Midnight Walks

Lucky Guess

THEMES: ANGST/COMFORT

TW: MENTIONS OF SUICIDE AND SELF HARM, HOMOPHOBIC SLUR (CENSORED), LANGUAGE

You can tell from the way that he talks about him, Mr. Joestar is very  fond of his grandson. He sees his rebellious and cold exterior as a front for what he used to be when he was younger: a reckless kid with a love for adventure. So maybe that comparison is what pushes him to overlook so much about his grandson.

I sat across the table from him now, listening to him recount another daring tale as Jotaro awkwardly listened from the seat next to mine, head down. "It was bizarre, really. Picture this:" Mr. Joestar exclaimed, spreading his arms in a great gesture. "He's got two guards, me, and his mother in front of me. And he pulls out a gun and fires it as his head! I mean really, what a reckless way to prove a point."

"Damn," Polnareff said, eyes wide. "You've really got balls of steel, JoJo. I wish my stand could do cool party tricks to impress the ladies." This dumb remark earned a snort from Avdol, who sat contentedly, listening to the others' banter. As they chattered on, I felt my heart sink a little as a rather unpleasant thought entered my mind. I turned to look at Jotaro, who's eyes remained trained on the table. His hands were shaking ever so slightly as he lifted his glass to his mouth.

***

Per usual to cut expenses, Jotaro and I were sharing a room again. Most of the hotels in this area of Egypt were a little slummy, so it was nice to see that while the room was small, it had two clean looking beds, a nearly completely stainless carpet, and a tiny, bugless bathroom. Jotaro was quiet as usual, unpacking a few of his things noiselessly. I couldn't help but stare as he moved, beautiful as always under the moonlight. Despite having a muscular figure, he always seemed so dainty and elegant when off his guard.

I'd always thought he had too pretty of a face for such an intimidating body. He looked so soft, from his lips, to his cheeks; which gave way to a shockingly sharp jawline that better matched his intense physique. His long dark eyelashes complimented his sparkling dark eyes, with equally dark circles under the bottom. It only took one night of sleeping across from Jotaro's tossing and turning to know that he didn't sleep much. But sometimes, after days of extraneous fights and travel, I'd get to see him fall asleep before I did. And when that happened he looked like a fallen angel. Long dark eyelashes displayed to their fullest beauty, with his hands tucked under his head like a baby. He appeared ludicrously delicate in comparison to his daytime exterior.

We took turns in the shower then settled into our casual routine of me reading a book and sneaking glances as he changed into his pajamas and him pretending I wasn't there. Despite what everyone else thinks, I don't think he's rude. I spend enough time admiring him to see the subtle cracks in his confidence. Behind the cold exterior he forces on others, he's obviously terrified. I guess it makes sense, his mother's life depends on whether he can handle this quest well, so his strategy is to remain withdrawn. If I can accomplish one thing while I'm here, I want it to be getting him to open up. Those gorgeous dark eyes are muddled with secrets and I'm determined to pull them out.

I guess if I wanna do that though, I gotta start actually talking to him. I opened my mouth to begin to say something, but my mouth felt dry as I looked up to see him shirtless, staring at me with a curious intensity. He looked away when our eyes met, and put his pajama shirt on. I had to speak now, or I might not have another normal opportunity all night. "Mr. Joestar sure talks a lot about you, huh JoJo?" I said. He turned to meet my eyes again, probably not even realizing how intense his gaze was. I felt my cheeks grow warm.

"Hm?" he asked, seeming genuinely uninterested in the conversation already.

"Oh, I just mean you know...he talks a lot about you."