J O N A T H A N

Dio was gone, or so Jonathan thought for the moment. It was later in the night, somewhere around one o'clock in the morning. He was draped over a chair, a few bottles of various liquors surrounding his frame. Directly across from him sat Speedwagon, who had visited Jonathan on a whim. He'd discovered him like this, quite the mess to stumble upon. He'd immediately helped Jonathan from up off of the floor, assisting his walking to the young man's bedroom.

"Jonathan.. Why are you like this?" Speedwagon's voice was soft, concerned. He cared a lot of this young man, especially after witnessing Zeppelli's death. His respect for the man's use of Hamon was great, and he had no intentions of leaving him in this state.

Jonathan's hands reached for a bottle, only to discover it was empty. He sighed, placing it back down and glancing toward the elder man before him. His face was first that of confusion, and then slowly faded into regret. Leaning forward, he rested his elbows against both of his knees and ran his fingers through his black-blue hair. He wasn't entirely sure, in honesty. His mind was a blur, both from the alcohol and the emotions that had driven him to the decision of drinking. His father had always had a stash of liquor in his mansion, and Jonathan had always known about it. He only now wished he hadn't.

"..I.. Speedwagon?" The man's eyes flicked back to Jonathan's gaze, and he nodded slowly.

"Yes, Jonathan?"

"..You're going to think that I'm daft." The boy turned his head and sighed once more, brows furrowing in concentration. Even though Dio had ruined his childhood, killed his father, and otherwise threatened the Joestar family name, he still felt this odd.. Connection to this man. The one who he would always call his brother. However, after everything that happened, and his recovery, he only further buried himself away. He wished to see nobody- not even Erina. The fact that Speedwagon had discovered him in such array only concerned him further than before.

"Ah, such nonsense, Jonathan. Speak, my boy. I'm listening." Speedwagon stood up and kneeled himself next to where the boy was seated, placing a hand on his. He looked after Jonathan as best as he could, like a father to the boy who had not another soul to look toward. After Dio disappeared, Jonathan had only told Speedwagon to leave as to avoid any sort of harm coming his way. If he were to be harmed by Dio, he only wanted it to be himself. The scarred man looked at Jonathan's face with concern. He always seemed to be concerned, but this was an especially worrisome expression. "I won't judge you, not a single ounce. Come, speak up."

Despite being quite far off of his rocker, the boy still managed to speak. Closing his eyes and taking a breath, he grasped Speedwagon's hand.

"I believe that my brother may not know this. I am hoping that is the case. However, you will be the only living soul who will ever know this side of me," He started, wiping a drop of sweat from his brow. "..And I expect it to stay within this room, between us."

Speedwagon only nodded, his grasp becoming tighter. He wanted Jonathan to trust him, and in no way did he have any intentions on breaking this trust. He wasn't sure if he should take anything Jonathan said with sincerity, but they say some drunks are the most honest people..

"I.. Believe I feel something more than a brotherly connection to Dio, my adopted brother." ________________________________

Dio's feet stepped silently through the manor, a new one that Jonathan had apparently purchased with some of their funds. It wasn't nearly as large, and their voices echoed throughout the hallways. Dio's attuned hearing picked up on the slightest of sounds, thanks to his new-found powers. Eventually he found himself next to the doorway, out of sight to the two men inside of the room. He'd come at an awkward time, his ears picking up the phrase. Through the drunken slurring, he managed to piece together the words- and his face twisted in shock. ________________________________

"..Ah? Jonathan, I don't believe I understand.." Speedwagon arched a brow in confusion, looking toward the boy with concern. Just how bloody drunk was he? To say he had feelings for someone who was ruining and had been ruining Jonathan's life..

"Ever since I met him, there was something about him that drew me in. I wanted to get close to him, but everything he did made it.. Complicated. Now that he's gone, I fear the thoughts that occupy my mind. Speedwagon, I have dreamt terrible things. Straight up sodomy. I fear.. that I may never cleanse my soul." Jonathan glanced down, ashamed of his confession. He had no idea that Dio could hear all of this, nor of his reaction to it. Speedwagon merely stepped back and crossed his arms, frowning.

"Young man, do you have any idea of what the consequences would be for such feelings? He hates you, Jonathan. You see yourself taking a bit off of the other? That's.. Obsurd." He began, shaking his head. "This chin wag has taken quite the awful turn for the worst, Jonathan. Perhaps you need sleep?" He took a step close this time, reaching a hand out. "Come, I can help you get ready for bed."

Jonathan refused his proposal, shaking his head quickly in response. Standing up, he wobbled for a moment before making his way toward the door. A hiccup left his lips as he reached for the door, only for it to be suddenly yanked from his grasp. The person beyond the door made him nearly faint in surprise, and he tumbled, landing on his ass. _________________________

Dio's eyes had widened at what he was hearing. He didn't understand. All that he had done to Jonathan, and he was confessing feelings for him? Of all things he had expected to hear, this was the last thing on that list. When he'd heard the footsteps approaching the door, he quickly shifted and pulled the door open to face Jonathan himself.

"Jojo."

His voice was deep, intimidating in nature. It always had been, and Jonathan had no thought that it would ever not be. The tone of his voice sent shivers down the other's spine, causing him to involuntarily look up toward Dio. The vampire had his arms crossed, a rather cold expression laying upon his lips.

"You're bladdered. What made you think this was a good idea? The nonsense you're spitting from those lips.."

Dio walked forward, grabbing Jonathan's shirt and pulling him upright. A glance was sent in Speedwagon's direction, his tone lessening in severity. In fact, a slight smile parked itself on his lips, almost as if he were amused.

"May I have a moment alone with Jonathan?" __________________________

Speedwagon could only nod. Too afraid to say no and stand his ground, he gave Jonathan a look of concern. "Be careful, Jonathan." The words were soft, and soon he was out of the room. He took it upon himself to trust Dio on the fact that he wouldn't hurt his brother, walking down to wait in the parlor.

"Dio, clear off!" Jonathan shouted as he pushed the other man's hands away, a frantic tone settling within his voice. However, he was shocked by the way that Dio put him down, being gentle about it. As unlikely as it was, it made him feel a little less on edge- and he calmed. Giving the blonde a concerned look, he stood back a step and frowned. "What do you want from me? I thought you were gone!"

"Ah, but I was anything but gone, Jojo. Do you honestly believe that I would up and leave like that?" Dio took a step forward, causing his brother to step backward in response. "Do not be afraid. I have no intentions of hurting you. In fact.." He cleared his throat, brushing some of his own hair from his view. "..I'm interested in your words."

"..Interested?" The word took a moment to roll off of his tongue, albeit awkwardly and horribly slurred. Jonathan stood a bit straighter now, brushing the front of his clothing off, as if ridding himself of a burden. "I said nothing, Dio. You best be on your way." Jonathan glanced toward the door. He could try and run, but he'd likely stumble. His legs were barely functioning..

"You know what you have said, Jojo. Don't lie." He stepped forward quicker this time, taking Jonathan's face within one hand and looking him straight in the eye. Genuine curiosity glistened in his eyes, almost like a child discovering something for the first time. "I, Dio, caused you such trouble in your life. Slaughtered your father. Your dog. I caused the demise of so many people. Yet, you can say that you harbor feelings for me that stretch far beyond the barrier of brother-to-brother. What exactly do you mean by that?"

"..You expect me to explain to the same person who I claim to have such feelings for? You.." He flinched at the closeness, glancing away. He didn't like this situation at all. It'd gone from a personal conversation to suddenly being faced with Dio. The same man that caused him so much pain, also left a lonely hole in his heart of which he only felt filled when the other had been around. Despite his actions, he'd always felt comforted by Dio's prescence..

"Yes, I do expect you to explain. Enlighten me, Jojo." Dio's face was dangerously close. With one move, he could easily drain Jonathan's body of blood. He could finish off the Joestar line, just as he had finished off many others. However, that was not his purpose. At least, not now. Whether Jonathan was just that bladdered, or if he actually, truly harbored such feelings, Dio was still curious. It was an odd, dangerous curiosity. Something he hadn't much had interest in before now intruiged him, bothered him enough that he wanted to know.

"..This is disgusting. Get your hands off of me." In honesty, Jonathan was flustered. He didn't want Dio touching him. He didn't want to see his face. The pain that came with his feelings only increased when Dio was around, as it always had. However, now things were different. Even if they were to be together, it certainly wouldn't be a healthy idea. Dio would live forever- unafflicted by illness or the curse of aging that humans so closely knew. Jonathan would wither and die one day, and whether that was at the hands of Dio or natural circumstances was beyond him at this very moment. Once Dio had released him once more, he sat down on the end of his bed and buried his face in his hands. All of this was truly stressful, and he felt as if his heart would explode from the emotional turmoil. "..I do harbor feelings for you, Dio." He started, lifting his gaze. As soon as he had, though, he glanced toward the wall past the man. "..I have dreamt sodomy of the darkest kinds. I have wished to be held by you, to be accepted. Perhaps this is a sort of Stockwholm Syndrome affliction or what have you, moreover.." He cleared his throat, a pained look taking his face. "..I long to have you around again, Dio Brando."

The use of his full name stopped Dio in his tracks for a moment. He still couldn't be sure if he could take all of this seriously. Something about Jonathan had always intruiged Dio, whether it be his resolve to get things done, or just the way he moved with such grace. He was a true gentleman- a being that Dio could never hope to be. He was human, whereas Dio was not. However, Dio still had feelings, and his heart was being plucked- however slightly- by the confessions of his adopted brother. "..Indeed, it is sodomy to have these sorts of thoughts of your adopted brother, Jonathan. However, do not take what I say lightly. I can say I merely respect you, but I cannot say what my feelings are, exactly. I do not feel emotions entirely the same way that you do. It is hard for me to express happiness. To express sadness. However.." He took a step forward and brushed his hair back again, taking a breath. "..I will say that I am glad. I am glad you do not despise me. I cannot say that I hate you, Jojo. All I can say is that you intruige me, that you fascinate me with how you carry yourself. To see you in this condition is something I would have never guessed upon."

The words shocked Jonathan. Likely more than they should have, but for Dio to not hate him was a shock. He was sure.. Confusion took his face once more, and he stood. Wobbling for a moment, he walked forward and hugged Dio tightly. The blonde flinched with the movement, clearly expecting something bad out of it. However, the way that Jonathan nuzzled against his chest.. It made him sigh. Carefully running his fingers through Jonathan's hair, Dio frowned. He knew that he was strong, but to see him like this.. He never expected this to be the reason for any of Jojo's distress. A shaking against his body caused alarm, glancing downward toward Jonathan. The man had his face buried, but he could feel a warm wetness where his face pressed against the fabric on his body. Needless to say, this touched Dio. Sighing once more, he held Jonathan closer and closed his eyes. He was showing weakness to Dio in a way that he had never thought would happen, and it tugged at the blonde's heart in a terrible way. Carefully, he parted from Jonathan and grasped his face within his hands.

"Jojo. Look at me." He spoke softly, somewhat calmer than his usual, threatening tone. Jonathan slowly directed his sights to Dio's face, tears beginning to dry on his cheeks. Why did he have to feel like this? His thoughts were cut short by something shocking- the feeling of lips brushing against his own. Soft, he thought. However, finally registering what Dio was doing, he flinched backward. "W-what are you doing?! Brothers can't kiss-"

"Jonathan Joestar."

The voice sent chills down Jonathan's spine. Dio was looking down at him with a pained look to his face, but not overly so. He could sense it from the way his voice wavered slightly. Human. That word popped into Jonathan's mind and more tears welled into his eyes, overflowing with the emotions that came. Dio must have forgotten. Being human was a curse, yet also a blessing. The fact that Dio would miss out on all of the human opportunities in life..

"I.. am grateful, that you do not fear me. I.. believed I ran on fear, and hence, I did anything within my power to gain that. However, you are.. Showing me a part of myself, of which I long to have back. I cannot ever return to being a human being, Jonathan. One day, you will grow old. You will pass on, and I will live. You will be gone.. and I, Dio, will not." His words held an almost haunting tone, golden-red hues glancing toward the wall opposite the room. They had an affect on Jonathan that Dio had not expected. A warm smile played over Jonathan's lips, eyes filling with a bittersweet sadness. Yes, it was Dio- The man of which he spent his childhood with. To finally get him to see this side of him.. It warmed Jonathan's heart. Hesitation took over as Jonathan leaned upward, giving Dio another soft kiss.

"..!" Dio flinched slightly, but soon relaxed. Once Jojo had pulled away, he closed his eyes and sighed. He had never truly felt this way before. His strong sense of pride was beginning to give way to sympathy- and, dare he call it- affection. He had never been shown such selfless love as Jonathan had expressed his entire life with Dio. Even after fights and arguments, even after Danny and his father.. Jonathan could still smile at Dio. He could still say he didn't hate him with a single fiber of his being- and that tore at Dio. Sighing, he carried Jonathan over to the bed. Without much hesitation, the blonde helped his brother into his night clothing and helped him get comfortable, before sitting next to him.

"..Dio?" Jonathan's tired gaze reached Dio's, and the blonde quirked a brow in response.

"..Please, stay with me." The words alone made Dio bite his lip, and he nodded slowly. Carefully laying down next to the man, he didn't get too close- but he rested his head near Jonathan's. Within a few moments, Jojo was asleep. A slight smile formed on Dio's lips as he ran his fingers through the soft, blue-black strands atop his brother's head. Perhaps.. Perhaps he could live like this. If only for a little while..