diademlogs | Closed.

Entry tags:

Closed.

Who: Josuke, friends, and frenemies
Where: Wherever it takes
When: February + March
What: Trouble. Literally nothing but. "Closed" until I decide it's not. It's a catch-all!

Warnings: None yet

Plotting comment if you want to find some inspiration.
Contact

akivili or over DMs if you would like a custom starter or have any questions.

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This is just a placeholder if I change my mind. Do not perceive.

[ Josuke can't help the way his breath catches in his chest as the candy grannies hand him his candygram to-do list. Alisaie Leveilleur, it says on the list. The girl whose hair, hands, and laugh had swirled around his head for the better part of a month. Even the candy grannies notice the way he seems to startle (hard not to, he's always been reactive), but he's quick to feign a sneeze and laugh. "Hope I'm not catching cold!" The grannies titter with him, teasing Josuke for not wearing a warm enough hat in these bitter temperatures. He likes his pink earmuffs! He thinks he looks kewl in them—and they can't help but agree.

But out of their sight, walking down the sidewalk with his bag of treats and missives, he can't help but stare longer at the list handed to him. A little fluster knots in his chest. Even if it would screw up the route the grannies had laid out for him— ] Maybe I'll just save hers for last. I don't know why, but it makes me kind of nervous to go... [ He mutters to himself.

It's good for him, in a way; distracted by his thoughts between each delivery. The trouble he faced a few weeks ago at last falls to the wayside as he's permitted to be distracted by the kids, couples, and friends who delight in the boxes of candies they receive. The joy in each delivery bubbles gladness and nerves in his chest. He wonders about Alisaie's name on the list and who might have sent her something; thinks about the cute way the grannies wrote her name down. (The grannies had a cute way of writing everyone's name.) He would say he feels better except for this damn knot that persists since he started the job this morning.

At last, at the end of his deliveries, Josuke closes in on a bakery. He stops before crossing the edge of the window, pressing his back to the brick facade and collecting himself. His thumb smoothes over a list of folded over & marked off names - all but her own. The sky is gray overhead, threatening rain, and it reminds him of the sky over the Ferris wheel back in January.

Why the hell haven't I calmed down? None of the girls back home worked him up like this. He scoffs at himself. ] Nothing to it, but to do it, I guess.

[ He does manage to kick off the wall and start toward the door, but he's stopped by his own reflection in the window, yet unable to see inside. He sighs as he takes off the pink earmuffs, which he has inexplicably decided are too dorky to wear into the bakery. He flicks a comb out of his pocket and preens his pompadour with unnecessary fuss. Hard to believe Josuke could be more worried about his appearance!

The bell at the door soon jingles, announcing not a customer, but Josuke's arrival. He's wearing the same coat he had back in December, with a new pink scarf curled around his neck. A scowl hangs on his lips as he scans over the bakery. His pompadour shadows out his gaze, prone to give him his naturally dark and suspicious mug. He doesn't mean to be like this. ] Uh, hey, [ he starts, his voice unintentionally rude as he scopes out the employee before him. Some guy who doesn't matter as much. ] Is Alisaie Level-lure here? I'm dropping something off for her.

[ Funnily enough Alisaie has also been dealing with shortness of breath and a racing heart for entirely different reasons.

Though she's worked at the bakery for nearly seven months now, her baking skills have seemed to hit somewhat of a roadblock. She had seen improvement until she hadn't and the last several batches of cupcakes she had attempted to make had looked atrocious enough that her boss had sympathetically told her that they'd be unable to sell them even at the discount rate they tended to do at the end of the day. At least they were beginning to taste consistently better!

And though it is somewhat uncharacteristic to be downtrodden about this sort of thing, she finds herself volunteering to take care of the bakery's latest shipment of flour. It isn't fun work but she can at least be content with the knowledge that her efforts wouldn't be catastrophic to the business. Hence the shortness of breath and racing heart. Hefting 50lbs bags of flour is no joke - even for a Scion of the Seventh Dawn. She's nearly complete with her herculean task when her colleague nearly trips over themselves with nerves into the storage area where she's been cooped up most of the day. ]

Someone suspicious asking for me?

[ Had she challenged someone and then forgotten? No, that wouldn't be possible. Nor did she think she had angered anyone to the point of coming to one of her many places of work to challenge her to a duel. For a moment her mind goes to her rapier hung up in her locker with care. Should she retrieve it? There is nothing to say that she can't utilize her aether to protect her coworkers here if she didn't have it, but she'd certainly prefer it.

After a moment she huffs, getting up from her crouch and dusting the flour from her apron. She probably doesn't look very intimidating in her frilly apron and outfit ("For the upcoming holiday season! You'll help sell a lot of cakes this way, Alisaie!" her boss had said cheerfully before promptly stuffing her into it again) and with flour smudged on her cheek. ]

Yes? [ Cautious suspicion immediately melts away when she realizes who it is and it's replaced with pleasant surprise. ] Josuke! What are you doing here?

Edited 2026-02-07 09:21 (UTC)

[ Josuke cocks an eyebrow as the employee he addressed seems to stammer out a 'let me go check' and inch out of the room like a man trying to hide something behind his back. The hell's his problem? His lip stays twist as he shoves his hands into his pocket. The front of the bakery is quiet but for the sound of some song that sounds like Steelheart, but isn't, and lasts strangely longer.

He can't help but fuss as he waits. He turns his back and leans against the display case's glass. The tips of his Bally shoes strike the cheap linoleum floor, growing decidedly more nervous that he came at a bad time. He frowns against the knot in his chest, posture worse for the discomfort at his core. It does make him look quite suspicious, now that you mention it.

At last, a worried 'yes?' covers the sound of music and Josuke turns, slow first, then quick. His eyes catch on the bow that clings to her collar, dusted in the same flour that smears her cheek. The red of her dress matches the bloom in her cheeks and flush of her lips. She must be busting her ass in the backrooms to look worn out like that. His eyes settle on hers and ah... yeah, okay. He now realizes why he's been so nervous to come here. Of course. A cute girl like her would be getting a candygram from someone. ]

H-hey, Alisaie! What do you know... [ He non-answers as he turns to her fully.

Excitement and disappointment jigger in his chest, although the excitement is winning. He stares a little too long at her before shaking his head like a dampened puppy. Right, what is he doing here? Acting like a weirdo, apparently! His head sinks slightly into the pink scarf, which the color alone does a decent job to mask his flush. ]

Oh, yeah, sorry. I've just been out delivering those candygram things. Lot of footwork. I've actually got one for you here, if you want it.

[ Why wouldn't she? He starts to dig through his bag. ]

[ Slightly out of breath as she may be, the way he stares at her doesn't escape her notice (unfortunately the song goes right over her head; the radio has been playing an odd loop all day and by now she's tuned it all out). Her emotions ping pong between feeling concerned for the boy and then worrying self-consciously about the outfit she's been unceremoniously stuffed into once more. She'd been in the back most of her shift so she doesn't quite understand how wearing it would help boost any sort of sale. And though it is characteristic for her to dig her heels in and protest, it is, at its core, a mostly harmless request. No different really than Ameliance dressing she and Alphinaud up in matching outfits.

And if it would help with sales, well. She supposes its for a good cause. Just like how delivering the candygrams seems like good cause as any what with being able to spread cheer and sweets. Regardless, she doesn't linger on it for too long, her thoughts pinging back to concern over Josuke's wide-eyed stare. Had something occurred? Despite being reckless with himself, he knew how to handle himself in a fight. Physically however he seems fine and that quells the worry that had been kicked up in the wake of his arrival.

She's nearly about to offer up that she also has a shift later this week, and say something to the effect of, "isn't it funny that they would have missed each other again like ships in the night?" - when her brain stutters on what he says. ]

A candygram? For me?

[ Alisaie's lips twist a little caught between mild embarrassment and amusement. Who would have sent her a candygram? Never mind that she had sent several of her own in a platonic sort of way to brighten the day of her some of her friends here. Leave it to her to be caught off guard by receiving one herself. In an attempt to any unecessary nip nerves in the bud she wipes her hands down on the front of her apron to rid herself of most of the flour. ]

I suppose it would be rude to turn it down. Do you know who the sender is?

It's not me, or – er [ WHY DID I SAY THAT?! ] – I'm not sure who it is, yet. But uh, [ he flounders in the most subtle of ways, ] hold on. The candy grannies have this whole thing I have to do for them. It's kind of lame...

[ To tell the truth of it, Josuke was nearly turned away from the job. A little too brooding at first blush, the moment his sweet and goofy side showed up, he'd been a shoe in for the job. They even complimented his hair! So, although he thinks he'd rather not totally embarrass himself, he's already done this a few dozen times already, and he'd hate to let the grannies down. Plus... it'd be a dick move to leave Alisaie out of the "fun." Dammit, this really is lame....

Unfortunately, he's stalling, pretending he's digging through a bag that's much fuller than it actually is. That may or may not be obvious. There are only a few items rolling around in here - missives that he couldn't quite deliver at a good time, the boxes of chocolates that went with them, and the items that he's avoiding pretty strongly at the moment. He glances sidelong at her, eyes more on the dress than her face from the way she'd dusted her hands off and the shy angle he risks. He's not looking at her when he mutters: ]

Wouldn't actually have taken you as a girl for frills, Alisaie. Not that it's a bad look on you. Job uniform?

[ Considering the three times they've met; twice in her cute dresses and once in a warm coat, he's not sure what he thinks she would dress like. Comfortable isn't quite right. Sporty, maybe. ]

[ Anyone a little more savvy with feelings of affection might immediately clock Josuke's stutter as far more than just a slip of the tongue. Fortunately for the radio crackles a little louder just at that moment and Alisaie looks up, somewhat baffled by the idea that there's more to this than merely being handed a card and some chocolates.

Oh dear. Had she inadvertently sent embarrassing candygrams to her friends? Not that playing a little prank is out of the realm of what she finds funny - on the contrary. This simply comes back to the fact that she hadn't anticipated receiving one in turn.

Her gaze moves from his face down to his bag which certainly looks a lot emptier than it should be. She's about to ask if he needs assistance, nearly stepping out from behind the counter when she finds herself halted in her tracks. ]

What - ?

[ The accursed uniform!!

Colour immediately floods her cheeks, heat shooting to her ears. What was that about it not being so bad? The embarrassment has less to do with the fact that Josuke is the one specifically calling it out or seeing her like this. She had felt similarly several months ago during the Great Cupcake Debacle when several people (mostly her brother) had seen her in this exact same get up and had laughed at her.

Apparently the incident has affected her more than she realized because she's getting what can only be called flashbacks now.

She definitely isn't stepping out from behind the counter now. Even her boots have bows on them. ]

Yes - yes of course it's the job uniform. Not normally mind you. It's for the season. [ Her fingers come to twist a little in the fabric of the apron. ] To help sell more cakes, apparently. Though I'm not confident how true that is since I haven't seen today's sales.

[ Seeing her flush, his dark eyelashes flutter with contemplation. She's embarrassed, but... he realizes it's not for his half-given compliment. She looks great. He likes her dress and her hair, and would probably love the bows on her boots if he saw them. But, Josuke knows as well as anyone, it doesn't feel great not to be seen the way you like. They're not compliments for you, they're for something else. Reminds him of his own hair, ruined from an ethereal Gala; not bad looking, but not Josuke Higashikata.

He smiles. For whatever reason, it makes his heart beat a little harder. ] Eh-heheh.... Kinda sucks when your job makes you dress how you don't wanna.

But, I guess it makes me feel a little better about this. Don't laugh too hard, okay? [ As if he expects she will laugh – and, as naturally as breathing, offers a preemptive forgiveness.

At last, he pulls out the source of his fluster: a headband that he slips gingerly over his perfectly coifed hair. The faux roses mask the flush of his own ears as the profusion of glittering hearts swing and fly over his head. Next, he pulls the letter addressed to her out of the bag, along with a kazoo smothered in heart motifs, much like himself. He purses his lips, trying to find his resolve.

Josuke flourishes ★, flicking the card with her pretty name on it over his winking eye, despite the flush in his cheeks. He's definitely delivering a script by the way he speaks, but it's the fun pose that got him this job, and the one part he's not embarrassed about. At some point, he manages to coolly flick the card into proper focus so he can read it aloud. ]

H-hey, Miss Alisaie! You've got someone special thinking about you! And us at the Candy Grannies wanted to let you know with a sweet treat! [ He bleats on the kazoo. Celebration! ] Let's spread the voice of love and read it together:

"Thank you for being my friend. Smily face. Less-than 3" —Er, "Heart"?
Jack

We hope every road will lead two you to a memory of Great Days.

[ The card is then thrusted toward her and, a moment later, he produces a small box of chocolates. It has the brand of the store on it "Candy Grannies" and extra glittery lettering that says "Great Days." It even comes with a kazoo, just like Josuke's! He's trying not to look her in the eyes while his cheeks invent new shades of red yet undiscovered by man. ]

Edited 2026-02-09 08:51 (UTC)

Why would I laug -

[ To Alisaie's credit she really does try not to laugh. That feels a near impossible feat - which is saying quite a bit considering the near impossible feats she's done that would have others balking. But all of the creatures she's felled, all the hardship she's gone through suddenly pale in this moment in the face of someone fully committing to the bit.

There's nothing to prepare her for the effort that Josuke puts into the pose, or the reading of her candygram or...well any of it really. But she has already begun to gather over the course of three (including this one) interactions that Josuke is not someone who does something in half measures. He truly gives his all to everything. Even if it means acting a little bit (read: very) silly. A part of her wonders how many times he's done this today or if she's the first. And if she is somehow his last delivery for the day then that would mean he's probably put the same amount of effort into every delivery.

The thought sticks out soundly in her head but it seems to clash once more with a different thought and emotion: utter mortification. Of course she's hearing everything he's saying. It warms her heart to know that Jack thought of sending her a very sweet note and it's hilarious the Josuke is putting a corny show on for her. But in the end the mortification wins out which has a lot to do with the fact that they're in a public place. And not just any public place - a place where she has to return to every time she has a shift.

Though she can't see her coworkers in the back, she has no doubt that they've noticed her absence. It would be unlike Yorrick to not tell the others that a suspicious looking delinquent was out here asking for her which means some, if not all, of the staff gathered to peek through the one-way window (it's Panorama; you really never know what sorts you were going to get waltzing into the bakery) on the scene before them.

Oh bollocks.

It's a very good thing that Josuke isn't making eye contact with her because if her ears weren't red before they definitely are now. She bites down on the inside of her cheeks as she tries not to splutter, laugh or both. In the end she ends up looking a little...pained. ]

That was...lovely. Thank you for that. I'll have to thank Jack. [ Hesitantly she takes the offered candygram from him. ] Shall I also blow on the kazoo? Have others been doing that?

[ Behind all that bravado is a swell of emotions that are hard to capture – at least they are for Josuke, who had to focus on his delivery. But the layers can be peeled back when he can finally breathe again. Who wouldn't be nervous about handing a girl like her candy on Valentine's? They'd have to be crazy! Or at least, a different kind of crazy than Josuke is. Alisaie seems cool, tough, nice; he's now had three wild encounters with her already to feel certain of it.

After the void had plucked her from sight, and his wanderings around Acreage bore no fruit, he'd nearly resigned to never finding her again. The city's way too big, but he'd been stupid with daydreams and hopes. Maybe he'd round the right corner or pick up coffee at the right restaurant. Thoughts as dumb as "if only she were a Stand user," because he knew about the fate that binds him. Josuke had figured it was just loneliness and wanting a friend. That seemed to be less the case as he wandered around the neighborhood, lost again in the memory of hair, hands, and a sweet laugh.

It would be his rotten luck to find her once more, at last, only to learn she has a nice boyfriend sending her sweet missives. A missive he would have to dutifully read aloud and be washed over with shame and embarrassment the whole while. The corny script, courtesy the old lovebirds who employed him, at least gave him something to focus his attention on.

But as he looks away and has the breathing room to think and not recite, the picture paints itself clearer. His heart throbs as he feels the atmosphere around his fingers change while she takes the gift made for her. He listens to her as he thinks to himself: Jack's just a friend, and Alisaie was too surprised for there to be anyone who was more than that to her. Josuke has no idea who this Jack guy is, but he must be an angel from above for ordering this candygram when he did. Relief washes over Josuke. Just have to hope I didn't botch it all at the get-go... ]

... Ah-heheh.... Mostly the kids. Pretty sure the grannies just like dorky things like that. It's kinda' fun, I guess. [ Dorky things like Josuke! Even if he is trying very, very hard to be cool right now. But it's hard to deny his own breathlessness, still not quite able to catch her pretty, pale blue eyes. ]

I, er— [ he clears his throat, a little anxious to escape his own silly thoughts. ] You don't... have to, but I get a small commission, if you wanna send Jack something back. Although, I guess that's kind of a pain in the ass since you're working now, sorry...

Edited 2026-02-10 04:16 (UTC)

[ All those nerves that swirl beneath his skin remain a mystery to her. Even if she were some sort of mind (or heart in this case) reader, she would find herself baffled by them. Why anyone would be nervous about handing her candy is a mystery, especially considering these particular circumstances. It isn't as if Josuke had written her this note - nor would she want him to. Not because she disliked him either, mind you. It mostly has to do with the fact that she has a sneaking suspicion that he has a problem handling his finances much like her brother does (and though she had never confirmed what was fact or fiction on his matchmaking card, the gambling line could have been true for all she knows).

Though if it brings his past forlorn wanderings any comfort, she had been briefly saddened at thought of them not being able to exchange numbers. She had been telling the truth that she had been looking forward to their sparring match. And, like it or not, she had become somewhat protective of the boy that towered over her with his eclectic hair and style.

Maybe when she gets over her mortification she'll be appreciative too that Jack had decided to send her a candygram and Josuke had been the one to deliver it. Even if he does seem oddly short of breath. If it was embarrassing for him to do it then she may as well indulge him. She's quick to unwrap the kazoo from the card and after a moment she gives it a blow, rewarding them both with a silly little whhhiiiirrrr! This time there is no stopping the spluttering of laughter that escapes her lips. ]

Dorky or not I think they knew what they were doing.

[ As for the return candygram - ]

Oh! I think that would be most appropriate. I had plans of sending him one so this saves me the trouble of going after my shift.

[ And there's the added bonus of Josuke being able to actually...you know. Make a little more money.

Patting her apron pockets down she locates a pen and her coin purse (she's learned, okay) pulling both out. But like any good transaction, the joolies should be exchanged first. She hustles around the counter revealing the extent of her outfit including the boots - ribbons and all. It is a miracle she's been able to heft the bags of flour in these - but she's been quite used to running around in boots that give her a little more height. ...Not that it does much to close the height difference between them. ]

I believe this should be enough. [ More than enough actually. Alisaie is nothing but meticulous in her finances which is to say she had planned the candygrams into her budget. Pressing the money into his hands, and in the spirit of being silly, she offers him a wink. ] The extra is a tip for the enthusiastic delivery so I won't hear a word of protest.

[ As she tore open the kazoo, it's hard not to follow the middling-pink plastic up until it presses against her glossy lips. The "instrument" whoops, and she bursts into laughter. And poor, poor Josuke, his eyes are trained on her pretty face just in time for all of it. Is there anything on this planet that can solidify a fully melted heart? The jury is still out? His eyes flutter in time with the beat of his heart. He can't even speak in answer, to agree or complain.

Thank the gods for the candygram pitch! Can we talk about that faster?! How did he stammer out the sentence in the first place?! Whatever, throat cleared, sales pitch made, he's done the necessary parts of his job and the prospect of cash is somehow enough to bring him back down. ]

Ah, great! Let me grab what you need.... [ The digs through his bags again, procuring the necessary things. He wouldn't be doing the delivery to Jack, just passing it along to the grannies. A similar card (although blank) to the one Alisaie gave him comes out, and he sets it on the counter for her to write, along with a few markers (even if she grabbed a pen already), and a list of addresses. Her boots catch his eye, but he keeps his feelings to himself. A guy who normally decorates himself in massive, golden heart and peace-sign brooches is obviously going to love how gaudy her shoes are. Atop his thoughts, her hand presses into his and—

All over again, Josuke's thinking about her hands, laugh, and hair as he turns to catch the wink in her eye. Josuke hesitates, simpers, and then glances aside once more. His voice is sweet and confident as he answers: ]

Thanks, Alisaie. Might just treat myself to dinner with this. [ The white of his teeth cuts through his smile, a small quirk in his eyebrow. She really is stunning. ] Feel free to take your time writing.

[ Although he gives her a little distance to write on the card in peace, Josuke's never been that shy about physical distance, even with a girl who is currently terrorizing his heart (and he suddenly can't tell if she knows she's doing it or not). He eyes the assortment of heart shaped pastries instead of looming over her letter writing. He'll have to come back when the season is over... ]

[ Meanwhile, in the back of the bakery:

Alisaie not being there was indeed noted. Sunday himself had been focusing on a tray of those heart pastries he's in charge of decorating when he's on the last one - a process thankfully going far better than the time he and his (sort of) missing coworker attempted to decorate a cake when he's discovered piping icing lines is rather enjoyable. So when their manager stops by the table to ask where she is, he can only shake his head in an answer. If they've been keeping a polite distance from each other on shifts, well. He's not going to be the one to mention it.

Turns out Sunday doesn't need to when another coworker whispers loudly enough for the room to hear but not so the sound carries out to the front that Alisaie's upfront with a friend, emphasis apparent. An emphasis which has Sunday looking over his shoulder to where a few of the bakers are grinning at each other as they watch through that one way window, and then he joins them.

And watches, and then raises his eyebrows. Hmm.

Time to grab the tray to take out there and Sunday steps through the doors in time to catch the last part of their conversation. Between that and what he observed before walking out here there's an Idea forming about what's happening as he glances between the two of them. Which is why Sunday takes his time restocking the display case to one side of the counter a couple feet away from they are, looking entirely unbothered.

Anyway, don't mind him! As soon as the tray's empty he'll head back to get started on another set of pastries. Just coincidental timing here, clearly. ]

[ Josuke didn't suggest his motel complex to Giorno when they first met up. It just happened like that: Josuke standing on the second story balcony just outside his room, looking out onto the parking lot, and catching Giorno's bright, golden hair across the lot. He figures, as their eyes had met that evening and hands shared a wave, that Giorno thought the same he did. Stand users are drawn together. It makes sense that they were already just outside each other's peripherals.

Josuke's fine with that. Giorno seems alright. If anything, it made it easier knowing he had someone nearby that would have his back in a pinch, and fuck, if Josuke wasn't a master of finding himself in pinches around Panorama.

What he was less fine with is that he swears he can tell when Giorno is around or not. He's tested his theory a couple of times already, feeling a tingle in his chest and grimacing before taking a step outside to catch the shine of golden hair. His lips twist with a grimace. He waves at Giorno like usual, probably seeming like a guy who just likes standing outside his room a lot. Is it because they're the only Stand users? Is the red string of fate just out of control in this place? He waits about twenty minutes while mulling over these questions before finally biting the bullet and making his way around the complex to Giorno's room.

It's dark when Giorno hears a solid knocking at his door. Is it really a surprise when Josuke is on the other side? He has his hand shoved into his pockets and looks thuggish. Not that Giorno would be worried about this punk knocking. It's just his default. ]

Hey, Giorno. You got a minute? [ A minute is an understatement. ]

Edited 2026-02-07 23:31 (UTC)

[The first time they discovered that they shared the same motel complex, Giorno couldn't help but smile and laugh as they both waved. All that exchange of phone numbers and skipping work early seemed like it was for naught when they lived literal minutes from each other. It certainly made sense given that they were both Stand users. What didn't make sense was the ache in his chest.

At first he chalked it up to feelings of loneliness. Josuke was one of the first people he'd call a friend in the city and while Giorno was no stranger to surviving on his own, his Passione comrades had changed him. One full week of earning respect and trust from people he could reliably call friends made him feel like he'd lived a lifetime of closeness and being cherished. But each time the feeling surfaces, Josuke is always nearby and after some contemplation Giorno decides that it couldn't possibly be loneliness. Loneliness follows you like a haunting shadow and Josuke was neither haunting nor a shadow.

He half wonders if this feeling then is anticipation. More precisely the kind you get from seeing someone come home after a long day without them around. Josuke is always on his balcony when Giorno gets home and that itch in his chest always resurfaces.

Tonight was no different. There Josuke was on his balcony waiting for him. The sensation prickles the back of his neck as they exchanged their waves. He lingers a half minute longer than he normally would before making his way to his motel room to start up dinner. Pasta again with some of the sliced vegetables that he'd exchanged with Josuke. Yum! He's lost in thought as he stands over the stove, watching (but not really) the water come to a boil when there's a knock at the door. Giorno drops the pasta in, turns down both the burner and his radio before checking to see who's at the door. Giorno greets Josuke with a delighted smile.]

Oh, Josuke! Sure. C'mon in. [His smile never wavers but he can't help but rub the back of his neck, wondering what Josuke needs.

The door is opened wider for Josuke, welcoming him in to his motel room. Their motel is cheap and shoddy but Giorno has made the most of his space. His is scrubbed clean with floral notes wafting in the room. Immediately to the right of the door is a makeshift shoe rack containing exactly one pair of shoes and a coat rack adorned with exactly one coat. The place is sparsely furnished, containing two beds rearranged against the wall and a small round table that exists near the balcony door with barely enough room to seat two people. Sadly there isn't a couch or any entertainment besides the radio he'd stolen. That could change. He just hasn't lived here for very long clearly.

Awkwardly he realizes he's never had a friend over to his house before. It only seems polite to offer Josuke something:]

Would you like some coffee or pasta?

Edited 2026-02-08 02:39 (UTC)

[ A thread with a radio, but not a song chosen?! Why not this great song from the Scorpions? Or, uh, something close to it? Every time Josuke hears a radio, he swears the song feels familiar, but there's always something a little weird about it that makes him think it must be space music or something. Unfortunately, us earthling cannot get space tunes for comparison. ]

Kinda' late for coffee, [ Josuke mutters as his eyes scan the room. He takes his shoes off at the door like he knows the meaning of manners, and slips his coat off to reveal a sweater that is decidedly not Mr. Junko branded. Already, his "minute" is seeming much longer than he proposed. ]

Ah, screw it. I'll take you up on the pasta, too, if it won't put you out. [ Hard to be picky when he barely scrapes by, and he knows what it's like to starve for a little too long. He'll follow Giorno toward his kitchenette, find a corner to press his shoulder against. He's not sure that he's ever had a Stand user he could actually tell when they were around. ]

I keep meaning to say; kinda funny that we ended up at the same motel, huh? I mean, obviously it's that thing about Stand users, but still feels kind of ironic. So, you settling in alright? Seems like you're doing better than I was when I showed up. [ His eyes point toward the bubbling cauldron of food. Josuke's still not doing that good at sustaining himself. Cooking pasta for one's self is impressive enough! On the flip side, Josuke's getting by on cup ramen and overcooked pork. Whatever's cheap. ]

It won't put me out, [Giorno promises with a polite smile. Without a second thought he throws in another serving of pasta into the pot. The water bubbles lower and he turns the heat up just a smidge to get them roiling again. To the left is the pan of vegetables which he begins moving around, checking the sear. Stopping only to roll up the sleeves of his oversized pink sweater which threaten to get in the way. He angles his body so that he can watch the stove and his guest while he listens.]

Yeah, it is kinda funny but I'm also kinda glad. Gives us the chance to get to know each other. [He can't help but flash a smile at the taller teen; warm and inviting like one might be when opening up to a friend. But then Josuke asks his next question and his eyes divert back to the pan. Watching the sizzle of the vegetables and concentrating on the blubbering of the boiling water. His expression becomes almost serene like as he contemplates the answer.]

I'm making the most of the situation and you know... it could be worse.

[Clearly there's more to his answer but he doesn't divulge or explain. Instead he begins to spoon some of the starchy water from the pasta into the vegetable pan. Steam rises rapidly until the water is able to retain it's liquid form. He turns, grabbing a bag of stale bread out of the cabinet and setting it down with a clatter indicating that it might as well be a rock. He rolls up his sleeves again.]

I take it that you've had a rough time of it here when you first arrived? Wait, sorry, can you hold that thought?

[Gold Experience manifests then and just as suddenly as it had appeared, begins to rapidly beat the shit out of the stale bread, turning it into crumbs with a small cry of MUDA, MUDA, MUDA. As his Stand works, Giorno adds the noodles and some manner of cheese into the vegetable pan. He gives the soupy mixture a minute to simmer before shaking in some of the crumbs to the pan. He stirs as he shakes until the mixture starts to thicken, letting the cheese stick to the pasta. Giorno might not be Tonio but this pasta is starting to look delicious!]

Hey, you said you didn't really like tomatoes, right? [He remembers from the warehouse. How thoughtful! Anyways the foods done and Giorno is dishing up some pasta on two mismatched plates. He makes sure to avoid the tomatoes for Josuke, unless he expresses otherwise.]

Edited 2026-02-11 00:18 (UTC)

[ Even if that isn't the most bizarre thing Josuke has seen in his life, Gold Experience going absolutely bananas on stale bread is still getting a face. It's pretty efficient, though! Maybe he should put more consideration into what Crazy Diamond can do for him in the kitchen! That would require Josuke actually doing anything in the kitchen except staring at his pork cutlets getting drier and drier all the time in the pan. Can't really fix a dry cutlet.

He does hold that thought, looking back at the few short months he's lived here. Lonely months, even if he had normally seen Clarence daily. And he knows he made one friend since then, who made him nervous, but that's neither here nor there. It was the first couple of weeks that were hardest.

The question draws his gaze again, and he simpers softly. ] Kinda surprised you remembered that. Guess I'm trying not to be so picky, but it's hard. I'm still struggling to make ends meet.

[ It's the hair, Josuke. —Okay, it's not just the hair, but it doesn't help. ]

It's getting worse too, I swear. I'm out of a car until this weather clears up. Way too icy with the rain and the cold. You've seen that little bike in the lot? That's mine. Been stuck there practically since the day I showed up.

[ Decidedly not the full sized car he was driving when Giorno arrived. ]

[Giorno's a people watcher so of course he'd remember the minute detail of Josuke disliking tomatoes. Plus it's hard not to forget the guy who literally "fixed" the salsa.

He grimaces a little when Josuke says he's struggling. He can relate. This borderline poverty situation is something he's already accustomed to so Giorno has been able to roll with the punches so to speak. Though he does have his own set of struggles. Coping with the full breadth of the last week he'd had in Italy is his mental battle to fight. That and the realization that he had achieved his dream only for the victory to slip away from his fingertips by being here.]

Wait. What happened to the car you had? [Concern rises in his voice as he looks Josuke over. Was he robbed? Did a sentient virus betray his trust? Did he have TWO car loans? Did someone rear end him? Is this why Josuke wanted to talk to him?] You could have asked me sooner if this is what you came over for. Of course I can drive you around. I think you've seen me get out of my car but it's the bright orange "bug" with three wheels.

[One plate and a cup of coffee gets handed over to Josuke as Giorno motions for him to have a seat at the small table. Giorno joins him of course with his own plate and a bowl of coffee. Yes. A bowl. A bowl of coffee. You see, he only managed to find a single mug to use and Josuke gets the honor of using it. (Don't worry, he cleans it every day.)]

You can borrow it too if you need it for a longer haul. You just gotta give me some advanced warning because I do have my number plastered around for taxi services.

[ Being stuck on foot in the bad weather at least gave him a good reason to get to know the residential area better, and today as he wanders the streets of Panorama looking for a little purpose, he rubber necks hard as he passes by what has to be the oldest car he has ever seen parked in his relatively-not-that-long life.

A whistle cuts his lips as he approaches the car, unable to resist his own curiosity. ]

Is someone seriously driving this thing around? Looks like it's on its last leg... Or, wheel, I guess.

[ He's talking to himself as he paces around the car. While he's not huge into cars, who wouldn't marvel at the classic shape that contrasts the grunge-futurism of every other car on the road? He leans over to peer inside as he twists his lips with thought, thinking the interior looks too recently used to be out of commission. ]

Debt on this must be low...

Edited 2026-02-09 05:15 (UTC)

[The interior of the car is clean, if aged. The leather is well worn, there's only dull metallic sheens on the stick shift and handles, and the whole thing looks as uninviting to break into as possible. The sole conceit to anything personal is a black blanket folded neatly on the passenger's seat.]

It takes a relic to enjoy a relic.

[Alucard's voice comes from a little further down the street, carrying a small shopping bag in hand. He has some additional fabric for a project, and it is actually decent, thick, and warm. It is a match for the dhampir's tone as he adds:]

I was worried less about debt and more about having something that didn't look like a depressing metal box at the time.

[ Josuke straightens and leans even further back than a normal person should (nearly comically, borderline JoJo-posey) as he peeks to see who'd heard him muttering to himself. ]

Oh hey, fancy meeting you here. [ Very fancy! There's no denying Alucard's elegance. He rubs his chin a moment, his thoughts indecipherable from a mere gesture. He takes in the cool tone and shopping bag, curious about the contents of the bag, but he'll leave it for now.

Hard not to simper about the "depressing box," eyes cast back at the car again. He looks almost wistful, maybe a little foolish. ] Kinda feel you there. Looks like you make a smarter choice than me, though. Haven't been able to ride my bike since I arrived. Kinda hoping it'll stop being icy soon.

[ Too much rain. He's trying not to get himself killed. ]

[There is a fleeting moment where Alucard finds himself concerned for Josuke's sense of balance, but it passes.]

I continue to lack anything close to subtle, I'm afraid.

[Alucard's not depressing box requires that he come around to the passenger side to unlock it and put his bag away. There's a little jingle of his keys, and it turns out there is a tiny bat dangling from the keychain.]

Oh, those two wheeled death machines?

[They concern him.]

How are you getting around if you are being that cautious? Not that the caution itself is inadvisable.

[ As a man who has been hit by a four wheel death machine, they're all concerning, but he doesn't say that. Instead, he frowns and tilts his head left and right, noncommital in his confirmation. In his defense, it has hearts all over it. It's very kewl. ]

Uh... [ Alucard's question activates an immediate discomfort. He glances aside. ] Well, I had been borrowing this one guy's car whenever, but...

[ he scratches his cheek as he puffs out his lips. He's still kind of worked up about it when he remembers what happened back in January, and it makes his heart thunder. He skips over any clarification: ]

Haven't really found a decent alternative since. Been kinda rough, jobs around here aren't too lucrative.

[Perhaps one should not speak ill of a death machine?Alucard is thinking he might have erred based on his conversation companion's look, and he has the good grace to look at least slightly embarrassed about the remark.]

I agree with you about employment here. It's difficult, and the way this city likes to play on debt doesn't make it easier.

[Perhaps....]

Do you need to head anywhere in particular? I could give you a ride if you'd like.

( TBD )

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just observing.... (i'm sorry)

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