The Ludicrous Escapade Pt.3

Ceremonious

After washing off the blood and changing into some clean clothes, you and Johnny made your way to where the closing ceremony was being held. Luckily, while on the way, the two of you happened across Slow Dancer.

While mostly for formality's sake, they still checked your fingerprints and Moxy's noseprint before you entered the area. They didn't bother with Johnny since he had been disqualified.

You could see Gyro standing on the makeshift stage. Various medals, certificates, checks, and trophies were draped around his neck or bundled up in his arms. He was grinning from ear to ear as photo after photo was taken of him. No doubt his victory in the Steel Ball Run would make the front page of every newspaper.

The Zeppeli soon spotted you amidst the crowd and did his best to wave the two of you over, struggling a little due to the excessive amount of stuff he was holding. "Come on. The three of us have to get a picture together." Neither you nor Johnny declined, seeing no harm in humoring his request.

"(Y/N) (L/N), please wait just a moment." The man dishing out the rewards stopped you and Johnny at the foot of the stairs leading up the stage. "Now, in second place, winning one million dollars, we have Diego Brando!"

The crowd went wild, especially a few women standing in the front that were trying desperately to claw their way onto stage.

Diego brushed past you as he went up the steps. He gladly shook the man's hand before taking his check.

"Is there anything you'd like to say? Was there anything in particular that you'd attribute to your performance in the race?"

Diego grabbed you by the arm, tugging you up onto stage with him. "My darling (Y/N)'s assistance was vital to my success in this race." He settled an arm around your waist. "I wouldn't be standing here today if not for her."

"Oh? Then are the two of you back together again?" The man was curious and was sure at least a few others in the audience felt the same.

Diego smiled slyly. "I guess you could say that..."

The man chuckled a bit. "She sure is a lucky lady then, huh?" He felt it especially true with all of those fan girls always vying for the Brando's attention.

The Brando shifted his hold on you a bit so that you were facing him. "I try my best."

While momentarily distracted by the odd feeling of déjà vu, you discreetly dug the heel of your boot into his foot as you spoke up. A strained smile was plastered on your face. "Despite what Mr. Brando here seems to be implying, we are, in fact, not together at the moment."

Diego didn't argue, instead choosing to take a step away from you.

"I see, I see." The man then handed you your own check and shook your hand. "But surely you must have some plans for settling down sometime soon. This race must've been quite the task for a lady such as yourself."

Your eye twitched slightly in annoyance. "I think anyone would find this race challenging. If you'll recall, only 39 of the 3,852 original racers have even crossed the finish line..." And most of them didn't also have to fight off a multitude of Stand users and the President.

The guy just brushed your comment aside and proceeded to call the fourth place winner up.

Gyro took it upon himself to pull you aside and Johnny hopped onto stage next to you.