Chapter Text
24th of February 1992
Jotaro haven't seen Marie for a whole week and as much as he tried to forget her, she always lingered at the back of his mind, a silent presence but not unwelcome one.
Having some free time between classes, Jotaro usually filed it up with a quick coffee run, some reading in library or catching up on work he didn't finish during the weekend - with their newborn daughter, all attention was on her, with Marina taking a break but Jotaro continued his studies, for he picked one of the 'harder' courses in Marine Biology.
Walking down a flight of stair from the auditorium, where the lecture finished a few minutes ago, ache settling on his shoulders, that was now all too familiar to him, sighing softly. Walking down a hallway that led to the more empty parts of the University - not many people went trough here for that fact alone, so it gave Jotaro a little bit of a breathing space - Jotaro slows his pace as he sees someone leaning against the wall, not being able to make out who it was from the distance.
He refused to use Star Platinum.
Then he draws closer and something lodges in his throat, having different outfit and hairstyle and they met for only a moment but he still recognized her.
Marie.
She heard him approach, for she peeled her green eyes away from the wall, expression lighting up for just a moment. "Jotaro Kujo?"
"Yes, that would be me."
Marie extends her arm towards him, holding a cup of coffee, which now Jotaro noticed, looking at the coffee, then at her, Marie holding a second cup. "A replacement and an apology for previous Monday."
"Oh. Thanks." Jotaro feels dumb as he takes it, Marie returning her attention to the wall, taking a sip in thought and Jotaro takes in her attire. Long hair brushed to the side, held up by a pin, leaving her gold earing for everyone to see, wearing a white sweater and sailor pants, adorned with a white belt with golden clasp, finished with white stilettos.
So she decided for a whole white today and for whatever reason, Jotaro wondered why.
"Something the matter?"
Jotaro jerks as she speaks up, not taking her eyes off the wall, slight tilt to the corner of her lips and judging by the tone of her voice, she wasn't offended or weirder out that she caught him staring. "Is there something interesting about the wall?" Jotaro blurts out the first thing that comes to mind, making her chuckle in amusement, tapping the paper cup with her index finger.
"Did you know that this portion," Marie gestures with her free hand. "Has thicker walls then the rest of the University as if they build extra room or rooms here but then decided against it?"
Jotaro studied it, seeing no indication that it was different. "You have access to-"
"University blueprints? Yeah, it is a must when we are doing projects." Marie takes a sip of her coffee and Jotaro mirrored her, the coffee tasting awfully sweet, making him grimace. "How much sugar you put into it?"
Marie looks up at him, then at the coffee and places her hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry, I usually get caffé latte with caramel and I took two without thinking, my apologies. Let me make it up to you later, what kind of coffee do you like?"
"No, it's alright."
"But I insist!" Marie placed her free hand on her hip, playful but intense look to her eyes. "First, I spill your coffee and then I get you something you don't like, it is only fair for me to make it up to you the second time."
"If....you insist." This was starting to get awkward and Jotaro had no idea why. Why didn't told her off in his usual manner was beyond him, the woman in question grinning in victory, Jotaro pulling his cap over his eyes, muttering under his breath. "Regular black coffee."
Nodding her head, they boths stared at the wall, the question itching at the back of his mind. "What are you planning on doing, if you don't mind me asking?"
Marie's expression softened, finishing the last of her coffee, straightening up. "Many students approached me over the last week, asking about various things but a lot of them had something in common, a confession that slipped out in their excited rambling. The desire to take care of their own animals, while expanding their research or to just have a pet they always dreames about having. I know about the aquariums you have on the other end but those belong to the University, this, will be fully funded by the Foundation and completely private." Marie grinned at him, holding up her index finger. "Those who will become part of the project, will receive extra score on their sheets and it will count when they will be searching for a job."
Jotaro blinked, chest becoming warmer and not from the coffee, as soothing as it was, it made him uncomfortable, feeling like he was loosing control of himself, his own feelings and emotions slipping from his grasp. "So you are.....putting recommendations?"
"More or less. Some do come work at the Foundation, when not, we often help." Marie looked at her watch, blinking. "I think you should get to class."
Looking at his own watch, Jotaro pushed himself off the wall, wondering where all the time went, it couldn't be that long, could it?
"Will we...meet each other again?" Why was Jotaro asking? She was a stranger, a worker at a Foundation that felt generous enough to start University projects and offer jobs and extra score to students.
"As long as I'm working on the project, we will. Now run along, or you'll be late." Marie's voice was soft and gentle and Jotaro found his legs moving before he could fully process what she said to him, walking in the direction of his next class.
Fear and paranoia crawled up his spine, bile rising up.
He escaped. He moved away. No one should be able to follow him. They were safe. They were all safe.