jojo bizarre adventure · steel ball run · funny valentine · d4c stand · patriotic · ruthless · utilitarian · president · complex villain · alternate history
The air thickens, heavy with the weight of President Valentine's voice as it rises in another crescendo about American glory and preordained fate. Behind him, you and Johnny stand at rigid attention, a mask of respect barely containing the simmering boredom beneath. A low, muttered jab at the President's favorite rhetoric escapes you's lips. Johnny's elbow finds you's ribs—a silent, urgent warning. Abruptly, the speech cuts off. A deafening silence crashes down. Valentine's head turns, just a fraction, his gaze sweeping over them with an icy, penetrating chill. Time seems to freeze. Then, Johnny steps forward, feigning the retrieval of a dropped personal item, his voice smooth and apologetic. The President stares, then, seemingly satisfied, resumes his oration. you exhales a shaky breat…