maskormenacelogs | [CLOSED] CLEAN SHIRT, NEW SHOES, AND I DON'T KNOW WHERE I'M GOIN' TO

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[CLOSED] CLEAN SHIRT, NEW SHOES, AND I DON'T KNOW WHERE I'M GOIN' TO

WHO: Josuke Higashikata & Giorno Giovanna
WHERE: Nonah; a lavish Italian restaurant named Cielo
WHEN: After this conversation.
WHAT: JoJos do everything in style, even if it's just eating dinner!
WARNINGS: Nope!

[It's no wonder they haven't spent much time together as of late, Josuke thinks as he climbs out of the backseat of the cab. Between Dio's disappearance and the Hornet attacks, tensions are running higher than normal. Not that anyone would feel much like talking if they were in Giorno's shoes, anyway. Having lost his father (even if Dio wasn't much of one) and having attacked Jonathan...well, those aren't the sorts of things a person typically shrugs off.

They're the kinds of things that leave impressions.

And really, that's part of why Josuke wants to have lunch (or early dinner, as it were) with Giorno, in the first place! He wants the other to know that, regardless of the circumstances, nothing has changed between them. Even if that isn't something Giorno is concerned about, it couldn't hurt to establish as much, right?

Handing the driver a couple of bills (along with a small tip) Josuke heads toward the entrance of Cielo in a not-too-shabby casual dinner ensemble.

Dio and the Hornets aside...he's actually pretty excited to be spending more time with Giorno, especially when they're both going to look sharp doing it. Nothing like excellent fashion and food to lift the spirits, right? Right!

Now to just...wait for the other to arrive. Hoping he doesn't look too lost outside those doors as he looks around for that familiar blond hairdo.]

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[And here comes the hairdo.

The truth is, Giorno has definitely been feeling... off. Different. It's easy to say under the weather but that implies a physical issue - in his case it's more that he feels... quiet, withdrawn. And it would be understandable if no one - or almost no one - even noticed, because he's never been the loudest person in the world anyway. But maybe he's disappeared just a tad too long, because apparently it's become noticeable.

Well, that's fine. It isn't as though he's bothered by the idea of a lunch trip to see Josuke.

He's dressed... much the same as always, actually, although he's had the decency to add a long coat. The overall effect makes him look more formal, yes, but also more theatrical and more than a little more mafia.

...which is also fine.

He waves as he approaches the restaurant.]

Josuke. I approve of the suit.

[Different—that is, perhaps, the most accurate way to describe the way Giorno's been, yes. Were Josuke not paying such close attention, he might not have even noticed the change! But he's been made aware of the tentative thread (because bond is perhaps too strong a word) between Giorno and Dio, so it was only natural to wonder at the older man's disappearance...how it might be affecting Giorno himself.

To...be watchful for things that might seem a little peculiar.]

Hey! [He turns at the younger teen's greeting and strikes a pose, shameless in his readiness to soak up the compliment offered him.] I was hoping you would! You look good, too.

[Of course, Giorno always looks rather sharp and fashionable. And even if the long coat looks...theatrical. There's definitely a certain appeal about it. To the untamed flair it lends Giorno's overall look.]

This place is nice, by the way. Like, a lot nicer than any of the places I've been to here.

[Meaning that, as he heads for the door and holds it open, Josuke is approving of your other sense of taste, Gio.]

[Well, really... when does Giorno not look theatrical. The ladybugs alone...]

I like to live well.

[Even if doing so used to require pickpocketing, I mean hey he never said he was above petty thievery.

Anyway, Giorno follows Josuke to the door, and then kind of passes him on the way to the hostess, since the reservations are in his name.]

Hopefully, you enjoy authentic Italian food.

[...yeah, Josuke's always kind of wondered what the deal is with those. But he's never asked.]

I hope you're not suggesting that I don't!

[But is he offended if Giorno is? Not really. Nor does he really think Giorno's suggesting that! They both know that Josuke likes fine things just as much, he's simply possessed by more teenage inclinations (and stupidity) than his shorter relative.]

Hey, didn't I tell you I knew an Italian chef back home? I love authentic Italian! ...just so long as it's not gonna make my skin flake off or my eyes explode with a river of tears.

Long story.

[He rocks a little on his feet as Giorno takes charge with the hostess, maybe standing back just a bit because that might have been his stomach growling just now...]

I don't know. Do you?

[BURGERS ARE NOT LIVING WELL. That said, Giorno's aware of his expensive tastes in clothing and all of that - not his fault Giorno's like 50 years old in his head.

Anyway, he gives his name to the hostess and then... glances back at Josuke as she begins leading them to their seats. Following, following.]

Anyway I'm. Not clear on whether not I want details on that story. I'm curious, but on the other hand... so unappetizing.

[Josuke just grins toothily and, as he follows the hostess and Giorno to their table, opts for the less revolting way of telling the story.]

The chef's name is Tonio! He had this Stand...ah, Pearl Jam? Helped him make these crazy dishes that he'd use to help people feel one hundred percent! It was kinda freaky to see at first, and to be honest, he's kind of intense about his kitchen...but he's a cool guy, and a great cook!

[When he takes his seat and the hostess tells them their waitress will be by shortly before leaving them alone, Josuke watches her go...then smirks at Giorno.]

She was totally checking you out.

[Huh! Giorno sits, a look of profound thoughtfulness lingering around his face. Because, hey... that sounds like a really useful power, actually. Who doesn't want to feel one hundred percent? Although...]

...one hundred percent is a little vague. I wonder if that includes emotional and mental illnesses.

[Hey, did Josuke say something else? He blinks.]

Ah, sorry, who was doing what?

You know...I don't actually remember if he said anything about that or know if it'd be possible. I just know he could do it with physical conditions!

[It'd be really helpful if it could help with emotional and mental illnesses, also...provided the process didn't scare the living daylights out of someone first. But with Tonio not around to ask, Josuke just shrugs and moves on.

Props his chin in his hand and peers at Giorno with a raised eyebrow.]

Anyway, I was saying the hostess looked like she was checking you out! You didn't notice?

[Not really surprising knowing what Giorno's like, of course. Which Josuke finds a little amusing. Never fails, the guys who don't try land all the attention.]

Ah. Please. I can't be expected to pay attention to where every girl's gaze may wander.

[Lofty, lofty. He doesn't sound annoyed or anything, just amused. And he's flipping through the menu already, looking over options...]

I used to get that sort of attention at school. However, here it's a bit more conspicuous. The accent, perhaps?

[Yeah, probably.]

Huh...probably. But you know...it wouldn't hurt to pay closer attention to it sometimes! Bet you could get all sorts of deals if you wanted!

[...sorry, Giorno. Josuke is that kind of person, always looking for ways to make and save money.

Though he's also taking a moment to look at his menu, too! Everything sounds so good...it's hard to figure out what to order!]

S'funny you say you got that kind of attention at school, though. So did I! Think it runs in the family?

Deals?

[What even? Giorno blinks a lot, and then it occurs to him that Josuke is talking about saving money and he grins a little.]

I wouldn't feel comfortable doing such a thing. That said... I'm unsurprised to learn you had similar experiences. Although we're not actually related, so I doubt it had much to do with genetics.

Hm? I guess that's a good point. Anyway, there's more to family than genetics! It's about how you were raised, the kinda guy you are, how you fit in with us! Those sorts of things.

[And look, Giorno. If Jonathan's gonna call Dio his brother, there's no arguing with Josuke about whether or not you're family, too. Or, you can argue, but it'd be pretty fruitless. Once he sees someone as close as he sees you...he's not really keen on letting them go.]

So what I'm saying is...we're a bunch of great guys! It's no wonder the ladies dig us!

[A beat.]

Some of us a little too much. [Because it gets SOME JoJos into trouble. Or one of them, anyway. Cough-Joseph-cough.] Anyway, I dunno what to order, this all looks pretty good! At this rate, I'm gonna try taking on half the menu!

[He thumbs down the list and points to something, spinning the menu so Giorno can see what he's looking at.]

Never had...what's this? Agno...lotti gor...gonzla? Looks good!

[But his pronunciation is atrocious.]

[In fairness, Jonathan actually did grow up with Dio. Giorno didn't grow up with any of them... including his father. But he's not going to say that because he's long since accepted the oddity of the Joestar clan in this area. So, fine. There is one thing he can definitely agree with...]

You do tend to be great guys, yes. [Giorno's pretty great too, he's not gonna pretend otherwise. But great in a different way, see.]

And, ah... Agnolotti Gorgonzola. Are you a fan of Gorgonzola?

[Details, details! Giorno's family. That's the bottom line. Which is why Josuke is really quite close to correcting Giorno when he says you do tend to instead of we...

But he doesn't. Thinking that it's possible Giorno doesn't want to talk too much about family with Dio having disappeared recently. For all that he's been welcomed by the Joestars, maybe he still feels...out of place? Josuke hopes not. But with there being no real way to know for sure with Giorno, he decides to let the topic go. To move on and shake his head in answer to Giorno's question.]

No, never had it. But it looks good, don't you think? So I think that's what I'll order. Maybe with a salad! [Because he has an appetite. A healthy one.] What are you getting?

[Folding up his menu and setting it aside, he studies the other boy across the table.]

...and for what it's worth, I'm glad you said you were up for this. I kinda realized, I don't know a lot about what you do in your spare time!

[Frankly he hasn't decided what to get. He's still sort of getting used to Italian-American cuisine, and the quirks that tend to pop up even in "authentic" restaurants, but...]

Hmmm. Maybe this?

[...okay not really an answer, but instead of lingering on it he blinks a bit looks up.]

I don't have spare time.

What? How can you not...

[...alright, he was going to leave the topic of family alone in case it was too sensitive to broach right away, but now?

Now Josuke's concerned.

He knows that Giorno isn't a typical teen, that the things he enjoys or the things he is good at are quite a bit different from what's expected of someone his age, but that doesn't bother Josuke. What bothers him is that...he just admitted to not having spare time, something essential in his mind for a person to be able to process the things they deal with. Especially when it comes to things of such a personal nature.

Of course, Josuke waits until after their waitress has come by to take their orders to bring it up. But once they've relayed what they're having and they're left alone again? He doesn't hold back.

He leans on the table edge, his chin in the palm of his hand, eyes fixed on the...well, somewhat younger boy sitting opposite him.]

Meaning you haven't taken any time for yourself? I hate asking, but I can't help wondering...does that mean you've been avoiding having to think about the stuff that's happened?

[yes. That's what he means.

In fairness, he doesn't necessarily think there's much to be processed, or rather... that he has to do so consciously. It's just his nature to be quiet this way, but...

He frowns a little.]

I don't think about it much, no. But I'm not... avoiding it.

[Hrmmmph.]

Brooding isn't really... helpful.

You're not?

[Alright. That means that he can ask...]

Can we talk about it, then?

[About Dio. About the incident involving Giorno's infection by that Hornet virus. Hell, about how Josuke feels Giorno belongs among them and why Giorno really shouldn't hold himself so apart.

Maybe there isn't much to be said, but maybe there is. They won't know until they try.]

I mean, the point of talking about it isn't to brood, it's...

[A thoughtful pause, fingers on one hand lightly drumming the table top in thought.]

I guess what I'm saying is, I'm not asking you to pour your heart out to me or anything, and if you really don't wanna talk about any of what's happened, I'll respect that. But I don't want you thinking that you can't talk to me, either. Doesn't matter what it involves, if you've got something to say, I'll always listen.

[Hi, sipping water. Giorno takes a deep breath and...

his first instinct is to just blow it off, honestly. But it's Josuke, so he thinks about it. And thinks. And...]

...I'm not sure what there is to say.

[....]

I won't claim that having my mind invaded is pleasant. It's better for everyone that my Hornet friend wasn't as adept with my abilities as I am.

Yeah, that...that was a lucky break, I guess.

[Josuke nods. He thinks, if only for a moment, that knowing more about Giorno's abilities might have helped them more quickly neutralize the threat he'd posed at the time, but then...also realizes that the knowledge not being widespread in the first place had been much more to their advantage, especially when coupled with Hazel's ability to nullify powers. In fact, that...had been supremely handy.]

...have you spoken much with Jonathan? Or anyone else?

[Anyone who saw him like that, that is. Because it's important not to turn people away after incidents like that, Josuke thinks. Especially because...it was all out of Giorno's control.]

'Cause if you haven't, you probably should. I mean, if you talked to them much before anyway. Not saying go strike up out of the blue conversations with people you only saw once, that'd be weird! But people you know...might be good just to spend time with 'em. By which I mean make time to do it, because you don't gotta work so much.

You're what...like, twelve? [TEASING, TEASING!] The casino's not gonna fall apart without you. But people...well, people probably miss you.

...I haven't. Well, I did apologize on that one post. Hazel and I just ended up arguing again.

But speaking to Jonathan is a vaguely awkward.

[Or very awkward. Very painful. Inevitably they'd just end up discussing the elephant who is no longer in the room. After all, aren't they the only ones in this world who would mourn him? Even a little. Although in Giorno's case it's a bit complicated - and in Jonathan's probablt even moreso.

Ehhh.

Opting to throw a piece of bread at Josuke for the age crack instead of opening that can of worms.]

Everyone is well aware of where I am!

...well, in a way. Actually, I don't think Jonathan is aware that I run that Casino.

You argued? [Pulling his water toward him and stabbing at an ice cube with his finger, he continues with another question.] What about?

[With Hazel involved, it could be any number of things. Stupid arguments or something more serious. She's very...outspoken. Sometimes too much so, Josuke thinks. It's not everyone's cup of tea.]

And about Jonathan...

[What about Jonathan? What does he even say?

In the end, the only one who can make Giorno go and see Jonathan and talk with him again is...Giorno.]

About all of it, really. I guess—!!

[He blinks as a piece of bread beans him between the eyes. Did Giorno just...? Ah! For the teasing. Fair enough, fair enough. Just gonna pick up that piece of bread then and...munch on it! While trying to decide how to say what he wants to say. In the end though, he's not sure. And all he has to offer is...]

He might feel the same as you, but ultimately...one of you guys is gonna have to take the first step, and maybe it should be you? I mean, if you're hanging out in a casino all day that Jonathan doesn't even know you work at.

'Cause it's like I said before, we might not be blood related, but you're still one of us. That's how I feel, and knowing Jonathan...I'd bet my entire summer savings he feels the same way.

I'm not sure. Something about sim video games. Or something.

[Honestly, it was so frantic and prone to changing direction that can't even tell what that was about. And yeah, he sure did toss a piece of bread, HE SURE DID. No regrets either, especially since Josuke is eating the bread now which, by the way, LOL.]

I know he feels the same way. He's the one who made that declaration to begin with. Still.

Sounds like her. Just like her. She's pretty fierce when it comes to video games.

[....]

Do you even play games, though?

[SO NOT IMPORTANT REALLY, but he had to ask before carrying on...]

Anyway, I mean, the first time your name came up in a conversation between him and I, he was calling you family...so yeah. [It stuck. And with good reason.] I think that's why it's so important to...at least speak with each other.

Don't get me wrong...I'm not trying to put it all on you! He really should be doing something about this, himself.

[He reaches for a piece of bread and pulls a piece loose, stuffing it into his mouth and speaking around it. He's HUNGRY, okay. And that bread's pretty good.]

Maybe it'll work itself out, or a time'll come along when you guys feel comfortable approaching each other again...but I dunno that waiting or ignoring what happened's such a healthy idea. But I guess...it's up to you guys! I've put in my two cents...but I mean, if it's just timing or whatever, let me know. I can totally set up a place for you guys to chat!

[...he'd probably eavesdrop, too. BUT ONLY BECAUSE HE CARES.]

I don't, actually. Which made the conversation all the stranger. However! She is a person of great energy and conviction in... whatever it is she feels conviction about! I can only respect that. In a way.

[yeah he thinks she's strange. But fun to verbally spar with! And maybe it's not important, but it's also... well, funny. So he smiles a little before letting the conversation pivot back to Relevant Things.

Much less fun to talk about.]

Mmm.

[...not very much added to the topic there, Gio. He frowns and munches on bread.]

I wonder if he misses Dio.

Of all of them, he's the only one that would.

Yeah. Okay.

[Sips his water.]

I'm gonna tell her you respect her.

[All humor (but he really will do it, man) until Dio's brought up again and then Josuke sobers a little.]

I think he does. Although...I don't believe for a second he's not full of complicated and conflicting feelings. They grew up together. And Jonathan's...Jonathan. He loves everybody in his own way, so he probably does miss Dio. But he's also probably glad that it means we're all a little safer for his not being here.

[...pokes at his bread. Sucks on the end of his finger where the seasoned butter clings. Sighs.]

You know...I can't say I miss him. Not for my sake. But for Jonathan's and...and yours. I kind of do. And I can't forget that he helped me out once. I don't have any delusions that it was for my sake, but...what he did, it still helped.

I guess what I'm saying is...if you wanna talk about him more, you can. I'm not gonna judge or get nasty.

So, do you miss him?

[Giorno's just kind of picking at his bread, kind of sipping his water, listening but not really planning to add much. And it's kind of interesting - and very Josuke - that Josuke "misses" Dio for their sake. He's such a... nice person, almost innocent in his weird way, even with all he's done and all he's been through.

And then Josuke asks that, and Giorno kind of... stares at him.

....ugh.]

Do I miss him?

[Hm. Kind of awkward munching commences.]

I hadn't spoken to him in some months. He was only intermittently interested in me. It was... [...disappointing. If he's honest. But.] I was fine with that.

[That's what you call "mostly true." He frowns a little.]

I do miss him. Or maybe it's that I miss what he represented, or what he could have been. It's difficult to unravel that sort of knotted thread. I acknowledge his monstrousness, or what I know if it. Even still... he was what he was.

[Pushing his water and bread aside, Josuke stretches his arms out across the table and lays his head down on them. He's still listening, just thoughtful.]

When I try and think about it from your perspective, I think...I dunno, I guess I'd feel the same. The guy wasn't around much here, you know? And when he was, he was kind of awful. And then sometimes...not. But it's like you said, he was what he was. There's no changing that.

[He sighs. Understands...and even appreciates Giorno's thinking that way to a point. Family, after all, is irreplaceable and important. One's father will always be one's father...no matter the heinous acts he's committed or the lack of interest he may show in his offspring.

It's just...a shame. Giorno being who and what he is, Josuke thinks...he deserves better. Wishes, even if just for a moment, that he could have gotten to spend more time with Dio. Who even knows. It could have benefited them both. Maybe. Okay, probably not, but in any case, it's a little late for that now.]

Mmm.

[Giorno goes silent for a long moment, looking across the table at Josuke.

The thing is... it's true. He was what he was. And that cuts in multiple directions. He was Giorno's father - a mystery he'd never truly unpacked, though he'd wondered about him for years, who turned out to be even stranger and more magical than any unhappy, fairy-tale spinning child could have imagined. And he was a monster, too. Jonathan had called Dio the most dangerous person in the world... and Giorno had never really doubted that. Even for a moment.

And if Giorno were a normal person, he might say all of that, and other things too - how he'd seen his origins in that face and much ofhis personality, too - too much, at times. Enough to make him wonder if he was destined to become the same.

But he isn't, really. And he isn't given to sharing. So he doesn't. Instead, he just says...]

Here's trivia, for you! ...Dio and I have the same battlecry.

[Huh? Trivia?]

I didn't know that kind of thing was hereditary.

[But it at least has Josuke pushing himself back up again and looking more attentive. Wondering, through no fault of his own, what else Giorno might have inherited from his father.

His looks, undoubtedly. His genius. But insofar as Josuke knows? Not the man's heart.

In fact, though Giorno is quite a bit different from him, Josuke feels a strong kinship with him because they've been able to fight alongside one another before, because he has gotten to see that Giorno is someone who does, in fact, care more than he lets on. He is...a good person.]

I know of one thing you didn't inherit from him, though.

[And for a second Josuke looks...serious. Even points at Giorno like he's going to say something important.

And then says...]

You didn't inherit the way he dresses! And boy am I glad!

I also didn't realize that sort of thing was hereditary!

[AND YET IT IS. APPARENTLY. Frankly that's weird, but he's going to go with it anyway.

And he really has a great deal that he didn't inherit from Dio - he knows that, and he assumes everyone else does, too. His height, for example. Or, well, his red eyes. And he's hoping he didn't get the narcissism, although how can you tell if you're the narcissistic one?

And you know, judging from Josuke's face, he was absolutely expecting something like that. Something serious. Heartfelt.

But the clothing thing? That's better. It even makes Giorno smile.]

Ah... yeah, that was kind of shocking. Especially the crotchless pants.

[Because. WOW.]

The photograph prepared me... a little... but there's no actual preparation for meeting your 190cm father as he walks around in crotchless pants.

[IT'S PROBABLY A GOOD THING HE'S NOT SIPPING HIS WATER WHEN GIORNO SAYS 'CROTCHLESS PANTS' ONCE LET ALONE TWICE.

Otherwise Josuke'd be spitting his drink all over the table.

As it is, he barks out a loud laugh and drums his hands against the table top before wiping at his eyes and shaking his head.]

I guess not, huh? Shit...I'd lose it if I ever caught Joseph wearing something like that! Bad enough he thinks pants with holes all up the legs count as appropriate coverage!

It's no wonder he raided Dio's closet, not a whole lot different from his usual stuff......

[A pause, and then he frowns. Being serious for real this time.]

I kinda wanted to kick his ass for that. It was insensitive, especially broadcasting it the way he did. [Funny, but insensitive.] Did he even ask you if there was anything of Dio's you wanted? ...I mean, even if there's nothing you wanted, he should have asked!

Mmm.

[Truth be told... Giorno kind of wanted to kick his ass for that, too, but at the same time he understood it. That's why he didnt really get into it at the time, but he's also barely spoken to Joseph since then so it's sort of. Lingering. That impression. and it isn't as though he's angry about it, but just.

...ergh. He rubs his face a little.]

No one asked me anything of the sort, no.

Of course, it's more than possible that he simply didn't own anything other than terrible clothes.

That's not the point. He should have asked.

[They all should have, honestly. Which has Josuke saying a second later...]

I shoulda said something at the time. I'm sorry that I didn't.

[He's sorry. No excuses, just...sincere in his apology. But that's all that he has the time for, because a moment later their waitress is at their table finally with their orders!]

It's fine. I'm not sure--

[--oops, interrupted by the waitress. Giorno accepts his meal with a pleasant smile and a very pleasant greeting.]

Ah, saved by the bell pepper.

[Sorry.]

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[CLOSED] CLEAN SHIRT, NEW SHOES, AND I DON'T KNOW WHERE I'M GOIN' TO

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