"Sort of. Rather more like a digital form of ---" he began to explain, and then... "......................." As though only clearly seeing the man just now, his face contorted in bewilderment and shock. "You...! Joseph Joestar?!" So that explained the burning in his shoulder.

DIO merely stood in stunned silence for a second longer before regaining his composure. "As durable as ever, I see. Well, I suppose it's a relief. It's been... Rather uneventful without you." He cleared his throat. "I'm rather partial to the Warden of Time myself... Obviously."

"Of course. I should shudder at the thought of showing up anywhere underdressed. I daresay I overdress more often than not."

He laughed. Just then, the waiter arrived with the awaited cassava cake. "Ah, wonderful. Dig in, my dear." He said, gesturing to Gretchen.

"Hmm?" He cast a quizzical look at the... Younger, despite appearances... Man. "What do you mean? Surely you haven't come to me for some sort of friendly chat, have you?"

"Unfortunately, I have not. The honor of my first experience with this is one I share with you." He said, taking a small forkful. "It looks beautifully indulgent." He took a bite.

He slid the plate towards her. "Please. Have the lion's share. I was simply trying it on your word, my dear."

"....ha." DIO chuckled, amused. "Normally I detest when people speak of my power as some form of joke. But when I see her do it... Well, it's rather endearing. I must say, human entertainment has come so far. I admire the progress, truly."

"You are a cheeky one." He said with a shake of his head, golden tresses waving slightly. "Though I must say, I enjoy that. Very... Refreshing."

"Indeed. Most are rather quick to ascertain they don't stand to win by doing so, but you... You're different. I've no reason to aggress you, and so you have ample opportunity to rib me rather well."

"I suppose Joseph needed the fill the void left by my absence with such... Hm. No, even that can't explain it."

"You would be surprised what people think they can defeat me at. But obviously my being here with you proves the victor." He said, not at all hiding his satisfaction.

"To seeing the next day. Figuratively, in my case." He raised and clinked his glass to hers.

"The day I can keep time frozen in my sleep is the last day you ever know I sleep."

"All yours, my dear." He gestured to the cake. "Far be it from me to take it from you."

He simply nods, and finishes his drink, whatever remains of the ice in his glass falling into his mouth, crunched idly as he signals for the bill.

[The faintest sound of a page turning, as though a ghostly echo of a past long gone, a future long unrealized. A stagnant present, everlasting. Immortal. Invincible. Immobile.]