[Sometimes he's a little stunned by all this. It isn't that he and Jotaro and Kakyoin don't have the same bonds of camaraderie and loyalty; it isn't that those feelings run any shallower or less intensely. The things that Bruno says-- famiglia, and all the sacrifices and love that the word contains-- he can easily apply to the other crusaders.

But maybe it's different because he's gone through all that with them. Those feelings came from things he can recall; Giorno's-- and by extension Bruno's-- loyalty is still something touched with mystery. You protect the future I died for, and god, but thinking of it like that is terrifying.

All of this means that Polnareff exhales unsteadily, glancing away, unsure how to respond in a way that won't offend or sound false.]

Bruno--

[He meets his gaze again.]

Well. That answers my question, I guess. On-boat and off.

[It's a weak answer, and he scowls, annoyed at himself for it. Christ.]

Look, I just mean-- I appreciate it. Is all. And return it. You're one of Giorno's closest friends, and Jotaro and Kakyoin think you're great, and I mean, you seem it, so--