Jacket

This is a different thing I'm doing, it has nothing to do with all the stories written in this blog and is more of a personal headcannon/fanfic about how the Jacket from PayDay 2 joined the gang. It's a little story I didn't put much effort into, but I feel gives some motivation to the character and while separating him from HM's Jacket.

-Hey Richard, could you put the volume off? I’m trying to write here.- The man with the letterman jacket pulled out his hand reaching towards the remote to do as his bearded roommate told. –Thanks.- -…- His roommate wasn’t a very talkative type, and he always left his room a mess. However, he knew deep down that his heart was in the right place. –I’m investigating this Russian gang that emerged recently, this could be a nice scoop. I could buy a place for us to move, better than this shithole apartment.- His roommate looked like he didn’t listen to him, mostly concentrated on his videogame, called Hotline Miami.

As Richard drove him to the place he specified so he could keep on investigating, his partner reminisced to their days in the army. Richard was much more talkative back then, he was a formidable soldier. Rumors had it back in the day that he managed to beat several soldiers and drill instructors on hand to hand combat in a training exercise. Something happened back then that made him the way he is now. Cold, silent, and only focused on the things on his mind and nothing else. –Alright, stop here.-

He went down an alley while Richard waited in the car, he knew of a tip from an anonymous source about a money laundering operation they had on this exact street. With his video camera in hand, he lockpicked a door and took a peek inside to see… there was nothing. An empty room, only filled with a chair and a radio on a table. As he was ready to make his way out, he felt something quickly hit the back of his head.

When he woke up, he was tied to the chair in the room. –So, you’re the motherfucker trying to pry onto things that aren’t your business?- The man that talked to him was wearing a tacky green Hawaiian shirt. –Speak, who sent you? The FBI? Nah, I bet those assholes are still busy with that clown gang somewhere.- -I’m just a freelance reporter.- The man in the shirt took a hammer from the table, it was probably brought there after he passed out. –Not willing to talk eh?  Maybe a little persuasion will change your mind.- He put the radio on and then he proceeded to hit his knees with the hammer, the pain he felt was excruciating, but despite telling the truth, he couldn’t find any way for them to believe them. –I’m telling you, I’m just freelance! I saw your rise to power and I just wanted a scoop to get some money!- -Still not willing eh? Let’s see if this can make you speak.- He then grabbed something else from his table, a baseball bat which he then used to hit the torso of the man. He fell unconscious, and as he awoke again, he found himself soaked wet, but whatever was it, it wasn’t water. –Last chance for you to collaborate.- -I already told you the truth, piece of shit.- The Commissar, as some of his henchmen who were there with him called him, lighted up a match and threw it onto the man.

As his friend took some time to come back, Richard stepped out of his DeLorean to look for him. He knew he went down an alley, he retraced the steps his roommate took. As he entered the room, something inside of him began to convulse, he puked his guts out in the entrance of the room, as he saw the charred figure of his friend slowly turn into ash. –You could have avoided this.- Something spoke into his mind. –You are responsible.- The voices in his head would not quell, -You are responsible- time and time again, those words repeated themselves on the back of his head. He promised to himself he would find every single person that did this to him, and that he would make them pay.

He returned to his apartment. He went to his room and took out his collection of cassette tapes. He was an avid collector of 80s memorabilia, for some reason he found the collection relaxing. He was however, going to use this collection for something else entirely. He had changed, where there was peace now was a quiet turmoil in his head that was soon going to turn into a storm of revenge. He also had a small collection of masks, which he had also been collecting. A horse named Don Juan, an owl called Rasmus, a tiger named Tony, and a rooster mask, which he named after himself. He putted it on and grabbed his 1980s Dictaphone, playing a tape. –We should go.-

He drove his DeLorean to a lavish villa. His partner’s notes mentioned a list of locations this mob controlled. Aside from the locations in Miami, he also knew the mob had a few businesses in Washington D.C and other states. He dressed up for the occasion, putting on his mask and entered the place. He was stopped by the bodyguards before he broke both of their arms swiftly, he then proceeded to stomp the face of one of the guards and punch to death the other one. –It has beg-zzzzzttt-un-

He grabbed one of the guns the bodyguards had, a silenced TEC-9 and awaited at the doors, hearing steps coming by. It was someone speaking in Russian, as he touched the door handle he sound found himself getting slammed by the door, and killed by a bullet by the man in the letterman jacket. He proceeded towards the place, and got up a stairway towards a door that said “Employees only” a guard saw him and shouted, alerting all the others in the place. He shot the guard leaving only a bloody mess. He looked for cover as the other guards came towards him and a shoot-out took place. Some guards got close to his location, and they soon learned this was a bad idea, as with a quick strike of his elbow, he got behind one of the guards, using him as human shield towards all the bullets that came his way, while he shot the few guards that were left. Nothing stood between him and the manager of the place.

As he entered the room, the manager couldn’t be found. Until the man in the letterman jacket looked under his desk. He then pulled him outside. –Please! Don’t kill me! What do you want from me!?- The man took out his Dictaphone and began to play a tape. –Retribution.- He smashed his head in with a close-by extinguisher as his cries of “No! Don’t!” were ignored. The man saw another Russian mobster watch him, he took out his cassette player and played another tape. –Tell your boss the Messenger was here.- He left quickly, almost thankful that his life was spared.

The news of a masked murderer attacking Russian establishments spread quickly, however the voices in his head didn’t quell. He piled up newspaper clippings that spoke of some of his doings. He found himself pulling the Dictaphone one more time in his home, playing a random tape. –Your name is not Richard.- As he went on, he forgot himself between all the violence and destruction, being only recognized as “The Messenger” or even “The man of the Jacket”.

He drove towards a bar controlled by the Russians, and as he entered, he shot the first white shirted guy he saw, while looking for cover under the bar. He threw a bottle at one of the gangster’s head and shot another one of them. Getting close to the last one to throw him onto the bar and smash his head against the counter. He then got close to the owner of the place, laughing while drinking a bottle of vodka. –The man you’re looking for went away a long time ago. He’s in D.C. now.- He took another swig, soon after, and amidst the laughter, a bullet hole appeared through his head.

He went back home, furious to learn the man he was looking for escaped like a coward and slipped through his fingers. However, he found out there was a message on his answering machine. –I’ve heard of your exploits, and it seems you and I have mutual interests… people call me Bain. I may not be well known in Miami, but I run a crime organization in D.C. called “Crime.net” and I’d like for you to join us. I’ve set out for a plane to come pick you up, and you’ll meet with one of my guys. I hope business between the two of us blooms into a longstanding relationship.-

Jacket appeared in the airport, where a balding man with glasses showed up. He was quiet, just like himself. He lead him towards the airport and they got on a plane. Wolf, as he soon discovered was the man’s name explained to him that they want to find the Commissar, but that none of their men spoke, not even under torture. However, there is one man they fear, and it’s “The Messenger”. Bain once thought it was some kind of myth, or a horror story. But he soon found out he was wrong once he looked onto the many assassinations in Miami, Florida. –We have another one of the Commissar’s grunts, and we think you might be a good asset for him to speak.- Jacket got out his tape recorder. –This could be the beginning of a beau-zzzzzt-tiful relationship…-

Once his mission was fulfilled and the Commissar died, he went back to the Safe House with his newfound partnerts. He looked through a window next to the kitchen and lighted a cigarrette. He forgot how feeling alive felt after so much death surrounding him. He fealt he could never go back to be the same after all the experiences he dealt with. He got his Dictaphone out again, and he played a random tape. -Your name is not Jacket.- He left out some smoke from his cigarrette and threw the mask on the floor until the time he'd need it again, he was content with just being Richard, if only around the guys and girls he'd trust his life to.

Some Kinda Strange Feeling

While I was reading a book in my hospital bed, I heard the doorknob turning. My mother entered the room and grabbed a chair to sit next to me. I mostly paid her no mind, until she started talking. -How're you doing?- -Nice. Yuuki is going to be here in some minutes.- -I don't like him- I knew she'd had to push her opinion of him somehow. -I don't care, I do.- My mother sighed. -You shouldn't go out that often, why don't you...- I interrupted her mid-sentence. -Stay here like a good little girl? I'm sorry but I like it better outside.- My mother grabbed my hand. -I didn't mean to never treat you badly.- I looked at the ceiling, almost with guilt. -You didn't try to understand me either.- My mother stood there quietly. -Does he know...?- -No, not yet... I didn't want to tell him... in fact, I may be selfish but I want to keep it from him.- My mother nodded. -At the very least maybe you could perhaps invite him to dinner for us to meet him?- -I'll tell him about it.- My mother for the first time today forced a smile and left me with my feelings.

Yuuki entered the room, I felt my heart skip a beat for a second when he grabbed the chair and held my hand. -How are you today?- I beamed at him with a smiled. -Very good, they just called me in for a check-in, but I'm pretty sure I can leave now.- He grabbed my wheelchair and helped me get on it. -I... have to tell you something. It's nothing bad.- He cocked his head sideways. -What's it?- -My mom has some interest in knowing about you and she proposed a dinner at my house... I don't know when she wants it, we still need to talk about it but I was just wondering if it would be ok for you.- He leaned towards my face and kissed my forehead. -Fine by me.- I blushed as he took me out of the hospital for a walk.

Better Late Than Never

As Celeste and I sat down to watch a movie, the only light in the room came from the TV. Richard left to party with some friends of his. -So, which movie are we watching?- she asked, I lent her one of my pajamas since she was staying. -I got a lot of them from the rental store down the street, which one would you like? Have any favourites?- She let out a small chuckle as I showed her the pile of DVDs. -I'm more of a book girl, so I'll trust your choice.- I checked the pile for something to my liking. -Scarface seems like an odd choice for a date, right?- -What's it about?- -Oh, it's about this cuban crimelord that gets addicted to coke and becomes a huge douche later on.- Celeste grabbed my shoulders and whispered very quietly. -We're just looking for an excuse to kiss, you don't really need to think that hard about a film.- I blushed, pulling the DVD pile away to a nearby coffee table, and after that putting the movie in the DVD player. -If you say so...-

We both didn't mind much about the movie, we were too busy holding under the blanket. As our eyes met, our lips were halfway there. When they touched I felt a surge of inner peace, my whole body relaxed, it felt like all the insecurity and doubt inside me went away as her arms surrounded me. -Please never go away...- I whispered as I close my eyes while our lips stood close. -I will hold you close, don't worry.- She kissed my forehead and crossed her fingers with mine's. We started kissing again, however, my fingers started slipping somewhere else in the moment. She quickly put my hand aside and got a bit far away from me. -I...I'm sorry...- She quickly moved her head from side to side. -I just... don't wanna go this quick.- I nodded. -I understand... I'm really sorry.- I felt really flustered, I didn't want to make her uncomfortable. -Could you wait...?- I forced a smile despite feeling bad. -Better late than never, I don't want you to feel bad or uncomfortable... I'm really sorry.- She kissed the back of my right hand, smiling widely. -I get it, it was just a slip, you don't have to apologize like a broken record.- She quickly slipped back under my arms. -Look at that, the film ended.- I joked. -I didn't really get it... maybe you could hit the repeat?- As I was raising from the blanket I felt a hand get me back inside. -Not if it means you're gonna leave my side.- I blushed as I slipped under the blanket again, real close to her.

Idiots

10 of August

I kicked a can from the street, angrily looking at my distorted reflection in the small pool of water the rain left behind. I had an argument with her... I felt betrayed. Mana just wanted me for my money, which I didn’t even have much. It was a horrible feeling, to know you've just been used. I wanted to shout, I wanted to cry, even if she didn’t even deserve it. While I was walking, I saw Yuuki with Celeste, they were going towards me. –Hey, Peter… you seem down.- She said, I barely could hide the tears, but I managed. –I’m okay… what are you doing here?- I asked, hiding my issues. –I’m going to Yuuki’s house.- Yuuki almost looked embarrassed, but then he noticed me looking to the floor, almost as if hiding something. –I suppose I’ll just grab a bite to eat, I hope you have a nice day.- As I was going, Yuuki stopped me putting his hand in my arm. –Are you ok?- I turned my head down again. –I don’t wanna bother you with my problems, also, I was never your friend.- Yuuki turned his head from left to right. –Never considered you my friend either, but any friend of Celeste’s is a friend of mine.- Was this guy such an idiot? –You just contradicted yourself.- -Did I?- Yuuki looked at Celeste for an answer. –You did.- -Anyway, mind if we make you company?- Yuuki said quickly. –Weren’t you going to hang out at your house?- Yuuki shrugged. –We can do that any other day.-

They hanged out with me at the ramen shop. It started to rain again, and I didn’t know what to say. I told them everything that happened, that I started going out with the part worker over here, and she just scammed me out of my money, always asking me to buy things for her. –Some people are really fucked up.- Said Yuuki. –Don’t worry man, we’ll be here for you. If you have any troubles just give me a call, we’ll go around or something. Might even go chick hunting with my roommate.- For someone I wanted to hate, he made it really difficult when he made me laugh. Celeste hitted him on his arm with her elbow, showing a smile on her face... he really made her happy. –You helped me out a lot toda- I found my phrase interrupted as Mana entered, I didn’t give her the satisfaction of even meeting so much as my eyes. –Anyway, I’m going back to my apartment. I’ll ask my parents to lend me some money and I’ll give it back whenever I can.- I walked out of the establishment, and while I was still depressed due to all the events that happened, at the very least I had something good: people that actually care about me. Both Yuuki and Celeste came after me, or well... Yuuki carying Celeste's wheelchair. -Hey, we'll keep you company until you get home. It's never good being alone in times like this.- I nodded smiling while thinking to myself... why are the both of you such lovable idiots?

What a Wonderful World

20 of June, 2008

I managed to convince Richard to drive us to the beach. He had a driver’s license, so he could do that. She brought her sister María along with him, but Celeste and I didn’t mind. She took a fancy with the girl and started talking about her about stuff. I was in the front seat with Richard, while Celeste and María were in the backseat. -So… do you like any boys, Celeste?- Quite and odd question for a 6 year old to make… Celeste rolled her eyes and let out a “weeeeellll… it’s a secret”. -Sure do get along nicely.- Said Richard. -Yeah, can’t even tell that you’re her brother, she’s so much better than you.- He looked at me with hostility.

As they arrived at the beach, the sun shone brightly upon the sea. Richard parked in a parking spot and we got the things out of the trunk of the car. Celeste went on ahead with Marie. -You sure she’ll be alright? Maybe she can fall if the wheels trip with an stone…- Richard shrugged, grabbing the portable fridge and the towels. -You worry way too much… first time I’ve seen you this attached to anyone.- I continued walking with him, carrying the parasol. -Maybe I am…-

After some time playing with Marie, both Celeste and I had a walk through the beach. Richard was resting on a towel while making sure Marie didn’t go out of his sight. -Such a nice family, he’s your roommate right?- -Yeah, I came here years ago and we’ve been friends ever since. Marie’s actually her stepsister… it’s a long story.- Celeste nodded. -Say… could you carry me?- I stared at the blushing girl, confused. -Uh… why?- Celeste scratched the back of her neck. -Going through the sand in my wheelchair is getting difficult.- I grabbed her from the wheelchair carefully, and sat with her close by. -Then let’s sit down for some time.- The sun was setting and the orange light reflected upon the waves. -I never thought I’d see something so beautiful…- I stood a little bit closer to her and grabbed her hand. -You’ll get used to it, we’ll go to the beach every summer.- She smiled and nodded. -Every summer…- She leaned her face towards mine, our foreheads clashed, and then so did our lips. I

placed my hands on her cheeks, and stood there with her for some time. After our lips separated, I asked her something I wanted to ask for a long time ago. -Would you… go out with me?- She nodded. -You didn’t even need to hear the answer, I think you knew it already.-

Owner of a Lonely Heart

29th of May, 2008

I stood in Celeste’s room, watching from the window how she talked with that guy she met some time before… I didn’t want to recognise it, but I was jealous of him. My mind kept racing questions. “Why him and not me?” “I’ve always taken care of her” “It’s not fair” But I knew it was wrong for me to be like this. I left the room in a sigh and walked through the hallway to get to the hospital’s elevator. I got out of the hospital and wandered the lonely streets of Kazuki.

I stopped at a ramen shop in a business filled street, it was getting dark and I wanted someplace warm to be in. -Welcome!- The waitress shouted at me, dressed in an apron, and she had blue highlights dyed in her hair. It was almost empty, kind of a rare sight. I sat down in one of the tables and waited for my order. -Shoyu Ramen, please.- The waitress nodded and noticed the big, moustached chef. After some time, which I spent watching the news in the TV of the establishment, my soup came. I finished it rather quickly since I was kind of hungry, and I was ready to leave. Before I got up, the waitress left me a fortune cookie. -Isn’t this more of a chinese thing? Sorry if I come off as racist, I’m just… not from here.- She shrugged, smiling. -It’s ok, could you read it?- I bit down the cookie and spread the small piece of paper inside it. “You’re really handsome to be frowning like that” she smiled and walked away… I read the reverse of the paper, and there was a phone number. She looked back at me and stuck her tongue out before returning to the kitchen. -I suppose this day wasn’t so bad-

Just A Normal Day

28 of May, 2008

I was laying in my bed, counting the hours flying by as I waited for Yuuki to come. I stared through the window looking at the hospital’s courtyard, and when I least noticed, someone entered my room. –How are you today?- It was Peter, hand on his hip. –I’m okay, I’m waiting for a friend.- Peter sat down in my bed. –A friend huh?- I nodded. Suddenly Yuuki appeared, entering the room. –Uh… am I interrupting something or…?- I laughed, grabbing the blanket nervously. –No, this is my friend Peter.- Yuuki got close to him and tried to give him his hand. –Nice to meet you pal.- Peter looked uncomfortable. –I’m not your pal.- Yuuki looked confused at how Peter left the room. –Huh… that happened.- Yuuki got close to me and sat on my bed. –So… anything you wanna do today?- I kept looking at the window, thinking of something to say. –I always wanted to see the beach.- Yuuki scratched the back of his neck. –Yeah, that’s gonna be kinda difficult... the town’s beach is pretty far without a car, and I don’t have one, but we could have a walk through the park.- I agreed and he grabbed my wheelchair, helping me sit on it. We went out of the room and traveled outside the hospital’s doors.

We sat in a small bench near the park’s fountain. There were small stone paths that branched out in different directions towards the park, the fountain was in the center. The park was filled with living trees of many colors of leaves, some were spring blossom trees with pink petals. –Since when do you live in here, Yuuki?- Yuuki took a sip from his cola can before answering. –Since a year ago I think.- We kept talking about random stuff, time flied next to him. The first person to not see me with pity, just like another person, not some fragile girl who could break her limbs at any second. –Thank you…- Yuuki looked at me, confused. –Why? I didn’t do anything.- I shyly place my hand on top of his and stared straight in his eyes. –Because I have a really good time with you…- Yuuki scratched the back of his neck. –I’m just me- Yuuki noticed my hand and he grabbed it slightly, soon later he mixed his fingers with mine. –This looks more like a date than anything.- Yuuki laughed –I wouldn’t mind that thought.- I answered.