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Speedwagon looked down at the clean blades of grass anxiously, watching the morning dew glisten off of them. The man stood at the entrance to a public park, but it was really more of a clearing with seating to enjoy the view of the babbling stream. “He was to have arrived a full ten minutes past,” he thought to himself. He’d like to have one last meeting with his friend before he sails off on his honeymoon. God, Jonathan was really leaving tomorrow. It felt like only yesterday the two had met. My… how much Robert cherished the memory of the day he met him. That day, he felt as if the angels above cradled his sinful soul and gave him a newfound life. When Speedwagon met Mr Joestar, he considered himself nothing more than a delinquent. When one lived in a barren, malicious area like Ogre Street, that’s the mentality you needed for survival… but the moment Jojo lunged at him, he felt years of regret wash over him. “Why am I here?” “Why am I attacking this innocent man?”
One kick made him rethink half a lifetime. Speedwagon was better than this; it was about time he acted like it. From then on, he wanted to turn his life in a better direction, and Jonathan helped with that. He gave him a purpose, an opportunity to show that under his hoodlum facade, he was a righteous man. Robert admired Jojo with his whole being… however, this admiration was deeper than just friendship. Speedwagon was never one to push aside feelings, and he knew how he felt, which only made his heart shatter. He was no Clara Barton, nor was he a Fanny Kemble… he was no woman at all. The one his heart yearned for the most was the one he’d never have. Even now, if he had the guts, he’d be too late. Jonathan has no eye for Speedwagon; he never would.
Robert lost himself in thought, reminiscing about what had been and what could have been, until the sound of a man clearing his throat promptly broke his concentration. The righteous man looked up from his feet. Jonathan stood before him now, his face with a gentle, comforting expression. “Jojo!” Speedwagon exclaimed as he rushed to his feet to embrace his friend. Jonathan wrapped his arms around the other tightly with a chuckle. “Speedwagon! How are you, old chum?” He asked as he moved his hands to hold the man's shoulders gently. “Well, I’ve been swell, but you must be ecstatic!” Robert remarked with a smile, leading his friend to a nearby bench.
They sat next to each other and spoke about everything that they had accomplished together and the celebrations that they would have once Jonathan came back. They shared a laugh as the calming sound of the rolling stream echoed through the air. Speedwagon recounted their adventures, embellishing the details with each retelling, while his dearest companion listened, their eyes twinkling with amusement as they stared at one another. A gentle smile played on Robert's face. The thought of Jonathan returning home with a circle of friends awaiting him, promising a grand reunion, painted a vibrant picture of joy and belonging within him. They got so caught up in conversation that they hadn’t realized that it was already noon.
As their exchange died down, Jonathan took a glance at his pocket watch; “My, we’ve talked for far too long! I fear I have to be going now.” Speedwagon’s face slowly distended into a grimace. As Jonathan stood up from the bench, approaching the exit, Robert stood to his feet. “Wait, Jojo!” The Joestar turned and looked to the man with gentle confusion. As their eyes met, it was as if they could feel their hearts beating in unison, and for a moment… Speedwagon felt as if he had the guts, as if Jonathan knew every inch of his being, as if Jojo could love him. Even so, he knew all too well that it could never be. He sighed as he looked longingly into the other man's eyes. Words caught in his throat before he spoke out. “I... I’ll miss you, please be safe.” A weak smile played on Speedwagon’s face. Jonathan smiled: “I’ll miss you as well. Please be there at the dock before we go?” “Of course.” Jojo couldn’t help but chuckle before speaking.
“I can always count on you, Robert.”
“And I’ll always be here for you, Jonathan.”