”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Tom: “Well as Christmas is fast approaching Tony wanted to get everyone together for a festive party. But don’t worry it’s a few days away but there are some things you should know.”

Call Ended

Max walked back into the diner and proceeded to tell Henry and Luca that they could finally go back home, and that Tony had planned a Christmas party in a few days.

However, there was a catch. Tom had mentioned that although they were free to go home, the NCPD was still monitoring them. Max warned his friends not to do anything stupid that could get them into trouble.

Luca was a bit taken aback when Max looked at him while saying this. He asked Max why he was looking at him, to which Henry replied that if anyone was going to do something stupid, it would be Luca. Luca tried to defend himself, but he knew that Henry was right.

Max then proceeded to share the rest of the details that Tom had shared about the party. He warned them not to get too crazy and to bring someone along with them.

Henry started laughing and said that Luca and Max wouldn't be going to the party. Max was curious about Henry's comment and asked him why.

Henry explained that Max and Luca didn't have a girlfriend, whereas he did.

“You two would rather spend the night with a joytoy than a proper woman.” He said.

Max didn't like Henry's comments, as Henry used to spend his nights with joytoys too, but times had changed.

Max did have feelings for someone, and she had feelings for him too, but it was a complicated situation. She already had a boyfriend, but she still loved Max.

Max decided to change the subject and offered to drive his friend's home. He got up, paid the bill, and left the diner with his friends.

After dropping off Henry and Luca at their homes, Max was finally able to walk back into his apartment. He walks to his record player, turns it on, and heads upstairs for a shower.

The warm water was a sense of relaxation, something that he desperately needed. Once out of the shower, he walked downstairs and looked out of a window, losing himself in the city’s ambiance.

The cars on the highway constantly moving, the advertisements on buildings changing, and the occasional sound of an aircraft going past the sky bring back a sense of nostalgia.

While looking out the window, Max started to think about Mia and wondered how she was doing as the last time they spoke was eight months ago.

But before he could text her, Henry texted him.

Henry

“Hey, can we talk?”

Max

“Sure what is it?”

Henry Calls Max

Max: “What’s up?”

Henry: “It’s Jenny, she’s pissed off with me.”

Max: “Because you’ve been gone for eight months.”

Henry: “Not just that. She feels as though we’re constantly in danger. I don’t know what to do bro.”

Max: “Give her time. Imagine how you would feel if she had to leave, and you wouldn’t see her again for eight months. Make sure you bring her to the party, it would be a nice thing to do seeing as though you haven't spoken to each other for eight months.”

Henry: “I know. I know. What about you? Who are you bringing?”

Max: “Look, don’t tell Luca, but I was thinking about bringing Mia. I know she’s with James, but there's something about her that I can't put my finger on.”

Henry: “Well she technically loves you more than James but that’s a conversation you need to have with her. I got a go bro take care of yourself.”

Call Ended