[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure] Standstill Bonds

Chapter 13 ~ Definitely 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, he fought with himself internally before suggesting something, "You should come to my place. It'll be safer there for you tonight."

Josephine hesitated for a moment, his place? His home? It seemed quite abrupt and out of place for him to make such an offer, but then, their 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 day she just had made her stomach churn. She could use the space, a place to breathe, even for just one night, and she trusted Jotaro's judgment.

"Okay." she finally agreed.

And so, they walked together to Jotaro's home. When they arrived it had turned dark and Holly Kujo greeted them at the door with her usual smile but her face faltered momentarily with surprise as she spotted Josephine with Jotaro.

"Jotaro, who is this you've brought with you? Is everything okay?"

Jotaro gave his mother a brief, vague explanation. "Josephine needs a place to stay for the night, we'll explain inside." he said simply.

Holly softened as she took in his words and while she had more questions to ask she didn't delay the welcome, "Of course dear," she said, radiating warmth and understanding as she ushered Josephine inside. "Come in, 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 furthur in. The house she could see was very traditionally japanese, with the odd modern touch here and there. It didn't feel old and stuffy, nor overly new and posh. But tidy, welcoming, sophisticated and cozy, certainly 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. She and Jotaro sat down by the low table in the traditional Japanese style, a setting unfamiliar to Josephine but one that she found surprisingly comfortable.

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?"

Jotaro attempted his usual dismissive response. "Good grief, Mom I'm fine, it was an accident. You worry too much." 

Holly wasn't having it as she sat down. "Boy you are far too stubborn." she retorted sternly.

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.