𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙐𝙨, 𝘼𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣. | 𝘫𝘫𝘣𝘢

Just Us, Again.

Stardust Crusaders Spoilers Ahead

TW: Implied Character Death

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Noriaki walked side by side with Jotaro, someone he had come to think of as friend despite the intensely bland expression that never seemed to leave the other teen's face. This time though, his expression wasn't as bland as usual; though he was trying his best to appear stoic. The ravenette bit his lip harshly as he walked, refusing to even make a sound. For him, it was better not to talk about what had happened what had felt like only hours ago.

On the other side of Jotaro, with a hand on his grandson's back was an older man; Joseph Joestar. Kakyoin had originally thought of Mr. Joestar as nothing but a cranky old man who thought himself superior to Japanese culture. He quickly found, in traveling with him for so long, that Mr. Joestar was much more respectable than he had originally thought. He found that he was a strong-willed leader, and an understanding and helpful elder. He had gained his admiration; his appreciation.

Jean-Pierre Polnareff, the last of the remaining crusaders was walking alongside the eldest JoJo, brows furrowed as they walked through the sun, though it was apparent that the sun wasn't the sole purpose for his narrowed eyes. It was pain on his face; the pain of someone who had lost people dear to him. This version of the Frenchman was not one that Kakyoin saw often. Even when they passed numerous gorgeous women, his stare never shifted from the ground ahead of them.

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Finally, the group reached where Polnareff would be departing. After waves goodbye and a few kind words were exchanged, the Frenchman was off.

The plane ride home for Kakyoin and the Joestars could only be described as insipid; a never-ending loop of Joseph attempting conversation and Jotaro shooting him down. He was angry, of course, but none of this was his fault. Kakyoin wasn't angry at his fellow teenager for what had happened in Egypt, he knew there was nothing more any of them could have done. He wanted to comfort Jotaro, but he knew it wouldn't do any good. It wouldn't change what had happened.

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Back in Japan now, Kakyoin walked beside Jotaro again, Joseph on the other side of him as per usual. The redhead took note of how the slight wind blew his friend's trench coat back just a bit. He then noticed how the breeze had no effect on him whatsoever; he couldn't even feel it on his own skin.

Leaving Kakyoin at the end of the driveway, the Joestars turned and made their way up to the front door of Noriaki's childhood home. The old man brought his hand up to knock on the door at the same time as Jotaro, retracting his hand to let his grandson do the knocking instead.

Jotaro took a step back to stand beside Joseph again. A creak could be heard as the front door opened, revealing a tall, thin, red-headed woman.

A warmth spreads in the redhead's chest as he takes in the familiar atmosphere he was stood in. Kakyoin's lips curl into a smile as he speaks fondly to himself, "Mother."

Her expression was blank; confused, her glance switching between the two men at her door.

Jotaro looked back at her, removing his hat and holding it to his chest. Then, speaking aloud and honestly for the first time since they had left Egypt, "I'm sorry..."

Kakyoin blanked out the rest of his friend's words, too focused on his mother's expression. Her brows furrowed and she shook her head slightly in denial, placing cupped hands over her face as tears spilled down her cheeks.

He knew this reaction all too well; she thought it was her fault. She had always felt like she didn't pay enough attention.

Noriaki's fists clenched, his eyes squeezing shut. He couldn't bear to watch this anymore.

Swiftly, after sensing that something was wrong, Hierophant curled around its user's arm, resting its head against his shoulder.

He turned his head a bit; cold dead eyes landing on his childhood friend, a sad smile appearing on his face.

"I guess it's just you and I again, huh Hiero?"

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I was inspired to write this after seeing mushi_room's Dead Man's Question AU on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/B7yrYNUliNj/?igshid=17p7hqc06d71q

This was also posted on my ao3: filthyluck

I haven't posted any of my writing online in a very long time, so I'm a bit rusty.

But nonetheless, I hope you enjoyed!

— J