〖JJBA - EN〗- Last Judgement

Chapter 61: Assuming Responsibilities.

Morioh, Japan. July 2nd, 1999.

Mary had decided to cut short her trip to Japan, and everyone understood why. So, early in the morning, (Y/N) met her in front of the station to say goodbye. She found her with Suzie Q, whose Tomoko and Josuke's presence was exhausting. Clearly, marrying a Joestar was no blessing. But she especially noticed her new hair color. Mary had given up on the red hair Jotaro loved so much, for a most striking blonde.

"Oh, (Y/N)... you came.

- I wasn't going to let you go without saying goodbye, mmh?"

They hugged each other. Mary looked exhausted, yes, but much calmer than when she arrived. As if she had solved all her problems. And all of them were related to Jotaro, directly or indirectly. As they waited for the train together, Joseph and Holy arrived, Jolyne by the hand. (Y/N) greeted them, immediately noticing the tiredness and concern in their eyes.

"Holy, honey..." Suzie Q said. "Are you sure you don't want to go home?

- Don't worry, mom. Odawara is not far away. I'm going to spend a few more days here, at least to take care of Jolyne.

- Jolyne is staying with us?" (Y/N) asked, exchanging a knowing look with the little girl.

"Mm-mmh", Mary said. "I've decided that Jotaro badly needs to take responsibility. Besides, Holy, I would ask you to leave Jolyne with her father.

- ... are you sure?" the little blonde asked without hiding her concern. "I don't think Jo-

- I'm sure."

Mary seemed sure of herself, her attitude had changed. Jolyne looked down at her feet and sighed, convinced she was the source of the trouble. And (Y/N) noticed that immediately. She bent down to take the little girl in her arms and she started laughing as soon as her feet were no longer touching the ground. Mary smiled.

"And I don't worry too much. Jolyne is in good hands.

- Oh, count on me Mary", (Y/N) reassured her. I'm going to show him what it's like to be responsible.

- Talking about the devil..." Joseph muttered.

Jotaro appeared, his usual closed expression on his face. But even if he was pretending that everything was fine, the dark circles under his eyes betrayed him. He greeted everyone with a slight nod, before turning to Mary who was glaring at him.

"... what time is your flight?

- 3 p.m.

- Did Jolyne d-

- Jolyne is staying with you.

- ... what?"

Jotaro looked worriedly at his daughter who was playing with her shark stuffed animal in (Y/N)'s arms.

"... Mary, don't leave her here, it's too dang-

- She wants to spend more time with her dad, you can understand that, right?

- Mary...

- It's okay, Mary", (Y/N) interrupted them in a calm voice. "Given the people on this investigation, there is nothing to fear for Jolyne, she is safe with us."

Jotaro glared at her, as if he had just witnessed the worst betrayal. But (Y/N) only answered him with a cold look that said it all. He had to act responsible. So he gulped and nodded slowly.

"... fine, I got it. She can stay.

- I wasn't giving you a choice anyway."

Mary had rarely spoken to him in that tone, and Jotaro was particularly affected by it. Even though he was trying not to let it show, he was struggling with his words, trying to find a way to apologize to her. But he found nothing. And a silence settled. An awkward silence, very awkward, which Joseph broke by clearing his throat.