(Jojo / Jjba X Reader) A 7TH Stand User Joins The Party

Chapter 37

    Joseph stared down at you like he was trying to intimidate you, and boy was he sure intimidating. You bit your lip, whatever he wanted to talk about was probably important, right?

“What’s wrong, Joseph?” you asked. You wondered if you looked just as worried as you felt. You weren't sure what he could possibly want to tell you.

Joseph's eyes studied yours for what seemed like an impossibly long time before he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well. This has been weighing on my mind.” He said, his eyes seeming to soften a little as he looked down at you. “Dio seems to have an unusually high interest in you.” He said.

You didn't say anything, your brow furrowed in worry.

“I think it's suspicious that so many of Dio’s henchmen seem to take an interest in you specifically.” Joseph muttered. “What Enyaba said was especially concerning.” He said, looking back into your eyes. “Do you really not remember anything from when you were working for Dio?”

So that’s what this was about. You didn't remember anything at all. You wished you could recall something of importance, but your whole memory regarding Dio was completely blank. “I can’t remember anything.” you said, sighing.

“I see.” said Joseph, letting out a sigh and running a hand through his hair. “What about when Hol Horse kidnapped you? Maybe that was just a ploy to exchange information?” He asked.

“What? You can't be serious!” You protested, looking up at Joseph, “You think I went with that creep willingly? You know I threw myself off a cliff to escape him, right?” You said, grimacing at the thought of being buddy-buddy with such a guy.

Joseph studied your face as you spoke, “Hm. I guess that’s true…” he said, turning. “Usually, If you were an enemy, I would use Hermit Purple to find out exactly what you know.”

You went pale, your fists clenching at the thought of Joseph rooting around in your brain. Even if you had nothing to hide, you didn't want something like that done to you.

Joseph continued, “But you’re not an enemy. At least I would like to believe that you’re not.” He said, crossing his arms over his chest. “I dislike using my stand for things like that. It’s invasive and cruel.” he said. “But. I will use it if I think you know something about Dio’s Stand that you’re not telling us.” he said.

This… was probably the best time to tell him those things Hol Horse said… “I don't know anything about Dio, and I don't know anything about Dio’s stand.” you said, “Trust me, I’m just as freaked out about this stuff, if not more…” you said. “.... While Hol Horse kidnapped me, he was talking about Dio.”

Joseph's brow rose, “... What did he say, (Y/N)?”

“I didn't think it was anything important, to be honest, that’s why I didn't say anything sooner.” you explained, brow furrowed.

“Everything is important, even if you think it’s not,” Said Joseph, leaning forward.

“... Well… He basically said that Dio wants me to come back.” you said, clenching your fists. “I don't understand why he would, but Hol Horse said that Dio was… pretty upset that I’m traveling with you.”

Joseph nodded, listening to what you had to say, “... I see.”

“He was making it sound like…” you paused, embarrassed by the thought alone, “Like Dio had some kind of romantic interest in me.”

Joseph was silent for a few seconds before chuckling softly, “Hm. It sounds to me that Dio wasn’t actually planning on you surviving our attack… now he’s angry that you’re alive and on our side. A romantic interest… I don't know if Dio can feel something like that. Possessiveness… jealousy, maybe… but romance and love? It’s not him.”

“I don’t want his love. I don’t want anything from that man!” You hissed, clenching your fists.

Joseph was silent for a long time before letting out a deep sigh. “I want to believe you.” He said finally, “But…”

You look up, anxiety starting to bubble up in your chest. There was always a ‘but’, wasn’t there? “But..?” You asked

“I think it would be best if from this point forward, we have you under surveillance.” He said, crossing his arms.

“Surveillance? What is that supposed to mean?” you asked, brow furrowing.

“It means that everyone in the group will be keeping an especially good eye on you from now on. No private rooms, no going off by yourself, we’re going to make sure that someone is with you at all times.” Said Joseph, pausing for a moment before continuing. “And this isn't because I don't trust you.” he added.

“Is… that not what this is? Watching me to make sure I’m not contacting Dio?” you asked, probably sounding just a little bit bitter about the situation. You were the victim here! Why were you being put under such scrutiny? Though… you supposed if it were someone else, you’d probably feel the same way about what was going on…

“No, This is for your protection, (Y/N)” Joseph said, his eyes finally seeming to soften as he looked down at you, “If Dio wants you back, then I doubt Hol Horse will be the last Stand user to come after you. I… We want to keep you in the group. You’re important to m-… us. To all of us.” he said, reaching out and putting a hand on your shoulder, “please try to understand that we’re doing this for you.”

You bit your lip. Yeah, you can understand it. If anything happened to anyone else in the group, you don't know what you would do. You remember the despair you felt when Avdol had gotten so hurt… You didn't want anything else like that to happen.

“I understand, Joseph… Thank you.” you said. You stepped forward, wrapping your arms around his waist, hugging him tightly. You felt him tense a little against you, before wrapping his arms around you as well.