Cybergate 2027 - A Baldur's Gate 3 / Cyberpunk 2077 Crossover

XVIII

Astarion stretched his arms and released a lazy yawn. Nothing was better for sleep than a night of lovemaking. His muscles were still deliciously sore, and his brain was soaked in satisfaction. He'd forgotten how sensational it felt to be inside someone he actually cared about... Perhaps they could go again later. Shady seemed comfortable with a slow day too, considering it was past ten and she was still in the bedroom. Soft morning rays, coming through the large window, caressed the couch and his shoulders.

If only Muffin would sit still! The annoying dog leaped back and forth, wagging its tail and panting with its tongue sticking out. He'd already fed the fluffy monster and pet it enough for a lifetime, so what could it possibly want?!

Muffin stopped at the door and emitted a pleading bark.

Oh. "Just a moment!" Astarion said, hurrying to pick his clothes from around the apartment. He activated the Smarthome AI assistant to ask about a suitable place for dog walks, and a pleasant, feminine voice suggested heading to the domed gardens on the sixty-eighth floor. Five minutes later, he enjoyed more warmth under the transparent round roof along with Muffin, who soon soiled the grass that was genetically designed to soak urine. Then a diligent automated drone collected the dog's droppings. He walked it around for several more minutes, enjoying the leers of some attractive female tenants, and returned to the apartment.

A surprise awaited him near the door—Vhonthra, wearing a silvery blazer over a dark-grey shirt and pants. Her golden hair shone under the hallway lights, bright like her clever eyes.

"Good morning, Miss Arkanep."

"Please, call me Vi," she said with a crooked smirk.

"And you can call me anything you want, darling."

The blonde chuckled. "I'll stick with Astarion for now." She opened the apartment door and peeked inside. "Where's your partner in crime?"

Still in bed, it seemed, as if they were on holiday. He gave Vhonthra an apologetic smile. "The recent events have exhausted her, I suppose."

"I see," Vi said in an amused tone, as if she knew they'd slept together. "Sorry for disappearing yesterday. I had to deal with some work issues and stayed on the net until late."

If she'd missed any sleep, it didn't show on her face. He nodded, accepting the explanation out of politeness. Muffin, meanwhile, sniffed the Selunite's legs and started snarling.

"What's got into you?!" Astarion said, pulling on the dumb dog's leash. It had no effect. Vhonthra fixed the hems of her pants over her elegant shoes. There were fresh scratches around her ankles. He picked Muffin up in his arms, pretending not to have noticed. "The little devil must be hungry."

"Yes, I'll go get it food!" She rushed outside, nearly hitting her knee on the door frame.

"Look what you've done," Astarion said to the dog in a joking tone. "It's not like we have many friends." Muffin responded with an asinine stare. Since there was nothing better to do, he switched on the telescreen. The news was on, and a sleek, blond anchorman spoke about someone disappearing. Then a picture of Shadowheart was shown.

"Shady, get up! They're talking about you!"

"Who?" she asked, her voice betraying that she was lying awake for a while.

A ginger-haired, overweight man, wearing an off-white shirt with a green leaf logo appeared on screen. "Bill, I think."

The brunette staggered out of the bedroom in a baggy blue shirt that hung over her knees. She plodded onto the couch and leaned her marvellous head on Astarion's shoulder. "Who's Bill?"