Chapter Text
"It's finally over," Joseph whispered to his grandson as both of the men watched the last bits and pieces of Dio evaporate in the Egyptian sun.
Not a single hint of emotion on Jotaro's stoic face could be shown. His hat casting large dark shadows onto his face. But Joseph could read right through Jotaro. He knew what he was feeling was too overwhelming to describe. They had finally defeated Dio. After basking in the glory of the defeat of Dio the soon feeling of guilt washed over both Joestars. Yes Dio was gone but their friends who had bravely joined them on their trip were gravely injured.
The last interaction with Kakyoin before what happened replayed in Jotaro's mind over and over again.
"What's wrong Jojo?" Kakyoin had asked him moments before the group split up, he could sense Jojo's stare.
The gust of the evening Cairo breeze swept Kakyoin's hair across his face, the red of his hair and earrings flowing softly in the wind. It was a beautiful scene, something from those romantic 60's French movies Jotaro had thought.
"It's nothing..." Jotaro couldn't get the lump in his throat out. It prevented him from saying what he had wanted to say. "Just...be safe and watch the old man for me"
Kakyoin laughed, the creases around his eyes crinkled softly, "Sure, you know you can count on me. You... Stay safe too." He patted Jotaro's shoulder and was gone in an instant, flying with Hierophant by his side.
The contrast between the heavenly aroma of the Cairo night vs the insanely white and toxicicated aroma of the hospital room was devastating.
"It's going to take a while for his recovery Jotaro. It's only been a few weeks since he was injured," Avdol spoke softly, his necklace hitting his new metal hands as he adjusted them, "We all know that. I might have lost my hands, but Kakyoin lost much of his organs and spine. The Speedwagon foundation could only do so much to repair what was lost. Let us be thankful for how soon the SPW foundation helicopters reached Kakyoin, any minute longer and that poor boy would have been dead."
"Avdol's right Jotaro, but hey don't dwell on it. He's alive and breathin'," Polnareff smiled a little, lopsidedly. On his shoulder was Iggy, the dog had his lower half wiped out but luckily the SPW doctors created enough prosthetics for Iggy to be able to function. While the dog was still getting used to the prosthetics and little wheelchair to move him around, he didn't seem to mind much, spending most of his recovery in sleep. The dog acknowledged the French man's words with a soft grunt before resting his head back down on the shoulder.
"Anyone need a coffee? I sure as hell do!" Joseph exclaimed appearing from a nearby room after getting a weekly check up with a SPW doctor. The old man put his hands on Avdol's and Polnareff's backs and practically forced them to follow him. Iggy didn't seem to care much and settled down on a nearby bench comfortable enough for him to nap on. Joseph turned back to look at Jotaro and gave a swift nod towards the younger man knowing how he needed some time alone.
With this, Jotaro sighed deeply. He stared at Kakyoin's limp body on the hospital bed from the little crack of the hospital door. After hesitating for a while, he opened the door and stepped towards the injured man. An insane wave of guilt passed through him as he saw all the tubes and I.V. bags connected to Kakyoin's body. He kept his head down but couldn't help resting his hand on top of the red-haired man's palm. He stared at Kakyoin for a while staring deeply at the two lined shaped cut on his eyes. It was almost as if Kakyoin could feel Jojo's glare, because a moment later the man slowly opened his eyes. He looked around before his eyes finally landed on Jotaro.
"Jojo...looks like you finally-" Kakyoin's voice was raspy and dry. He coughed loudly before he could finish his sentence, "-finally.. decided to visit."
The taller man immediately pressed a small paper cup of warm water that was on the bedside table on the other's lips allowing for him to rehydrate.
"...I'm sorry I didn't visit before.... I just couldn't bring myself too," Jotaro started, "The reason you're in this condition is because of me.... You don't deserv-" Jojo was cut off immediately as Kakyoin put a finger on Jotaro's lips.
"No," Kakyoin said firmly, "Don't ever apologize. It was never your fault, and it never will be. If you say that one more time..I..I'll actually be angry with you. I came on the trip on my own free will and knew what I was getting into. So don't you ever go around moping and feeling guilty...especially around me."
Jotaro's eyes swelled up with hot tears, his first time crying or showing raw emotion since the events of their journey. He just kept his head down and let the tears roll down his cheeks. Kakyoin reached out and held Jotaro's hands, softly rubbing his thumb on the other man's knuckles. They spent a couple of minutes in that moment of embrace and silence. It was Kakyoin's first time touching Jotaro so sentimentally, but this type of emotion didn't feel strange for them to express to each other anymore. Both men knew the presence of the other was enough comfort for them at the moment.
to be continued ..