[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure] Standstill Bonds

Chapter 51 ~ Healed Hearts

Tokyo International Airport departures buzzed loudly 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.

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 said with deep sincerity and great respect.

Giorno's smile was warm and genuine, and he shook his head as he replied, "There is no debt, I did what needed to be done. 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 slightly trembling voice, he asked "Will we 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."

Josephine's cheeks flushed with a soft blush at Giorno's praise. "Thank you," she replied humbly, "I had a pretty good teacher though." 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 soon. 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. "I'll be back to visit soon, I promise."

Josephine nodded, using her sleeve to wipe her eyes also. With one last squeeze, she released him and stepped back next to Jotaro. Just then, the announcement around them signalled that Giorno and Polnareff's flight was ready for boarding. With their luggage loaded onto a trolley, guided by Giorno's hands, they were ready for their journey home. With a final flurry of goodbyes exchanged, the two men were on their way. Meanwhile, Hiroshi's parents, who awaited him at the side, called out to him that it was time to leave. Hiroshi bid Josephine and Jotaro a quick goodbye before hurrying to them.

"Well, it looks like it's just us now." Josephine said with a soft sigh.

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."