Chapter Text
Noriaki never could have imagined that his life would truly get better. Better, and less lonely. From the very beginning of the journey with the others, he had, to put it lightly, come to terms with the fact that he would most likely die. But now…
He would never think that way again.
Of course, his injury had left serious consequences behind. Even if he had not lost Hierophant, nor the ability to walk, the chronic pain stretching from his abdomen down to his pelvis would haunt him for the rest of his life.
And even for that, he was grateful. Truly, the Speedwagon Foundation’s medical technology was nothing short of astonishing.
Kakyoin closed his eyes, letting his head rest against the shoulder beside him. He was still confined to a wheelchair for the time being. According to the doctors, even ordinary walking could interfere with his recovery, and any mention of sports had been immediately dismissed.
His hand searched for another’s, and when he found it, he gripped tightly, their fingers threading together. Jotaro’s hand was warm, slightly larger than his own, and even something as simple as holding hands was enough to calm Noriaki, enough to let his fears and lingering anxieties loosen their hold, if only for a little while.
Kujo held on just as firmly, his gaze sharp and unwavering as Kakyoin leaned against him.
But in the end, both Noriaki and Jotaro were still teenagers, no matter their strength or intelligence. And one thing neither of them had much experience with was relationships.
Still, neither of them argued about it, nor worried.
Noriaki certainly didn’t mind that his first experience with love was with Jotaro. And from the looks of it, Jotaro felt the same.
Their kisses could be clumsy, uneven, perhaps even laughable, but that was never the point. Jotaro liked the feeling of Noriaki’s lips against his own, just as Noriaki liked his.
Kujo didn’t care what others thought of their relationship, no matter how unconventional it might seem. Noriaki, on the other hand, had worried about what his family would think. But after Jotaro’s recent conversation with his parents, it seemed they had no objections, even if they carefully avoided bringing it up during their last phone call.
Still, Noriaki’s thoughts couldn’t linger forever.
It was time to say goodbye to his companions. Or perhaps, more accurately, his first real friends.
Opening his eyes, Noriaki realized they had already arrived at the airport. Considering his last experience with airplanes, he had little desire to board another one. But… DIO was dead, and most of his followers no longer had any reason to pursue them.
Looking up, a necessity from the height of being on a wheelchair, he noticed the smiles on everyone’s faces.
Polnareff, as always, was positively beaming. As annoying as the Frenchman could sometimes be, life was never boring with him around.
“I’m going back to France. It’s my homeland, and no matter what happens, I always return to it,” he declared. Then he added with a grin, “But don’t you worry! I’ll stay in touch. You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”
He punctuated the promise with a hearty clap to Noriaki’s shoulder.
Suddenly, Noriaki heard an irritated bark and looked down, spotting Iggy.
Despite losing a paw, he had lost none of his attitude. The dog cast each of them a look that all but promised they would meet again, then tucked himself behind Polnareff.
After speaking to everyone in turn, Polnareff looked at Kakyoin and said quietly, “Get well soon, Noriaki. That pale face and all those bandages really don’t suit you.”
Noriaki could only hope they’d meet again soon as Polnareff and Iggy hurried off toward their gate.
Avdol’s smile was much like the man himself - warm, powerful, almost fiery. That was how Noriaki had always seen him. His confidence and quick judgment made him seem larger than life.
“I’m staying here. This is my home,” Avdol said, clasping each of their hands firmly. “Recover quickly, Noriaki.”
And then he disappeared into the crowd.
That left only Kakyoin, Jotaro, and Mister Joestar. And all three of them shared the same destination.
Japan, Tokyo.
Getting onto the plane was… troublesome, but Jotaro’s warm hands lifted him effortlessly into his seat.
Kakyoin liked being in Jotaro’s arms. He didn’t feel small. He felt very much loved.
As though Jotaro held him like something precious beyond measure.
He drifted in and out of sleep during the flight, though rest was difficult. Partly because his wounds still throbbed painfully, and partly because being on a plane left him deeply unsettled. Even asleep, Jotaro held onto him tightly, as though if he let go, Noriaki might disappear.
Kakyoin glanced down at the photograph taken only weeks ago, all his friends captured in a single frame.
“I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
◖⚆ᴥ⚆◗
Back home, or rather, at Jotaro's home, they were greeted once again by his mother.
Holly was absolutely radiant with happiness, her smile bright as she welcomed Noriaki with open arms.
“I’m so happy my son found someone as wonderful as you!” she said warmly. “Don’t worry, Noriaki. Make yourself at home. You’ll always be welcome here.”
And truly, Noriaki had not been wrong about her all those weeks ago. Holly was a wonderful woman.
From that point on, Kakyoin spent most of his time at the Joestar residence, together with Jotaro. Nearly three months had passed since DIO’s defeat, and Noriaki already felt far better than he had back then. He could walk again, though his doctor had firmly insisted that running or any strenuous exercise was still out of the question.
In any case, Jotaro had returned to school before him, and Noriaki had been quietly touched when Kujo brought him class notes so he wouldn’t fall too far behind.
After reconnecting with his parents, all Noriaki could do was apologize for making them worry so much. The good news was that they had no issue with his relationship with Jotaro. In fact, they were even considering moving closer so they would no longer be so far from their son.
Noriaki had no reason for jealousy. Despite the constant swarm of girls around Jotaro, he knew him well enough to understand one thing:
If Jotaro gave himself to someone, he did so completely. And forever.
“Hey, Noriaki.” Jotaro’s voice broke the silence as he once again ducked his face beneath the brim of his cap.
The two of them were sitting together in his room, Jotaro leaning against him. Noriaki hummed softly to show he was listening.
“When we’re older…” Jotaro began, his voice lower than usual. “We’re going to live together, right?”
“Of course,” Noriaki replied. “Did you seriously doubt it?”
“Not anymore.” A faint blush crept across Jotaro’s cheeks, betraying just how much thought he’d given the question.
Noriaki laughed softly.
“You better not tell me you were wondering whether I’d say yes if you proposed.” Kakyoin asked sarcastically.
For once, Jotaro smiled openly. Then he answered, just as quietly:
“Not anymore.”