Neon Hearts in the Dark

Cyberpunk 2087 -- Onyx City

Neon Hearts in the Dark

06:00AM 12th January 2087

In the wee hours of the night, Leaf, a nineteen-year-old with striking turquoise hair and jade-green highlights, found himself lying next to Yoshi, a twenty-four-year-old with light brown skin that beautifully contrasted with Leaf's pale complexion. The two were naked, covered only by a thin sheet, and wrapped up in each other's embrace. Leaf rested his head on Yoshi's chest, feeling the rise and fall of his breaths, while he softly trailed his fingers over Yoshi's body.

Leaf's gentle touch was an expression of love, as he traced his pink and teal painted nails over Yoshi's tattoos and down his stomach to his inner thighs. The feeling was pure bliss, and Leaf couldn't help but smile contentedly to himself. At the same time, his other hand played with Yoshi's unkempt hair, a mix of black and silver strands. The moment was one of complete intimacy, where two souls were intertwined in a loving embrace, with nothing but the sound of their breaths filling the room.

As the thunderstorm raged on outside, illuminating the Onyx City skyline with bursts of lightning, Leaf found himself lost in thought, gazing out of the window of his forty-second-floor flat in Astro Gardens. The heavy rain pounded against the glass, creating a soothing rhythm that mingled with the sounds of the bustling city below. Despite the chaos and misery that surrounded him, Leaf couldn't help but admire the bright and colourful neon lights of the towering sky structures, the futuristic shuttles and transporters zipping by, and the mesmerizing holo-advertisements that lit up the night.

Leaf's thoughts were consumed by the love he had shared with Yoshi the night before. Finally losing his virginity to the man he loved had been a long-awaited moment, after countless almost's and unfulfilled desires. The two were now boyfriends, partners, and lovers, united in a passionate bond that Leaf knew would endure. As he reminisced about their time together, he was jolted back to reality by the sudden activation of the Pulsar Electronics radio hologram.

"Rise and shine, Onyx City," the radio hostess proclaimed. "It's six in the morning, and the neon night city is alive with news. Yesterday's body count lottery came in at a solid sixty, with Requiem taking the brunt of the casualties. Eternity nightclub saw eleven deaths in the massacre of the fallen angels gang and their leader, Ajax Borg Takeyama, at the hands of two Cyber Runners - resulting in one officer down. Needless to say, the Onyx City police will not let this go unpunished. Meanwhile, Anders is experiencing more blackouts, with the Cyber Runners poking holes in the grin once again. Over in Atlas, MaxTac is responding to Cyber Psychos, and the Red Trauma team is scraping victims off the streets. In Endora, five Cyber Runners targeted a secure data depot in Nicholson's megatower, killing five individuals. And as for Neodiff, well, it's still Neodiff! Join me, Apple Tulan, for another day in our city of dreams - the neon night city, Onyx City!"

Leaf gazed at Yoshi's still-sleeping form with his bright blue eyes, his fingers gently stroking Yoshi's cheek and lips as he played with his soft, unkempt black hair, peppering his chest, collarbone, and neck with gentle kisses and licks. He rolled off of Yoshi and lay on his back, his fingertips softly tracing over his own body, sending shivers down his spine. With Spirit of Valour's "I Really Want to Stay at Your House," their favourite band and song, playing softly in the background, Leaf rose to his feet and made his way to the bathroom, clad only in his yellow knee-high socks.

The neon lights from the mega sky towers outside bathed their flat in a colourful glow, casting long shadows over their scattered clothes and furniture from their rush to be naked, their rush to become lovers. Leaf's nipples hardened in the cool Onyx City morning air as he thought back on their night together, hours upon hours of lovemaking. Leaning over the sink, he brushed his soft turquoise hair out of his eyes and splashed cold water on his face, looking up into the mirror to see his own reflection.

His gaze shifted to Yoshi, still peacefully asleep in bed, and a smile spread across Leaf's face as he looked upon his co-worker, friend, and now lover.

...Seventeen Hours Earlier...

Yoshi stood in his bedroom, methodically selecting his attire for the day ahead. He opted for a kaleidoscopic pastel hoodie, a sleek grey t-shirt, and a pair of striking cyan blue shorts. To complete the look, he slipped on his coveted limited edition Celestial Food's seventy seven's pastel orchid purple trainers. As he strode out of Flat 42, located on the nineteenth floor of the prestigious Astro Gardens complex in Endora, Yoshi anticipated a busy night ahead as he made his way to his job at the Infinity nightclub. The vibrant beats emanating from his Pulsar Electronics radio hologram served as a fitting accompaniment to his energetic and stylish ensemble.

"Good day, Onyx City! This is Artemis Radio, and it's currently 1 PM in our glittering metropolis," the announcer's voice boomed through the airwaves. As Yoshi stepped out of his flat and shut the door, the radio's transmission abruptly ceased, leaving the city's pulsating energy as the only soundtrack to his day.

Yoshi strolled leisurely toward the lift, casually observing the chaotic scene around him. PlayBots bustled about, while individuals peddled their bodies for Eruzupounds, food, or a night's shelter. Some lay sprawled on the ground, lost in a psychedelic haze or immersed in a Braindance, while others hawked unsafe cybernetics on the black market.

As the lift descended toward the ground floor, it abruptly halted on the tenth level, interrupting a violent gang shootout. Yoshi huddled in the corner for safety, watching as the OC police arrived in full force to quell the disturbance.

Upon reaching the ground level, Yoshi was greeted by a dizzying array of flashing blue and red lights. The MaxTac police unit was out in droves, contending with a dangerous Cyber Psycho while a RedTrauma team scrambled to assist an injured, high-profile client.

"Ah, just another splendid day in Onyx City," Yoshi chuckled to himself before ambling away from the commotion.

Yoshi's destination was the underground car park of Astro Gardens, where he kept his prized possession: a sleek blue and bronze, all-electric Saibatekku Samurai R 2087. Capable of reaching a blistering speed of 210 mph, it was Yoshi's pride and joy, his baby.

For the past nine months, Yoshi had made it a routine to pick up his close friend and colleague, Leaf Skye, from his residence at Beerus Tower. Their daily commute entailed traversing the bustling Kento Bypass, which could take up to thirty minutes on a good day. Along the way, they navigated past numerous shootouts, RedTrauma teams, and gang skirmishes, all too common in the chaotic metropolis of Onyx City. Nevertheless, it was just another typical day for Yoshi as he revved up his beloved Saibatekku Samurai and hit the road.

Merlin's Plaza, just outside the towering edifice of Beerus Tower, was bustling with activity. Leaf, Yoshi's close friend and co-worker, lounged on a bench beneath a striking pink and yellow neon sign advertising Ginny's Lounge, a high-end brothel located in the Requiem district's Orbital Sky Tower. Clad in Yoshi's bright neon green long hoodie, which he had snagged the day before because it still bore Yoshi's scent, Leaf wore a cheerful yellow ThorCorp Robotics t-shirt, powder blue shorts hidden beneath the hoodie, knee-high yellow socks, and vibrant pink high-top trainers.

As Yoshi pulled up on his impressive Saibatekku Samurai, Leaf leapt to his feet with a broad grin, delighted to see his friend.

"Well hello there handsome, I'm loving the knee-high socks. They suit you very well," Yoshi said with a grin. "But how much do you charge? I can't imagine someone as stunning as you would come cheap," he teased, gesturing to the neon sign above Leaf.

"You're right, I don't come cheap," Leaf replied, pointing at himself and causing Yoshi to make a sad face, before he broke into a smile that made Leaf shiver a little.

"Well, at least let me give a gorgeous man like you a lift to work," Yoshi offered.

"Thank you, I couldn't turn down an offer like that," Leaf replied with a smile and a blush.

Leaf hopped onto the back of Yoshi's bike, his small frame of five foot five standing out against Yoshi's tall six foot one body. He placed his head on Yoshi's back, wrapping his arms around his waist. His left hand gripped tightly while his right hand softly caressed Yoshi's inner thigh as they rode to the Infinity nightclub in the Obsidian megatower in Endora.

As soon as they arrived, Yoshi and Leaf took their seats in the intimate confines of pod number eleven, Infinity's cosy staff changing room. For the past nine months, they had shared this space together, their bodies comfortably close yet worlds apart.

Leaf's voice dripped with irritation as he spoke, his gaze fixed on the dreary night ahead. "Looks like we're in for another round of dealing with drunken cybernetic fools and lecherous men and women who can't keep their hands to themselves," he lamented, his frustration palpable.

Meanwhile, Yoshi couldn't help but admire the smoothness of his thighs, lost in his own thoughts as he prepared for the long night ahead.

Yoshi snapped out of his trance, his eyebrows raised in amusement as he responded, "Hey, wait a minute. I have cybernetics too, does that make me a lecherous cybernetic fool?" He flashed a cheeky smile, causing Leaf to burst into laughter.

Between giggles, Leaf clarified, "Oh no no, when I say lecherous cybernetic fool and drunks, I mean those other people who come here. Not you, of course." He trailed off, feeling a bit flustered as he struggled to express his thoughts.

After a brief moment of awkward silence, Leaf hastily changed the subject by busying himself with getting ready for their shift. But he couldn't help but let slip, "And as for the feeling up bit...well, let's just say you're the only one I'm interested in." Both men avoided each other's gaze, feeling a bit bashful but unable to conceal their smiles.

With practiced ease, Leaf stripped off his clothes, leaving him clad in nothing but tight blue boxers and knee-high socks. Yoshi's eyes were drawn to Leaf's stunning physique, his eyes tracing every curve and bump, lingering on his smooth thighs, shapely rear, and the small bulge in his boxers. Leaf was perfect, and Yoshi found himself speechless, his mouth dry with longing.

For the past nine months, Yoshi had harboured a deep and abiding love for Leaf, but he had never found the courage to act on his feelings. Every time they got close, he would panic and change the subject, or make an excuse to leave. Lost in thought and lost in admiration, Yoshi failed to notice Leaf looking back at him until he heard Leaf's nervous voice.

"Do you see something you like? Or maybe something you want?" Leaf's words hung heavy in the air, his nervousness palpable.

As Yoshi sat there, staring into Leaf's mesmerizing eyes, he felt his heart pounding in his chest. All of the sudden, Leaf took a deep breath and climbed onto Yoshi's lap, pressing his face against his. Before Yoshi could even react, Leaf took control and kissed him passionately, their bodies pressed against each other.

Yoshi's hands instinctively moved to Leaf's hips, feeling the smooth fabric of his tight blue boxers. The sensation of Leaf's hands running through his hair and the soft touch of his fingers on his skin sent shivers down his spine. As they continued to kiss, Yoshi couldn't help but feel a sense of euphoria wash over him. This was everything he had ever wanted, but he couldn't bring himself to say it out loud.

Suddenly, the moment was shattered as Yoshi panicked and tried to pull away. "Sorry...I...I...that was just..." he stammered, hastily throwing on his work clothes. "I better get to work."

Yoshi fled the room without looking back, leaving Leaf standing there with tears streaming down his face, utterly heartbroken. He couldn't believe that the man he loved would leave him like this, without even a second glance.

As the night progressed, the bar continued to fill up with fans of Cyber Gorillaz, and Leaf and Yoshi found themselves constantly busy serving drinks and chatting with customers. Despite the tension between them, they still managed to work well together, their movements fluid and coordinated.

Occasionally, their eyes would meet across the bar, and they would quickly look away, their hearts heavy with the weight of unspoken feelings. It was as if the air between them was charged with electricity, and they both felt it, even if they couldn't express it.

Yoshi was in the midst of crafting his signature cocktail, the "Glowing Earthquake," for a few enthusiastic Cyber Gorillaz fans who were still buzzing from the show that had just ended. He combined rum, midori, mint, lime juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, and soda water with the finesse of a seasoned mixologist. As he was finishing up, he couldn't help but notice Leaf at the other end of the bar, chatting and flirting with a tall, blonde-haired man who had his hands all over Leaf.

Filled with a sudden surge of jealousy and rage, Yoshi slowly made his way over to the pair, attempting to eavesdrop on their conversation.

"How are you still single? You're so sexy," the stranger said, trailing his hand down Leaf's arm.

Leaf blushed and giggled, "I don't know, Tron. Maybe he's just not interested in me."

"Well, that's a damn shame," Tron replied, his hand now on Leaf's hip. "Because I would love to make a move on you. You look absolutely stunning."

Yoshi could feel his blood boiling. He couldn't bear to hear any more of this. "If you don't remove your hands off Leaf, I'm going to break them," he muttered under his breath, pretending to be occupied with mixing drinks.

Tron, oblivious to Yoshi's presence, continued his smooth-talking. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself. You're just so alluring," he said, now kissing Leaf's hand.

"I'm on break in a minute," Leaf replied, a sly grin on his face. "You can continue your flirting with me. I just need to grab something from my changing pod. I finish at one."

Tron nodded eagerly. "I'll wait for you at that table in the secluded corner of Infinity. You know the one I'm talking about, right?"

Leaf nodded, "I know it well."

As Tron disappeared from view, Leaf turned to Yoshi and walked right past him, bumping into him as he passed.

"Sorry," Leaf mumbled, not even bothering to look back as he turned the corner and headed towards the pod area.

Yoshi felt his heart break as he watched Leaf walk away, completely oblivious to his pain. He couldn't help but feel a sense of hopelessness wash over him as he realized that he might lose Leaf to Tron. But he refused to give up that easily.

As he continued to mix drinks, he racked his brain for a plan to win Leaf back. He knew he had to act fast if he wanted to salvage their relationship before it was too late.

Yoshi stood alone in the dimly lit corridor, staring blankly at the door leading to the pod room where Leaf was freshening up for his date. He felt his anger and disappointment welling up inside him, and he couldn't resist the urge to bang his head gently against the wall. How could he have let things come to this? Just a few hours ago, Leaf was sitting on his lap, grinding against him with his tongue in his mouth. Now, he was getting ready to go out with another man.

Memories of all the good times he shared with Leaf came flooding back to him, making him feel even worse. He thought about all the things they could have done together, the places they could have gone, and the experiences they could have shared. And yet, here he was, standing alone and broken-hearted.

With tears streaming down his face, Yoshi finally came to a decision. He couldn't bear the thought of losing Leaf, and the idea of living without him seemed unbearable. So he made up his mind to give himself completely to Leaf, to love him unconditionally and do whatever it takes to make him happy. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to do whatever it takes to win back the man he loved.

Leaf was standing in his boxers, lost in thought, muttering angrily to himself about Tron and Yoshi. He was just about to grab a fresh t-shirt when the pod doors suddenly opened, and he caught a glimpse of Yoshi's face in the mirror.

Frozen with shock, Leaf's heart started racing as Yoshi stepped closer, embracing him from behind and burying his head in Leaf's neck. Leaf's body responded instinctively, his breathing becoming erratic as he grabbed onto Yoshi's hips, feeling a rush of desire coursing through him. As Yoshi continued to hold him close, Leaf's anger and confusion melted away, replaced by a flood of intense emotion. He could feel Yoshi's warm breath on his skin as he whispered apologies, his lips grazing Leaf's neck.

Leaf was panting heavily, his body trembling as he stared up at Yoshi with wide, fearful eyes. "No... I... I can't... I can't do this again Yoshi, I can't go through this again," he gasped, struggling to regain control of his senses.

Yoshi's face softened as he looked down at Leaf, a hint of concern in his eyes. "I know you're scared, Leaf," he said gently. "But I promise you, this time will be different. I won't hurt you again. Trust me."

Leaf shook his head, his heart racing with conflicting emotions. "I want to trust you, Yoshi," he said, his voice wavering. "But I've been hurt before. I can't take another chance on love."

Yoshi stepped closer, his hands reaching out to caress Leaf's cheeks. "I understand, Leaf," he murmured, his voice low and soothing. "But you don't have to be afraid anymore. I'm here for you, always."

Leaf stared up at Yoshi, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew that Yoshi was right - he couldn't keep running away from love forever. Slowly, hesitantly, he leaned forward, pressing his lips to Yoshi's.

As their mouths met, Leaf felt all his fears and doubts slipping away. He wrapped his arms around Yoshi's neck, pulling him in closer as they deepened the kiss. Yoshi's hands roamed over Leaf's body, exploring every inch of him as they kissed.

After a few blissful moments, Yoshi pulled back, his forehead resting against Leaf's. "You see?" he said softly. "This time is different. We can make it work, Leaf. Just trust me."

Leaf smiled up at Yoshi, his heart swelling with love and hope. "I do trust you," he said, his fingers tangling in Yoshi's hair. "I trust you with my heart."

Yoshi let out a soft moan, his eyes locking onto Leaf's. "Mmmm, I love you," he murmured, his lips curving into a smile.

Leaf giggled, feeling a warm flush spread through his body. "What's so funny?" Yoshi asked, his fingers trailing lightly down Leaf's neck.

"Just thinking about how perfect this moment is," Leaf said, his voice soft and dreamy. "I never thought I could feel this happy. But what happens now?."

Yoshi's face softened, his eyes glinting with emotion. "You deserve all the happiness in the world, Leaf," he said, his voice low and intense. "And I'm going to make sure you get it."

Leaf's heart swelled with love as he gazed up at Yoshi, his fingers tangling in the other man's hair. "I believe you," he whispered, his lips curving into a smile.

Yoshi leaned in, his lips brushing against Leaf's ear. "As for what happens now," he murmured, his breath hot against Leaf's skin. "First, we finish our shift. Second, we go back to my place. And third, we make love all night, every night."

Leaf's eyes widened, his heart pounding with excitement. "Yes," he breathed, his hands roaming over Yoshi's body. "I want that more than anything."