Eloquence

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Kakyoin can see Jojo trying not to think about Hierophant Green's penchant for violence. Jojo's tongue hesitates against the cherry stem when it feels Hierophant wriggling into place.

It's dangerous, what they're doing.

Kakyoin could lose control of Hierophant... send him scurrying down Jojo's throat, test his theory about cherry-tying and gag reflexes.

Worse, Kakyoin could lose control of himself... forget about the lesson and lean across the table and find out whether he remembered the feeling of Jojo's lips properly.

Kakyoin realizes that he has missed the deadly adrenaline of the previous month. But a little challenge like this is healthier than taking on time-freezing vampires, isn't it? It should be interesting to see how long he lasts. 

Kakyoin stares hard at Jojo's mouth, focusing on the movements of the cherry stem, trying to imitate.

"You make it seem so easy," Kakyoin says when he loses his grip for the third time.

Jojo shrugs. It is, says the movement, seeming vaguely flattered.

"This and all your other tricks," after the fifth attempt.

"I tried the cigarette one, once," after the sixth. 

"You don't even smoke." Jojo's voice is expressionless around the cherry stem, but his eyes flash surprise and curiosity at Kakyoin. Hierophant squirms against the strange sensation of the words being wrapped around it.

"Nah. My mother would cry. It's never had any appeal for me anyway," explains Kakyoin.

And? Asks the turn of Jojo's head.

"Burned the hell out of my tongue, singed the roof of my mouth, halfway coughed my lungs out, and never did it again."

"That's what I did the first time."

"But you kept trying."

Jojo nods. "Didn't get any better at it until about the twentieth run."

Kakyoin takes a quiet moment to marvel at Jojo's pain tolerance before they resume work on the cherry stems.

"Are you boys still up? Off to bed, both of you. This is silly." Miss Holly's voice startles Kakyoin into shoving his Stand halfway down Jojo's neck.

Jojo really, truly, doesn't have a gag reflex. Kakyoin's going to have to ask about that later.

But at the moment... "Oh my god don't move don't move don't move Jojo whatever you do DO NOT MOVE."

Star Platinum's hand is already squeezing too hard around Hierophant's middle, making it hard for Kakyoin to breathe. 

"Let go of me, hold still. Let me get him out. Just don't move."

One by one, Star Platinum's fingers release Hierophant, which struggles to bury itself in Jojo's innards. Kakyoin catches his breath and commands Hierophant to come back to his side without taking a bit of Jojo along for a souvenir. 

"Hang on, I'm so sorry Jojo, just hold on for a second." Hierophant slides free. Jojo's eyes are visibly watering, tears reflecting the dancing candlelight around the room.

"You have one too, Kakyoin, dear?" asks Miss Holly. Kakyoin freezes. "Does everyone? Mine doesn't seem to do anything but look pretty, but yours is so agile! Why was Jojo eating it?"

Jojo slams his hand down on the table. "Shut up," he barks, voice rougher than usual. "Your questions are too damn annoying."

"O-kay!" she chirps. 

"Jojo," scolds Kakyoin. "Be civil to your mother."

"No, it's alright. You boys are trying to protect me from knowing something scary again, right? You're both so brave. You should stay here and live with us, Kakyoin! With two courageous young men defending me, I'd always feel so safe!" Miss Holly twirls in place, hands clasped.

"I'm afraid I've already overstayed my welcome," says Kakyoin. "Thank you for your hospitality in allowing me to stay as long as I have."

"Nonsense, nonsense. I wouldn't mind if you stayed for ever and ever! Though in that case, I'd have to start scolding you for staying up too late," Miss Holly teases. "Make sure you're eating enough vegetables, Kakyoin! Are you sure you're not overworking yourself? When was the last time you went to the doctor? Have you brushed your teeth yet?"

"Listen to your mother, Kakyoin," Jojo growls, amusement dancing in the twitch of his fingers.

"And your mother says get to bed, both of you! Off you go now, shoo!" Miss Holly flaps her hands at them. "Honestly. It's nearly sunrise." She shakes her head.