Chapter 6: 1885, Another Poisoning

Rainy almost didn't believe her eyes when she saw the blond figure sneaking through the London alleyways.

They followed him quietly and watched as he entered a familiar shop. When he came back out, Rainy made a point of sneaking up from behind him–for nostalgia's sake.

"So, who are we poisoning this time?"

Dio suppressed a shriek before spinning around, "What the bloody hell was that for?!"

"Just curious. So?"

Dio sighed, "I'm not telling you."

"Well, that just sounds suspicious."

"It's not someone you know anyway."

"Dio, I know everyone you know. You're shit at making friends."

"Fuck you, it's none of your business."

"Well, in that case, I guess you won't mind me telling JoJo about it."

Dio sighed, "I should have drowned you in the Thames when I first met you."

"Well, what's stopped you?" Rainy challenged.

Dio sighed, "What do you want in exchange for keeping quiet about this?"

Rainy grinned, "I'm glad you asked."

—

"Did you ask Father to pay for Rainy's university tuition?" Jonathan asked.

"What's it to you, JoJo?"

"It's just nice, is all," Jonathan replied, "Sometimes I almost think you don't care for him but clearly you do. I'm glad. Even if the two of us don't always get along, It's good to see there's someone you consider family."

Dio looked at him with a mixture of disgust and disbelief before strutting off.

Jonathan looked after him in confusion. Had he said something wrong?

—

Robby only laughed when he heard of Rainy's scheme.

"Exploiting rich folk for educational purposes," he chuckled, "Very commendable."

Tom squinted down at them, "You're going to be even more of a smartass now, aren't you?"

"Of course!" Rainy agreed, "I gotta keep being the brain to your brawn after all!"

Tom laughed, "That's true. Oh! We should celebrate your successful scheming!"

"I heard there was a curry fair in town," Richard supplied quietly.

Tom nodded excitedly, "We could sneak in and get our hands on some fancy foreign food!"

The group agreed and plans were made. They snuck in successfully, pilfered as much food as they could carry, and fled. A strangely handsome butler seemed to have spotted them at some point but made no move to stop them.

—

And thus, Rainy's plans were put in motion.

Along with Dio and Jonathan, Rainy attended Hugh Hudson Academy, dressed in men's clothing–which did not deviate from their usual wardrobe except in its quality. While Jonathan dedicated his time to the field of archaeology, Dio strove to become a lawyer–neither of his companions was sure if he was actually passionate about this or just liked winning arguments–, and Rainy, of course, studied both old and new sciences.

During the week, the boys (and Rainy) would stay in the university's dorms before returning home for the weekends.

"You know, my father would be happy to house you," Jonathan had offered once after he realized that Rainy's home did not actually consist of a building.

But Rainy had waved him off, it wouldn't have felt right to leave Robby and the others behind. They were her family after all. So, she continued to go back to Ogre Street on the weekends, pockets full of food pilfered from the Academy's kitchens.

Of course, this also meant that Rainy got to see Dio a lot more now than they had before enrolling in university.

"I miss the days when you couldn't actually speak English," Dio complained when they were lounging on the lawn outside the university, "They were so much quieter."

Rainy gave him a doubtful look, "I am just as loud in my mother tongue."

"Well, yes, but you're easier to ignore."

"This seems sexist somehow."

"What seems sexist?" Jonathan asked, having suddenly appeared behind the hobbit.

"Uh…"

"Yes, Randal," Dio mocked, "What do you find sexist about this?"

Having no proper arguments prepared, Rainy came to the only logical conclusion. She kicked Dio in the shin and ran for it.

"You fucking rat!" the blond called after them and gave chase.

Jonathan looked between his friends and the many onlooking academics in embarrassment. Maybe it was better to pretend he just didn't know them.

"JoJo! Protect me with your needlessly large body!" Rainy yelled, having looped back around to hide behind the Joestar. Nevermind then.

End Note: Yes, there was a Black Butler reference in this. Yes, I know it doesn't quite fit the timeline but this is my fanfic and I do what I want :3