Finally got done with this!

Hope you guys are enjoying this little story!

God Bless and Good Day!

~The Lupine Sojourner

Since my employment by Mr. Joestar, life at the manor seemed to settle into a routine, Dio and Jonathan apparently settling their differences and at least putting on a friendly air toward each other, but how sincere said air is is difficult to tell.

Jonathan has told me he acts friendlier toward Dio because Dio is acting friendlier toward him, but that he has not forgiven Dio for his slights against him, most especially the matter of Erina and Danny.

Dio, for his part, plays the kind repentant soul well, if it is a mask he dons each day. He even is politer toward the staff than he had been in his youth, but still I see that hardened, too-shrewd gaze he views the world with and shudder.

If we're not careful, Dio will take us all for fools. However, as a maid, there's little I can prove or do, so I simply keep an eye on him when I can.

Jonathan and Dio grow into rather tall, muscular men, Jonathan the slightly stronger of the two, and before I know it, the pair are enrolled in a local college, Dio in the school of law, and Jonathan in the school of archeology. Both are achieving high marks, which makes Mr. Joestar very proud.

I find myself almost wishing to join them, studying in the school of medicine, but even if Father and I pooled our resources, we could never afford it, and we dare not ask Mr. Joestar, so I simply learn what I can from the library in the manor when I have the time to sit and read. I confess some of the material is beyond me, but I learn what I can.

Soon after the semester begins at the college, Dio and Jonathan both join the rugby team and are powerhouses when working together. I rarely have time to see their games, but I do sometimes hear them recount their games for Mr. Joestar as I clean the room or study they talk to him in.

Dio is the speedier of the two, dodging grapples and tackles nimbly, but Jonathan has grown into a powerhouse, and even with more than one man clinging to him, nothing seems able to halt Jonathan when he is running down the field.

What must it be like, to command that much strength, I wonder? Ah well. No matter. I have my own strengths, or so Father tells me.

=#=#=#=#=

As the third anniversary of my employment and my 19th birthday approaches, Father receives a letter from my cousin, Gregory.

It seems the poor man has fallen on hard times and could barely even afford the slums of London, the worst alley of which is given the label 'Ogre Alley', where my unfortunate cousin resides.

I find myself wanting to visit him with Father, who is reluctant to let me go with him at first, but I somehow convince him.

While we are there, I cannot help but see all the misery and poverty surrounding me. Father and Gregory tell me in no uncertain terms that I am never to come here alone, detailing the villainy and crime that occurs here on nearly a daily basis.

But somehow, despite all the warnings, I see only desperate people unable to escape their situation.

I begin pleading with Father and Gregory to let me start giving the extra food, clothing, and blankets at the manor to the impoverished of Ogre Alley.

Even through their rejection of the idea, I still kept up the requests. I'm aware I am not behaving in a lady-like manner, but I simply wish to help those in Ogre Alley.

It took nearly a year for me to wear them down, and even when they agree, I can hardly believe I'm actually allowed to go.

After carefully arranging things with my father, Mr. Joestar, Jonathan, and Gregory, I'm finally allowed to go to Ogre Alley to start my charity work just after my 20th birthday!

Truth be told, I'm rather nervous. I've gotten many lectures on the situation in Ogre Alley, so I know what I'm getting into, but at the same time...I cannot help wanting to help these poor people.

Now...where is my cousin's house again?

Gregory and I arranged for me to spend the night with him and begin delivering the items in the morning with him stationed nearby, in case those I am helping turn rowdy.

I'm so thoroughly distracted, examining the houses, that I fail to see a gentleman in front of me.

As such, I regrettably knock into him and fall backward, landing a bit awkwardly.

I then look up to see who my victim is. He's a tall man with longer blonde hair, a proud set to his figure, and a jagged scar running up the left side of his face. All in all, a roughish but charming figure.

I regret to say I just sit there, feeling rather embarrassed and shy at my mistake.

He smirks at me and extends a hand to assist me. I take it after a moment's hesitation. "Here now, what's a fine little thing like you doing all the way out here at night?" He asks coyly, a wolfish grin on his face as he easily pulls me to my feet. "Hope I didn't hurt you."

I grab the basket of bread and cheese I'd brought to share with Gregory. Luckily, nothing had spilled from the basket. The other charity items awaited me at my his house.

"I…no. I am uninjured, and I beg your pardon if I've injured you, sir " I swallow. "I had arranged to meet my cousin here, but I seem to have lost my way." I reply sheepishly, inching a bit away from this strange man.

He leans down to me a little, that smirk still there as he tilts his head a bit. "What's yer name then, love?"

Would it be wise to give him my name? I don't know him! He could be trying to rob me for all I know!

...Surely my first name alone couldn't hurt, could it? Then again, maybe it could, in the event this man is untrustworthy...

"..." I swallow nervously, hoping my refusal to tell him my name wouldn't arouse his anger. "M-my cousin's name is Gregory Hughes. Do you know where he lives?"

"Hmmm...I might." The man replies, straightening, and I swear he seems disappointed I didn't trust him with my first name.

I narrow my eyes a little. What is this man playing at? Surely he doesn't think I am foolish enough to trust him after we have only just met?

"Will you guide me?" I press. Better to stand firm with these types...I think.

He chuckles and leans toward me again, this time growing bolder and leaning closer to my face so I could nearly feel his breath. "Perhaps...for a price."

I stumble back several paces, my heart hammering in my chest. "I don't have money on me if that's what you want." I inform him curtly, trying to still my breathing and heartbeat. My cheeks feel rather warm and I hope he cannot see how red they must be.

He laughs. "No, no, sweet thing." He tsks with his tongue, wagging a finger at me as if I were a wayward child. As he approaches, I match his approach with equal steps backward. "All I want is a little of that bread in your basket."

I blink in surprise, my feet stalling out. "That's...that's all?" I manage to ask through my shock. I thought for sure if he wasn't after money...he'd have asked for something far darker.

"Of course. Food's been scarce round these parts lately. I wouldn't refuse a kiss, though, if yer in the mind to give one."

That banished my fear. This rogue is toying with me! "You scamp!" I strike him with my open palm on the shoulder. "That's no way to talk to a lady!"

"Ow! Damn, woman! You got a mean slap and a temper to match!" He protests, rubbing his shoulder in irritation.

"Then mind your manners and I won't have to resort to violence." I retort, as coy as he had been earlier with me, crossing my arms.

"You cheeky little- -" He steps forward, looking rather angry, then suddenly stops and laughs. "You know, I like your spirit, friend. C'mon, then. Let's get yah to this Gregory's place before he worries too much about you."

I blink again. Why would he change attitudes on a whim like that? "...Here." I reach into my basket on instinct and grab the requested loaf. There were still enough to go around at my cousin's home.

"What's this?" The man asks, eyeing the bread like it was foreign to him.

"The payment for your guidance." I reply, smiling.

After all, if I fed the man, he'd be more inclined to hold true to our arrangement...wouldn't he?

"Oh, I...I was largely kiddin' about the bread, miss! But if you're offerin'…" He licks his lips. "I'll take it."

I let him take it. "Of course you can have it. There's plenty to go round."

"If you're in a generous mood, why not give me a kiss, too, eh? On the cheek?" He asks, grinning wolfishly again and tapping his cheek as he leans it toward me.

"Don't push your luck, sir!" I snap back, not meaning the harshness to my tone, playfully raising my hand as if to smack him again.

"Alright, then. Fair's fair." He chuckles, hands up briefly, then bites into the loaf hungrily as we walk. "Saints above, it's like it was made by angels!" He praises, mouth full of bread.

I laugh. "My father baked them for me last night."

"Yer father ain't no slouch in the kitchen, let me tell you!" The loaf is already near half gone! This poor man must've truly been hungry...

A thought then occurs to me. I'm letting this man guide me, presumably to my cousin's house, as well as eat a loaf of Papa's bread, and yet...I didn't even know this man's name, nor he mine. I decide to go against my earlier restraint and tell him.

"Yes. He makes anything taste divine." I reply politely, smiling. "Now, forgive my forwardness, but I realize we have yet to introduce ourselves..."

He stops for a moment, both in his assault on the bread and his progress down the street. He then finishes the bread in his mouth before taking off his hat and sweeping into a small bow. "Robert E. O. Speedwagon, at yer service!" He replies, grinning happily. He extends a hand as he puts his hat back on. "And who, pray tell, do I have the pleasure of escorting this fine evening?"

Finding this man amusing, I put my hand in his. "Alicia Grace Hughes."

"My my, what a lovely name it is." He replies smoothly, kissing my knuckles and making my cheeks feel rather warm. "Pleasure to meetcha."

This man isn't anything like what my father described the men of Ogre Alley to be...he is polite and genuine.

He could have easily either robbed me or, well, any number of things might have happened, but instead Robert, though we have only just met, felt almost familiar to me. It's as if this meeting were fated to happen…

"You charmer." I chuckle.

"Only for pretty gals like you." He teases in return, making my cheeks feel aflame. "Now, shall we, madame?" He offers his arm and I slide mine through his, marveling at how well they intertwine.

"We shall."

We continue down the lane in silence, Robert quickly finishing the loaf, until I see a figure approaching quickly, looking around in search of something.

Robert stands subtly in front of me, calling out to the figure I now see is a man. "Hello there." He calls, not overly friendly, an inquisitive edge to his voice. "What's your hurry?"

The man finally comes close enough for the lamps to reveal him.

"Gregory!" I call, moving around Robert to hug my cousin. "Lovely to see you!" I greet, smiling.

Gregory, having halted when he saw and heard me, takes in my escort and seems very surprised, his arms still around me. "Alice, darlin', what're you doing here wi' him?" He asks, glancing between me and Robert, who for his part seems as surprised as I am at his behavior.

I frown a little. "Gregory, don't be rude. This gentleman is escorting me to your home. The driver, bless him, came as near as he dared and I confess I got a little turned around. I stumbled on him and he's kindly assisting me." I explain, unsure why Gregory would look so unsure and almost frightened. "What's the matter? You look frightened."

Gregory takes me a few steps aside, leaning near my ear to whisper. "Alicia, don't tell me you don't know who that bloke is?"

I frown, whispering back. "His name is Robert. Whatever is the matter?"

"He's the leader of the local gang, Alice. I know I told you 'bout 'em when you came."

I nod. "You did, but you failed to give any names."

Robert, having walked over upon guessing what we were discussing, clears his throat. "Alicia speaks the truth. I had no other intention than to guide her to your house. Or as near as I could."

Gregory frowns at him, his arm now trying to circle mine to lead me off. "You can say that til you're blue in the face, sir. Don't mean it's true. Now, thank you for taking her this far, but I'll handle this now. You can leave her with me."

I move a step closer to Robert, letting my arm slip through Gregory's. "Gregory, Robert has only been a gentleman to me this evening. I'd be lost without him." I protest.

"It's alright, love." Robert says, hands up placatingly. "He isn't wrong about the gang. I'll leave you in his capable hands fer tonight. But I'll see you tomorrow for more of your father's lovely cooking." He gives me a wink and starts to walk back up the street, whistling softly.

I sigh. "I will see you then, Robert." I call after him.

Gregory is frowning at me when I look at him. "What did he mean 'more of your father's lovely cooking'?" He asks.

"I gave him a small loaf of bread from my basket as a sort of payment for his guidance." I explain simply.

He sighs, shakes his head, then starts to laugh. "Oh, Alice. Trust you to befriend the leader of the Ogre Alley gang right off the bat." He shakes his head, and though I am a little stung (did he think me naive or foolish to befriend Robert?), I smile, glad he's in a better mood.

"He's a good man, Gregory." I accept his arm and we continue to his house without further incident. "I can tell."

His home is in the same sorry state it was in when Father and I visited, but I politely don't comment and set the basket down on the small table.

The basket is shared and soon I am settling on a small spare mattress and falling asleep.

=#=#=#=#=

The following morning, Gregory seems rather tense as I stir the large pot of porridge I am making. "I don't know how you convinced all of us to let you do this." He confesses, shaking his head.

I chuckle. "You just want Father's cooking." I tease.

"Alice, this is serious." He says, walking over. "You could be hurt, doing this."

I raise a brow. "Gregory, I am aware of the risks, but if I can help these poor souls, I will." I then grin. "Besides, I have Robert on my side. I'm sure he won't let anything happen to me."

As I thought, the mention of Robert makes Gregory roll his eyes, setting his jaw in irritation. "You can't be serious."

I nod. "I am."

"You just try refusing him anything, see how friendly he is then."

"I didn't tell him my name at first and refused him a kiss."

"What?!"

I laugh. "He wasn't seriously asking for one."

Gregory shakes his head. "You are a marvel, you know that?" He chuckles. "Anyone else would be at least badly injured, if not worse, if they were in your shoes."

I smile. "Then let's simply count our blessings and start dishing out the oatmeal."

Gregory helps me transport the pot to a courtyard not far from his house, where a few people noticed the small table Gregory lent me, as well as Gregory and I filling it with food, the majority of the table taken up by the pot. I'm certain they'll spread the word.

Before I know it, I'm ladling oatmeal into anything people could find to hold it. I am kept busy and don't notice that Gregory is gone until I hear him and Robert's voices arguing behind me.

"I don't care a wit about yer gang! You harm her, you answer to me!" Gregory threatens and Robert scoffs.

"I told you, I ain't gonna hurt her! In fact, I've told my boys that if anyone so much as looks at her in a way I don't like, I'll handle it personally."

I finish serving the last of the oatmeal (putting in a bowl for Robert) and turn to them.

"It may interest you to know I could hear you two." I say, walking over.

"Sorry, love." Robert replies. "Yer cousin here still thinks I'll try to pull something with you." He accepts the bowl, and has at least the good grace not to rub it into Gregory's face.

"I've seen your handiwork, Speedwagon!" Gregory insists, ignoring the oatmeal in Robert's hand entirely. "I swear, you lay one finger-"

"That handiwork you saw?" Speedwagon interjects, countenance suddenly very serious. "That's nothing compared to what I'll do to anyone that even hurts just Alicia's feelings." He says, staring Gregory directly in the eye.

From then on, the two men seem to have at least an understanding, and I found myself growing ever fonder of Robert as he continued to stay beside me as much as he could while I visit in Ogre Alley.

If anyone dared even get remotely cross with me over anything, no matter how small the trouble, one glare from Robert is enough to set them straight.

Whenever Robert grows protective of me, I found myself blushing, enjoying the feeling of being protected.

We get to know each other well, he and I, holding long conversations while I served food and I even sometimes enjoyed walks afterwards with him (Gregory following behind, of course), holding his arm as we continued to talk and enjoy each other's company.

Then one day, a year after I had started coming to Ogre Alley, he stops on our usual walk to Gregory's house and I look up at him. He held my arm, as always.

The streetlight above us makes him look darker, almost mysterious, under his hat.

"Robert, is something the matter?" I ask.

"Nothing, love. I just…well, I have something to ask you."

I tilt my head. "I see. What is it?"

He seems shy all of a sudden, tilting his hat to cover his face even more. "See, it's like this. I…have grown rather fond of you, and…" He takes a breath and finally looks at me with a look I'd never seen in his eyes before, pushing his hat back a bit so I can see his full face illuminated. It was a mixture of apprehension and pure affection. He'd never looked at me so intensely before… I find my cheeks warming. I'm sure they're rather flushed and perhaps even red with blush. I swallow, but don't dare say a word, waiting for him to speak. "I'd rather like to court you, if you're agreeable to the idea."

My eyes go wide. I had never been asked to be courted before…I am not sure I even know how to be courted!

But…with Robert, I feel safe. With Robert, I feel at ease.

So I smile. "On one condition."

Robert nods. "Name it."

I'm not sure what provoked me to think of this condition, but here I am. "You must stop assaulting and robbing people." I say before I can change my mind. "You may only act in self-defense."

Robert laughs. "Since you've been coming here, it hasn't been as bad, so I can agree to that."

"I'm serious, Robert." I warn, staring at him sternly. "I don't want you to only be known as a gang leader. You're a good man, and I'd like nothing more than to show other people what I see in you." I instinctively reach up to hold his cheek.

Robert kisses my palm. "You're too good to me, Alicia."

I smile, withdrawing my hand. My skin almost tingles where he'd kissed it… "Father says I have my mother's heart." I muse, smiling in reminiscense.

"I believe it. So, I'll be seeing you more often, then?" He asks.

I nod. "You will."

"And we'll be courting?"

"We will." I agree. "Provided you cease all violence, excepting self-defense." I remind him and he nods, offering his arm again.

"Excellent!"

Gregory had to take some getting used to the idea, but was agreeable after a private conversation with Robert.

So it was that the next year is spent receiving letters at the post office near the mansion (I did not provide who my employer is or the address, simply because I do not want any who happen to see the letter to attempt a robbery or some ilk) and my visits grew slightly more frequent. Robert does not have a lot of money for proper outings, but we do what we can and enjoy the time we spend together.

His gang, for their part, are hardly ever present, but sometimes I swear I see them in the background, ensuring nothing disturbs us as we hand out food and other things (Robert began actually helping me while keeping watch for trouble).

Robert even introduces me to a few of them, the ones he deems most trustworthy, and I find mostly pleasant, if a bit intimidating.

I pass nearly four months in this fashion, and my work has grown a little, since others who had heard of my charity add their own tables to the courtyard.

All in all, I could not be happier.

One evening, Father finds me folding the laudnered sheets I had brought in from the line and smiles at me.

"Evening, my love." He greets.

"Evening, Father." I reply, accepting his kiss to my temple and side hug, giving him a kiss on his bearded cheek.

"Any word from that Robert fellow lately?" He asks. I had, regrettably, omitted the matter of Robert being a gang leader when speaking of him to my father. Robert was only known as a gentleman who had been aiding me and was now courting me.

He'd met Father once, shortly after we started courting, and was a perfect gentleman, Father giving his blessing to us courting after a private conversation. His acceptance of Robert surprised me a little, but I am glad he approves.

I shake my head. "Not since I sent my letter a few days ago. I'm going to Ogre Alley soon, so I'll see him then."

"I see. Well, Master Joestar says the other maids can handle affairs for tonight. He knows you wanted to see Jonathan and Dio's last game before graduation."

I blink. "Oh, I had only mentioned it to you and a few of the other servants." I finish folding the sheet I'm holding. "Did you tell Mr. Joestar I wanted to go?"

Father chuckles. "You've been working hard, love. Go enjoy an evening off. They don't come too often."

I hug him tight and kiss his cheek. "Oh, Father, thank you!"

I run into the servant's quarters and change into my vest, blouse, and skirt, braiding my hair quickly.

Charles meets me with the carriage. "Not fit for a lady to walk all that way." He smiles, helping me up. He is a lovely man, but will soon retire, I'm told.

"Thank you, Charles." I reply, settling in the carriage.

When I arrive, it seems I am a bit late, as the game is nearly halfway through. However, I bid farewell to Charles and make my way toward the field, managing a spot fairly close to the field itself, where I can see well.

I confess I am not of all the rules, but enjoy watching Jonathan and Dio play. They truly are a marvel!

The game progresses and soon the score is tied, with little time left.

I get swept up in the excitement and cheer as loud as anyone when Jonathan leaps into the air and catches the ball.

"Interception!" The spirited announcer cries, "The ball is plucked out of the air by our hero, Jonathan Joestar!"

As soon as Jonathan lands, his powerful arms encircle the ball and he takes off, powering down the field toward the goal with a loud energetic roar. "Joestar, a gentle giant at 195 centimeters, sprints for the prize with a spirited roar! Can he win this last game of his university career?"

"Go, Jonathan! Go!" I cheer, waving wildly and hoping he could see.

Jonathan is tackled by a member of the opposing team, but he barely even stumbles, continuing to run.

"He's tackled from behind! Wait! He's still standing tall!" The announcer exclaims in shock as Jonathan smiles, unhindered in the slightest.

"Run, Jonathan!" I cry as the giant continues to make his way toward the goal, with another two opposing team members clinging to his ankle and thigh.

"It's three on one out there!" I can hardly hear the announcer over the din of the crowd, which is going even wilder, if possible, as Jonathan somehow continues to move, now barely above a walk, toward the goal. "Incredible! He's still making for the try-line, undaunted by the men who dog his steps! What power! What determination! He's Hercules reborn!"

I am jostled as the crowd shifts to keep a good view of Jonathan, but then a fourth man jumps, landing square between Jonathan's shoulders. I can't help a gasp as Jonthan is halted.

"Another tackle! Oooh, the weight's too much for him!"

Is it over?

No!

He's made a desperate pass!

"He flings it away and…" We wait eagerly to see if anyone will catch the impressive pass, and suddenly in a white, green, and blonde blur, Dio leaps into the air and manages to catch Jonathan's pass! "Yes! There's the catch!" The announcer is as wild as we feel, grin nearly splitting his face in two. "The ball lands safe in the hands of Dio Brando! It's still anyone's game!"

I see Dio already running full-speed for the goal and feel confident in guessing that no one will be able to catch him.

I may have my reservations about his character and motives, but there's no denying his skills in rugby.

So I whistle and cheer for him as I did for Jonthan as he dodges almost impossibly around the other players, eyes fixed on the goal.

"Can he make it?! He dodges one! And another!" The announcer says as a few of the opposing team try to tackle Dio.

Soon, he's close to the goal and there's no one in between him and the white line. "He's done it! There's nothing left between Dio and the try-line and still he gives it his all!" Dio jumps a bit, slamming the ball down past the goal line and flips over it to land on his back as the crowd cheers ever wilder. "They did it! On the last play, they snatched victory out of the jaws of defeat! What teamwork! When Jojo and Dio work together, there's nothing they can't do!"

I find myself rushing, along with everyone around me, to the heroes, Jonathan and Dio, and because I was already near the front, Jonathan is first to spot me, smiling proudly at the accomplishment. I grin back and jog over to give him a hug as we join the crowd around Dio.

Dio is let down off someone's shoulders and he and Jonathan clap hands. "Hell of a pass, Jojo!" Dio praises, smiling at Jonathan.

"All for naught if you hadn't run it in like you did." Jonathan humbly replies, smiling just as broadly.

"Watching you drag those defenders, I couldn't just let you down." It seems Dio isn't without a little good grace now and then.

Jonathan then claps a hand on my shoulder, drawing me a little further into the circling teammates around him and Dio. "Oh, I nearly forgot. Look, Dio! Alicia was here to watch our last game!"

I grin. "And what a game, too! I'm glad Father mentioned my wish to attend to Father." I muse.

"Well, I'm glad you could attend. Now you'll have a good story for tomorrow's gossip." Dio replies heartily.

You wouldn't believe it when he first arrived at the manor, but in recent years, as he patched things with Jonathan, he also became slightly more friendly with me, but I would hesitate to say he and I are friends. After all, he is above me, technically. Same as Jonathan, but he and I are closer since we grew up together.

"Having finished is set to graduate with top marks in law! Jojo, meanwhile, has set the faculty afire with his bold thesis in archeology!" The announcer says as the crowd continues to press against Dio and Jonathan, clamoring to congratulate the pair. "On and off the field, these two young men are giants! They're the pride of our school!"

As the crowd now begins to thin slightly, Dio turns to Jonathan. "Jojo, I think we should tell our father about this victory of ours at once!"

Ah, yes. Mr. Joestar. For a moment when I arrived, I felt sure I'd see him in the front line of the crowd, but then I recall he has been sick for nearly a week with a terrible cough that only seems to be getting worse, no matter what the doctors do.

Jonathan hesitates when Dio runs away and for a moment, I swear he grimaces, so I put a hand on his shoulder."Are you alright?" I ask. "You're not hurt from the tackles, are you?" I can't help asking. Right now, I am the friend he had when we were younger, not a maid in his manor.

"No, Alicia. I am alright. I just felt distressed, remembering Father's condition, that's all."

I know he's lying, but I don't wish to pry, so I nod. "Alright, then. Shall we go?"

Before Jonathan can reply, we notice Dio being interviewed by a man from what seems to be the school or local paper.

"Dio, mightn't you give us a quote about your friendship with Jojo?" The man asks. "You seem quite close."

"Write about the team, all of us." Dio replies.

"Come on! Tell us how close you are!" Another man presses.

Dio smirks, eyes shut. "Hmmm, should I?" He holds his chin as if in thought. For a split second, in his eyes, I swear I see anger, but the next second the look is gone, and the humor he was regarding the men with returns as if it had never left.

I can't remember what answer he gave the men, worried as I am about that look in his eyes, however brief it was.

Jonathan comes over and dodges his own questions from the men before offering his arm to me. "Here, the carriage will be here soon, I daresay. And it is starting to snow. Allow me to escort you."

I let him. His arm is much burlier than Robert's, but so gentle I feel no alarm at the strength beneath his skin. Even if I did not grow up with him, I would trust him with my life at any time.

The same, however, could not be said of Dio.

When I see that hard, angry look in his eyes, I can't help but think of a coiled snake, waiting for the right instant to strike.

That look frightens me.