I laughed as I fixed Avdol's hair, braiding and securing the rubber-bands properly.
"You suck at this, Avdol," I said.
"It's hard to do it myself," he said.
"Hey, can you drive this thing, Avdol?" Polnareff asked, watching Avdol steer the vessel as I fixed his hair-style.
"Tsk, tsk. No problem," Avdol said with a grin.
"I can drive, too!" Joseph piped up.
"You're not driving this thing," Jotaro snapped. "I'm not letting you crash us again."
"Hmph. My grandson is so harsh," Joseph huffed. I giggled, looking over at Jotaro.
"I am inclined to agree with him," I said to Joseph. He gave me a look of mock hurt.
"Hey! Not you too!" he pouted. I grinned and secured Avdol's headband, leaning up and kissing his cheek to signal I was done. He beamed at me, the scars on his cheeks wrinkling.
"A submarine," Kakyoin mused, looking around. "This is my first time in one, but it's not as cramped as I expected."
"Yeah. This is a vessel that the rich use to explore the sea floor for pleasure," Joseph said. "As you see, it even has windows."
"Oh a window!" Polnareff exclaimed, running over and looking out at the sea floor. "I've always kind of liked this kind of thing. I wish I could've ridden it with a cute girl..."
"My sister isn't cute enough for you?" Avdol asked in a hard voice. Polnareff turned, his eyes wide.
"What? No! I mean...she is...I just..."
Avdol burst out laughing.
"Just kidding," he teased. "I see you haven't changed, Polnareff. We didn't come here to play." I snickered as Polnareff stuck his tongue out at Avdol and walked over to sit at the table with Kakyoin and Jotaro. I smiled as they discussed the ships equipment, standing and going over to the little kitchen.
"Who wants a drink?" I asked, grinning as everyone chimed in asking for one. I opened the fridge and grabbed the cola's, using a bottle opener to pop off the caps. I walked back to the table, Avdol putting a finger to his lips to signal me to be silent as I passed Joseph talking on the phone. I set the drinks down, handing them out.
"This is that important conversation?" Polnareff asked, taking a sip of cola.
"Yes. Madam Joestar is full of vitality," Avdol said. "so he needs to check in now and again to make sure she doesn't visit Moss Holly in Japan and discover the truth."
"Meaning that..." Kakyoin said.
"Of course, she hasn't been told anything," I said. "There's no need to worry her."
"You've met her?" Jotaro asked.
"Of course," I replied with a smile. "When I moved to Cairo, Avdol was already friends with the Joestar family. Joseph and Suzie were the ones that flew him to America to come get me. Your grandmother insisted on a shopping spree for my move. She's quite a handful, but she's a very sweet woman." We listened as Joseph ended the call, his back hunched slightly.
"You have my condolences, Mr. Joestar," Kakyoin said.
"But don't worry. We're here with you," Polnareff said. "Egypt is right in front of us."
"We must defeat Dio as soon as possible and save Miss Holly," Avdol declared. "That is exactly why I have returned."
"Right," Joseph said. "Thank you, everyone." I walked over, sliding my hand up his back and giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. He smiled down at me.