[UNTITLED.]

It was. Haven’t been able to stop thinking about it, myself.

[He almost hesitates, seeing him avert his eyes like that. But he wasn’t lying–though he felt guilty, thinking of his friend in such ways, he couldn’t help himself. He didn’t want to cross any lines, didn’t want to put him in a position he’d rather not be in–but if he doesn’t act, he’ll never know.]

They are. I’d know a thing or two about lucky stars. The only question now is…

[Boldly, he reaches out with his other hand, gently taking Diavolo’s chin in his fingers and urging him to look back up.]

How lucky are you feeling?

I.. I don’t know.

[He tremors slightly as hes gripped, feeling like warm clay against a masters’ hand. Expectedly of him, he’s quick -- and very eager to submit to the other’s touches. But, he does raise his hand and rests it on the other’s thigh in an attempt to be what one could call ‘seductive.’]

Could you tell me how lucky I am? I’d love to know..

[He’s suddenly visioning an array of bright lights, bills and the steady thumping of a base followed by a cacophony of muffled dance music in a room lit by shady lamps. So this is how he treats his customers...? As the thoughts he conjures up dissipate, a flash of envy flows through him and he grips him tighter.]

Can’t fault you for that, I guess. But… not even a pillow or a blanket?

[He stares right back at him, eyes lidded. Again, without pausing to think, he moves his hand down, touching lightly at his knee. Just letting it rest there, his touch somewhat fleeting.]

[There’s an odd sort of tension in the air. On a night like this, when he’s used to working the pole or working in the back room, he can’t help but feel a bit more tense than usual. And not in the unpleasant way, either.]

[Perhaps it’s a force of habit.]

Love to bathe in it, huh? Just my company?

Well I mean, the bath you gave me the other day was really nice... If that’s what you mean by ‘bathe.’ ...

...

[He definitely doesn’t shy away from the touch. But out of his usual shyness, he can’t bring himself to hold eye contact, so - very wisely, he chooses to stare vacantly at the floor as his hair rolls over his shoulders.]

[The tension hits him like a truck, and he becomes painfully aware of the cold sweat that gathers on his neck.]

I’ve got the night off. Would you rather I be at work?

[He slides off his chair, crouching down next to him. Without thinking, he reaches over to brush Diavolo’s hair out of his face.]

Maybe I should invest in a comfier couch.

I don’t know, I’ve always liked sleeping on the floor...

[For a while, he just stares at him. Before the apple bobs in his throat as he sucks in air. Ah yes, to remind yourself how to breathe.]

deathlooped replied to your post: [Surprisingly, he was given the day off today….

[Guess Who’s Sleeping On The Floor Again!]

[He puts the paper down. He’s not sure–is that really comfortable for him?]

… hey.

[He slowly rolls onto his side, staring up at his carer(?) through the lines between hair. His movement are surprisingly groggy and slow, As expected of someone that just woken up.]

[He can’t help but chuckle a bit; it’s pretty rare, him not getting stared at for long. He thrives on the attention, but the consideration his friend offers him is touching in itself.]

[Once Diavolo scoots over, Jotaro carefully dips his foot into the tub, trying not to slosh the water about too much as he slowly sinks in across from Diavolo. The bath is big, at least, though he has to take care not to move too suddenly; the water comes just shy of overflowing with his added weight in the tub. With that said, he stretches his legs out, sinking in low and resting his back against the edge.]

[He tries to give him as much space as he might want, but it’s like he says; it’s a tight squeeze, and Jotaro can’t keep his legs from brushing against Diavolo. But as long as he doesn’t make a fuss, it should be fine.]

There we go.

It’s not too bad. I’d call it more cozy than tight. Kind of makes me wish I had a hot tub we could soak in, though…

[Once Jotaro slides in with him, he relaxes himself thoroughly. Acting considerably more human, as he should be, and completely removing the 'hunched up like a cat afraid of water' from the occasion.]

[He exhales softly and re-drapes himself agaisnt the furnishes as his hair splays out behind him in wet ropes, clinging to the surface of the bath tub.]

. . . 

[With Jotaro's calf rubbing against his, his eyes immediately roll downward and he feels sparks of insecurity roll through him like the ripples in the tub. In comparison Diavolo feels unusually immaculate and strangely insecure when compared to Jotaro's visage. But there is humour to it, feeling like a corpse compared to a finely crafted statue...]

[But it doesn't phase him. The humidity rising from the water slithers into Diavolo's pores and flushes his cheeks and mixed with the almond scent makes him feel somewhat hazily relaxed, maybe because hes sensitive to the heat. Either way, he breathes out short puffs and sweat clings to his non-submerged chest. To Diavolo, it's a barely noticeable change, but he's also painfully aware that Jotaro has the eyes of a hawk and can hyperfixate on bodily changes. It was a part of his job after all.]

[Him pointing out the fact that out of everything in his life, it takes something innocent like just taking a bath together to get him to blush, just makes him blush more. He tugs the brim of his hat down, but it’s too late; the blush has spread to his ears.]

[But hearing the reason why definitely gets his mind out of the gutter. Though, it ends up making him ache due to just how heartfelt his request really is. Jotaro clears his throat.]

If you really want that, I can–yeah. I’m. Admittedly, I’m not used to… things like this. But yeah, hold on, I’ll just.

[Standing up, he takes off his hat and sets it on the edge of the sink. He’s a lot more careless with his clothes; he’s not stripping for cash at the moment, but he still can’t help the unconscious flair he adds to it, letting the harness fall to the floor along with his pants and underwear. After a brief moment of thought, he huffs and picks them up, tossing the clothes into the hamper and the harness into the sink.]

You’re in luck, I think the bath’s just big enough for the two of us.

Mind scooting over?

[Diavolo watches him undress for approximately 0.5 seconds before he eventually turns around and mentally chooses to stare at the bathroom wall instead. Not half as exciting as watching a man of Jotaro’s stature undress, but Diavolo does it out of courtesy, respect but primarily out of the carnal embarrassment which both of them are finely tuned to.]

[Acting shrewdly, he tenses and untenses his fists for a brief moment in a flicker of unease. Wondering why he has to act like this, in front of Jotaro of all people. Would he ever get his confidence back? Who knows.]

Sure.

[He speaks with up-most enthusiasm as he squeezes himself against the edge of the bathtub, tucking his moderately long legs up to his chest whilst trying to not knock himself against the taps.]

...

Tight squeeze, hmn?

Well, I’m glad to hear–

–it…

[He’s really not sure he heard that right? At all? He’d be lying if he didn’t admit to all the… tension that’s been boiling up today? He doesn’t want to jeopardize their friendship by making him uncomfortable with anything vaguely intimate, but.]

[God if it isn’t tempting.]

You…

Really mean that, or are you teasing me?

Well, you know...

[For a moment, he looks distant. Stares at the floor. Taps his hands against the sides, his nails loudly clicking against the reflective surface before he glances back at Jotaro. His shoulders jerk in surprise, it wasn't like him to be flushed - was it?]

Ha- look at that! You're blushing!

[Diavolo lets out an ugly snorting laugh, and the laugh fades as he relaxes his crown on the side again.]

. . . .

I.. I just appreciate your closeness, you know? I think it's reassuring if anything.

[He huffs! Suddenly stubborn!!!]

It's not sexual or anything... It's just that I'm depraved of bodily contact.. And truthfully I,

. . . . .

[He closes his eyes and leans against the wall, giving him plenty of room to get in without having to brush up against him. Jotaro keeps his word, not opening his eyes until Diavolo says it’s all right. Once he’s in, and the water’s at the appropriate level, he turns the tap off for him and takes a seat on the floor next to the tub.]

I would’ve used a bath bomb, but I don’t have any. I’ll have to go shopping this later week.

[There’s a soft chuckle, when he flicks at his hair.]

How does the water feel?

The water?

[He shuffles around some more, letting the water lap up the sides of his cold flesh as he stretches his legs and bows his head over the rim of the bath. He feels the heat almost immediately. Hot and humid, his breaths come out as small puffs.]

[Craning his neck backward, his hair flops over the side of the bath. Draping over porcelain in a fine drape. Racking his mind, the lump in his throat bobs as he lets out a deep humor-filled laugh.]

Wonderful, makes me wish you were in here too.

[While Diavolo is busy, he turns the tap on, waiting until it’s warm enough to put the plug in. Pausing for a moment, he decides that he might like it better if this was a bubble bath; nodding to himself, he grabs the mixture from the shelf and pours it in, a sweet smell wafting through the air. Slowly but surely, as the water fills up, light pink bubbles fill the whole tub up.]

[With that taken care of, Jotaro busies himself with finding the right soaps and conditioners to set out. He’s blissfully oblivious to Diavolo’s internal conflict, turning to greet him with a smile.]

It’s just about ready–I hope you don’t mind bubbles.

…

I can turn away while you get in, if you want.

R... Right, thanks for confirming.

[He speaks mellowly, his voice lingering on a fallen volume. He approaches, dropping his towels and fresh clothes near the bath and he waits for Jotaro to close his eyes.]

[Then he just... ??? Awkwardly shuffles himself out of his clothes whilst eyeing Jotaro suspiciously, jumps into the bath, and hides behind the shower curtain and stays there for a moment before settling down into the bubbling waters - hissing as the unsuspecting heat clashes against his skin. He appreciates the colour of the froth, smiling at how the hues match his hair.]

Alright, I'm in... You can look now.

If you really want to know more about it, then sure.

[He says that, but… thinking about his grandfather would lead to him thinking about the other three he went on that perilous journey with. … No, it should be fine. Talking about the old man isn’t difficult, in itself.]

[At least the wink takes his mind off things. He nods and moves after him, brushing past Diavolo to get to the bathroom across the hall.]

Sure–I’ll get the water started. If you’d like to grab a change of clothes beforehand, I think I have some clean shirts in there that you could borrow.

Ah alright, I'll gather.

[He speaks swiftly as he allows Jotaro to leave to fill the bath. Whilst this happens he gladly takes his time in picking out clothes, long shirts and pants that clearly do not belong to him. And hey, Jotaro wouldn't mind if he borrowed his dressing gown would he?]

[Allowing himself to contemplate, he extends his time by being meticulous about what towels he wants to use. Eventually, he chooses one and he walks across the hallway. His thoughts lingering.]

[...]

[He halts. Of course, it's only at this godless hour he realizes the weight of the situation and he flushes down to his shoulders! - Truly at the peak, no the apex of his embarrassment his legs bow and he slaps himself back into his routine position.]

[He peaks through the doorway, looking somewhat miserable.]

H-have you finished running the bath?

“Weird” is an understatement.

[He laughs a little, when he’s playfully punched in the shoulder. He’s glad that he seems to have loosened up from the massage? He can’t help himself–he reaches over to ruffle Diavolo’s hair, in turn, a smirk playing on his lips.]

You think so? Well, I do get propositioned every now and then… but I’ve got high standards, of course. Besides, the noise would keep you up at night, I figure.

[He says it with complete sincerity–but the smile shows him that he’s joking.]

I understand, though.

And yeah–if you don’t mind. Just to make sure you don’t cramp up or anything.

I'd love to know more about your family Jotaro, please speak more of them as I bathe...

[Diavolo winks - but suddenly turns stubborn once his scalp is rubbed. He puffs, inflating his cheeks in defiance but immediately appears more alert - despite his sticky, shirtless state.]

[Hell at least he smells nice.]

[Rocking himself off the bed, he gets up, steps forward and waits by the bedroom door. Waiting for Jotaro's move.]

Are you going to do the honors Jotaroooo~oouu?

Right–you should take it easy for a while. I can run you a bath, too, to wash the rest of the oil off… the warm water will help, I think.

[He can feel his cheeks turn a bit redder. Without thinking to wipe off his oil-slicked hands, he tugs the brim of his hat down out of habit, clearing his throat softly.]

Well–I’m only half-Japanese, myself. My family tree’s fairly weird, lots of ins and outs that I’m not even aware of.

…

Grandma Suzie is very sweet. Without her, I’m pretty sure my grandpa wouldn’t be able to take proper care of himself. I call her as often as I can, along with my mom.

You’d like her.

Weird family tree huh...

[He sits up, continues his stretching and grins. Laughing to himself, he punches Jotaro in the shoulder as a familial gesture. A result of play with no aggression behind it.]

[It's hard relating this character to the shy, miserable looking one that was found shaking in a wet ditch 5 months ago.]

You're such a charmer, Jotaro! Never expected someone like you to be such a charmer... To say the least, I'm surprised that you don't bring any other people home!--

But...

I appreciate your loyality regardless. And I don't know about your grandmother... I don't like people that much, as you already know.

[Getting a vague feeling that he’s not the only one enjoying this.]

[Nonchalantly clearing his throat, Jotaro just continues kneading and rubbing his shoulders, hoping to at least work a few knots out before things get awkward. For a few scant moments, he thinks that Diavolo might’ve missed what he said–which appears to be untrue.]

Oh–yeah. I meant it as one.

My grandmother’s Italian, so… I don’t get to hear it all that often. Yours is different, though… a good kind of different.

I’m not all that great at describing it, it’s just… nice to listen to.

…

Um–how am I doing? Are you feeling any better?

I'm feeling much better... A little sticky with the oil but definitely a lot better than before.

[For a moment he wriggles around and lets his shoulders click back into place. He breathes out a sigh of relief and lets out a deep guttural sounding groan as he relaxes into himself.]

Mhmhn... I didn't think you were someone of Italian descent, Jotaro. You seriously don't look it.

[He knows Jotaro's lying, but he plays along regardless. Mainly to ease the stresses which the other might have.]

How was your grandmother, was she nice~?

[That gets a laugh out of him, at least–a soft one.]

I’ll keep that in mind, then. You can always tell me to stop, though, if it gets to be too much.

[Jotaro pays attention to the noises Diavolo makes; his brow furrows, worried that he’s pushing him too far. Either way, he slides his hands back up to his shoulders. It must be helping, if his body’s reacting like that. Spreading the oil around his shoulders, he puts his back into it, kneading along the columns of his neck that connect to his shoulders, working his way inward with firm, smooth kneads.]

I like your accent, when you say stuff like that–it’s nice.

[Now why would you say something like that out of the blue, Jotaro.]

... Mmmn.

[He groans low in his throat, keening as Jotaro presses his hands into his neck and rolls across the skin. He wonders if he can feel the goosebumps rising from him, a sensation in his skin which is becoming more apparent.]

[So much for a simple massage... He grunts, feeling the beads of sweat begin to accumulate along his cheeks and forehead. Looks as if Jotaro's idle comment didn't go unnoticed by him. He feels sticky and warm, but he still rides out the waves with his back curving ever-so upward into the other's massaging.]

[He’s careful and gentle with his fingers, almost afraid to dig in too hard. Jotaro can feel him relax under his fingers, however, which is a relief. He starts at his shoulder blades and the base of his neck, kneading his thumbs into the tender muscle.]

–More force? Yeah, I can go harder. I just don’t want to hurt you.

[With that request in mind, however, he starts digging his thumbs into his shoulders a little more deeply, his hands firm as he works his way down his back. It’s easier to do, with the oil; he’s probably going to be smelling like almonds for a couple days.]

Is there anywhere you want me to focus on? Like your shoulders, your lower back, or… just anywhere with a lot of tension?

... Hey now, as much as I appreciate the sentiment there's no reason to go easy on me of all people.

[He lets out a gruff sounding laugh, twitching with pride as Jotaro toughens his grasp. Huffing and baring his teeth, he grunts with a growing discomfort as the hands begin to move around the more sore of areas. His friend is met with a cyclone of horrible clicks as the tension is drawn from his particularly bad shoulder blades.]

[Puffing himself up, he turns his head half-way and eyes Jotaro. He's still smiling as if he doesn't sound like old floorboards, but even then drool has begun to spread on the cushion - probably out of an expression of hidden discomfort or pain.]

Working on the shoulders would be nice... By the way, please don’t stop... I'm thoroughly enjoying this.

I can only imagine, yeah–hm?

[Jotaro blinks when Diavolo seems to just–freeze up suddenly. He doesn’t have the presence of mind to back away and give him space–he’s left wondering “oh god, did I already fuck this up or what”–Thankfully, the color comes back to his face, easing the tension that coiled in Jotaro’s shoulders.]

[And then–ah. He looks down at himself. He’d nearly forgotten.]

We usually do, yeah–I was in a hurry today, though, and I forgot to change… I hope it’s not too uncomfortable. If it is, I can toss something on over it. Let me just get the oil on you before that, okay?

[Thankfully, his harness doesn’t have any sleeves. Taking a few steps to the side, he upends the bottle over Diavolo’s back, in a long line that traces his spine. When there’s enough, Jotaro reaches down to spread it along his skin, dutifully covering as much of his flesh as he could.]

I won’t go too hard, so don’t worry. Just relax.

[Not helping to make this situation any less suggestive, Jotaro.]

[Diavolo smiles wearily.]

Don't shake yourself over it just took me as a surprise, that's all.

[Dropping down again, he relaxes and rotates his shoulder blades as the liquid is poured onto him. Unused to the sensation of the cold liquid, he hisses slightly and arches his back ever so timidly into the others' palm. The aroma fills his nostrils and all anxieties are removed from him in short puffs.]

[As his flesh is carefully kneeded, Diavolo almost appears to look as if his physical form is clipping into the mattress.]

[And as expected, the lewdness of the comment goes over Diavolo's head.]