❝𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞❞ // ᴊᴊʙᴀ x ᴏᴄ

♚8-𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐦♚

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TW: Mentions of a car accident, past relationships, injuries and alcohol.

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In spite of the recent events, Marie had been up on her feet, throwing herself with jobs and tasks galore.

The nerves of her upcoming date, Bruno made it very clear that he would not inform her of any details about who she'd be seeing and where they would go.

Until that very afternoon, the day of the date.

"He's in hospital?" Marie placed her latest crotchet project on the small round table she was working from, "Goodness, what on Earth happened?"

"Well, your date isn't the one who hurt," He rubbed the back of his neck, "I feel guilty enough keeping this from you."

"Oh, please tell me!" Concern had covered every nook and cranny of her face, "This is serious, Bruno. Someone is hurt!"

He sighed in defeat and fiddled with the ring on his left ring finger, "Very well..."

Marie faced him attentively, awaiting his next words.

"Your blind date," He began, "I found him through a past fling. We ended on friendly terms."

She nodded and bobbed her right leg nervously.

"He and your date are said to be very close friends," Bruno had moved from the doorway of Marie's room and sank into the edge of her plush bed, "And unfortunately he was caught in a car accident."

"Who was?"

"My ex."

Marie gasped softly and pursed her lips, "How tragic! I hope he's doing okay."

"He told me it's nothing fatal. Just a broken arm and wrist." Bruno added.

"Goodness, I feel terrible," She gazed at Bruno sadly, "I'll have some food made for him, the poor thing."

Bruno gave her a small smile, "I guess we could pay a visit, but I'm not sure how Leone will feel about it."

"I could go myself," She offered, "If it makes you uncomfortable."

"Are you sure?" He looked st her hesitantly, "There's a big chance you'll meet your date there."

"A man is in hospital Bruno. Is the date really important?"

He chuckled softly, "Very well. I'll let him know you're eager to visit."

"Thank you, Bruno."

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"Man, that must suck," Mista munched on his dinner and maintained conversation, "I was wondering why you're still here."

"It's not a problem," She smiled softly, "Just as long as everyone's okay."

Leone swirled his wine glass in his hand, "And Cindy seems more relaxed now that everyone's stopped bothering her."

"I wasn't bothered, Leone," Marie grinned softly, "I'm just not used to these kinds of things."

"Excuses, excuses."

"Any word from Johnny?" Narancia asked curiously.

Marie's eyes lit up cheerfully, "He's arriving tomorrow morning. I'm so glad Mr Zeppeli decided to join him."

"Why is he coming, though?" Fugo sipped on his wine, "Not that it's a bad thing that he's coming."

"Johnny's Italian isn't the best," her giggles rippled through the atmosphere, "And Mr Zeppeli has family he wishes to visit."

"But he's staying with us, right?" Narancia questioned.

"Oh, yes!" Marie nodded, "I made it very clear that he was more than welcome to stay with us."

"What does Mr Zeppeli do again?" Giorno fiddled with his fork and knife.

"I believe he's a surgeon, working in Kentucky," Marie filled her glass with water, "Johnny and him are roommates."

Johnny loved his birth country so much that he decided to move back there when once he finished his studies, to pursue his dreams as a jockey.

But since ever he lost his ability to walk, Johnny had latched onto the inspiring conversation he had when he first met Gyro.

He asked Johnny, "What are you waiting for? Show them wrong, fool!"

And with time, they became inseparable.

Trish nudged Marie side, "And is Mr Zeppeli single?~"

"Trish, what an absurd thing to ask!"

"No, she's onto something," Leone smirked playfully and chugged the last of his wine, "Marie with a surgeon... Hey, that might actually work."

"I totally ship!" Narancia laughed softly.

"Imagine the kids they'd have."

Marie grew quiet, her cheeks flushing a dark shade of pink.

"I think that's enough of teasing my poor sister," Giorno smiled softly, "I'll call Johnny and see how he's doing."

"Ask him if he needs anything," Marie gave a small nod, "Oh! Don't forget about Mr Zeppeli!"

Bruno's chest rumbled from a small chuckle, "You're just proving their point even more, Marie."

The evening was bright and lively. Full of laughter and light. Marie had so many things to look forward to. Her brother, who was finally getting the life he deserved, a new life for herself.

While she was most excited to see her older brother, for the first time is years, Marie also had the honour of meeting one of his closest friends.

And someone who had just as much enthusiasm to meet her.

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