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Caesar Zeppeli knocks on Joseph Joestar’s door. He’s been invited to a party, though the “party” is small. It only includes Caesar, Smokey Brown, Lisa Lisa, and Suzi Q. Caesar’s blonde hair glistens in the bright sunlight as he impatiently waits for someone to open the door. Finally, a brown haired, strong, and tall man opens the door. “Caesar!” Joseph hugs him tightly, catching Caesar off guard. “Hey, JoJo.” He pats JoJo’s back as he tries to peek through the door. He sees Suzi and Lisa chatting with drinks in their hands. JoJo finally lets go and grabs his wrist, “come, come! You’re a tad bit late, but that doesn't matter!” He yanks Caesar into his home. Caesar lightly blushes when he grabs him. His feelings are uncontrollable, he doesn’t even know why he feels this way for Joseph. JoJo brings Caesar to the kitchen. “Go on, grab some food and eat. You must be hungry!” Joseph seems more hyper than usual, smiling with glowing glee. Caesar is tired. He hasn’t had any sleep in a few days. Though it’s out of his own decisions, he has been trying his hardest to write a book, mostly focusing on the history of Hamon. With his lineage being of the Italian Zeppeli family, they have a long history including the practice of Sendo.
Caesar takes a paper plate from a stack and begins to pick up some food. The food on the island countertop includes New Yorkian style pizza, fruit salad (made by Lisa), shrimp and chicken skewers (made by JoJo), macaroni and cheese (made by Smokey), and White Castle sliders. Caesar didn’t bring anything, mainly because he didn’t have any time to. He still felt bad about it though after seeing all the food on the table. He takes three shrimp skewers, one slice of pizza, and a scoopful of the macaroni and cheese. He also grabs a drink, Cola in a glass bottle.
Caesar makes his way to the living room and finally gets to see everyone who’s visited. Smokey and JoJo are talking, with JoJo’s gestures large and expressive, and Lisa and Suzi are still talking and taking sips of their drinks. He isn’t sure where to go, meet with his secret crush or with his mentor? He doesn’t decide on either, and sits in the middle of JoJo’s beige couch with fluffy white pillows. I shouldn’t make myself noticeable, they’re all busy. He thinks to himself, staring down at his plate filled with food. As he picks up the slice of pizza, he notices Lisa standing above him. “Caesar.” Her voice is stern, as if she’s about to give Caesar a lecture. “Ah— Ma’am!” He drops the pizza on his plate, sets the plate beside him on the couch, and stands up to bow to Lisa. “Goodness, Caesar, there’s no need to bow to me. We’re here to relax, have fun. Not greet each other like… that.” She sighs and shakes her head. Caesar smiles sheepishly and scratches his head, “Apologies, Lisa.” He resists the urge to bow again, knowing it will make Lisa more ashamed of him. Suzi Q steps up to Caesar, “Hi Caesar! How are you doing? Oh, how is that book?” He takes out a bottle opener to open his Cola, “I am… fine. The book is going well, though it’s hard to get in contact with anyone who’s practiced Sendo, as most of them…” He makes a neck cutting motion with his hand and makes a clicking noise. Died. The fizz makes a hissing noise when he opens the bottle. “Oh, I can imagine. I wish you good luck, future bestselling author!” Suzi giggles. He grins lightly. They have so much hope in me.
Once they’re done chatting, Caesar finally takes a bite of his pizza. The hot cheese and sauce burn his mouth, making him drop it once again. It’s a struggle to chew it due to the heat. Smokey takes a seat next to Caesar, as Joseph goes to pick up more food. “Caesar, how is the book going?” God, these people won’t stop asking about the book, huh. “It’s just fine. It’s a bit of a struggle but I’m sure I can get through it.” Smokey nods excessively, “I’m sure of it!” Caesar chuckles, “Enough about me, how is your path in politics?” Smokey smiles and gives a big thumbs up. “Oh, it’s great! Actually, it’s pretty easy to get a crowd on your side!” Caesar gives a smile, “That’s great, Smokey. I wish I could be like you, y’know, have everything go your way. Must be great.” Smokey leans in, “You’ll get there, one day, I promise.” Smokey smiles once again and turns to the television. He takes the remote and changes the channel to a politics-focused channel. Smokey’s face flashes on the screen, with the caption stating “SMOKEY BROWN: NEW YORK’S FAVORITE” and the reporters were talking solely about Smokey. “Wow, impressive.” Caesar’s jaw dropped, he’s surprised that Smokey made it this far.
“Hey, look at that! My favorite lil’ kid!” Joseph exclaims behind the couch, despite Smokey being twenty now. Smokey laughs, “I’ll never be as cool as you, Mr. Joestar!” Joseph flexes his muscles, “You’re right Smokey!” He laughs. Caesar tries to hide his smile. He loves it when Joseph laughs like that. He’s just a pure piece of sunshine. I hope you never change, Joseph. Joseph takes a seat next to Caesar, making his face lightly flush. Smokey notices this and pokes Caesar’s cheek. “Awh, why’s ya face so red man?” His face gets even more rosey, “I— What? I don’t know what you’re talking about—” Joseph giggles and also pokes at his cheek, “You’re the cutest thing, Caesar!” Caesar covers his face, embarrassed. I can’t believe he called me cute. Why doesn’t he get that I like him? He clears his throat, “Anyways! Uh, Joseph what have you been up to?” Joseph begins to think. “Oh! You know, I’ve been looking into getting a pet! Maybe… A dog?” He rubs his chin. “I’d think you would work best with a dog, that’s a good idea.” Caesar inputs. He’s never had a pet, though he would like to visit Joseph more if he adopted a dog. “I would name it… Caesar! After my bestest friend.” JoJo throws his arm around Caesar, smiling big. “Ehe.” Caesar giggles. He’s adorable. Caesar’s thoughts of Joseph invade his mind, making his face even more blushed. “Haha! Why do you always do that when I just mention you?” Because I’m in love with you. “I’m just embarrassed when I’m with you, it’s instinct.” He tries to play it cool, but he’s sweating at this point. “No need to be embarrassed when you’re with me! I’m the coolest guy you know” Joseph grins and throws up a thumbs up. Caesar rolls his eyes at him and peeks a smile. Stupid boy. Stupid-cute.
⁂
It’s around 8:30 P.M and everyone has left, aside from Caesar. Joseph is cleaning up the kitchen while Caesar is thinking on the couch. Should I ask to stay over? Maybe this is the time where I can confess my love to him… “Caesar, when will you leave?” Joseph shouts from the kitchen. “Uh— Not that I want you to leave, or anything! I’m just wondering…” Caesar lets out a small laugh. “Y’know I…” He hesitates. Why is it so hard to get this out? “Could I sleep over? I just don’t think I would be able to sleep at my place.” Joseph walks over to the couch, standing over Caesar. Crap. He’s going to kick me out, isn’t he? “Of course you can!” Phew. “I only have one bed though… You could sleep on the couch if you would like?” Caesar rubs the back of his neck, breaking eye contact with Joseph. “I don’t really like sleeping on couches, it makes my back ache.” Joseph blushes, which is rare for his pompous composure. “I’m…” Caesar begins to sweat. “Fine with that! Just don’t be weird about it!” Joseph smiles and Caesar smiles slightly in response. “Come, I’ll show you my bedroom!” Joseph walks off and Caesar follows.
Joseph’s bedroom includes a king-sized bed, a very large closet, two bedside drawers, and a large desk with a typewriter on it. “Seems like someone’s also been doing some writing.” Caesar takes a look at the papers on Joseph’s desk. “Ah— No need to look at those!” He covers the papers with his hands and then turns all the papers over. Before JoJo tried to distract him, Caesar caught a glimpse of the text on the first paper he saw. “Dear my best friend, You’ve lit up my life just like your blond hair. You’re everything to me…” Caesar smiles and blushes.
“Well, let’s get ready for bed shall we?” Joseph puts his hand out to lead Caesar to the bed. Caesar takes off his shoes and headband and climbs in on the left side, extremely nervous due to sharing a bed with his friend of ten years. Joseph admires his blond hair, it’s one of Caesar’s greatest features in Joseph’s mind. JoJo gets into bed on the opposite side, making sure not to touch Caesar’s body out of the awkwardness. They both refuse to make eye contact with each other, nervous of what the other might think. Caesar yawns. Since he hasn’t slept in a few days, he’ll be surprised if he will be able to sleep in Joseph’s bed.
“Hey JoJo?”
“Yeah, Caesar?”
“I…” He swallows the words. “Nevermind.”
There’s a moment of silence.
“If you’re going to tell me you like me then…”
How did he know!? Caesar clutches the bedsheets in shock.
“I really like you too, Caesar. You’ve changed my life. You’re…” Joseph turns his head to look at him, “the most cutest, amazing, handsome person I’ve ever met. I’m so glad I’ve spent so much time with you.”
They’re both blushing like crazy. Caesar slowly moves his hand to meet Joseph’s. Joseph takes his hand and rubs it for comfort. Caesar turns his head and stares deeply into JoJo’s eyes. His beautiful brown eyes are so nice to look at, I can look into them for hours. Caesar smiles at him, and Joseph smiles back. “You’re so… cute.” The words escape from Joseph’s mouth, and he chuckles at the fact he even said that. “Come here, I want to hold you.” Caesar gestures him over. Joseph scooches his body over to Caesar, then turns his back against Caesar’s body. Caesar wraps his arms around his body, sharing their body heat. Joseph closes his eyes and exhales, getting comfortable in Caesar’s embrace. “I’ve been writing… Love letters to you. You probably noticed on my desk. I can’t wait to show you them now.” Caesar giggles, “I did notice. I never knew you thought about me that much.” JoJo turns his head, “Of course I would think about you, day to night, week to week, year to year. You’re the only thing on my mind when I’m at home. I write about you a lot. Around twenty pages worth.” Caesar’s eyes widened. “Wow…” Joseph giggles, “Do you ever write about me too? You’re the author of course.” Caesar yawns and thinks. “Well, I’ve been caught up on my book. But you’re definitely in my mind all day. I always think about what you would think of my book.” Joseph squeezes his hands. “Of course I think it would be good, you’re one of the best writers I know!” Caesar laughs at his compliment. “I’m glad you think so highly of me. It truly means a lot.” Caesar hugs his body tighter in response to JoJo squeezing him. “We should sleep. We’re in the perfect position to do so.” JoJo smiles and yawns.
“Goodnight, JoJo.”
“Goodnight, Caesar.”
