[That has him looking down at his coffee, not in a desire to avert his gaze (because in this headspace, he would never, ever back down), but because it helps him think. The idea of Polnareff staying out of his way is distasteful. The idea of him being very close is also distasteful. Everything is distasteful right now. He doesn't want anything to do with anyone but Bruno and Dio, and Izabel, but she's gone, and he has to keep reminding himself of that.]

[However, "I'm not sure" is not an acceptable answer. Not for him, not when he is what he is. He must be decisive.]

[There is a significant pause while he thinks. Then:]

I wasn't done with you. But I thought you were wrong, and I thought that you should know why I felt that way; neither of us would gain anything by being dishonest.

So, first and foremost, I think I should apologize. I was unnecessarily harsh and I took your words out of context. It's a touchy subject for all of us, but you all know where you stand. My position is more precarious. I am not a Joestar. You can all tell me I am until you're out of breath, but that doesn't make it so. My . . . acceptability is conditional. I'm expected to toe a certain line. I don't think that any of you even realize that, you know, but it's still true.

Which is fine, and I accept it. I always have. Being worried made me more sensitive about it, however, and I shouldn't have allowed myself to snap in the way that I did. So I'm sorry.

That being said, I don't want you to stay out of my way. I'll probably be scarce for a few days, but not because I don't want to see you. Or Jotaro, who I assume you also spoke to.

I'm curious to know what you want.