casaposa | NOCTIUM INBOX

[ So, Joseph expected to get his ass kicked from this, but there was a small part of him that hoped maybe Caesar would see the scene and pull his punch-- or kick-- a bit. That was a bad mistake.

There is a sharp "oof" as he curls in on himself to grab his side. Even if he is a strapping young man with a lot of muscles, being kicked hard in the side with hamon isn't going to feel pleasant to anyone that's unguarded. Even so, he laughs through gritted teeth. ]

I see you finally found me.

[ See, feel, who's really counting here. ]

As if that's a difficult feat, despite the wild chase you sent me on. I can see through your ploys.

[Except-

This time is different. The trick isn't as apparent among the set blanket and basket-the area a far cry from the city they reside in and that scenic shift is something he only notices now that his task is over. Now that JoJo's curled on his side in pain-

He can focus on whatever this is.]

What is this? Don't tell me you've managed to get a date after all.

[ Once he's settled the pain a bit and is able to shift comfortably, he gives a bit of a laugh. What a little shit. It's a wonder why he's even with this guy. And yet... he can't help but be with him. He rolls on his back and spreads his arms out. ]

I sure did. [ And before Caesar can have any time to retort to that or have a bad reaction, he presses on with: ] He just kicked me with hamon.

[ Bit by bit he takes risks. This is a huge risk calling what he's set up a date and it's very possible that Caesar will feel disdain about the idea and sulk off on his own. The problem is, this is exactly as he's calling it. A date. If Caesar agrees to sit with him, no matter how informal they are about what they would call each other, this would help solidify that they are, in fact, dating. ]

[There's a snap.

He can feel it in the back of his mind-the disconnect sudden and jarring. I sure did elicits a desire to reach out to ruffle his hair with something like pride, ask him who the unfortunate fool is and-

He just kicked me with hamon sends him spiraling in another direction-a rapid recollection of the moments leading up to the very second he stepped on this fabric, made his way to this area, turned aside every other 'plan' he had for the day to track down an idiot he wasn't sure he'd find at all.

Caesar sputters out something incomprehensible. Not in English or Italian or any shared language being forced on them in this city and-

He stares down at the splayed out man below him-a sight that's no longer as uncommon as it should be. One that he saw time and time again during their time in Air Supplena-

A memory invoked now by the salt tinged air, the crashing waves.

He didn't realize how much he missed it until now. Didn't think about how his last sight was the unsettling mass of snow coating an empty building, instead of his native home, lush with life and familiar sounds.

And the thing is-he can't tell. Can't figure out by studying the man's face what his endgame is with that off the cuff remark. Can't tell if the blanket and choice of area is deliberate or where he happened to be found. Can't see if this a part of long con game he can't visualize-one he's falling for hook, line and sinker.

He never knows with Joseph Joestar, but he is acutely aware of their situation-knows that his one night stands don't end up with him mapping the bodies of his companions every night after.

There's a breeze that twists through his hair and jostles him back to life-a sharp inhale brings air back into his lungs that had been squeezed out by those words.

The punchline doesn't come, there's no playful smirk on the man's face-he watches, waits, stares at him with an intensity he hasn't felt in years.

This is dangerous. He's dead, the man's married and with a family in another world. He's dead and this shouldn't be happening. He's dead and the man before him is an irritating, smug moron and-

His tone softens, just a little.]

You need to hone your skills then. No wonder you haven't had a date until-

[Now.

But it's just that-a date. There's nothing else to it. The man will sate his curiosity, play it up and practice on him and take his real dates elsewhere when he tires of this game. The realization irritates and brings some relief at the same time. He isn't sure what to do with that, but-

He can recognize the sincerity in his attempt and if this area was deliberate, well-

Caesar stoops down and presses his palm into the front of his hair, ruffling up those frayed bangs.]

So that's what that whole ordeal was for? To bring me to this place?

[ At the ruffle, Joseph swats Caesar's hand away with a disgruntled little sound. It isn't a hard swat and it's more playful in act than actually being irritated by his action. It was a mixed feeling, honestly. He enjoyed the playful touch from Caesar, but also it made it feel like he was being treated like a kid. Maybe one day the man wouldn't look down on him in that regard, considering they only had two years age difference. He just didn't have the same types of experiences as Caesar because of their backgrounds.

Quickly, though, he hand moves from swatting to gripping Caesar's wrist and dragging the man right down on top of him. He's fully aware that Caesar is not even remotely light, but he could handle it. He has before and he will again in the future. Besides, it was nothing compared to some of the pain they went through with training and being braced for it, it wouldn't even come close to how the kick felt. ]

Yeah, pretty much. I thought it would be the easiest way to get you out of here, since you wouldn't just agree to get out here on your own.

[ Not only was it because of what day it was, but Caesar would have probably dismissed it as a waste of time. Time they could be spending training or some other asinine thing. Something that wasn't enjoyable for Joseph and was too much like work. Once in a while taking a break was important. He needed to try to drive in those compromises where he could.

Both of his hands slide to rest on Caesar's hips as he stares up at him. Hopefully the other man doesn't struggle, but he isn't taking bets on it. With how ornery Caesar could be, this trip in paradise could be very, very short lived. Hopefully not, but that anger could be unpredictable sometimes. ]

Pretty nice place, isn't it?

[They should be training. This lackadaisical do nothing attitude doesn't sit well with him and he's ready to push himself up-to call it an afternoon and drag this fool to a clearing to get some sparring in. A tropical island isn't a bad backdrop. A change in scenery could do them both some good-Caesar's never been a fan of the industrial appearance of cities. This is his preference.

It shocks him, for a moment, that JoJo knows that. What doesn't surprise him is the way he's abruptly drug to the ground, smashing against the mound of flesh splayed across the ground like he owns the whole island. As if there's nothing to worry about and this is a vacation for the two of them alone.

Caesar grumbles at the sudden drop, twists his body to pinch the man's nose with his fingers in protest and tries to ignore the easy way those firm hands settle on his hips.

They've been playing this game in private-in public though? He's surprised JoJo's pursuing those intimate touches here.]

Some good taste rubbed off on you in Italy it seems. It's not bad.

[He never removed his hand from the front of his head. A mental note he only makes now. His palm had been pressing against the man's cheek, settled against the soft skin by his lip.

He hadn't noticed. That makes him anxious.]

You still need to train today, you know. You won't get out of it because of a pretty view.

Right, right. We'll worry about that later.

[ It's easier to placate Caesar with seemingly agreeing to training now, even if he plans to worm his way out of it for the rest of the day. Who will win? That's the part he's not making bets on right now, but he's hoping to steer things in his favor so that Caesar is far too distracted to even think about training until the end of the day. To which, of course, even if Caesar wanted a late night training session, he'd whine that they needed their sleep because of bright and early mornings. A load of bull, but it's worked before and he'll keep trying to make it work in his favor until it's no longer possible.

For now, though, he's going to focus on the fact that they're relaxing here in a beautiful environment and they don't really need to think about the fact that they're not even at their home world. They probably will, but at least it's not a constant reminder with the technology and landscape. Even if Joseph loves and thrives on all the things they've been exposed to as far as games and entertainment, it is still nice to step away from it all from time to time.

Idly, his thumbs hook under the edge of Caesar's shirt and subtly starts to edge it up. He doesn't move his hands too far from Caesar's hips, though, mainly just wanting to touch a bit of his skin right there. It's a small, subtle gesture to start. While he's not planning to just dive into asking for sex like this, he does want to show some affection before they turn their attention to the basket of food nearby.

If someone had told him that one day he'd be fooling around with this man, he would have laughed in their face initially. Now he hates the thought that he will once again have to return to a life without him. He only wishes he could say the words, "I can't imagine my life without you," without the pain that would come along and the words that would probably follow. Something along the lines that he would have to learn to or it would come in time.

He's also fully aware these thoughts are dangerous and ones he would never utter to Caesar. If he wanted to scare him off and shut whatever this is down immediately, that would be the way to do it. Not only would it seem out of character for Joseph to utter something quite like that, it would make Caesar realize that they should keep things more platonic and, perhaps, even distance a bit from their friendship so that Joseph wouldn't have to go through more pain over losing someone important a second time. Joseph figures Caesar would do something utterly stupid and damage their ties a bit if it meant protecting Joseph from even more hurt, in the end.

Maybe one day that's something they can talk about and grapple with, but for now, Joseph knows their relationship is too fresh and new and they're both exploring new territories. So, he wouldn't risk ruining it all with their precarious situation. ]

[Those rough fingers press into his hips-a gentle touch, one that doesn't hold any familiarity to the bruise inducing grip he's used to. Nothing like the intense hold that would preface them throwing one another face first into the ground.

The motion is soothing-feels like it's rubbing away an age old wound he didn't know existed. He allows it because it's nice. Because it's quiet. Because it's a reminder that he is alive to feel those fingertips press against his bare flesh and stare down at his best friend who did accomplish everything Caesar hoped he would.

Maybe it's okay, then, to give him a bit of a break.

Not that he's about to let the man know their hamon training is cut short and that all it took was a little massage against his hips. He's sure JoJo's mouth will ruin it soon enough anyway.]

Wishing away hard work won't change the outcome. Do you think I'm so easily swayed? That I won't forget your antics this morning?

[He moves to ruffle that brunet hair again, his hand mussing the front and instead of pulling back-

He starts to brush his hand through it again-a rhythmic pattern to match the fingers moving against his skin.]

Your ploy won't work against me. You should know that by now.

[ Despite the words that are coming from Caesar's mouth, his actions are obviously betraying him. Everything about this moment and action screams that this isn't going to be cut short and that he's going to be bullied into training any second now. Maybe he's letting his guard down early, but this situation felt like it was easing in his direction. He won't gloat over it and wreck the whole thing, instead he'll be complacent and "agree" to Caesar's strictness. ]

I'd never dream of you forgetting anything I've done.

[ Is that sass? Arrogance? Yes. All of it. He knows he leaves his impression on Caesar for better or worse and he won't pretend otherwise. He also wouldn't change what he did this morning even slightly. It was fun and unexpected, just like his normal MO.

The problem for Caesar, though, is that he knows his ploys do work against him when he isn't fucking himself over. Intentionally, normally, but where would life be fun without fucking with Caesar? It'd be too boring pandering to him constantly. ]

Not a one. Remind yourself of that every time you pull some inane trick. One day you might reach the end of my patience. It's not as limitless as our Coach's you know.

[The mirth in his tone overrides any serious implication those words have. JoJo, somehow, through some arcane force has smashed through any previous limits Caesar has set. Every stupid prank, every seemingly foolish plan-they surprise him again and again. Entice him again and again. Pull him back in again and again.

Every time he puts up a wall, that barrier is smashed down-it's as if his mental fortitude is a bunch of legos that JoJo's clackers topple with the flick of the wrist. It's nothing in the face of someone this powerful-he can't deny it. Stubborn, foolish, quick wit that moves too fast for his own and a quick temper that follows. Caesar can't think of a worse friend.

He taps the man's skull with the tip of his finger, tiny bit of hamon and all, hoping the action irritates him.

And pulls both hands back to the fingers pressed into his hips, covering them up with the intent to pull them off, but-

They hover there instead as he straightens his posture to sit upright and straddle the body under him.]

You can't lay here all day.

Maybe not, but I'm curious to see how far it'll go.

[ If he's fully honest, he doesn't think Caesar has that much patience in general, unless it's over a pretty lady. Even so, he has faith that they'll be fine. They've already had the worst fight they could ever imagine having with the worst possible results and now that they're giving a second chance, he's pretty sure neither of them will push it that far. And even if they did, they'd somehow recover and come back from it.

He watches every little motion from Caesar, almost as if he's a man entranced. For a split second, he is jostled from it with that hamon spark, but he shakes his annoyance off quickly because it's not worth retaliating over right this second.

Both of his hands move to rest on Caesar's thighs, staring up at him. The edge of his lips twitch a little, the grin spreading easily. ]

Yeah? What did you have in mind to stop me?

[Can anyone really stop Joseph Joestar? Caesar has his doubts it's possible for anyone but him, and even that's proving to be difficult day to day. It won't stop him from making every attempt to corral the wayward fool though.

An opportunity presents itself with the hands on his thighs-wandering close enough that he understands the intention. Isn't against it in the slightest, even if the area is too open for his liking.

He's not an animal though. Taking a romp tangled up in branches and bushes is beyond him. The blanket is where he plans to stay and-

It doesn't matter anyway. Control is an art he's perfected. He won't be lured by wandering hands, instead-

He'll do the luring-will redirect his focus and conquer this indomitable man.]

You want me to spoil the surprise? Don't you have any patience?

[ Honestly, that probably just narrows down the targets and limits most of his shenanigans to Caesar himself. Not that he doesn't harass others, it's just Caesar is the prime target, for better or worse.

Even if this is open, Joseph did check to see if people really visited this area. It was on the secluded side and unless someone got really lost, people really didn't come out here often. That's probably part of what gives it its appeal.

And for some reason, the almost taboo nature of it felt exciting. Surely Caesar would come to understand that. He is, after all, a former nasty crime boy.

But even if nothing nefarious happens, Joseph is honestly just happy to be out here relaxing with him. He didn't bring Caesar out here to have sex with him, but to relax and take this day as a break from everything. It was a terrible day back home, but it didn't mean it had to be a terrible one here. ]

I should be saying that last line to you. [ He teases softly. ] But of course I have patience. Guess I'll just have to wait and see what you have up your sleeve for once.

For once.

[He repeats, like that's the most ridiculous statement he's ever heard.

But even he can't deny between the two of them, JoJo is the one full of surprises, of wild claims and ideas, a driving force of action behind change no one ever asked for.

He leans back, pulling his upper body by the front of his shirt until they're close and-

Presses a light kiss against the tip of his nose-a tender action that's not common between the two of them, but it fits the scene, the backdrop, the whatever scenario JoJo's trying to fulfill.]

We'll see if you can follow through.

Don't you have any faith in me?

[ Joseph can't really help the smile from the nose-kiss. It's kind of... adorable, actually. He won't say that because it'll just piss Caesar off and ruin the honey sweet mood they have right now. The very, very rare gentle moment.

There's a light kiss he plants on Caesar's chin in return for that tender motion. ]

Have at it, then.

NOCTIUM INBOX

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject