Archive of Our Own ^beta

In the crowded bar, Kakyoin can already smell the second hand reek he's going to have clinging to his clothes. Alcohol, spit, and smoke. As if he didn't already have gritty Egyptian sands weaved into the hem of his clothes and sweat staining his shirt. He's thoroughly disgusted by both the atmosphere and the actual orders. They all ordered drinks, though Kakyoin's is a virgin cherry something or other, and Avdol next to him at the small table had something completely foreign.

The others are scattered about the same bar, taking the break as their only refuge from the heat and new enemies. They didn't even care if they had to fight anyone in the bar, they just wanted to escape. Kakyoin is certain Polnareff is trying to chat up some women, and probably fending off creeps in the meantime, and Joseph might be doing the same thing if he wasn't already so entertained by some random table’s conversation he suddenly joined. The teen can't imagine Jotaro went far, probably to a dark corner or wherever he can be alone and have some space. Glancing around, Kakyoin wonders just where his classmate went.

So, Avdol sets his drink down with the thud of glass against wood. How long have you two been a thing?

Sorry? Kakyoin shakes himself back after reeling at Avdol's implications. Who has been a what now?

You and Jotaro. You're classmates right? Avdol carefully watches him, almost like a parent would when trying to approach a sensitive subject. A sudden worry that maybe Avdol is pranking him nudges at his mind. It wouldn't be unheard of.

Yeah we're classmates. Same year, but I don't recall having many classes with him. I'm an art student, he explains, though he doesn't know why the older man would understand why being an art student would keep Kakyoin's classes so far away from Jotaro's. Avdol nods, taking another sip. Maybe Kakyoin simply misunderstood Avdol before, though he knows he has aced every English exam he's been given.

You know each other through the school then? Why with Avdol's twenty questions?

Yeah. He has a reputation of being the high school delinquent, so I never bothered to talk to him much before… I'm also a transfer student, so I hadn't been at the school for more than a week or so. Shifting in his seat, Kakyoin debates whether to unbutton his top button to release the heat under his collar.

So when did you start dating then? Avdol asks, oblivious to Kakyoin sitting suddenly very still and tense, no longer toying with the cherry in his drink. I suppose it must've been at some point on the trip, but when Jotaro saved you from the flesh bud, it kind of seemed like you two were already kind of close.

Kakyoin breathes heavily, purely because there isn't much else to do. Did the air in the stuffy bar get heavier, or was he just imagining a new Stand user to blame?

Kind of close? Kakyoin repeats, trying to defend against the barrage on his dark inner thoughts with questions of his own.

When he ripped the flesh bud out, he answers, as if it explains everything. You even asked why he saved you, and he said he didn't know himself. You saw that look, didn't you? Now it seems like Avdol is out to get him, the heat in his collar stifling yet chills run down his arms and back. His fingers touch the crown of his forehead before he realize the subconscious gesture.

No.

Tsk tsk, Avdol clicks, pulling out a photo to show Kakyoin some insight. Like this. This was just the other day.

Kakyoin is floored, and he's glad he's sitting down. His face is too close to the camera and mostly cut out. The picture focused on Jotaro, giving him a side-eyed glance. But it was more than that. In one glance, Jotaro seems to be evaluating Kakyoin as he looks away from the picture, seeming absolutely enthralled in Kakyoin's very movement, and almost desperate as if wanting to say something but not opening his mouth. Kakyoin isn't even certain he's reading his expression correctly. It's all so heavily guarded with his hat casting shadows in the desert sun and his blue eyes thin. There's the slightest tilt in Jotaro's head that seems curious. The darkness in his gaze seems completely disinterested. His posture just from his shoulders seems ever stoic and unexpressive as Jotaro is, but the slight twist in his neck begs for attention.

The picture is taken away from him. Blinking, Kakyoin isn't sure if he's trying to forget it or cement it into his memory.

Does… does Jotaro really… look at me like that? His own thoughts are too fast for his mind to process, but the vague whirlwind begs Kakyoin to find an answer.

I really don't understand, Avdol, Kakyoin announces with a surprisingly steady voice. School has taught him many things like tact and decorum, and very effectively how to lie without a trace.

Seriously? Meeting Avdol's gaze is a mistake. No matter what defenses Kakyoin has up, the fiery amber eyes are simultaneously bewildered and betrayed. Kakyoin simply shakes his head with a shrug; what more does he want? Are you kidding?

Are you? Kakyoin frowns back. His fingers grip his drink before relaxing, brows pulling together in an obvious indication of Kakyoin's acute attentiveness he takes in battle. If Avdol wants to poke the bear, then so be it. Fiery amber meets sharp amethyst.

I'm sorry. I just thought-

You just thought. Kakyoin warns. You know, I can't speak for Jotaro, but at least I know that I'm- not that way. He ignores the slight hiccup in his throat.

Before Avdol can think of a comeback, a jingling sound and a blur of movement catches Kakyoin's eye. From the bar, there's an empty barstool, a half finished beer next to an empty bottle, and some tossed change. The signature black coat snaps behind Jotaro as he storms out.

Shit.

Hardly even excusing himself, Kakyoin is on his feet, halfway to the back door before he realizes what he's doing. He doesn't even know what he is doing when he catches the door from closing completely. Did Jotaro hear them? Is he mad at them? Why is he even following him, and what does he expect Jotaro to say?

Jotaro's collected coolness is expected most of the time, but the indifferent glance over his shoulder when he hears Kakyoin hurry outside sends shocks of panic through the redhead. Maybe he was wrong, and Jotaro didn't even hear anything. His cold expression is a difficult mask to work around, and nearly impossible in Kakyoin's flustered state. Tossing his bangs out of his face, he sighs, trying to seem just as oblivious and indifferent as Jotaro.

Why did you follow me? Jotaro asks. It's plain and simple, and yet he can't help but get the feeling that it's more cryptic than a face value concern.

I just thought we were leaving. Didn't want to get left behind, Kakyoin shrugs. Leaning against the corner, Jotaro pulls out a cigarette and his lighter. A small metallic clink starts the flame, which he touches to the end hanging out of his pursed lips. Another clink, and the lighter is away.

Jotaro takes a long drag on his cigarette before lifting his fingers up, removing the cigarette to make room for a large cloud of smoke. His nose twitches, but otherwise Kakyoin doesn't move. He slightly faces the taller teen, wondering if his posture seems unnatural all of the sudden. Jotaro still doesn't seem to mind Kakyoin's presence. Rather, he doesn't seem to care at all whether he's there or not. Most times, it's comforting to Kakyoin. Unlike most classmates, at least Jotaro has a chance of being open to conversation with Kakyoin after a long silence, instead of turning away and trying to preoccupy themselves to avoid him.

We're not leaving, Jotaro reassures him after a second puff. There's a quick flash of blue eyes. You were just talking to Avdol, and he wasn't leaving. Kakyoin, instead of catching his breath, steadies it before he can react. He shifts his weight on his feet, so now he too is leaning against the outer wall of the bar. Kakyoin doesn't want to answer, so he doesn't, but Jotaro continues on regardless.

What was he showing you? To anyone else, the prodding would seem relatively normal of a curious teen. Jotaro isn't quite a normal teenager, however.

Just a picture.

Of what? Kakyoin shrugs Jotaro off again, albeit less fluidly as Jotaro would. Was he always this curious? Suspicious fits Jotaro's hard glare better.

Nothing, he answers a bit too quickly. Keep it short. Just something interesting he found.

Was it something to help find DIO or his mansion?

No.

He almost breathes a sigh of relief when Jotaro returns to his normal inquisitive nature. He is suspicious, but not of Kakyoin, more so about DIO. Jotaro keeps his eyes slightly ahead of him, eyeing down a random rock some few steps in front of him. More smoke curls from his lips. Kakyoin glances around himself. Nothing out of the ordinary warns them of Stand users, and anyone else out just before noon is quickly hurrying to avoid the scorch of the sun.

What were you guys talking about? Kakyoin looks over to Jotaro then. In his own way, it seems, maybe he's trying to keep a conversation going. Jotaro isn't one for small talk, but it is easiest for him to talk to Kakyoin in their first language. For what it's worth, Kakyoin never sees Jotaro in his English class even though his name is on the roster.

Just random stuff, as people usually do. His comment is casual enough. Jotaro offers a slight hum around his cigarette.

What kind of, stuff?

That's too far. Even though Jotaro hasn't changed a bit since their awkward stalling conversation started, he still seems insistent to get to the root of why Kakyoin followed him out here. They won't ever know that answer because even Kakyoin himself doesn't know. So what does Jotaro gain from prying so far? At this rate, Jotaro would drop conversation in favor of his smoke break, unless he is seeking out his own answers. A chilling thought returns to Kakyoin that maybe Jotaro did in fact overhear their conversation. Why does it make him so anxious?

Why, did you hear anything? Kakyoin meant to imply that Jotaro misheard them, and that he can offer clarification. Blue eyes shift to him again with the slightest roll of his head.

Some… parts, his low voice leaves unspecifically.

Which parts? Kakyoin meets his gaze solidly. Jotaro looks away first.

Something to do with the fact you couldn't speak on my behalf for, he mutters, grateful he doesn't have to explain himself if someone else can, but that you yourself aren't that way.

The tone leaves nothing to the imagination.

Oh! Kakyoin scoffs, trying to look interested in the sky to cool his heated face. I'm sorry, I meant no offense, if I- Avdol was just-

Is it true?

Jotaro's gaze is heavy on Kakyoin. Those three words ring in him like a giant gong, reverberating through every bone and straight through his stuttering heart until it jostles his brain. He can't think of how to respond. His rational thinking mind processes the information quickly, his prized quick wit already several steps ahead of himself. Is it true that he's lying straight to Avdol's face? Well, yes, but-

-kyoin. Hey! Oi, Kakyoin! Jotaro's voice raises until Kakyoin can start to register it. He's still floored, still frozen in place and in his thoughts. Slowly, he shifts his gaze back to Jotaro. He now stands slightly away from the wall, cigarette burning between his fingers just a motion away from his mouth. The smoke seems to curl around Kakyoin's already tight throat.

Kakyoin? You need to breathe. Surprisingly, Jotaro's usually intimidating voice turns soft enough to command Kakyoin back to life, something else keen in his eye. He hadn't realized that this entire span of time passed without a single breath. He draws it all in, unintentionally desperate. As soon as he does, however, he's choking on the excess smoke Jotaro has now turned his way to make sure his friend stays standing. Turning away, Kakyoin covers his nose with his sleeve. The sand trapped there is preferable to inhaling any more smoke, and much more importantly, hides the growing blush that adds a layer of cherry red on top of his already flushed face. He mutters some excuse of the smoke and how it's better inside anyway.

A soft patter against the ground and a harsh stomp indicates Jotaro spat out his cigarette to discard. Kakyoin still makes his way back to the door. He's got to get back in before Jotaro thinks to retire early from a second cigarette.

A wall of darkness suddenly overtakes him. He doesn't need to look up to know the quick soft steps on the shifting sand to be Jotaro now looming slightly ahead of him, cornering him against the wall. Bullies have tried this tactic, but a battle-trained fighter like Jotaro makes escape impossible. Kakyoin braces against the wall, his heel scuffing it and his fingers attempting to find a good grip to keep himself together.

Tension coils between them. Jotaro doesn't seem keen on explaining himself soon, instead dipping his eyes when Kakyoin finally meets them, hiding behind the brim of his hat. Against the wall, Kakyoin silently wills it to become a new Stand user with a magical ability to simply swallow him up and leave no trace of his utter embarrassment and anxiety in its wake. Jotaro's eyes flick around, however, skimming through every thought to form one cohesive sentence.

If I told you I was that way, what would your answer be? Jotaro asks slowly. The expectant look in his eye wrenches Kakyoin's heart.

Kiss me and we can find out.

He does not think that just now. He refuses to think about that thought. It is forever hereby banned from his conscious and unconscious. He forces his brain to burn the mental note and shred the ashes for good measure. This leaves him with no other answer to give Jotaro, who corals him against the wall until he finds an answer. Kakyoin takes a steadying breath.

Truthfully?

Jotaro is surprised by Kakyoin's sudden calm. He didn't know the other was capable of removing his emotion from the situation like he can. Of course, Kakyoin wasn't quite the master as Jotaro has become, but it takes a keen eye to spot the fresh dot of sweat on his brow and the way his fingers curl around the hem of his jacket. His eyes haven't been Kakyoin's since; staring at his wrists feels much safer.

Yes, Jotaro barks just slightly too aggressively. There's a long pause where Jotaro wonders if he hasn't been too forward, too demanding.

I don't know.

Nandayo? Jotaro snarls - what the hell? It's a yes or no question.

I mean- Kakyoin flushes again under the scrutiny of sharp eyes shooting daggers from the shadows under his hat. I just… I've had thoughts maybe before, but before I could think about them, I shove them away. He ducks his head again, forcefully breaking their eye contact. He feels the heat burn into the top of his head anyway; whether it's the sun or Jotaro's glare or his warm breath, he doesn't know. Clearly it seems like I do but… I don't know, it's like my mind hasn't caught up.

The heat is lifted. Rocks crunch underfoot as Jotaro takes a step back. Kakyoin blinks. He doesn't know when, but he started sweating under the pressure, his breath heavy and taxing. He swallows to soothe his dry throat. Instead, the lump in his throat bobs painfully, dehydrated tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth until he pants again. Jotaro lights a new cigarette with the click of a lighter. It's usually a signal that Jotaro has stopped paying attention. However, something tells him the conversation isn't over yet. It takes all his willpower to lift his head. A puff of smoke rushes from Jotaro's pursed lips as he stares vaguely off into the cloudless horizon.

Will you think about it? Jotaro asks, not turning his head. He pulls another drag from his cigarette. He puffs another cloud of smoke. He's absorbing it too quickly - he's worried.

It's not like Kakyoin hasn't thought of Jotaro. The tallest easily of anyone in their class, or even their city, girls practically drool over his very form. It's a form to envy, with broad shoulders carrying even broader firm muscle. Every movement sends ripples down his arms and back. That is, if anyone could see such an effect under his dark school jacket. The teen exudes the very air of rebellious punk and dark delinquent. But there's something to Jotaro that has yet to be revealed, like a gem hidden deep beneath the sands of an unforgiving and indifferent desert. It's not that Kakyoin has thought about Jotaro necessarily, but to know he reciprocates feelings he didn't even know he had-

Lips slightly parted, Jotaro’s fingers hover close to his mouth. Waiting. Kakyoin quickly realizes bright blue orbs have been watching him this entire time. Just like the picture, they seem to cut right under dark eyebrows and eyelashes, straight at him. He feels targeted, in a way. It makes him briefly wonder just how Jotaro looks when facing his enemies. Is he proud and smug? Is he cool and confident? Is he hiding a secret fiery passion that explodes when pushed too far?

How far is too far?

The images that corrupt his vision scare him. He blinks away the filter he seemed to have placed over Jotaro, still waiting for a response. Does Jotaro think about him as apparently he does? He doesn’t know what images would surface if he let himself think about all of this. Is it worth the risk? Just as cooly as Jotaro stares at him, Kakyoin tries to keep his own expression in check as he nods.

Kakyoin nods once at first, somewhat small and shaky. Jotaro raises a brow. He started to grow concerned when Kakyoin’s face went blank. He thought he was thinking about his response, not just processing all of his thoughts in his mind. And, surprisingly enough, Jotaro can’t quite make out what Kakyoin’s rather plain expression means. His hopes begin to fall until Kakyoin nods again, more convicted this time.

Lifting his head, Jotaro offers a slight nod of acknowledgement in return, not letting anything show beyond the brim of his hat. But Kakyoin either doesn’t care or doesn’t notice as he nods absently one more time before slipping back into the bar. Jotaro doesn’t know what would hurt more.

Weak legs seem to hold their own as he struts to the bar. As soon as he reaches a stool, Kakyoin remembers to keep his poise. He can only imagine if Avdol caught him all liquid after talking to Jotaro. Worse, he pushes away the thought of Polnareff or - heaven forbid - Joestar-san finding any of this out.

He may seem like a straight-laced, honor-role student next to Jotaro, but he’s not next to Jotaro right now. Still, he glances over his shoulders anxiously. The bartender, however, doesn’t judge when he orders a non-virgin cherry drink.