[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure] Standstill Bonds

Chapter 13 ~ A warm Welcome

As Josephine helped Jotaro to his feet, she noticed the wince of pain he tried to hide. "Come on Mr. Jotaro, don't be stubborn," she chided softly, offering him her arm for support. "Let me help you."

Jotaro let out a grunt, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. "Fine," he conceded, choosing not to argue. Her persistence had worn him down and he didn't have the energy left to fight her.

Their steps were slow and deliberate as they made their way out of the park, the earlier tension still lingering in the air but thankfully not as strongly. Josephine remained close to Jotaro, her arm still steadying him, her eyes constantly flicking in his direction, ensuring he wasn't pushing himself too hard. As they reached the street, Jotaro glanced at her, his voice low but firm. "You should come to my place. It'll be safer there tonight."

Josephine hesitated for a moment, his place? It seemed quite out of place for him to make such an offer, but then, there circumstances weren't exactly in the realm of what regular people would consider normal. Regular people didn't have stands so their lives didn't come close to being as complicated as hers had turned out to be. Her parents were bound to raise hell about her not coming home though. Still, the thought of returning to the tense, suffocating atmosphere of her house after the stress of the day made her stomach churn. She could use the space, a place to breathe, even for just one night. And deep down, she trusted Jotaro's judgment.

"Okay," she finally agreed, offering a faint smile. His concern was reassuring, even if he didn't show it outright.

And so, they walked together to Jotaro's home. The evening light was fading, casting long shadows over the quiet streets. When they arrived, Holly Kujo greeted them at the door with her usual warmth, her smile genuine but her face faltered momentarily with surprise as she spotted Josephine with Jotaro.

Jotaro gave his mother a brief, vague explanation. "Josephine needed a place to stay for the night. It's safer here," he said simply, his tone casual but convincing.

Holly's expression softened as she took in his words. "Of course, dear," she said, her voice filled with warmth and understanding. Without further questions, she ushered her inside. "Please, make yourself at home."

As Josephine stepped into the house, she let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Politely taking her shoes off, she then took some steps inside. The house she could see was very traditionally japanese, with the odd modern touch here and there. It didn't feel old and stuffy, but tidy, welcoming, sophisticated and cozy, not like the stale appearance of her own house 

Holly busied herself in the kitchen, finishing her preparation of that night's dinner, making sure to plate up an additional portion for her unexpected guest. The rich aroma of udon noodles simmering in a savory broth filled the air, making Josephine's stomach growl. The additional scent of freshly cooked pork loin and a hint of pepper lingered too, it smelt positively inviting. They gathered around a low table in the traditional Japanese style, a setting unfamiliar to Josephine but one that she found surprisingly comfortable. She waited for everyone to be seated, following the cues of politeness she had seen in Japanese TV shows at home.

As Holly placed the steaming bowls before them, her eyes landed on the bruising scratch marring Jotaro's face. Her brow furrowed with maternal concern. "Jotaro, have you been getting into trouble again?" she asked, her voice soft yet firm.

Jotaro attempted his usual dismissive response. "Good grief, Mom. You worry too much."

Holly wasn't having it. "Don't think I didn't hear that," she retorted sternly yet playfully.

Josephine stifled a laugh, quickly taking a bite of her food to cover her amusement. Jotaro shot her a sidelong glance, and she averted her eyes downward.