Be my friend, hold me
Wrap me up, enfold me
I am small and needy
Warm me up and breathe me
Even the ever confident Joseph Joestar reaches a breaking point. Facing a near death experience through the Hell Climb Pillar with a smile to hide the fear was one thing, but a second near death experience combined with not even enough breath to sob is enough to crumble even the strongest will.
Jocasta had always thought Joseph didn't take things seriously enough, and this wedding ring fiasco was no different. Joseph was the one sleeping soundly, meanwhile she, who hadn't even been present for the incident, was laying awake and begging for sleep. Her eyes burned for it. She laid on her back, just staring at the shadows on the ceiling. She knew she should've been asleep ages ago, to be rested enough for another day of training, but she couldn't.
Every time she closed her eyes, her thoughts would overtake her with images of Joseph choking to death on poison, or worse. Of Joseph being sliced to ribbons by powers he couldn't even imagine. Standing by at the Colosseum helplessly, watching him be murdered, or lying there with ragged breaths as poison seeps into his bloodstream.
It had gotten so bad, she didn't even like closing her eyes at this point. She wanted to believe Joseph would be fine. That he would not only survive, but win. But she couldn't have that confidence knowing the struggles he was facing. So she laid awake, eyes burning to blink and sleep and fall away into peace for a while.
Even dreams were no break for her.
And then there was Joseph. Making her laugh in the daytime, showing her tricks he'd learned, and letting her play with his clackers and pulling harmless pranks on her. As if every passing day wasn't ticking away more time off his life. The more dangerous pranks were saved for Caesar, but Joseph of course couldn't resist messing with her a little. And she didn't mind. If it was anyone else, she would have minded. But something about the way his eyes would shine at her and she'd hear his proud little laugh from beneath that metal mask...
Her thoughts were interrupted by a gentle creak at the door, and she rolled over to face the door frame, feigning being woken up. As if whoever was at the door would care whether she was awake or not.
She expected Lisa Lisa, or even Loggins or Messina. So she was surprised when the large figure illuminated by only the moon, was one Joseph Joestar.
"Joseph?" She mumbled, still keeping her voice low as if she hadn't been lying awake for over 2 hours at this point.
"Hey." His normally cheery and playful voice sounded flat and despondent. "I just wanted to get a drink. Could you, uh—?" He turned and gestured to the mask on his face, motioning for her to help him out of it.
She swung her legs over the bed, getting up as quick as she could and meeting him halfway.
"Theres a little latch in the back, you just gotta— yeah, just a bit of Hamon."
Jocasta traced the back of the cold metal mask with her fingers until she felt the notch, and send a tiny surge into it, catching the heavy front and pulling it softly away from his face. Immediately, Joseph gasped a deep breath, one he'd clearly been waiting for.
"Thanks," he said, clearly grateful but still in that same defeated tone. It was so unlike him. But she didn't blame him for being so exhausted. "Did I wake you up?"
She almost lied and said she was sleeping, but didn't want Joseph feeling bad about one more problem.
"No, I couldn't sleep." She admitted.
She really didn't want to mention the elephant in the room. She was certain now that Joseph had been thinking about it too. That seemed like the only logical explanation for why he was acting so differently. If he didn't want to talk about it, she understood. And yet, she didn't want to act like everything was okay and force him to pretend he was fine.
"You seem really down, is everything alright?"
Joseph seemed to freeze. She could see the thoughts racing through his head. He wanted to quickly snap back with a witty joke, convince her she was fine...
He took a long drink of water and went to refill his glass, clearly looking forward to quenching his thirst. She was willing to bet he came to her instead of Lisa Lisa because he knew she wouldn't turn him away.
"No," he finally said after his second glass. "I haven't slept in days." He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I can't sleep in this damn thing. I feel like I'm being choked to death here."
"I haven't slept well either." Jocasta admitted, maybe a little too fast. One of the most beautiful men she'd ever seen in her life was there in front of her, vulnerable, in nothing more than boxer shorts in the moonlight and all she wanted to do was hold him.
"I'm really worried about you," she continued. Since he confessed his troubles, she felt safe to do that. "I just want you to be okay, and it pains me to no end knowing that there's nothing I can do to help."
Joseph self consciously rubbed his hand over his neck where the one ring was located, and then left his hand to rest on his chest, where the one on his heart lay.
"You do help, though." His voice was low. Soft. So unlike him all the other times. "You laugh at my jokes. You don't yell at me when I mess up. You take my mask off at 3 in the morning when I want a drink and no one else will help me."
"I—" She wasn't expecting that. Her back was to the window, so she felt safe to blush. He could still see it, but didn't mention it for once. "Of course I do. You're funny and kind and smart, and I care about you..."
"I've... I've never been this afraid of anything in my life." Slowly taking a step closer, he began to close the gap between them, and Jocasta had to fight her adrenaline to remain planted where she was. This handsome man, all 6'5 and muscles and mischief, with hair tousled from lack of sleep, shining tired bright blue eyes and a faint smile, moving closer, until he was all she could see.
"I'm here for you, Jojo," she mumbled out of shyness, fighting the urge to retreat from embarrassment. "You know you can always come to me, any time." They were practically whispering for no reason other than the fact that they were so close.
She felt ready to close her eyes and move in for a kiss when his head dropped and she felt him press his forehead to her shoulder. And a few seconds later, two large arms caged around her waist, and they were hugging. Jocasta froze, her body tense in confusion and excitement before she squeezed him back with the same amount of gentle care.
Her heart pounded rapidly, her chin on his shoulder as he bent down to hold her.
"Jojo," she whispered, and she felt his body shake as he softly cried onto her shoulder. Sometimes it was hard to remember that he was just 18, with a whole life ahead of him. And here he was, facing death with the confidence of an Invincible man. She cared for him probably too much for the small length of time she knew him, but he was warm and inviting, and always challenged her comfort zones. He made her feel alive, and she missed the feeling of having someone to care for.
"You can sleep in my room tonight, if you'd like," Jocasta said as casual as she could manage without her voice quivering. "You can keep the mask off of you're with me. In—In case you get thirsty."
Joseph raised his head just enough to look at her, and his large right hand rose from her forearm to her cheek, holding her tenderly. "I won't tell if you don't," his voice sounded barely playful, but the thought of not having to sleep alone clearly made him feel better.
She let out a nervous laugh as her face flushed bright red. Before she could even think twice, her palm pressed to his cheek, cradling his face in her hand and wiping away his tears with her thumb. He raised his hands to cover hers, gently taking hold of her wrist and kissing her palm for the sweet gesture.
Joseph strung his arms around her, and she stepped back to sit the two of them on her bed. He followed close, his hands never leaving her sides. It felt like every movement was deliberate and careful, as if Jocasta was afraid he would change his mind and leave. And Joseph was afraid he'd cross a line, like he always seemed to do, and she would force the mask back on him and leave, leaving him cold, alone, and scared once more.
"I try not to be... but I'm so worried about you." She whispered, so impossibly close to him now. "I believe in you, and you're so much smarter than you know, but I care about you so damn much, I just want to make sure you're okay. Between you and Caesar..." She sighs out. "You two will give me a heart attack one day."
Joseph turned to look at her, ruffling her bangs with his large hand.
"I've got it under control." He said with a gentle shrug, more for her sake than his. "You know me. I'm full of plans."
"And you know me. Someone has to worry about you, huh?" She gave a half hearted chuckle and nudged him with her elbow.
He just kept staring at her, taking in her illuminated face in the soft glow of the moon, and his face turned up in a smile.
He took her blankets in his hands. Somehow they seemed softer than his. Was she just lucky, or was the entire situation different now? He slipped his legs beneath the covers. The room was comfortably warm, but he always just felt so cold lately. He rubbed his jaw absently.
Jocasta followed suit and slid beneath the blankets. Every little cell in her body felt like static electricity. To be beneath the blankets with Joseph Joestar. It felt taboo. Wrong. But how could it be so wrong? There was a secret thrill to it. Taking off his mask, seeing his whole face, letting him be vulnerable. Knowing Lisa Lisa could catch her. Knowing what Joseph Joestar would likely want to do with a lady in bed with him. Was it right to tell him now that she'd never done that sort of thing?
Joseph noticed the gap between them and didn't want to push it. Well, of course he did. He wanted to hold someone in his arms for a while, just to feel the company. Especially with her, for making him feel safe. It was the first time he felt calm in days. But he didn't want to scare her off by trying to cuddle when she was just being nice.
He didn't have to worry for too long, however, because Jocasta laid down next to him and gently put an arm across his stomach. Her hands were shaking. She was too nervous to even look at him, and simply focused on her bare arm against his warm skin. Joseph looked down at her in surprise, but didn't say anything.
"Is... this alright?" She asked hesitantly.
Joseph was ecstatic, more ecstatic than he wanted to let on. She had already done the very thing he had been yearning to do. She looked so small compared to his giant stature. He brought one arm behind her and wrapped it around her shoulders, keeping her there.
"You're kidding, right? You think I'd complain about this?" His charms were back, a little confidence seeping into his voice.
"I... yeah. I don't know." Jo stuttered for a moment, holding perfectly still. She wouldn't move a muscle. She would not break this moment. And Joseph noticed.
"Are you comfortable?"
"Yeah." She lied.
"No you're not."
He pulled her a bit more deliberately, trying to get her tense muscles to relax so they could actually find some peace. She caved, letting the rigidity in her back lessen, and her arm drape across him heavily, instead of worrying about making him uncomfortable. She took a deep breath, and when she let it out, her body melted into him. She matched his breathing. Slow, deep breaths, unrestricted by the mask, and they breathed together.
Jocasta's body was buzzing with adrenaline now, too awake to fall asleep, even though she wanted to. Her body felt ready for sleep, no longer worried about Joseph. Well, she was still worried. But the comfort of having him here calmed her enough. Laying against him, though, that was keeping her awake. She wanted to stay awake as long as she could to feel this moment forever. Who knew when, if ever, she'd get to feel this again?
Joseph could, without a doubt, feel her heart thumping as she laid against him. And he had no doubts that she could hear his, with the way her ear was resting against his chest. His thumb rubbed tiny circles on the ridge of her shoulder, coaxing her to relax.
Soon, the Joestar's eyes began to feel heavy. While he was still plagued with worry for things far out of his control, she made him centered. She made him feel less alone. She reminded him that he still had an anchor, and someone on his side. Sure, he knew deep down that Caesar and Lisa Lisa and the others really were rooting for him, but it was hard to remind himself when it felt like everything was against him.
He took another long, deep breath, and relished in the feeling of not choking in that mask. He knew he'd have to put it back on tomorrow, but he'd have this night. He'd always have this night. And it would be worth any punishment he'd receive if it meant he could do it again.
He rested his head against Jocasta's, his cheek gently pressed against the top of her head as he felt his blinks becoming longer.
"I'm glad you took off the mask... That means I can do this." He turned his neck, albeit a bit awkwardly, and softly kissed her hair at the crown of her head.
Jocasta froze. He smiled. Her face flushed red. His did too.
"Thanks for letting me stay tonight, Jo. I really needed this. Really."
She nodded, too afraid to say anything or else she'd squeak out something embarrassing.
"I-I'm glad. Y-You can always come here. Whenever you need to. I'll always do what I can to help."
His other arm crossed over her, leaving him on his side and the two of them face to face. Jocasta shivered, her body all sorts of hot as they lay nose to nose. And he was smiling because he knew it, too. She swallowed hard. He guided her closer, letting her head rest in the crook of his neck, and caged her there in his arms. They were safe. Still breathing the same.
He kissed her head one more time, running a hand through her hair. She was so soft, so nervous, her body shaking but he knew it wasn't from the cold.
"Goodnight, Jo." He mumbled into her hair.
"Goodnight, Jojo." She replied into his neck, her face burning.
Joseph was beaming as he closed his eyes.
Seconds away from sleep, he felt Jocasta return his brief affection and kiss his cheek, right where it met his jaw.
Joseph Joestar fell asleep with a smile on his face.
I had this one reference I've been absolutely dying to draw for CaeJoCasta, and I finally got the chance to do it last night! I wanted to get a quick sketch done before going to bed and honestly, I'm really happy with how it turned out!!
Tagging a few people 👉👈 @jojolovenotes @koldbrew @spaceispeachy @thisbloghasnoaesthetic @shaylistic (see I'm nice to her!) @cutie-pie-chan @milfnaki @cesca-untoldstories
I love these boys so much 💖 They're my world. Joseph and Caesar, along with all the friends I've made along the way, mean so much to me and I'm so ecstatic we can share this time together for the best birthday I've had so far 🥰💖
I have taken on the challenge of the Jojo clothes swap and lemme tell you, it turned out SO MUCH BETTER THAN I THOUGHT 😍😭
Jocasta in Mista's outfit
She looks fuckin BOMB in this by the way 😍
And Jocasta in Caesar's outfit. Specifically the crop top one from his magnificent sitting scene lmao
I like to think she stole it from him after training one day to feel cute 🥰
Please feel free to drop some more suggestions! An OC of mine and a random Jojo character, and I will attempt to draw them wearing that outfit! Thank you to @dragons-and-skulls and @shaylistic for the suggestions!!
There are still a few in the works, and some names may change, but here we have...
Son of William and Vassia Zeppeli
Cassius Zeppeli, eventual grandfather to Avidia Zeppeli in Stardust Crusaders. (He is open for interaction)
Son of Caesar Zeppeli and Jocasta Zeppeli-Joestar
William Zeppeli II. (He is open for interaction)
Son of Joseph Joestar and Jocasta Zeppeli-Joestar
Kieven Joestar. Named after a friend Jocasta lost along the way. (He is also open for interaction)
And finally...
Daughter of Myself and Polnareff (or, for OC sake, Ziona and Polnareff)
Charlotte "Charlie" Polnareff. She has brown hair like Sherry, and inherited her father's freckles and thin eyebrows. 🥺
(And as expected, she is also open for interactions)
I'm thinking about the possibility of an Amawagon or Caroline/Dire child. Even though Amaryllis and Speedwagon likely didn't have a child in the time they knew each other... hey, they could've. If there's enough interest, I'll let Speedwagon have a descendant 👉👈
Joseph coming back to have to tell Jocasta that Caesar didn't survive his battle
And Jocasta stares in shock for a moment as she feels her heart break.
Joseph goes to gently put his hand on her and she shoves him off. She didn't mean to. She actually wanted to be hugged so insanely bad, but she needed to react, to lash out, to not be touched. It's like her body turns against itself.
Push away the only person she has left, and then realize how badly she needs him.
She pushes his hands off and turns away to sob, too lost in it to bother correcting it, figuring it was too late to tell him that she really did need him there.
Until a few moments later when he touches her back again, and she freezes and stills and just screams into her hands.
Ayo, yall wanna meet some Fankids??? 👀 I've been working on some Self Ship children and they're pretty cute! I might open them up for some interaction if yall want 👀
