WARNING: DIO FLUFF INCOMING

Mad Girl's Love Song by Sylvia Plath

I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead;

I lift my eyes and all is born again.

(I think I made you up inside my head.)

The stars go waltsing out in blue and red,

And orbitary blackness gallops in;

I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.

I dreamed that you bewitched me into bed,

And sung me moon-struck, kissed me quite insane,

(I think I made you up inside my head.)

God topples from the sky, hell's fires fade:

Exit Seraphim and Satan's men.

I shut my eyes and the world drops dead.

I fancied you'd return the way you said,

But I grow old and forget your name.

(I think I made you up inside my head.)

I should have loved a thunderbird instead;

At least when spring comes, they roar back again.

I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.

(I think I made you up inside my head.)

BOOK I: The State of Dreaming

PART II: All the Little Things

Chapter XX: Frost on Fair Hair

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In seeming direct opposition to the previous few days, the morning and early afternoon passed with an unbearable degree of sloth, and at times, Evelyn found herself wondering if time hadn't somehow frozen – were that possible at all. Still yet, time did pass, despite any grumbling on the impatient girl's part, and at precisely five minutes until fourteen o'clock, she strolled up to the park in her finest winter apparel. She had debated with herself over what she should wear for over an hour that morning. How casual should she be? Should she be casual at all? In the past, she had never had much cause to worry over such things as she'd never had enough clothing to really pick and choose. In the end, Evelyn had found herself putting her best foot forward. Part of her knew it was some of the lingering desire to impress him that had always plagued her when they were together, the desire she'd had so long she really had no idea where it originated from in the first place. To her embarrassment, her mind kept recalling her conversation with Erina about princes...

Her cheeks flushed as the thought struck her, and she stopped in her tracks, bringing gloved hands to her face as if it would stop the color from blooming.

Was she..? That was, did she actually think of Dio in that regard? She remembered how before she befriended him, Millie had assumed she meant that she had some more tender feelings for him, feelings of that kind, the kind between a man and a woman. At the time, it seemed utterly too mad to consider. Too impossible. It still was impossible. He had never shown any interest in her beyond friendship.. He'd said it himself before that she was the only friend he'd had in that city, and Evelyn would never demand more of him. She would not be greedy with him. She would not wish for more than he would give her.

But the thought persisted.

At any rate, the reason for why she wore her finest that day was moot. A lady didn't need a reason to look her best, for a lady should always look her best when it was within her power to do so. Beyond that, her best winter dress, a long green, fleece-lined one, was awful warm. Really, it was a necessity in this sort of weather, she decided. She felt satisfied with the answer as she watched the white puff of her breath escape into the frozen air.

As she stood next to a snow-covered lamppost in the very center of the park, Evelyn began humming a little melody to herself, one her mother had always sang to her when she was young, shifting from foot to foot to prevent them from growing numb. Now that she'd arrived, she began wondering what exactly Dio had in mind for the day. Though she had tossed out a suggestion or two on Monday, her blonde companion hadn't said either way whether he planned on doing any of them. Surely, he still enjoyed such practices? Admittedly, some time had passed since she herself had played chess – meaning he would likely find her skills embarrassingly rusty – but she thought she'd still enjoy the game. In fact she-

"Boo," a deep voice crooned into her ear.

Swallowing her yelp, Evelyn stumbled forward, away from the source of the noise, one hand flying to clutch at her chest. Her other wrist was caught by the person who'd startled her before she could fall on her face in a decidedly unladylike fashion, and she found herself being whipped around to face Dio's arrogant and smug smile, his eyes alight with laughter.

As her terror dissipated, her racing heart slowing, embarrassment set in, and her cheeks flushed scarlet, standing out brighter than usual in the white landscape. "That was not funny," she protested, swatting his shoulder playfully with her free hand.

"Hn... I beg to differ, madamoiselle," he shot back easily, his smirk growing when she attempted her most menacing scowl at him.

When she went to push a curl behind her hear, she realized his fingers were still firmly curled around the slender column of her wrist, and warmth blossomed in her stomach.. Such a simple thing, but she felt a peculiar yearning begin within her. Before that thought could go any further, she cleared her throat and pulled her hand away in the pretense of straightening her dress. Glancing up, she could see that he was about to make a sarcastic remark of some sort, and she really didn't think she could handle that as embarrassed as she was. Instead, her eyes darted around as she desperately grasped for something to say. His other hand was hidden behind his back, and she latched onto the subject.

"What's that you've got?"

Seeming to remember it himself, a sly gleam entered his eye. "A gift," he told her, "to mark the occasion." Then he pulled out a pair of pure white ice-skates, clearly meant for a girl, from this medium sized brown leather bag.

As her eyes roved over the beautiful skates, Evelyn let out an awe-filled sigh, her eyes widening. "Oh, Dio... They're simply splendid." Pausing, a realization dawned on her. She didn't have anything to give him in return. "But I can't accept them. Please don't misunderstand. I think they're wonderful, but you didn't need to buy me anything... Spending time with you is more than enough." This last was said with another blush. Goodness gracious! It seemed all she could do was blush in his presence.

"Just take them," he commanded with a frown, shoving them into her arms. "You're going to need them today."

"I am?"

With a roll of his eyes at her apparent stupidity, Dio explained slowly, "It is generally considered a necessity when one goes ice-skating."

Evelyn blinked dumbly a few times before it clicked. "Oh, of course." She gave a soft laugh. Still, she felt rather badly that he had needed to buy them for her. She hated to be a burden of any sort, yet he was having none of her refusals.

Somehow... Somehow, she would make it up to him. "I should thank you then," she remarked with a bright smile, a soft note in her voice full of fondness.

"Let's get going," he prompted, offering his arm for her.

For the first time since he had left her on the brink of tears in that graveyard in London, Evelyn took it.

Dimly, she realized that she had slipped into her old habits and roles concerning him far too easily.. she had thought she'd grown since then. Yet when he was around, none of that seemed to matter. She'd always felt drawn to him. Even when he was mean to her... No matter what he did, it was so, so hard to stay angry or upset with him. Lots of people would've told her she shouldn't have forgiven him so easily even if it all had been a misunderstanding. He should've apologized.. But Evelyn knew she couldn't expect that from him – that in his own way he had apologized.

She was a lost cause alright... But looking up at him, watching the snow catch the soft tips of his fair hair, she decided she didn't mind so much.. She rather liked where their future was heading.

~}(){~

Evelyn had never been ice-skating before.

That was a luxury not afforded by her family, and though she had always thought it sounded lovely and fantastic and daring – for she really did adore any winter time activities – Evelyn had been able to resign herself to a childhood without it. After all, there were many others who couldn't afford it either, so why should she get to complain? That was not to say Evelyn by no means felt unexcited for the excursion. She was, however, a little nervous. What if she fell through the ice? What if the skates didn't fit? What if she was simply a lousy skater and Dio's efforts were for naught? But she attempted to stay optimistic.

They had chatted like they used to as he led her to this small pond he had found a little ways out of town. Though the topics had changed, Evelyn was relieved in ways that they could still speak like this and began to realize exactly how much she had missed his company. Dio was an intelligent conversation partner, engaging and humorous even with a decidedly dry sense of wit that left Evelyn smarting more often than not. She didn't take it personally. That was simply Dio, and if you wanted to be friends with a person, you had to accept all of them. Besides, she didn't think he meant it seriously. Or, well, at least not maliciously.

When they reached their designation, Evelyn was surprised to find it deserted. She had thought there would be quite a few others out taking advantage of the weather, but then, it wasn't a terribly large pond. Perhaps they were elsewhere? Vaguely, she recalled seeing this place earlier in the year when it was still summer, a smattering of wild-flowers hugging the mossy banks. Now though, the surface shined an opaque white, snow piled at the banks, and a few barren bushes peaking out the only break in the landscape. Above, the clouds hung a heavy grey, but the wind had stilled to a halt, the snow falling in soft drifts.

As if reading her thoughts, Dio cast a glance at her from the corner of his eye. "Regardless of whatever you're thinking, most of the others don't have the money to waste on skates. They may not know the poverty we survived, but they're not all rich like the Joestars either." She nodded in response, her eyes falling away. "Besides. I picked this spot because I didn't wish to be bothered while I was with you."

Her heart jumped at that. "They're all quite taken with you," Evelyn agreed with a gentle smile. "I'm glad you've made friends here."

Dio hummed noncommittally in the back of his throat. "They all seem rather fond of you as well, Evelyn," he commented as he sat down near the edge of the ice, removing a pair of brown skates from the bag he'd stowed hers in earlier. Then he shucked his boots, exchanging them for the skates.

Following his example with the white skates, Evelyn ducked her head in embarrassment. "I'm quite certain it's because I'm still new... The novelty will wear off, surely. I'm not like you; I'm not all that interesting."

With a chuckle, Dio shook his head. "You say such things, but several months have already passed. If it was simple novelty, as you claim, it would be long gone by now, I believe. False modesty is unbecoming, Evelyn."

Tying the last knot, Evelyn gave a little frown. "My apologies... I'm simply unfamiliar with such a warm reception." She laughed at herself then. "But that's quite pessimistic of me. Perhaps you rubbed off on me more than I realized back then," she teased.

However, he responded seriously. "Hm... I would say it's more realism than pessimism, given your previous records. This world is selfish and rotten, and one has to look after their best interests first above all. You can't really trust anyone." With one fluid motion, he rose up onto his skates and offered her a hand up as well. "And yet, I never thought to hear you expressing any sentiments that lined up with my own."

A wan smile curled her mouth. "Yes. Well. I'm afraid it has been a eye-opening few years," she mentioned, a blunt edge to her tone that spoke of a slight bitterness. "I am trying to be like I used to be though."

Despite her earlier concerns that she was too much like her old self, Evelyn realized that she had indeed changed quite a bit, and not all for the better. She hadn't even noticed until he pointed it out to her. She knew that the situation with Mother had affected her, but she didn't know she had been jaded by it. Back then, Evelyn had been open and trusting and outgoing... Could she still say the same? Aside from Adeline, Erina, Jojo, and Dio, she hadn't exactly made many close friends. Her old self would be abhorred by the thought that she didn't even know all her classmates' names. There was some irony in the fact that without the stigma attached to her name, they would likely let her now.

When exactly had she changed? The why was so easy. With all the pain of the past few years, Evelyn was bound to come out the other side with a few scars. But the change had come so subtly, so easily. She hadn't even noticed. Maybe that was why she had to force her smile sometimes. She was not the sunny, bright-eyed girl of her past.

In response to her statement, Dio only laughed again, stepping backwards onto the ice and gliding across the opaque surface, skates swooshing against the ice. "What's the point? Humans grow. We change. I myself am quite different than I used to be, and I'm glad of it."

Pushing away her own thoughts to be considered later, Evelyn took a wobbly step forward, stopping at the edge of the pond and eyeing it warily. "Perhaps," she agreed, smile and eyes softer still. "This new life does suit you." That was not the first time she'd told him so either. Here, away from Dario, away from London, dressed in and surrounded by riches – this was where Dio belonged.

Dio smirked. "Of course it does. And once I come into my inheritance, everything will be just as it should be."

"A little early to be thinking about that, isn't it?" Her eyes sparkled with humor. He was always looking ahead, planning things she never would even think of.

"Perhaps."

Evelyn held off her response as she thought about how to go about all this. Maneuvering in skates was more difficult than she had imagined. Her ankles shook and ached a fair amount from the unfamiliar stance she had taken, and she had failed to even set foot on the ice yet. Surely that didn't bode well, Evelyn thought. However, she was nothing if not determined and gathered her courage, ready to just get on with it. The steadying breath she took morphed into an alarmed squeak as she took a step out, and her skates slid, each foot steering in opposing directions. Evelyn threw her arms out and tried to balance herself, and she just managed to keep her footing to the relief of her pride. However, it was only a matter of time, she knew, concerned by the way her knees and ankles wobbled.

"Here," Dio began, skating over to her with his usual enviable grace, a disparaging gleam in his eyes. "It's not so difficult, Evelyn. Surely even someone like you can manage this," he teased her, holding on to her forearms to steady her.

Evelyn dared not respond to the jibe. In fact, she dare not even breath; she was quite certain she looked ridiculous right then, her brow furrowed in concentration, cheeks puffed out as she held her breath and did her best not to stumble. As he jerked her towards him, the two gliding over the ice fluidly, Evelyn made another startled noise and tightened her own grip on him, which made him laugh again.

'Well at least he's having fun.'

They had picked up speed too quickly for her liking, but Evelyn could admit it wasn't quite so frightening once she adjusted. After a few more minutes, Dio correcting her stance - "Keep your ankles straight." "Hold your shoulders back." "Don't look at your feet." - the dark-haired girl caught on enough to actually enjoy herself. Finally, Dio released one arm, leaving the other one for support, and skated at her side, and they resumed their chatting.

By the end of their outing, she had it old hat, managing to make her laps at a reasonable pace even without Dio's help – though he never strayed too far she noticed, lest she lose her balance once more. Their conversation also seemed to have taken on its old shape, whatever remained of the awkwardness of past dissipating. It really had felt like old times, and she felt immensely grateful to Dio for the skates and the day as a whole.

Well, she mused, a sparkle in her eyes, not entirely like old times. To Evelyn, there seemed to be a new lightness between them, one she didn't remember existing previously, and she wondered if it was to do with them having overcome their rocky pasts, or if it was her finally having let go of the burden in her heart from the day he rejected her.

At any rate, the day would be one of Evelyn's favorite memories in the years to come as – in her mind – it was the day she truly got Dio back.

Just like it should have been.

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Several days had passed since his little excursion with Evelyn, something which Dio was rather glad to have out of the way. Mind you, it certainly pleased him to have made so much progress in his little endevour of reverting his little Evelyn to her previous self – with the intention of fully indebting her to himself. However, Dio truly did find such harsh conditions abominable. He had been loathe to waste money on something as frivolous as ice skates for the two of them. To him, it seemed utterly pointless as he had no such desire to endure the conditions, but he knew Evelyn had a soft spot for the dreadful season and had reasoned it out to be an appropriate sacrifice on his part.

Since then, however, Dio had spent his winter break quite comfy indoors, usually lounging around in the second story sitting room in the chair nearest to the hearth, almost always with a cup of tea in hand as well as a good book. One of the things that pleased him most about the manor was its extensive library, half the contents of which he reckoned to be unused. Jojo certainly would have no intention of reading anything non-mandatory, and George simply didn't have the time. Servants rarely had reason to be in there other than weekly dusting. But Dio made good use of it throughout the year, soaking up all the knowledge he could, especially in the sections involving the human psych and justice system. Intriguing, truly.

On this afternoon, Dio was indeed doing the very same as he had been, relaxed in the worn leather armchair, one leg strew carelessly over the side while the other rested on the floor, a cup of tea adorning the end table at his side. He was reading a book on Norse religious practices of all things. Though he had never really dabbled in the subject before, it was interesting enough, he supposed, and he had nearly finished the book already.

In the midst of his reading, he heard the knocker being slammed against the door, along with Jojo's shout of "I'll get it." Honestly, the boy was nearly finished convalescing – unlike their family butler, who would normally answer the door but was out of commission, having caught the aforementioned virus – but was being made to stay indoors all the same.

Of course, Dio ignored it all, tuning the distraction out as he continued to read, assuming it was likely someone there to see his adoptive father. However, when a few minutes passed and Jojo still seemed to be speaking with whoever had arrived, Dio's curiosity was piqued. Since Dio's early attempts to alienate Jojo from his peers, he had not managed to recruit any more close friends.

And really, who would trek out to the manor is such an awful season to see Jonathan of all people?

With a decisive and quiet thud, Dio closed his book and set it aside, rising from the chair in a single easy movement. Then he drifted out onto the top landing that overlooked the front door.

When he saw those long dark curls of Evelyn's, the girl standing on his doorstep and conversing with Jojo, Dio's eyebrows shot up in a mixture of surprise and annoyance. Surprise at her appearance and annoyance at Jojo speaking to her. What did that idiotic bastard think he was doing? Why had he not called Dio in at once when she turned up here? The two hadn't noticed his arrival, but rather than cue them in, Dio took the opportunity to observe, leaning onto his elbows on the railing, resting his chin on his interlaced hands. Evelyn wore a long purple dress he had never seen before along with the same cloak and gloves she donned on their last outing. Her hair was windswept and snowdusted, her cheeks red with cold, but she looked becoming all the same. Down there with Jonathan, she was smiling prettily at something he had said and even laughing, and Dio felt the stirrings of jealousy and irritation in his belly. Evelyn was his project. She was part of his past, and Jojo had no business being anywhere near her.

"Thank goodness you showed up," Jojo was saying. "I've nearly been out of my head with boredom around here."

"Oh? Why not go out then?" she asked, shifting a basket full of odds and ends she was holding from one arm to the other, leaning slightly from the weight. "I know the cold isn't for everyone, but surely, there must be something you enjoy doing in the winter."

With a light laugh, Jojo shook his head. "It isn't that.. I've had a flu for the past week or so."

"Oh, that must be dreadful," she sympathized, placing a hand on the boy's arm that had Dio narrowing his eyes. "If I'd known that, I would've brought something for you as well." She indicated to the basket with a frown.

"Don't worry about it." He jammed a thumb to his chest with a grin. "I'm much better now." Glancing back down at the basket, he asked, "So that's for him then? I'm glad you two are back on good terms then. You had Dio sulking around here for weeks!" A sneer curled Dio's mouth at the words, and he only just resisted the temptation to bang his head against the wall, or better yet, Jojo's.

He did not sulk.

Embarrassed, Evelyn smoothed her hair out on one side, an icy gust ruffling it once more soon after. "You're exaggerating, I'm sure."

"Not at all. I've never seen him so moody. I thought he was going to explode with how frustrated he was getting." Jonathan let out a laugh that turned into a cough at the end, and Evelyn's eyes turned concerned.

After giving Jojo a moment to collect himself, she calmly changed the subject, "So you think he'll like this then? I mean, it's not much, but... What do you get for someone who has everything?"

"We hardly have everything, Evelyn," Jojo told her, and there was a wistfulness to his voice. Dio knew he was considering the loss of his beloved pet and fickle friendships. Jojo would likely tell Evelyn too when she remarked on his mood shift. The idiot never could keep his mouth shut.

Dio figured he had heard enough.

With a devilish smirk, he spoke up from his place on the second landing. "That depends on what it is, I suppose."

"Oh!" she started, nearly dropping the basket in the process. "Dio," her tone was accusatory. "You've picked up quite a nasty habit of scaring people since you moved here... How long have you been there?"

Ignoring her question, Dio directed his attention at Jojo, unable to contain any derogatory remarks. "Tell me, Jojo. Do you plan on letting Evelyn in any time soon, or are you going to allow her to freeze to death for the duration of her visit?"

"S-sorry!" Jojo stammered, realizing his misstep in manners and backing away to allow her entry. He shut the door behind her and took her cloak to hang up after the reminder. 'Truly a gentleman.' Dio rolled his eyes. "I wasn't thinking." The blond boy bit back the retort on the tip of his tongue. Sometimes, Jonathan made it so easy for him.

"It's quite alright," Evelyn assured him with a patient smile.

"Evelyn," Dio interrupted, uncomfortable with allowing any more camaraderie to develop between the two. "Join me in the sitting room. I'll have some fresh tea made while you warm up."

She blushed prettily at his kindness and nodded, ducking her head slightly. "Thank you."

Dio waited as she ascended the stairs, gently lifting the skirts of her dress – when had she become so elegant? - and then he accompanied her to his preferred sitting room. Jojo followed them too, but that couldn't be helped. Dio only hoped he wouldn't cock up all the head way he had made with Evelyn. Why was the brute so interested in her anyways? "So," he began, dropping into his chair as Evelyn perched on the edge of its twin on the other side of the hearth. "What's that you've got?" he asked, parroting her words to him days earlier.

"A thank you gift," she told him, the light of the fire turning her green eyes a gold shade close to his own. The first whispers of womanhood were beginning to show on her, the roundness of her face less than it once was, her curves beginning to show. When she was older, she would be breath taking. "I had such a wonderful time, and those skates are so lovely... I had to return the kindness in some way." With a sweet smile that sickened him in its purity, she rose and stepped across to hand him the basket.

Drawing it into his lap, Dio removed the white clothe she had draped over the top to reveal an assortment of items. There were several baked goods, a couple jars of his favorite jams, and he found a long, red scarf with purple detailing, bundled into one corner. Overall, it was a quaint thing, nothing compared to the riches he was accustomed to now, but it was obvious she had put a lot of thought into it. Into what he would like.

As he drew the scarf out of the basket to examine it further, Evelyn explained,"I don't have much need to sew anymore, but I still enjoy it." She laughed as though the admission was embarrassing. "I've also improved some since I gave you that handkerchief. The material's nice too since I can afford it now."

"It was a wonderful idea, Evelyn," Dio answered simply, winding the gift around his neck.

"That's amazing!" Jojo enthused. "Where did you learn to do that?"

Flattered by the praise, a small smile quirked her lips, and Dio began tapping his foot impatiently, finding Jojo's presence to be an ever-increasing irritant where Evelyn was concerned. If he planned on making her worship him, Dio needed to isolate her from others – if not physically, then at least emotionally. And like he always did, that idiot was sticking his fingers into Dio's best-laid plans.

"My aunt owns a shop in London, and I ended up staying with her while my mother-" Realizing just what she was revealing, Evelyn cut herself off abruptly with a widening of her eyes. Clearing her throat, she continued cautiously, "While she was at work."

"Your mother had to work?" Jojo questioned with a frown. "That isn't right at all... What did she do? Did your father not make enough to take care of both of you?" Really, the questions weren't meant to cause upset or awkwardness. Jonathan was simply insatiably curious about her – Dio imagined it had to do with their shared past – and thought she would enjoy the attention as much as the dark-haired boy would have. Inwardly, Dio delighted to see Jojo step on so many metaphorical toes, making a faux pas whether he realized it or not. He knew nothing about Evelyn. Not really. Not like Dio did, and the blonde boy preferred to keep it that way.

As was obvious to him by the way her hands curled up into her skirts as she shifted in her seat, opening her mouth to answer only to close it just as quick, the questions had put her off faster than had Dio refused her gift. Perhaps not in a way to those who didn't know her would recognize, but Dio saw it, knew that she had come to this place with the resolve to leave her reputation behind her. Truly, he'd be surprised if she had told anyone.

Clearing her throat again, she stuttered out, "Well, my father, was... is.. was? Well, anyways, he's... I never knew him."

At once, sympathy shown in Jonathan's eyes. "I'm so sorry, Evelyn. I understand how you must feel," Jojo told her. Then he proceeded to prove he certainly did not. "My mother died when I was very young. I never knew her either."

For a moment, Dio watched the correction waver on the tip of her tongue. However, it died away in a cold flash, a peculiar look entering her eyes as she smiled sadly. "That's something we have in common then."

Dio quirked a brow at her, and she avoided his eyes.

Although it wasn't an outright lie per say, she had refrained from clearing up the misconception. That was new. He had only heard her lie to protect others, but this was to make herself look better. He found it fascinating. No one would think her capable of a lie just looking at her. Dio imagined he was one of the few to catch her in the act, and it filled him with satisfaction that he knew her better than anyone. She was a good liar too surprisingly, another thing he would exploit in the years to come. That she was so good at it stirred something dark inside of him. That the picture of innocence with her big green eyes and soft countenance had a dark side lit a fire in him. He wanted to taint her, to draw forth such actions from her.

When Jojo opened his mouth to continue his invasive, if well meaning probing, she turned those pretty eyes up at him, begging him silently for his help. She looked to him to save her, and that thrilled him. He decided to grant her this small mercy. "Jojo, we're showing atrocious manners. Evelyn was promised tea, I believe," he reminded even though it was he who had offered it. "Why don't you go pester the help about making some, hm?"

At that, Jojo's eyes narrowed on him a little, and his mouth twitched at one corner. It wasn't exactly veiled that Dio was trying to get him to leave, at least for a while, and he was put out. However, he didn't wish to deny his gentlemanly principles. Finally, the do-gooder sighed, and with a mumbled apology, he fled the room to do as suggested. Good riddance.

Observing the way Evelyn's shoulders relaxed the tiniest measure and how she sighed, Dio hid his widening smile behind his own cup of tea.

"You didn't have to make him leave. A change of subject would've done just as well," she told him, but he didn't miss the gleam of bemusement in her eyes.

He hummed, shooting her a smirk. "The conversation always improves when he leaves, so I made him leave."

"Now you're just being mean."

"I prefer honest," he corrected, lounging further into his seat, and Evelyn stifled a giggle with her hands, assuming he was jesting. After a moment of silence, Dio picked the basket of gifts she had brought him back up and eyed it once more. "I'm pleased you remember all of my favorites."

"Of course I remembered... I remember everything about you," she admitted with a blush. "You're a hard person to forget, Dio." As she spoke, she seemed to realize she was fiddling with her dress and dropped the fabric at once, a smile settling across her lips when she glanced up at him.

Her eyes were wide and open and bright when they met the fire of his own, and he knew now was the time.

"Thank you, Evelyn," he told her with false sincerity, leaning forward just enough to stretch out a hand and graze the tips of her fingers.

Her fingers twitched at his touch, and he saw the shiver go through her, a blush heating her cheeks once more. "It's nothing," she breathed, and for a split second, Dio thought he saw the adoration he craved in her eyes. But then several dark curls fell in her face as she subconsciously leaned towards him, the soft strands brushing the back of his hand, and the moment was broken. "I wanted to do it," she promised in a surer tone, pushing her hair back as she straightened in her seat.

"You've always been too giving for your own good." He sat back in his own chair and took a sip of tea.

"I like to repay kindness with kindness."

"And unkindness with kindness," he remarked with a dry arch of his eyebrow.

"Yes, well," he eyes flickered down to her lap, "I don't always know what the other person is thinking in their heart. If I assume the worst..."

Now, it was clear they spoke of what transpired between them once more, which was the last thing Dio wished to remind her of. If she continued dwelling on that, no matter how little it remained in her mind, how could he force her to move past it? Admittedly, part of him was pleased by how much he had affected her back then, that it still disturbed her now. Weighing his options, Dio decided to push past it, to make her think of it differently. "Not true. I'd say you did a lovely job of seeing past my words... You knew me, Evelyn. Both then and now. You knew I was hurting, and that I would do something like that." He frowned then and showed her the pain and grief in his eyes. "Why must you insist on dredging up my most painful memory of leaving? My only painful memory of leaving that horrible, wretched, disgusting life behind? What must I say to right that wrong in your eyes? For I have tried so hard already."

His words hit her full on, and her eyes widened. "I didn't- That's not what I meant at all!"

"Evelyn," he cut her off, his voice growing more passionate. "Tell me how to fix this, and I will. I had hoped that when I cleared things up for you, you would let it go. Or if not then, then when we went ice skating. Being together just like we once did in that park, where we built the snowman. I did it all to make it up to you. Is that not enough? I... Perhaps I was mistaken... Perhaps our friendship was not enough in the end, that a few harsh words could ruin it all."

"No!" She hopped to her feet, moving over in front of him. "Please don't ever say such horrid things anymore." Her voice sounded panicked, and she grabbed his hand up in hers, lowering herself to her knees next to his chair, her frantic grip tightening as though he might flee the room if she released him.

"It's true though is it not?" he accused, his bottom lip even quivered. "Why else would you refuse to doubt my sincerity?"

Evelyn shook her head. "I believe you, I do. I..." Her horror grew introspective. "Dear Lord.. I have been awful about this, haven't I? I may preach all sorts of forgiveness, but I certainly haven't been acting like I forgave you. Oh, this is all my fault, and now I've hurt you because of it. I... I never wanted that." With a squeeze of his hand, she met his gaze head-on, and he saw tears glistening there. "Dio, I'm so, so sorry... I'm sorry." Her voice was weak and pitiful, and the blonde boy felt disdain flash through him at the sight. He did not enjoy her grovelling – even if it had been the reaction he was trying to provoke.

At least now she wouldn't be able to think of the incident in London without feeling guilty.

For a moment, the blonde boy allowed the silence to swell between them, as though he were considering what she asked of him, and his eyes ran over every inch of her face. In the back of his mind, he noticed the more minute aspects of how she had matured since he had first met her.

Finally, he sighed. "You won't think of it again?"

Hope sparked in her eyes, and she nodded quickly. "I swear it. We'll never speak of it again."

Pressing harder, Dio shook his head and withdrew slightly from her, enjoying the way her panic accelerated as he did. "That's not what I asked, Evelyn. It doesn't matter unless you swear to never doubt me again."

Hopping to her feet, still gripping his hand, she promised,"Of course, I won't! I... I see how much this means to you now.. I'd have to be blind to doubt your sincerity in all this."

He gave her a hard look, but finally, the malicious blonde let a relieved smile cross his face. "Then I forgive you."

On a split second decision, he tugged her towards him sharply. She stumbled, one knee landing between his legs and the other towards the outer edge of the seat, the skirts of her dress bunching up and tangling around her legs. Her other hand landed on his chest, and she let out an 'oomph. Their faces were close, closer than they'd ever been before, her dark curls spilling over his shoulders and his own blond locks brushing her cheeks, and Dio felt triumph swell in him the way her breathing hitched as she met his eyes, too shocked to say anything. Then Dio shifted and ducked his head to the side, wrapping his arms around her waist and embracing her, feeling how her small form pressed into the rigid elegance of his own.

Dio watched with a grin as Jojo nearly dropped the tray he carried when he walked in on the two of them like that.

~}(){~

A/N: Now THIS is the chapter I've been waiting for for a while now. I had so much fun for it. I wanted to release it for the anniversary, but clearly that didn't happen. It didn't come a week later like I hoped, but I've been dealing with a lot of utter shit lately. So I just apologize once more. SO MUCH DIO FLUFF. Did y'all like it? Is he still believable? Can you believe actual progress has been made?

Thanks so much to everyone who's reviewed this. I appreciate you all, and everyone who favorites and follows as well. Thank you all. Love you.

- Alyssa