Chapter Text
Jotaro had told him not to come to Morioh. He said that there was "something dark looming over the town" and he didn't want Noriaki to get hurt. It was well intentioned - Noriaki was physically disabled, and had some trouble getting around, if he were to be in immediate danger, he would struggle to get away. Yes, he was a capable fighter, Hierophant Green was stronger compared to when he was seventeen, but in the case that he was out-matched, he likely wouldn't be able to get away without an ability like Star Platinum's time-stopping.
Noriaki may have wanted to respect Jotaro's wishes, even if they upset him, but Jotaro's grandfather had other ideas. Mr. Joestar was always quite an emotional and passionate man. So, after Jotaro had left New York for Morioh, Mr. Joestar approached Noriaki.
"Say, Kakyoin, what are your bets that Jotaro will tell me I'm needed in Japan?"
"I'm not sure. It's pretty likely though."
"Correct - but, there'll probably be people after Jotaro and myself. Maybe even while I'm on the boat over. Meaning, I'll need... a guard, or protector of sorts. D'you see what I'm getting at?"
Noriaki wasn't good with social cues, or hints, but Mr. Joestar made it easy. He hinted at things minutes after they were said, while emotions were still high. But, Noriaki still struggled to believe what he thought Mr. Joestar was implying.
"You want me to come to Morioh with you? Won't Jojo be upset?"
"You also want to come along, right Kakyoin? And besides, Jotaro could always use another helping hand while over there. Especially if he's still investigating by the time we arrive - don't get me wrong, Jotaro's smart, but two heads are better than one, and I'm afraid my age would hinder any investigation."
Kakyoin sighed. Mr. Joestar made a good point.
"Alright. I'll go to Morioh with you, but please don't tell Jojo."
And that's how Mr. Joestar convinced Noriaki to go to Morioh with him.
Mr. Joestar had Noriaki stay in New York until he was told to get on the boat over to Japan, and soon enough, Mr. Joestar was asked to come to Morioh. Something about a Stand called Red Hot Chili Pepper terrorising Jotaro and his new allies. So, Noriaki and Mr. Joestar got on the boat, and on the weeks long journey to Morioh.
At first, Noriaki felt excited. He would get to see Jotaro again, he'd get to meet Josuke too, as well as all of Josuke's friends. Then came the worry of what would happen after. Would Jotaro be angry? Would he send Noriaki home? As the boat got closer to the Port of Morioh, Noriaki worried and regretted the journey more.
The week's journey was practically over - the Port of Morioh was now in sight. Noriaki observed the ocean to calm his nerves. He tried to imagine Jotaro happy with his arrival to Japan.
Noriaki heard some commotion in Mr. Joestar's room, assuming it was the Speedwagon Foundation members telling him to get ready to leave the boat, so Noriaki stayed in his room. He stayed put in his room and prepared his luggage to depart. His hands trembled. He brushed his fingers through his hair, pretending it was Jotaro to calm himself - It somehow worked. If pretending Jotaro was there with him calmed him, how much would actually being there with him compare?
Noriaki was snapped out of his thoughts by hearing Mr. Joestar's voice outside his room.
"You boys go ahead - I've got something I need to sort out."
"What is it? Is it a Stand user?" Jotaro responded. He was on the boat with them. Why was he on the boat?
"Don't worry about it, just go on ahead. You'll see what it is." Mr. Joestar said - likely with a wink.
There was a pause, presumably a sigh from Jotaro. "Alright then. Let's go." Then there were footsteps.
There were about thirty seconds before Mr. Joestar gently knocked on Noriaki's door, before opening it.
"Kakyoin, I have an idea for how you could convince Jotaro to be more okay with you staying." Mr. Joestar whisper-yelled with a smile.
"What is it, Mr. Joestar?"
"Only let Jotaro see you once the boat's leaving. I'll try and distract him and the teenagers long enough to let you get off. Then, it'd have to be a short while until the boat can pick you back up, by then, Jotaro would realise how much he missed you."
"Alright, where do I hide until then?"
"I uh... Hadn't thought that far ahead."
That was fine. Noriaki would find someplace to hide. Maybe crouched below a window, or something.
"I came up with this idea before we set off, and I alerted the Captain of my plan, so he knows that the boat needs to leave as soon as you get off. Are you one hundred percent sure you have everything?"
"Yes, I'm sure. Thank you, Mr. Joestar."
The next few minutes felt like they took centuries. Mr. Joestar had to hurry over to Jotaro and the others - a teenage boy and a Speedwagon Foundation worker. Noriaki hid behind a wall as he listened in, waiting for the Captain to tell him it was safe to leave.
As the minutes passed, Noriaki fidgeted with his earrings with one hand, holding onto his cane with the other. It was a different pair of earrings than when himself and the others fought DIO. This pair had two cherry stems poking out the front of each earring compared to the one cherry from the previous pair. These earrings were a gift from Jotaro's mother - Mrs. Kujo, for Noriaki's twenty-seventh birthday, almost a year ago now.
The Captain eventually told Noriaki to rush off the boat, so he did. Grabbing his luggage and walking as silently as humanly possible. He tip-toed down the steps. his heart was pounding in his ears as he noticed Jotaro, Mr. Joestar and three teenage boys walking away. One of the teenagers was holding Mr. Joestar's hand - presumably his son, Josuke.
As Noriaki strode across the Port of Morioh, he felt a wave of gratitude wash over him for the others walking in a group, slowing them down. Two of the boys were engrossed in a conversation as Mr. Joestar and probably Josuke walked ahead of them. Jotaro walked behind the rest of the group. As the gentle tap of Noriaki's footsteps and his cane approached the group, he couldn't help a small smile playing on his lips.
Noriaki eventually caught up to Jotaro, walking in time with him. Jotaro turned his head, and before he had the time to speak, Noriaki began instead.
"I know you told me not to come along, but Mr. Joestar convinced me. I can't leave either, the boat is already quite far away."
Jotaro looked back to see the boat already leaving. All was going to plan.
"Good grief... Just, try not to get yourself killed." Was all Jotaro said. His fingers brushed Noriaki's knuckles. Their fingers interlocked, and all felt peaceful.
The two didn't speak much on the ride to the Morioh Grand Hotel, but they didn't need to. Partially because Mr. Joestar filled their silence, and partially because Noriaki and Jotaro didn't need to talk while together, just being in eachother's company was enough.
Once in Jotaro's room (or, now Jotaro and Noriaki's room) Jotaro pulled Noriaki into an embrace, resting his face on his lover's shoulder.
"I missed you so, so much Noriaki."
"I missed you too, Jotaro." Noriaki returned the embrace, wrapping his arms around Jotaro's waist.
Jotaro pulled away from their hug, and looked at Noriaki, smiling. His expression so full of love and affection. Noriaki leaned in to kiss Jotaro, to which he returned the kiss. Noriaki felt fireworks set off in his heart. He felt content to stay in that moment for all of eternity.