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Jotaro felt the heat of the sun’s rays through the car’s window. The sun’s rays reached his eyes, causing him to reflexively squint. He shifted his hat so his eyes would be protected in the shadows. The Stardust Crusaders had made it to Egypt.
Finally, Jotaro thought, the end of this annoying journey is finally in sight.
Polnareff was dozing off in the passenger seat in front of Jotaro. Polnareff was resting his elbow on the door of the car, his cheek resting on his fist. There was a little bit of…drool? Coming out of the corner of Polnareff’s mouth. He could sleep in any position as long as it wouldn’t mess up his hair. The old man was driving. Joseph was exceptionally focused on the road ahead; they had quite the way to go to Abu Simel. Avdol was asleep, arms crossed across his chest, head dipping forward ever so slightly which was the giveaway that he was asleep and not simply deep in thought or meditating. Kakyoin was sitting next to Jotaro.
Jotaro arched his back and stretched in his seat, brought his fists to his shoulders and then above his head. He was careful not to encroach on Kakyoin’s space more than necessary. Pop went a couple of Jotaro’s vertebrae. He let out a sigh of relief. Jotaro returned his arms to his side then turned his neck to stretch it. Pop. Another sigh of relief. A lot of people would give Jotaro a concerned look whenever he popped his neck. As if he was doing it to intimidate people right before a fight, or to get something he wanted. Jotaro could understand why people would think that but the truth was that Jotaro was always slightly tensing up his body so emotion wouldn’t show up on his face or anywhere else. This trip was murder on his body: travelling and sitting for so long when DIO was probably sipping wine and doing whatever the fuck vampires do when they’re awake.
Wait Vampire, he probably drinks blood, not wine. Jotaro thought. DIO’s probably so much of a prick that he mixes wine and blood or something. Yeah.
Jotaro wondered if he could use Star Platinum’s precision to target the guaranteed multitude of knots that built up in his back over this trip. Between constant fighting, travelling, and some mattresses that were too shitty to be even called a mattress- knots definitely accumulated.
Good grief, Jotaro thought.
Though Jotaro would never admit it, he wanted to go home. He missed his mother’s cooking. He missed his room. He missed everything he thought he’d grown tired of. He felt embarrassed admitting this to himself but it fueled his determination to defeat DIO. DIO was the one obstacle between Jotaro and home. Jotaro noticed that he had clenched his jaw and that it was sore as he was going through his thoughts. Jotaro unclenched his jaw and out of the corner of his eye noticed that Kakyoin was watching him out of the corner of his eye. Catching each other’s gaze they quickly looked away from each other. Kakyoin. Kakyoin was the best thing to come out of this trip. Another familiar presence that he’d return home with.
Most stops during the trip Kakyoin and Jotaro were roommates. Kakyoin would wear a pretty dorky striped pajama set that was made up of long pants and a long sleeve button up shirt, Kakyoin would often come out shirtless from their shared bathroom. Something about feeling more comfortable while reading before bed. Even then, he’d sit with the shirt on and the buttons completely undone, exposing Kakyoin’s chest and abdomen. Kakyoin was leaner than Jotaro but Kakyoin’s uniform hid his muscles very easily. Jotaro would catch himself looking at Kakyoin’s physique more often than he’d like to admit but he couldn’t help himself.
Jotaro definitely considered Kakyoin a friend, especially after spending so much time with him during this journey. Did something in Jotaro want more than friendship? He couldn’t deny that he felt drawn to Kakyoin. Maybe it was because Kakyoin was the first person Jotaro met that was the same age as him and also a Stand user. Jotaro thought back to the day they met, specifically when he was removing the flesh bud from Kakyoin’s forehead. Jotaro felt compelled to save Kakyoin since they were both students in the same year and of course the fact that they were both Stand users made Jotaro feel more determined to do so, if Kakyoin survived maybe they could be friends. However, what Jotaro didn’t anticipate was being captivated by Kakyoin’s handsome facial features as he held Kakyoin’s face. The intriguing way his long bang framed his face. As Star Platinum focused on the Flesh Bud, Jotaro looked closely at Kakyoin’s features and willed himself to keep calm so he could see Kakyoin open his eyes once the flesh bud was removed. Once Kakyoin did open his eyes a wave of relief washed over Jotaro. In order to hide the smile that had unexpectedly crept onto his face he walked away from Kakyoin.
Jotaro kept most people at arm’s length to help keep up his façade of a delinquent loner who was too cool for school. It was something to cover up the constant anger, bitterness, and sense of betrayal he held for his absent father. But for a reason he couldn’t explain he wanted to keep Kakyoin close. Even if it meant that Kakyoin was a dent in Jotaro’s stoic armor.
Damn it. Jotaro thought, Why do I feel this way?
Jotaro hadn’t been in love yet. Nor did he think he was in love with Kakyoin. Jotaro did want to test the waters so to speak. Their hands were already next to each other on the car seat. Jotaro immediately became incredibly aware of Kakyoin’s body heat and just how close they were sitting. Jotaro’s heart starting racing as the anxiety over Kakyoin’s possible reaction raced through his mind. While looking forward, just, focusing on the passenger seat headrest in front of him, Jotaro stretched his pinky toward Kakyoin’s. The moment right before their pinkies touched, Jotaro turned his face back towards the window as he wrapped his pinky around Kakyoin’s. Jotaro heard Kakyoin let out a barely audible, soft but surprised gasp and Jotaro could sense Kakyoin look at him. Jotaro totally flushed, he could feel his face get hot and his ears get even hotter.
This was a stupid idea. Damn idio-
Before Jotaro could finish his thought, Kakyoin grabbed his hand and laced his fingers in the spaces between Jotaro’s own fingers. This was new, the only people Jotaro had held hands with were family when he was much younger or for stupid gym class things. Relief washed over Jotaro and he realized how weirdly natural this felt. Jotaro’s face started to cool at the relief then warmed again as he realized how soft Kakyoin’s hands were. Not calloused like Jotaro’s from frequently getting into fights. Even though the hand holding felt natural and safe Jotaro couldn’t help but feel nervous, he took a sideways glace at Kakyoin. Kakyoin’s long, curly bang obscured his eyes from this angle but Jotaro could see a small smile and a gentle flush on Kakyoin’s cheek. Jotaro enjoyed the comfortable silence and handholding the rest of the ride to the Abu Simel hotel.
After some time, the Stardust Crusaders finally arrived at their stop for the day. The sun would be setting soon and it was better to continue driving for the day when all of them were well rested. Jotaro and Kakyoin released their grasp, their fingertips lingering for a moment. Everyone got out of the car and stretched their tense bodies. Jotaro locked eyes with Kakyoin as he went out the same side as Avdol.
Please stay I want to talk to you. Jotaro thought desperately hoping Kakyoin would see something in his eyes and stay behind with him. Kakyoin nodded sensing something unusual behind Jotaro’s steely gaze.
“Hey old man. Toss me the keys, I need to look for something.” Jotaro called out to his grandfather.
“I’ll stay to help him.” Kakyoin added.
Joseph had already taken steps toward the hotel, eager to grab their rooms and get some much needed rest. He turned around and cocked his head in confusion.
The oldest of the Stardust Crusaders shrugged, while taking the key out of his back pocket and tossing it to Jotaro. “Don’t take too long, I hope you find what you’re looking for.” Joseph replied.
Jotaro easily caught the key in his right hand; though the metal stung on impact, he didn’t flinch or wince in the slightest. The keys jangled in his hand as he moved his arm toward the car’s driver door to unlock it. He opened the door and unlocked the other doors so Kakyoin could let himself in to sit in the passenger seat. Jotaro bent down into the car and closed the door with a light thud. Kakyoin wasn’t far behind. Jotaro threw his cigarettes and lighter into the middle console. The windows were closed. Out the windshield there were occasional buildings scattered through a small town the sun was starting to set in the distance of the mountains. Jotaro and Kakyoin sat in silence for a couple minutes. The silence became uncomfortable. Jotaro reached for his pack of cigarettes, took one out and placed it between his lips. Kakyoin had the lighter in his hands, flicked it open, lit it, and held it out so Jotaro could light his cigarette. Jotaro’s face felt warm, partially from the heat of the small flame of the lighter, partially from moving his own face closer to Kakyoin’s and seeing his handsome features up close. The glow of the flame from the lighter highlighted every angle of Kakyoin’s face. But it was how Kakyoin’s eyes looked in the soft glow of the lighter that made Jotaro’s heart swell. Jotaro felt his face and ears turn red, but he didn’t bring his hat brim over his eyes. He pulled away from the lighter and Kakyoin flicked it closed. Jotaro took that initial, sweet, and relaxing drag. Jotaro always thought about how a stimulant could paradoxically calm him down.
I should quit these things sometime soon. Jotaro thought.
Jotaro rolled down his window slightly, enough for him to ash his cigarette and blow out the smoke. He didn’t want Kakyoin to have to breathe in the cigarette smoke.
Okay we’re alone, what the fuck am I supposed to say. Was this a good idea?
Wait cool it Jotaro you’re just getting in your own head.
He held my hand. He lit my cigarette without me asking. He understood that I needed him here with me, and despite not saying anything yet we’re both still here. Jotaro blushed further and turned to look at Kakyoin, who met his gaze. Kakyoin noticed how red Jotaro’s face and ears had gotten, and cocked his head to the side.
“Jotaro?” The clear tone of concern came through to Jotaro. Jotaro restrained himself from grabbing Kakyoin’s shoulder and pulling him into a kiss. Overcome with a wave of nervousness, Jotaro straightened his posture and looked forward at the setting sun and brought the brim of his hat over his eyes.
“Jotaro? What’s going on?” Kakyoin’s concern warmed Jotaro’s heart.
“I, I think I like you.” Jotaro thought he used a normal speaking volume but it came out as a murmur.
“What did you say?”
Shit. This is embarrassing. Why is this so difficult? Good grief.
Jotaro took a deep breath. Made an effort to meet Kakyoin’s concerned gaze. The light of the setting sun highlighting Kakyoin’s lavender eyes. Meeting Kakyoin’s gaze and handsome features made Jotaro’s heart flutter with affection.
“I, think I like you Kakyoin.” Jotaro was able to say in a moment of clarity. Kakyoin blushed fully, his face almost matching his hair color. Kakyoin reached for Jotaro’s hand.
Shit is he embarrassed that a guy just confessed to him, and now he’s just going to comfort me to let me down easy? Did I fuck this up? Is even the possibility of friendship off the table? You really are stupid Jotaro.
Kakyoin held Jotaro’s comparatively large hand in both of his. Jotaro looked away to spare himself at least some of the pain and took a long drag on his cigarette. Jotaro had enough of the cigarette, snuffed it and threw the butt out the window.
“I like you too Jotaro.” The words sent a jolt up Jotaro’s spine and a huge wave of emotions overcame Jotaro. Relief that he didn’t actually just embarrass himself in front of Kakyoin. Joy that Kakyoin reciprocated his confessed feelings. All of this unexpectedly caused Jotaro to tear up. He held Kakyoin’s hand and pulled him into a hug over the console. He didn’t want Kakyoin to see him tear up over reciprocation of feelings like some sort of dork. The force of bringing Kakyoin into his hug knocked Jotaro’s hat off, but he didn’t care about that. Kakyoin wrapped his arms around Jotaro, and gave a firm squeeze. Kakyoin, always perceptive, pulled away and planted a kiss on the left side of his face near his left eye. Kakyoin broke the embrace with his right arm and brought his hand to Jotaro’s face, gently wiping away his tears. Jotaro noticed a small but genuine smile playing on Kakyoin’s lips.
“I never thought I’d see you cry Jotaro, especially not in a situation like this.” Kakyoin admitted. Jotaro couldn’t help but snicker and smile briefly. They sat in silence still facing each other, Jotaro using his left hand to hold Kakyoin’s right hand over the console.
“I never expected to have these kinds of feelings… I’ve never confessed having feelings to anyone. This is, all new to me.” Jotaro admitted. Kakyoin blinked in surprise and then blushed.
“Me either.” Kakyoin whispered. No longer scared or worried, Jotaro allowed himself to reach out with his right hand and gently hold Kakyoin’s face and trace Kakyoin’s cheekbone with his thumb.
“What now Kakyoin?” Jotaro’s voice was the softest Kakyoin had ever heard him speak. He looked at Jotaro’s emerald eyes. Kakyoin knew Jotaro was looking at his cheekbone where Jotaro was tracing. After a brief pause Jotaro met Kakyoin’s lavender gaze.
“Do you like me enough to be my boyfriend?” Kakyoin asked.
“Of course.” Jotaro didn’t hesitate, he didn’t even really think about his reply either. He thought it was obvious. The quick answer caused them both to blush, and break eye contact.
“Kakyoin, can I- can I kiss you now?” Jotaro was watching his thumb move across Kakyoin’s face. Kakyoin couldn’t help but gulp. Who knew Jotaro was such a softie under that delinquent exterior.
“Yes.”
Jotaro pulled Kakyoin close into an embrace with his left arm and gently holding Kakyoin’s cheek with his right. Jotaro had an expression on his face that was so relaxed and calm Kakyoin almost didn’t recognize him without his signature scowl. Their faces were close and warm breath briefly intermingled as Jotaro ever so slightly hesitated before gently bringing his lips to Kakyoin’s. Kakyoin’s lips were softer than Jotaro expected. Kakyoin found himself in a passionate kiss with Jotaro, it probably came off more passionate than Jotaro intended, but Kakyoin figured it was simply Jotaro’s feelings coming out in ways he didn’t intend. The kiss left the faintest taste of cherry lip balm on Jotaro’s lips: the taste of tobacco on Kakyoin’s. They both had faint blushes on their cheeks.
“We should go inside, they’ll worry about us if we’re too much longer.” Kakyoin stated, a light blush lingering on his face.
Cute
“Y-yeah.” Jotaro answered.
Kakyoin picked up Jotaro’s hat from the seat behind him and placed it on Jotaro’s head while leaning in to gently kiss Jotaro’s lips. Jotaro flushed deeply; his ears and face were bright red and he resorted to covering his face in the shadow of the hat brim. Kakyoin couldn’t help but giggle. Jotaro shoved the lighter and pack of cigarettes into his jackets’ inside pocket. The pair walked to the hotel their pinkies intertwined.