〖JJBA - EN〗- Last Judgement

Chapter 38: 1989 - Risotto Nero, Ghiaccio and Melone - part 2.

Naples, Italy. April 26th, 1989.

Time had passed well, and (Y/N) was slowly getting used to her new rhythm of life. Polnareff and Avdol would still call her weekly, and Joseph about once a month. (Y/N) was beginning to accept it, she wouldn't be hearing from Jotaro anytime soon, and so she didn't ask for more. She had other fish to fry now. And a new squad to take care of.

Sitting at her desk, she was filling out paperwork, when she heard a melody echoing through the villa. Melone and Ghiaccio having gone on a mission, it could only be Risotto. She crept out of her bedroom, following the musical notes that led her into the living room, where the young man was sitting, an electric bass in his hands. She showed up, arms crossed, waiting for an explanation. Seeing her, he immediately stopped playing and rubbed the back of his head.

"Uh... I thought you were out.

- No, I was doing our accounts.

- Ah, ehm... Need help?

- It'll be OK. Care to explain?"

He looked up at her, then down at his instrument. Seeing that he was searching for his words, she reassured him.

"I don't intend to deprive you of it, I'm just asking you where it comes from.

- Ah, I... I was finally able to get it back from my mother's...

- I see."

She came to sit beside him on the sofa. He never took his eyes off her, unable to understand what she wanted of him. So to reassure him a little more, she smiled at him and asked,

"How long have you been playing?

- ... Since I was eight years old. It's the only birthday present my dad ever gave me.

- Oh, I'm sorry.

- Don't apologize, he's not dead. He was just never there for me.

- I see. A bit like mine then. He left when I was four.

- Oh sorry. They have a knack for not taking care of their kids. My mom was just a one-night stand, I think. He never legitimized me.

- But... And your brother?

- ... My half-brother, actually. From another marriage that didn't work out any better."

The young woman nodded. Every day, she learned a little more about her comrades. And she was delighted. She got up, Risotto watched her go, then she came back with two cups of coffee. The young man gave her a slight smile.

"Thank you.

- Then? Did you learn to play on your own?

- Oh that? Yes, by rehearsing with Metallica albums.

- Wanna show me?"

The boy's face lit up, and a slight pride could be read in his eyes. He had rarely had the opportunity to share his passion for music with anyone. After a moment of hesitation, he nodded. And his fingers began to play, as if he no longer controlled them. (Y/N) let herself sink into the sofa, the cup of coffee warming her hands, a smile on her face as she admired her companion's dexterity. Focusing, he didn't notice the admiring look the young woman was giving him. But when he stopped playing and met her gaze, he cleared his throat, as if embarrassed.

"... that's it.

- You're super talented, Riz'."

The young man's heart skipped a beat, touched by the compliment and the little nickname that came with it. He couldn't help the smile that was forming on his lips.