[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure] Standstill Bonds

Chapter 51 ~ Healed Hearts

At Tokyo International Airport, departures buzzed with activity as travelers hurried to their gates. Polnareff and Giorno stood with their bags packed and ready for their journey back to Italy. It had been a week since the intense battle with Pucci, and now it was time for them to return to Passione, the organization they had both dedicated themselves to.

Jotaro, Josephine, and Hiroshi were there to see them off and Jotaro addressed his departing comrades first, "You both have everything sorted? If Passione needs anything, don't hesitate to call."

Giorno nodded appreciatively, "Passione will manage," he assured Jotaro, extending his hand for a handshake and Jotaro grasped it firmly.

"I owe you a huge debt, Giorno. Without your help, we might not have succeeded." Jotaro spoke with deep sincerity and great respect.

Giorno's smile was warm and genuine as he replied, "It has been an honor working alongside you, Signore Jotaro."

Hiroshi stepped closer with bubbling emotion. He hadn't known Giorno long, but working alongside him for their cause had led to him seeing the man as a friend, someone to look up to. With a trembling voice, he asked "Will I ever see you again, Giorno?"

Giorno knelt down to Hiroshi's eye level, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Of course, Hiroshi," he reassured him gently. "I must return home as I have ever important work there, but we'll meet again, I promise."

As he stood, Giorno ruffled Hiroshi's hair fondly before turning to Josephine, "You've proven yourself to be incredibly strong, in spirit and of heart. You should be very proud of yourself, ben fatto."

Josephine's cheeks flushed with a soft blush at Giorno's praise. "Thank you," she replied humbly, her gaze shifting to Jotaro beside her. "I had a pretty good teacher." she added as she nodded towards Jotaro.

As Polnareff wheeled closer, Giorno stepped back to give them space. Holding out his hand to Jotaro, he also initiated a handshake, which Jotaro reciprocated but before he could react, Polnareff pulled him into a tight hug, "It was so good to see you again, mon ami," he said sincerely, "And I'll make sure to grace you with my presence again eventually. Holly's tea is too good to go without for too long."

Jotaro pulled away, hands patting Polnareff's arms "Looking forward to it."

Josephine wasted no time in rushing forward when she got the chance, jumping as she wrapped her arms around Polnareff's neck. Tears welled up in her eyes, her voice cracking, "I'm going to miss you so much." she murmured, her words muffled against his shoulder.

Polnareff frowned as he felt the wet sensation and he gently pulled away to look at her. "Hey now, none of that," he said softly, using his thumb to brush a tear from her cheek. "We'll see each other again soon, I promise."

Josephine nodded, using her sleeve to wipe her eyes. With one last squeeze, she released him and stepped back next to Jotaro.

As the announcement echoed through the bustling airport, signalling that their flight was ready for boarding, Giorno and Polnareff exchanged nods. With their luggage loaded onto a trolley, guided by Giorno's hands, they prepared for their journey home. Polnareff's laptop rested in his lap, safely secured in its carry case. With a final flurry of goodbyes exchanged, the two men were on their way. Meanwhile, Hiroshi's parents called out to him, signaling that it was time for them to leave. Hiroshi bid Josephine and Jotaro a quick goodbye before hurrying over to join them.

Josephine turned to Jotaro, "Well, it looks like it's just us now."

Jotaro nodded, his eyes still ahead of him. "Yeah..."

"It's been quite a journey, hasn't it?"

"That it has, kid." he admitted, "You've grown stronger than I ever imagined."