Standstill Bonds

Chapter 18 ~ Heart to Heart

Holly was keeping herself busy in the kitchen, her gaze lifting from a pot she'd been stirring on the stove as she heard the sound of foot steps behind her. As she looked over her shoulder, she spotted a tired, worn out Josephine, a pitiful smile rose on her face at the sight of her looking so beat up and damaged.

"Oh, dear. You've been through quite a bit, haven't you?"

Josephine smiled appreciatively, but waved her hand dismissively, "Oh, it's just a little scrape, I'll be fine. It hurts less already."

Holly nodded, her maternal instincts taking over. "Would you like some tea or water? You must be tired."

"Tea would be nice, thank you," Josephine replied, seating herself at the kitchen table.

As Holly prepared the tea, Josephine spoke up again, "Um, Mrs. Kujo? Where is Mr. Jotaro?"

"He's in his office," Holly replied, placing a steaming cup of tea in front of Josephine before seating herself down opposite her, her aged and wrinkled face brimming with affection. "He's probably working on who knows what. He tends to keep to himself when he's here."

Josephine took a sip of the tea, the warmth soothing against the residual tension in her muscles. She had to admit, British tea was beginning to pale in comparison.

"You know," Holly began, choosing her words carefully, "I know Jotaro can come across as quite... gruff. He likely hasn't told you, but he's been through some terrible things."

Josephine listened intently, her face faltered slightly. The thought of Jotaro having a sad past resonated with her, in no good way. Perhaps they were more alike than she realised? Aside from being stand users. She gave a respectful nod, encouraging Holly to continue.

"My son needs guidance just as much as you do," Holly revealed, her gaze distant. "Finding his way back to a good place has been a struggle, I've tried to help him but, well, there's only so much I'm able to do. Just don't take his tough attitude to heart. He cares, in his own way."

Holly continued, a motherly glint in her eye, "Understanding and getting through to him might take a bit of time, but be patient. He's not as rough as he wants to appear."

Josephine smiled, appreciating the advice. "I'll keep that in mind. I just don't want to make things more difficult for him."

Holly chuckled as a hint of playfulness found its way in her tone. "You, my dear, might be the key to making things easier for him. He won't admit that, but I can see it. Like I said, just give him time. He's always been a tough nut to crack, even for his own mother."

Josephine couldn't help but laugh at her terminilogy, "Well, I'll do my best. And thank you for the tea, Mrs. Kujo."

Holly winked at her. "Anytime, dear. Now, go find my son. He's probably buried in his work. Don't let him fool you, he could use the company."

-

Feeling a bit more at ease after her conversation with Holly, Josephine headed towards Jotaro's room. She gently knocked on the door before opening it, finding him engrossed in some documents. He glanced up as she entered, his usual stoic expression in place.

"Feeling better?" he asked, taking one pile of papers and placing them aside so he could continue with the ones that lay beneath.

Josephine nodded, smiling sheepishly, "Yeah, thanks to you. And your mum makes a mean cup of tea."

Jotaro nodded just a touch too in response, beginning to work on his new papers, "Yeah, she's good at that."

There was a moment of silence before Josephine spoke again, "Your mum cares about you a lot, huh?"